Chapter 49
Chapter 49
‘Mr. Longbottom explain yourself this instant!’
‘I will. Just let me get her settled and I will explain everything. Can you confine those three to a bed and silence them? After that can you erect a privacy barrier? We also need to contact Headmistress McGonagall.’
Seeing the look on his face, Poppy does as requested.
‘Now, explain.’
‘The castle guides me sometimes. Luna taught me to listen and now I have a strong connection.’
‘Alright.’
I was woken this morning by the castle. I followed and found some students who had been bullied but nothing physical had happened so I promised to talk to the Headmistress and walked away.’
Poppy nods.
‘Then I was directed to an alcove where that first year was bound to the wall. she seems to have been beaten, but I'm not sure what else. She is sleeping for now.’
‘I will need to examine her.’
‘I know. When I was bringing her to you, the castle insisted that I take another detour.’
‘The boy was backed into a corner and the girls were attacking. I don’t know what happened, none of them wanted to talk. I didn’t have time to wait around so I brought them all here. I think the boy may need medical attention as well.’
‘That is quite a morning. I will check on them all and see what can be done. Ah Minerva there you are. Mr Longbottom has some things he wishes to discuss with you. I will check on my patients.’
‘What seems to be the problem Mr. Longbottom?’
Neville launches into his story again this time including the details of his first encounter.
‘I did my best to help but I'm concerned with the level of bullying.’
‘I am working with the Board of Governors to lower the amount of bullying going on. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Tell the trio that things will be handled.’
‘Thank you. I'm sure they will be happy that they were heard.’
Poppy returns. ‘It seems that Hogwarts has helped to cushion the victims from too much damage but I will keep them here under observation. The attackers say that he attacked them and they were merely defending themselves.’
‘Do you believe them?’
‘No, he has quite the story to tell and I think you should hear it, Minerva.’
‘I will be on my way. Thank you both for listening. i'm sorry if my arrival startled you.’ Neville walks out of the hospital wing swiftly.
*.*
‘Daphne, can I talk to you for a minute?’
‘Not now, Potter, I'm busy.’
‘Can I at least walk with you so I can explain?’
‘Explain what?’ She asks as she turns to face him.
‘Please I need to tell you but I can’t with everyone watching.’
‘Why?’
‘Aurors are involved,’ Harry whispers.
With wide eyes Daphne nods and follows Harry down the hall.
‘Alright.’ she says. ‘I’m listening.’
‘There should be no excuse for my behavior, I know that.’ She nods.
‘I have been under the effects of mood altering potions that I was not aware of.’ Shock spreads across her face.
‘When we hung out? Those were times that I was accidentally not dosed. I really enjoy getting to know you. I am being seen by Madam Pomfrey to make sure I am safe and I don't believe I am in danger of being dosed anymore.’
‘Who was it?’ she whispers.
‘Ron.’
‘Are you still friends with him?’
‘No, I could never trust him again.’
*.*
Lyra reviews her notes and begins the arithmancy equations that could confirm her hypothesis. With the right variables there could be a treatment for those mentally impaired.
Her mind begins to race as she works through the calculations. If she can create the proper potion and get the spell work right this could be an amazing medical breakthrough.
Based on the calculations Lyra is certain she knows the necessary components for the potion needed however the spellwork is the tricky part.
Blaise arrives and leans over her shoulder to read what she is so focused on.
‘Do you know how beautiful you are when you concentrate this deeply?’ he whispers in her ear.
Shaking her head Lyra murmurs, ‘No, I have no idea.’
‘That looks important, tell me about it?’
‘I may be able to treat those mentally impaired if I can finish working out all these elements. I know that if I can introduce a proper potion and get the spellwork right, those in long term care for spell damage may be able to become more cognitively aware.’
‘That sounds complex but amazing. Anything I can do to help?’
‘I know that Arithmancy is my specialty but I may need additional input for the other components.’
‘What about our friends? We know potion ingredient gatherers, someone who can brew even the most complex potions, spellcrafting as well. I can be your second opinion in the Arithmancy to be sure everything checks out.’
‘You are right. We do know a lot of talented people. I wonder where they all are.’
*.*
Charlie falls to his knees where he stands between the beds of his father and uncle. Tears spring from his eyes as both men blink repeatedly.
‘We all thought you were both dead. How are you alive?’
‘Safe?’ is uncle asks.
‘Yes, I am safe.’
‘Happy?’
‘Very happy. I have my dream job.’
‘What-?’
‘-Job?’
‘I guess my title is Dragon Tamer but we are more like caretakers than tamers. I work at the reserve in Romania.’
‘Far…’
‘It is a bit far but I think i am due for a change of scenery. I have only recently accepted the lordship of our house.’
‘Recent?’
‘Why?’
It was a good thing Charlie was used to the twin speak of Fred and George, this might have been confusing otherwise.
‘It would seem my dear Aunt Molly didn’t see fit to inform me of my familial duties, and Aunt Murial was convinced by her that she was communicating with me. Dad came to me on the reserve. Everything has been hectic since then and I don't think I have had a chance to catch my breath. I’m so happy you are both alive. How is this even possible?’
‘Trapped…’
‘Dumb…’
‘Are you still sick?’
‘Weak…’
‘Rest…’
‘Alright you both rest I will be here when you wake. I need to speak with the Lord of the Manor.’
Lucius enters. ‘No need to get up, how can I help?’
‘Can they be moved? If not, can I stay here with them? I can’t stand the idea of not being here when they clearly need care.’
‘I don’t think they should be moved just yet. Their cores will not withstand any means of magical travel just yet. Of course you can stay. Will you need a room? I can have the room next door made up for you.’
‘Thank you, Lord Malfoy. The Prewett house is indebted to you.’
‘No debt, please. Your family cared for and helped raise my niece. This is my way of thanking your family.’
*.*
‘Severus, I need you to brew this potion.’
‘This looks interesting. What is it?’
‘I need to heal my soul. This will be a challenging process and quite painful but I will be whole again.’
‘How is that possible?’
‘Horcrux’s aren’t meant to be returned…’
‘Just because it wasn’t supposed to be possible? You thought I would accept that, this was a one way situation?’
‘No, My Lord.’
‘Good. Get to it. This will not be simple.’
‘I will get it done.’
‘Yes, you will. With any luck it will be complete by summer.’
‘My Lord?’
‘It takes 2-3 months, but I am adding in time for error. It needs to be perfect. You should begin to gather the ingredients.’
‘As you wish.’ Severus leaves the room.’
*.*