A crowd stood anxiously outside one of the rooms in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing.
Professors and students alike were gathered there, most of them pacing like ants on a hot pan. Prayers could be heard from time to time.
"Merlin's beard..." "Merlin's socks..." "Merlin's sword..." "Merlin's rotten potatoes..." "Merlin's mosquito cakes..."
Will had just been brought to the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey had ushered everyone out, refusing to let anyone disturb him.
Hermione, on the other hand, thought it felt like the entrance to an operating theatre in the Muggle world, with the patient's family waiting anxiously outside for the doctor to give them an update.
About fifteen minutes later, Madam Pomfrey pushed open the door, looking considerably more relaxed. Everyone immediately crowded around her.
"Madam Pomfrey, how is Will?" "Poppy, is Will all right?" "Madam Pomfrey..."
"Keep your voices down. Will needs peace and rest." Madam Pomfrey gestured for silence. Everyone quieted down and waited for her to continue. "There's nothing seriously wrong with him. I've examined him. He's exhausted, and the mental strain has been quite severe. He needs some time to rest. Let him recover in peace, and don't disturb him."
At that, everyone relaxed. As one, they closed their mouths and fell silent.
"May I go in and see Will?" Sylvia asked softly.
Madam Pomfrey glanced at Sylvia and pursed her lips. "Only for a little while. Don't disturb him."
Sylvia nodded and slipped into the room.
"Then can we—"
"No one except Miss Lestrange. That includes you, Mr. Potter, and especially those two Mr. Weasleys at the back." Madam Pomfrey's stern expression drew sheepish smiles from George and Fred.
"Also," Madam Pomfrey said, turning to Snape, "Professor Snape, you'd best brew some more calming potions."
Snape nodded and turned to leave, but seemed to remember