Kind to the point of doormat. (primlyrose) wrote in reduxpitch, @ 2016-06-02 21:04:00 |
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Entry tags: | !thread, character: primrose dursley, character: sirius black, location: st. mungo's |
WHO: Sirius Black & Primrose Dursley
WHAT: A visit and contraband
WHEN: Thursday 2 June 2002, Dinner time
WHERE: St. Mungo's
RATING: Low
STATUS: Completed in docs
This was just ridiculous. He wasn’t in the mood to argue with any more Healers - he felt fine and these blasted ‘attacks’ or whatever you wanted to call them - the first one hadn’t had any effect. Gradually there was so actual muscle exhaustion….and now he was being monitored even more closely than he had been before. And he was losing his good humor about things. He had stopped flirting with the medi-witches and was starting to get into the frustration phase. His brother was going through things, his FAMILY (because yes the Potters were family) was going through things…..and since the last one had come on when he was trying to get to visit one of those said people and he MIGHT have whacked his head on a counter when he doubled over - there were even more eyes on him.
God forbid he actually go and check on those people he loves.
Flopping back into the pillows with a groan, Sirius ran his hands over his face and sighed, “For the love of Merlin just let me OUT!!!!”
~~
Prim was too much of a coward to rush to the hospital with everyone else. She hadn't gone when Evan was there because she knew his sister and parents would be there, and she was sure he wouldn't like all the people fussing, so she didn't add to it. She had left Lucas to his siblings, though it had been difficult not to visit him when he was still in Mungo's. His vardo was spotless, though, and ready for whenever his sister or brother let him be on his own again.
She hadn't visited Sirius yet, either, and he was still there. She just couldn't. Prim hated the hospital. She hated seeing people she loved hurt enough to be there. But she'd spent a night in, according to a lot of accounts, 'the most haunted inn in England' and nothing untoward had happened. On her way to her aunt's office, she had reasoned with herself that if she could do that, she could go to the hospital and visit one of her adopted uncles.
Her stomach was a knot of nerves and emotions as she walked into St. Mungo's and took the lift to Sirius' ward. She had missed his escape attempt, but Prim entered her uncle's room in time to hear his desire to get out. "Evan went home yesterday," she told him gently, moving to the side of his bed. "I wasn't told, either."
~~
“Yesterday?” He sighed and shook his head, “Well, my Prim-rose. Have a seat and join me please? Because I think we officially have been left out of the loop. We are loopless.” He gave her a small grin.
“But at least you have come to see me. None of this weirdness is happening to you right? You are alright?” He ran his eyes over her briefly and watched her, curiously, “Are you the next shift of ‘Sirius Watch’? Because I think your uncle has point motion sensor charms in my room. But I am equally as thrilled to see one of my favorite nieces. Who I am hoping will help me concoct a plot to either get me more pudding at dinner or whom will break me out..”
He gave her his version of sad puppy dog eyes, “Please?”
~~
Primrose could have chosen to sit on the chair by his bed, but she felt that wasn't the right move. She didn't know why, but she did. Making sure there was enough space by his knees, Prim sat on the bed facing her uncle and crossed her legs under her. She smiled a little sadly. "They were probably so relieved they just forgot to mention it," she said quietly. "And I spent my first night at the inn, so it wasn't like I was home for Aunt Lily to let me know."
She shook her head, smiling a little sadly. It wasn't happening to her directly, only to the people she loved, and while that wasn't about it, it affected her because she didn't know how to help. "I'm not on Sirius Watch," she told him. "I just came to visit because you're still here. Lucas is with his sister, though I don't know how he's doing. And Evan is with Andrew and seems to be doing okay." She shrugged. "I should have come earlier, but I knew you had a lot of people fussing, and I didn't want to add to it when I couldn't be helpful."
She thought of her response and his request. "Not that I can be much help now. Daisy will never forgive me if I help you sneak out of her. Normally, I wouldn't be able to say no, but I honestly think this is the best place for you until they know what's going on." She pulled her bag onto her lap and opened it. "But I did bring contraband." She pulled out a dish with the lid magically stuck so nothing would spill, and a bottle of wine. "The shepherd's pie isn't exactly healthy, but I read that red wine is good for your heart."
--
He studied her for a moment and reached out to gently squeeze her hand, “Firstly - you are always helpful and always welcome. So come by whenever you want. And secondly, Lucas hmmm? Tell me more about Lucas….”
A grin tugged on his lips, “Contraband? Oh now I know you are my niece.” He inhaled deeply, “And quickly becoming my favorite with this food and wine. Are you going to eat with me? I hate eating alone.” He held out a spork to her, “I will share the contraband with you. That way if a medi-witch comes in she will shake her finger at both of us.”
He poured them both a glass of wine and handed her a paper cup, “To family being there for family.”
~~
A few of his comments made her blush, but none more than him calling her his niece. There were times when she didn't know how much a part of the Potter family she was. That was mostly to do with the fact that she was always worried she was in the way. Always. No matter what anyone told her or did to prove otherwise.
Prim eyed the proffered spork and shook her head. From the magical depths of her bag, she removed two bowls, a serving spoon, and two forks. She was glad he had cups because she hadn't wanted to trust wine glasses to her bag. Pulling the little tray towards her, she set the "table" and served steaming pie to both plates.
"I'm not a professional," she said quietly after sipping her wine, "But based on everyone else, I don't really think it's your heart. Because Lucas was--is--showing signs of exposure to an unforgivable curse that he's never had used on him, and Uncle Peter's finger literally vanished." She shrugged again and poked at her food, letting it cool before she tried to eat it.
"Lucas has been my closest friend since I started at Hogwarts. I'm very comfortable around him. He lets--no. He makes me want to be myself." She blushed, but shook her head. "He's very sweet, and you don't have to be intimidating with him." She took a bite and chewed it slowly. "Are there any pretty nurses you have your eye on?"
~~
“Pretty nurses? I do believe there are a few.” He grinned at Prim, “But I am more curious about you and this Lucas. I just want to be sure he understands how very lucky he is to have your friendship and support.” He took a bite of the pie and nodded, “And this is amazing….thank you. If I had to suffer through another evening of - honestly I don’t know what is on the plate - but it’s terrifying. You are saving me.”
Taking a moment he thought about what she had said, “I think you are right too - I mean to go from never having had heart issues, or reactions from a curse….missing extremities? Something is not right and I am hoping someone gets to the source of all of this. I have businesses to run, the others have lives….”
A few more bites later, Sirius looked at his dining companion, “So other than worrying over us and missing me - what have you been up to of late? I have to live vicariously through others until I am freed.”
~~
Prim thought about what Sirius said, about how Lucas was with her, about how they were together, and she nodded. "He knows, but I'm just as lucky as he is. We look out for each other." She blushed lightly but smiled proudly. "I'm glad you enjoy it. I'm sure what they provided you is adequate for those in your condition," she said primly, "but I thought you'd like something that was more homey."
They ate in silence for a bit, and that was fine with Prim. She didn't always need to chatter. She was able to enjoy companionable silences with those she loved the most. She laughed. "I'm not exactly the most exciting person to live vicariously through," she said instinctively. "Though…" She trailed off, pausing as if considering her life. "I was recently notified of an inheritance from someone I do not know. It has a catch. I, and two others, must spend every night this month at the Ram's Inn, reportedly England's most haunted inn."
She sipped her wine. "Fortunately, my friend Mary and Uncle Peter were also selected for this, so it makes it easier being there. Unfortunately, I wish it had been strangers so I did not feel obligated to do this. I'd much rather be at home or with Lucas."
~~
Giving Prim a very innocent look, Sirius batted his eyes at her, “Did you say you would rather be home with Lucas? Oh my….”
“And my condition - no one knows what my condition is - I will gleefully eat your cooking any day over the mystery food.” He arched his back a bit making it pop softly, before pouring them both a little more red wine, “And I may still try to sneak out of here with you. If you promise to cook like this for me - I might even let you fuss over me and not sigh. Which is more than I can say I offered your aunt and uncle.”
~~
She knew he was teasing her, but she nodded, completely serious. "It's...I've.." She sighed and studied her plate for a few minutes, gathering her thoughts. Since her conversation with Evan, she had been toying with the idea of actually saying what she was feeling and thinking, of trying to open up and be honest with herself and others. Technically, she should share her feelings with Lucas, but her family was good practice. "I don't know if it's because I am completely comfortable with him, or if the things I feel have grown and evolved from our close friendship, but my need to make sure he's okay, to take care of him, is stronger than what I feel even for my family, and my need to make sure all of you are taken care of and okay is measureless." Prim thought again for a moment. "But what I feel for him isn't familial."
Prim laughed lightly. "I can come by every day around this time with dinner, until you're released. I hope that happens soon, and I hope you'll actually stay. I know you're bored and restless, but it's better to be here than have to be rushed here."
~~
Sirius had been teasing his shyer niece, but once she started talking he grew more serious and actually listened to her words. It was rare for Prim to open up like this to someone and he didn’t want to do anything that would keep this from happening on a more frequent basis. He ate and listened to her and felt a small smile tug on his lips. Only Prim would seem so mystified by this happening. From what he could tell - she was very attached to this young man - a young man that he could only hope would return said attachment. He wouldn’t want to have to maim him for not realizing the treasure he had in his neice.
“Well, my darling young woman, I do suggest sharing this information with Lucas. If he has half a brain in his head he will not only understand but return these feelings.” He took a sip of the wine, and ignored the building pain in his arm and chest. Instead winking at his companion.
“I tell you what. If you promise to join me for dinner in the evenings while I am here. I promise to not miss a single date.”
~~
"He knows," she said, though with less confidence than she needed to sound sure. "I think. To an extent." She set her fork down and sat back a little from the tray with her cup in her hands. "He knows that I will do anything for him, but I don't exactly know how to put everything else into words."
Prim smiled and nodded. "That's a very easy promise to make and keep, and I know you keeping your end of it will not only please me, but it will put Daisy's mind at ease. Because you'll be taken care of." Her smiled became a little sad. "We're not ready to lose you. So you have to let them help you get better."
~~
“In my own humble opinion - words are cheap Prim. Don’t just tell him. Show him. Especially if he has been caught up in this madness like I have been. Beleive me when I say - nothing means as much to me as the people in my life taking a moment to do something like what you are doing. Or you know - being like your uncle and up until this entered the Potter world - he and your aunt were becoming quite stalkerish in their dedication to keeping me immobile.” Shrugging one shoulder and shifting so the hand that was clenching was hidden under the small bedside table.
“Then here I shall be - just don’t forsake me for this Lucas until I am freed from here. Then you can forsake me all you like. And I am all for helping keep Daisy as even keel as possible. I love you both to bits, but Daisy in an uproar can be….well….a bit intimidating. But she does stress bake. And you cook like a dream. I think between the two of you I can be bribed to stay put….for now.”
~~
It was a small table, and she was sitting close. He wasn't doing as well at hiding what was happening as he thought. Prim's eyes went wide, and she pushed the tray away. "It's happening again? What can I do?" She thought she should call for the healer, but she didn't want to leave his side. She moved up the bed and took his hand, trying to make it relax.
"He's with his sister. She's taking care of him, and I don't want to invade their space because I know that she worries about him. She's told me that she basically makes that a full time job. Worrying about him. And Daisy is tough. She does stress bake, like I stress cook. So we'll make sure you grow comfortably fat." She was babbling, trying to distract him from hurting.
~~
“Comfortably fat? I can live with that.” He looked at her and shook his head, “There is a….button. It sends a signal.” He reached over with his other hand and put it on hers, making a very conscious effort to not squeeze too hard, “And Prim - it’s fine. I will be fine in a moment okay?” That is when the sharp pain started in his chest and the breathing started to get harder.
Out of all the people in the world that he could have had this happen in front of it had to be his niece. He was worried enough about her without scaring her like this, “Prim, worrying about everyone younger than me is a full time job, so I get where the sister is coming from….but I think he would want to hear from you too.”
~~
She wanted to believe him. She wanted to just let it pass, but she didn't like the way he was breathing, or the way his hand wouldn't relax. She could just feel his pulse under her fingers, and it didn't feel right. She spotted the button and reached for it. To her credit, she gave Sirius his moment, or a moment. Her moment was, perhaps, shorter than his would have been, but she didn't want to give him more than that. "I'm sorry," she whispered, pushing the button to call for the healer.
Before anyone responded, she had the "contraband" stashed away in her bag, charmed not to spill once again. She didn't leave her uncle's side when the healer came in. She watched as everything was checked and rechecked, as Sirius was prodded, and confusion spread across the healer's face.
~~
Sirius felt the potion that the Healer brought in start to work and he was finally able to breathe. Looking around the perplexed Healer, he tried to get Prim to meet his eyes so he could be reassuring. Which he could assume would go better without a Healer looking him over like he was a sideshow freak. After being told - AGAIN - that they didn’t know what was going on or why he was experiencing what he was experiencing. He was tired of not worrying though so that everyone else wouldn’t worry. But this was Prim and she was nervous enough as it was - he didn’t want to worry her more.
“See Primrosey-Posey? I am still mystifying science and medicine. Nothing to worry about here. Not a thing.” Giving her a wink that was slightly more tired than normal, he felt the medi-witch smack his shoulder gently with a sigh, “And I am being abused by my medical staff - yet more proof to let me recover at home.”
~~
Prim's jaw set with a stubbornness that only those closest to her had ever seen, though rarely. She rearranged his pillows and blanket. "No. The suddenness of that attack just shows that you need to be here, where there is someone around to respond quickly. Don't give the staff too much grief, Uncle Sirius. They may not know what's going on, but they are keeping you around so I and Daisy can make you fat."
She stopped fussing and resumed her seat next to his hip, facing him. Her face softened. "You have to do everything you can to make sure you become a crotchety old man, with white hair and a long beard, yelling at kids to get off your lawn and keeping the toys they lose over your hedge." She didn't actually believe he would be that kind of old man. He'd probably have the best house at Halloween and be the neighbour the kids went to for advice on life, the universe, and everything.
~~
Sirius pulled her in and kissed her forehead softly, “Yes ma’am. I will lay here and let my nieces make me very fat and fuss over me. If it will help you feel better about this that is.” He covered one of her hands with his and squeezed it gently, “And if you keep bringing me contraband then I will be here when the contraband arrives.”
“I will also have you know - your uncle is going to get to be the cranky old man. I called dibs on being the dirty old man many years ago.” He settled back into his pillows and looked at her with very serious eyes, “As long as you promise to not worry as much and to take some nice, deep and easy breaths.’ Do we have a deal?”
~~
"It's not about making me feel better. It's about you getting better, and getting the care you need until this is figured out." She put her other hand over his and returned the squeeze. "If saying it's for me makes it easier for you to be here, then I'll allow it," she said primly. "But you really do not need to worry about me. I worry by default, and I will continue to worry until you're better."
Prim made a face. "May you find a woman who will swat you become a cad, Uncle Sirius." She shook her head, laughing lightly, because she knew he was right. He would flirt with everyone not related to him. "I promise to try to keep my worrying to a minimum, and to bring you proper food," she amended before holding out her right hand to seal the deal.
~~
“I only let the most worthy women smack me. So that is basically you Potter women.” taking a slow breath, he let it out in an even exhale, “And it really is for you that I am staying. Also, I don’t want you to worry. But I also know you Potter women well enough to know that you will do whatever you please - so I will let you worry.”
He held up a hand, “On the promise that you will let me worry over you in return. And once I am on my feet - I am going to take you out for a thank you meal. Several of them. At restaurants of your choice. And I will make you order whatever you want with dessert. Several desserts if you show choose.”
~~
"Then I accept that it's for me, and I thank you for taking me into consideration thus." She relaxed a little, matching his slow breath. "I think it's an Evans thing," she said quietly, "Since I don't actually have any Potter blood." Still, she liked being grouped in with her aunt and cousin. She liked being called a 'Potter', even if she technically wasn't.
Prim considered his terms and nodded. "Deal," she said simply, waiting for him to shake her hand. She wouldn't argue, and she would keep her promises.
~~
Taking her hand in his firmly, Sirius shook it and looked her in the eye, “You are a Potter. I swear I am going to get you plastered and get it tattooed on your arse if you aren’t careful.” He nodded and studied her again. Prim worried him. But he would keep it hidden from her as best he could. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable or agitated in any way.
“But until I can do that properly - what do you say we finish our wine in honor of this new agreement?”
~~
Prim nodded and took the bottle out of her bag again. She refilled their cups. "I hate to break it to you, but even when I'm very drunk, my hibitions don't go away." She raised her paper cup. "To looking out for each other."