A Marauders Riddle

Recovery

Dedicated to CharlieFawkes for being the first to vote on my last chapter. Thanks, Charlie, you're the best!

With Charlie

The Hogwarts Hospital wing was were Charlie had spent most of her time this school year. She'd been in here for two weeks this time. She glanced over at the next bed. Poppy was there, unconscious, like she had been since they felt back to Hogwarts. Charlie couldn't really remember, but apparently as soon as Tris, Poppy and her got back to Hogwarts, Poppy and Charlie had collapsed. It had been in the middle of the Entrance Hall as people came out of the Great Hall to go to their common rooms. Charlie felt a lump in her throats as her blonde-haired friend shifted and the Dark Mark on her arm was exposed. Poppy had ruined her future for Charlie and Charlie knew she'd never be able to pay her back. Charlie looked around at a commotion at the doors of the Hospital Wing. Squinting, Charlie made out the faces of the Marauders, Tris Chloe and Regulus trying to get in. Madame Pomfrey was trying to stop them.
"M-Madame Pomfrey," Charlie called, only a slight tremor in her voice. "Let them in."
Madame Pomfrey reluctantly opened the door. Charlie began to have second thoughts. She didn't want Remus to see her like this. It was too late now though, as all Charlie and Poppy's friends came barrelling up to them. Regulus and Chloe went past Charlie's bed and stared at the unconscious Poppy in horror. This was the first time any of them had been allowed in because Madame Pomfrey had deemed Charlie and Poppy unfit for visitors. Charlie had to look away as Chloe started sobbing and Regulus, with tears in his eyes, pulled Poppy's sleeve gently down so it covered the Dark Mark.

A gasp made Charlie look at her own visitors. Tris was sobbing into Sirius' shoulder. Remus, James and Peter were staring at Charlie in shock. Their eyes on her made Charlie think of the sadistic Death Eaters watching as Voldemort tortured her. Her pupils dilated in terror as the memories threatened to overwhelm her. Remus suddenly took her hand and the flow of memories slowed, then stopped completely.
"Merlin, Charlie," James said, shaking his head, "You look awful."
Charlie managed a laugh. Truth be told, she had no idea how she looked. She hadn't been near a mirror since her rescue, too afraid of what she'd see.

Two Weeks Later

With Poppy

Poppy felt uncomfortable with all the eyes on her. She drifted closer to Charlie, Tris and Chloe. Chloe was walking with them because during Poppy's unconsciousness, Chloe had comforted Tris and vice versa so now the two had formed a close friendship.
"Hey, Fawkes!" A seventh year Slytherin yelled. Poppy recognised him as a Death Eater trainee. "Like the scar!"
Charlie flushed and drew closer to Tris, Poppy and Chloe.
"Hey, Crabbe," Poppy snapped, turning to face the Slytherin. He was well built and almost half a foot taller than her, but Poppy faced him down with no fear. "Back off and leave her alone!"
Crabbe's eyes widened with fear and he bowed hurriedly.
"Yes, My Lady!" he squeaked, "Sorry, Persephone!"
He almost ran down the corridor, flinging smaller students out of his way. Poppy scowled in his direction and turned back to his friends, trying to ignore the fact that Crabbe had called her by the name her father had given her.
"Persephone?" Charlie asked, "Doesn't that mean murder?"
Poppy scowled again, but nodded. Charlie looked confused but Tris whispered something to her and she nodded, turning to Poppy with pity in her eyes.
"What lesson have you guys got now?" Chloe asked, trying to get back to some semblance of normality.
"Transfiguration," the others all chorused.
"You think McGonagall would let me sit next to Remus?" Charlie asked eagerly. The others snickered and Charlie blushed. "No, not like- I'm not going to persuade you guys that I don't like Remus am I?"
Chloe shook her head, still snickering. Charlie sighed. A Slytherin suddenly barged by them and purposely pushed Tris on the floor.
"Blood-traitor!" the boy snapped and walked off.
Poppy helped Tris off and all four girls looked after the boy, confused.