Part two of this post. Thank you so much for reading! Iāve been dealing with quite a bit of pain myself lately so I was able to use my own experiences.
MC lay on a plush lounge, grateful that they had brought it into the undercroft a few weeks ago for her to rest on. One arm was slung over her face, the other hanging off the side as she tried to ride out the pain. It had been moving to different parts of her body all day. Her knees had hurt so she sat down. Then her back had hurt so she stood back up. Then her hips hurt so she tried to stretch. She had eventually stumbled to the couch and decided to just lay as still as possible in hopes that it would all go away.
The loud clanging of the gate made her jump and look to the entrance, which caused a shooting pain through her neck.
āMC?ā Her friend called out. Upon seeing the boy with the familiar red tipped wand, MC went back to her previous position.
āHi Ominis.ā She mumbled.
āAre you alright? Can I do anything?ā He offered.
āIāll be fine, thank you though. What are you doing?ā She replied.
āThe common room was too loud for reading, so I thought Iād read here. Is that alright or would you prefer to be alone?ā
āItās fine. I donāt mind the company.ā She peeked over at him as he took a seat on the floor nearby. āWhat are you reading?ā
He pointed his wand at the open book, and she could have sworn she could see a faint blush on his face. āItās some muggle story Anne recommended. She thought I would enjoy it.ā
MC paused for a moment before speaking up nervously. āCould you read it to me? I would really appreciate the distraction,ā
Ominis looked surprised. āOf course,ā he agreed.
He began reading, and MC vaguely recognised the story as a fairy tale she heard in her childhood. The familiar story and her friendās comforting voice made it easy for her mind to drift away, picturing it all in her head.
Ominis had just finished the third chapter when he heard light snores coming from the direction of the couch. He chuckled, summoning a blanket to cover his friend. āSleep well, MC.ā
I have heard from Ominis about your new condition, and wanted to ask how you were doing. I understand how it feels to lose control of your body and am always available if you wish to discuss any of it.
I thought I could share a few things that have helped me, in hopes that it may do the same for you. I have found that during a particularly bad bout of pain, it helps to focus on my breathing. Try breathing in as deep as you can, holding it for a moment, and releasing it as slowly as you can.
Another thing that may help is visualisation. Try to think about what makes you happy and focus on that. Try to experience it with all of your senses. I often imagine myself walking at the beach with my favourite people, smelling the ocean. Or laying in a pile of puffskins, feeling their fur under my hands.
One of the most important things is to learn how to pace yourself. Take breaks and please avoid taking on too much at once.
Iām sure my brother will become overbearing in his attempts to help you, so do not hesitate to tell him to back off when you need to. Please do not hesitate to rely on your friends, myself included.
MC felt her eyes tear up at the sweet note, having a newfound love and understanding of her friend and their similar experiences. She closed her eyes and decided to try the visualisation that Anne had suggested.
She saw her friends, smiling and cheering for her during duels. She heard their laughter as they recounted stories of the first years at Hogwarts. Tasted the sweet, familiar taste of butterbeer. Smelt books and freshly brewed potions. Felt the wind on her face as her broom sped through the grounds.
MC opened her eyes and found herself smiling. She grabbed a piece of parchment and her quill, ready to respond to Anneās thoughtful letter.
MC immediately realised it was the pain her stomach that had woken her up, and rolled over with a groan. She had woken up earlier unable to move without feeling nauseous, and quickly sent Professor Weasley an owl to say she wouldnāt be in class, before falling back asleep. It was well past noon when she woke up again, and found a fresh cup of tea at her bedside. She was very grateful for Deek, as he always seemed to know what she wanted before she even asked.
Deek peeked his head in the room as she sipped her tea. āMister Sallow is here to see you. Should Deek let him in?ā
āYes please. Thank you Deek.ā MC slumped back onto her pillow, not having the energy to rise and meet her friend.
āHey sleepy head,ā the slytherin greeted, sauntering into the room. MC knew she must look like a mess, but couldnāt bring herself to care in that moment. She would be mortified that he saw her in that state once she felt better though.
āShouldnāt you be in class?ā She questioned.
āI have a study period, actually.ā He came over and hovered by the side of the bed.
āGo on, have a seat,ā she rolled her eyes. āTell me what I missed.ā
He slowly sat on the side of the bed. āWell, I kicked Leanderās ass in a duel again, Weasley blew up another potion, and I found Ominis asleep on the floor.ā
āSo nothing new?ā She teased, giggling before wincing at the movement.
āWhere is it today?ā He asked sympathetically.
āMy stomach,ā MC groaned, pushing her face into the pillow. āCould you please get my hot water bottle? It should be on the desk in the main room.ā
Sebastian returned a few seconds later, handing it to her. MC sighed contently, placing the bottle on her stomach.
āHow did you get the temperature so perfect? I usually end up making it too hot or cold.ā She asked, snuggling into the heated object.
āI just practised a heating charm until I could control the temperature,ā he shrugged.
āYou did that for me?ā She sounded surprised, laying on her side holding the hot water bottle on her stomach.
āOf course, why wouldnāt I?ā He smiled. MC smiled back, curling into a ball and sighing in content as her muscles began to relax.
āDo you need anything else?ā Sebastian asked, lifting a hand to move a piece of hair behind her ear. MC glanced at him nervously, a blush covering her cheeks. āWell, my back kind of hurts too, and i suppose it might help if I had a heat source on that side too,ā she said with a joking tone. Sebastian chuckled, kicking off his shoes before moving to the other side of the bed. He joined her under the covers and pulled her in so that his chest touched her back. MC blushed even harder, but soon found herself relaxing into him. āWell, do you use the charm on yourself or are you just naturally warm?ā She mumbled.
āJust naturally hot I suppose. Lucky for you,ā he teased. āNow close your eyes, Iāve got you.ā
The warmth of his arms around her and the tickle of his breath on her ear quickly lulled MC back into a slumber. She would wake up later feeling more rested than she had in months.