Memories of Them

Consciousness returned to Cassie like a rolling tide, slowly making her more aware of her surroundings. The smell of thick smoke lingering in her nostrils, the feeling of wet grass itching her cheek, the sound of muffled voices calling out and the pain. The intense lingering pain, shooting through her limbs. The last sense that returned to her was sight, she strained to open her heavy eyelids, groaning as the light intensified her pounding headache. 

“Over here!” she heard someone call.

She tried to move but the pain made her hiss. Grasping her head with the hand that wasn’t currently pinned beneath her body, there was a damp sensation, trickling down the side of her head and in between her fingers. She pulled her hand away to see sticky crimson blood coating her fingers and dripping down to her wrist. A figure rushed over, making Cassie cringe back in fright.

“Wow, don’t worry, I’m here to help. Try not to move too much Darling, the mediwitches are coming,” the figure said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She tried to look at him, lifting her head from the floor. His face was blocking out the sun, his long bright ginger hair was tied into a messy ponytail, a dragon tooth earring hanging from one ear. 

“Bill?” she croaked out. The man looked startled, his eyes began flitting across her face taking in details, trying to find anything he recognised. She giggled slightly at the frown on his face, stopping abruptly as the small movement caused pain to shoot through her entire body. 

“Is my Dad her? Can you get him please, send him a message, I want my dad,” she sobbed, suddenly overcome with emotion. Large tears began to fall from her eyes, for the first time since the attack she allowed herself to be scared. This caused the flood gates to open, her breath began coming out in short laboured pants, her whole body began to shake, she couldn’t think straight as she was consumed by her terror. 

“I want my Dad, please,” she begged, wanting nothing more than Kingsley to come swooping in, pick her up and hug her like when she was a child. She wanted to feel safe.

“Shh shh, you're okay, but you need to calm down okay. Can you try taking some deep breaths?” Bill asked, demonstrating breathing in through his nose and out through his mouth. He kept throwing worried glances over his shoulder every couple of seconds, obviously waiting for more help to arrive. Cassie tried to follow his breathing technique but on every inhale her ribs felt as though they were on fire and every exhale made her feel sick. 

“Kingley, Bill. Please get Kingsley,” she cried. The pain was becoming more and more unbearable as time went on. She knew that if Bill could summon Kingsley, he would be able to help.

“Kingsley Shacklebolt?” he asked, his eyebrows shot up in surprise, his mouth gaping slightly. Cassie couldn’t summon the energy to answer,  just nodding her head slightly. 

“Cassie?” Bill questioned a look of recognition and fear crossing his face. “Good Godric!” 

Bill quickly stood up grabbing his wand. Cassie was aware of a brilliant white light shooting from its tip, taking the form of a salamander. Bill began talking quickly to the patronus trying to relay information on Cassie's whereabouts and condition. Then in a flash of silver it was gone. 

Bill threw himself on the floor next to Cassie, grasping her blood covered hand in his, carefully tracing soothing patterns with his thumb trying to comfort the young girl who was once like a little sister to him. They hadn’t seen each other in 6 years and they had both grown up significantly.

Bill let out a strangled chuckle, emotion nearly overwhelming him. “The last time I saw you, I think you were 10. You were sniffling into Freddie’s chest asking him to be good in his First Year. I can tell you with absolute certainty he was not. I don’t think they even made it to the castle before they got in trouble. Mum got a letter home that night.” he laughed, he was desperately trying to keep the young girl conscious, fully aware that he was rambling. 

“They glued McGonagall to her chair, flooded the entire second floor, made a cloud of noxious gas that had the dungeons out of action for nearly 3 weeks and turned Mr Filch, the caretaker, green for the whole month of December. I don’t think anyone has ever been able to handle them as well as you could Cas.” he chuckled. 

“We missed you when you stopped coming around, especially Ginny. She always considered you an older sister, I think it was hard for her growing up with all brothers. She’s a total badass now, she can cast a formidable Bat Bogey Hex, not even the twins mess with her.” 

He caught Cassie up on all members of the family. Charlie running off to Romania to care for Dragons, Percy becoming head boy, Ron meeting a raven haired boy named Harry Potter in his first year and all the adventures they had had in their first 3 years. Bill felt as though he had been talking forever,  but Cassie appeared to be listening intently letting out little chuckles occasionally and gasps of surprise. But as time dragged on Bill became aware of how shallow her breathing was, how heavy her eyelids appeared to be and how big the pool of blood around her was getting. 

Just as Bill’s anxiety hit its peak a single pop echoed through the derelict campsite, signifying that help had apparated a couple off yards behind him. Not daring to move from his position next to Cassie he shouted over his shoulder, “here, we’re over here!” 

Cassie’s wide eyes met his, pain and worry clearly visible in them. Tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear he said, “don’t worry Darling, help is on the way now, I think that was Kingsley.”

Footsteps raced forward following the sound of Bill’s voice. The thud of a body throwing itself to the floor next to Bill startled Cassie. 

“I’m here Bug, I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Kingsley said, his voice thick with emotion. 

“You missed me, I’ve been here all night,” Cassie mumbled, trying to make a joke out of the situation. Nobody could bring themselves to laugh, instead looking at the girl with worry and pity. 

“Well that joke crashed and burned,” she muttered. Kingsley just shook his head. 

He gently pushed Bill to the side, putting himself level with Cassie’s head and surveying her broken body. Cassie was laying on her front, one armed pinned beneath her, her head turned to the left. She was covered with scratches and bruises, dirt and blood splattered all over her clothes and exposed skin. Upon closer inspection Kingsley could also see some bigger injuries.  Her left leg was laying at a jaunty angle, a wide gaping gash was trickling blood down the side of her head and there appeared to be a deep burn on her right shoulder. There was also something about the way that Cassie was holding her body that also suggested she had some other internal injuries as well. Casting a simple diagnostic spell over her body, he let in a sharp breath. She had two broken ribs, her right arm was broken in three places and she had broken her tibia, all of that alongside internal bleeding and bruising made Kingsley wonder how she was still conscious. 

Kingsley showed the diagnostics to Bill making the man pale, “I can fix the broken bones, but I was never good with internal injuries,” Kingsley muttered. 

“I sent my patronus to you, Dad and the mediwitch tent. I’m hoping more help will arrive soon.” Bill said. “But I think we’ve got to do something, she’s been here all night fading in and out of consciousness.”

Turning to Cassie and looking her straight in the eye, Kingsley asked a stupid question, “do you trust me?” 

“Of course,” she croaked. 

“I’m not going to sugar coat it, this is really going to hurt.” he said. Cassie’s eyes widened in fear, swallowing deeply and letting out a shaky breath Cassie nodded in understanding. 

“The first thing we're going to need to do is roll you over so we can inspect all of your injuries, it’ll be easier to treat you on your back,” he said. 

“Bill, I need you to go and find a long wide board. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold her weight, we’re going to make a DIY stretcher,” Kingsley spoke in a commanding authoritative tone. Bill instantly  jumped up, running to find something of use. 

Whilst Bill was gone, Kingsley began to heal the cuts on Cassie’s body, gently tracing his wand tip over them whilst muttering the spell. He was particularly careful with the cut on her head that had been profusely bleeding all night, he wanted to make sure that the scar would be small and neat. Looking at his handy work he was proud to see the thin white scar was barely visible to the naked eye. He then turned his attention to the burn on her shoulder, he noticed that there were small lightning shaped lines radiating out from the centre of the burn. Trying all of the healing spells in his repertoire Kingsley was concerned by their lack of healing power, it was obvious that Cassie had been hit by a spell, something dark that even Kingsley hadn’t seen before. 

Giving up on the burn he turned his attention back to his daughter, studying her face, “How are you doing Cas?” questioned Kingsley, trying to gauge her responsiveness. 

“I’ve been better,” she mumbled, a small smirk gracing her lips. Kingsley let out a small snort and rolled his eyes. 

“Are you ever going to be serious?” he asked.

“Nope, too boring,” she said, the same cheeky smirk on her face.

The father daughter duo were interrupted by the sound of someone dragging something heavy towards them. Over Kingsley’s shoulder Cassie could see that Bill had found a piece of wood that used to be a part of the Quality Quidditch Supply Co. stand. 

“Place it tight up against her right side, Bill. Once I’ve rolled her onto her side you can begin to gently lower the board to the ground. Do it as swiftly and gently as you can.” Kingsley instructed. 

Kingsley looked at Cassie sympathy written plainly all over his face, “are you ready?” he questioned. Shaking slightly but giving him a small nod Cassie braised herself, curling her hands into fists and shutting her eyes tight. 

Cassie felt Kingsleys hand on her left shoulder and hip, as carefully as he could he began to push, rolling her body onto her right side. Cassie couldn’t help the guttural scream that escaped her mouth, the pain of her body weight on her broken right arm was so intense stars danced on her closed eyelids, her chest felt as though it was on fire and the break in her leg felt as though someone was currently taking a saw to it. Reaching her left hand up, she grabbed a hold of Kingsleys arm, squeezing it so tightly she felt her finger nails break the skin. She knew that her cries of pain were futile and would make Kingsley and Bill feel ten times worse, determined not to let another sound pass her lips she locked her jaw, pressing her teeth so hard together she thought they may break. 

“I’m sorry Bug, I’m so so sorry. Not much longer now I promise.” Kingsley kept apologising, the guilt and emotional agony clear in his normally calm voice.

Agonisingly slowly Bill lowered the board to the floor, Kingsley held her body firmly against it making sure she didn’t slip or fall. Laying on her back, Cassie had to take a few calming breaths before opening her eyes.  She looked up at the two incredibly pale and worried looking men and gave them a small smile. 

“It’s okay, Dad,” she whispered, grabbing his hand and squeezing it gently. 

Kingsley could help but let out a small laugh, “I’m supposed to be comforting you, not the other way around!” 

Two loud cracks behind the group startled them, two figures emerged from behind the ashes of a burnt tent, Arthur Weasley and Mr Carlise rushing forward. Mr Carlisle stopped in his tracks when he spotted Cassie lying on the floor, his face became as white as a sheet and his eyes instantly filled with tears.

“Good Lord, I’m sorry. Cassandra, Kingsley please forgive me. You poor girl, good lord.”

Cassie had to cut the blubbering man off, he had nothing to apologise for, “Mr Carlisle, where is everyone else? Are they okay? I lost them in the crush.” 

“They’re all okay my Dear, just a couple of scrapes and bruises. I found them hiding in the woods early this morning. They have all gone back to Fabian’s house to wait for news on your whereabouts. They were all quite distraught,” he answered, teary eyes still examining her body. 

“As wonderful as this reunion has been, my daughter needs urgent medical treatment Archibald. If you want to help go and find a mediwitch, bring them back to this spot as quickly as possible,” Kingsley said, his voice clipped, anger clear in his undertones.

“Yes of course, I’ll go and hunt one down right away,” with that, Mr Carlisle apparated on the spot. 

Mr Weasley cautiously walked towards Kingsley, much like you’d walk towards an injured animal. Anger was radiating off the man in waves. Trying to get him to calm down Arthur grasped his shoulder in comfort and asked, “what can I do?” 

“She’s got a broken arm, leg and two broken ribs. I can heal them but I’m not sure I can heal the internal bleeding or bruising, I don’t know how much longer we can leave it though.” Kingsley said, his words coming out quicker and quicker as he became more panicked.

“Let me, I can do the healing incantations you comfort her,” Mr Weasley replied knowing the pain and guilt the father before him must be experiencing. 

Kingsley knelt on the floor next to Cassie’s face clasping her uninjured hand in both of his and squeezing it tightly. 

“Hello again Cassandra, it's good to see you, although I admit it could be under better circumstances,” Mr Weasley nervously chuckled out, “I think it would be best if we started with your ribs, if that's okay, hopefully that’ll make breathing easier for you.” Cassie wasn’t going to argue with the man, she just wanted the pain to stop. 

“I’m going to count to 3 and then say the incantation, okay?” Mr Weasley said, readying himself. “1, 2, 3, Brackium Emendo.” Cassie grasped Kingsleys hands tightly as the searing pain intensified then faded into a dull throb. The feeling of her ribs moulding back on to her ribcage was hugely unpleasant. A small gasp escaped her lips. 

“How does that feel?” questioned Mr Weasley, a hopeful look in his eyes. Reluctantly Cassie inhaled deeply, seeing how her chest felt in comparison to her attempted breathing exercises earlier. Although there was a slight twinge, it felt 100 times better than before.

“So much better,” she chuckled, “I can actually breathe!” Kingsley looked at her with a mixture of trepidation and relief. 

“Fantastic,” Mr Weasley smiled, “unfortunately the next one’s are going to be a bit more painful. Bill, would you mind holding on to her leg please? Make sure you keep it still.” Bill came forward, throwing Cassie an apologetic smile before tentatively holding on to her leg. 

“On the count of three again okay? 1, 2, 3.” Cassie couldn’t contain it this time, a blood curdling scream ripped through her, her whole body jerking away from the pain. Bill kept a firm grip on her leg, whilst Kingsley grabbed her shoulders keeping her body flat against the wooden stretcher. The bone snapped back into place, with an audible crack. Nobody said a word or moved as muscle as Cassie’s lay panting on the wooden board, trying to calm her rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing. 

“No more,” she whimpered, “please no more.” 

Kingsley carefully let go of her shoulders and placed a hand gently on her cheek, brushing away the hair that had become stuck to her face with tears and sweat. Mr Weasley and Bill took a step back from the girl, apologetic looks on their faces.

“You’re doing so well Bug, if we can just mend your arm we should be able to move you and get you more comfortable. You’re being so brave Cas, not much longer now sweetheart.” Kingsley said, trying to comfort the girl. 

For the third time that morning Cassie was startled by the sound of people apparating close by. Kingsley quickly scrambled to his feet, standing at his full height flanked by the two Weasley men, all in defensive positions with their wands drawn. Slowly the sound of voices drifted towards them, making the men lower the wands and slump their shoulders in relief. Mr Carlisle appeared to be explaining to his companion the state that Cassie was in. 

“Right this way, Healer Macintosh,” Mr Carlisle said, stepping out from behind a burnt merchandise stall. A tall man with a bald head and long grey beard followed Mr Carlisle towards the small group who were all standing around Cassie’s makeshift stretcher. 

Kingsley stepped forward, introduced himself to the healer and began explaining what he had learnt from the diagnostic spell and what healing incantations they had already used. Healer Macintosh stood observing Cassie, occasionally nodding his head towards Kingsley, asking some questions of his own. Once the healer had been caught up, he set his bag down and began rifling through, pulling out an assortment of potions. Uncorking four he placed his hand gently behind Cassie’s head and began tipping them down her throat.

“This one is for the internal bleeding, this one is to prevent the internal bruising constricting your vital organs, this one is a blood replenishing potion and finally a pain-free potion, this one might make you drowsy.” Cassie shook her head slightly, the mixture of potions tasted vile but the relief was instant.  

Looking back towards Kingsley the healer then began to discuss the next course of treatment, Cassie tried to follow their conversation, however she felt her eye begin to droop. Kingsley turned to the young girl, smiling slightly, he encouraged her to sleep.

“I’ll be here when you wake up, okay?” 

✵❂✵

Cassie thought she had stirred a couple of times in her sleep, she vividly remembered being carried across the desolate remains of the burnt campsite, another time she thought she heard whispered conversations and questions being thrown around where she slept, she definitely tasted the tarte pain-free potion that was poured down her throat every couple of hours. Each time she thought she would finally make it back to the land of the living, another wave of pitch black unconsciousness battered her back down, fully submerging her in empty nothingness. 

The feeling of the bed dipping is what woke Cassie up the final time, someone was perched on the edge of her bed gently running their fingertips along her arm, across her face and through her hair in a comforting motion. Whoever it was continued that circuit for a couple of minutes before whispering her name. Her mind registered the word, but focused more on the sound of the voice. She knew who it was. She needed to open her eyes. 

“Cassie bug, wake up for me baby,” whispered Maya again. 

Everyone had spent the last 3 days trying to wake her, Maya and Kingsley had refused to leave her side since she’d arrived at St Mungo’s, taking it in turns to sleep in the small armchair in the corner of her room. Her friends had visited for an hour each day profusely apologising and begging her to wake up. Even her younger brothers Theo and Jasper had tried to bribe her to wake up with promises of sweets and toy trains. Nothing seemed to work. The healers had repeatedly told them that she would wake up when she was ready. 

“Come on Bug, just open your eyes for me, please,” Maya begged, her voice sounding desperate even to her own ears. 

A shifting sound behind her made her turn around, Kingsley had awoken with a start and began looking around the room. Wiping the sleep from the corners of her eyes, he stood up, stretched and walked slowly towards the woman, planting his hands carefully on her shoulders. 

“How is she doing, any movement,” he questioned hopefully. 

“Nothing yet, you know how much our girl loves her sleep,” she tried to joke. Kingsley tried to smile but it came out as more of a grimace.

“Hey Cassie Bug, if you open your eyes right now I’ll get you the gold cauldron you were eyeing in the apothecary all summer,” he said, partially joking, but using every incentive to wake his daughter he could think of. 

A small groan left the young girl's mouth, making both adults jump up and grasp each of her hands tightly in theirs. 

“That’s it Cass, only wake up for something you really want,” Maya cooed, laughter evident in her voice. 

Both adults gasped and turned to look at each other when Cassie squeezed both of their hands weakly. Cheeking they weren’t imagining it.

“That’s it! Now just open your eyes for us sweetheart, let us know you’re okay,” Kingsley pleaded. 

Cassie used all of her strength to flutter open her eyes, frowning slightly at the bright artificial lighting of the room. Blinking a couple of times to help her focus, her eyes flitted between the two people currently sitting on either side of her, staring in disbelief as tears streamed down their faces. 

“Hey,” she croaked out, her mouth was completely dry and felt like sandpaper. She desperately wanted a drink of water and to brush her teeth. 

“Oh, thank goodness,” Maya cried, covering her face with her hands, her whole body shaking as her loud sobs wracked her body. 

Kingsley reached over and used his free hand to rub comforting circles on his wife's back, refusing to take his eyes off of his daughter who was finally laying awake in front of him. Slowly a smile began to break across his face, a small laugh leaving his lips.

“You're awake. You're okay,” he sighed out in relief, “how are you feeling?” he asked, suddenly worried that she was in pain. 

“Okay I think,” mumbled Cassie. She slowly moved her head to the either side looking at the sterile unknown room around her. Her bed appeared to be in the middle of the room, along the right wall were floor to ceiling windows, the lack of light outside indicated it was late night or early morning. The only other pieces of furniture in the small room were a cracked brown leather armchair positioned in the corner and a bedside table, on top was a glass carafe and small plastic cups. Desperately trying to sit herself up she put her body weight on to her elbows, moaning, she instantly let her body sink back into the mattress. 

“Wow there, what are you trying to do?” questioned Kingsley, quickly jumping off the bed and coming round to stand beside her head. 

“I need water,” she sputtered out. 

“Okay Miss Independent, let me help you,” Kingsley said. 

Kingsley gently grabbed her under the arms and slowly brought her forward just enough so that Maya could place two fluffed pillows behind her back, he then carefully allowed her to sit back, in a more upright position than before. Kingsley turned to the bedside table, poured a small glass of water and gave it to her, frowning slightly at how much her hands were shaking. She wasn’t going to lie, she was still in a considerable amount of pain, her chest was burning, her arm and leg were stiff and there was a throbbing pain in her shoulder. But relief came in the form of worried glances from her doting parents, who were currently fussing over her blanket placement.

Giggling slightly and brushing their hands away, she looked up at them both innocently, saying “so about that gold cauldron…” Both adults let out a laugh, both bending down to kiss her head.