"Where on earth have you been?" Oliver scowls.

"That's a lovely way to say hello. If you must know, I was arguing with one of my best friends. Now how can I help you?" I ask in no real mood to have yet another argument. His expressions softens, and I realize he is concerned not angry. Something has gone awry.

"You don't know, do you?" He places a hand calmly on my arm, squeezing it.

"Don't know what? What's happened?" Worry coats the words. 

"Let's head in, it's best if you sit down," He places an arm around me and guides me to sit by the fire. The fire gently warms my skin, I hadn't realized the chill before. I feel like the world is moving in slow motion as Oliver sits next to me. I feel the plush fabric of the couch beneath me and a sinking feeling hits my stomach. "I really don't know how to say this to you. George and Fred would have been here if they could have but they have been asked to Dumbledore's office. I assume you will be following soon."

I immediately begin to sweat. I feel like I am going to vomit. "What's happened?" 

"It's about Victoria. She's been hurt and she was rushed to St. Mungo's. She...she's nearly died. She was in some sort of duel on the Astronomy tower, and...she fell from the tower. Luckily a teacher was walking below and caught her with the Levicorpus spell. Her parents are devastated and so are Fred and George," Oliver's voice shakes as he speaks. My vision goes blurry and dark. My chest feels tight like someone or something strangles me and I begin to hyperventilate. My mind races to what could have happened and who would be so willing. My brain drifts farther into the spiral. Flashes of a scream echo in my mind. Angry, sordid words thrashed over spells flung with haste. Begging, pleading. A final scream then nothing. Just nothing. I feel myself slump back and darkness takes me. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I think she's waking up, Freddie!" 

"For the third time, she is out cold."

"We should have been there."

"There is nothing we can do now."

"But Fred-"

"We don't own a time turner and, even if we did, we can't undo this. I know it hurts like hell and I know it sucks. Had we both spoken up in the first place maybe-- just maybe-- we wouldn't be in this mess."

"You're right..."

"George, I'm sorry....please don't cry."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A chill crawls up my spine as cold water washes along my feet, sand sticking to my toes. The waves make a quiet rush as the birds overhead call distantly. Suddenly he is there. The man from the garden. His face is shadowed in darkness, indistinguishable. He breathes heavily next to me and my eyes dart behind him. The sky darkens suddenly. Lightning strikes feet from us but we both remain silent, unmoving. A single word escapes his mouth: "Run"

I wake up with a start, breathing heavily, in an unknown bed. Looking around I recognize the hospital wing. Fred and George rush to my bedside. Immediately with looks of worry.

"Hey. You're alright, we're here." George says crouching next to the bed and taking my hand. Fred smiles softly next to him. 

"What happened?" I rub an eye with my free hand. 

"You had a massive panic attack and then some sort of...episode. When we got back to the common room Oliver had you in his arms and was rushing to the door. We got you to the hospital wing as quickly as possible. You have been out for a couple hours or so." George sighs, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. 

"We have packed your bags already. I hope you don't mind..." Fred scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. As I look between them I notice the tear stained faces and puffy eyes. They look as if they'd been crying for hours. 

"What do you mean packed?" I sigh.

"With everything that has happened, Dumbledore suggested we all take off early for the summer. He excused us from all exams and classes, and said we should visit Toria and her family. We've already written to Remus that you'd be staying with us for a bit, if that's alright. We figured staying together would be better for us all." Fred gives a weary smile. 

"And mum would love to have you!" George interjects in attempt to lighten the mood. 

"What about Oli? I'd like to say goodbye." George scowls at my words.

"He ran off after we brought you here. He said he couldn't see you like this and had something to do. He said to tell you he'd write." Fred sighs, clearly frustrated.

"Seems like a coward to me." George mumbles under his breath and I ignore it. I do agree that it is a bit insensitive but we will see. 

"Alright well then let's get Madam pomfrey to clear me and we will head off."

"Agreed," They chime in unison, causing me to giggle.