Chapter 5
“Where are we going?” Natty questions.
”Can we see Artemis?” Poppy whispers.
Professor Weasley smiles sadly at the girls.
”Yes, I thought Miss Blackthorne would need the company. She’s been through quite a traumatic day.”
It’s quiet for a few beats, before I speak up.
“Is she okay?”
Professor Weasley seems to consider her words carefully.
”No,” My stomach drops, as she speaks. “Physically, I have no doubt she’ll heal up just fine. Mentally, I fear those wounds are much trickier to mend, but if they can it will only be with the ones she loves by her side. I must warn you, she’s in quite a state right now. I believe she was given a calming draught, but if she means as much to you, as you do to her, then I have no doubt you can see her through whatever lies ahead.”
The walk is quiet up to the medical wing. There’s aurors in the halls, and I’m surprised to see a set guarding the doors to the infirmary.
“I’m not sure they’re allowed in,” One of the aurors says, motioning to Natty, Poppy, Ominis, and I.
“They are Miss Blackthorne’s family. Would you deny the Hero of the Wizarding World the comfort of her family?”
The auror just quietly shakes his head, and steps aside. I hear Professor Weasley mumble something about a child doing their job better than them. As we walk into the infirmary, I realize it’s eerily quiet. It’s empty, save for the single occupied bed. We’re stopped by Nurse Blainey, before I can get a good look at the bed’s occupant.
“How is she?” Natty asks.
”She’s-,” Nurse Blainey hesitates. “She’s healing. Her major wounds have closed, but whatever dark magic caused them left quite the mark. I’m afraid I won’t be able to remove the scars. She’s awake, but we had to give her a calming draught, so she may not be the most alert. Poor dear.”
”And the magic?” Professor Weasley asks.
”Let’s speak privately,” Nurse Blainey answers. “Children, you may go sit with her, but be gentle. She’s in a fragile state.”
I’m the first to move. I have to bite back a sob, when I step behind the curtain. My beautiful Artemis looks so broken. Her clothes are torn and burned. Her corset and boots have been removed, leaving her in tight black pants and a somewhat loose deep green blouse. I try not to stare at the blood stains and scars, instead looking into her eyes. Her blue eyes, which were once full of life, are lost and distantly staring at the wall ahead. I sit in a chair next to her bed, and gently grasp her hand. She flinches, but her eyes soften as she looks over my way. I hear a gasp from behind me, as Poppy, Natty, and Ominis step into the small area.
“Love?” I try to draw her attention. “Can you hear me? It’s Sebastian. We came- Natty, Poppy, Ominis, and I came as quickly as we could.”
My thumb gently rubs circles on the back of her hand. I’m at a loss for words. I mean, what do you say to your girlfriend after she saves the world? Is there a right thing to say?
”We’re so proud of you, Darling,” I whisper. I hear Poppy holding back tears behind me. Ominis wraps an arm around the poor girl, in an uncharacteristic display of affection. I always knew he had a soft spot for Poppy. Natty slowly sits on the foot of the bed, resting a hand on Artemis’ knee.
”We will see you through the challenges ahead,” Natty says, looking in Artemis’ eyes. “Whatever lies ahead, you will not face alone. You have saved the world, and now it is time for you to rest. Let us take care of you.”
I see a tear slide down Artemis’ skin, and she grips my hand firmly.
“You don't know the things I did to win,” My love whispers. It’s so quiet that I almost don’t hear her. I reach my other hand forward to wipe her tears away, brushing over the scar running through her eye.
“Yes,” Natty begins, “That is true. But, we do know you. We know you are kind. We know you are loyal. We know you are smart. We know you would do anything if it meant protecting your loved ones. Most of all, we know you are good. Whatever you did, you carry with you. The bad in the world doesn’t carry guilt for their deeds, Artemis. You are good because you carry that grief and guilt, but that does not mean you have to carry it alone.”
Something in Artemis’ must register Natty’s words, despite the effects of the calming drought, because soon her silent tears break into quiet sobs. I move to sit on the bed, pulling Artemis into my lap, as I try to avoid her injuries. Natty moves closer to us, as she cards her fingers through Artemis’ hair. Poppy moves into my vacated chair, as Ominis sits on the remaining space on the bed. He whispers words of comfort and gently holds Artemis’ hand.
Nurse Blainey gives us a sad smile, when she walks past. We stay like that for what feels like forever, but in reality was no more than fifteen minutes. Eventually, Artemis’ sobs turn to soft hiccups. Natty and Poppy excuse themselves to go get Artemis a change of clothes.
“I don’t know if I can heal,” She whispers.
”Artemis, you heard Natty-,” Ominis tries to comfort.
“No!” Her voice breaks as she speaks. “She doesn’t know what happened. I can’t tell her or Poppy yet. I can’t- They haven’t- ugh! I don’t know if they could ever look at me the same.” Her eyes have become heavy as she speaks, and I know she's not far from being pulled into sleep’s embrace.
“And what of us, Darling?” I ask, afraid she’ll shut us all out.
“You both have faced and carried darkness. Ominis with his family, and you with a search for a cure. Somehow, I think this is darker, and I’m still afraid I’m too far gone for either of you to save.”
I kiss her head gently, and Ominis scoots closer. I can see the fear etched in his features. He wouldn’t admit it, but he’s come to care for Artemis. I think he sees her as a sister, and I know his heart breaks as much as mine to see her suffer.
”Nothing can stop us from trying,” Ominis whispers, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.
“I took the magic. After I- After I killed Ranrock, the power he took had to be contained. It was created by a former Ancient Magic wielder, who used her power to take pain away, but the power was corrupt and dark. Those she took the pain from were left feeling empty. When she was killed the power was locked away. I couldn’t put it back. I wasn’t strong enough. Fig was dying just a few feet away, and I needed to get to him. I used myself to contain the power. I was so stupid. Fig was already dead by the time I reached him. I never said good-bye. He died thinking I was a hero, but now I’m just this broken mess with darkness in my veins.”
”Oh, love,” I whisper as her tears flow. “I’m so sorry.”
I rock her back and forth, as we try to comfort her. Eventually, her sobs quiet, as sleep takes over. I look at Ominis, who has tear tracks of his own on his cheeks.
“Why is it alway her?” He whispers. “Why does she have to carry the weight of the world? Why does she even have to make the choice to take the weight of such magic? Why?”
”I don’t know,” I answer, as my own tears begin to fall.
”What do we do?”
”I don’t know.”
We sit in silence, as the depth of Artemis’ words sink in. It’ll be a long night.