Chapter 35
Chapter 35
The next morning when they enter the healers tent on the reserve they are met with a haggard looking healer.
‘Is everything alright?’
‘No, no it is not alright. Late last night I received the results of your test. I know I said a few days but it came back early. I have been reviewing the results and trying to find a way to tell you. -SIGH- Well there is nothing for it now. You have been on many daily potions for decades. Mood altering as well as persuasion, lust and intelligence dampening.’
Arthur is stunned he nods his head as he sinks into the nearest chair.
‘Because of this combination I am required by law to report this to my ministry and yours. I will continue to compile my report while you are still my patient. You will have 24 hours after I release you before I report this. Do you understand? Your chest pain yesterday was from withdrawal. Take these potions and you will not feel those pains again.’
Arthur slowly sips the potions with a blank stare.
‘Are you saying that this was done by his wife?’ Charlie asks, trying to control his voice.
‘Unless your father has a mistress somewhere that is trying to get him to leave his wife?’ Looking at Arthur they both see him shake his head slowly. ‘Yes, that is what I am saying.’
‘How?’ He whispers, ‘She was so sweet when we were at Hogwarts together. I always cared for her.’ He has tears running down his cheeks as he finishes his sentence.
‘Your core has been attacked daily for decades. There is no telling when this began. I'm sorry.’
After being sure they covered everything they slowly walk back toward Charlie's cabin.
‘Dad, are you going to be alright?’
‘No, I don't think I will be.’
‘Is there anything I can do?’
‘Are you returning with me to England?’
‘Yes I need to go put in my leave but this is definitely a family emergency.’
‘Then you are already doing everything you can, son. I'm going to go lay down. Let me know when it's time for dinner.’
‘I will dad. I love you.’
‘Love you too, son.’
Watching his father after everything he learned today is heartbreaking. How could anyone do that to a man this kind hearted? His features harden and his resolve turns to steal. Throwing a handful of powder into the fireplace he calls out his brother's name and sticks his head into the fire.
*.*
‘Luna? What are you doing in the Slytherin dorms?’
‘Theo? I didn't know I was… I was just following the castle. She said I was needed here.’
‘The ca- castle? I'm sure she did. Do you have any more information?’
‘No one should be alone.’
‘Err ok let's take a walk around to see who might be alone.’
Luna hugs theo excitedly.
‘Have you been in other common rooms?’
‘Not yet, Hogwarts told me I could find a way to help starting here.’
‘Good plan. Let's go. I think Drake and Blaize should be around here somewhere.’
‘No lower years.’
‘Ok firsties are in their rooms by now. Right this way. Theo entwines their fingers as he pulls her down the hallway.’
*.*
‘Hey Char. What are you doing here?’
‘I need you to come visit. Don't tell anyone. You may be here for a few days.’
‘What's wrong?’
‘Just please?’ His voice cracks with emotion.
‘Alright, give me an hour to gather my things and contact work. I will be there soon.’
‘Thank you.’
Charlie pulls himself away from the fire and sets off to inform his boss about his family emergency. He rarely takes time off so his boss agrees with no questions asked. When he returns he starts to make tea. He sets it on the table just as his brother walks through the floo. Sighing in relief he strides across the room and engulfs his brother in a hug.
‘Char? Is everything ok?’
‘No Bill, it's not. Let me check on dad and I will tell you as much as I can.’
‘Wait dads here? Why do you need to check on him?’
‘Lower your voice. I promise I will tell you in a minute.’ He walks over to his spare room and cracks the door. Arthur is laying on his back, his face streaked with tears, a soft snore echoes through the room. Charlie softly closes the door again and walks back to his kitchen table. He sinks into a chair and drops his head into his hands.
‘You look stressed as hell. Would you rather be drinking something stronger?’
‘I would but I need to be sober for now. Maybe later.’
‘I'm not sure how much of this is house business but I want to tell you what is going on. Can you swear an oath that this conversation is between us and dad only? Between the house of Weasley and the house of Prewett?’
‘No one leads the house of Prewett.’
‘That is no longer true. Please.’
‘Alright I swear on my magic that this conversation is between us and father, and it shall remain between us three on behalf of the houses of Weasley and Prewett.’ There is a soft glow that surrounds them.
‘Thank you. I would like to introduce myself. I am Lord Prewett and my father is Gideon Prewett. Before you ask anything let me start at the beginning.’ Charlie goes over the day previous, he skips the vault drama and focuses on claiming his Lordship and his missing house members.
‘Mum's brothers are alive?’
‘Probably. Why else would their vaults not pass on to their family? I am Gideons heir. Wouldn't it be mine?’
‘Yes… Mum didn't tell you? Even after telling dad and Aunt Muriel that she was telling you all this time?’
‘Yup. I don't know what motivated her to keep it from me. I guess we will find out when we go back to England.’
‘Back? Don't you have work?’
‘Well I have house business to learn and dad said he would teach me. I think he will need us all for a while.’
‘What's wrong with him? Did you get some bad results from the healer?’
‘Actually i'm not sure if I-’
‘Go ahead and tell him son, I don’t have the strength to talk about it yet. I'm going to shower.’
They both look up and realize Arthur is standing in the hallway.
‘I hope I haven't said too much.’
‘No, Bill needs to know about this. This is house business and he is my heir. I need his help with the paperwork.’
‘Paperwork? Dad there are very few reasons the heir is required to help with paperwork. I'm almost scared to ask.’
‘Boys, I will be getting a divorce as soon as possible.’ Arthur turns around and shuffles away. His sobs carry down the hall despite his efforts to hide them.
‘Start talking Char. There are clearly many gaps in your story right now. I thought mum and dad were happy?’
‘They were, until dad found out that he has been receiving daily potions for decades. His healer is reporting the results to both ministries. Mum will probably be in Azkaban before the month is out.’
‘Explain.’ Bill grits his teeth. Nothing about today is going the way he hoped. Charlie fills in the gaps of his story.
When Arthur returns to the kitchen both of his sons wrap him in a bear hug. They stay that way for several minutes. ‘Anything you need dad, I'm here. Ok?’
‘Thank you son. Did Charlie explain the holes in my memory?’
Bill nods. ‘Do you want to work on that now? Or tomorrow after you have rested some more?’
‘Now. I need to know what else has happened.’
‘Dad, I can help too. We are both skilled at legilimency. We can be sure that nothing is missed.’
‘I have no idea what you will find but you swear to tell me everything. No matter how small the detail. I need to know. Do you understand?’
‘Yes dad.’
‘Of course.’
Arthur sits down and stares ahead. Bill and Charlie raise their wands and say the incantation.
*.*
Lyra and Ginny are walking the halls after classes ended for the day. ‘How are things with you and Dray?’
‘Notice that did you?’
‘Notice? How could I not. Did you and he write over holidays? Have you spoken since returning?’
‘That obvious? I wonder how he feels. No we didn't write. I was worried mum would get her hands on it.’
‘She probably would have tried.’
‘I was hoping to see him when we returned but I have been too busy with classes.’
‘Why do I keep forgetting it's your O.W.L. year? I guess we'll just have to make time with him for you.’
‘What about you? You and George only ever seem to be all over each other when mum is around. Do you even like him still?’
‘Well. I have been thinking of ending things…. I mean George is great but there was never really a spark. If you know what I mean….’
‘So there is a spark with someone else then?’
‘I never said that.’ A small blush rises on her cheeks.
‘I think it was more what you didn't say. Tell me who this guy is. Do I know him?’
‘I am not going to say anything about anyone. There is no one to discuss.’
‘Because you are not available? Or because he is not available?’
‘It’s not even like that he likes someone else.’
‘So there is a guy. Who is he?’
‘Ginny! There is no guy.’
‘Of course not because he is interested in someone else. I heard you. When did you say you were ending things with George?’
‘Probably when i see him again.’
‘That could take ages just write him a letter.’
‘What could take ages?’
‘Nothing for you to worry about cousin. What are you doing here?’
‘What are we doing here? In the dungeons near our common room? I have no idea, what about you Blaise?’
‘Absolutely no idea. I think I was headed to the library? Or maybe we are just lost.’
After a moment of laughing Draco asks, ‘seriously what are you both doing down here?’
‘We were just walking but I don't remember consciously coming down here.’
‘Same.’
‘What were you talking about then? Must have been important for neither of you to pay attention.’
Both say 'nothing' too quickly and then laugh again.
‘Dray I don't think they are going to answer.’
Leaning closer to Ginny, Dray asks, ‘Red? What were you talking about?’
‘Classes being too busy for the start of term.’
‘Because of O.W.L.s?’
Ginny nods. ‘Why didn't you say so? Let's go to the library. We can hang out while we study.’
Ginny nods again and they turn back to their friends.
*.*
While Draco captures Ginny's attention, Blaize leans against the wall next to Lyra.
‘So what could take ages? And why do you need to write a letter?’
‘It's nothing, dont worry about it.’
‘If you insist. Just remember I am here if you need to talk ok?’
‘I will remember.’
‘How are things with you and…. I'm sorry, which twin are you dating?’
‘George? Things are fine. I have been thinking about things since term resumed and nevermind there is nothing.’
‘We could go for a walk and if you change your mind I will be there to listen.’
‘We can go for a walk. That sounds nice.’
Looking up, Lyra sees the smirk on Ginny's face. Ginny looks between Lyra and Blaize then back at Lyra clearly she is brimming with questions. Lyra shakes her head and Ginny knows she has her answer.
‘We are going to the library. See you later Lyra.’
Draco looks at Blaise before following Ginny to the Library.
*.*