Hospital Wing

"You said 'does it hurt', but I kinda zoned out on you I'm afraid." Shadow said.

"Oh, right, well that's okay, I could've guessed you were in pain anyway," said Hayley

Shadow nodded slowly.

Hayley managed a small smile. "I hope you get better soon anyway,"

"Thanks." Shadow said.

Hayley pointed at Jake. "I don't know if you've met before, this is Jake," she said to Shadow.

Shadow nodded.
"No, we haven't. I'm Shadow."

Jake nodded, "Nice to meet you," he smiled.

Shadow nodded in acknowledgment.
"Same."

Hayley smiled.

Holly was quite surprised at how Shadow had aknowledged this human being, but she let it slide.

Hayley looked at Holly, and said quietly, "What's wrong?" as she noticed a strange look upon her face.

Gareth came into the hospital wing.

"Parvati Patil told me you'd be here...you were taking a friend....Oh...are you ok," Gareth asked Shadow, putting an arm round Natalie.

"Hi Gareth," said Hayley politely. Jake nodded at him, "Hey," he said.

"Hi," said Gareth, "we met at the Yule Ball."

"Yeah," said Jake and Hayley in unision.

"Yeah," Riley George and Holly said in unison, and grinned at each other.

"That's wierd," said Hayley. She stroked Elliott who was perched on her shoulder. "It would be cool if Elliot could talk," said Hayley thoughtfully.

"Hi," said Gareth," we also met a the Yule Ball...and your friend on the bed...well...I take it she's ok now?"

"We think so," said Jake, "Hopefully anyway." Hayley nodded.

"Yarg," Holly said.

Hayley smiled at Holly, who was using her signature word.

"Mmm..." said Gareth, looking doubtfully at the bleeding scar Shadow had aquired.

"Don't worry, she'll be fine...." Hayley trailed off.

"Yeah...it's just a....scratch," said Natalie, frowning.

Hayley nodded, but as well as Gareth she was wary of the worst possible scenario. She quickly put that though out of her head.

"She'll be ok," said Natalie.

"Yes," said Hayley, "She will,"

"Eventually." Raven added, and Shadow glared at her.

Hayley was quiet, unsure of what to say next.

Riley smiled politely at Hayley and then turned to Holly.
"Hogsmede on Saturday!" he said excitedly, "AND WWW have opened up a branch there. How cool would that be?"
"Mega ultra," Holly said engaged, "Shall we go and-"
She stopped, wandering how to ask.

Hayley raised her eyebrows, and wondred what was coming next. "Go on," she said.

Shadow looked around, wondering what Holly was going to say.

"Holly......" Hayley said

Shadow stood up, meaning to leave, but started to sway. Raven pushed her back onto the bed.

Hayley gasped, at Shadow. "You okay?" she said quietly.

Shadow nodded, a bit confused.

"Cool it Raven," said Natalie, frowning, "see just wants to stretch her legs a bit."

"I can't stand captivity of any type." Shadow said.

"That was going to be my second guess," said Natalie.

((Congrats on 4th year!))

Shadow smiled slightly.

((Thanks....I didn't even notice...lol))

"Is the war over in your dimension?" Natalie asked.

"If only." Raven said. "We got sent back to make sure that we can leave for an indefinite period of time."
"The war has only just begun." Shadow replied.

"Is it civil...or...instead of a world war....a dimension war?" Natalie asked.

"Dimensional. Thankfully we've got the Careen on our side." Raven said.
"Because we are an essentially peaceful dimension, people take us for the weak ones." Shadow explained.

Natalie felt anger bubble up inside her, having been picked on on muggle school...and what Shadow said reminded her of how bigger peopl liked to bully ones smaller than them.

Shadow sensed Natalie's emotions and shifted uncomfortably.

"It's ok...I can't be angry about the past," said Natalie, calming down.

Shadow nodded. She looked around, thinking.

Natalie sat silently, lost in her own thoughts.