2
Saving the Saviour
Chapter 2: Difficulties Ahead
"Well, this is certainly a fine mess you've gotten into."
Startled, he looked at the speaker, his eyes widening in shock. "Mum? Dad?" he said in disbelief.
Harry watched as a beautiful young woman with long, wavy, dark red hair walked out of the fog towards him. She was followed by a man who looked remarkably like himself, though his face was a little thinner, with higher cheekbones and of course his eyes were a dark shade of hazel instead of green.
Harry was taken by surprise as Lily came up to him and immediately took him into a deep hug. A feeling overwhelmed him as something he had never experienced before filled him.
He felt his mother's love for him and a sense of contentment and security.
"Mum," he cried softly, tears streaming down his face.
"It's alright, Harry. I"m here now," she whispered reassuringly in his ear.
As his mother hugged him he felt another set of arms envelop him.
"Easy, son. Everything is going to be okay," he heard the deep sound of his father's voice.
"I've missed you so much," Harry said emotionally.
"We know, dear," his mother said.
The little family just stood there, enjoying the love that they had been denied for so long.
Harry's tears finally ended and he just stood there, wrapped up between his parents, letting the warmth of their love fill him, feeling home for he first time ever.
"Am I dead?" he asked softly.
"No, dear," Lily answered.
"Where are we?" Harry asked, looking around at the white nothingness of their surroundings.
James sighed. "We're between," he replied.
"Between?" Harry questioned.
"Yes, between your world and ours," Lily responded.
The three slowly parted, though Harry kept a hold of his mother's hand, not wanting to be separated from her now that he actually had a chance to be with her.
"So what's going on?" Harry asked, trying to figure everything out.
Lily sighed while his father growled lowly. "You're in a coma," Lily said.
"A coma?" Harry asked, his mind a fuzzy blank.
"What do you remember?" James asked, looking at his son with concern.
Slowly things began to fall in place. "Uncle Ver-vernon, attacked me," he said hesitantly.
It was Lily who growled this time. "Yes, and I'd really give him what for if he ever ended up where we are, but I know for certain the he's destined elsewhere. There's a special place in hell for people like him."
Though his father remained quiet, Harry could tell he was just as angry as his mother.
"And don't get me started on Albus "Who thinks he's God" Dumbledore," Lily said vehemently.
Harry nodded, not thinking to kindly of the Headmaster.
Lily gave a small tug on his hand, leading him off to one side. Out of the fog a mirror appeared. She led him right in front of it and he looked at it.
Surprisingly he didn't see his reflection, and he peered closer.
The scene showed a room but it was as if he was floating near the ceiling, looking down.
The first thing that caught his attention was the body laying in the bed. It was so battered and bruised that he didn't recognize who it was.
At his questioning look, Lily whispered, "Yes, that's you."
Harry was shocked, his face turning white as the blood drained from it.
"Don't worry, you'll be okay, eventually," Lily said quietly.
"Eventually?" Harry said in dismay.
"I won't sugar coat it, Harry. You have a tough road ahead of you," Lily replied.
Fighting tears, Harry nodded his head. Not wanting to dwell on his injured self, he began to look around the room. Motion to one side drew his attention and he saw a young Medi-Witch at work. She was grabbing some potions which she took and administered to him.
It was then that he noticed the other person in the room, sitting next to the bed, holding his hand.
"Ginny!?" he said in surprise.
"Yes, Ginny," his mother said with a low laugh.
Harry looked at her, a thousand questions running through his brain.
"Why?" he finally got out.
Lily sighed with a smile. "Because she is helping you heal."
Harry couldn't hide the shock he felt. "But why?" he persisted.
Lily gave him a patronizing look. "Because she is the key to everything," she replied with a smile.
Harry felt dizzy as his mind whirled.
Lily gave a low laugh. "Perhaps we should sit down," she said softly, pushing Harry back into a chair that wasn't there a moment before.
She and James sat down in a small couch that appeared across from the chair.
Harry stared at his smiling mother and father, trying to make sense of what was happening.
Glancing at the mirror for a moment, he looked back at his parents. "You said Ginny is helping me heal, how?" he asked, perplexed.
"Look again, but this time concentrate on the magic," Lily said, smiling at him.
Harry looked back at the mirror and the scene it held. It took a moment but slowly he noticed a warm flow of blue running down Ginny's arm into her hand and through their clasped hands into his body.
Lily laughed. "I take it you can see it now?" she asked.
Harry could only nod in response, mesmerized by what he was seeing. "But why?" he asked in confusion.
"Because she loves you," his mother replied.
Harry looked at his mother in shock. "She loves me?"
"Yes, Harry. She loves you more deeply than you know," Lily replied.
"But. . ."
"Don't question it, just accept it as true, because it is," Lily said tenderly.
Harry flopped back in his chair, his mind overwhelmed by his thoughts.
"She loves me," he whispered in wonder.
XX HP + GW XX
Ginny sat in her accustomed spot, next to Harry's bed, holding his hand. Several weeks had gone by and she was pleased with the changes that he was under going.
The swelling had gone down appreciably and you could actually tell it was Harry laying there. The bruising was fading too, chancing from the dark solid mass it had been to a multitude of various colours.
She couldn't believe how accommodating her mother had been. She had finished all her summer assignments and had been allowed to come to St. Mungo's in the late morning after she had finished the majority of her chores. She'd finish them after dinner when she got home.
They'd been slowly weaning Harry off of the majority of the potions they had been giving him and there was hope that he'd be regaining consciousness soon.
Like always, she was talking to him like he was awake, just saying whatever came into her mind.
She was taken by surprise when Harry moved and gave a low moan.
"April!" she cried out.
XX HP + GW XX
Harry spent his time getting to know his parents, revelling in their time together. They also spent a lot of time watching what was taking place in the mirror, not to say there was really that much going on.
Everyday Ginny would show up and spend the time sitting and talking to Harry and April, always holding his hand when she did so.
Harry was amazed at what he learned listening to Ginny. He found himself smiling, remembering when Ron had told him what a chatterbox she was, though he hadn't seen it first hand yet up till now.
He was also surprised and a bit perplexed. Weeks were passing in the mirror but to him being with his parents seemed like one long single day.
It warmed his heart as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley visited most every day, usually coming when Ginny did, but they didn't stay near as long. Bill and the Twins were also frequent visitors though not nearly as often as their parents.
What bothered him the most was Ron. He had visited once a couple of days after he had been admitted. He had stayed just a couple of minutes and hadn't returned since. Harry found that hurt quite a bit, he just couldn't understand why Ron was acting that way.
Unfortunately his parents had no answers for him, though he thought he heard his father whisper something to his mum that sounded like Peter.
The other person who had been missing was Hermione, though he figured she had left with her parents on holiday. He remembered vaguely of her saying something about that they were heading off to the continent somewhere, though for the life of him, he couldn't remember where.
Finally their time together came to an end.
Lily came over to him, followed closely by James. She looked at him a bit sadly but there was also a lot of pride in her eyes.
"It's time, Harry," was all she said.
Tears began to flow down his cheeks and he couldn't have stopped them even if he wanted to, not that he did.
James grabbed him first, hugging him tightly. "My son," he said emotionally. Then pulling back slightly he looked Harry in the eyes. "Trust your instincts, if you do you'll rarely go wrong." Giving him another quick squeeze he stepped back. "I love you, Son," he said with a smile. "Never forget that."
"I won't," Harry replied. "I love you too, Dad."
Lily replaced him in an instant, hugging him fiercely. "I wish we had more time, but you really need to go back now. I am so grateful for this time we got to spend together."
Harry was so overwhelmed by his emotions all he could do was nod.
Lily released him only to take his head in her hands. Looking him in the eyes she kissed him on the brow. "Remember that your father and I love you with all our hearts," she whispered. Then with a wry smile, taking a quick glance at the mirror, said "Get to know Ginny. She really is a wonderful girl and even though you may not want to believe it, you need her. Don't let the opportunity slip by. The fate of the world hangs in the balance."
Harry smiled at her through his tears. "Okay, Mum," he said softly. He then threw himself at her, hugging her fiercely. "I love you, Mum," he choked out.
"I love you too, Son," she whispered emotionally in return.
Closing his eyes he tried to soak up as much warmth and love that he could. He felt the fog swirl around him and suddenly his arms were empty. Choking back a sob, he slipped in unconscious.
The next thing he was aware of was the feeling of someone holding his hand. He tried to move but was hit with a sledgehammer of pain causing him to moan out lowly.
XX HP + GW XX
"April!" Ginny called out.
The Medi-Witch came over and looked at Harry closely. "Come on, Harry. Open those eyes of yours," she said softly.
Slowly Harry's eyes fluttered open, looking around in a panic.
"Easy, Harry," April said with a smile. "You're safe. No one here is going to hurt you."
Harry's eyes locked with the Medi-Witch's and he gave a small nod, a searching look on his face.
"You're in St. Mungo's. You were hurt badly but you're doing much better now," she said in reply to his unasked question.
Harry relaxed slightly, turning his gaze to the other person in the room and he gave her hand a small squeeze.
Ginny gave his hand a squeeze in return, fighting the tears that threatened to fall. "Welcome back," she whispered emotionally.
Harry gave her a small smile before he gave out a small groan.
"I suspect you're in a bit of pain," April said, looking at him appraisingly. Glancing at the clock she said "You're due for a pain potion so I'll just get that for you and you should feel better shortly."
Though he didn't say anything they could tell he was relieved to hear that.
Harry turned his attention back to Ginny, glad she was sitting close enough that he could see her without his glasses.
She was smiling at him, glad that he was finally awake. "We've been so worried about you," she said, still fighting her tears.
Harry gave her a wan smile in return, giving her hand another squeeze.
April returned and administered his potion, causing Harry to grimace at the bitter taste, frowning when Ginny gave a soft giggle.
"I'm sorry," she said, not really looking like she was. "I'm just so glad you're finally awake. It's nice to see you react even if it is because of a foul tasting potion."
Harry's look softened and he nodded at her. He was taken by the look he saw on her face, even though he had talked to his parents, his mother especially, it startled him to identify the love he saw there.
He tried to say something but only made a croaking sound. He grimaced at the dry painful feeling in his throat.
April appeared quickly with a glass with a straw. She placed it between his lips and he began to suck greedily
The Medi-Witch pulled it away. "Small sips," she said softly.
Harry nodded in understanding and she replaced the straw. He couldn't believe how wonderful the cool water felt as it eased his parched throat.
April let him take several small sips before taking the glass away, smiling reassuringly at him. "Better?" she asked.
Harry nodded, glad his throat was feeling better.
"How are you feeling?" April asked him.
Harry tried to answer "Fine," but he found that it seemed that his mouth was disconnected from his brain. Scrunching his face, he tried to force himself to speak but all that came out was a weird grunting sound.
He looked around bewilderedly, not understanding what was going on.
April looked at him sympathetically, gently resting her hand on his chest. "Relax, Harry," she said softly. "What you're experiencing isn't uncommon in people who have suffered a severe head injury."
Harry tried to relax like the Medi-Witch said but he found it difficult and he wondered if this was the tough road that his mother had alluded to.
He was startled out of his thoughts by the feeling of a hand gently caressing his cheek. "It will be okay," Ginny said reassuringly.
Harry closed his eyes and leaned into her gentle caress, revelling in the comfort it gave him, somehow knowing that what Ginny said was the truth.
Opening his eyes he looking into Ginny's bright brown eyes and saw a look of such love he couldn't help but smile at her.
Ginny smiled back and an understanding passed between them. Harry gave her a small nod causing Ginny's smile to widen.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw April draw her wand and send off a Patronus in the form of a pure white Dove, looking more substantial than most Patroni.
When Harry looked at her questioningly, she smiled at him. "I just informed your Healer that you are awake," she informed him.
In short order the Healer appeared in the room. Smiling at Harry he said "So how are you feeling, Mr Potter?"
April jumped right in. "He appears to be having trouble speaking," she informed the Healer.
The Healer hummed, looking at Harry's chart. "No worries, that's fairly common with the type of injury you sustained."
"I already informed him of that fact," April said.
"Good, good," the Healer said. "Oh, I'm sorry. I've been remiss. "I'm Healer Payne."
When Harry grimaced he laughed. "Yes, I get that all the time," he said humorously.
Harry couldn't help but smile at the man.
Healer Payne handed Harry's chart to April. "Now that you're awake we can treat your injured arm. We'll give you some Skele-Gro and it will be right as rain in in no time."
Harry couldn't help but grimace at the mention of Skele-Gro.
Healer Payne chuckled. "I take it from your reaction you've already tasted the stuff."
Harry nodded.
"Yes," Ginny said. "In Harry's second year he had a Quidditch injury that required him taking Skele-Gro." She didn't bother to go into the details of Lockhart vanishing his bones.
"Yes, nasty tasting stuff. I had to take some for a Quidditch injury myself back during my Hogwarts days," the Healer said sympathetically. He gave a little shudder. "Once was enough for me, but it really does its stuff, no matter how foul it tastes."
He then turned to April. "Right then, we'll start the Skele-Gro tomorrow morning, first thing. I'll be in to vanish the damaged bones and he'll get dosed immediately after."
"Very good, Healer Payne. I'll have everything ready," April replied.
The Healer looked back at Harry. "Well, we're all set. Since you've already had a go at this, you know what to expect," he said with a smile. "See you in the morning," he added with a wave and departed.
Harry looked around uncertainly, finally resting his eyes on Ginny. She noticed his discomfort and leaned towards him, caressing his cheek once more. "Don't worry," she said quietly. "I'll make arrangements to be here early tomorrow. You won't have to go through this alone."
Harry gave her a weak smile, not really liking feeling so needy but he did want Ginny to be there.
All too soon it was time for Ginny to leave for the evening, fulfilling her promise to her mother to be home for dinner, no exceptions. Not even thinking about it, she leaned over and gave Harry a kiss on the cheek, the first time she had ever done so.
"Goodbye," she whispered. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning."
Harry's eyes widened a little in surprise, his cheek tingling where her lips had touched him.
Ginny gave him a smile and left, heading home for the evening, hoping that her mother wouldn't make a fuss about her coming in early the next day.
Harry watched her go until she was out of sight, thinking hard about all his mother had told him about the young witch, not that it was a lot, just enough to make him wonder about how to proceed with her.
He knew his mother wanted him to figure things out on his own, he just wished someone had given him a set of instructions on how to go about it.
At that moment one of the interns popped in carrying a tray. "Looks like dinner is here," April said cheerfully. Taking the cover off she smiled, "Looks like a nice beast broth for you tonight," she said as she brought the tray over.
Taking out her wand, she adjusted the bed so Harry was in a more upright position. She set the tray before him and he felt his mouth water at the wonderful aroma that wafted up, teasing his senses.
He tried lifting his right hand but found it shook and he could hardly lift it.
"Easy, Harry. You've been unconscious for quite some time. It will take a little while for your strength to return," she said kindly as she sat down next to him and grabbed the spoon.
Harry sighed in acceptance but thought he'd rather have Ginny there feeding him than the Medi-Witch.
XX HP + GW XX
Ginny arrived home and went straight to her mother who was in the kitchen getting dinner ready.
"Hi, Mum," Ginny said. "I need to be at St. Mungo's early tomorrow and I hope that won't be a problem."
Molly looked at her daughter appraisingly. "Why's that?" she asked, pausing in what she was doing, giving Ginny her complete attention.
"They're going to treat Harry's arm then and he wants me to be there," Ginny replied.
"Did he ask you to be there?" Molly wondered, wanting to make sure it was at Harry's request and not just on her own whim.
Ginny's eyes misted up and her bottom lip began to quiver slightly. "N-not directly," she said softly.
When her mother went to speak, Ginny cut her off. "He can't actually speak right now," she said, sniffling.
Molly nodded her head in understanding. Grabbing the kettle, she poured two cups of tea and directed Ginny to a seat at the table.
Ginny sat there, staring off, blinking her eyes rapidly, fighting the tears she felt welling in her eyes. She was only partially effective as a single tear spilled out of the corner of each of her eyes, leaving a hot trail down over her cheeks.
"Sip you tea," her mother prompted quietly.
Ginny nodded and grabbed her cup, taking a long sip. She was surprised at how much better it made her feel. She gave her mother a wan smile in thanks.
"Want to tell me what the Healer said," she asked gently.
Ginny took a deep calming breath. "He said it was fairly common that Harry is having a hard time speaking."
"Did he give any prognosis?" Molly asked.
Ginny shook her head. "I don't think so but I don't know for sure. I was concentrating on Harry. He looked so sad and scared," she replied, fighting her tears once more.
Molly reached out and ran her hand down through her daughter's hair, offering her some comfort.
"Tell you what. I'll come with you tomorrow morning and while you sit with Harry I'll talk to April or Healer Payne and see what I can find out. How does that sound?" Molly said with a soft smile.
Ginny smiled at her mother. "I'd like that very much," she replied softly.
Molly leaned in and gave Ginny a kiss on the cheek. "Finish your tea and then help me finish getting dinner ready," she said, rising and heading back to the stove. She knew that keeping Ginny busy right now was the best thing for her.
XX HP + GW XX
Albus Dumbledore entered his office and set his things down. He had been on a fruitless search for another Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. He did have one more person he could contact but that could wait for the moment.
He went immediately and checked on several special instruments that he had keeping a watch on one special person. He was aghast at what he found.
Several had melted down into shapeless lumps while others were still working but feebly. Before he could react the door to his office flew open with a crash. Standing there before him were a very angry Minerva McGonagall and Poppy Pomfrey.
Somehow he knew things weren't going to be good.
He opened his mouth to speak but before he could get a word out, Minerva snapped "Sit down and shut up!"
Not usually so easily cowed, he did as he was told, looking apprehensively at the two formidable witches before him.
"Harry Potter is in St. Mungo's because his Uncle attacked and almost killed him," Minerva said angrily. "Luckily he was able to defend himself but it was a near thing."
Albus felt the blood drain from his face. How could things have gone so wrong? Yes, he knew that the man and his wife hated magic but he couldn't imagine things devolving to that point.
"How bad is it?" he asked shakily.
Poppy glared at him. "Mr. Potter suffered a severe head wound along with a equally severe injury to his left arm," she spat, barely keeping her anger in check.
Albus' head spun, wondering how this would effect his plans for bringing about Voldemort's demise. All his elaborate schemes seemed in jeopardy now.
"I need to go to St. Mungo's and check on Harry," he said lowly.
"You'll do no such thing!" cried Minerva. "You'll stay away from the boy. You've done enough harm as it is. I told you what sort of people you were leaving him with but did you listen? No! So you just stay away form him if you know what is good for you."
Poppy thrust a folder at him. "This is a copy of Harry's chart. It will tell you all you need to know. If you have any questions, you'll come to me. Is that clear," she said in contempt.
Albus nodded and with that the two witches left, leaving Albus alone with his thoughts. "What have I done?" he asked himself lowly.
XX HP + GW XX
Bright and early Ginny and Molly arrived at St. Mungo's. As they entered the room, the intern arrived with Harry's breakfast.
April once again adjusted Harry bed to have him sit upright, but it was Ginny who took over the job of feeding Harry.
Harry smiled at her appreciatively as Ginny spoon-fed him his broth, chicken this time, and gave him sips of his pumpkin juice.
While Ginny was taking care of Harry, Molly went over and spoke with April, asking about his trouble speaking.
The Medi-Witch glanced over at Harry and seeing that his attention was focus wholly on Ginny, she began to speak softly.
"It is very common for head injuries to cause the type of problem that Harry is experiencing. It usually clears up with time, though occasionally some type of speech therapy is required. But I don't want to gloss things over either. Sometimes the person never recovers fully and has trouble for the rest of their life," April explained patiently.
Molly nodded, gazing across at Harry, a sad smile on her face. "Godric, has that poor boy suffered," she thought to herself.
Molly turned her attention back to the Medi-Witch, thinking about how three weeks of the summer holiday was already past. "How likely is he going to be ready to return to Hogwarts come September?" she asked apprehensively.
April gave a sad sigh. "While anything is possible I think the chance of his recovering enough to return to school are pretty slim. The next week or so will give us a better indication of that happening."
Molly didn't even want to contemplate the argument she'd have trying to get Ginny to leave Harry and return to Hogwarts.
Her musing was interrupted by the arrival of Healer Payne. He smiled when he saw the two female Weasleys.
"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley, Miss Weasley," he said brightly, having gotten used to finding them there.
"Well, Mr. Potter, ready to get started?" he said good-naturedly.
Harry sighed and nodded his acceptance, though he wasn't really looking forward to it.
The Healer cast a spell causing Harry's sleeve to roll up exposing his forearm. It was the first time Harry had seen what it looked like. He grimaced looking at it. Though they had repositioned the bones to allow the flesh to heal, it wasn't a pretty sight.
Healer Payne explained that due to the fracturing and crushing of most of the bones, it was impossible to simply heal the break, hence them having to vanish the bones and regrow them.
Harry frowned but nodded that he understood. Then he felt Ginny give his hand a reassuring squeeze. He turned and looked at her, giving her an appreciative smile.
April appeared before him with a goblet of potion. When he looked at her questioningly she said, "It's a mild Calming Draught to help you relax. The less you move the easier it will be."
Harry accepted the potion, mildly surprised by its slightly lemony-lime flavor.
April smiled at him and as if she could read his mind said, "Not all potions have a nasty bitter taste."
Harry gave her a wan smile, knowing what the next potion tasted like and he wasn't looking forward to taking it.
After a few minutes he felt the Calming Draught taking effect and he relaxed considerably.
Healer Payne smiled at him, noticing that the Calming Draught had taken effect. Drawing his wand, he vanished the bones in Harry's forearm.
"Well the easy part is taken care of," he said cheerfully.
April came over with the distinctively shaped bottle of Skele-Gro. Harry watched as it smoked heavily as she poured the dose into a goblet.
Steeling himself, he forced himself to drink down the foul tasting potion. It still tasted like a combination of dirty socks, mouldy bread and something else just as foul tasting that he couldn't quite identify.
As before it burned horribly all the way down. Almost immediately the sensation as if a million splinters were being driven into his arm hit him and even with the Calming Draught he couldn't help moaning out lowly.
Then he felt a warm hand caress his cheek and the pain diminished appreciably. "It's okay, Harry. I'm here for you," Ginny whispered.
Harry closed his eyes and leaned into her hand, taking great comfort from her gentle touch and he sighed contentedly.
"Well," Healer Payne said with a smile. "It looks like things are well in hand, so I'll leave you for now and check in later." He then turned to April. "Medi-Witch Johnson, let me know if there are any complications, though there shouldn't be any." Taking his leave, he departed, leaving Harry in the care of the three ladies.
A few minutes before noon, Molly came over to Ginny. "I'm going to head home and make lunch for the boys. I'll see you this afternoon."
"Okay, Mum," Ginny replied, not even bothering to say that she'd be staying with Harry, knowing her mother knew already.
As Molly left, April looked at Ginny. "Speaking of lunch, how about I order you a lunch tray along with something for Harry."
Harry squeezed Ginny's hand and gave a small shake of his head. Ginny gave him a smile. "Harry isn't hungry right now, so I guess just get something for me," Ginny replied.
The afternoon went by slowly with Harry snoozing most of the time which Ginny thought was a blessing as he didn't suffer as much.
It was close to four o'clock before Molly returned. As she came in and saw Ginny she rolled her eyes. "Sorry for not coming back sooner. Those Twins, they'll be the death of me," she said in exasperation.
"What now?" Ginny asked, trying not to laugh.
Molly took a deep breath as she sat down next to Ginny. "First it was an explosion up in their room that filled the house with an ungodly smell. Then I sent them out to de-gnome the garden. For some reason Ron volunteered to go out and join them. It wasn't ten minutes later he came storming back into the house with pink hair. Merlin help me," she said with a shake of her head.
Ginny glanced at April who had a huge smile on her face as she tried hard not to laugh outright. Ginny had told her many stories about the Twins during the long weeks that Harry was unconscious.
Molly let out a huge sigh and turned her attention to Harry. "How is he doing?" she asked.
Ginny glanced at Harry with a small smile on her face before turning to her mother. "He's been napping most of the time," she said softly.
April glanced at the clock and drew her wand. "It's time to check on him again," she explained.
Waving her wand, she smiled at the result. "His arm is almost completely healed," she said in satisfaction. "Hopefully he'll feel like eating some dinner."
When Molly looked at her puzzled, Ginny said "He didn't feel like eating any lunch."
Molly gave a sad smile, thinking about all he had been through.
A few minutes later Healer Payne came through the door. "How's our patient doing, Miss Johnson," he asked grabbing Harry's chart.
"Very well," the Medi-Witch answered. "I just checked his arm and the healing is just about complete."
"Good. I take it there were no problems?" the healer said, pulling his wand and checking Harry's arm.
"None what so ever," April replied.
"Splendid," the healer said.
Just then Harry's eyes fluttered open. He looked around, finally focusing on Ginny. He gave her a smile and squeezed her hand.
"Are you feeling okay?" she asked.
Harry smiled at her and nodded his head.
Healer Payne grabbed his chart again and made a notation. "Since you're doing so well, we'll graduate you off broth and give you something a little more substantial."
When Harry looked hopeful, he laughed and said, "Not solid food yet, but if tonight's dinner sits well, we'll see about tomorrow."
Harry nodded in acceptance, just glad he would be getting something other than broth for now.
After the healer left, Molly looked at the clock. "I'd better head home and get dinner started," she said as she rose.
Ginny looked at Harry with a sad smile.
Molly gave a low chuckle. "Why don't you stay and feed Harry his dinner. I'll keep your dinner warm for you," she said sympathetically.
"Thanks, Mum," Ginny said with a smile. Harry squeezed her hand. "Harry thanks you too."
Molly smiled at him. "I'll see you tomorrow," she said.
Harry gave her a nod, happy that Ginny would be staying for a while longer.
His dinner arrived a short time later. It was a hearty creamy soup, and it filled him much better than the broth had. He was also surprised when there was some bread to go along with it and he relished having it.
All to soon for the both of them, dinner was done and Ginny gave him a sad smile. "I have to go," she said with a sigh.
Harry nodded sadly.
Ginny stood but still had a hold of his hand. Like before she leaned in and kissed him on his cheek. "Good night," she whispered.
Harry nodded his head, tears pooling in the corner of his eyes.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said trying to remain upbeat and started to walk away.
Harry nodded a bit more vigorously as Ginny started to walk away, he kept a hold of her hand until she was too far to keep in contact.
He fought with his emotions, wishing he could tell her just how much he appreciated what she was doing for him. As she disappeared around the corner, he closed his eyes, wondering why he felt so empty.
XX HP + GW XX
A/N: Harry continues to get better, but will it be smooth sailing? He's also starting to feel just how much Ginny means to him. To bad he can't tell her so. And what will Dumbledore do next?
As always please review.
So many followers, so few reviews. *sigh*