He honestly thought that he wouldn't need to open this section of the hospital wing. Not that the three boys were that unwell, but their situation called for utmost privacy and care and the Quarantined Section was the best room for them to get treated. The first unit's basic amenities were duplicated beforehand, and River has assigned the first unit to be Rooney and Henry's temporary quarters. On top of each bed are a set of clean pyjamas, and on the far corner is a small cubicle where they could wash up and change their clothes. "First things first, gentlemen. I need you to wash and change clothes. Leave your soiled uniforms in the corner," he said gesturing to a shallow basket nearby. "If you're too sore to change clothes, let me know and I'll help you." It was a good thing he's a boy too, yeah?

River took a few steps back to give room to the boys and went back to the door to see if Paul and Carlton were on their way. This time around, they can definitely take their own sweet time.

Rooney had followed suit, obviously watching over his shoulder to keep an eye on Carlton and Professor Myers, but he had stuck with the Healer as instructed. "Sir.. That man won't do anything to Carlton, will he?" The man from the Ministry, of course. Professor Myers had done nothing but protect the three of them already, something which Rooney would thank him for when he had his head on straight again. If he ever felt normal again... It seemed to him like people aren't acknowledging the fact that this was more than that time a large group went inside when the portal first appeared. This was different. He knew that he could count on Henry and Carlton to back him up that they had all feared for their lives when there.

And they most certainly hadn't gone looking for trouble.

He looked between Henry and the cubicle before making the first move to pick up the pyjamas set out for him and heading that way to get himself cleaned up and into them. Rooney actually made sure to clean himself three times, positive that the smell of sick and urine was everywhere he was ever going to walk again.. But he wanted to give Henry the chance to get clean too, and so he headed back out in the pyjamas provided and disposed of his uniform after emptying the pockets of his notebook, stash of pens and both of his prefect badges. The Ravenclaw one from the outside and the Hufflepuff one that he always had pinned inside - his mothers.

Quietly, the boy lingered around the basket before looking to Healer Reed. "Mine might need extra cleaning, Sir..."

Henry had never been inside the hospital wing today, so he blindly followed the healer and Rooney into another area, still feeling a little fuzzy. He glanced behind him as they walked at the mention of Carlton's name, concerned for his well-being too. Just out of reach past the fuzziness was a nagging feeling of being bothered by the presence of the Ministry people. But he couldn't quite remember why now.

He paused just inside of their new temporary quarters, taking a moment to look around before choosing the pajamas and bad that Rooney hadn't. He took a seat atop the bed with the pajamas in his lap as he waited for the other boy to finish washing up and changing.

The Hufflepuff tried not to let his mind wander too much because even though he was still feeling the effects of the calming draught, he knew what images lay just at the edge. And he didn't want them coming into clearer view. "All done?" He looked up at Rooney as he returned in changed clothes and he slowly slid off the bed. He was still a little lightheaded, but he made his way over to the cubicle next to wash up.

He took his time cleaning up, feeling as if he needed to wash away the events of the day and they just weren't completely going away. Finally changing his clothes as well, he dropped his uniform into the basket and headed back into the room. "I'm starving," he said quietly to himself, resting his hand on his turbulent stomach, vaguely realizing how long it had been since he had last eaten. But he wasn't so sure he could eat now. He climbed back up on his bed and looked over at the healer, somewhat questioningly. Now what? He didn't particularly want any sort of intrusive examination, but what did they do now?

You know what, he talked too soon...no, thought too soon because Paul and Carlton were held up AGAIN...inside the Hospital Wing...BY a Ministry Personnel. River let out a deep sigh as he eyed the two men discussing, with Carlton still standing there trying his best not to let out forbidden words out of his mouth, "He has to go through me and Paul first before that happens, Prefect Bronwyn," he said as he trained his eyes on the salt and pepper Ministry personnel while his mind flipped through his memory bank.

Yes, that man used to work here...according to Healer Tillstorm's records, of which he reviewed thoroughly whenever he got the time. "For Fwooper's sake. I simply don't believe this guy." River muttered under his breath, trying to find a good reason for his annoying presence. "I'm going back there to fetch Carlton. You two get settled in your beds," he said as he turned to the basket of soiled clothes. "By the way, I have an extra set of second-hand uniforms stowed away somewhere. If you wish to dispose of those," he said gesturing to their soiled clothes, "Just tell me and we will get rid of it." Bad memories and all. "But then again, you don't have to worry about those for now. What you two need is a good night's rest and a meal." Without a word, River sent out a Patronus directed to the kitchens, "I won't take long." The Healer whistled for Roscoe, and the big black Newfoundland dog emerged from the main infirmary hall and into the quarantined room. "You stay here Roscoe. Watch these boys for me." River gave the dog a good old pat on the head, as he went out again to get Carlton.

Carlton stumbled along, still squeezing healer Reed's robes. The 'Quarantined Area', sounded like they all had an infection. He glanced down at his soaked robes... Maybe they did. When he spotted Henry and Rooney, he immediately felt calmer. He sped up his pace a little to reach them, still avoiding to put too much pressure on his right foot.

His eyes trailed along the many shelves of potions lining the walls, he grabbed another handful of the healer's robes. Just in case. Henry and Rooney, who Carlton had come to majorly depend on were sitting on top of two beds, in clean pajamases. Carlton couldn't wait to get out of the cold, shredded robe.

But most of all, he wanted his mom. Maybe she wasn't allowed to be at Hogwarts because she was a muggle but he still wanted her. She always knew what to do. He wondered if she knew he'd been away at all.

Carlton looked up at the healer, waiting for him to tell him what to do.

Now that Carlton was safe with him, River let out a sigh as he closed the door behind him, only to realise that the boy still had his death grip on his robes. Poor kid. "Carlton..." River gently took the boy's hands and smiled down at him. "You can let go now, young man. You're safe here," he said as he gestured his head towards Rooney and Henry all cleaned up. "It's just going to be us for now, so don't worry about anything else." Because if any unauthorised person crossed their threshold, it would mean instant spraining of key muscles or broken bones...care of the Healer, himself. Intruder's choice, really.

River then led the boy to another closed off section of the quarantined room and gave Carlton his calming draught. As soon as the boy finished his potion, the Healer man began to syphon the viscous substance that was on Carlton's head and placed it in a sterile jar for examination. Other foreign objects were also carefully plucked out from the boy by his wand, and was placed in clean containers. Dried blood samples too were taken into account, just in case.

"I need you now to wash up as best as you can, and hand your soiled uniform to me." Because his clothes will be placed in a ministry approved evidence bag. "Can you do this by yourself or would you like one of the boys to help you?" Surely, the other boys wouldn't mind helping a fellow survivor? River would do it himself if Carlton needed help, but he was considerate enough not to embarrass the young boy.

Carlton stood silent as healer Reed got the necessary samples from him. His empty gaze was fixed at the floor and he shook his head when the healer asked if he needed help washing up. He dragged his feet, walking over to the cubicle to get out of his clothes. The cold membrane he'd fallen into stuck to him as he changed but he tried not to think of it too much. The warm water felt nice as it washed over him, removing all the blood and goo. After scrubbing himself with soap the best he could he put on the clean pajamas. They didn't smell like home at all. Carlton bent down, grabbed his ruined Slytherin robe and walked out of the cubicle to hand it to the healer.

He held it outstretched for the man to take as he rubbed his nose, gaze to the floor again. The adrenaline that had been pumping through his body whilst inside the portal was gone now and so was his ability to think for himself. Quietly, he stood waiting to be told what to do next. Sleep? Eat? Talk? He'd lost track of time, he was even unsure on what day it was.

"I'd like my uniform to just be cleaned, Sir. I'll keep it.." It, of course, had his name stitched inside it and his mother had lined his trousers with gold fabric covered in stars. Even if he wasn't going to want to wear them again, they meant a lot.

Rooney grunted in response to Henry quietly announcing that he was hungry. Personally, he didn't think he could bear to eat a thing with how sick he still felt, but props to Henry to be thinking about food at a time like this. The sixth year sat quiet on the bed he had claimed as his own and flicked through his notebook carefully to pass the time. With a sigh, he closed the page when coming to his brainstorms for Olivia's birthday and tucked the book under his pillow. Just what he needed right now...to be reminded about the girl that wasn't his anymore.

His eyes fell to the first year when he came out after washing, and he extended an arm. "You can come sit on my bed too, Carlton." Unless they were supposed to sleep. But Rooney doubted that he would ever be able to sleep again. Closing his eyes just made him think he was back in front of the whatever it was and fearing for his life.

Soon there was a house elf that had just popped into the room and his eyes big and wide as he peered over the tray of food. "Oh masters are safe and masters have to be hungry. Pips got the message from master healer and he hurried to make you all the food you could want." Pips was a good elf and pips hurried when told to hurry.

River was very concerned about the boys, particularly the youngest of the group. Rooney and Henry can talk amid their encounter with the monster, and he was slightly worried about the long term effects of the ordeal, especially Carlton. The Healer man got his Ministry approved evidence bag and stuffed the Slytherin uniform inside it. "Thank you, Carlton." That too will be given to the right personnel for further investigation and research. Now that evidence materials were safely stored away, perhaps the Ministry personnel can now stop breathing down his neck? And Paul's?

The Healer man gave Rooney a nod, as he turned to lock the evidence materials away for now, and returned to see one of the house elves bearing food. It was...a lot, but he'd rather give the boys a variety of food to choose from. "Thank you, Pips. Oh, and if you could please mend and clean those uniforms for the boys?" he asked pointing to the basket of soiled clothes in the corner.

River turned his attention back to the boys and encouraged them to start eating. "Please eat slowly, gentlemen. You don't want an upset stomach in the end," he said giving them all a friendly grin. "After your meals, we can get started with your treatment." No time to dilly-dally, because he knew the Board of Governors will be coming over in a few days. He wanted those boys recovering...or partially recovered at least when they come down to meet.

"I'll be over here to prepare your potions. Tuck in, boys." River turned away to let them eat on their own and busied himself preparing the potions and his medical apparatus.

Did one of those Ministry people seriously chase after them to the hospital wing? Henry hadn't noticed when they first came in, but perhaps that had to do with the calming draught he had taken which gave his senses a sort of dullness. But he caught the mention of it from the healer which only made him thankful that two of the adults were as protective as they were. He didn't want strangers bothering him about what had just happened. He didn't want to talk about it at all or be reminded of it, though he wasn't sure he'd ever forget.

It did not matter to Henry either way what happened to his uniform. It was just like the others he had and he didn't associate the bad memories to that particular set as they all looked the same. Might as well just clean it up as it hadn't been ruined and he simply shrugged in response to the healer as he mentioned it.

The Hufflepuff gave Carlton a tiny reassuring smile as he finally came in with the healer. It made him feel better that the first year was there within his sight and, even if he felt a long way from being okay, he thought they were at least all safe in there together. As the younger boy cleaned himself up and Rooney looked through a notebook, Henry... wasn't sure what to do with himself. He didn't really want to be consumed with his thoughts and, to be honest, he didn't really know what to say as he would rather not bring up events. He simply sat quietly on the bed, his eyes darting around the room a bit before falling on the Healer's big dog. Roscoe.. right? Henry was a fan of the man's dogs - well, really any dog - and he called him over.

The dog made him suddenly think of his own pet - his kneazle, Chewbacca. Had he really been gone for five days like everyone was saying? He hoped that someone had taken care of him as he suddenly grew worried. And.. and Charlotte had gotten him a kitten. A kitten that was still nameless. It seemed like a distant memory now, but he remembered it suddenly. He was really happy, before.... before things happened. He frowned a bit at the thought, his mind turning over a few things, as Carlton reappeared.

He would have offered the same as Rooney, but Henry had gotten the idea that they were already somewhat close before this whole ordeal. And that was okay. Both of them being in the same room as him was enough. But he jumped slightly when the house elf suddenly appeared, being easily startled in his current state. Oh... food. That was a lot of food, and Healer Reed didn't need to worry. Even if Henry was starving, he wasn't sure how much he could actually eat. "Thanks, Pips," he told the elf with a small smile and he grabbed a sandwich from the tray. Treatment..? He wondered what that entailed and he took a small bite from the corner of his sandwich, chewing slowly as he watched the healer start out of the room. "Healer Reed?"

All washed up and in a new set of pajamas, Carlton walked over to Rooney's bed and crawled up on top of it. And there he sat, fiddling with the edge of the cover.

His head jerked up at the sound of a house elf, he was always excited to see house elves in any reality. He'd never actually talked to any of them, but he'd stalked observed them from afar, peeking into the kitchen. This one was so close though. Carlton gave both Roo and Henry a quick look before returning his attention to the house elf. Pips. Carlton liked him already.

However, he wasn't really craving any food. He wasn't tired, wasn't hungry he was just... There. He looked over at all the food but slumped his shoulders again, watching the healer's back as he prepared 'the treatment'. He hoped it wouldn't hurt. He also hoped Pips wouldn't be offended if he didn't eat. The calming draught had worked its way through his system and the panic he'd felt earlier wasn't there anymore. But he did feel anxious. Anxious to be left alone, to go to sleep and to expect the monster to appear at any second. Once again he refused to allow himself to think of it.

Carlton looked over at Henry and eyed the sandwich the older boy had reached for. That seemed like the right thing to do, to eat. But Carlton could barely look at the food without a rush of nausea. He hoped whatever healer Reed had in store for them didn't require their stomachs full. Even though he didn't want any treatment, he hoped it meant that the healer wouldn't be leaving them alone any time soon. Carlton never wanted to be left alone again.

Like Carlton, Rooney didn't feel up to eating anything at all. However, he took a few things and set them on his leg. "Thank you ever so much, Pips. It all looks lovely." And as much as he was used to lots of food being here in the castle, it seemed like this was much too much. Even though to anyone else it was probably a mere single serving.

All in all, the boy didn't think he was going to be eating any of this food unless Healer Reed demanded that they put something in their system and even then...he doubted that he would keep it down for more than a minute. His stomach was testy and he was getting the urge to write and draw. The calming draught they had been given had settled into his system and he wasn't so much being a fidget or on edge, but he was focused on deciphering the million thoughts going on in his brain. To give him something to do.

Quietly, Rooney feathered his fingers through Carlton's now-clean hair and offered him a gentle smile. And then he asked a question to both of the boys. "This part isn't a dream, right? It's not in my imagination that we're okay?

Pips set the tray down and took the robes. "Pips will get these cleaned for you masters. Pips will make sure they are back to fresh and new." He sniffed at the robes and wrinkled his nose. He nodded at the boys appreciation of his food. Pips was a good elf he loved to cook for the masters.

Turning and poofed out to get the robes done.

River's lips tugged into a grin as he watched Rooney try to have a conversation with Carlton. What the youngest boy needed was a comforting presence of someone familiar as his body naturally recovers from the shock. The older boys were able to bounce back, albeit the loss of appetite and not wanting unnecessary attention. The Healer man surreptitiously took a step back and turned towards his workstation nearby and began to prepare the boys' potions when Henry called out to him. He took a peek at the screen that separated the apparatus, and gave the Hufflepuff a reassuring smile, "I'm not going anywhere, Master Whittebrook." he said, quickly as River assumed that they didn't want to be left alone. Well, someone has to do their potions, right?

It was indeed a good move from the man to prepare the base formula beforehand, not only to be efficient when the lost boys returned but it also showed his faith in them that they will return to the real Hogwarts alive. With their medical records and birth charts laid in front of him, River quietly measured ingredients in flasks, mixing them in separate cauldrons, and putting them in labelled phials; one for each boy.

He returned to the group with a metal tray in his hand and placed it on one of the available bedside tables. "I am aware that people would want to ask you questions about the portal, and surely, you too have questions about it. However, as promised, we will not be doing any kind of interrogation. Here, in the safety of the Hospital Wing, you will get your treatment...and I will allow you the time to recover peacefully." he said picking up Henry's phial and showed it to the boys. "Each one of you will be put to sleep, but before you could protest, no, it will not let you have dreams. The purpose of this sleeping draught is to restore your cells from within, and for me to treat your wounds without worrying about triggering memories from the portal." Versus when they are awake. Two Fwoopers with one stone, yes? River got his wand out, vanished the wall separating the second unit from where they were sat, and summoned the extra bed for Carlton. "Let's do this, as quickly as possible boys. If the Ministry sees you knocked out and resting, they will eventually be out of Hogwarts as quickly as they came in." No chance for interviews, and whatever shenanigans they were planning on the boys. River handed out their phials, and waited for them to drink up. "Try sitting back on your pillows first before downing it. The draught is quite potent." he advised, urging Carlton to move on the next bed. "Bottoms up, gentlemen."

***

While the three boys were knocked out, River started his healing activity, cleaning their wounds, patching up their skin, got rid of bruises, and fixed Carlton's swollen and broken ankle. Once all the boys were initially healed, he placed a bubble charm over their mouths and noses, levitated them one by one and placed them in a specialised tank filled with all sorts of healing herbs, plants, and the very potent Dittany essence. River watched as the three boys floated around the apparatus, taking note of the changes that appeared before his eyes. The right healthy tone of skin was back, the scars from his initial healing session were gone, and their faces and lips started to turn a healthy glow of pink and red. While they floated aimlessly inside the huge tank, River summoned a chair and unceremoniously sat on it watching the boys helplessly as he felt the relief wash over him. The physical treatment was a success, however, he wasn't too sure about the lasting effects of the trauma that the boys have sustained. He'd have to check back on them days after their stay in the Quarantined Room. To seek help from St. Mungo's was still a possibility. River let out an fatigued sigh and reached out for the food that was left by Pips earlier. He forgot about morning tea, and lunch, and afternoon tea until he sat on his chair. Who said being a Healer was easy-peasy?

After their second swim in the tank the following morning, the boys were back in their beds all clean and dry. Their wounds and scars were gone, and they all looked refreshed like nothing happened to them, even the small pimples from the two older boys have vanished, and their pulses and breathing were a-okay. River, looking tired and dishevelled from his night watch, checked and re-checked their records, and deemed that the boys could take in visitors from their immediate family members. One Miss Brinlee Bronwyn barraged through his door, much to the alarm of the Healer, and showered her still unconscious brother lots of kisses and hugs. Books and class notes were also left for the Prefect to peruse. Shortly after Rooney's first visitor, Marilyn Romalotti also asked if she could see Rooney. Of course, River had to remind the woman that only immediate family members can see the patients, but because he knew what went on with her daughter and the Prefect, River considered the request and allowed Olivia's mother to check him out.

And then there were gifts. River had to make a note outside the door that all get-well-soon cards and presents were to be deposited outside the door. Each was inspected before placing them (was that a giant chocolate frog from Master Derfael?) at the foot of the boys' beds. Speaking of gifts, the Healer man quickly gave Charlotte a quick visit and then proceeded to his office to retrieve a kitten. Said cat was on Charlotte's person after she collapsed, and River figured that the kitten was for, or belonged to one of the boys. It would've been really helpful if the kitten came with a collar or any form of identification. The kitten was kept safely inside a nice wooden cage, and River placed it on Henry's bedside table.

***

After a very quick shower, River found himself back inside the Quarantined Room and like routine, went over to the windows and slowly drew the curtains back to let some illumination in, and opened the window so the boys could get some fresh morning air. The Healer man took a seat as he waited for the boys to finally wake up, but was distracted by the presence of...breakfast? Who was it that kept bringing him food lately? Definitely not one of the elves because they wouldn't if they were not asked.

Huh. River sniffed his plate, examined it with a quick spell...and when he saw that it was safe to consume, the Healer man began to eat. Halfway through his meal, his lips tugged into a grin, wondering if his theory was correct.





OOC: Hey guys! So sorry for the very long reply and for compressing our RP this way. Inquiries have been made as to how long this RP might take, and considering the other plot events currently happening (BoG Meeting), I have decided to reduce it to 3 IC days so we could overlap this event with the meeting nicely (less confusion and all that). It's not that I couldn't wait for your replies, but I had to speed things up a bit so we're on schedule and that you can start playing in Hogwarts again. At this point, you can RP your characters waking up feeling refreshed! It's up to you, however, on what goes inside their brains after waking up. River can only do so much, so you have all the freedom here.

Henry's eyes found the healer's as the man turned back to answer him. Um, no, he actually had a question. The fifth year was fine as long as the other two boys were with him. But as the man turned back to work on their potions, Henry decided it could wait another moment. It wasn't something he wanted to shout across the room.

The rest of his sandwich would remain uneaten as two bites seemed to be all his stomach could handle, even if he didn't feel much better from it. He set the rest of it on the bedside table and turned to Carlton and Rooney. "I don't think it's a dream." Honestly, everything even now still felt sort of surreal, but he held onto the hope that they'd be alright. "I think we're okay now. Really," he added quietly. But he wasn't so sure how okay he felt, even if he felt they were safe. For now. He still had an underlying sense of dread under the dullness of the calming draught, and he wasn't sure how it was going to go away.

His eyes followed the healer as he returned to the room and he listened somewhat apprehensively. He was rather curious about what their treatment was going to be, but at the same time he wasn't sure he wanted to know. Henry opened his mouth to protest against the sleeping draught, but quickly closed it again. He didn't want to dream. He was sure he knew what would be waiting for him the moment he closed his eyes. And even though his body was exhausted, he wasn't so sure he could turn his mind off enough to sleep.

But... he felt like he should trust the healer do what he needed to do to make them okay again. And he did like the sound of those Ministry people not being able to bother them while they were here. He didn't want that at all. He also had a bunch of questions, but wasn't able to form them into words, whether that was the effect of the calming draught or the trauma of the past day or simply his exhaustion. Henry hesitated but he took the vial. Scooching back on his bed to lean back on his pillow, he downed the potion quickly and almost as soon he laid the empty vial on the bedside table, his head fell back on his pillow and he was out cold.

The healer wasn't kidding when he said the potion was strong. Henry had no conscious thought over the next day or so while Healer Reed tended to his treatment. Just... nothingness.

He could feel himself slowly drifting out of the abyss as he started to regain consciousness on their third day in the hospital wing. And as he became more lucid, Henry suddenly woke up with a start. Where was he? What time was it? What day was it? What was happening? Panic grew as his eyes darted around the room while he lay in his bed and memories crept in at the edges of his mind. His breathing heavy as he started to remember just why he was in here, why all of them were in here as his eyes fell on the other two sharing the room with him.

"Okay... okay.." he whispered to himself, trying to find some center of calm as he started to sit up and remember things. He sat for a moment, trying to make sense of things and wake himself up some more, when he heard a soft mewing from the side of his bed. He turned and tried to focus his sleep-heavy eyes. He leaned over and opened up the cage, staring at the small kitten inside for a moment. "Hey... I know you," he smiled softly as he gently lifted the kitten out and cuddled him to his chest.

Carlton stirred, slowly moving his legs under the cover. The bed was comfy and he snuggled into the pillow a little. What day was it? Hopefully Saturday or Sunday, which meant he could sleep juuust a tiny bit longer. With a satisfied grin he rolled over on his side and curled up into a ball. He'd go down to the great hall for some breakfast and then swing by the library to catch up on Ancient Runes before next class. And next class was... Carlton frowned. He couldn't actually remember the last class he went to, or the last thing he ate.

Portal, monster, hospital wing.

Carlton immediately opened his eyes only to realize he wasn't in his dorm. Was he alone?

He drew in a quick breath and in half a second his heart was racing as he sat up, his surroundings swaying from the sudden movement. He felt dizzy but he was prepared to run to the nearest adult. That was before he spotted one; The healer. And then his eyes landed on Henry with a tiny kitten. The 11 year old let out a relieved sigh and fell back down on the bed, pulling the cover up to his chin.

"Hi." He said quietly, staring up at the ceiling. It might be the first word he'd uttered since he got out of the portal and his throat felt dry. He had no concept on how long they were in the portal for or how long ago he came out. But he felt... Rested. And he didn't have any nightmares, just like healer Reed had promised them. He wondered how long he'd have to take that sleeping draught for. Maybe forever, or maybe healer Reed would tell him to eventually deal with the nightmares... Shudder.. He was not looking forward to leaving the hospital wing at ALL. He looked around him. Sure. He could picture himself living there. Maybe a few more colorful curtains to brighten up the place. A few plants and maybe an arcade game. He'd talk to the healer about redecorating once he was feeling a little better.

Hesitantly he began wiggling his right foot and to his surprise, it didn't hurt. He pushed himself up on his elbows and stuck his foot outside the cover to properly look at it. It wasn't red, swollen or hurting anymore. Carlton looked over at healer Reed, wiggling his ankle to him like a little foot-wave. That was a thing. "Lookit, healer Reed." Carlton mumbled, giving the man a toe-wiggle as well for good measure. "My foot is back to normal."

People really took their feet for granted. Carlton would appreciate both of his ankles every day from now on. Thank you little feet for taking me places.

Honestly, Rooney had settled into a 'go' energy ever since they got into the hospital wing and being instructed to lie down because they'd be going to sleep now went easy for him. His head lay against the pillow immediately after drinking his potion hadn't even had time to get through his full thought about asking someone to contact his mother before he was out like a light. Good, though. Because had he been given any extra time, he would have been reduced to tears at the thought of his 4' 10" tall mother dealing with her oldest child being missing. How heartbreaking.

As he came to, Rooney moved cautiously into a position where he could easily get out of his bed if he needed to. He had assumed that the uncertain feeling in his stomach that he remembered was the reason he was awake or needing the toilet. But as he let his eyes open properly, he found that he actually didn't have any sort of feeling in his stomach. Just hunger. Dull hunger. Nothing awful that was tearing his insides apart. Or perhaps he would never consider a stomach feeling as bad as the one he remembered. What..did he remember? Screams. He remembered screams.

Carlton.

Instinctively, he shot up into a sitting position and looked immediately around. "Carlton? Carlton?!" Roo let out a sigh of relief when he caught sight of the younger boy, looking in much better condition than he remembered him looking. "What'd I miss?" Clearly a lot. Given the pile next to his bed. He managed to make out the handwriting from his kid sister and deconstructed the mess of words to suggest that she was giving him updates on classes and books to read. Maybe it was time for Brinlee to accept help with her writing and spelling from someone other than him. He clearly wasn't able to help her.

Or anyone. Hadn't been able to help Liv either. And then there was helping himself.... Something he hadn't been able to do and that Henry had had to step in for him.

If he tried to go back to sleep...would all of this self doubt disappear? Could he sleep for eternity?

After he finished his breakfast, River took the opportunity to do a quick clean up of the room, as well as to retrieve a couple more phials for the next and last stage of the boys' treatment as the boys slowly returned to their reality. The Healer man was just in time to see the first boy stir, and he quickly took quiet steps towards Henry, a relieved grin on his face. "Good morning, Master Whittebrook. How are you feeling?" he said reaching out to the boy, and rested his hand on his forehead to check him one last time. "Ah. So it's yours," he said gesturing his head towards the kitten. "It took quite the trip to get to you," meaning the small cat were in Charlotte's shirt. Did he know? "Also, your mother was here yesterday. I allowed her to come see you while you were fast asleep. She was very worried, but I assured her that you will be fine after all the treatments available have been exhausted." And speaking of treatments, he still had another one for them. That is, if they are even willing to do it with him.



Merlin, bless this child. He was back and a tiny bit of himself already. River took note of his mood, and sighed. Of course, he hoped Carlton would be back to his normal, cheery self but that's quite impossible, for now. However, the next 'treatment' will help the kid back to his feet again. There was no way he'd return the boy broken to his muggle mother.

"Hello to you too, Carlton's foot. Good to see you're well and fixed." River grinned as he went to Carlton's bed next, and placed his hand on the boy's forehead. "Good morning, Master Lewis. It's good to have you back." he said, giving the boy's head a little ruffle after he took note of his temperature. "Come on now, you've been sleeping for more than 24 hours. Your head and back must be aching for you to be in an upright position." Gently, he lifted Carlton's upper half by his neck, turned his pillows around propping it against the wall and allowed the boy to lean against it. "That's better." he said patting the boy on the shoulder and turned to see Rooney next.



Rooney Bronwyn. River had his hands on Rooney's shoulders by now and tried to calm him down. He perfectly understood the panic, and the Healer man was quick to stop it. "Now, now Prefect Bronwyn. Take it easy...Carlton is perfectly okay." River knew Rooney could see that, but he wanted to offer him the reassurance of an adult. They all needed that, after the ordeal that they had to go through. "How are you, though?" the Healer man asked offering him a kind smile.

River also took note of the boy's temperature and was glad that all of them were okay. The physical treatment went really well, as it should, given that it was a St. Mungo's grade type of treatment. Only the best for the Hogwartian students, of course. The man took notice of his gifts and let out a chuckle as he sat on the edge of Rooney's bed. "Your sister was quite adamant about seeing you." More like, he was harassed in the process, "And a loving one as well. You're very lucky, Rooney." he said giving the prefect a grin. Marilyn Phillips also paid him a visit while he was knocked out cold. River wasn't sure if he should tell Rooney about it, as he was considerate enough to be sensitive regarding Rooney's feelings towards any association with Olivia.



***



As soon as he was done checking and updating their medical records, River cleared his throat to get all the boy's attention. "First of all, welcome back gentlemen. We are all very glad to have you here safe and sound." he started giving them a warm smile. "Today is your third day in the Hospital Wing, and as I checked your medical records, you are all healthy enough to be released from the Hospital Wing this afternoon." River paused as he twirled his muggle pen around his fingers in thought, "The treatment you have received returned positive results to your physical well-being, however, I cannot say the same for your memories of the ordeal." physical trauma can be reversed in days, but it was entirely different when it came to mental trauma.

"Before you were knocked out to get your treatment, you do remember that there were people who wanted information from you, correct?" he paused looking at each boy, "I, personally, will not allow it still after you are released from my care. That's why I asked the Headmistress if I can extract your memories, so the right ministry personnel can have a first-hand account of your experience...through the use of the Pensieve. This way, you wouldn't be bothered by unfamiliar adults, and forcing yourselves to remember every detail of what you have witnessed." River paused, as he drew in a single deep breath, and let it out slowly. "Memory extraction has been used by countless witches and wizards who would like to review a single memory once more through a device called Pensieve. This too has been used to help quiet the mind of a witch or wizard. I proposed this idea to the Headmistress, as I figured that it would help you three greatly, and we would be able to satisfy the Ministry personnel who wants a full study of your ordeal. They can see it for themselves if they are truly brave enough." Again, two Fwoopers in one stone. "However, this is merely a suggestion, and it will remain as such unless you are willing to give this memory to me. Here, I have three phials with your names on it," he said laying it out on Rooney's bed, "I assume that this is going to be your first time, so I will be very honest with you here," he said taking another pause, "Memories of the incident will still be there, but it will be just like a distant memory after it has been extracted from you. The procedure will be done by me, and it's not entirely painless." Taking one's memory isn't really pleasant at all, but the long term effect would be greatly appreciated. "And lastly, I will not take it against you if you say no to the memory extraction. Again, this is merely a suggestion." River finally stood up from Rooney's bed and waited for the boys to make their decision.

The hands of the Healer did not immediately calm him by themselves, but it was the appearance of the younger Slytherin in another bed that did. "M'fine..." He mumbled, pushing his hair back out of his eyes and tracing the letters of Brinlee's name at the end of her writing. It was only a small lie, because he felt fine. He just knew that he wasn't completely fine yet. He wasn't out of the woods, none of them were. However, he would soon see that there were easy enough fixes for that according to the people he was in the care of.

"She doesn't have many friends, Sir. I'm sorry if she overstepped a boundary." Another lie. Rooney wasn't sorry at all. He was glad that Brinlee was able to make her own decisions and threw herself into the things that she believed to be right and true and matters of the heart. If rules were broken, then he could find a way to see past that. Roo fell quiet as Healer Reed moved off the bed he was in and started to speak to the three of them........as if this were a class.......... Had.... Was...... Had Rooney woke up in the middle of a class? A speech? 'Welcome back'? They had been here for...three days, as the man said mere seconds later. But things were only just worthy of a welcome back?

This school was confusing. More confusing that everything else he was aware of happening to them recently. Three days in here. Five days missing. That meant eight days total. Eight days would be so hard to catch up on, even for this Ravenclaw with his knowledge in bounds and ease of picking up new things. Rooney skipped over listening to the part about them being released as he was focused on the other things being said and therefore it was irrelevant. They were going to be turfed out of here even if they didn't feel up to it, so it made no point to argue on it. Not in his mind, anyway.

..........


........................................


............

To begin with, Healer Reed's "suggestion" of having their memories extracted was met with silence and a straight face from the sixth year as he mulled over what it was he wanted to say in response. "You're not giving my memories to anyone, Sir. I'll give them as I wish and as I see fit. In my words and my drawings. They're my memories." And even though he was well aware that this would plague him for the foreseeable future, as Olivia's trauma had, he was not ready to part with it for the education of government professionals. And as for the phials that were put on his bed, he swept his foot across and sent the three of them caveering onto the floor.

His personal answer was no.

Magic was not taking his memories from him when it hadn't helped him when he most needed it. And as for his wand.........

Well...........

He reached for the wood on the cabinet beside his bed and stood beside his bed, slight crouch. Rooney placed the tip of his wand under his foot and placed his full weight onto that one leg. And then he lifted the other end of his wand back on itself, only stopping at the SNAP of the wood before excusing himself quietly to slip into the bathroom.

Carlton smiled when healer Reed greeted his foot. That was a strange man. But the foot had waved back so maybe it wasn't that strange. With a comfortable sigh after his hair got ruffled, he leaned back against the pillows.

Surprised he looked over at Rooney when he called his name. Yes. Carlton. Dat me. Hi. Carlton fluffed his pillow and looked between Rooney, Henry and healer Reed. Yup. He liked them all. Until the healer told them they would be out of the hospital wing that same afternoon. Carlton's jaw dropped as he stared at the man. What was this now?! A betrayal! Why couldn't the four of them live there like a happy family until summer? Why did he have to go back to the Slytherin common room all by himself?

He crossed his arms in frustration and only half-listened to what the healer said next. Another treatment, yada yada. Whatever. The 'won't be entirely painless'-part did send a jolt of nervousness through him though. But he'd do it. If it was what the healer deemed best then it probably was. His mother always told him to obey teachers and so he always had.

That was until Rooney spoke and pushed the phials on the floor. Carlton's eyes widened and he stared at him. DID EVERYONE SEE THAT? I mean, of course they did. But STILL. He continued to stare at Rooney when he brought out his wand and SNAPPED IT.

WHAAAAAA.

This was a lot to take in for the 11-year old. Rooney who had tutored him twice a week since he arrived at Hogwarts had just refused to follow healer Reed's advice AND destroyed his wand. WHAT WHAT WHAT. Carlton had his mouth wide open and stared at Rooney when he left for the bathroom. WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT?! Was Carlton supposed to do the same thing? Because over the last couple of months he always copied what Rooney did because PAPA. To make that happen he would have to pick the phials off the floor only to drop them again, break his wand (if he could find it) and walk off (where would he go if the bathroom was occupied?). It probably wouldn't be as dramatic as Rooney.

WHAT NOW?

Torn between doing what healer Reed said and what Rooney did, Carlton looked at Henry for advice. Because NOPE, he couldn't make a decision before hearing what the older boys thought.

Henry stroked the kitten's soft fur as he tried to continue to wake up and make sense of things. Was this really his kitten? He hadn't gotten to look at his gift from Charlotte all that long, but he was near certain that this was the same cat. How did he get here?

His eyes fell on both Carlton and Rooney as they started to wake up too, but before he could say anything, the healer was coming over towards him. He flinched at the man's hand heading for his forehead, not really expecting it and not really wanting to be touched right now. That feeling of intrusiveness was starting to come back, nothing personal against the healer as Henry knew he was trying to help, but he wasn't wanting the attention and he'd appreciate a warning first.

It took quite the trip to get here? What did that mean? Henry still cradled the kitten protectively as he gave the healer a questioning look. "How did he get here?" The man's words sounded somewhat foreboding, so he looked to him for an explanation. The news of his mother coming to visit him gave him pause. Not that he'd doubt that a family member would come to visit him in this situation - a situation he was still trying to understand - but the thought of her being worried about him missing and him being unconscious when she came... it was just a lot to think about.

More treatments? Third day in the hospital wing? They were out for that long? He slowly looked between the other two boys as Healer Reed started lecturing them. That didn't make much more sense than them being gone for the five days in the portal dimension that had been said... Apparently it had all not been a terrible nightmare, but he tried not to let those memories creep back into his consciousness. And he knew what memory extraction was without the lengthy discourse. But that didn't mean he was remotely willing to offer any of his memories to.. well, anyone. His memories were his own and they were private. He didn't feel extracting them from his mind would be any less intrusive than him being interrogated.

Henry was just about to voice his personal opinion about having his memory taken from him when Rooney spoke up first. His eyes first settled on the prefect before falling onto the phials as they shattered onto the floor. "Ditto." What Rooney said. Henry agreed for himself as well. "I'm not giving out my memories either." And.. well, he certainly wouldn't tell Carlton what to do, but he turned to give the younger boy a small reassuring smile. Things were pretty overwhelming for Henry, he imagined it had to be even more so for the first year.

Hearing a snap, Henry quickly turned his head back in the direction of Rooney and his mouth dropped a bit in shock. Did he just..? His eyes widened as he saw the broken pieces of the boys wand on the floor. "Rooney, wh-....?" he started, trailing off as he watched him head off to the bathroom. That was kind of devastating and he frowned a bit, watching the bathroom a moment before he carefully set the kitten down on his bed. He slowly got out of his bed and bent down to pick up the pieces of wood on the floor. "Maybe it can be fixed," he said quietly, more to himself than anything.

He was tired, stressed out, and his patience was almost non-existent considering that he too had to deal with the unknown. The man was presented with a case, of which the source was not entirely clear to him, and yet there he was working day and night to bring the boys back to their old form. For obvious reasons, they have turned down the suggestion, however, River believed that he did not have to feel attacked with the dramatics, and wand snapping. The Healer man simply stood there, with his hands tucked behind him and watched Rooney excuse himself to go to the bathroom. As soon as he walked out on him, the man took the phials back and placed it in his pocket. Two older boys already said no, and he did not expect Carlton to be positive about it. Again, he wasn't going to take it against the boys. It was a suggestion, and nothing more.

River kept a placid look on his face as he faced Henry to answer his question. "Charlotte. She's been looking for the three of you." the man turned his back to collect their robes, and quietly placed it on their beds. "She's outside as we speak. Would you like to see her, Henry?" the flinching from a while back was noticed, and it was his cue to take another step back from allowing visitors to see them. But then again, he wasn't Charlotte. These kids hated adults, so maybe it'd be a different story.

River eyed the broken wand in Henry's hand and decided right then and there to let Roderick know what happened. The man ought to check on his eagles because frankly, he wasn't in the position to pry on any student's life unless they come to him first with their concerns.

Quietly, the man busied himself by cleaning up the room and retired to the other corner of the room where he set up his office to work on some reports while looking out for the boys. He wouldn't force them to go, instead, he will let them walk out of his watch on their own accord.

Now...to face these Ministry monsters.

Ensuring that the door was locked behind him, Rooney looked at himself in the mirror and looked away immediately. How was it that he looked like himself once again? He didn't look exhausted. He didn't look like he'd recently thrown up over the Head Girl or a Prefect. He looked like Rooney...yet he didn't quite feel like Rooney.

Had anyone in the hospital wing been properly understanding of Rooney, then they would have known that his big dramatic outbursts were usually to cover up his urge to cry. And that was exactly what all of this was, because he had settled himself in a corner on the bathroom floor and was crying into his knees as quiet as he could.