So everything seemed to be going alright--for the most part.

Those of them gathered around Bossa were handling his situation. Jessa was...relieved to say the least when Olivia went over the man's wounds with a gauze to get the whole area cleaned, having wondered why Ava didn't before. Infections were real. That lake water carried millions of bacteria she bet so the whole area needed to be cleaned to prevent the germs from simply migrating along his skin after--because that was totes a possibility in her book.

She nodded along as the older girl confirmed she saw no more cuts. "Good, we won't have to treat much." So that was all set, yeah? "I'm not entirely good at ventus, so maybe someone else can?"

Just then, the prodigal Healer made his appearance. Little late for the party if you asked her but consider her not surprised this was all staged. Like she'd said earlier, and hence her lack of true concern. And no bandages? Well, if he was sure.

Looking up at him when he asked the question, she felt she'd make an attempt "Panicking's never the right idea. It's how accidents and simple mistakes are made. It's always best to assess the situation before making rash movements." Like those who'd dived in and could have drowned themselves instead of listening to Levi and levitating Hirsch out.

Oooohhhhhh Derf. Her friend had been so quiet this entire time that she'd almost forgotten he was out here with them. Now that he'd made his feelings known...dear oh dear. It explained why he hadn't been a bigger presence in this whole thing.

Ah, so this was a test. Healer Reed was watching them carefully behind his invisible veil. Geez...that poor little kid ...look at him running off crying. Tsk tsk. Good luck consoling the crying PTSD kids, Healer Reed. On a more positive note... no one died. Let's give them all a clap on the back for being proactive and what not. Yeah...okay. Can he go back now? James couldn't stand the sight of blood...and rather let the others deal with the situation.

While this wasn't his lesson and wasn't something he was taking over, the man couldn't help but feel proud at this very moment. Especially when Mr Thomas-Borzekowski started using his knowledge of spells to aid him. More mental notes were being made.

That is, unless River was actually watching from a distance, which, on second though, wouldn't surprise Hirsch at all.

Shivering slightly, the man tried to roll onto his back without letting his right arm get under his own weight and blinked up at the distorted and slightly-blurry figure of the Slytherin Prefect. "Thanks, Oliver. That'd be very useful." Cue a small smile from the Defence Professor as his clothes started drying off. Sure, it made him shiver slightly at first and it probably left his skin feeling slightly damp but it also felt better than laying there in wet clothes. "I'm not sure if it's broken or not but I think I landed on it when I fell and now...." He broke off to look at it and frowned. Sure, he faced worse injuries, but this was his good arm. The other one was only slightly helpful.

And then came the sound of a very familiar voice.

Hirsch took a deep breath and, using his stomach muscles, managed to do a single sit up to sit himself up in a seating position. This then let him look over at the Healer as he started talking and explaining the challenge that had been planned. Except, he had been here to help out a friend and colleague but he wasn't meant to fall in, was he?

So. River. You're getting a look for now.

Before he could do or say anything, there was a green towel being handed to him. Looking up, he smiled over at Skylar and said, "Thank you, Miss Diggory." Again, useful. His clothes were fine but considering the fact that his skin was in most need of drying off properly now, he reached up over the back of his neck and started to pull off his shirt with his left hand. It was slow business but, eventually, the shirt was off and cast aside. Now he could finish off the drying process while he was at-

Uh oh.

Reaching up, he straightened his glasses and used his towel to wipe the droplets of water away. There were streaks but, through them, he could vaguely make out the figure of one Abey Botros running off in the distance. And, to make it even worse, there was shouting. Shouting from - squint - Mr Ashburry-Hawthorne, at that. Uh.

Hirsch, wide-eyed, looked from the Hufflepuff to River and then back again. "No one... said it was a game, Derfael. I don't think Healer Reed meant to be offensive with this challenge or to hurt anyone's feelings," he piped up quietly. Sure, this might be a bit too soon for some but this stuff happened all the time. Being prepared was better than not being prepared. Still clutching onto his green towel, Hirsch looked over at River and gave him a small, sympathetic look.

First things, first... the towels were an excellent idea! So, Skylar received a huge, brilliant grin as Liv reached up to collect two of them. Mm, maybe they could place the warming charms on them, instead of on the man himself. That way these towels could resemble fluffy blankets, kinda... Sure, they'd be getting wet, thus taking away from their warmth, but every little bit helped against this October chill. Right? Right.

Attention grabbed by Jessa once more, the blonde began to slowly nod. Ventus was a spell she knew well from the duelling club, so.. if someone needed to perform that, she could... if no one else wanted to give it a go. It would require some subtlety, however. They obviously didn't want to blow the poor, wounded man away. "Would you like to warm the towels, instead? Chaudensis should do it, I think. You know, the one from that Herbology lesson." Just a reminder, in case anyone had forgotten... One of her favorite spells, learned from one of her favorite professors. thank you, Professor Myers.

Ahem....anyway, moving to stand, so that she could better concentrate her wand on the patient, Nurse Olivia scrunched up her face from effort. Deep breaths. Warm, slightly!windy thoughts.... NOT!duel level intensity... "Ventus." .....With a pleased smile (at her own success...and not at the situation), Liv aimed the gentle gust towards the soaked man; slowly, but surely drying his clothing and skin. There.... Wasn't that much better? Though, she supposed he'd still have a chill for a while, which was why the warmed towels were so important. It was kinda like when you got caught in the rain and were forced to wear wet clothes until you made it home... In her experience, it left a bone-deep chill that wasn't easily remedied.

.....Where had Healer Reed come from?!...Wait, had he been here the entire time? What a tricksy man... Olivia tried desperately hard not to be totally infatuated with him, but failed. Again, and again... Those disillusionment skills, though. And he was offering his much needed guidance and input. Listening with rapt fascination, she nodded at his playful command of sparing the plasters for now. She'd only been going off her own experiences, but...trusted his judgment completely. If he thought they'd be better used later on, that was acceptable to her, yes.... So brilliant, he was. So capable...

.....Whut?

........Who in the world was shouting...?

Wildly glancing around the clearing, since loud noises would forever put her on edge, the blonde spotted a small, but angry, Derf...and a quickly retreating Abey Botros. Uh oh. What had she missed?.....Did she need to send another invitation for tea? A hug? A story?.... But Olivia needn't have troubled herself since the other wholly capable man present was properly sorting the situation. Though, she'd known all along that Professor Hirsch was special, so this level of brilliance from him wasn't surprising to her. He was her duelling instructor, after all. Ever wonder how she'd gotten so good at it? It was all thanks to this man.

Hello, Prince Eric.

....They were being asked a question. Had been...and she'd gotten distracted by ickles and wonderful men. What was new? "Healer Reed, I completely agree with Jessa. Mistakes are caused by chaos, and in addition, it usually only makes matters worse. Especially if others are involved." Yes, that was directed at you lot that had dived into the Black Lake all haphazardly-like. As if there were no other possible answer. Were THEY warm enough? Did they need heated towels, as well??? "I also think, for our kind, especially...that Healing requires a certain level of patience and mastery. Disorder has a negative effect on a person's vitals. Like... their blood pressure." Very muggle thinking, but still significant in saving someone's life. Her aunt, Caroline, was a Healer, after all. "....And their magic. It's an unstable variable at times, considering accidental magic is definitely a thing. A person could be attempting to perform one spell, and be so totally freaked out that they manage another."

That... was better. She thought as Olivia did her work (or actually more like fixing the mess that she had mad). Ava didn't think that what she did was wrong, though. Her impulse action sometimes makes her forget some detail things. "Good job, guys." She appreciated for those who had helped with the victim.

And then the Healer appeared himself. Ah, so he was disillusioned for the entire time. That was very surprising.

#sarcasm.

The Gryffindor knew that this was for study purpose. And thankfully the case was still manageable. "I agree with her." She referred to Jessa. "Plus, it would be better to observe the situation and use the resources that we have to help the victim. Like what we have to use to dress the wound or even how to get the unconscious victim out from the water." Bless Levi with his levitation charm.

And hearing Olivia's comment made her realize that healing for her future was not suitable for her.

Olly was not at all surprised this was just a test. In fact, that had been his assumption from the beginning. It seemed the idea of it being a test was rather alarming to some of the younger ones. Olly was just thankful that Healer Reed was here now and would be able to properly tend to the wounds. Like Hirsch's arm. The other team seemed to be doing well with the strange man. But his wound did not look as dire.

Olly smiled a bit when he was praised for drying Hirsch. It had seemed like common sense and he was glad it actually had been the right thing to do. He saw Liv working on drying the other man. He also spotted the first year (Kyle) using a towel to dry himself off. "Need some help?" He asked. And then he used the same spell he'd used to help Hirsch, and the same one Liv was using on the other man. That should help him dry off a bit faster. He was sure it would not be comfortable to stand outside for long with wet clothes.

"I think," he began, in response to the question, "It would have been better to teach us how to help people first, before making us just do it. Someone who doesn't know what they're doing could cause even more harm to the person they're trying to help if they do it wrong."

Kyle smiled to the boy who dried his clothes. "Thanks. I was feeling really soggy." He toweled off his hair and frowned, feeling it. The lake water could not be good for his hair. He would definitely have to get a shower when he got back to the dorms. The special shampoo and conditioner his dad made for him would get his hair back in the right condition.

Junia didn't know how to help and it upset her in a way that she didn't even know how to explain. People getting hurt physically-that she could help find a way to fix. It was easy for her to look at the situation, think of a plan, and follow through. What Abey and Derf were going through, though...she didn't have a plan for that. She didn't have an answer. She was just there and sometimes it seemed that was enough to help her cousin, at least, but it hadn't helped today. Worse still, Healer Reed had been there the whole time and witnessed her failure. Caused the situation that lead to it, even. It made her so disappointed and disheartened and any praise she was being given went in one ear and out the other. Did Healer reed not SEE she'd failed in managing to handle those doing the panicking? Did he not SEE he'd hurt her family?

Ugh.

"I've got him," She said to no one in particular when the small Botros boy ran off. Of course she had him, she always would.

A fleeting look was given to the professors, and she was running after Abey. Derf, he had people here to look after him.

Jessa was quite pleased to know that not being able to dry Bossa didn't mean the end of her helpfulness. Olivia suggested she warm the towels and you know what? That was actually something she could do!

The 13 year old nodded, drawing her wand and pulling the towels to her. This wasn't a difficult spell thankfully. "Chaudensis!" She lifted one to her face, testing the warmth of it as it were to be sure she'd gotten them to the right temperature. There wasn't a chance they'd have gotten too hot, she was simply trying to ensure that they were warm enough.

Not entirely convinced of this, Jessa cast on the towels once more before handing them over to Olivia and turning her attention to her school mates again.

Oliver had a pretty decent point there, she wouldn't lie. There were some among them who may have done better had they known there were options that excluded putting yourself in immediate danger. She herself possessed a sound head on her shoulder when it came to situations like these and only few others but the same couldn't be said for someone of the others standing here.

"Is there anything else he'll need?" Directed to Olivia and Ava. Was he all good to go and ready to not be unconscious now?

Was...Healer Reed really criticising the way he had helped out here? Rooney stepped back from the group of students, eyebrow raised and pursed his lips as he thought about how to go about this. How to tell this man exactly what he thought about this awful exercise and how ashamed he should be to have thrown children into this situation without any consideration for the things they had been through before now. And then to expect them to know exactly what to do and not to be MORE traumatised by all of this?

He cleared his throat and put his hand in the air, deciding that he was ready to speak and wouldn't drop any words that he shouldn't have been using around Professors. "Healer Reed, I understand that this is a teaching exercise. However, Kyle was close enough to the shore for me to reach and help him out. Had he been further out, I'm sure I would have used magic instead - because that's why I have a wand and I learn magic daily. To assist. To better myself." Speaking of his wand, he moved his robes to show his holster, just to prove that he had it with him. The new wand. Not the one he had snapped in the Hospital Wing last year.

He looked as Abey ran off, stepping to follow after him but deciding to let Miss Junia go after him as she was family. And then he turned to look back at Healer Reed. "And that's why we don't force children into situations that could hinder their emotional recovery, clearly, Sir. But you'd know that...being a Healer and all? Is this the second part of the challenge? To see whether we have big enough hearts to go help him feel better, even though we all know that he's probably going to have nightmares every night for years to come? That one day he could be on his death bed and instead of thinking about his family, he'll think about how an adult at his SCHOOL -- someone who should be responsible for him -- made him feel. Or maybe he'll think about the monster that almost ended his life last year. Again, you have the answers to that, Mr. Healer." Was that all he wanted to say? No. His Head of House was here and he was Head Boy and probably shouldn't have been speaking out of turn, but it was inconsiderate and for Professor Hirsch to have taken part, it actually hurt Rooney's feelings more than it probably should have.

And what Roo should have been doing was admiring how majestic his fiancee was being over there working on the chatty shopkeeper that had taken a dunk with Professor Hirsch in the lake. He should have been thinking about how good she would be with their children one day if they fell over and hurt themselves. Instead, he wanted to take Derf to find Abey and Junia and just make everything okay for them all right now.

Hirsch was now back onshore and being attended to. Good because given that he was now only in his pants and socks he was starting to shiver in the cool Scottish air. Gotta get his shirt and shoes back, so he walked back to the deck where he had hastily taken them off.

By the time he was back with the group, Healer Reed was there and there were towels floating about. "Thanks!" he called out as he caught one and wrapped himself snugly in it, drying off his dripping self. He was roughly following the discussion. And young ones running off and screaming about PTSD. At that he shifted at glance at Healer Reed-- are these kids in therapy? Because it really looks like they need it. Specially if one collates the behavioral patterns over the months and years they were here.

And if the kids already had a shrink, maybe they shouldnt've attended Healer classes where life threatening situations are very well within the scope of discussion?

Anyway this was a very good and very INSIGHTFUL class. Ace appreciated it despite the aches and the apparent ungratefulness of people's demeanor right now. He can only see the positives in this. Its good to know the quality of one's character yknow? To see who would actually make the effort to help and who would just expect somebody else to help. And then judge them for it.

And that ultimately is his takeaway from this class. That and that dogs are surprisingly strong swimmers.

"HE DID WORSE!" the second year found himself shouting back, his fists pounding the air defiantly.　"YOU ALL DID! YOU PUT HIM IN A SITUATION THAT TRIGGERS MEMORIES!"

The second years eyes were now darting around and making SURE to meet the gazes of all the adults present. ALL OF THEM. Except for the large toothed bloke because he was kind of even more terrifying in this moment. Large teeth making him think of the monster and all and now back to his best mate who had just gone running off in tears and NONE OF THE ADULTS SEEMED TO HONESTLY CARE. If they had...at least ONE of them - looking at you Mr. Librarian - would have attempted to comfort the Gryffindor during his initial break down.

What made the second year feel even worse was how the Healer's words made him feel even WORSE that he had frozen up. He had been helpless to help Abey feel better, helpless to help in this faux rescue mission, helpless in helping himself, and just helpless and WORTHLESS everywhere. Because he had panicked...and obviously that was not the right way to handle a situation like this. But what else could they have expected? He wasn't as brave and able to filter his fears like some of his classmates were able to.

Classmates whose voices he could hardly hear at the moment over the pounding of his heart in his ears.

Derfael Mitchell Ashburry-Hawthorne may be loud...but he was quite fragile in the heart.

Which was why, after giving one last HURTFUL and BETRAYED look to each of the adults who he USED to trust...he too bolted out of the area to go look for Abey and Junia.

Thankful for Jessa (and Ava), Olivia retook her spot next to the man's side; reaching out to carefully press the back of her hand against his forehead. Temperature!wise, he didn't seem to be running a fever, but she'd have felt leagues better getting a potion down his throat; to properly warm him up and prevent a cold. Offhandedly..."Do you think the Healer has any Pepper-Up set out over there?" Were their any potions on that table? Liv hadn't paid too much attention, to be honest.

........... And her boyfriend had just launched himself into a semilengthy sassfest. So... that was why Abey had run off?... He'd felt tricked by Healer Reed. Betrayed. And if Derf's screeching to the high skies was anything to go by....the small Hufflepuff shared those sentiments. S I G H, this was a poor way to handle the situation. Shouting...at professors and faculty...?! Openly being disrespectful...? Rooney was receiving a super confused (albeit unimpressed) look. In fact, Olivia highly doubted that their Healer intended for anyone to be hurt, or further emotionally scarred by this seminar. To suggest otherwise was inappropriate. Yes, a bad thing had come into their school and touched a few of them with it's darkness, forever leaving them changed...but lessons weren't just about any one person, you know? She wanted to learn, too. Was it right for these types of things to continue to disrupt her education?

Rooney Bronwyn, your girlfriend would be having a word with you later.

In all honesty, River did not expect the participants to answer his question. In fact, he was expecting all sorts of outbursts, and get a good amount of tongue-lashing from this activity. However, there were students who kept on track and followed through the exercise. Yes, these kids will survive on their own considering that they used their heads in the face of danger. River watched a couple of towels flew by, and gave Skylar an appreciative grin, “Thank you, Miss Diggory, and that’s a good answer. You have to make sure that the rescue effort should not endanger the rescuer’s life…for the sake of the victim.” Just imagine the guilt fest the victim would feel if he or she found out that his or her rescuer got badly hurt while saving his or her life.

Next to answer was the young Slytherin who sprung right into action, and the ever curious Miss Cambridge. “You are both right, Mr Erikson and Miss Cambridge. You have to remain calm, not just for yourself but for the victim as well. The victim would’ve been subjected to too much stress so being calm would help him or her a lot.” Was he surprised that that came from a first year? Yes. And he was impressed.

And then there was Nurse Phillips. The young Lioness earned a grin and an approving nod. “That is a good point, Miss Phillips. Never perform Healing magic on a victim if the rescuer is still unstable due to nerves and initial stress. So, if you find yourself in such situation and you’re panicking, it would be advisable to get help.” Being heroic isn’t always a good thing, kids.

River snapped his fingers and pointed upwards upon hearing Ava’s answer, “Resources, yes. It’s very important to utilize anything and everything around you. You have no idea how useful your school ties are.” He said pointing to the Gryffindor’s tie. Back in the day, he’d always come home with ruined school ties because he’d use it as a first aid bandage whenever someone got hurt.

And then, the Slytherin Prefect spoke. “You do have a point, Prefect Oliver, however there are people around you who could help in so many ways. There is diversity in this group,” It would be quite impossible if all of them messed up; 40 school kids in this seminar and all of them ending up doing the wrong thing? It would be quite an appalling thought if none of them knew that pulling a broken arm is wrong, or leaving an open wound unattended? It wouldn’t be his first time seeing bandages and plasters, correct?

Anyway.

Back to the discussion…or not.

Before he could even stop Abey from walking out (and thank Junia), Derfael happened. Usually, River would wait for the person to calm down, and he was about to do just that when Hirsch spoke. River remained silent as he tucked his hands behind his back and hung his head. Therapy or no therapy, those two have a long way to go. If he could give them all the time they need to recover from last term, he would. But as everyone could see, they haven’t given up on Hogwarts. And if they haven’t then they should be prepared for what is to come in the next 5 years of their school life. Hogwarts will not wait for them. After taking a moment to center himself, River opened his mouth to address the young Hufflepuff, only to face Derfael’s back. Merlin. Clenching his jaw, River gave the Lake a hard, cold stare and muttered the words, “10 points from Hufflepuff for disrespecting a Professor.” Upset or not, Derfael’s outburst cannot be tolerated.

If Abey and Derfael were not enough, the Head Boy was there not wasting any time adding fuel to the fire. River tucked his hands in his trouser’s pockets and slowly faced the Head Boy squarely. Surely, he doesn’t know what goes behind his private healing sessions with Abey, yes? “Of course I know that Head Boy Bronwyn. However, I did not force them to be here. This seminar, for the record, is neither a requirement nor a pre-requisite to any of the subjects taught in this school.” And if no one will attend his next Healer’s Challenge, there would be no hard feelings. It would only mean that he has more time to tend to his patients and conduct longer private healing sessions. “This seminar, has nothing to do with Abraham or Derfael, instead, it is to help each and every one of you to be independent and prepare you for the worst.” What if the portal opened again? What would he do if there were no adults around? “And more importantly, this exercise should mirror who you are in the face of danger. If you’ve seen a flaw, hopefully, you will improve on it. Not for me, but for the people you interact with.” Because why would Rooney do it for him when he clearly hated him from the beginning? But then again, River never took it as a concern. He was there to teach, guide, and serve them the best he could. He wasn't there to impress anyone.

River took a step back and turned to address the participants. “The first Healer’s Challenge ends here. Thank you, again, for helping Mr Monte Bossa,” who was starting to regain his consciousness, “And Professor Hirsch. Likewise, I would like to thank them today as well.” And yes, there will be a lot of explaining to do. Perhaps he should drag them both at the local pub back in Hogsmeade? “I will take it from here. Thank you for coming. You’re all dismissed.” Boy, was he glad it’s all over?

And as the students started to head for the castle, River approached Monte first to fix his dressing, and then back to Hirsch. “Why does this remind me so much of summer?” The misfortune, the misadventure...if anything were too soon, it would be…that. Shrugging off the thought, River looked over his shoulder to glance at the Shopkeeper. “Bring Monte back to the Hospital Wing and I’ll meet you there. I have to find Abraham and Derfael first.” After pulling Hirsch on his feet and giving his unbroken arm a good punch, River turned and headed for the Barn.





OOC: The Challenge ends here! Thank you all for coming!