Omg thank you all so much, Panacea reached 10k reads yesterday (4th June) - I am beyond speechless still and can't thank each and everyone of you enough! So, here is the chapter slightly earlier than usual, plus it's a little lengthy too! Enjoy all 3.7k words ❤️

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"So you just found her?" Remus asked quietly, trying not to draw any unwanted attention to their conversation. The Marauders were sat for Breakfast in the Great Hall, James and Peter looking particularly tired.

"Yes Moony, how many times do we have to explain it." James held his head in his hands, massaging his temples to try and keep him awake.

"I just don't get it though, why would she be out in the corridors?" Remus continued to press, not realising how concerned he actually sounded.

"Moony, go ask her for yourself. I'm too tired for this." James sighed.

"Fine, I'll ask Pete. Peter -" Remus turned to face Peter, who was sat next to him, only to find him head down in his pancakes.

"Merlin, I can't get over how tired you both are, it's not like you haven't done late nights before." Sirius chuckled deeply.

"They're emotionally exhausted." Remus explained.

"Moony, I didn't need an exact explanation, I was just stating what I saw." Sirius shrugged.

"I'm going to go see Fi later, I'm going to need a nap first." James groaned more to himself than anyone. "Wait, Lily flower how was Fi?" James had just eyed the four Gryffindor girls taking a seat at the breakfast table.

"She was awake and smiling." Lily didn't even notice that she was having a 'normal' conversation with James. Neither did James, they were both conversing over a mutual concern and that meant more to them than an unrequited crush.

"Still can't believe she didn't tell us her birthday." Marlene grumbled.

"Wait it's her birthday?" Remus felt his stomach drop at the mention of this.

"It can't be, she would have told us?" James looked to Remus for some mental reassurance that what he was saying was true, but didn't gain anything. "Surely?"

"I don't think she likes birthdays, so didn't want to make a big deal out of it." Lily explained.

"Who doesn't like birthdays? You literally get to be royalty for a day?" James cried out loudly, causing a few students from other tables to see what was making him shout.

"James not everybody gets to have amazing birthdays like you." Sirius joined the conversation now, a thought of why Fi may have neglected to tell them all when her birthday was had entered his mind.

"Still think birthdays are the best though." James shrugged, before shovelling a piece of pancake into his mouth. "We can go see her later." Food spilled out of James' mouth as he continued to talk. "At least make her smile."

"That's really kind of you James." Lily smiled brightly over to the boy. "I think she'd like that more than any gift."

"Sorted, we will see her later then." James energy grew in response to the compliment from Lily, but for once he pushed down the urge to respond.

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Minnie appeared at lunch time with a platter of food floating behind her. Ophelia noticed a crestfallen look appear slightly on the lady's face, disappointment still flowing from her. That energy from Minnie, hit Ophelia like a bus and any sign of her previous happiness caused by the girls visit earlier, was now gone. Instead, the headache caused from the fall had returned in full force and her heart began to beat faster.

"I brought you -" Minerva began to speak, unaware of how she felt was being noticed by someone else.

"You're still mad." Ophelia tried to manoeuvre herself upwards on the bed, but it felt like a ton of bricks held her down.

"Pardon?" Minerva had settled the platter of food on a window ledge, turning around shocked by the statement.

"You're upset with me, I can tell. Your top lip goes slightly over your bottom."

"I am n-"

"Please do not lie to me. I have absolutely zero energy to even attempt to be understanding." Ophelia kept a hand on her forehead, trying to push past the unusual anger inside of her.

Minerva had an inkling as to what could be happening right now, she had noticed it before at the children's hospital over Christmas too. But even so, it was just an incline and she would need someone with more expertise to help her decide if her thoughts were correct.

"Ophelia I am not-"

"Oh my god, stop!" Ophelia's voice raised in frustration.

"Ophelia! I do not care if I am your guardian, I will give you a detention if you continue to speak to me in such a tone." Minerva, however, did not need to raise her voice. Instead she lowered it and her Scottish accent thickened with authority. It seemed to do the trick, Ophelia's previous look of despair turned to a look of nonchalance. Like a switch had been turned off, allowing her thoughts to regather.

"I'm so sorry Minnie, I don't know what came over me. I think it's just today or maybe it's the room I don't know." Ophelia sighed, her head still throbbing slightly.

"You're having a stressful day dear. Is your head hurting?" Minnie's voice had softened to its usual tone.

"Yes."

"Poppy, could you please give Ophelia some Dolor."

"Certainly Minerva." The matron shouted from her office at the end of the ward, sounds of glass hitting glass echoed out until silence followed. "Here!" Rather than the lady come out, the potion vial floated out alone, resting itself on Ophelia's bedside table. Several months ago Ophelia would have been extremely hesitant to drink potions, but now she had full trust and respect for the lady. With no second thoughts, Ophelia grabbed the potion and drank it in a full shot.

"Shit I really don't think I will get used to drinking potions." Ophelia felt the burn go down her throat, causing her to shake her head profusely; this then only causing her more pain.

"Shall we try and enjoy some birthday lunch?" Minevera let a smile pass through her lips. She decided to ignore the use of a swear word in return to see some normality back in Ophelia.

"Wait, can I please just explain to you why I didn't speak to you about not sleeping well?" Ophelia hated the idea that Minnie may have felt like she had been lied to or used. 

"I cannot deny that I would appreciate hearing why."

"It was all going well, I was taking my draught before bed and it worked for a few nights. Then slowly it I started to wake up again, not always as early as before but I wouldn't get a full nights sleep. Now I manage a few hours sleep at the most, but I don't think I'm having as many night terrors." Ophelia explained. "I didn't tell you because I was being stubborn, I thought I could get through it myself without bothering you in the process."

"Merlin Ophelia, how many times must I explain that you are not a burden."

"Probably a thousand times, even then I probably wouldn't believe you." Ophelia chuckled at her own comment.

"Can you recall how you hurt yourself last night?"

"I was just getting into a tizz that's all." 

"A tizz?" A line formed between Minnie's eyebrows as she questioned Ophelia

"Yes a tizz. Oh, you don't know what I mean do you. I forget." Ophelia had to bite her lip to withhold laughter. "It just means getting all worked up. I was all worked up over my birthday, I just don't really enjoy them. Next thing I know, James is carrying me to here and then it's the morning with you. I must have fainted and hit my head."

"Well, at least Mr Potter and Mr Pettigrew found you. Even if I can presume they were awake for an impish purpose."

"I have a lot to thank them boys for, and the girls. I'm going to tell the rest of the girls about my muggle life I think. It feels right." Ophelia fiddled at the bedsheets around her at the mention of this.

"Only if you feel ready, dear." That warm comforting voice Ophelia loved about Minnie had returned.

"I think I am."

"Now, shall we at least try and enjoy your hospital bound birthday?" Minnie reached into her cloak as she spoke, then pulled out a small box with a ribbon around it. Ophelia took the gift from Minnie slowly, giving her a look that told her without words that a gift was not needed. "I do not need to be a legilimens know to what that look meant, yes you do merit a gift so stop being stubborn and allow yourself some happiness."

"Fine." Ophelia rolled her eyes playfully, before beginning to open the gift. Inside the box was a gold tulle sheet, that pulled away to reveal a quill and ink set. Instantly, Ophelia felt her eyes drawn to the quill itself - the feather was a deep red splattered with golden paint and the pen itself was a deep gold, engraved with the initials 'OM'. Inside the box too was a completed set of everything you would need: extra nibs for the quill, a bottle of ink, a sealing wax with a Gryffindor crested stamp, a spoon, candle and finally a holder for the quill.  

"I realised you did not own your own quill, you either borrowed one of mine or used one of the schools. I think it's about time a talented young witch like you has a quill of her own." Minerva explained to Ophelia.

Ophelia changed her stare from the gift to Minnie. It was incredible how much your life could change simply my changing who surrounded you. Minerva McGonagall was someone who had come into Ophelia's life unexpectedly. Whose presence kissed her wounded soul.

"Thank you Minnie."

"You're more than welcome dear."

"I was going to give you a hug but it seems my body is too tired to do that." Ophelia clenched and unclenched her hands and feet, in an attempt to wake her body up.

"Here." Minerva stood from the chair she was sat on and embraced the girl in a gentle hug, placing a light kiss on her forehead.

"I love you Minnie, thank you for everything. I really mean it, thank you so so much."

"I love you too dear, now we must eat before you pass out again from exhaustion. I could not hear a telling off from Poppy." Minerva began to set out two plates. "Ophelia, I was not disappointed in you when I came in earlier. I was disappointed in myself for not noticing your struggles."

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After an hours lunch together, Minnie left to finalise the weeks lesson plans. Ophelia was exhausted, from all the food, emotions and physical pain she was in. But just as her eyes began to close, she heard the familiar raucous laughter of four certain boys.

"Guys, be careful she could be asleep." Ophelia heard Remus quietly scold the boys, but laughter was still evident in his voice.

"I'm not, but thank you Rem." Ophelia, who was currently lying on her side facing where the boys were, opened her eyes to see Remus blushing slightly.

"Uh, you're welcome. Happy Birthday." Remus stuffed his hands in his pockets and pulled out a chocolate bar. "To be honest I would have gotten you a proper gift if I had known but here's my favourite chocolate bar. It will make you feel better too." Ophelia took the bar from Remus' hand, noticing a new scar running down from his wrist to middle finger.

"Thank you Rem." Ophelia smiled to the boy, before they fell into a silence of just staring at each other.

"Fi why on earth did you not tell us it was your birthday?" James decided to interrupt the tension with a question that he didn't realise would cause more.

"Oh, I just don't like them that's all." Ophelia shrugged, only just noticing Sirius elbow James in the side. "Who told you anyway? Or rather who did you overhear? Marlene?"

"Bongo!"

"It's bingo James." Both Remus and Ophelia corrected James at the same time.

"They're so cute." Peter whispered rather loudly to Sirius, causing Remus to shoot a warning glare at the boy.

"For Merlin's sake, this is the second time today I am having to usher people away from Miss McGonagall. You four should know better than to forget the rule of one visitor per patient. Now out, come on."

"Oh but I'm in pain Madam Pomfrey." James pouted.

"Where is that pain Mr Potter?" Madam Pomfrey questioned, although already guessing some joke to appear.

"Right here." James clutched his chest. "My heart because of my unrequited love for you."

"That's it, out! Come on, go." The matron used her hands to shoo the boys away, but one managed to stay behind.

"Thank you Sirius."

"For what?"

"I saw your little elbow judge to James."

"Oh, it's ok. I never used to be a fan of birthdays either. That's until I came here." Sirius took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"They're just another day, that's it. I mean I love celebrating others but for me it's a reminder of-"

"Those who are meant to love us, don't." Sirius finished the sentence for Ophelia.

"Yeh. Plus it marked another three hundred and sixty five days of torture with them."

"Well from this day onwards, I, Sirius Orion Black." Sirius raised his hand to the side of his head, like he was taking a pledge. "Promise you, Ophelia - wait I don't know your middle name."

"Oh, I don't have one. Not that I know of anyway." Ophelia shrugged.

"Ok, so let's start again. I, Sirius Orion Black. Promise you, Ophelia McGonagall. That I shall find you a middle name." This caused Ophelia to laugh, but Sirius squinted his eyes at her in a mock scolding way. "And that you will always have the best birthdays from here on out. Starting with me leaving you to go sleep, eye bags are ugly on you." Sirius stood to leave after that cheeky insult.

"Wow, thank you for being as charming as ever Sirius." Ophelia called to the boy who was walking away.

"You love me really though." The boy called over his shoulder.

"Oh I do unfortunately!" Ophelia yelled back, a permanent smile returning back to her face.

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After sleeping under the watchful eye of Madam Pomfrey for six solid hours and eating a full meal at dinner, Ophelia was allowed to head back to the Gryffindor tower. The corridors were quiet so the journey back was uninterrupted, giving Ophelia time to think of a few things. One, how amazing it was that she had a head injury and concussion just last night, yet was almost fully recovered within twenty four hours. Secondly, how beautiful the gifts from Minnie and the girls were. Finally, Remus' quick thought to gift her with chocolate; a small gesture that meant a lot to Ophelia. Before she knew it, Ophelia was walking up the stairs towards her dorm and facing their door. But something stopped Ophelia opening the door, a note stuck across the front.

"IF YOUR NAME IS FI KNOCK THREE TIMES, COUNT TO TWENTY THEN COME IN."

Slightly scared as to what would happen if she ignored the sign, Ophelia did as it asked. When the twenty seconds were up, she grabbed the brass door knob and twisted it open. The room was decorated with pink bunting and the floor was covered in pillows and duvets.

"SURPRISE!"

The four girls were stood on the left as Ophelia walked in, Lily held a birthday cake in her hand.

"Make a wish Fi." Lily brought the cake and candles closer to Ophelia. Ophelia leant down and blew the candles out graciously, one huge wish being made as the flame flickered away.

"What did you wish for?" Dorcas questioned.

"Merlin's sake Dor, she can't say or it won't come true." Alice sighed. "Don't you listen to anything in muggle studies?"

"Nope."

"Come on let's go cut the cake. Fi climb into your pyjamas, we are having a girls night in to celebrate your birthday." Lily took the cake to a bedside table and using her wand began to cut slices into it.

Ophelia got changed into her comfiest pyjamas, then joined the five girls on their dorm room floor, surrounded in cushions, blankets and snacks. Loud laughter filled the air and stories were shared. It was perfect. This friendship was perfect, even if perfection wasn't plausible. A sudden confidence filled Ophelia and without realising she grabbed onto Lily's hand.

"Girls, I need to tell you something." The serious tone in Ophelia's voice made the room go unusually quiet. Lily looked to Ophelia, a knowing look in her face as to what was about to be said.

"Are you sure?" Lily asked.

"Positive." Ophelia smiled back. "So Lily already knows this because she's just too intelligent for this world. But I want to tell you all, I want to be honest because I love you all so much already."

"You're not dying are you?" Dorcas blurted the words out in genuine fear.

"Oh my god no! Sorry, it's not that serious. It's about my pre Hogwarts life."

So Ophelia told the girls the truth, just like she had told Lily a couple months prior. Surprisingly the girls took it extremely well and weren't bothered by not being told sooner. Marlene was beyond excited by the concept of knowing a real life celebrity though and was determined to steal some muggle clothes. Dorcas was now piecing together how comes Ophelia was so good at doing her hair and makeup. Alice however just wanted to hear Ophelia sing. None of them commented on the negatives of Ophelia's past, and for that Ophelia was beyond grateful.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ophelia noticed Lily disappear from the circle towards her bedside cabinet. It didn't take long for her to return though, a piece of parchment and quill in her hands.

"Ok so this is silly but I think we should vow not to tell anyone about this unless Ophelia is ok with it." Lily began to explain whilst she placed the parchment down on the floor.

"I trust you all though, you don't need to vow to it." This was true, Ophelia did trust them all, she just sensed this feeling around them.

"Bullshit, we should make a vow to it. That's what friends do." Marlene exclaimed from the other side of the circle, pulling the parchment and quill towards her.

"Is it?" Ophelia asked, confused to see each girl writing their name down on the parchment.

"Well it's something us four have always done, now you can too." Alice explained as she continued to write her name down. Once everyone had written their names down, Lily pointed her wand to the parchment and began to chant.

"Promittimus et servare secreta loca patimur."

"What did you just do?" Ophelia watched as the parchment began to shimmer gold, before dulling down to its usual brown colour.

"Well, let's just say if one of us spills the truth, you'll know who it was." Lily smiled.

"You're all mad but I love you."

After some more laughter and chats, the five girls curled up on their self made floor beds to sleep. It didn't take long until soft snores were heard and the odd mutter of unintelligible words from dreamers.

Ophelia tossed and turned but couldn't find herself able to fall asleep, even though her body was exhausted. Slowing climbing out of the duvet, Ophelia tiptoed to the door and took herself downstairs for some needed alone time. But rather than the common room being empty like normal, a figure sat facing the roaring the fire.

"I knew you still wouldn't sleep." The figure turned to reveal James.

"James? Why are you awake?" Ophelia spoke in almost a whisper, afraid someone may wake up from their talk even.

"Waiting for you to inevitably show up." James stood from the chair and began to walk towards Ophelia with his arms behind his back. "This isn't a birthday gift, well it wasn't meant to be but it kinda words as one, but yeh here." James pulled his arm to the front to reveal a small crocheted teddy bear. "Mum made it for you, I told her you struggle with nightmares and whenever I had nightmares I used to cuddle my Fuzzy. Then I could fall asleep again, I thought it might work for you." James had a huge smile on his face as he explained the reasoning behind it.

"James that is quite possibly one of the kindest things anyone has done for me." Ophelia smiled back whilst she took the soft teddy bear from him. "Thank you James. Not just for this but for last night, for everything really."

"Well that's what big brothers are for." James hugged Ophelia tightly.

"Brother?" Ophelia didn't pull away from the hug, instead relaxed into it more.

"Yeh, don't laugh but I've always wanted a sister and you just seem to be that."

"I'm not laughing, I've always wanted a brother too. But aren't I older than you?" Ophelia pulled out of the hug to give a playful smirk.

"I'm taller than you, so I'm the big brother." James laughed. "Now go back to bed."

"Yes brother." Ophelia saluted him before turning around to walk up the stairs. "Thank you James, sleep well."

"Oh I will, being a big brother is exhausting." James called from his side of the stairs.

Ophelia tiptoed back into the dorm room and took her place next to Lily once more.

"You ok?" Lily whispered, slightly startling Ophelia.

"Sorry did I wake you?" Ophelia whispered back.

"No, it's ok."

"I'm ok, just needed a quick moment to myself."

"Cuddle?" Lily spoke with just one word, due to her half asleep state.

"Yeh, cuddle sounds amazing Lils." Ophelia moved herself over towards Lily and curled herself into a ball with her back touching Lily's back. "Love you Lils." A snore was all Ophelia had in return. Clutching herself to the new teddy, Ophelia felt herself drifting asleep much easier than she had a few moments before. Two final thoughts passed through her mind as she drifted off to sleep. One, this was the best birthday Ophelia had ever had. Two, she hoped her wish would come true. The wish, to be able to leave the past in the past.

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