You never know when a lunatic will come along & give you a sadistic choice to make -- Early Winter 1997

I smiled slightly.  "Just rest, June... I'll be here when you wake up," I said to her quietly.  I knew she was nearly about out completely.  There was no sense in continuing to talk, even though she wanted me to.  I just had a feeling she was going to not succumb to the sleep if I kept talking, though.

I nodded a few times as I yawned again, not having the energy to speak anymore, and gently drifted into a peaceful, dreamless sleep for the first time in awhile.

I sighed as I woke up, not sure how long I had been asleep, but my headache was back as was the memories, clear as the day they happened. I pushed myself up so I was sitting and saw Lincoln reading a text book. I gave him a tired smile as he looked over at me when I moved. "Hey, how long have I been out?" I saw the flask was still sitting on the bed side table and was happy I would be able to use it again. It had worked perfectly.

<< let me know of you want me to change anything, I know Linds said she wanted Harry to come in at some point....>>

<< I can have Lincoln leave here shortly, then, and go find Jetty?  That way Harry can come in  >>

I heard some movement from the bed and looked up from my textbook, smiling slightly.  Juniper had woken up.  At her question, I checked my watch on my wrist.  "It's a little after dinner," I told her.  "So awhile."  I never really ate with the other students, so it bothered me not that I missed dinner.

<< sounds good to me! I'll let her know she can pop in when she wants and maybe June, Lincoln and Harry can have a bit of a talk then Lincoln can go talk to Jetty? >>

"It's really been that long?" I asked. When he mentioned dinner, I realized how hungry I was. I looked over at him. "Have you eaten anything yet or have you been here the whole day?" I hoped he hadn't waited for me to wake up all day, but I was happy that he had been here when did I wake. I knew he didn't like to eat with everyone but there were other ways to get food.

<< That sounds good!  Maybe when Harry shows up, Linc is like... "she's in good hands" and leaves? >>

I nodded at her and furrowed my brow slightly.  "I've been reading since you've fallen asleep," I said, shrugging slightly.  I, apparently, had forgotten all about food with the studying I was doing.  I had literally drawn up a little desk that had parchment and notes on it along with my quill and ink.  I used my time quite wisely.

<< perfect! >>

I was happy that he had been studying and not just waiting for me to wake up but wasn't he hungry? "You must be hungry. I can see if Madam Pomfrey has food for you." I offered. I felt bad that he had spent his whole day here, it wasn't like I was very good company. I smiled at him, "Thanks for staying. It means a lot to me."

I shook my head.  It was nothing she needed to worry about.  I would eat in due time; I was not exactly exerting a lot of energy studying.  "I'm really alright," I told her simply, shrugging.  "And I didn't mind.  It's almost more peaceful and easier to study in here than anywhere else in the castle."  I smiled at her, knowing that she might not believe me.  The only other place as quiet as it had been in here was the library, though.

"I guess so." I said, not sure if i believed a hospital wing was peaceful but I'm sure it was quieter then most of the rest of the castle. And there wasn't many people here which was a good thing for Lincoln. "Either way, I am glad you got some studying done, I know I haven't been very alert." I tried to joke.

"Which is for the best," I assured her.  "It means you were actually resting."  I closed the book that was in my hand and set it on the desk.  "Do you need anything?"  I was not sure if she were in the mood to eat anything or not, but I would get her something if she wanted.

"I had one of the best rests I've had in a while." I said with a slight smile. My usually nightmare of Draco's task had temporarily left and I was able rest peacefully. I turned towards him when he asked if I needed anything. "I need to get out of here and help Draco." I told him. "Can you help me sneak out?" I wasn't sure if I was being serious or not. I wanted to get out of here so I could try to convince Draco that I was okay and that my life wasn't worth killing for, but was I strong enough to leave the hospital yet?

I shook my head at her.  "That is one thing I won't do," I told her slightly in a sad voice.  I knew that she did not want to stay in here, but it really was the best place for her right now.  I sighed and looked at Juniper.  "Well, at least not for a couple of days.  Then I will help you plan the great escape from Madam Pomfrey."

I sighed sadly but gave a small laugh when he talked about the great escape. "Pretty please with a cherry on top?" I asked as I turned to him. I had big puppy dog eyes on, completely uncharacteristic of me. I sighed again and tried to explain, "I need to help Draco. You and I both know he's not doing very well right now. I have to show him that I'm okay and that he doesn't have to worry about me." I turned my gaze to the ground. "He has more important things to worry about right now." I said softly.

I sighed, knowing she was right.  It was obvious to everyone that Draco was losing his grasp on things that used to be important to him -- such as appearances.  "I doubt that'll happen.  You're his sister, he'll always worry about you," I pointed out to her, knowing that it would not help much, but I also knew that it would be pointless to lie to her about it.

"I know that but...." But with everything he had to do, he was worried about me too much. "Right now, he needs to focus on....other things. Not me." I shook my head slightly and winced in pain but did my best to hide it from Lincoln. If Draco and I were both going to make it through to summer without him becoming a murder or me being killed, we both had to focus on finding another solution, not on me.

I could not help but chukle slightly.  "Good luck telling him that,' I said to her.  "You'll have to let me know how that goes."  There was no way that Juniper would convince her brother of anything differently.