thedispatch | Hogwarts AU

So we'll go Saturday evening, hn? What's a few hours?

[ Biting at her lip, she bats her lashes at him, cute as she can manage! Mostly, she wants him to go - but she also needs to distract him from staring at that cup so suspiciously! ]

[ After a moments consideration, on both the movie and his tea, he looks to her. ]

Maybe.

[ Then, with a slight shake of his head, he takes a healthy sip of his tea. Almost immediately, he pulls a disgusted face and sets the cup far away from him. ]

Simply dreadful...

[ Her face lights up like he's never seen it before!

She's really very excited about that movie. Of course, it also helps that he's FINALLY fallen into her trap. Maybe she didn't need it after all, but hey, it will certainly help him get over that stubborn barrier he keeps between them.

Slipping her arms around one of his, she excitedly squeals into his should-- wait, dreadful?! Oh. The tea. With a tut, she glances at his cup, as though completely unaware. ]

What, new blend?

[ While he'd normally shove her aside the moment she touched him, now he's too focused on the horrid taste in his mouth. Of course, she'd downed his orange juice and as he glances down the table, every other pitcher seems to have been emptied by his housemates.

It's when he turns to his left, though, that he catches sight of her and his expression suddenly softens. There's a long moment where he simply stares before speaking. ]

Grell, I...

[ Breath catching, Grell sits taller to gaze into his eyes properly. While they are full of hope, her stomach seems to fill with butterflies! This could be it!! ]

Yes...? William?

[ He opens his mouth to speak again, but instead, a choked sound comes out. He quickly covers his mouth, a pained look settling across his face. ]

I think I'm going to be sick.

[ His words are muffled behind his hand, but they're simple enough to decode. Especially as he tugs his arm free and rushes to exit the dining hall, presumably towards the nearest restroom. ]

[ And just as quickly, those feelings of excitement knot up in panic. First, that he's going to vomit on her - which has her pulling away! Although, she notably holds onto his arm still, as seeing that expression on his face excites her in some way, but decidedly, not in a good one. ]

Will? [ And as he escape, she's on her feet to follow! ] Will!

[ Oh no, what has she done?! ]

[ By the time she's caught up with him, she'll be greeted with the lovely sound of him heaving in the first stall. It goes on for quite a bit before a long and painful groan is heard. If she peers beneath the bottom of the stalls, she'll see him slowly slide down to the floor, wearily settling himself against the wall. ]

[ Of course she looks, because those few minutes are long and painful, with her left pacing outside the door! ]

...Are-- are you going to be alright, Will?

[ She hasn't fated him to die, has she? ]

If you'll let me in, I can assist you to the infirmary.....

[ Of course she followed him in here. But, he's in no state to complain about it for now. Instead he stretches to reach the lock to the stall, pushing the door open. He really is a pathetic sight seated there on the floor. ]

[ Grell isn't one to worry, but she looks positively riddled with it at the moment! Lowering herself to her knees beside him, she pulls out her handkerchief (yes, she has one, it's the perfect dramatic prop) to pat at his dampened brow. ]

You poor thing...

[ He bats at her hand to stop, but it's with decidedly less force than usual. At least he doesn't feel nauseous anymore, or not as nauseous. Still, he has a hand resting over his stomach, willing himself to keep everything down. ]

I don't see how that tea could have effected me so quickly. Especially after one sip.

[ Tucking the cloth away, Grell looks away - covering with a contemplative hum. ]

An allergy, perhaps? Spoilt milk? Either way, the important thing is to focus on getting you to feel better, right?

Those don't make sense either.

[ But he can't seem to focus on figuring it out for the moment. Surprisingly, he holds a hand out, hoping she'll help him up. ]

Madam Pomfrey will know, surely.

[ Perhaps it's the shock, but that has Grell's expression softening a bit, as well. She takes William's hand, and as she's hoisting him up, slips he other about his waist. Just to make certain that he makes it up properly, you know. ]

Y-yes, I suppose she will.

[ Though, perhaps she won't.... Oh, she hopes she won't. ]

[ For some reason, that's a bit foggy to him right now, William doesn't appear bothered by Grell holding on to him. In an odd way, it's almost comforting in the moment, as opposed to the unsettled way it usually leaves him. He walks slowly along side her as they make their way to the infirmary.

Madam Pomfrey hurries him to a vacant bed as soon as she spots them and goes about assessing his symptoms. ]

[ Grell goes about dragging up a chair to sit at his bedside, close as she can possibly get. Just short of reaching out to take his hand, really.

Too guilty to look the nurse in the eye, as though she might read her mind, the redhead keeps her focus on William. ]

If there's anything I can do to help...

[ You can give the boy a bit of space, the nurse replies, making a shooing motion with her hand. However, William finds Grell's hand first, keeping her where she is. ]

It's fine. I'd prefer it if they stayed.

[ Even as he's saying it, and feeling her hand in his, he's unsure where the actions are coming from. ]

[ Unable to keep her surprise hidden, Grell covers her gaping mouth - with her free hand, of course. Absolutely nothing would keep her from releasing his hand, either! ]

Will... [ Cheeks rosy with glee, her knees press together as she gives his hand a reassuring squeeze. ] Of course I'll stay.

[ Madam Pomfrey has worked at this academy for a long time. Long enough to put together that there's always an influx of 5th year boys who come to her acting far more romantic than she's ever known them to be. Damn that Potions IV text having a whole chapter dedicated to love potions!

William had been in to see her many times before, mainly from Quidditch induced injuries, so she's well aware that this gentle behavior towards his team rival is bizarre, as subtle as it may be. She hums to herself before standing.

Sit tight dear, I will get you something to settle your stomach. That's when she turns to Grell and continues. Would you assist me please, Grell? Standing, she beckons the redhead to follow her. ]

[ While Grell would much rather remain latched onto William's hand, she did offer to help. It could earn her some brownie points, at least.

So, with an airy, pouty huffed, she takes his hand on both of hers for a brief moment as she stands to slip away! ]

I'll be right back, darling!

[ And bounding after the nurse, she regards her with alertly raised brows. ]

What can I do, madam?

[ Out of earshot, Madam Pomfrey opens up her medicine storage room, flicks on the light and scans the labels for the proper antidote to nausea.

I want you to be honest with me, Grell. Did you, sneak William a love potion? She's positive that's the case and is already grabbing a second bottle down from a high shelf. ]

[ Grell's mouth twists into a frown, arms folded over her chest. So THIS is what she meant by helping! She huffs, but-- looking back to William, seeing him so uncomfortable in that infirmary bed, she slumps just so. ]

Will admitting so help you figure out how to reverse the side effects?

[ She sighs but gives Grell a nod. Though most love potions are negated in the same way, the added side effect of vomiting means something did't go quite right.

I need you to tell me just what you used. She explains, her tone not quite scolding, but more disappointed. ]

[ Heaving a long sigh, Grell tilts her head back in an attempt to recall all the items she'd used. ]

Uhm. Rose petals. Strawberry juice and apple juice, with seeds... basil leaves, ginseng... Vanilla, red wine... I think that's it...

[ Rubbing the side of her neck, she reminds herself that she doesn't care what the instructors think, but-- ]

You won't tell him, will you?

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