[134] Coils of the Past

After being force-fed the healing potion, Hall was quickly taken to the infirmary by Madam Pomfrey. He lay on the pristine white hospital bed, his wounds having received initial treatment. The pain was slightly relieved, but fatigue still washed over him like a tide.

A faint smell of disinfectant filled the infirmary. Sunlight streamed through the windows and cast warm patches of light on the floor. Hall's eyes were half closed, his mind replaying the battle with the dragon and the struggle in the lake.

Soon, Molly, Arthur, Ron, Harry, and the others arrived at the infirmary. Molly was the first to rush to his bedside, her eyes still red and swollen.

"Hall, my darling. How are you feeling now?"

Hall forced a smile. "I'm alright, Mum. Don't worry."

Ron joined in, his eyes red. "Hall, you scared us half to death!"

George and Fred squeezed in behind him. "Hall! You were brilliant!"

Everyone chimed in. Then they were met with disapproval from the Matron.

"Alright, alright. All of you out. The patient needs rest." The noisy crowd was shooed away by Madam Pomfrey. She poured Hall another vial of potion, told him to rest well, and went about her business.

The room fell quiet. Sunlight still warmed the floor. Hall leaned against the bed, intending to rest.

The door opened again.

Snape.

His face was still grim, his black robes swaying. "Weasley. Think before you act next time. Do not always be so reckless."

He placed two vials on the bedside table. "Energy Restoration Potion. Magic Restoration Potion." He pointed to each. "I do not need to tell you how to take them, do I?"

His voice was cold, but Hall could glean concern within it. These two potions were very troublesome — they needed to be taken within an hour of being brewed. The herbs were extremely rare. Hall had seen them in Snape's private storeroom, but in small quantities.

"You have my thanks, Professor."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Snape paused. "Who's concerned about you? Do not flatter yourself." He turned to leave, then stopped at the door. "Weasley. I hope you understand that protecting others presupposes your own safety."

Then he was gone.

Hall smiled.

He leaned against the headboard, dozing. He guessed someone else would come. A while later, someone did.

Headmaster Dumbledore.

He smiled, his eyes full of affection. "Hall, my child. Are you feeling better?"

"Much better, Headmaster."

The two-way mirror in Dumbledore's hand lit up. Gellert's image appeared.

"Kid. A mere Ukrainian Ironbelly, and you managed to injure yourself like this? You are incredibly weak." He frowned, looking at Hall with displeasure. Then he changed the subject. "I have prepared some self-defence items for you. Do not embarrass me."

Dumbledore handed Hall a package.

"Thank you, Master."

Gellert snorted, raising his chin. "Just some small things. To prevent you from losing so badly and embarrassing me."

"Master. Are you worried about me?"

Gellert's eyes narrowed. "No way! Why would I worry about a brat like you? I just saw you were too weak and brought you something. I'm leaving." He paused. "Remember to come to class as soon as you have recovered!"

"Yes, Teacher."

Gellert vanished from the mirror.

Dumbledore chuckled. "He may not say it, but he is very worried about you."

Dumbledore did not leave immediately. He handed Hall the two potions from the bedside table, gesturing for him to take them. Hall sighed. The taste was peculiar — like a sticky, rotten banana mixed with the aroma of pear. He almost vomited. He forced it down. The second was better — diluted apple juice mixed with ground herbs — but it still made his stomach churn.

Dumbledore grinned broadly.

Hall looked at his smile, feeling a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

"Hall. Let us talk about that Ukrainian Ironbelly." Dumbledore dragged a chair over and sat down. "Did you notice anything unusual during the battle?"

Hall nodded. "When it attacked, its eyes were burning. It seemed to have completely lost its mind. The dragons used in this competition are all bred by the Dragon Protection Society to retain their instincts without becoming bloodthirsty. But that one was different."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "I did not detect any suspicious magical fluctuations during the match. The problem should not be at the scene."

"Headmaster, when I am better, can I go see the dragon? They should not be sent back so soon, should they?"

Clang —

Before Dumbledore could answer, Harry rushed in. "Headmaster! Something terrible has happened! Hagrid sent me — he said the Ukrainian Ironbelly died suddenly. Exhaustion."

The atmosphere in the infirmary turned tense.

The news of the dragon's death weighed on Hall's heart like a stone. Dying from exhaustion? Hall did not believe it. He felt there was definitely something wrong. But Dumbledore refused, citing Hall's incomplete recovery.

After Dumbledore left with Harry, Hall's suspicions grew stronger. He lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

"Hall. Hall."

The infirmary was silent, but a snoring sound came from within. Hall rolled his eyes. "Harry. You are not scary at all."

A head popped out from beside his bed — Harry, who had visited that afternoon.

"Why are you here?"

"I could not shake it. The way you looked at me this afternoon. Why do we not investigate together?" Harry lifted his Invisibility Cloak.