|
Coming Home Summary: It was over 25 years ago that Helena Blackthorne, the only daughter of a rich, Pureblood family, eloped with a Muggle named Sam Hurst. She hasn't been seen or heard from since she sent her only child, Violet, home to live with her family sixteen years ago. Everyone assumed Helena was dead by now, until she turned up the summer of 2108 wandering in London with no memory of how she got there or who she was. Now the healers at St. Mungo's are trying to discover the cause of her amnesia, as her daughter Violet attempts to reforge a relationship with the mother she barely remembers. Main Characters: Helena Blackthorne Hurst (FearlessLeader19) Violet Blackthorne, her daughter (MadAlice) Kat Greer, a healer (Holmesian Feline) Supporting Characters: Ignatius Blackthorne, her father (MadAlice) Jane Howard, her old school friend and Violet's ex-governess (MadAlice) Other Characters: William Black, another healer (Holmesian Feline) Horatio Blackthorne,her brother (MadAlice) Scene 1: Helena's bedside in St. Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward; late August 2108 Violet Blackthorne, Helena Blackthorne Hurst, Kat Greer Scene 2: Just outside Helena's hospital room door; late August 2108 Violet Blackthorne, Helena Blackthorne Hurst, Kat Greer Scene 3: In and around Helena's hospital room door in St. Mungo's; September 2108 Ignatius Blackthorne, Helena Blackthorne Hurst, William Black Scene 4: Helena's room in St. Mungo's; October 2108 Violet Blackthorne, Helena Blackthorne Hurst, Jane Howard Scene 5: Helena's room in St. Mungo's; November 2108 Helena Blackthorne Hurst, Jane Howard, Violet Blackthorne Scene 6: Helena's room in St. Mungo's; Late December 2108 Helena Blackthorne Hurst, Ignatius Blackthorne |
Scene 1: Helena's bedside in St. Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward Time: late August 2108 Violet was sitting beside her mother's bed, as she had been doing every day for nearly two months, reading over one of her pieces in her writing journal. Every once in a while she glanced up and looked over at the sleeping form of her mother, Helena Blackthorne Hurst. She hadn't seen her mother since she was a little girl and had been starting to forget her. Even now, she was having trouble reconciling the face on the bed before her with the idealized and younger version in her memory. She was dying of both concern and curiousity, anxious to find out more about her mother's condition, but also eager to find out just where she had been all these years. But the healers were still unwilling to make a firm diagnosis, yet, and as for what had happened over the last ten or so years, Violet would have to wait until (not if! her mother remembered. So for now, she read, and wrote, and waited. |
Helena Blackthorne, once an elegant and prim woman, now laid on the bed in a ward at St. Mungo’s looking quite wasted away. Her hair was wispy with streaks of grey. Her face had lost that rosy colour. Her cheeks had sunk and the proper hourglass figure she had once sported was completely gone. Her eyes, when opened, carried a blank and haunted look. No one would recognise the current Helena from the one that was so lively many years ago. As it was, the woman had fallen into one of her many bouts of napping but rather than having a peaceful rest, she was plagued by frightening dreams. The present one she was in saw her being chased by an unknown assailant. Whether it be human or creature, being or spirit, she could not tell. All Helena could make out was its raspy breath mingled with her own heavy panting from trying to elude it. “Sam!’’ Even as she called out in her dreams, the name actually echoed through the room she was in. |
It was a conundrum to say the very least. And since their latest charge had been rescued off the streets of London and deposited in their care, the healers of St. Mungos had tried to figure it out. Two months of running scans and trying the treatments that they could do without risking adverse reactions without all the facts and they were no closer to any truth in the matter. And Kat was more than a little frustrated on the matter as one of the healers in place to take care of the poor woman. And not just for the inability to help the woman…but for having no answers to give to the younger woman who sat by her patient’s bedside day in and day out. Her daughter but not remembered as such which had to be gut wrenching no matter what relationship they had. With one woman napping and the other busy reading, Kat did her best to slip into their midst without being disturbing, her wand discretly out and in her grasp as she cast the spells to check all the woman’s vitals and anything else that might pop up. SAM! The healer’s brown eyes switched to her patient’s face at the yell only to find her still unconscious. “Mrs. Hurst…” she remarked, loud enough the sleeping woman might hear but not too shocking of a tone at first knowing from years of experience that to jolt a patient awake wasn’t usually a good move to make. |
Violet was startled out her thoughts by the sound of her mother's voice calling out that name--Sam! Violet harshly sucked in her breath. Her father's name. Violet wasn't sure what to make of it. As a little girl, she had been excited and amused by the forbidden letters she had received from her Muggle father, right under the noses of her grandfather and uncles. And when he had finally invited her to come with him to New York, it had seemed a glorious adventure. But the thirteen-year-old Violet had soon learned that what her father said was often not exactly in agreement with reality. She had eventually realized that Sam Hurst was nothing better than a petty con man, always trying to hit on the big scheme that would set him off for life, and what was worse, he seemed to expect that his daughter and her magic could make that happen for him. Which just goes to show how much Muggles knew about magic, because after only one year at Hogwarts, Violet couldn't have done much to help him even if she'd wanted to. Fortunately her governess, Miss Howard, had shown up before the year was out to rescue Violet and bring her home to her grandfather's house. And the very worst thing about it all was that her father could not tell her where her mother was or what had become of her. And now here was that very same mother, looking very different from how Violet remembered her (but to be honest, Violet only vaguely remembered the mother she hadn't seen since she was a little girl). And she was calling out for that self-same no-good husband that Violet had been so disappointed in. Was she calling out for help? Accusing him? Or...or for love? Violet just had no idea, but every time her mother said anything remotely comprehensible she allowed to feel encouraged. |
The voice calling to her did reach her though much like sounds outside of one’s dreams, it actually mixed into Helena’s current dream. The result was that the words ‘Mrs. Hurst’ seemed to have come from the being chasing her. In full panic mode, the woman sat up rather abruptly. Her skin was drenched in sweat, her eyes wide, her heart hammering. A fear loomed over her - the fear of the being catching up to her. She feared each ragged breath would be her last and there would be no one to save her. No Sam would come - whoever he was. Helena slowly became aware that she was in the room where everyone fussed over her. There was no being, no creature here. A thin hand reached for one of the pillows on her bed and then its equally thin partner joined the first in clutching the pillow to her chest, as though using it as a shield from the two females before her. Helena’s eyes moved back and forth between them, recognition of their faces dawning on her though she still did not quite believe the younger one to be her daughter as she was told. |
It almost seemed as if her own call had gotten her patient’s attention in her dreams, but clearly not in a good way. Kat reacted quickly to her movement and panic, not wanting the woman to come to harm especially by her own doing in her fear. Though she was loath to use a calming spell too often to rely on it. Or run the risk her patient would think she was doing something negative on her. “Easy there… you’re alright,” the healer remarked in calm tone to try and ease her from the state she found herself in as she became more and more aware of her surroundings. Well as alright as she could be with her memory issues. “You’re safe,” Kat assured her, conjuring up a cloth to gently wipe the sweat from her charge’s brow if the woman let her get near her. It was one of the hardest complications on trying to figure out what was truly wrong with the woman, having to worry what actions would be something the woman would react badly to. |
It broke Violet's heart to see her mother look right at her and not seem to really know her--though truth be told, Violet only vaguely remembered Helena from her childhood. And the woman in this hospital bed looked very different from what she did remember. She supposed she looked a lot different, too, after all these years--she'd been just a child then, and now she was a young adult. No wonder her mother didn't recognize her. "It's all right, mum, it'll be all right," she murmured softly, trying not to crowd around the bed, where the Healer already was, and make her mother feel they were ganging up on her. Violet wasn't even sure she should venture to say anything--the Healer's brief comment seemed to have had a negative effect and Violet didn't want to add to it. But still, she couldn't just stand around and do nothing. I need to talk to that Healer later, when Mum's settled down--ask her what she really things is wrong and when she might get better (Violet refused to think 'if she got better'). And her grandfather! or one of her uncles--they needed to get back down here more. They were adults when Helena had left, she might still remember them. Violet used to think she couldn't wait until she was grown up and could take charge of things, but being an adult was hard and now she rather wished she didn't have to do it all. |
Fearful eyes shifted to the older woman, Helena’s mind racing to place her. It took her half a minute to recall that this was a Healer - Kat. Kat, who took care of her constantly. It was the Healer’s calming presence, voice and words that made her grip ease on the pillow just a fraction. Safe. Yes, it seemed that she was safe. Helena panicked jolt back to reality was slowly registering that and what had just been experienced was nothing but a bad dream. One of the many nightmares, actually. There was a quick nod from the woman. Despite being familiar with Kat, it did not stop her from flinching horribly when the cloth came into contact with her skin. Helena didn’t have the energy to fight anyone off. If anything, she felt more exhausted today, whatever the reason may be. It was why those seemingly dead eyes stared right at Violet. Once again, Helena wracked her brain violently in an attempt to draw up some memory of this girl, this girl as a baby, Sam, her life before St. Mungo’s. Still… Her mind remained a blank canvas. |
She saw the flinch and almost ceased her movement to help wipe her brow, but her patient seemed to give in after the original reaction, so she followed through. Her actions sought to make her comfortable as she calmed down, going through the motions that came with each cycle of the unknown. “There you are…” Kat said as she stepped back as not to crowd her while watching Helen as she stared blankly at her daughter. The recognition still remained too out of reach it seemed, a situation that bugged her to no end. “Here’s some water,” she offered, placing a cup on the table within reach. Her patient not an invalid as much as her brain appeared to be playing tricks with her. Kat using the distraction of the water for checking further on the woman’s vitals. There just wasn’t a clear answer, the healer sighing softly at what she was seeing as she moved back towards the door. |
Quote:
Scene 2: Just outside Helena's hospital room door in St. Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward Time: late August 2108 Violet had followed the Healer as she headed for the door and motioned her to step out into the hall where they could talk without disturbing her mother. "Do you healers still not know what's the matter with her? If this is something physical or magical? It's just been weeks and she doesn't seem any closer to recovering any sense of herself than she was in the beginning." Violet was trying her best to be politic (and not behave like her grandfather), but her impatience and worry was starting to show. |
Water was good. Helena’s lips and throat were parched, anyhow. Her eyes went to the cup and after the slightest hesitation, wrapped extremely thin fingers around the object. The contents were downed in one gulp, the liquid helping to revitalise her somewhat. The woman was also now calmer and suddenly, she itched for something to do. Perhaps a book to read on her own, or some yarn and a needle to do some knitting. Helena loved to knit. A blank gaze responded to Violet’s words. This girl and the Healer were undoubtedly about to discuss her; Helena could sense it. The fact did not bother her as she slumped back onto her pillows. There would be no more sleep for her, at least not for now, lest she was to be haunted by nightmares again. |
Kat led the way outside of the room, getting the feeling even before the younger woman motioned to her that she wanted to talk about her mother and her continued condition. The healer braced herself for confrontation from her companion once they were in the hallway, knowing she had to be just as frustrated if not more than she and the other healers overseeing her mother’s care. She shook her head at the first question posed to her, staying quiet until the woman finished what she had to ask or say to her. “The most common potential causes for her condition, both magical and mundane, have all been checked multiple times.” To make sure that they weren’t reading clues and results wrong, to make sure delayed reveals of symptoms or causes weren’t missed. “There is just no clear ‘this is the cause’ presenting itself even as we’ve moved on to testing for the rarer causes.” They were in watch and wait mode at the moment, looking to see if any of the woman’s behavior gave them any clues, especially if her memory loss wasn’t brought on by an outside source but an outside person. |
Violet frowned, because this is not the kind of answer she wanted to hear. But she tried to control her impatience, because she'd begun to learn as she grew older that being civil usually worked better than getting angry and high-handed, like some members of her family. But it was getting hard--she was tired, and worried, and out of ideas. "Isn't there anything...can't something be done to help? I try to be here for her, but she doesn't even recognize me; sometimes I think my being here makes it worse." Violet had been worrying that was the case more and more of late, and yet, she couldn't just stay away. She was really hoping this healer wasn't going to tell her that her absence would be better for her mother. "She keeps calling out for 'Sam'--I don't know if you know who that is, but I think it's my father she's calling for. I'm not sure exactly where he is now, and..and I'm not sure if he would help, or if he's part of the problem. Until I know for sure that he's not involved with what happened to her, I'm afraid to try to find him." Violet had been very disenchanted with her father when she'd run away to be with him eight years ago--he seemed to her 13 year old self to be a thoroughly selfish and unethical person. And he'd had no idea what had happened to his wife, and didn't seem to be trying very hard to find out. But the way her mother called his name--with longing and hope, like she expected him to arrive and save her. Violet had to admit, now that she was a young adult, that she really didn't know that much about either of her parents. And with the shape her mother was in, she couldn't afford to make a mistake. |
Despite her being civil, the healer had enough experience in these situations to hear the underlying tone in the woman’s voice. Kat could never really blame the families of her patients in such a time as this to have that anger. Shoot, she’d had it when trying to care for her own loved ones who had a habit pf getting into troublesome situations. “We’re not even sure if this is permanent or temporary.” And the extent that had already transpired didn’t necessarily lean in one direction or the other, having heard of people who had lost their memories for longer and still recovered them eventually. She shook her head as her charge’s daughter seemed to debate her presence at her mother’s side. “No…no having the support of family, even those she may not remember at the time, is good for her,” Kat assured her. “There’s no telling if something you say or do won’t be the trigger that brings her back.” The healer bit the inside of her cheek trying to think. “Is there a song she might have sung or played that she might remember? Music can often be a help to the memory.” It was something she could suggest that may help, the woman listening intently as she was filled in on certain pieces of her patient’s history. “Do you have a picture…?” Kat questioned having an idea. “Finding out how she reacts to the sight of him could help see if he’s a potential cause or just a seemingly positive memory from the past that she was clinging to." The fact that he hadn’t made an appearance hinted to the fact that perhaps the man in the flesh wasn’t an option or a good idea. |
Quote:
Quote:
|
Right…her patient’s memory of daughter or lack of connection to it was complicated by the length of time they had been apart. The woman standing before her was a far cry from the young child she would have been. However, the next bit of information did seem to be something that could be incredibly useful…or just another dead end. “Yes, I would think she would definitely be someone to try and reach out to. Someone that your mother might remember and a connection between all three of you.” A potential way of reconnecting the memories currently laid hidden by whatever the cause. He was a muggle. Well that most likely ruled out the in person visit. “Probably not…unless the Ministry was to offer a special ruling.” Likely a long shot. Mungos might be mostly self-governing but the Statute of Secrecy was British Wizarding Law….way above her paygrade. At least at the moment. If it became a matter of importance later on, they would see. “I say stick to Ms. Howard…for now. Keep your mother from being overwhelmed with too much she’s trying to process.” And who knows…if the ministry worker wasn’t the key, she just might be the trail that leads to one. |
Scene 3: In and around Helena's hospital room door in St. Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward Time: September 2108 Violet Blackthorne had stepped out this afternoon 'on personal business,' as she'd told the healers. Unfortunately, her grandfather, Helena's father, had chosen this exact time to make an appearance, not his first in the ward nor his last. A tall, elderly, still handsome aristocrat of the old school, Ignatius Blackthorne, the patriarch of the old Pureblood family, came striding down the halls with an air of entitlement until he reached his daughter's door. He looked right and left in search of some healers on whom he could vent his impatience, but, not seeing any, he went right on into Helena's room without asking permission. |
Like everyone else, Helena had good days and bad days. Today happened to be a good one. She was sitting cross legged on her bed, a book of plain papers spread across her lap. In her hand, she held a regular pencil which she was using to attempt to draw a pretty flower garden. Her aim was to recreate the pleasant dream she’d had the previous night in which she was roaming among rows and rows of flowers. It had been a while since Helena had had a good dream; maybe it would explain why her mood was so lifted today. Helena had even allowed her Healer to assist with brushing her hair and it now looked healthier than ever piled upon her head in a neat bun. Sensing someone at the door, the woman looked up. A glimmer of recognition, mixed with puzzlement, reflected on her face. The man was one she was sure she had dreamt of a few times. |
Ignatius had come to St. Mungo's that day in a stormy mood, ready to vent his frustrations on whichever healers were in the vicinity of his daughter's room. But the storm vanished swiftly as he entered and found his daughter, Helena, alone. It broke his heart (and, contrary to what some thought, he did have one) to see how changed she was from the slender, beautiful, lively young woman that had snuck out of his house so many years ago to elope with that seedy, uncrupulous, and highly unsuitable Muggle. Ignatius fully blamed Samuel Hurst for his daughter's current condition, but try as he might, he had not been able to dissuade Helena from falling in love with him. But right now she seemed to be having a good day. She was sitting up, doing things. Ignatius softly and slowly approached her bed and looked down at what she was drawing. It looked rather like the gardens at the Blackthorne home--Helena had always loved them as a child (as had her daughter, Violet). Perhaps she was starting to remember... "Hello, Helena, child--that's a very pretty drawing," the older man said with more gentleness than anyone in the wizarding community would have thought possible. "We have a garden very like that at home." |
When one fell in love, one got rather stubborn and it would seem that one would forsake the entire world for the person one was in love with. Perhaps this had been the case with Helena after her father had refused to give her and Sam his blessings. As the familiar {as at the same time, unfamiliar} man approached, Helena found herself clutching at the pencil in her hand until her fist turned white. His words only served to confuse her more. For one thing, Helena was no longer a child. “Th-thank you,’’ Helena croaked, her voice somewhat brittle from the lack of use. She continued to study the man. “Home?” Where was home? And why… why did it invoke warm feelings in her chest? |
Quote:
Ignatius really hoped that after his visit he ran into one of the healers so that he could vent his anxiety on someone before he left. Otherwise, it was going to be a bumpy night for the family and house-elves back at Blackthorne Manor. |
Helena’s heart and soul were suddenly aching for a place she could not put a single memory to. The man’s words left her to paint images of her own in her mind, and quite frankly, she liked the way they looked even if they made her ache more. Helena shook her head, silent now. Her eyes were wide as she regarded the man. There were so many thoughts running through her mind but none of them told her to disbelieve anything that was being said to her. Then Helena was asking the question that reverberated loudly in her head. “Can I go there?” She would like to draw the garden there, please. Maybe even this gazebo. The only issue was would the Mungo’s staff let her go? Would that girl who called herself her daughter let her? |
Quote:
|
While Helena would have been conversing somewhat with this man, she was not prepared for the hand being placed over hers. She flinched violently and snatched her hand away. “Get away!’’ she screeched, snatching up her drawing and clutching it to her chest as though it would shield her from him. If he aimed to placate Helena, he would have to move slower. A lot slower. As it was at the moment, Helena was wondering if it would be right to trust him. Did he really intend to take her to her home? To a garden of gorgeous flowers? She stared hard at him, trying to pry the truth from him by reading his facial expressions. |
When William had come on duty a few minutes before, the healer had been given the head’s up that Ms Blackthorne’s father had made an appearance in his daughter’s ward. He knew frustration could get the better of the family concerned for patients, especially memory patients, but the man was a particular thorn in the side of Helena’s healers including himself. As such while she might have ordinarily been later in his rounds, Will decided to work in reverse so he could check on matters, just finishing up with one of her neighbors when he heard the raised voices and moved quickly to assist whatever was the problem. Which was one woman seemingly very apprehensive…protective even…of herself and her drawings. “Woah…it’s okay,” Healer Black spoke to assure her as he came further into the room but not too close. He certainly didn’t want to startle her further, especially since he wasn’t aware of just what had set Helena off this time. His gaze passing between the woman and her father as if looking for clues. |
Quote:
|
It was a relief to see Healer Black and this reflected quite clearly on Helena’s face. Knowing that the man wouldn’t attempt to get too close again since her Healer was there, Helena busied herself by gathering the pencils into a neat pile at her side. But she couldn’t help but look up at the man’s question. Her eyes moved from his face to Healer Black’s where they remained. “Y-yes,’’ she replied, as though he were the one who asked. “Is it true I lived somewhere with lots of flowers? With a garden like this?” Helena held up her masterpiece, as though William would know all about her early life and her love for drawing and painting. She then threw the man a cautious glance. Had he been speaking the truth? Violet would be able to confirm or deny because over the past few days, Helena had grown to trust the young woman. |
William wasn’t meaning to come off antagonizing, merely keeping an eye on his patient as well as her father that had seemingly set her off somehow. His first duty was to the woman under his care as much as any of her family tried to intimidate the healing staff. And just talking about flowers? That was the pain of dealing with memory issues…almost anything can cause a less than pleasant reaction and you often didn’t know from one second to the next what would be safe at any point. But back to Helena, the healer looking at her artwork as if needing the pause to think how to answer. “Yes…it is true,” he remarked tot eh affirmative, thinking back to what he might have known of the family estate. Typical fashion of large house with extensive gardens. Not that they were much in the same circles, but the rich pureblood families did have the occasion to interact over the centuries. "You did." |
Ignatius was fighting his rising indignation (and maybe a little grief and humiliation) over the fact that his beloved only daughter seemed more willing to believe the words of this healer than her own father. He conveniently forgot the heated words he and Helena had exchanged with each other the last time he'd seen her--seen her as herself, that is, and how long ago that seemed. But then, he'd been right about that Sam Hurst, hadn't he, because look at what had happened to her! Ignatius managed a smile, though, for his daughter and managed a calm tone of voice as he said, "Perhaps Violet can bring you some of those flowers when she next comes, and you can see for yourself." Then, in a harshly whispered aside to William the old man added, "May I please speak to you outside? Alone?". It was not really a question. |
Scene 4: Helena's bedside in St. Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward Time: October 2108 Something new has been added to Helena's room. A pretty bluish cut-glass vase filled with autumn flowers stands on the small table next to her bed. The bright colours stand out against the muted hospital shades of the room--winter daffodils with their bright yellow tulipy cups; brash dahlias, big and pink; long steps of lilyturf covered with little bright purple flowers; and some orange-red crocosmia with their long, slender stamens sticking out. Helena's youngest brother, Horatio, had immediately run out to one of his flower-plots in the family gardens when his niece told him that his sister had expressed an interest in flowers. He had taken great pains to pick a selection of colours and shapes that he thought would please her and brought them to the hospital. Helena was asleep at the time, so he had left them there for her as a surprise. Violet had had a "discussion" with her grandfather (which meant that they both stood stubbornly head to head and argued in loud voices) when she found out he had had a row with one of her mother's healers in the middle of a hospital hallway. She understood his impatience over his daughter's condition--in fact, she shared it. But fighting with the healers would do little good, and might possibly do some harm. They needed these people on their side, and it didn't cost anything to be pleasant. Ignatius had not been best pleased to be given instructions by his young granddaughter, however, and had no intention of staying away from his daughter or holding his tongue about anything that displeased him at any time. Fortunately, he was not there today as Violet brought her mother a quite different visitor. Gently opening the door a crack, Violet looked in to see if her mother was asleep or being treated by any healers. She couldn't tell if Helena was awake or not, but she didn't see anyone else there, which was just as she wanted it right now. "Come on in, she's alone and it should be all right. They did say she could have visitors." Well, they'd said family members could visit, but Jane Howard was one of her mother's closest friends, and Violet had decided that that counted. Besides, no one was watching them anyway. She called out softly, "Mother? Are you awake? Mother, here's an old friend of yours from Hogwarts that I brought to see you." Jane Howard stepped silently into the room as Violet held open the door for her. She looked over at the hospital bed and was frankly quite shocked to see her old friend's appearance. She looked quite different from the vibrant, lovely young girl who had run away to marry a Muggle all those years ago. Jane walked a little closer to the bed, taking care not to startle Helena in case she should be awake. She really hoped she might be able to do something to help her, but she'd no more once she had a chance to talk with her old friend. |
The flowers certainly helped to improve Helena’s mood. They weren’t the only thing that helped overall: her memory was improving! Yes, there were snatches here and there at times when she was least expecting them, or there were recollections that came when she tried hard enough to remember her past while at other times the recollections were triggered by the smell of a rose or the mouthwatering aroma of a treacle tart. Helena, at the moment, was busy tending to her little collection of flowers. Hearing her daughter’s voice, she turned away from the vase. “I’m awake, Violet,’’ Helena called, turning to face the door. A visitor? Who could it be? Surely not her father? It was true, Helena’s appearance was still sunken and gaunt but she was doing her best to improve. At least her hair was neatly kept today in a bun. While her visitor proved not to be her father {thankfully}, Helena stood there frowning. “I know you,’’ the words came forth slowly. But how did she know this woman? Helena frowned in concentration in an attempt to place this face. |
Quote:
Violet stayed standing near the doorway, not wanting to interfere with whatever was going to happen. She had the utmost confidence in her old governess's ability to solve any problem, a confidence lingering from her childhood. And besides, Violet wanted to be able to head off anyone who might burst through the door and interrupt them. |
Hogwarts? Immediately Helena tried to wrack her memory. She knew all about the school, of course, but as far as her own memory went, it was still hazy. But if the woman before her said that they were friends, then it was true. Violet would not lie to her, she had come to learn over recent weeks. “No,’’ Helena replied sadly but honestly. She sat on the bed, still looking at the woman. “I don’t remember your name either., I'm sorry.” But that was okay because why? Because she felt a sort of comfort upon seeing her. Helena smiled suddenly, softly and warmly. “Sit and tell me more about our Hogwarts days.” An indication to one of the chairs next to her bed was made. Next, her attention turned to Violet. “Come on over here, darling. I have a feeling we’re both in for a treat with renditions of some of my school life shenanigans.” |
Quote:
Jane raised her eyebrows slightly before joining Violet in another of the chairs by Helena's bedside. Oh dear, she really should have seen this coming. But then again, what was a little discomfort compared to her friend's sanity and happiness? Besides, Violet was a young woman now and no longer under her care; it wouldn't hurt her to learn that her mother and governess had had lives of their own once upon a time. "Well, first of all, it was a wonder we ever became friends at all, because we were in different Houses. You were sorted into Slytherin, like all the rest of your family--except for dear Horatio, of course." The Blackthorne family had been quite shocked and mortified when Ignatius' youngest son had wound up in Hufflepuff, though Horatio had embraced it without any embarrassment whatsoever. "And I was in Ravenclaw, way up in the highest tower, at the opposite end of the castle from the Slytherin dorms down in the dungeons. But when two people are fated to come together, circumstances work to make it happen." Jane smiled at Helena and then Violet, drawing the story out for a bit of suspense. |
Seated on her bed, feet dangling off the side, Helena braced herself for some glorious stories about her Hogwarts days. Surely she and Jane weren’t boring? Surely they got up to some grad adventures? Looking at Violet’s face, Helena suspected that she didn’t believe her mother and Jane could get into such things. Oh, just you wait, Violet Blackthorne! Prepare to have your mind blown! Slytherin. This had been the House dear Violet had been Sorted into as well, as Helena recalled. The rebellious part of her loved that Horatio had become a Hufflepuff. She hoped he had been happier in that House as opposed to Slytherin. Already, Helena could tell that Jane’s stories were going to be entertaining, especially when her friend paused. “Oh, do go on, Jane! You don’t want to see me dying of suspense, do you?” She laughed softly. |
Jane smiled back at Helena, sharing her delight in the prospect of sharing this with Violet. "Well, as I recall, we didn't really it it off right away. At least, Helena found me off-putting. She thought I was too fond of showing off my knowledge and called me a "know-it-all." As it happened, Jane didn't have a clue that her constantly trying to answer all the questions and correct her classmates when they were wrong was annoying in any way. She had always been rather brilliant at her studies, but was not so bright when it came to human interactions. She'd needed Helena to help her with that. Once they were properly speaking to each other, that is. "As a matter of fact, your mother was responsible for my very first detention." Jane glanced at Violet to see how she was taking this, before looking over at Helena to see if any of this was sparking a memory. |
As Jane described their earlier encounter, Helena suddenly had a flashback to two young girls in the dungeons. “Is that when I confronted you after we exited one Potions lesson?” she asked with a slight frown. It was only a slight one because this woman couldn’t help but smiling as Jane’s words replayed in her mind. It indeed sounded like something she would do, confront someone over something that was bothering her. “Jane, did I hurt your feelings terribly back then?” Helena asked hesitantly. “If so, did I ever apologise for it?” As that second question was asked, Helena was chancing a glance at Violet. Oh, she hoped her daughter wasn’t judging her too harshly for actions of the past! However, her attention spun back to Jane so quickly, she may have hurt her neck slightly. “What? How? Why?” Needless to say this woman was speechless to learn of this! |
Quote:
Quote:
Jane sighed softly to herself--she really ought to have anticipated this happening when she had agreed to come and talk to her old school friend. "No, it wasn't anything you said, it was what happened during a potions class. I was very busy working on a rather complicated potion--not the one in the lesson book, but something more advanced. I suppose I was trying to get extra credit, or maybe just to see if I could do it. At any rate, while I wasn't looking, your mother threw something into my cauldron while I wasn't looking, something that didn't belong in that potion. We never did find out what it was," she added, looking over at Helena, because she would really like to know what it was, even after all these years. There wasn't enough left of the potion to analyze it. There wasn't much left of my entire cauldron, because it exploded, all over the ceiling, and created a thick cloud of fumes in the lab. Everyone had to be evacuated and then checked out by the school nurse, because apparently the fumes were potentially toxic." Jane sighed again, because up to that point, that potion had really been coming along very well. "At any rate, after the lab was fumigated and anything dangerous left there had been removed, Helena and I were both given detention together, all weekend, and what we had to do was to clean up the lab and put everything back in order. And doing that sort of thing with another person, well, you get to know them a lot better, and you end up either good friends or sworn enemies. Fortunately, your mother and I ended up the former." Jane smiled, thinking about that weekend--it had really been rather fun after the first hour or so, despite all the work. |
Helena breathed a sigh of heavy relief. How awful it would have been if she had said something damaging to Jane. If her friend could forget about the incident, then Jane could… well, since she already had forgotten, she could go forth living her life without worry. She then returned the smile warmly before laughing softly at Violet’s comment. Oh, how she was thrilled that her daughter didn’t think smally of her! “It certainly seems so, doesn’t it?” There was a thoughtful look on her face, as though wondering what ever other shenanigans she had gotten herself into. “Yes, what happened next, Jane?” Don’t keep the Blackthorne’s in suspense! Helena hung on to every word as Jane recounted the old tale. Oh… that was what she had done. She tried racking her brain in an attempt to recall more details. “I caused such disruption,’’ Helena remarked with a mixture of awe and remorse. “No one was hurt though, right?” She didn’t think so, she hoped that no one was. “If that’s the case, then I would say that fiasco was a blessing in disguise, don’t you think?” |
Quote:
Then, replying again to what Helena has said about their detention, Jane continued, "And yes, it was a blessing. It took us all weekend to clean the lab up and we had to learn to work together. And it gave us a lot of time to talk and get to know each other. We found out that the things we had assumed about each other weren't really true, and by the end, we found out that we actually liked each other!" Jane suddenly looked over at Violet, who was enjoying all this way too much. "And don't let this encourage you to engage in mischief, young lady," she said to the younger woman, though there was no real bite behind her words. She and Violet both knew that now that Violet was of age, she didn't need to obey a governess any more, though she hoped she did still have the influence of a friend. Turning back to Helena, Jane deftly turned the subject a little. "So, it seems you remember a bit more about our schooldays. Do you remember anything later on? After you graduated school, perhaps?" Because this was what Jane, Violet, and the healers most wanted to know--what had happened to bring Helena to this condition? |
Helena sat there thinking how very stupid her and Jane had been as teenagers, and also how lucky they were to not have injured anyone with their shenanigans. “I’m just glad that it all worked out in our favour. I bet we learnt our lesson after that cauldron incident.” That was the type of young girl Helena hoped she had been. “Oh, I’ll try my best to recall what it was. Instinct is telling me it could have been a magical firework.” That would have done the trick neatly in her opinion. She laughed to hear the length of time it took them to clean the lab. No doubt the task had to have been done without magic. “Look at how lucky we were, with everything working out in our favour! Oh, I am so happy for younger us! It was a pity my life took an unfortunate turn that took me away from you and Violet.” There was a hint of sadness in her voice which was mirrored on her facial features. The ‘chiding’ Violet received made Helena laugh again. Laughing was something that she was doing a lot more of recently. “I’m confident you taught Violet all the right things, Jane.” She glowed with pride as her gaze rested upon her all grown-up daughter. The question made the smile slip off of her face, however, as she shook her head. “Unfortunately, I cannot. But Jane… is it bad that I don’t want to remember? I only want to recall the good things.” |
Quote:
Jane sighed as Violet apparently chose not to see the look she gave her. Pressuring Helena at this point was the last thing they needed to be doing, not now when she was finally coming out of her shell. "I don't think that really matters so much at this point, Violet," she finally said in a quiet voice. "The Healers are making great progress with what information they have." As Jane was herself--she was becoming more and more convinced that the Lesser Elixir she'd developed during the Neo-Alliance War might be of some help here, but she wanted to talk to the Healers about it first. Preferably without Violet here. "Why don't you show your mother the gift you brought her? I think she may be well enough to enjoy it now." |
Helena turned her attention once more to her daughter. There was a pause before she answered the question. See, the older woman was considering her words carefully because the simple answer was ‘no’. She supposed she was only prolonging the moment in saying the word to delay any disappointment that she would find written on Violet’s face. She knew the young woman was keen to get certain answers about certain topics. Helena shook her head before offering an upbeat, “I am one hundred percent certain more details will become clear in my mind soon though. I was able to recall a hint of Jane and I’s shenanigans.” Helena smiled in gratitude at Jane’s reassuring words. “That much is also true. I am trying to get better as quickly as I can.” The words were said as though she were trying to convince all present at the bed including herself. Her face suddenly brightened. “A gift?” she questioned with child-like excitement. Her eyes moved from the duo. “What is it?” |
Violet blushed slightly and shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She had been excited about this when she first thought of it, but now she felt strangely shy. Maybe this gift hadn't been such a good idea. But Jane had brought it up and it was too late to back down now. "Um, well, it's just something I've been working on the past few years. They started out as individual stories, but this year I was able to bring them all out together as a book." Violet held out a small, rectangular package wrapped in dark green tissue paper and tied with a silver and bright green bow. Inside was a book bound in light grey leather with the title, Thorns and the Shadow by Violet P. Blackthorne. Inside, just behind the title page, was the dedication: To my mother, Helena Keystone Hurst, who is always in my heart. It was a collection of all the stories Violet had written about Hogwarts during the Neo-Alliance, including her very first short story, "Lost and Never Found." Now that she had had some success publishing science fiction in the Muggle world, she had finally been able to find a wizarding publisher with the guts to publish her stories, some of which were critical of the Ministry of Magic. Violet had never thought she would be able to show them to her mother, but now she was a little afraid Helena wouldn't like them, or think they were stupid. As a girl, Violet had daydreamed about being a famous author, but right now she didn't really care if other people liked and bought her book, as long as her mother thought well of it. |
A book? Interest piqued, Helena reached for the wrapped item. She carefully undid the bow and paper, feeling guilty about having to wreck such perfection {this feeling usually came about every single time Helena was made to undo wrapping}. The title was read and afterwards, some time was spent running her hand over the cover. Helena was in awe, not to mention she was feeling proud of the fact that her daughter had written a book. Little did the woman know she was in for another surprise when the book was opened. Her own name jumped out at her and there was suddenly a lump of emotions clogging her throat. “Oh, Violet,” Helena managed to croak and at the same time, holding out an arm for her daughter. “Your book will be a success! Not just any success though. A huge one!" Helena was completely sure of this. “I’ll get started on reading this today.” |
Violet flushed with pleasure at her mother's reaction. When she was a girl, she had fantasized about being a famous author receiving the accolades of the wizarding world, but now she found that her mother's compliments and confidence in her was better than anything she had imagined. She impulsively threw her arms around Helena and returned her hug. (She may have teared up a little, but would never admit it.) Jane smiled to see her old friend and her young ex-pupil reunited like this. She allowed them their moment together, and then gently changed the subject. "Helena--during the recent Wizarding War I developed a potion, a sort of healing elixir, which was used to great effect in certain cases. It has the property of restoring balance to the mind and emotions and has often helped people recover from the psychological effects of spell damage. I've discussed the possibility of your taking it with your Healers and they have agreed to a trial for you--but only if you agree to it. It may not be something you want." Jane had noticed that Helena seemed content with the progress she had been making on her own, and indeed, she seemed much like herself again, though there were still gaps in her memory. But she might not want to remember everything. "Oh, yes, mama, do try it!" blurted out Violet, who was much less patient. "It might help you remember!" "Now Violet, don't force things. It has to be her decision, and we should be willing to accept it, either way." And grown women did not really wish their young daughters to be telling them what to do, Jane thought to herself. Violet was a very determined person and could be a bit bossy if one let her. And Helena did not need that right now. |
Helena could see clearly just how much her words of confidence meant to her daughter. And Helena had certainly not been saying them because she was the young woman’s daughter. It was with great delight that she hugged Violet back tightly. She was so proud of this girl! So proud! However, when her friend began explaining about a potion that could potentially help her, Helena was intrigued and gave Jane her full attention. “You developed it?” she asked, quite amazed. There was also another sense of pride running through her. To be surrounded by such brilliant people! “That’s wonderful, Jane.” She lapsed into silence, mulling over the suggestion. She was even silent for a bit as she took in Violet’s words. It was true that Helena was happy with the progress she was making on her own but at the same time, she wanted to recall all the things. Violet clearly wanted her to do the same… and since Jane had created the potion, Helena had all the faith in her. “I’m considering it,’’ she assured her daughter. To Jane, she asked, “Do you know of any side effects?” It was only fair that she know all that she could before taking the potion, yes? |
Quote:
Finally she said, "None that I know of. Except that it doesn't always work, or doesn't work fully. Apparently in some cases, there's only so much it can do, and it hasn't been established yet why it works so well in some instances and not in other similar cases. You can, and should, discuss it with your Healers as well, of course. And think about it, Helena. You don't have to decide right away." Jane could feel Violet's look at her when she said this and gave her young friend a warning look back. Violet was young and impatient, but this was Helena's decision and, given her good progress so far, there was no reason to rush into anything. Jane was just glad her friend's domineering father wasn't there; she suspected Violet had arranged to busy her grandfather elsewhere while they paid this particular visit. |
Helena waited patiently for an answer to her question. She might remember all of hers and Jane’s earlier adventures but there was that strong instinct in her to trust her friend. If it were dangerous to take the potion, she was sure Jane would not have suggested it. Helena just wanted to be aware of the risks and benefits. Once Jane had advised her she fell silent, weighing the words carefully. No side effects that were known, even if the potion did not work for everyone. Helene supposed it depended on the body or the extent of damage to the individual’s memories. Her gaze lingered on her daughter who had made it very clear that she wanted her to try the potion. And she would. For her daughter’s sake and her friend’s sake. And of course, her very own. “Can we discuss the matter with the Healers today then? I’d like to see it if I can take your potion as soon as I can.” |
Quote:
"Good," Jane said aloud. "I'll find the Healers in charge of your treatment right away and discuss it with them. Though they may want to wait at least until tomorrow--I'll need to prepare a dose of the elixir and bring it back here, at least." Merlin, but all these Blackthornes were all so impatient! Violet beamed and impulsively reached over and hugged her mother. "Oh, Mum, I'm so glad. You won't regret it, I'm sure." If this kept up, Violet P. Blackthorne was in danger of becoming an emotional sort of person. Scene 5: Helena's bedside in St. Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward Time: November 2108 As it turned out, it had taken nearly two weeks to clear the new treatment with all the Healers involved, plus get authorization for its use from the Ministry of Magic. But Jane had managed to get it through all the red tape and was back in her friend's hospital room with a small vial containing a bright, dark-green liquid. She had convinced Violet to stay away during the treatment itself. After nagging them to get Helena to take the elixir, now Violet had become nervous that it might actually cause some ill effects to her mother after all, and Jane did not want her here now. She was afraid her nervous energy and suppressed fears would affect Helena, and they didn't need that sort of thing. Besides, Jane was beyond impatient with her young friend--no one had ever had a bad side effect from this elixir to date, and there was no rational reason to think there would be one now. |
Jane was right all along; of course she was. Helena did feel a boost of confidence in her decision. It also made her feel as though her life was finally coming together. Though, there was a hint of disappointment when Helena learnt that she would have to wait until at least tomorrow. It was understandable, however, as Jane would have to get the potion in order. So Helena nodded gratefully. “I appreciate that, Jane.” And Violet did as well, she hoped? Oh, it certainly seemed that her daughter did! Helena beamed and hugged the girl back. “I know I won’t.” The woman had a good feeling about the path she had just elected to take. It had taken longer than expected to get the go-ahead to consume the potion. Helena half worried that approval would not have been granted to her but it was, and she was thrilled albeit a tad nervous. Helena was at the moment brushing her hair when Jane approached her. “Did you get approval?” she asked immediately, her heart thumping with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. |
Jane smiled, glad that her friend seemed committed to the treatment now. [b]"Yes, I have," she said, "and they've given me permission to administer it to you." After checking the potion and the dosage and lecturing her on procedures for what Jane considered an unnecessarily long time. She put down a small carpetbag that she carried and her cloak, then without haste or dawdling, opened the bag up and reached inside. She pulled out a small, rectangular box that was made of some thin wood and had a sliding lid. Jane slid the lid open and took out a small silk-wrapped bundle, then carefully unwound it and produced a crystal phial containing a dark-green liquid that seemed to have a spark of cold fire deep within it. Jane held it up for Helena's inspection. "Here it is!" she said, with a touch of pride. After all, this elixir of the Lesser Stone was her very own invention and had helped any number of people after the Wizarding War with the Neo-Alliance, and Jane was somewhat proud of it. |
Helena’s heart leapt. She felt joy and slight anxiety. But her mind had been staunchly made up and she intended on following in through with her decision to take the Potion. “Wonderful!’’ She set her hairbrush down on the bedside table and watched with interest as Jane brought out the liquid. In her opinion, Jane had gone all out in protecting the Potion; not that Helena could blame her as it was the fruit of her friend’s hard work. The woman leaned in closer to examine the contents of the phial. “I’m proud of you, that you were able to create something that can help so many.” She sat up straight again. “Do I have to take the entire phial? And this will be the only dose? And does Violet know that you’ve brought this to me?” Maybe her daughter wanted to be here at this moment? “Also, how long until I start remembering?” |
Quote:
"She wanted to be here, but I thought it might be better to wait a bit, to see how things went. She's nearby, though." In fact, Jane was pretty sure she was out in the visiting lounge trying to prevent her imperious grandfather, Helena's father, from barging in and interfering with things prematurely. "I can have her brought in here if you prefer it, though." Jane didn't want to push anything on Helena at this point; she felt enough had been done to her friend without her consent as it was. |
A pleasant tasting potion was important in Helena’s opinion. How else was one supposed to properly consume them if they had a nasty taste? She did not fancy herself choking nor gagging over any. “That all sounds promising,’’ Helena spoke up, her nervousness now beginning to dissipate at Jane’s reassurances. Now she was even more certain that she wanted to take the Potion. It was going to benefit all involved in her life. Helena would not lie: some amount of disappointment reared its head when it was mentioned that Violet would not be with her during this crucial time. But she also did understand the wiseness behind Jane’s reasoning. “No, that’s fine.” She grinned impishly. “If she’s here, she’d be asking if I remember anything every minute or so. No, Jane. You did the right thing.” A deep breath was taken. “Okay,’’ Helena said, adjusting herself comfortably on her bed so that she was propped up against pillows. “I’m ready. Do the Healers need to oversee this?” Otherwise, she was going to have the potion now. |
Quote:
"You can just take it at any time--though you might want to be sitting down; sometimes the sudden return of feelings or memories can be disorienting, but just for a few minutes." Jane put the lovely glass bottle with the dark green liquid into her friend's hand. "Whenever you're ready, dear." |
Helena nodded; she was one hundred percent reassured and calm as the next phase loomed close now. That phase being consuming the potion, obviously. Propped up against the pillows, she certainly would say that she was ready. None of the reeling memories were going to catch her off guard. Helena collected the bottle with a firm grip. “Cheers,’’ she said with a tiny grin. Helena uncorked the bottle then tipped the contents into her mouth, towards the back. It was her hope that the liquid would simply bypass her tongue for the most part - that way she could avoid any tastes. Her plan worked mostly and soon the bottle was being lowered. Eyes fixed on the wall ahead of her, Helena waited for something to happen. |
Jane watched Helena intently, interested as both a friend and a scientist. Hmmm, she'd downed that rather quickly--probably afraid it would taste bad, like so many potions and elixirs. Too bad, for Jane had been told by many that this particular elixir had a rather nice taste. But none of that really mattered--what mattered is whether or not it would help. Jane looked at Helena's face and deeply into her eyes, trying to see if she caught any glimmer of a reaction. Through the small window at the top of the door, Violet's face could be seen peering in. Surely Jane did not think that the youngest Blackthorne clan member would pay attention to instructions, not on such an occasion as this! Violet had distracted her grandfather by setting him onto a hapless healer's assistant and had crept away while he was busy scolding the poor young man. Violet was full of anxiety and anticipation and she wanted to watch and be ready to rush into her mother's room at the very first sign of...well, of anything, really! |
Helena continued to wait for something to happen. Her eyes met Jane’s again, not at the moment noticing her sneaky daughter. She tilted her head slightly, about to open her mouth to say that she was certain something would happen soon. However, it was quickly shut and at the same time, she winced. A flurry of memories came rushing in: her younger self in the flower garden at her childhood home, laughing and talking with Violet’s father, leaving her home… The woman leaned heavily against her stack of pillows, her lids drooping over her eyes. All these memories rushing back at her still ‘winded’ her though she had braced herself for it. “Your potion works, Jane,’’ she remarked quietly, even if her friend already knew this. She just needed a moment to catch herself. |
Quote:
Violet saw her mother fall back on her pillows with a pang of anxiety, but caught the words Your potion works and immediately pushed open the door and strode over to the bed. "It worked!? I knew it would. So--what do you remember?" Violet reached out as if to take her mother's hands, but Jane restrained her with a slight frown. |
The figure striding toward the bed shifted Helena’s attention. She turned her head slightly as she recognised the person as her daughter. Images of her pushing infant Violet in a pram as the visited parks and zoos. Oh, the joy of being able to have such dear and fond memories resurface! It indeed made up for the terrible ones. But Helena was doing her best not to focus too much on those for now… this was a happy time for her, for Jane and for Violet. “I remember you,’’ Helena replied softly. “As a baby. How adorable you were then, as you are now.” She looked towards Jane. “And I remember us at School. Us arguing over silly things, trying to cram for exams…” Her eyes darted between the two. “I just want to focus on the happy things for now.” This was the woman’s way of letting them know that she did not want to talk of Sam. |
Quote:
"Oh, Mum!" she said, allowing herself to use that silly-sounding nickname that everyone else used--this was a special occasion, after all. "You do remember, then, don't you?" Violet noticed that her mother hadn't mentioned what had happened to her to cause this memory lapse, or her father, but tactfully didn't bring it up. Time for that later--after all, it wouldn't do to upset the woman, right after taking a potion. Besides, Violet didn't feel like she was ready to discuss her father right now either. "Thank you, Miss H...er, Jane," she said glancing up at her former governess for a moment. "I knew you could do it!" Jane smiled and nodded before walking over to the door of the room. She had been fairly confident in her elixir, since it had already been used on a number of people over the last few years, but she had not been quite as sure of success as Violet had apparently been. Right now she wanted to slip out and confer with one of Helena's healers, and give mother and daughter a little privacy. |
Helena took no notice of Violet’s wrinkled nose. To her, all versions of her daughter were adorable, and nothing nor anyone would be able to convince her otherwise. “I do!” she replied happily. “Oh, Violet! I’m so happy I can fully be here for you fully now.” The woman was desperately trying not to tear up but her eyes betrayed her by getting all watery. Helena was quite grateful about neither Jane nor Violet bringing up Sam; Violet was right as there was plenty of time to discuss that part of her life. Besides, on such a happy occasion, Sam did not deserve to be apart of it in a verbal manner or otherwise. “Yes, Jane! Much thanks to you.” Helena gazed after her friend fondly. There would be plenty of time to catch up with her; Helena rather suspected she wanted to leave Violet and herself together for now. “I wonder how soon the Healers will clear me so that I can leave.” There was no need for her to stay here any longer… right? |
Scene 6: Helena's bedside in St. Mungo's Janus Thickey Ward Time: Late December 2108 Ignatius Blackthorne paced impatiently back and forth in his daughter hospital room. He had wanted to catch a private word with her and had finally managed to dodge his unbelievably tenacious grandaughter only to arrive to find Helena was not there. She was off for yet another final checkup with some Healer or another, but would be back shortly, one of the aides had told him. It had taken some time for him to gather up his nerve and tamp down his pride in order to come here in the first place, and he was not best pleased to have to wait. |
It was indeed true that Helena had been away getting her final checkup but now she was on her way back to her room to gather up the last of her belongings. Soon, she would be leaving here for good; Violet would be there shortly to get her. To top off the wonderful recent days she had been experiencing, the Healers had given her a clean bill of health. The news left the woman feeling ecstatic. This was her second chance at life, to do what she wanted, to get to know her daughter… Her train of happy thoughts was derailed as her feet rounded the turn to her room. The woman came to an abrupt halt; the very last person she expected to see was present there. “Hello,’’ Helena began cautiously, stepping closer. Now that things were looking up in her life, she wanted it to continue that way. It was why that warm-ish greeting was given. |
Ignatius turned abruptly at the sound of Helena's voice. He had been so deep in thought that she had caught him unawares (blast, he was losing his edge!) Gazing at her, he thought she looked much more like herself than she had when she was first brought here, though she would never again be the optimistic and ingenuous young girl who had left his house in the middle of the night all those years ago. But looking in her eyes, he could still see his little daughter. "Helena," he responded finally, clearing his throat when he heard the word come out a bit too husky. "You're looking well. I take it you're much better." It wasn't really a question, but it was Ignatius' way of leaving a conversational opening. |
Of course she would not be the exact version of herself that Ignatius knew from so many years ago. Certain life events had a way of leaving their marks upon someone and Helena had many of such intangible scars. However, she was pleased with herself that measures had been put in place so that she would heal as best as possible. While Helena may no longer be ‘little’, in a way the woman supposed that she would always remain that way to Ignatius. “Thank you. Yes, the Healers and Jane have worked their magic and I’m doing much better.” There was a short pause. “I’m about to collect the rest of my belongings before leaving here for good. Would you like to come with me while I do so?” And perhaps Ignatius could say whatever it is that he came here to say? Jane suspected there was more to this visit. With those words, the woman headed into the ward and towards the bed that had seen her many a night and day. |
Ignatius merely nodded and followed his daughter into the small, uncluttered room that had been hers all this time. He had wanted to move her to a ward that afforded a bit more luxury, but the Healers had denied it, saying that too much stimulation would be bad for Helena (and surprisingly, his granddaughter Violet had backed them up! (when had she become so grown up as to defy him? that was more than any of his sons had dared to do, come to think of it, and that made him smile a bit...) Ignatius shook himself out of this reverie, for it was not what he had come here for. "Well, I'm glad...we're all glad...that you're well enough to leave. I ... we've all missed you at home all these years, and I'm sure you had your reasons for leaving, though you were so young..." Ignatius cleared his throat before betraying any more unbecoming emotion that his currently husky voice. He watched his daughter move around the room, collecting her things as if she knew what she was doing, and he sat on the edge of a nearby chair and watched her for a few minutes. Yes, she was certainly far improved from the nearly hysterical woman who had been brought here at the beginning of the summer. Finally he cleared his throat again and began to say what he had really come for. "Helena, I know we did not part under very good terms. I admit that I was not very happy at your wanting to marry a Muggle, but I want you to know that that wasn't the only--wasn't the main reason I objected. There was just something in that man that seemed...slippery, unsettled, not entirely honest. I truly didn't you want you with him because I was afraid he wouldn't take care of you, would hurt you in the end. And from what I've seen, it seems I was right!" Ignatius started off gently enough, but he was not quite able to stop a rather sharp edge creeping into his voice on that last sentence. He paused briefly to collect himself, then went on. "Well, that's all in the past, I just wanted you to know. But now..." Ignatius frowned as he continued to watch his daughter pack up, ready to move on. "Have you given any thought as to where you're going? Because...surely you must know you're always welcome back at home. Things are not what they were, they have changed...I have changed." He was truly worried about what Helena's plans were--well as she might seem, he was not convinced she was ready to embark upon the world unsupported, a world that had changed a lot in the years she'd been missing. Besides, he did not think he could bear to have her leave him again so soon after he'd finally found her. |
Helena actually liked her small room. It wasn’t huge and spacious but she did enjoy the level of intimacy it provided with her daughter and friend whenever they visited. The Healers and other staff also always ensured it was clean and cheerful. The woman set about gathering the remaining belongings, her ears zoned in on the sound of her father’s voice. “Yes, I had my reasons,’’ she said simply, choosing not to elaborate. “Hearing that everyone missed me makes me happy, however. I cannot wait to reconnect with everyone at some point.” Helena reached for a mug one of the Healers had given her as a parting gift. It was her intention to stay with Violet for a while as she adjusted to life outside of St. Mungo’s. As the mug was carefully placed into the bag she would be leaving with, Helena’s already soft nature was further softening as her father spoke. That is, until he used the words ‘I was right’ and his tone became harsh. No one liked anyone saying they were right and the words annoyed Helena. She turned to face him. “I hope the fact that you were right is not something you’ll constantly rub in my face.” Her eyes bored into his. She might have been a softie once but the recent years had taken away some of that softness. The man was right, however. It was all in the past and Helena aimed to keep it there. She returned to her packing. “I need to spend some quality time with my daughter. I want to get to know her.” So much time had been lost and she needed to make up for that. |
| All times are GMT. The time now is 12:37 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.3.2 © 2009, Crawlability, Inc.
Site designed by Richard Harris Design