Crossover

Chapter 7:
Poppy Pomfrey

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Madam Poppy Pomfrey was, in her own
words, fit to be tied.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> An hour ago she had been preparing for
the arrival of the students by double checking her supplies, when Minerva
McGonagall had all but stormed into the infirmary. Behind her (and obviously
under the mobilicorpus charm) came a small, slender boy that looked like
he hadn’t seen the interior of a shower room in quiet some time. Poppy hadn’t
dared to comment (lest Minerva be really as pissed off as she looked) and
turned her attention to evaluating the boy’s condition. It was less the
satisfying (and that was the biggest understatement of the year).

style='mso-tab-count:1'> By what the deputy headmistress told
her (and what her own evaluation had revealed), they could piece together that
the boy had been under serious abuse for at least three months. The wounds of
the flesh would heal easily, but the wounds of the mind…

style='mso-tab-count:1'> It had come as no surprise, thus, that
upon waking the child had bolted for the farthest, darkest corner he could
find. It was heart-breaking to watch those wide, dark eyes look at them with
such distrust.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> In the end, she had to use a relaxing
charm so that he would allow her to move within healing distance. Aven ven
then, she could see that his every nerve was on edge.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Injuries treated (as fast as she could)
and the child was immediately guided to a bed and ordered to change into a set
of pajamas and to lay down.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> She then turned towards Minerva and
sent her a “look”, trying with all her might to convey the message “you had
better explain” to the other witch.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Minerva looked slightly affronted at
the insinuation of her not telling the truth of the matter, but she finally
mouthed something that suspiciously resembled the words “Albus’ office” and
Poppy reluctantly agreed.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> By then, her young charge had finally
settled into bed and seemed to be assessing them both more closely. Whatever he
saw seemed to help him calm down enough for him to allow Minerva to approach
his bed.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“You must be hungry. Would you like
something to eat?”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> A cautious look.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“I assure you it will be edible and
will not contain anything remotely similar to a drug.”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Poppy sent a pleased smile at Minerva
as her own coaxing seemed to convince the boy.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Well, that and the quiet impressive
roar of his stomach.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> It was a blushingly humble little boy
who finally ate his porridge.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Half an hour later, and both women were
pleased to see the boy curl up under the blankets and go to sleep, obviously
feeling quiet safe in their company.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> A glare at Minerva served to remember
the stern woman that explanations were still needed and got both women to begin
their trip to the headmaster’s sanctum.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> They hadn’t even made it to the door
when hurried tapping on one of the windows and a faint screech gave them pause.
They both turned towards said window and caught sight of a snow-white owl.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“Hedwig!!”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Minerva was letting the bird in before
Poppy even managed to recognize it. An image flashed through her mind, though.
A pale, green-eyed boy, the owl sitting comfortably on his shoulder.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“Harry Potter’s owl?”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Minerva was frantically trying to untie
a small scrap of parchment from the owl’s leg.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“Yes.”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> The dark haired witch finally got the
letter and began to read.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> The door to the infirmary crashed open,
Albus Dumbledore standing at its threshold.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“What does it say, Minerva?”

style='mso-tab-count:1'>

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Slightly panicked dark eyes locked on
him.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“The express has been attacked.”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> For a second, Albus looked as if the
whole world rested on his shoulders. But only for a second.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“We must go. Poppy, we will probably
need on-field medical attention, so you’re coming with us.”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Both witches nodded.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“How far away do you think they are?”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“An hour by train, at most.”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> Poppy immediately began packing some
potions, just in case.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> The door opened again, this time to
admit Hagrid.

style='mso-tab-count:1'> -“All is ready, professor Dumbledore.”

style='mso-tab-count:1'> The group hurriedly moved to vacate the
silent infirmary, not realizing how truly empty it then was.