Chapter 1
St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries
Harry had seen it happen. He had witnessed through the eyes of the snake. The attack on Mr Weasley. The attack that had resulted in him being taken to St Mungo's hospital for treatment. Harry stood at the back of the group which surrounded Arthur's bed, beside him was Sirius as a human wearing his long coat and looking down with a grave expression. Silently Harry watched as Sirius left the ward. Harry confused and worried for his godfather followed.
"Sirius!" He called as he emerged into the hallway. Sirius, several feet ahead, stopped and turned to him.
"Stay with Arthur, Harry. There is something I must do, but I will come back." He said kindly, his eyes showing... Something. What, Harry wasn't sure of.
"I can't stay in there and see his injuries, knowing I caused them..." Harry began. Sirius placed his hands on Harry's shoulders.
"You didn't cause them, Harry. You only saw what happened because of your links with the dark lord. In this instance, no matter how unhealthy they usually are, That vision saved his life. If not for you Harry, Arthur could have died. But he didn't, because of you." Sirius explained in a quiet voice, so they would not be overheard.
"Please, can I come with you?" Harry asked with a nod at Sirius' words.
"I'm going to visit an old friend, Harry. I shall not be long." Sirius said kindly, cupping the boy's cheek and patting it.
"Please."
"Oh, very well. Just stay close and keep your head down. Don't speak unless spoken to. Understood?" Sirius warned.
"Yes." Harry replied and walked alongside Sirius as he made his way to the magical lifts with took them to the other floors of the hospital. Sirius stepped inside and empty one with Harry and pressed the button for the fourth floor. The lift jerked before it shot upwards, leaving Harry with the sensation of leaving his stomach behind. When the lift stopped, a voice similar to that in the visitors entrance to the ministry of magic spoke.
"... Fourth floor. Spell damage. Visitor are asked to be considerate to all patients on this floor and are asked to refrain from speaking loudly, thank you. St Mungo's wishes you a fruitful visit." With that the doors opened and Harry followed Sirius out and along a corridor to a side ward which seemed deathly deserted. A petite blonde healer sat at the desk and smiled as Sirius approached.
"Good morning, Sirius. She's up and dressed. Eager to be gone I'm afraid. May I inquire as to when she will be returning home?"
"Morning, Hesta. I'm afraid it may have to be a little longer. I'm waiting for him to agree," Sirius smiled. That charming smile which had worked on nearly all the girls In Hogwarts including Hesta during his years there. She smiled now and laughed slightly. "I brought a gift for her." Sirius explained holding out a small box of... Wool yarns.
"She'll appreciate it. She's making wand cases again," Hesta held up a pink and white knitted tube which housed her wand. "Go straight in, she'll be pleased to see you. I hope he agrees to let her go home." Hesta said kindly and pressed a button on her desk so the door behind her clicked open. Sirius flashed that smile again before grasping the door and ushering Harry ahead of him. The door closed behind them and Sirius' jovial demeanour disappeared only to be replaced with the saddened one he'd worn all day.
Harry stopped as Sirius did. "Who are we visiting up here, Sirius?" He asked.
"An old friend. I think she'll be pleased to see you too. Keep close." Sirius instructed and Harry stepped into sync with him as they walked to the room at the end of the hall. It had an observing window beside the door and inside, sat on the hospital bed was a young woman with dark hair and she was wearing a simple linen dress. The label beside the door read "V.M.P-B".
Sirius took a deep breath and opened the door with a forced smile. Harry followed, keeping close by his godfather. Strangely frightened by this section of St Mungo's and yet intrigued by who the woman was and what "V.M.P-B" stood for?