Chapter Six
The anti-nausea potion worked quickly and the sharp edges of her headache let up. It still hurt, but the worst of the pains were gone.
“Are you okay?” came a voice from the only other patient.
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that? Did the exam session also get to you?” Lacie expanded further upon Remus’ confused expression. “I was partnered with Sirius in that one Astronomy class you missed a while back. He told me you were in the Hospital Wing because you sometimes get headaches from studying too much.”
The boy’s eyes darted to the side but he nodded slowly, “Yeah.”
Lacie nodded in understanding, “If it helps, you didn’t miss much today in History or Transfiguration. Professor Binns was going over the names and their timelines for the International Warlock Convention of 1289 for like the third time this year. And Professor McGonagall was giving us time to practice spells.”
“Maybe it was better to be here then in History,” Remus gave her a wry smile although it didn’t seem to quite reach his eyes.
“Let me know if you need any notes. Lily and Marlene are going to let me copy theirs, so if you want the notes just let me know.”
Remus thought about it but nodded, “That would be great, if they don’t mind. James and Sirius rarely take notes and Peter sometimes forgets certain points.”
“Yeah, it shouldn’t be a problem. How about in a few days in the Library? If you are feeling better.” Lacie would have to check with the girls, but she didn’t think it would be an issue to borrow their notes for a couple hours.
“I should be able to leave the Hospital Wing tonight. I could use another book if I have to stay longer though. I’m almost done with the one Sirius brought me earlier.”
Lacie stood up from the bed she was on and moved to perch on the bed beside Remus’. She kicked off her shoes and tucked her feet to sit criss-cross. “What were you reading?”
“It’s a muggle fantasy book. It’s fascinating to see their ideas about magic.”
“Maybe that will be something we cover in muggle studies.”
“Are you going to take muggle studies?”
“I was homeschooled, so I never went to a muggle school like some. I feel like I should know more about muggles considering they have quite large populations all over. And maybe one day it will be useful,” Lacie explained; her parents preferred to stay in the magical world.
“I was also homeschooled,” Remus replied, and Lacie thought she could detect a tinge of regret in the statement. “My mother is a muggle, but my father is a wizard. I’m going to take muggle studies as well though.”
Strands of hair were getting loose and Lacie brushed them back. “Do you know what your other elective is going to be?”
“Probably Ancient Runes and Arithmancy as well.”
“Me too,” Lacie smiled. She liked the quiet Gryffindor boy who answered softly. She usually wasn’t one to approach another student, but she was glad she struck up this conversation. “I’m hoping three electives won’t be too bad.”
“You’re clever, you’ll be okay.”
Lacie was not expecting the response and just stared before murmuring a thanks. The conversation turned back to their reading list books. Lacie almost fell off the bed as a house-elf appeared by the end of their beds. Lacie had rarely seen a house-elf but was more intrigued by the makeshift clothing that seemed to be made from various colours of plaid and checkered fabrics.
“Tinsey has brought the young students lunch. Tinsey asks the students leaves their trays by the ends of the beds when done.” And with that, the trays were levitated to the ends of their cots. “Does the students require anything else?”
Remus was the first to speak, “I think we are good, thank you.”
“Yes, this is great. Thanks.”
The house-elf simply vanished, disapparated, Lacie assumed, to wherever they resided in the Hogwarts’ castle. It made her curious, just how many places were hidden waiting to be found.
She shook the thoughts from her head and turned to the tray of food. Both trays had the same items laid out: a glass of orange juice, a crumpet, and a sandwich. Lacie and Remus both dug in like they hadn’t seen food all day, which was true for Lacie. Remus seemed just as hungry for it was only a few minutes before they were both full and sipping on the last of their orange juices.
As requested, they both neatly set their trays at the end of the cots. Lacie reached down to her bag and tore a small piece of parchment and using her quill scrawled a short thank you message to Tinsey.
A few minutes later, Madam Pomfrey came out of her office to check on the two Gryffindors. She didn’t mention that Lacie had moved, albeit, Lacie supposed to didn’t really matter.
“You should be good to go this evening Mr. Lupin” Madam Pomfrey looked him over and nodded as if satisfied with what she saw before turning her searching gaze onto Lacie. “Ms. Farlow, how are you feeling?”
“My head feels better,” Lacie answered honestly. “It only hurts now and then, but it’s very mild.”
Madam Pomfrey handed her a small potion, “This is one dose of a restfulness potion. Take it before bed if your head gives you troubles tonight. If it hurts like it did before, come back here and we’ll get you sorted.”
The hospital matron was soon distracted by another student who came through the doors.
“I’ll see you soon, Remus?”
“It’s a plan,” Remus agreed.
Lacie gathered her book bag and slung it over her shoulder, “I hope you feel better soon.”
She was about to step away before she stopped and rummaged around her bag. She pulled out a small book and held it out. Remus took it from her and flipped it over to look at the cover.
“You said you were almost finished with your book and since you’ll be stuck here a little while longer I figured you might appreciate another book. I have finished it yet, but I think you might enjoy it. As far as I can tell it’s like the muggle version of The Tales of Beedle the Bard.”
“Thank you,” Remus said and smiled, and this time it seemed to reach his eyes.