Infirmerie
“God’s gift I see that’s moving up there into the night
Through dark the mirror in the sky reflects us our light
Looks like a little brother to the sun
Or mother to the stars at night
And here it is, and here it comes
Here comes the moon”
…
The infirmary was strangely comforting to Regulus. He liked it somewhat: he could sleep whenever he wanted, and each morning he woke up to the blissful sunlight, not the noises of his roommates. But he did miss them during his stay, even though he wouldn’t admit that – he wanted to be outside, it was October. He loved October very much.
That next morning, Madam Pomfrey had given him a plethora of potions and droughts that made him even more tired or slightly more comforted. Either way he slept through most of that day, and woke up again in the late evening, when he finally got the chance to talk to her about what exactly had happened.
“I don’t know,” Regulus said from the infirmary bed, “it came out of nowhere. I hadn’t eaten anything foul, I don’t reckon. It’s never happened to me before.” He was at a loss, really. And he was concerned. Mainly because he hoped Ben wasn’t too angry at him for ruining his sheets. He tried not to think about that.
Madam Pomfrey nodded, “I’ll have you stay here for a few more days, Regulus. I need you to fully recover before you can attend your classes again.” Regulus didn’t want to miss anything, but he didn’t argue. He did wonder if Elena would maybe come see him, being he more than likely wouldn’t be able to go to Hogsmeade with her that weekend. He tried not to think about that, too. “This will help you sleep,” Madam Pomfrey showed him a shiny purple looking liquid, “that’s all I want you to do for the next few days, understand?”
“Yes, thank you,” Regulus took it from her, before sipping the portion she had set out for him. He sighed, leaning back into the pillows and looking up at the ceiling. He actually really hoped that Elena would come visit him, it would be nice of her. He just felt a little lonely. There wasn’t really anyone else in the infirmary besides a first-year who was having a very bad allergic reaction to something.
Soon, he felt the drink kick into him, as he turned over on the bed and stared out the window into the night sky. It was really a beautiful view from where he was laying. Everything looked so peaceful, and kind.
Maybe kind wasn’t the right word for it.
…
Regulus woke up in the afternoon. He woke up really because he felt very cold, and seemingly had kicked his covers off of himself in his sleep. Sitting up to get them back on, he looked over to the nightstand, and gaped in disbelief.
It was covered in get well cards, stuffed teddy bears, chocolates, books even, mounds of sweets and pink letters with fancy hand-writing. He looked at Madam Pomfrey across the room, which made her laugh, as she came over to him. “You’re quite popular, Regulus,” She smiled, “students have been coming in all morning to drop off gifts for you.”
“Really?” Regulus asked, “Does everyone know?”
“I don’t know what they know,” Madam Pomfrey sighed, “but they sure seemed worried about you.” Regulus sighed, running a hand through his hair, and Madam Pomfrey laughed again. “Don’t be stressed, Regulus,” She patted his shoulder, “you’re a very lucky boy.”
He watched as she walked away, going off to attend to the first year again. He laid back into bed, feeling a lot less tired, but also very bored. He didn’t really know what to do with himself.
Eventually, out of boredom, Regulus began to go through his gifts. Most of the cards were obnoxious, and he didn’t know half of the people who had written these for him, but he appreciated the sweets somewhat. He didn’t know if he was allowed to eat any, but he snuck a few jelly beans, and examined some of the homework left for him.
Regulus fell asleep again, for a few more hours, and woke to Madam Pomfrey leaving out some dinner for him. He didn’t know how she did it, but she somehow managed to know exactly what he liked to eat – the tray was filled with all of his favorite meals at suppertime. He ate, disliking being alone in that moment, as he looked out of the window again.
Outside, the full moon shone big and bright, lighting up the whispery trees of the Forbidden Forest and enchanting the great lake. Regulus watched nature silently, admiring the moon for shining so brightly at that moment. He felt touched, personally, wondering if maybe the moon was out in such a light just so he would have something to look at, or distract him. Sighing, he finished his food, and laid back in bed, falling asleep once again.
…
“You’re okay – come on, sweetheart,” Regulus woke to Madam Pomfrey’s sweet voice, “just to the bed over here.” He rubbed his eyes drowsily, unsure of the time of day.
Regulus then saw Madam Pomfrey helping Remus Lupin into the bed next to him. He was surprised, he didn’t know why Lupin would be in the infirmary – he wasn’t visibly injured, he just seemed to be having trouble walking. Regulus was sure to be subtle as he watched her hand Remus a few different potions, and watched as Remus sighed and looked up to her after finishing.
“How was it? How do you feel?” Madam Pomfrey asked as she poured him a glass of water.
“Fine, not too bad,” Lupin answered, sighing at the end of his sentence. Madam Pomfrey rubbed his shoulder affectionately as he drank the water, and placed it onto the table. “I have an exam in Transfiguration today. I don’t want to miss it.”
Regulus listened wearily as Madam Pomfrey considered, “Well, all right, Remus. We’ll see how the day goes.” She looked over to Regulus all of a sudden, so he quickly shut his eyes, and made sure to be still. “I’m sure your friends will be stopping by soon. But until then, please try and get some rest.”
“Okay,” Lupin answered, his voice sort of scratchy. Regulus heard Madam Pomfrey walk away, and Regulus opened his eyes slowly, seeing Remus now turned in the other direction and appeared to be actually trying to sleep. He wasn’t sure what friends exactly would be visiting Remus, but Regulus knew pretty certainly that Sirius would be there. He felt nervous. He didn’t really feel like being around his brother that morning, he had been enjoying the vacation of separation from the rest of the world.
Regulus tried to relax again, but ultimately ended up laying in bed with his eyes closed for around an hour. He did that sometimes when he couldn’t fall asleep, he figured laying there pretending was better than nothing at all. The hour had passed when he heard voices entering the infirmary.
“We’ve brought him breakfast,” Said one voice.
“I’ll give you fifteen minutes,” Madam Pomfrey’s voice said sincerely. Regulus then heard movement, until stopping.
“What is he doing here?” Sirius’ voice asked, which made Regulus want to open his eyes. He was surprised Sirius even noticed that he was there.
Madam Pomfrey sighed, “Regulus is very ill. We’re not sure what it is yet.” There was a still in the conversation, “I can give you some time with him, too, when he wakes up.”
“No, that’s all right,” Sirius said, sounding defeated, “I bet his fanclub will be in here any minute now.” Regulus rolled his eyes underneath his closed eyelids, as he heard the shuffling move to where Remus was laying. When Regulus figured the coast was clear, he opened his eyes slyly, seeing Sirius, James Potter, and Peter Pettigrew all around Remus’ bed.
“How are you feeling?” James asked, as he put down plates of food next to where Remus was laying.
Remus shrugged, “Fine. Hoping she’ll let me out for the exam today.”
Sirius scoffed, “You’re mental. Why wouldn’t you want to miss that?” Remus laughed as Sirius sat at the foot of his bed, and Peter Pettigrew sat in a nearby chair. James just leaned against the night table.
Regulus wondered if Remus had been pretending to sleep, too. He seemed to wake up to them awfully fast. “Why is Regulus here?” Peter then asked in a hushed voice, and Regulus swallowed nervously. He didn’t know what any of them would say.
“Dunno,” Remus shook his head as he began to eat, which was a bit of a gross sight – it was really more of him shoveling food into his mouth, “Pomfrey didn’t tell me anything. He’s just been here.”
Sirius rolled his eyes, Regulus scarily recognized himself in that action. “Bet Pomfrey told my mum,” He shook his head, “I doubt she’s even been here.” Regulus closed his eyes as Sirius looked in his direction. “He looks fucking pale, though.”
“Isn’t he always pale?” Peter asked, and Regulus opened his eyes in time to see Sirius kick him. Peter jumped, which made James laugh.
“He’s sure got a lot of treats,” Remus laughed a little, “the popularity is a bit funny.”
“Funny’s one word for it,” Sirius took a piece of bacon from Remus’ plate, “obnoxious is another. He barely even did anything. And now everyone’s bloody obsessed with him.”
James shrugged, “Doesn’t matter. Don’t be bothered, Sirius.”
Sirius scoffed, while Remus just smiled at him. Regulus didn’t understand that interaction. Sirius was acting like a bit of a git, he didn’t know why on earth Remus would fucking smile at him. But he did, for some reason.
“He’s dating Elena Castor, I think,” Peter piped from his seat, now having moved away from Sirius’ legs.
“Castillo,” James corrected.
“Whatever,” Peter shrugged, “everyone’s talking about it.”
“Why is everyone so invested in his love life?” Sirius ran a hand through his hair, “God, it’s bloody irritating. He’s all I hear about now. When will everyone just shut up?”
“Probably never,” Remus said with a mouthful of porridge.
Sirius laid his legs out on Remus’ bed, “And why does everyone care so much about his hair? I mean–”
“Sirius, seriously,” James shook his head, “you sound bloody mental.”
“I do not!” Sirius said defensively, “It’s annoying!”
“Well, get over it,” James said simply, “there’s nothing you can do about it. It’ll blow over. Just shut up about it.” Sirius looked pissed off, crossing his arms and staring out the window that Regulus had been looking at the night before.
Regulus still didn’t know why Remus was in the infirmary in the first place, but before he could try and figure it out any further (which was getting him nowhere), he happened to look to the door and see no one other than Emmeline Vance standing in the doorway.
He swallowed, somewhat embarrassed that she was seeing him in his state. He knew he was only in his pajamas, and his hair probably looked a mess, and the marauders said he was pale, but…
“Hello,” Madam Pomfrey greeted her, while Regulus watched, “what can I do for you, dear?”
Emmeline looked back at Regulus, “Could I talk to Regulus?” She asked, expectantly.
“Of course,” Madam Pomfrey smiled warmly, before moving out of the way and allowing Emmeline to walk over to him. He sat up, feeling the eyes of the marauders on him as he did so.
“How long has he been awake?” He could swear he heard Sirius whisper.
“Hi,” Regulus didn’t know what to say.
“Hey, Regulus,” Emmeline pursed her lips, “are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” He nodded, “why’re you here?”
“I just,” Emmeline seemed to not know what to say, “I heard everyone talking. And I wanted to make sure you were all right.” Regulus felt his heart pull a little. He didn’t know why.
He sighed, “I’m okay. I should be out in a few days.” He watched Emmeline glance over at his table of treats, and he laughed, “Crazy, isn’t it?”
Emmeline brightened, “Yeah. Everyone’s been talking about you. There’s a whole ‘Regulus Black Recovery Campaign’.” That made Regulus laugh, and Emmeline smiled, “I mean, nobody really knows what’s happened. Some Slytherins claimed they saw you in the common room.”
“They did,” Regulus admitted, “I was hoping they’d forget.”
“That’s a little impossible with you,” Emmeline said.
Regulus shrugged, “I don’t know.” He looked over at the marauders for a moment, who were engaged in fighting over Remus’ last piece of bacon. When he looked, though, he caught the glance of James Potter – who quickly looked away once they made eye contact. Regulus looked back at Emmeline, “I appreciate you being here.”
“Oh, thanks,” Emmeline blushed, “it’s no problem.” She looked at the large clock behind them, “I better get to class, but… well, I hope you feel better soon.” She smiled again. “Goodbye, Regulus.”
“Goodbye,” Regulus nodded, as Emmeline turned away and made her way out of the infirmary. He watched her go, before laying back in his bed and sighing. He felt a little achy now, and he closed his eyes, the pillow feeling soft and warm beneath him.
He fell asleep again to the sound of laughter beside him, echoing loudly through the infirmary as Regulus drifted away.
…