Uncanny Snake

XX - Quietus

The familiar scent of clean bedsheets and the gentle rays of light filtered through the windows, and the atmosphere was unmistakable. Good old hospital wing, I had been here one too many times this school year. I sat up, massaging my temple as the unbearable throb of pain consumed my senses. I would make sure to repay Tom twenty times over one of these days. I was, however, glad to find myself in the hospital wing because I knew who had brought me here. The small basket of sweets resting on my bedside table brought a smile to my lips, the way it was arranged told me it was from the twins, and I felt a familiar warmth in my chest. It felt nice to have people you could count on, people who were there for you, people I could call precious.

Even though a single blood pop managed to outdo an entire basket of sweets, I don't think anyone could ever get on Severus' level⁠—nope that sounds too sappy. A few more presents were sitting on my bedside table, some from strangers, others from professors, and a get-well card from Viktor and his friends. Oh, that's right, he probably won, I should congratulate him when I get the chance. It felt odd waking up alone, though. I had grown accustomed to always having someone at my bedside when I awoke. I guess this is what I could call a luxury.

I slid off the bed, quickly regretting so as my eyes blurred, and I fell back down. I clutched my head, letting the fuzzy feeling of nausea course through me. The curtains slid open, and Pomfrey stood there, shaking her head at me with a disapproving scowl. "Goodness me, children, always so eager to leave in a rush." She disappeared from my sight and came back seconds later with a vial, the dark liquid striking terror into my very soul.

"You know, I feel quite alright, really," I protested raising my hands defensively, hoping my puppy eyes would win me this one. Pomfrey, however, did not buy it and shoved the vial in my face, her eyes daring me to defy her. If even Severus couldn't manage to outmaneuver this woman, my chances were slim at best. So, with a sigh, I took the vial deciding to get this over with. In one swig, I downed the contents of the vial and was pleasantly surprised to find that⁠—ah nevermind. The aftertaste is still absolute shit. I covered my mouth and shoved the vial away from my face ushering for Pomfrey to take it. I hate everything. I wanted to go back to being a kid, back when medicine always tasted like fruits.

"A certain someone would like you to take it easy today, and not burden your body too much."

"And that certain someone is..?" I grinned silently nudging Promfrey to admit the name aloud.

"I'm afraid that it is confidential information." Bull.

"Fine, but am I free to go?" Pomfrey gave a subtle nod, and I was out of bed before she could change her mind. Lockhart laid only a few beds away, his obnoxious voice echoing through the hospital wing as he whined to Pomfrey. Something about the unfairness of life, and of course, his dashing good looks. I was kind of happy he had lost his memories of that night, it would have been extremely awkward otherwise. It was also the only reason Albus agreed to keep him aboard. Still, seeing that boyish face of his irritated me beyond belief. It took a massive amount of restraint for me not to shove my knee where the sun didn't shine. I took a deep breath and calmed myself as I collected the numerous baskets on my bedside table.

"Oh for the love of Merlin! Gilderoy, you can go already," the woman growled shooing him away. This was definitely a déjà vu moment if I ever had one. Sadly, being dismissed at the same time meant that we were leaving the hospital wing together, and I scowled as he tried to make conversation with me.

"Oh, I didn't see you there, Rynne. So, how has it been?" I held my hand in the air and glared at him.

"Do not talk to me."

"Playing hard to get, I see," he chuckled. Oh my lord⁠—where in the bloody seven hells is my wand! Stupid Severus. However, the menacing aura surrounding me told him otherwise, and he nodded purposefully taking a left when the opportunity arose. Good, I'm glad my glares are still somewhat effective in this fucked up world. Once Lockhart was out of my hair, I unwrapped the blood pop and went to town. In all our years together, he had never forgotten the simple things I enjoyed, which begged the question as to what type of candy he liked. He did say sherbet lemons on the train, but I assume that was to get me off his case. To be frank, I don't think I ever saw him snack on anything in particular. If he even liked anything.