“Listen Rosie, Hogwarts isn’t like your elementary school. The professors are a lot harder on you, but that’s only because the magic we have is a dangerous gift and they want you to be able to control it the best you can. Most of the professors will still be willing to help you however they can. A witch or wizard untrained can be disastrous.” Jacob said as he leaned back, looking up at the starry sky.
“But you said most..”Rosie said, hugging her legs. She was only a couple years away from going to Hogwarts.
“Well.. There is Professor Snape.” Jacob set up, rubbing the back of his head. He grimaced remembering how Snape almost took away fifty points from Ravenclaw for him messing up an extremely finicky potion. Took out a table with that failure..
“But hey.” He pulled his little sister into a one-armed hug. “By the time you get there, I’ll be in my final year. I’ll be able to help you. And get you on the quidditch team. You’ll be as great a flier as I am!” He let out a loud laugh. “Just remember. An Albright never gives in.”
“Never gives up!!” Rosie finished, with a little too much excitement.
Jacob laughed again, ruffling her hair, “That’s right!”
“Kid, you ok?”
Rosie let out a small grumble as she opened her eyes. She was leaning against a pillar, hugging her charms book to her chest. She had just tried to take a quick power nap, but judging by how empty the hall was, it was a lot longer than a nap. She looked at the one who woke her up and saw the hooded guy she often saw around the castle.
He went around doing odd jobs, taking supplies around the castle or going to Hogsmeade to get deliveries for the kitchens. He never really talked around the students, only people Rosie had ever seen him talk to were Dumbledore or Flitwick.
“”m fine… just slept longer than I had expected… And apparently missed my class..” She sighed. At least it was Flitwick’s class. He’d understand easier.
The Hooded figured appraised her and shook his head, “You’re pale. You need to go to the Hospital wing, just to check and make sure it’s nothing bad.”
“I’m fin-“ Rosie started, but he held up his hand.
“Save it, kid. I know there’s a cold or something going around the castle. Damn place is drafty as Merlin’s undergarments.” He huffed. “Albright, right? I’ve heard your name around from the professors. Causing trouble but let’s not have a sickness be a reason you get points taken away. Don’t want any more people blaming you for stuff you can’t control like that damned brother of yours.”
Rosie flared up, “D-don’t talk about Jacob like that!” She said, “He may have gotten in trouble and stuff bu-but he was a great brother! You didn’t even… even..” She had stood too quickly and had gotten light headed.
The hooded figure caught her before she fell. “Looks like it’s more than cold.” He huffed. “I’ll take you Madame Pomfrey… She’ll get ya sorted out, Albright.”
Rosie wanted to protest, but she could barely lift her head without getting dizzy now. She found herself nuzzling into the familiar embrace, drifting out of consciousness.
The hooded figure entered the hospital wing and Madame Pomfrey was about to tell him to leave, but then she saw Rosie, “!! Put her on the bed!” She ordered.
He nodded, going to put her on the bed. He was about to leave, but Rosie had gripped his sleeve in her hand. He looked down at her, she was still asleep. Though he could tell she definitely had a fever now.
“J-Jacob…” she whimpered softly.
The Hooded figure sighed and gently reached down, getting his sleeve free. He gently brushed her bangs off her face. “you need to forget him kid… just a loon he was… Forget him and move on…” He murmured. “you need anything from me, Madame Pomfrey?”
She shook her head, already getting her stuff to give the sick first year a check-up, “I’m fine. You can leave. Go back about your duties.”
He nodded and left, quietly closing the door behind him.
Ginger Ramblings 