The Twentieth Step ~ {Audio → Video → Audio}
{There is the sound of someone shifting on a bed and then a quiet whimper.}
Excuse - {Lily's voice fails her and she forgoes the attempt to speak. Instead, she gets onto her feet and walks a short distance away. At least that's what the sounds seem to indicate.
She then pours herself a glass of water and takes a long sip.}
...you like to turn on at the most inopportune moments. {Those words are whispered hoarsely. Lily puts down her glass with a click and picks up her PCD. Switching to video, she tries to look contrite. However, her thick red hair is messy, her cheeks are rosier than normal - hinting at fever - and her eyes seem quite dark.}
If... {She coughs into a handkerchief.} ...I've been sick. I thought it was just a cold, but -
{Exhaling slowly, she crawls back under the covers.} Everyone...will get their presents...later. {A small pause.} I'm sorry.
{Clearing her throat, she takes another sip of water.}
I'm in the Clinic. It's...the best place I can be, really. {She smiles tiredly and touches the screen.} Harry, I have something special for you. I hope you don't mind waiting. Happy Christmas, love.
{With that, she places her PCD back onto the table and switches it off. Or, at least, she thinks she does. Really, it goes back to audio. So everyone is privy to her snuggling under the covers and trying to sleep again.}
Excuse - {Lily's voice fails her and she forgoes the attempt to speak. Instead, she gets onto her feet and walks a short distance away. At least that's what the sounds seem to indicate.
She then pours herself a glass of water and takes a long sip.}
...you like to turn on at the most inopportune moments. {Those words are whispered hoarsely. Lily puts down her glass with a click and picks up her PCD. Switching to video, she tries to look contrite. However, her thick red hair is messy, her cheeks are rosier than normal - hinting at fever - and her eyes seem quite dark.}
If... {She coughs into a handkerchief.} ...I've been sick. I thought it was just a cold, but -
{Exhaling slowly, she crawls back under the covers.} Everyone...will get their presents...later. {A small pause.} I'm sorry.
{Clearing her throat, she takes another sip of water.}
I'm in the Clinic. It's...the best place I can be, really. {She smiles tiredly and touches the screen.} Harry, I have something special for you. I hope you don't mind waiting. Happy Christmas, love.
{With that, she places her PCD back onto the table and switches it off. Or, at least, she thinks she does. Really, it goes back to audio. So everyone is privy to her snuggling under the covers and trying to sleep again.}