Awakening

The first thing he noticed was the smell — sharp, pungent, heavy with herbs and bitter potions. The air clung to him like damp wool, making his head feel heavier than it already was.

Slowly, Cael's eyes fluttered open, and he was met with the soft, dim glow of candlelight casting shadows across the infirmary ceiling. The towering shelves of Madam Pomfrey's medical ward stood quietly against the walls, and rows of empty beds stretched out around him. It was quiet, unnaturally so, except for the faint ticking of the clock mounted high above the door — just past eight in the evening.

His body ached, faintly buzzing with numbness, but he was alive.

For a moment, Cael just lay there, breathing in the sterile scent of potions and dried herbs. His mind felt foggy, but fragments were beginning to settle — the memory of cold air, the library, that… figure (Frey).

His gaze drifted to the small table beside his bed — stacked high with an assortment of brightly wrapped candies, Chocolate Frogs, fizzing sweets, and little trinkets. Cards littered the nightstand, scrawled with cheerful, shaky handwriting. Students from all across the castle had been here.

How long…?

Before he could dwell on the thought, a familiar voice echoed in his mind — light, amused, teasing.

"Hello, mate. About time you woke up. You alright? Hope you're not in too much pain," the System chimed casually, the voice wrapping around his thoughts like silk.

Cael exhaled, the corners of his lips lifting faintly. "I'm fine… just a little numb," he whispered softly, his throat dry but his voice steady. "Feels like I've been hit by a Hippogriff, though."

"Well, technically, no Hippogriffs were involved this time. You've been out for nearly four days."

His eyes widened slightly. "Four days?"

"Yeah, nearly. You've been the most popular boy in school while unconscious, by the way. The Weasley twins practically made this place their second home. Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Katie Bell — they all came to check in. Even that Cassandra girl — the arrogant one. You're quite the charmer, even in a coma."

Cael chuckled weakly, then paused as another name drifted to him. "Wait… Cassandra came too?" His tone was laced with disbelief.

"Mhm. She slipped in, watched you for about five minutes, didn't say a word, just… left this."

The System directed his gaze toward a small, carefully placed candy wrapped in silver foil sitting apart from the pile.

A frown creased Cael's brow. "She… really came to see me?"

"Seems so. You've got more fans than you think." The System paused, then shifted tones, growing serious. "On a more important note… I blocked some of those lovely trauma-inducing memories for you. Call it a favor — didn't want you ending up like poor Neville's parents, y'know? You were halfway to being a human vegetable after what He did to you. But hey who made me generous, don't say I'm useless."

A quiet warmth stirred in Cael's chest. Despite the teasing, the System's actions hadn't gone unnoticed. "Thanks," he murmured sincerely, eyes softening. "I knew I could count on you."

"Finally, some appreciation. It's exhausting saving your sanity."

A soft knock at the door interrupted the quiet, and a moment later, Madam Pomfrey bustled in, carrying a tray of potions. Her sharp eyes immediately caught him attempting to shift upright.

"Sit down!" she scolded, hurrying to his side. "Absolutely not — you've been unconscious for days, young man. You're lucky to be breathing." She set the tray down with a clatter and began fussing over him, checking his bandages and pulse with expert precision.

"How are you feeling? Headaches? Dizziness? Do you remember your name?" She fired questions rapidly, her voice both concerned and stern.

"I'm alright," Caelum replied softly. "Just numb… everywhere."

Madam Pomfrey sighed, half in exasperation, half in relief. "You Gryffindors will be the death of me," she muttered. Straightening, she added, "I'll inform Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. They've been waiting for you to wake."

She bustled out, and true to her word, minutes later, Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore entered the ward, both carrying expressions of quiet worry.

"My boy," Dumbledore greeted gently, moving to Cael's bedside. "How are you feeling?"

Cael offered a faint smile. "Better than expected, sir. Just a bit numb, but I'm fine."

Professor McGonagall, her usually stern features softened with relief, brushed a hand gently through his hair. "Brave boy," she murmured, her voice wavering for just a moment before settling back into its composed cadence. "Now… tell us — who did this to you? And what did they do to you near the Forbidden Forest?"

Cael hesitated. His eyes met theirs — sharp, calculating blue against McGonagall's steady gaze. The truth simmered beneath his thoughts, but after a brief silence, he exhaled, shaking his head.

"I don't remember," he said finally, voice steady but distant. "I remember leaving the library… then… I was frozen. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the forest. Everything in my body hurt. That's all."

McGonagall's eyes narrowed slightly, concern flickering behind her glasses. She exchanged a glance with Dumbledore, speaking softly, "Albus… is it possible his memory's been tampered with?"

Dumbledore's expression darkened faintly as he drew his wand, casting subtle diagnostics across Cael. The tip glowed faintly, reading traces of lingering magic.

The Headmaster's gaze locked onto Cael's. "Are you absolutely certain, my boy? You saw no one? Nothing?"

For a heartbeat, silence lingered.

Cael held his gaze, unblinking. "No, sir. I don't remember anything more."

Dumbledore's eyes studied him intently — the faintest narrowing of suspicion hidden beneath his usual warmth. But after a moment, he relented, tucking his wand away.

"We'll find the culprit," Dumbledore promised quietly, turning to leave. McGonagall lingered, her expression soft but unreadable.

"Rest," she instructed firmly. "I'll have the house-elves bring food. You'll need your strength."

With that, the professors departed, and Madam Pomfrey returned, insisting he eat before sleeping again.

The ward finally fell silent once more.

"Why didn't you tell them?" The System's voice returned, curious but knowing.

Cael's expression hardened. "If Dumbledore couldn't find the culprit after four days, that means he's good — smart enough to cover his tracks. Dumbledore got eyes everywhere in this castle, and they still slipped through."

A sharp glint flickered behind his weary eyes. "But I'll make his last two and a half years here a bloody nightmare."

"Ah, long-term revenge plan then," the System mused.

Caels lips curled into a cold smile. "I'll make him beg for mercy. Slow… careful. The way he made me feel."

The System's laughter echoed faintly in his mind, amused, dark, and approving.

And the war for vengeance had only just begun.