Hogwarts and the Rise of the Hero Three - Written by Firefly and Somniphobia

Chapter Four: Rowan

The next morning, Rowan woke up feeling somewhat feverish. Maybe it's just hot today. She climbed out of bed, idly putting on her slippers. Hopefully I'm not sick. I can't afford to miss any classes - what will Mother and Father think about that! Rowan went to the other side of the dormitory and checked the calendar. Phew, it's Sunday. I don't have to worry if I'm too sick or not right now.

Rowan pulled up her pyjamas and went over to the bronze eagle knob, shoving it open and going outside. She checked the time on her wrist. It's already time to get down to the Great Hall, and I promised Eliza and Ackley I would meet them in the library after breakfast as well.

Rowan began to go down the spiral staircase. After several minutes, she managed to reach the Great Hall. Rowan breathed heavily, thinking about how hard it was to go down. It seems as if I really am not feeling well. Perhaps I should stop by the infirmary, they might have something down there to stop me from feeling so sick. Rowan went up to the Ravenclaw table, then immediately spotted Eliza and Ackley. She went over to them, waving. "Sorry I'm late. I woke up a little later than normal."

"No worries, Ro, I woke up a little late as well," Ackley said dismissively, brushing his robes. Rowan smiled at him gratefully and began to get some toast onto her plate. "So, are we going to the library soon?"

"Soon," Eliza confirmed. "I think Cerbrus might be joining us."

Rowan stopped reaching for a butterknife, staring in astonishment at Eliza. Cerbrus? The guy who got mad at me and Lirathu for being in the Hufflepuff common room? Wasn't he mad that Pembroke had friends in other houses? How can he justify being mad at Pembroke for having friends in other houses if he's befriended someone in a different house as well? Rowan gulped, then reached for the butterknife again.

"Is he the one who was going to help you with Herbology?" Ackley asked Eliza.

"Yeah. He needs a little help in the History of Magic class, so we're going to compare notes and help each other," Eliza explained. Rowan spread the golden butter onto her toast, not feeling all that hungry anymore. I have to tell them that I'm not feeling good.

"Would it be alright if I stop by the infirmary, first? I'm not feeling the greatest, and I wouldn't want to slow you down," Rowan said guiltily, biting down onto her toast. The warmness and crunchiness made her slightly nauseous, as well as more full. I should at least have some breakfast, Rowan frowned internally.

Ackley hiccuped, then held onto his mug of milk. "You're ill? Why didn't you tell us before?!"

"I only started to feel ill this morning," Rowan admitted. "I wasn't even sure that I was ill until right about now."

"Would you want me to walk with you down to the infirmary? I could come with you if you would like," Eliza offered. Rowan shoved the rest of her toast and butter into her mouth, then swigged some milk from her mug. "No, it's okay. I don't want you to bother with getting me there. I can go to the infirmary by-"

"No, wouldn't want you to miss your date with the Hufflepuff," Ackley said before Rowan could finish talking.

Eliza turned bright red at Ackley's statement, and went to defend herself as Ackley continued. "I can take Ro down. I mean, I'm all caught up on both Herbology and History of Magic, and I really don't see a point in me going down. To be honest with you, the only reason I was going was for the conversation, but if Rowan's not there it's just going to be you and Cerbrus talking about stuff I've already completed."

"You sure?" Rowan asked, before breaking into a coughing fit.

Eliza winced sympathetically as Ackley let out a small wolf whistle. "Wow. You really weren't joking about being sick."