CHAPTER 10 - AUNT AMELIA'S PROMISE
CHAPTER 10 - AUNT AMELIA'S PROMISE
It took me a few hours to recount everything that had happened to me. I talked about Lestrange and Crouch Jr., about the old demon with the last name Avery, and the horrifying rituals they performed on me. Although it wasn't much they didn't already know, it would help whatever case they were building against those who had captured me in the Lestrange case.
Amelia listened intently, her expression hardening with every detail. When I finished, she looked at me with steely determination. "Thank you for telling me all this, Ares. I'll make sure those animals get the Kiss for this. They think they can do whatever they want just because they're purebloods? They have another thing coming."
She turned to Alastor Moody, who had been standing quietly by the door, his magical eye swiveling around the room. "Alastor, go back to the Ministry and ensure they charge the captured Death Eaters with the right crimes. I don't want them on trial simply because they're Death Eaters; too many are getting away with the Imperius defense."
Alastor nodded, his grizzled face set in a grimace. "Consider it done, Amelia. I'll make sure they face justice."
Turning back to me, Amelia softened slightly. "Ares, I'm going to check with the matrons on when you'll be fit to come back with me. I'm now your guardian since I'm your closest living relative who is both willing and able to support you."
I managed a small smile. "That's okay, Aunt Amelia. I'm fine with coming with you. As long as SAL can come too."
She raised an eyebrow. "The bird? Well, that's fine," she said after a moment's thought. "As long as it doesn't cause any trouble."
SAL, my faithful magical falcon, let out a soft caw from its perch near the window, almost as if it understood the conversation. Amelia and Alastor left the room in a bit of a hurry, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my feathered companion.
I lay back on the hospital bed, staring at the ceiling. The memories of the torture and the dark rituals were still fresh in my mind. The pain, the fear, the feeling of utter helplessness—it was all still there, lurking just beneath the surface. But now, there was a glimmer of hope. Amelia was a powerful witch and a formidable Auror. If anyone could bring my captors to justice, it was her.
As I waited for her return, I practiced Occlumency, a mental discipline I had been forced to learn during my captivity. It helped to keep my mind clear and my emotions in check. I focused on building mental walls, brick by brick, around my most vulnerable thoughts and memories. It was exhausting, but necessary. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not even for a moment.
A soft knock on the door interrupted my concentration. I looked up to see one of the matrons, a kind-faced woman named Madam Pomfrey, entering the room. She gave me a reassuring smile as she approached.
"How are you feeling, Ares?" she asked, checking my vitals with a wave of her wand.
"Tired, but better," I replied honestly. "How long until I can leave?"
"You're making good progress," she said, nodding approvingly. "A few more days of rest and you'll be ready to go. Just take it easy and don't overexert yourself."
"I will, thank you," I said, grateful for her kindness.
After she left, I continued my Occlumency practice. The mental exercises were grueling, but they helped to distract me from the physical pain and the trauma. I also began practicing wandless magic, something I had only dabbled in before my capture. It was difficult, requiring intense concentration and focus, but I was determined to master it. If I ever found myself without a wand again, I wanted to be prepared.
Hours passed, and I drifted in and out of sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw flashes of the torture and the dark rituals. But I also saw flashes of hope—Amelia's determined face, Alastor's gruff reassurance, and the promise of justice.
Finally, the door opened again and Amelia returned, looking more determined than ever. "Ares, the matrons say you'll be ready to leave in a few days. In the meantime, I want you to rest and regain your strength. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we’ll face it together."
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. "Thank you, Aunt Amelia. I won't let you down."
She smiled, a rare sight, and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I know you won't, Ares. We'll make sure those responsible pay for what they've done. And we'll make sure you have a future worth looking forward to."
As she left the room, I felt a renewed sense of determination. I wasn't just a victim; I was a survivor. And with Amelia by my side, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Left alone, I decided to delve into my mind and study the memories I had obtained from Madam Pomfrey. She had been a healer for a very long time, and I had no doubt I could teach myself a great many things from her experiences if I went through them properly this time.
I focused my attention on the various potions used to treat different injuries, maladies, and accidents. The knowledge was vast and intricate, and I marveled at the depth of her expertise. The intricacies of healing spells, the precise measurements for potion ingredients, and the delicate procedures for treating magical injuries fascinated me. I immersed myself in this newfound knowledge, eager to learn and grow stronger.
A soft click of the door handle pulled me from my thoughts. I looked up to see Aunt Amelia entering the room, her expression serious yet caring.
"They said there's nothing physically wrong with you. They are worried about your mental health because of what you've been through, but I convinced them that getting out of this place and being with your own family would be a better environment for you. So you'll spend the night here so that they can clear you, and I'll pick you up tomorrow evening, okay?" she explained, her tone gentle yet firm.
"Alright, Aunt Amelia. I'll wait for you to pick me up tomorrow," I replied, trying to be polite.
"You don't need to be so polite when we're alone," she said with a soft chuckle, trying to correct me gently. "But, I will need to leave soon."
She approached my bed, extending her arms, and pulled me into a warm embrace. I hugged her back, feeling a sense of comfort and safety that I hadn't felt in a long time.
"Thank you, Aunt Amelia," I whispered, my voice muffled against her shoulder. "For everything."
"You're family, Ares. We take care of our own," she replied, her voice steady and reassuring. "Rest up, and we'll talk more tomorrow."
As she pulled away and left the room, I felt a surge of gratitude and resolve. I wasn't alone in this fight. With Amelia's support, I knew I could reclaim my life and face whatever came next.
I settled back into bed, my mind buzzing with thoughts of potions and healing spells. There was so much to learn, and I was determined to make the most of this time. Closing my eyes, I returned to the memories, letting Madam Pomfrey's knowledge flow through me like a calming river.
The night passed in a blur of dreams and half-formed thoughts. I dreamt of brewing potions, of casting healing spells, and of standing strong against the darkness that had once threatened to consume me. Each dream was a testament to my growing strength and determination.
When morning came, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face it. With Amelia by my side and the knowledge I was gaining, I felt more prepared than ever to take on the challenges that awaited me.
As the day wore on, I continued to practice Occlumency and wandless magic, honing my skills and fortifying my mind. The discipline and focus required were intense, but I welcomed the challenge. It was a way to reclaim my power and assert control over my life once more.
By the time evening rolled around, I was exhausted but content. I had made significant progress, and I knew I was on the right path. When the door opened and Aunt Amelia walked in, I greeted her with a smile.
"Ready to go?" she asked, her eyes scanning me for any signs of distress.
"More than ready," I replied, feeling a sense of anticipation and hope. "Let's go home."
With a nod, she helped me gather my things, and we left the hospital together. As we stepped into the cool evening air, I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of freedom and possibility. The road ahead was uncertain, but I knew I could face it. With family by my side and the strength I was discovering within myself, I was ready for whatever lay ahead.
That act made me freeze. My eyes started to water. She must've felt my body becoming rigid because she squeezed me a bit harder. I tried to hug her back, but it was like my body was fighting against me. All I could manage was my arms mechanically raising themselves and mimicking her action. As soon as I did, though, it was like a dam burst, and I kept on crying.
She didn't say anything or do anything else. She just let me cry as much as I needed. I don't know how long I was crying for, but I know that I felt lighter afterward and very tired. Aunt Amelia let go of her hug and laid me back on the bed.
"Alright, now get some rest. I'll come and pick you up tomorrow. I'll get you some new clothes too, so you don't leave the hospital in their gown," she said as she stood up.
"Good night, Ares. I'll get someone to bring you a Dreamless Sleep potion." With a wave of her wand, she turned off the lights in the room.
After receiving the potion from the matron in charge of me, I could finally rest. No Occlumency training, no thinking about that hellhole. Just rest.
I woke up feeling refreshed the next morning to a knocking sound at the door and the matron from last time coming in.
"Time for breakfast, Ares. You must be hungry after the past few days of constant rest and all that happened yesterday. Eat up."
The scent of warm food filled the room, and I realized just how hungry I was. "Thank you," I said, accepting the tray she handed me.
The breakfast was simple but nourishing: scrambled eggs, toast, and a bowl of fruit. I ate slowly, savoring each bite. As I ate, I found myself reflecting on the events of the previous night. Crying in Aunt Amelia's arms had been a cathartic release, a necessary step towards healing.
Once I finished breakfast, the matron returned to take the tray. "Feeling better?" she asked with a kind smile.
"Yes, much better. Thank you," I replied.
"Good. Madam Bones will be here shortly to pick you up. In the meantime, if you need anything, just let me know."
I nodded, grateful for her kindness. Left alone again, I decided to practice some more wandless magic, focusing on simple spells to improve my control. I levitated a small glass of water, making it float gently around the room. It required intense concentration, but the effort was worth it. Each successful spell felt like a step forward, a reclaiming of my power and independence.
A knock on the door interrupted my practice. Aunt Amelia entered, holding a bundle of clothes. "Good morning, Ares. I brought you something to wear."
"Thanks, Aunt Amelia," I said, taking the clothes from her. They were simple but comfortable—a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, and a warm sweater.
"I'll step out so you can change," she said, giving me some privacy.
Once dressed, I felt more like myself, more ready to face the world outside. Amelia reentered the room and smiled approvingly. "You look much better. Ready to go home?"
"Yes, I'm ready," I replied, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
We left the hospital together, stepping into the crisp morning air. As we walked to the car, Amelia spoke, her tone gentle but firm. "We'll take things one step at a time, Ares. You don't have to rush into anything. Focus on healing and finding your strength again. We have all the time we need."
Her words were comforting, and I felt a sense of calm settle over me. "Thanks, Aunt Amelia. I appreciate it."
We got into the car, and as we drove away from the hospital, I looked out the window, watching the world go by. It felt strange to be out in the open after so long, but it also felt liberating. With every passing moment, I felt more and more like I was reclaiming my life.
When we arrived at Aunt Amelia's house, she led me inside and showed me to my room. It was cozy and welcoming, with a bed, a desk, and a bookshelf filled with books.
"Make yourself at home, Ares. If you need anything, just let me know," she said, giving me a reassuring smile.
"Thank you, Aunt Amelia. This means a lot to me," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude.
"You're family, Ares. We'll get through this together," she replied, her eyes filled with determination and warmth.
As I settled into my new room, I felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. The road ahead would be challenging, but I wasn't alone. With Aunt Amelia's support and the strength I was finding within myself, I knew I could face whatever came next.
I looked at the plate filled with eggs, sausages, bacon, toast, and beans like a ravenous beast. I started eating like the starving boy I felt like, only pausing to breathe and take great gulps out of the glass of orange juice offered on the side. It took no time at all to finish the food and feel full for the first time in a long while.
"Well, it looks like I was right. You did finish everything. That nosy Margaret will eat her words now," Aunt Amelia said in a triumphant tone.
"Sorry about that. And thanks for the food," I said rather sheepishly.
"No worries, dear. I'll come by later for another check-up and bring lunch with me. Just relax for a while," she said with a hint of a smile on her face.
She did a quick wave of her wand to clean my face and simply lifted the tray as it followed her out of the door.
Since I was left on my own, it was time to continue looking through the matron’s experiences. I kept doing so until lunch, when I devoured the food brought in front of me again, only to start again right after that.
I was brought out of my memory surfing by Aunt Amelia opening the door with what seemed to be an honest-to-God house-elf holding a bag.
The little creature was quite similar to Dobby from the movies, but this one stood straight and unafraid of its surroundings. She wore a dark grey toga-like outfit made to properly fit her to match my aunt’s robes. Her eyes seemed smaller than in the movies but still too big for her size, and she looked like she had a little meat on her bones compared to the abused and beaten Dobby or the insane Kreacher.
"Tilly, please dress my nephew properly and don't look into his eyes as it’ll be dangerous for you," Aunt Amelia promptly ordered.
Tilly the elf approached me. With a snap of her fingers, the curtain on the wall sprang to life and blocked Aunt Amelia’s view. She snapped again to make me float out of the bed, a second time to get me out of the hospital attire, and a third to almost attack me with the clothes as they flew towards me in an effort to be worn. It only took less than a minute for me to be on the floor in my new outfit and the curtain to open.
Aunt Amelia’s gaze softened as she looked me over. “There you are, looking much more like yourself. How do you feel?”
I glanced at the mirror on the wall. The clothes were simple but comfortable, and they fit perfectly. “I feel good, Aunt Amelia. Thank you.”
“Excellent,” she said, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “Now, Tilly will be helping around the house. If you need anything, just call for her. She’s very capable.”
The house-elf gave a little bow. “Tilly is happy to help Master Ares. Just call, and Tilly will come.”
“Thank you, Tilly,” I said, genuinely grateful.
With a nod, Aunt Amelia gestured for me to follow her out of the room. “Let’s take a walk around the house. I want you to feel at home here.”