Nothing More than a Dream

[Desideria Tapia]

Helping to brew a few batches of the potion that cured up dragon pox, Desideria had spent more than one night lately keeping her eyes open to brew one batch right after another. Of the four cauldrons that sat in her office, three were solely for the use of the dragon pox potion. When she was younger she'd gone through a bad battle with the pox herself, merely because her mum didn't want to believe what was happening, that and she was hardly at home while young Desideria was ill. Instead her mum decided to take more than a few nights during the weeks the coursed out on the town with one man or another. Poor Desideria was forced to face it all on her own, not that she hadn't been able to anyway. Her own face still carried the ugly marks that were left due to having the illness so long and so badly.

A lack of sleep was reaching the older woman, but she refused to give in. Instead, she forced her dark brown orbs open and kept as steady a gaze as possible out over the snow-ridden garden in the courtyard. She had nothing better to do for it, and was attempting to concentrate on something, anything that wasn't the dragon pox which kept so many students stuck inside the walls who did not want to be there.

It wasn't hard to see who were affected most by the lock-down, but it was hard to see the look in so many of their eyes when they looked as though they blamed anyone whose face their gaze landed on.

The day wasn't too cold, but the snow that had fallen heavily the night before had nothing more to show for it than a number of colds, dragon pox episodes, and flus.

Sighing to herself, she hoped soon she would be able to get a good night's sleep rather than the interrupted ones she'd managed lately.

(Drew/Open)

[Drew Thornton]

It hadn't been too bad sticking around the school over break. Of course, Drew would have much rather gone home, even for a week, and it would have been nice to get off the grounds and hang out in Hogsmeade considering he wasn't going to get sick, but if he was stuck at school, at least he could usually find something to do.

The worst part of the whole thing, aside from the fact that many of his friends were dealing with green spots and breathing fire, was the musty smell that seemed to accompany illness no matter how much one washed or cleaned. At first it was confined to the sick areas, but it had quickly spread to the common rooms, and by now it had seeped into the hallways, following those that wandered in and out of the sick areas, checking on thier own prognosis or that of friends.

It had gotten to the point where he needed to get out into the open more and more often, even if it was just to wander around the courtyard. He kicked aimlessly at the gathered snowdrifts, watching as the white powder puffed up as his shoe made contact and didn't even notice that there was someone else in the vicinity until he was almost upon her.

"Uh... Hello, Professor," he greeted softly, not wanting to disturb the woman's thoughts. She didn't look like she was sick, but she definitly looked tired. "How are you doing?"

[Desideria Tapia]

A set of three potions, over the course of nine days they needed to be administered to the ill students. There wasn't even anything that could be done to prevent the illness from occurring in anyone. Everyone was at risk, some more than others, but hopefully no one would become ill enough to the point of some of the markings of the pox could leave behind. Scarring, tinging, death. They weren't the most positive of outcomes, but they couldn't be either. It was an illness and with only one kind of known cure, which were the potions brewing in her locked and secured office. So far things seemed to be going well, students kept pouring into the nursing office ill like good patients should when they were diseased. The worst part though, was that some students didn't seem to know when to go into the office. Those students either wouldn't believe they were ill or they just were too stubborn to get treatment of any kind.

And when the woman heard the voice that wasn't quite familiar, she was startled as her portly body turned to peer at the other body in her presence.

"Mr. Thornton," she greeted, clearing her throat for a proper greeting. "I suppose I'm doing as well as can be expected during this time." The woman was just glad she hadn't come down ill with being near so many deteriorating bodies in the castle. Locking down the school was likely one of the worst things the Headmistress could've done. It was best to introduce dragon pox to young children, but perhaps they were stuck within the confines of the castle as they would be properly treated for doing such. However, over Christmas? Not entirely her favorite of the Headmistress' decisions.

Looking over the garden again, she almost wished for spring, then at least she'd have something more to look at than the plainness of white. "You are 'olding up well enough, I 'ope." She knew Ravenclaw had been hit with the pox, knew a number in the school had been, as well as knowing that so many had already had the pox. She herself had, her usual lotion that covered the scarring of her face not in place due to her exhaustion and not bothering with such.

[Drew Thornton]

"I suppose," Drew answered with a crooked smile as he leaned against a tree. "I've already had it, so I'm just trying to keep occupied without getting into trouble." He was pretty sure that even the newer professors knew of some of his youthful indiscretions so it was pointless to pretend he had a spotless record.

"Kind of feels pointless staying though," he sighed mostly to himself. His big plans for the holiday had been blown, including taking Felicity to the Yule Festival and introducing her to his folks. Not to mention, he wasn't spending Christmas with his parents. the last owl he had gotten was full of understanding thinly covering up the disappointment.

[Desideria Tapia]

Chuckling at the boy's answer, Desideria figured it likely would be awfully boring to be stuck at the school when it wasn't by choice. And with so many others ill, it was probably even worse for some due to their friends being the ones who were ill and therefore some were left to find ways to amuse and entertain themselves that was either outside of the box or at the very least different from how they were used to doing so. Likely not the most fun of situations.

"I imagine with so many opportunities around this place there surely must be something you can find to do," she said with a smile. "Though, being here almost seven full years likely you've found most of things there are to do in this place. Though, with a bit of... investigating there's got to be something to be found." Full of understanding, her words were warm as per usual. In her own time as a student, she never went home for winter holidays, preferring to remain at the castle where she didn't have to spend time with her own mum. Besides, even if she did go home her mum wouldn't have had time for the older woman, she would've been too busy with someone somewhere else.

"When it's a disease that's easily curable, I must say I agree," Desideria voiced her own opinion, agreeing with Thornton. "If there was reason to suspect that a child would not receive the correct treatment, then they should've been advised to remain at 'Ogwarts, but I don't think everyone should've been confined to the walls of the castle. It's not right, not for Christmas."

[Drew Thornton]

"Oh, I can find plenty to do," Drew answered with a mischievious grin. "The problem is I can get busted for most of them." There were a number of things he could do that wouldn't get him in trouble, of course, but it was hard to do any of them when he knew there were so many other things that he couldn't do. If only this had all happened in the summer. then at least he could go swimming...

"Even so, I doubt anyone could ever discover all of the secrets of the castle," he told the woman with a small smile. "But yeah, poking around the castle is always good if you're looking for some adventure. I just couldn't stand to be inside anymore."

Drew stayed quiet as the woman spoke of cures and treatments, surprised he didn't get a lecture about being selfish or explaining the purpose for the greater good. "Not for Christmas," he echoed with a heavy sigh. "I've had it twice. I can't get it again so I can't pass it on. This is like, my last Christmas vacation and I'm missing it." He did sound a little selfish, but he couldn't help it. "I really was looking forward to seeing my parents..."

[Desideria Tapia]

Smiling knowingly, she nodded her dark head. There was definitely plenty to do at the school that would get one into trouble, even she knew that. How often had she been handed a detention by a number of staff members for her own mischievous behavior. Then again, she'd never been required to have to find something to do while a number were ill so she was left near to being on her own for things. No, her little group of friends always found something to do, and the follower that she was, she followed in suit.

"Not all of them, no," she acknowledged. "'Owever, with a bit of looking around, I'm sure one could find something knew every day they spend in the castle, from night one to last day. But no, being inside 'as been a bit troublesome, hmmm?" the professor asked. Indeed, things had been very troublesome inside, they were so dry and boring, and everywhere you looked you had to make sure no one was going to be tossing their dinner around the corner.

"Now deary, are you really missing it? I mean, you don't 'ave lessons at the moment, and while you're stuck at the castle, are you really missing it?" Missing family, though if she remembered correctly he had a sister and a cousin at the school, missing friends from home, missing presents and traditions, but what about the friends he had at the school? Could he not find it in himself to enjoy the break he was still receiving?

[Drew Thornton]

Drew smiled back, pleased and a little surprised that she wasn't just giving him the same old litany of finding something to keep occupied. He knew there were tons of things he could do inside the castle and a whole lot of other things to do outside, but he didn't want to do any of them. She really seemed to understand that.

He shrugged a little, scrunching his nose at being called 'deary' but saying nothing about it. Sure he didn't have lessons, but there was still a lot to miss. For starters, there were his parents and his grandpaarents who he hadn't seen since summer, he wouldn't be able to go surfing for at least another six months now, and then all the plans he had made with Felicity.

"Just to get out of here," he said softly, thinking that the bit of understanding she had shown was probably a fluke. "I mean... My girlfriend and I will be official for a year now and I was really looking forward to taking her to the Yule Festival. I was going to introduce her to my folks this week. We can't do that stuff now."

[Desideria Tapia]

The woman took no notice of the young man's detest for her term of endearment. She used it quite often and didn't think anything of it when she said it, to whom she was speaking, much like with the word children while it was obvious the seventh years were not such, she tended to still think of them that way. Children, innocent for the most part of the world that was just beyond their reach until they left Hogwarts. It was a pity and shame they had to be booted from the castle so soon.

There was plenty to do, but with so many ill, it was a shame. One could never please all, but many were stepping on toes as was to keep the ill happier about their illnesses, and people were nerved about the sudden closure of the school which meant no break, no chance to slip away from the confines of the castle, even those that were not ill, had very little chance of catching it again were unable to slip away to Hogsmeade at any point even for a relaxer. Too bad the Headmistress hadn't thought to put on something to keep their young minds distracted. A dance would be too much as so many were ill, maybe a nice game night, or something of the sort.

Upon hearing about the young man's personal life, Desideria nodded sympathetically. One year was a milestone for such young ones, and to be forced to spend it there at the castle, that wasn't right. And he was going to take her to meet his parents? An even greater milestone, and now, wasted.

"Well, you may not be able to take her to the Yule Festival, but why not bring the Festival to her?" she asked. No, it wouldn't be the same, the vendors, the smell of so many different foods, the crowds of people. But faeries lived in the forest, he could make fairy lights. The House Elves seemed obliging enough to make any kind of food requested by anyone. And there were a number of people around. If he tried, the atmosphere would be the same, almost, maybe even more romantic for the two of them. "And I don't 'ave an a solution for your meeting, but perhaps writing a letter as a pre-introduction to them?"

She doubted he was looking for answers or solutions, but she flet the need to offer some.

[Drew Thornton]

Drew thought about it for a while and then wondered why he hadn't thought of that. He had given her snow on her birthday, so he could probably pull of a little Yule Festival just for their own. Felicity had planned a great date for Halloween, and he was sure he could get something together for the 27th to remember that particular anniversary. He could make a special dinner, set up his own light show, get some music going... yeah, that's what he would do. The Ravenclaw started grinning just thinking about it. Now all he'd have to do was keep from saying something stupid to ruin it... or perhaps that was just on birthdays.

He was going over plans in his head and it took him a moment to remember the woman he was speaking to. "I like that idea," he told her sheepishly, embarassed that he had gotten lost in his own thoughts for a while. He's have to think more about the letter, but maybe that would work as well. "I'm going to do that. "

[Desideria Tapia]

The silence was nice, it gave Desideria another chance to close her eyes momentarily while she awaited Drew's answer. The quiet was all good and well, and even when the silence was broken, it wasn't too harsh on the world that she was in. Opening her dark orbs, the woman turned to look around and listen to Andrew agree and tell her he liked the idea. It would have to be something simple, she couldn't imagine anything elaborate in this place, but then again she also did not know all of the secrets of the castle either. Her years were spent working on potions with Slughorn.

"Glad I could be of some 'elp deary," she told him with a warm smile. "If you need a 'and just let me know and I'll gladly do what I can." Of course, with all the careful brewing of the potions she was doing to help put a stop to dragon pox, she wasn't sure just what kind of time she could lend the boy if he required any extra.

[Drew Thornton]

Drew was quite resourceful and knew that whatever he planned, he could pull off on his own. Beisdes, it felt more special if he did it himself. Nonetheless, he appreciated the woman's offer, not knowing too many professors who would make such an oveture to help a student on something personal. School work, sure, but not usually for a special evening for a guy and his girl.

"Thanks," he answered with an embarassed smile, feeling now that he should return the favor. It wasn't that he was against helping out, but there weren't too many professors he liked enough to offer. "And... I mean... if you need help with stuff... I know you're probably up to your ears with Pox potions now... I can help if you need." He wasn't sick, he might as well try to help out some.

[Desideria Tapia]

The embarrassment went unnoticed by Desideria as she looked out upon the frozen garden again. There were so many things that were beautiful in the spring, the summer, and fall, but winter was so bland. Though, the older woman did see a frozen bud. The poor thing obviously didn't bloom in enough time before the frost set in and everything froze over. In its own right, it was beautiful, but not in the tired eyes of a woman who hadn't had enough sleep lately.

"I appreciate it, deary," she answered, letting her dark orbs fall back to the tall male. He was a good kid, put forth a foot in her class the majority of the time if not all of the time, made excellent marks, and not to mention he was contentious and polite. "I think the worst of it is over by now, but I'll be 'olding you to it if we 'ave another bad break out."

Hopefully the worst was over though, just some stragglers here and there.

[Drew Thornton]

Again with the dearie, but he wasn't minding it so much now. She was definitely one of the better teachers at the school, knew what she was talking about, and actually did more than she needed to when it came to her classes, so he thought he could forgive a few dearies from the woman.

He shrugged off her appreciation, but couldn't hide the embarassed flush of his cheeks. The offer really wasn't anything other than him doing what he could to help. It wasn't such a big deal to him.

"But that's good then," he said, hearing that the pox problem was on its way out. He doubted that it would change their confinment situation, but at least things could get back to normal. "So, maybe everyone will be okay for the Valentine's Dance?" He had kind of blown it last year, though he still wasn't sure he had actually done anything wrong. He hoped this year, he'd do things better.

And it occured to him that his one-track mind was showing.

"So... stuck here for vacation. You going to do anything special?" he asked her, wondering what professors did when they were stuck here.

[Desideria Tapia]

"It is, indeed," she answered distractedly. Soon the pox would hopefully die out of the school for a while and she'd be able to return to her now ruined potions. She didn't mind, would rather the students be safe over anything else, but she was still a bit upset over the lack of attention she would love to give her studies. The Valentine's Dance wasn't something on the older woman's mind, not when she had no ability to dance, and she wasn't a student. The dance was catered toward the younger generations, she remembered well.

"I believe so, yes. Everyone should be fine for the dance." It occurred to the woman where it seemed the young man's mind lingered, but didn't most young men's minds linger there anyway? He had a girlfriend, though Desideria didn't know who, but he had one. It didn't surprise her either, he seemed like a nice young man, upstanding and all that he was. And being Head Boy, well, in her day that made a boy even more attractive and she was sure times hadn't changed that much.

"Probably just keep 'Ufflepuff in good spirits. I'm 'oping not too many of them are feeling down about not going 'ome this break. I know some are taking it pretty 'ard, but I want to keep them all 'appy. Other than that, I'm just 'elping the nurse out with the outbreak." And sleep, hopefully. "What about yourself, Mr. Thornton? Anything special besides your girlfriend?"