The hospital wing embraced a hushed tranquillity, bathed in the soft glow of enchanted windows. Evelyn lay upon the crisp white sheets, the scent of healing potions lingering in the air. Madam Pomfrey, Hogwarts' vigilant healer, moved about attending to her patients, ensuring each received the care they required.
Seated on a chair beside Evelyn, Seraphina offered a reassuring smile. The daylight filtered through the windows, casting a gentle warmth over the scene.
"How are you feeling?" Seraphina inquired, her eyes filled with genuine concern.
"Just a bit shaken," Evelyn admitted. "Madam Pomfrey says I'll be fine after a good night's rest."
A sigh of relief escaped Seraphina's lips. "That's good to hear. Draco and Cassius went to fetch your things. They should be back soon."
"Thank you, Seraphina," Evelyn replied. "You really didn't have to stay."
"Nonsense," Seraphina dismissed. "Friends stick together, especially in times like these. Anything I can do for you?"
"Just having you here is more than enough," Evelyn said, a grateful smile gracing her lips.
As they sat in the quiet of the hospital wing, Seraphina leaned in, her tone softened.
"Evelyn, I've noticed things have been a bit... complicated lately. You and Draco, is there something I should know?"
A mysterious twinkle flickered in Evelyn's eyes as she responded coyly, "Complicated is an understatement. Hogwarts has become a maze of mysteries."
Smirking, Seraphina pressed on, "I meant more about you and Draco. You two seem closer than ever."
Evelyn, maintaining an air of vagueness, replied, "Well, Hogwarts has a way of bringing people together in unexpected ways."
Raising an eyebrow, Seraphina continued, "Unexpected ways, huh? Care to elaborate?"
Evelyn, evading the question with a mysterious smile, said, "Let's just say, some things are better left to unfold on their own."
Seraphina chuckled, acknowledging Evelyn's enigmatic response.
"You're a tough one to crack, Evelyn Blackwood," Seraphina teased. "But whatever it is, I'm here for you. If you ever need to talk..."
"Thanks, Seraphina," Evelyn expressed her gratitude
n the peaceful ambiance of the hospital wing, Evelyn and Seraphina continued their conversation as Draco, accompanied by Cassius, returned with a bag of fresh clothes for Evelyn. She graciously thanked them both, noticing that she still wore her previous night's pajamas and Draco's cloak.
Cassius informed Evelyn that Rosie had packed her bag and insisted on coming, but Draco assured them she was fine. Cassius, looking at Draco smugly, explained how Rosie promised to be there the next day for Evelyn's discharge and to care for "Twinkle Toes." Evelyn gave them a questioning stare, prompting Draco to interject that Rosie had named the cat in her absence. Evelyn smiled at the thought and thanked all three friends.
As the trio chatted, Madam Pomfrey approached, dismissing them to allow Evelyn to get some rest. Seraphine and Cassius playfully dragged Draco away, despite his protests to stay. Madam Pomfrey assured him there was no need, and Evelyn suddenly remembered Draco's cloak.
She asked if he needed it back, and Draco responded, "I'll come visit later to retrieve it," casting a pointed look at Madam Pomfrey as he reluctantly agreed to leave.
Madam Pomfrey approached Evelyn with a soft smile, her eyes reflecting a caring demeanor.
"My dear, it's time for you to freshen up. You can leave the robe on your bedside chair. It's important to take care of yourself," she advised winking at Evelyn.
Evelyn's cheeks flushed with the unexpected warmth of the gesture as she gripped the sleeves of the cloak.
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Evelyn smiled. "I appreciate that. And thank you for everything, Madam Pomfrey."
With a gentle pat on Evelyn's shoulder, Madam Pomfrey spoke reassuringly. "It's my duty to look after you lot. Now, off you go. Take your time, and when you're ready, get some good rest."
With those words of comfort, Madam Pomfrey allowed Evelyn to proceed to the washroom, leaving her with a sense of care amidst the mysterious events unfolding at Hogwarts.
Evelyn awoke to the softly lit room she had clearly slept the day away, its dim glow creating an ambiance of quiet intimacy. As her senses adjusted to the gentle surroundings, she felt a calm warmth enveloping her hand. Following the reassuring touch, her gaze settled on Draco, who had fallen asleep with his head resting on the edge of her bed.
The muted light cast delicate shadows on Draco's features, highlighting the contours of his face. Evelyn, in that quiet moment, studied him with a newfound clarity. The lines of worry that often etched his expression seemed softened in sleep, revealing a vulnerability she hadn't fully acknowledged before. As she observed Draco, Evelyn felt a subtle shift within her.
In that quiet moment, Evelyn recognized a truth, the calm grip of Draco's hand spoke of an unspoken connection, blurring the lines between friendship and something more. As Draco slept beside her, unaware of her introspection, Evelyn's heart whispered its own revelations. The dimly lit room became a sanctuary for self-discovery, and in that quiet space, she acknowledged the stirrings of a sentiment that had blossomed amidst their adventures.
As she gently pulled her hand from his grip, she looked around the softly illuminated room to check for any onlookers. With the curtain almost fully drawn, Evelyn bent down to retrieve the Marauder's Map from her bag. The map, which she noticed Rosie had placed for her, smart girl she thought to herself admiring her best friend's tenacity.
With a hushed tone, she whispered the unlocking words, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." Uttering the incantation, Evelyn scanned the map, her eyes catching none other than Harry Potter's name
Evelyn, still captivated by the Marauder's Map, decided to follow Harry's footsteps as he expertly avoided Filch and the guards. Muttering to herself, she noted, "He has his cloak."
"He has his what?" Startled by Draco's sudden appearance, Evelyn hastily shut the map, her eyes wide with surprise. Draco, his usual sleek hair now messily in front of his eyes as he rubbed them, as he questioned.
Caught off guard, Evelyn stammered, "I...uh..." before Draco noticed the parchment in her hand. Swiftly grabbing it, he mockingly asked, "What is this?" Opening it to find a blank parchment, he raised an eyebrow. Evelyn attempted to make an excuse, but Draco's expression darkened as he stated, "If you're going to lie, we're not doing what I thought we were doing."
Evelyn's shoulders relaxed as she contemplated whether to trust Draco with the truth. Despite her mind protesting, her heart compelled her to share the story of how the map came into her possession. She revealed her rare ability and explained the map's functionality, showing Draco a vulnerable side she hadn't exposed before. Draco, initially stern, softened as he listened. The revelation fostered a deeper understanding between them.
In the softly illuminated room, Draco nodded with understanding. "What exactly can you do, Evelyn?"
"Well, it's a rare ability. I can witness memories and scenes from the past by touching certain people or objects," Evelyn explained. She glanced around cautiously and continued, "Let me show you."
Draco, intrigued, leaned in. 'That's extraordinary. How did you discover this?'
'I've had it for as long as I can remember. It's like catching glimpses of history,' Evelyn explained, gauging Draco's reaction.
Draco's eyes furrowed with concern. "Glimpses of history? This is fascinating, but given what happened with those missing students, it's also concerning. Did they possess rare abilities like yours?"
Evelyn hesitated, a flicker of realization crossing her face. "Yes, Draco, they did. I just didn't want to worry you before. But now, knowing that, it adds a new layer of concern."
Draco's grip on her hand tightened. "Evelyn, you need to be cautious. If there's any danger, I…" He trailed off, his expression reflecting both concern.
Evelyn nodded solemnly. "I promise, Draco. We'll navigate this carefully and uncover the truth."
Draco nodded then passed her the parchment, intrigued. "Show me how it works."
With a hushed whisper, Evelyn uttered the unlocking words, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." The Marauder's Map unfolded, revealing intricate footprints representing people. She pointed to Harry's name. "See, the footprints represent people. Like Harry here."
Draco studied the map intently. "I know where he's headed."
Curious, Evelyn asked, "Why? Where is he going?"
"The secret chamber, where those intruders went," Draco replied, furrowing his brow as he continued to examine the map. "We need to go."
"But we don't have an Invisibility Cloak," Evelyn protested.
Draco looked confused. "An Invisibility what?"
Evelyn shook her head. "Never mind. How do we get there without being caught?"
In the quietude of the wing, Draco silently rose and cautiously peered out. The sleeping figures reassured him — even the night watch nurse dozed at her desk. After a moment of contemplation, Draco seized his cloak and tossed it to Evelyn.
"Leave it to me," he declared with a determined look.