Madam Pomfrey hurried briskly over from the inner side of the ward and asked with concern, "What happened?"
As she spoke, she lent a hand, helping Jon move Astoria Greengrass onto a hospital bed.
Even after being tucked beneath the covers, Astoria remained curled up helplessly, trembling. Her little hand clutched Jon's tightly, refusing to let go.
"A Boggart did this, Poppy..." Heavy footsteps sounded from behind them. It was Albus Dumbledore.
There was a trace of guilt in Dumbledore's voice. "My oversight!"
"A Boggart?" Madam Pomfrey frowned. "It looks as though the girl was merely frightened, but her reaction... seems particularly unusual!"
"Can you cure her, Madam Pomfrey?" Jon asked anxiously.
"Of course!" Hogwarts' school nurse nodded. "It's quite simple, though she may need to stay here for the night."
As she spoke, she tossed Jon a warm towel. "Help me wipe the girl's forehead."
Jon nodded, took the towel with his free hand, and carefully began wiping Astoria's forehead. The girl's violent reaction gradually subsided, and she slowly began to calm down.
Madam Pomfrey came around the curtain holding a large bottle filled with pale blue liquid.
With Jon's help, they barely managed to prop Astoria up from the bed.
"Drink up, child... you'll feel better soon," Madam Pomfrey said gently.
After drinking the potion, the blonde girl's eyes seemed to regain their vitality.
She raised her head, first giving Jon an apologetic look before turning to the Headmaster and saying weakly, "I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore..."
"This is my fault, Miss Greengrass!" Dumbledore shook his head. "I forgot about your special circumstances..."
The door burst open, and Daphne Greengrass rushed in.
"Astoria!" she screamed.
"No loud noises!" Madam Pomfrey warned sternly, her face darkening.
"I'm sorry, Madam... it's my sister. The one lying in that bed is my