"I'm pretty sure being laid up in hospital gives you an automatic pass on any possible bad friend accusations - not that you deserve any in the first place," Neville assured her. "Of course I was going to come to see you. I'm glad I made it before you got out - I've tried a few times, but they've never let me in - doctors or other visitors or 'Young man, she needs her rest!' You know how it is."

The hospital wasn't his favorite place by any means, but actually, having spent so much time there meant that he was used to lots of things that he'd noticed bothered other people - the squeaky floors, the smell, nurses and doctors bustling in and out. He didn't have any particularly happy memories associated with the place, but it also didn't frighten or upset him.

"I'm... doing rather well, actually," he said, surprising even himself a little. "I've been working, and getting out a bit more, and meeting a few new people. Pushing my limits a little, I guess."