Another Hogwarts Mystery

Chapter 24 - The Escape

Casandra looked up, calming down a little bit. "Miss Clark, would you allow me to watch the memories, too?" asked Dumbledore politely, reaching her a handkerchief. Casandra let out a deep sigh. "Of course, you may sir" "Thank you Miss Clark. I need to know exactly what your mother thinks that she has against you. We have to keep on working" said Dumbledore seriously. "Why is that so important, sir? My parents are in Azkaban. I will probably never see them again" sighed Casandra exhaustedly. "I wouldn't be so sure about that" said Dumbledore, turning around and looking out of the window. "For now, however, don't think about. You need to rest. Severus, would you please give Miss Clark something to calm down and get her to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey shall make sure that your baby is fit and well and observe Miss Clark tonight. It's been an utterly stressful day" instructed Dumbledore. Snape and Casandra were about to leave when Dumbledore raised his voice again. "And Miss Clark? Do not feel ashamed of your past or yourself. Fell ashamed of those who cannot admit their mistakes" Casandra forced herself to smile. She wasn't in the mood to decode one of Dumbledore's wise advices.

Snape and Casandra went to the Hospital Wing and stopped right in front of Madam Pomfrey's office. Swiftly, Snape knocked on it. After a few moments, the door opened, revealing a sleepy Madam Pomfrey. "Professor Snape, Miss Clark. What happened?" she said bewilderedly. "Can we discuss it inside?" snapped Snape. "Of course, come in" pleaded Madam Pomfrey. Casandra sat down on one of the beds. Again, she was the only one there. "What is it Miss Clark? What's wrong?" asked Madam Pomfrey, looking from Snape to Casandra. "Miss Clark had a very stressful day. She attended the hearing of her parents and had to practise something important with the headmaster and me. She broke down, threw up and cannot stop shivering. Moreover," Snape stopped for a second "Miss Clark is pregnant. This is why the headmaster sent her to you" "Pregnant?!" shrieked Madam Pomfrey in disbelief. "Yes, pregnant. But if you don't mind, it would be utterly nice if you wouldn't shout it out loud" snapped Snape irritably. "Good gracious! 17 and pregnant..." Madam Pomfrey shook her head in disbelief before adding "And who's the father?". Casandra hated her curiosity and Snape seemed to feel the same. He, however, stayed calmer than Casandra and gave her a dirty look as Casandra was about to say "I think that's none of y—" she paused and took a deep breath "I don't know ma'am" she answered coolly with her lips pressed tightly together. "You don't know? Merlin's beard!" Madam Pomfrey seemed to faint any moment, when Snape patted her shoulder gently and said "Poppy, I think we're not here to discuss Miss Clark's ... ehem ... love life. Would you keep an eye on her please and check whether the baby is fit and well?"

Madam Pomfrey shook her head slightly and averted her gaze from Casandra, looking at Snape. "Of course, of course. Would you please strip your belly and lay down?" Casandra pulled up her shirt and lowered her skirt as Madam Pomfrey inhaled sharply in shock. "Wait, wait!" shrieked Madam Pomfrey. "Professor Snape, you may leave now" she added and gave Snape – who was almost perving at Casandra – a dirty look. You idiot, would you please make it more obvious? thought Casandra and had to bite back a smile. Snape shook his head, apparently having difficulties to get the images of an almost naked Casandra out of his head. "Certainly. Would you please inform me whether everything is fine?" asked Snape slightly worried. "You? You're not her Head of House, Professor. I'll better inform Professor Flitwick and—" "—No" cried Casandra. Madam Pomfrey looked at her in confusion. "No, please. I want to keep it a secret as long as I can. Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore discovered it ... accidently. Please Madam Pomfrey" begged Casandra. Madam Pomfrey let out a deep sigh and looked from Casandra to Snape. "Very well. I'll inform you Professor, but I think that Miss Clark can leave tomorrow anyway"

When Snape had left, Madam Pomfrey took a few tests. She wanded Casandra with her wand and felt her tummy. "Everything is fine" stated Madam Pomfrey warmly, obviously trying her best not to make another comment about the pregnancy. Casandra's tensed expression turned into a relieved smile. "You just need some rest and to avoid stress. Keep in mind that although you're only 17, stress can harm your baby and put your pregnancy at risk". Amazing, thought Casandra, it was her fifth year and she had her OWLs coming up at the end of the year. Moreover, Sabrina was still mad at her and the thought about her parents and her mother's memories didn't make things easier or better. I need to get out of here, even if it's only for a couple of days, thought Casandra.