The two parted on the first floor. Snape silently headed for his own sitting room, while Will returned to the Hospital Wing.
Early the next morning, sunlight spilled into the ward. Sylvia rubbed her eyes, climbed sleepily out of bed, and let out an enormous yawn.
After a moment, she came to her senses, and her pretty face flushed scarlet—Will was sitting on the sofa by the window, scribbling on a sheet of parchment.
She had just behaved in such an unladylike way, and her hair was a complete mess. Fortunately, Will was absorbed in his studies and had not seen her.
Then Will turned his head and pointed to her bedside. "I brought you some breakfast. It's all protected by a Warming Charm, so it's still hot. Go and wash up first, then we'll head to class."
Sylvia dashed into the ward's washroom.
Will smiled. Just then, Madam Pomfrey walked in. The usually stern witch looked distinctly displeased.
She placed several cups of potions on Will's table and said in a very serious tone:
"Mr. Behrens, thank you for the breakfast you sent me, but you left the Hospital Wing without my permission. Were you afraid you were recovering too well?
"Besides, I never said you could attend classes today. At the very least, you are not leaving today, and no reading either. You need sufficient rest.
"I simply cannot understand how Professor Snape could allow you to study at such an intensity. He gives you far too much freedom."
"Er, Madam Pomfrey—"
"Oh, Mr. Behrens, please be quiet. Even Professor Dumbledore has to listen to me in the Hospital Wing. Do you have some objection to the way I do my job?" Madam Pomfrey narrowed her eyes.
"Um, no... no..." Will spread his hands. *Fine. I'll just study