Chapter 1
"Hello Mrs Hudsen. What can I do for you today? Is your hip acting up again?" Doctor John asked, addressing his first patient for the day.
"Yes, it's just a little twinge every now and then." She said, smiling.
It was more than a twinge. The skelegrow was still working on rebuilding her hip bone marrow. It must be quite painful at times. According to Mrs Hudsen, she had had a metal hip replacement last week when in fact she had a glass of skelegrow and some powerful pain killers. The pain killers would have worn off by then and the skelegrow would be finished soon.
"I'll give you a prescription for painkillers. The twinging should be gone by next week." John said, scribbling on the prescription paper with his typical doctor handwriting. There was no harm in using muggle treatment every now and then.
Mrs Hudsen left for the pharmacy and John buzzed in his assistant.
"Sarah, when is my next appointment?"
"2:30. Oh, there's an owl waiting for you in the west wing owlary." Sarah said, poking her head round the door.
John wandered to the nearest lift and tapped the controls with his wand, which he usually hid in his deep pocket. The buttons changed. He pressed the one that said West Wing Owlary (previously the 5th floor) and the lift sped off vertically instead of horizontally.
The doors opened revealing a room, filled with owls and letters. John recognised the owl the straight away, holding his hand out for it to rest on.
"Hey Gillyweed. I wander what Professor Longbottom has sent me." John took the thick parcel from Gillyweeds beak and gave the owl a soft stroke.
He sat on the ground, looking at the Hogwarts seal. He brought is thumb across it, feeling the bumps and the shape of it. He tore the paper, rather than destroying the beautiful seal. He took out a small box wrapped in newspaper and a letter.
Dear Dr. John Watson
I fully regret having to tell you that, Professor Neville Longbottom, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, unfortunately passed away. I understand he was your favourite professor during your time at Hogwarts and this news may come very painfully and sudden. I want you to know his death was peaceful and timely. He did not suffer.
He always used to tell me what a marvellous student you were. I do know you were his favourite of all the students that he oversaw. You were very special to him.
I am also writing to inform you that Professor Longbottom left you a box (enclosed) in his will.
My condolences
Luna Longbottom
John put the letter down, and lent back against the wall. Dead? He can't be. No. John wouldn't accept it. He wouldn't open the box, fearful for unwelcome memories to return. He sat there, on the cold floor and let the tears fall freely from his eyes. He stood slowly, legs like jelly. Without a thought, he apparated home.
