Wow! It has taken me a long time to update, but I finally have.

Disclaimer: All familiar characters belong to JK Rowling.

Chapter 3 - On the Road to Healing

When everyone had finally gotten over the excitement of being introduced to a new member of the Order, it was time for dinner. Albus had told Molly about the extra addition before everyone else, and she had organised an exquisite meal for the large party that was to dine.

Dinner went on long into the night, as those who had known Althea for a long time were enjoying reacquainting themselves with her. On the other hand, those who were meeting her for the first time wished to find out more about the work she had done, as an informal assessment of how valuable she would be to the Order.

Speaking about her work brought out the best in her, and she happily recited how she had spent some time working with the Department of Health in the Ministry of Magic, where she teamed up with Health Officials from many other countries to come up with a number of goals which should be achieved.

"I did that, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. It was mostly paperwork and politics, really, and that was never my thing, so soon after we had published a report of our goals, I quit the Department of Health, and went to work for St Mungo's, and that's where I've been for about 15 years now."

"But Healer training takes such a long time, and you aren't old," said Hestia Jones, the surprise evident from her tone. "How have you managed that?"

Althea laughed. "I am older than you give me credit for. Although I must admit, my situation was rather strange. I got work at the Ministry at the end of the third year of my degree, and they told me that I would not have to complete the degree any longer, provided I took some onsite training. I naturally agreed - I mean, why waste all those galleons gathering qualifications that did not matter? And simply having done this work got me the job at St Mungo's. So it was just good fortune, really."

At this, Albus interjected. "You are far too modest. She got the job at St Mungo's because despite resigning from her job at the Ministry, she received a sparkling reference, and we all know how rare an occurrence that is." At this, there were murmurs of agreement from the others, who knew only too well how harsh certain members of the Ministry could be.

Remus finally spoke up. "She has done a tremendous amount of work on lycanthropy, too. Many of you may not know, but she recently worked on a project which has led to significant developments to the Wolfsbane Potion." His whole form was weak, but that did not stop him from smiling brilliantly at Althea, and she smiled back.

"Poor old Remus has been a test subject for me on more than one occasion," she said, before she saw shocked faces around her, and realised what her words implied.

"Oh, no. I didn't... that is to say I..."

"What Althea means to say," interrupted Remus, "is that she used to come and see me after..." he paused, still slightly uncomfortable talking about his problem. "After transformations, to see what my symptoms were. After observing me for many weeks, she decided to try various potions and adding different ingredients to them to at least alleviate the symptoms, if not the root of the disease. I now do not feel half as much pain as I once did." He paused again, this time overcome by emotion. "I cannot express how much her support means to me."

This seemed to be enough to quell everyone's questions for the night, and they all finished their dinner and departed. As Althea herself made to leave, however, she was stopped by Sirius.

"You have only just arrived," he said. "You have waited so long to join the Order. You are most certainly not leaving so soon. The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione are staying, anyway. One extra person won't do any harm."

Althea tried to protest, saying that her possessions were all at home, but here, Molly interjected, insisting that she could easily transform her own clothing so it would fit. "Come on, dear, you must be so tired from the day's events." Althea suddenly realised that she was exhausted, so she finally agreed.

Molly showed her to her room, and gave her clothes to change into. After she had changed, they sat together and talked. It had been a long time since they had met last, some time before the death of Fabian and Gideon Prewett. Althea got the impression that Molly had not really spoken to anyone about her thoughts, about how she had lost her parents and brothers to Voldemort, and about how much she feared losing Arthur and the children.

Althea understood her fears. "Look at it this way, Molly. At least you are fighting to make the world a better place for your kids. I lost so many of my friends, that I cannot tell you. It makes me feel useless that I wasn't been able to do anything for them. After all, what use are all my qualifications if I couldn't save the people I love?"

"You're wrong," said Molly. "You are not useless. How many people's lives have you saved in the last 15 years of being a Healer? You have saved people you do not even know, purely so they get a second chance at living."

"No, I haven't. I've only helped people survive for my own selfishness," said Althea, dejectedly. "Only to make myself feel worthwhile."

"But don't you see that that is the key? You have helped others because you wish to feel worthwhile, and yet despite being so valueable to countless people, you continue to feel as though you are not worthwile, and continue to make a difference to their lives. And it's not just the people you save. Each of the people you have helped must have families. You have been the person who people like me go to when things go wrong, knowing that we need not fear, for the Healers will take care of it. I respect you, you know. If anything, it is me who is useless. I fight, but despite that, I have been able to achieve nothing.

"That is not true, Molly. You have achieved so much. You restore some confidence into the hearts of people like me, who know that there is someone out there who will give everything to defeat evil, hoping for nothing in return. It is I who respects you."

They sat silently for a few moments, each taking in the other's words. For both women, the talk meant much more than they let on. Molly had a lot of family, but at long last, she had found a true friend. For Althea, the nagging pain in her heart had begun to heal, and she realised that she had made the right decision, to stay. Both women slept soundly that night, somewhat more content with their lives, despite the knowledge that there was a war going on.

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