Chapter 15
The hospital wing was dimly lit at the middle of the night. Madame Pomfrey originally said that he could go back that very same night but ultimately decided to keep him until morning, after his conversation with his best friends exhausted him.
His mother went out a few hours ago, when she ushered his siblings out and is still yet to come back. Thousand things is running in his mind without his friends and family to distract him.
What would happen from now on? Will those fever attacks come back? What about money? There’s five of us now in school. We wouldn’t be able to afford any more hospital visits and specialized potions. Percy’s getting his NEWTS and the twins are in their OWLS year. They have to get more study materials and funds for projects. What about the daily budget? We’ll probably just stay here for the hols, but more food are needed for the summer.
Mum will surely look for extra income. Same goes for Dad. Those two barely even rests right now. And surely they will contact Bill and Charlie. What if they all fall sick because of me?
And what if I die? All of these will be just for naught. They will all suffer for nothing. It’s better if they just let it be.
His noisy thoughts were interrupted when his Mum came to the room, absolutely beaming.
“Hey, Mum.” He greeted her. All of his pessimistic thoughts were pushed aside when his Mum gave him a blinding smile.
“Oh, Ronnie! I have a very special surprise for you.” she said, barely keeping her excitement. He was not able to inquire any further when a man walked in to his line of vision. The man had an immaculate posture, shoulder-length ginger hair and a cool-looking piercing in his left ear.
“Bill!”
All illnesses were forgotten as Ron jumped to his eldest brother’s arms. Fortunately, Bill caught him in time before twirling him around.
“Hiya, Ron.” Bill said as he put him down on the floor. His hand immediately messed Ron’s hair which the younger boy whined about.
“You’re here! How come? Did you manage to get a vacation?” He giddily asked the man.
“Well, I heard a certain thick-headed boy was causing quite a commotion around here.” The older said in a teasing tone.
“Oh no. I wonder who that boy might be. You should lay him off for a bit, Bill. I’m sure he’s not that bad.” Ron cheekily answered. He ignored the malicious thoughts inside his head.
Bill left his work because of you. You’re really filling the role of a burden that well, huh?
“Oh, really?” Bill raised an eyebrow at him.
“Don’t scold me, please. I already had enough of that with Mum and the others.” He whined to his eldest brother. And before the older man could retaliate, Ron made no hesitation to change the subject.
“So how come you’re here? Did the goblins really let you get away just for a bit?”
At his words, Bill gave him the brightest smile he ever made. Then, he held him up like he was paper and swung him around once more. Even Mum was smiling with tears on her eyes.
“Well, I have a really, really good news for that.”
“What is it?” Ron inquires. His brother’s excitement was contagious, and he was also bounding in delight not a moment later.
“So you know about my work in Egypt, yeah?” Bill starts.
“Uhuh,” said the younger boy, prompting Bill to continue.
“We were actually going back and forth in Lebanon and Egypt the past few months before our summer vacation when the whole family visited. We uncovered an ancient magical site, and we were thinking that it might be a healing hall or some sort.”
A spark of hope blossomed I Ron’s chest.
“We found some artefacts, Ron. And quite a number of those were equipment filled with runes… just like the one in your body.”
“Really?” He looked up to his older brother, Bill’s face is also full of hope and happiness.
“Yes, Ronnie. And you know what’s more?”
“I don’t, I don’t know, Billie.”
“We were working with experts who were studying and somewhat understands them. They said that the artefacts we dug out were used for healing rituals. They were also very interested when I told them your case.”
Ron doesn’t know what to say. This mere opportunity of really living tugs his heart, but apprehensions caused by the countless hospital consultations and blinding agony were heightened. He’s terrified – of hoping and being let down.
Suddenly, he was engulfed in his mother’s embrace. She does not say anything either. Instead she gave him her tightest hugs, like the ones she always give him when he was sick. It was an embrace full of encouragement and care, never to falter. A moment later and Bill joined them in their hug.
”You know what? I’ll send a letter to those colleagues later. That way, they will arrive here the day after tomorrow. They were pretty eager to head here last time, anyway.” He said while ruffling Ron’s hair. “And you go to sleep now. Madame Pomfrey might not let you go tomorrow if she sees those eye bags.”
“What about you? And Mum?” he asked. He doesn’t want Bill to go home yet.
“I’ll stay here. Mum’s ought to go home, you know? She has to rest and Dad is waiting for her at the Burrow. I also want to meet the others tomorrow.” Bill tucked Ron neatly in his bed, as if he was a three-year-old child once again. “Now sleep.”
“Good night, Billie. Night, Mum.”
“Sweet dream, dearest.”
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As expected, the others were surprised to find their eldest brother in the Gryffindor common room the next morning.
“Bill!” Ginny was the first to run to the tallest redhead and immediately pounced on him. Bill then lifted her up to twirl the girl around. Ginny’s crisp laughter filled the place and she had to be reprimanded for disturbing other students.
Said other students, especially teenage girls were busy gawking at the rather cool-looking redhead. His shoulder-length hair, rugged look, obsidian ear piercings, and that tall and broad stature.
The twins soon followed and also tried to knock Bill down. Percy was filled with happiness and shock the older ginger, however, he also joined the others at jumping up on Bill.
“Hello, too, other Weasleys.” Bill said with a chuckle.
“You’re here! At Hogwarts!” George said animatedly, with his hands flailing around.
“How come? And for how long? Those little goblins really let you take a break?” Fred soon said as a follow-up.
“Well, I heard stories about a rather thick-headed boy, you see-“
“Nope,” Ronald immediately cut him off. Bill accompanied him here from the hospital wing and to meet their other siblings. Not before acquiring permission from Professor McGonagall and Dumbledore, of course. “Not that spiel again, Bill. Please.”
The tallest Weasley only laughed and rounded them off in a deserted corner in the corner room. He then mumbled something under his breath and waved his wand before looking at them.
“You received my letter?” Percy asked.
“What letter?” Ron said sharply but he was conveniently ignored at the time being.
“Yes, but I only knew about the recent attack last night from Mum.” Bill answered. “As for your other questions, the goblins let me run off here because we made some discovery in our working site. My business here was originally to visit you all, of course, but my work conveniently aligned with my purpose.”
“And? How long are you going to be here? A month?” Ginny asked again eagerly.
“I was just getting to that, you little rascal.” He said as his hand pinched her nose which she swatted playfully. “I’m gonna be here for a week, but I’ll be able to come back here more freely to guide my colleagues and monitor the situation. And as for that, I have a very good news for you all.”
Bill then proceeded to tell them all the details he told Ronnie last night. He told them about the magical site they were working on, and their discovery of ancient artifacts. He also told them about the similarities on the runes they found in the artifacts and the ones in Ron’s body.
By the time the eldest was done relaying these matters, all of the eyes in that room were filled with hope.
“There’s a chance that Ron may be healed?” Harry, who was quietly sitting beside Ron and Hermione asked.
“Yes, Harry. I already sent a letter to some experts, and they will be here by tomorrow at the earliest.”
“Can we help?” a rather bold question came from Hermione. “If there are some researches needed, maybe the Hogwarts library some of those.”
“Of course,” There is fondness in Bill’s eyes as he looked at her. “While those two are ultimately the peak experts at their fields, I’m sure we’re going to need all the hands that we can get. I must warn you, though. Charlie, Percy and I already scoured almost every book here. Maybe you would find new leads once my colleagues are done with their assessment.”
All of them nodded at once, determined to help in any way possible.
Ron could not help but feel warm in his heart. He have always known that his friends and siblings love him dearly, but to think that they are ready to do such things for him… He silently thanked Lady Magic for giving him these people in his life.
“Now, you all should go. It is fifteen minutes before your first class, and Ron should take a quick clean-up first. A day and a half in the hospital wing and you stink, brother. He’ll join you around the second period.” Bill said while making ‘shoo’ gestures.
“What about you? Can’t you stay her for a bit more?” Ginny said while clinging to their biggest brother.
“I’m sorry, Gin. I’m afraid we already overextended our visit her in school. ‘Sides, I’m supposed to meet Mum and fix a few paper works here. I promise I’ll come again the next day.”
They all clamored for a big group hug, and then Bill bid them his farewell. After a bit, all of Ron’s siblings went to their classes. This, however, wasn’t done without much persuasion. Harry and Hermione lingered a bit longer before agreeing to attend their first class. Then, they came back to fetch him for second period.
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The days passed as Ron settled back to his usual routines. He still has headaches sometimes, and creaky joints, and a burning sensation in his chest. His friends and siblings were always beside him, pulling him close whenever they could see he was uncomfortable.
There were also strange gazes from random schoolmates, no doubt knowing the events that happened a few nights ago.
He doesn’t know a circulating rumor about an extremely hot, older Weasley who visited his youngest brother.
It was afternoon the next day when he found himself in Professor Dumbledore’s office with his parents and Bill, Head of House, and two strangers who were looking at him full of curiosity.
“Everyone, I am very pleased to introduce you to these two colleagues of mine. We were all working for a joint project located in Lebanon, where we found interesting discoveries. Professor Soraya Yousef here,” Bill pertains to a rather pretty and intelligent-looking olive-skinned woman. She gave a little nod to Ron and continued to give him a scrutinizing gaze. “-is an expert philologist, with expertise of magical ancient runes.”
“This gentle man right here is Healer Aeson Saqr,” the man gave him a friendly wave and smile. “He a renowned healer worldwide, and also specializing in ancient healing methods. Healer Saqr joined us a little bit later, after we confirmed that the site we discovered used to be some sort of a hospital.”
“Hello, Ron.” Greeted Healer Saqr. There is a somewhat amicable air around him, making Ron immediately feel comforted. “Your brother told us many things about you. I’m looking forward to a very kind correspondence.”
“Yes, Sir. Thank you.” Ron nodded stiffly. The man might have made him comfortable around, but he’s still nervous about the way this certain meeting might go.”
After a bit more exchange of pleasantries between the adults, Professor Yousef immediately went to their main objective.
“So, Mr. Weasley. I heard that you have those runes in your chest area? Can we see it now?” said the serious lady. But before he could answer, the healer immediately answered.
“Uh, we don’t want to be rude. We’ve meant to say that if you would like to relocate in your hospital wing first? It has come to my knowledge that you have such facility here in the institution.”
“Oh. Can we do that then, please? We could also ask for Madame Pomfrey’s opinions, since she’s the medical practitioner I have been with frequently.” He said when his parents’ and brother’s inquiring gaze met his. “If it’s alright with Professor McGonagall and the headmaster, of course.”
“Think nothing of it, young Mister Weasley. But I would have to ask you if Professor McGonagall could come with you. She would also need to be informed of the arrangements you’ll come to since she is your head of house.” The ever-present twinkle in the headmaster’s eyes sparked behind the cresent-shaped spectacles. Aside from his kind and grandfatherly face, no one could guess what’s running in his mind.
“Yes, Headmaster.”
The party of seven made its way to the hospital wing. Professor McGonagall led them to less common routes to avoid other students.
When they reached their destination, the matron of the infirmary greeted them immediately before leading them to a more secure room. Fortunately, there are almost no patients in the wing. The ones who are staying were enclosed in their own beds.
“Oh,” Professor Yousef said softly as she inspects the runes in his upper torso.
“Why, what is it Professor?” Molly asked her anxiously.
“Well, it really is similar to the runes we found on site. We believe that these runes are originally used by a secret organizations of Sumerian sorcerers. The muggles deemed similar ancient runes such as these to be still impossible to decode. However, wixen people has some knowledge about it, albeit quite limited.”
Honestly, Professor Yousef reminded him of Hermione quite a bit. His bushy-haired friend also tends to vomit words and knowledge, especially if the topic of concern interests her. They were also both really brilliant, and he really admires both women. Unfortunately, it seems like they also have a streak of being socially awkward in them.
“These runes, I believe,” she continued as she prompted him to turn to his back. “Are a variant of a powerful healing spells. However, these are altered enough to function as a curse.”
“I’m sorry,” Arthur interrupted her. “Could you, could you please elaborate that for a bit? I’m afraid we got a little lost about it.”
The standard spells and magic used nowadays are rather elaborate. There are specific functions in each spell, although they could be used creatively.
“The ancient magic users back then does not have the rather complicated system nowadays. So for example, if they want to heal something, they could not pinpoint the exact area that they wanted to heal. Or rather, they could not heal only that area. They would have to craft runes and conduct rituals to heal the entire body, instead of only a specific part.” Healer Saqr explained. “So when these runes are altered, the curse affects your whole body even though your heart serves as the epicenter.”
“But, but why is it hereditary? You said that the wizardkind back then aren’t able to do that. That they aren’t as elaborate as us right now?” Molly asked them. She was beside Ron, holding his hands.
“Mum, one thing that you always have to remember when dealing with ancient magical people is that they have knowledge that we don’t know. They all have their own ways and systems that is very, very different from today.
They are also extremely powerful, because all they had back then are raw magic not passing through any sort of conduits, aside from rituals.” Bill said.
“And the curses that are passed down by then weren’t from human magic practitioners, Mrs. Weasley. Those mostly came from magical creatures such as fairies and elves. The humans only managed to invent curses that could be passed down roughly a thousand years ago.” Professor Yousef added.
“That’s why from the stories that William here told us, the person who casted this curse became even more suspicious. The Sumerians, who are probably the ones who created such ritual existed almost six thousand years ago. How she got the knowledge about these runes and even altering them is a mystery.”
“Thank you for answering that.” Dad said.
“Don’t worry about it,” the healer answered.
“So, can you help our Ronnie? I, You said that you can make out these runes, right?” Mum said hopefully.
However, the two guests looked at each other strangely.
“Right, uhm-“ Healer Saqr started. Prof Yousef sat herself in a bit farther seat from them, looking at the window.
“Mrs. Weasley, we indeed have structured a way to hopefully heal young Ronald. But,” He trailed as everyone in the room waited in baited breath. “It is only theoretical.”
“What.”
Somethng inside Ron died. There it is his last hope. He really though he would finally, truly be free of his sickness.
“We only started to uncover these secrets since last year. Given the average number of finds and analysis in the field of archeology and ancient studied, we are already considered to be one, if the most, of the top.
We found some data about ancient healing rituals, and we were able to craft a possible solution for Ronald as soon as we heard about it form William. But unfortunately, we did not have a chance to test it. Having Ron to test it for us will let us make progress in our research.”
“You want my son to be your guinea pig. To your untested medication system.” Molly Weasley said furiously.
“There will be risks, yes. But we will be also able to give Ron at least a chance to survive. The findings we might acquire could also help us develop some powerful healing methods capable of healing most ailments. And for that, our government and company insisted on shouldering anything that the medication might cost. We just want to help, Mrs. Weasley.” The man tried to explain, but Molly Weasley was simply inconsolable. She was red all over her face, up to the roots of her ears. Tears also filled those weary eyes.
“Pardon me, Healer Saqr. I have watched my youngest son suffer all because of that damned curse, something that we don’t even know anything about of. I have kept him company during the nights that his fever flared, when all of his insides burned and I was not able to do anything.
When my eldest came back saying that you have found a way, I didn’t think it would be like this. It’s not yet been practiced, and you said that we are dealing with ancient magic! What if Ron really dies this time, huh? I can’t lose my son, sir. I can never.”
“Mum, please.” Bill said in a very tired voice.
“I say no, William.”
“Dear, calm yourself first, alright?” Arthur also tried to intervene. But all of their words seemed to be rejected by the Weasley matriarch.
Suddenly, a small warm hands held hers. When she looked down, she saw her youngest son, filled with resignation. She felt her heart being tightly gripped. Her baby doesn’t deserve any of these.
“Mum, don’t be mad at them, please? They only want to help. And, I want to do this. We don’t have any other choice, anyway.”
“There’s always St. Mungo’s-“
“They also can’t do anything about this, Mum. We’ve already checked for the past years. Only Bill and his colleagues have some lead because they discovered it recently.”
There’s also the fact that the company was paying for every medical bill. Ron knows that if they were to reject their offer, his family would have suffered even more just for his sake. He doesn’t want that to happen.
“Please.”
“Fine,” Molly said in resignation. Whether she wants it or not, she knows that all of them are right. She also understands that leaving these matters to the experts are the best course of action for Ron’s health.
“I’m sorry for lashing out to you, Healer Saqr. I, it was truly ungrateful of me to do.”
“I understand, Mrs. Weasley. My mother would likely react the same had we been in a similar situation.” The healer replied kindly.
“Now, this healing methods that you’re talking about… how does it work?”