32 | Slipping Through the Cracks

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♫ pretty when you cry

- lana del rey



Priscilla's second trip to the Hospital Wing was vastly different than the first. When she eventually woke up, she was sore all over like last time, but once her eyes adjusted she was surprised to see she was completely alone other than who was sitting at her bedside.

Surprisingly, it was George.

"Hey Cilly," he smiled down at her. "You're quite the hero, you know."

She blinked around the room.  "Where's Fred?"

The door to the hospital wing opened and closed quickly. The sounds of shouting and cameras flashing could be heard and seen from the corridor as Dumbledore and McGonagall came in, making their way over to Priscilla's cot. They were arguing with each other in hushed tones. George looked between the two professors and leaned closer to Priscilla protectively.

"Ms. Roberts, forgive us for the intrusion but we would like to ask a few questions," Dumbledore asked, trying to hide his tone of urgency behind a facade of composure.

"George, hand them my coat?" Cilla asked, already guessing what they would ask her. He leaned down and picked it up off the floor, handing it to Dumbledore without a word. "Check the pocket," she instructed, her voice breaking from the strain. Confused, Dumbledore pulled out the piece of parchment with the spell inscribed on it and showed McGonagall. "I found it in my pocket the other morning, it wasn't there the night before," she explained.

"Albus, this spell doesn't exist," McGonagall said, shocked. "I've never heard of Lumos Infinitum. Only Lumos, Lumos Maxima, and Nox!"

Dumbledore waved his wand over the piece of parchment, and it slowly floated an inch above his hand. It burned from one corner, flames spreading to the other corner as it began to curl in on itself. It eventually became ash and fell to the floor.

"It was a time turner, wasn't it?" said Priscilla.

Dumbledore sighed at the girl. "Indeed, I'm afraid so. I so wish you had brought this to my attention, as you did the dress," he said with a frown.

"There was another wizard in the water. They cast an unforgivable at me," she whispered. She didn't realize she was shaking until George squeezed her shoulder. The smell of flowers from his sweater soothed her nerves.

McGonagall nodded solemnly, giving her a supportive smile. "It will be investigated, dear."

"What happened with the mermaids? Aren't they supposed to be peaceful?" George asked.

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