A
Saving the Saviour
Chapter 4: A Bump in the Road
It was mid afternoon before Harry's eyes fluttered open and he looked around. He smiled as he looked at Ginny who was sitting beside him, holding his hand and talking softly with April.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze causing her to look at him. "Hey sleepy head," she said with a smile. "Feeling better? You were pretty tired though I understand with Remus and Tonks being here."
Harry just nodded and smiled thinking about seeing Remus and Tonks. Though he really wished there was some way the Sirius could visit.
April was just adjusting his bed to allow him to sit up when Harry gave a strangle cry, his eyes rolled up in his head and he began to convulse violently.
Ginny cried out in distress while April rushed to his side, casting spells furiously, already having sent off a Patrous to summon help.
The first thing the Medi-Witch did was petrify Harry so he wouldn't harm himself as he thrashed around. As she was casting diagnostic spells, Healer Payne and several other Medi-Witches and Wizards came flooding into the room.
They tried to get Ginny to move back but Harry had her hand in a death grip and she couldn't get loose.
Just like on the night he was brought in a multitude of people worked frantically on Harry. Some were casting more spells while others seemed to be lending strength to the main people working on the struggling boy.
Ginny saw a pale red flame light at the top of Harry's bed, it flickered wildly. Ginny knew from her talks with April, that the red flame meant Harry was having difficulty breathing, if it became steady it meant he had stopped breathing all together. She was just glad it wasn't blue which would have indicated his heart had stopped.
They worked on him for what seemed to Ginny forever, though it had only been several long minutes before their spells showed that whatever had struck Harry had subsided so they removed the petrification charm allowing him to relax back into his bed.
It was a few more minutes till Harry's eyes fluttered open once again. He looked around blankly, a bewildered look on his face. He finally found Ginny and he stared at her looking lost, confused and frightened.
She got as close as she could and caressed his face which was pale and sweaty. "Shhh, Harry. It's alright, I'm here," she whispered.
Harry looked at her imploringly, still scared. He squeezed her hand but it was weak and shaky. She squeezed his hand back, fighting her tears, wanting to remain strong for him.
Healer Payne with April's assistance were removing Harry's bandage which had fresh blood on it.
"Harry, can you hear me?" the healer asked.
Harry's eyes shifted over to the healer and he nodded his head, though it was barely perceptible.
Healer Payne gave him a wan smile. "It appears a small blood vessel burst at the site of your injury causing your problem. I've summoned a specialist to come and have a look at you."
Almost as if on cue an older Healer came into the room. He made his way straight over to Harry's bed and quickly conferred with Healer Payne. They both then turned to Harry.
"This is Healer Dankworth, a neuro-specialist, the best there is. So don't worry, he'll have you sorted out in no time," Healer Payne said reassuringly.
Healer Dankworth gave Harry smile. "Just relax Harry and let me get a good look at what's going on."
Harry gave the man a nod and closed his eyes, trying to relax but he found it difficult. He was comforted some by Ginny's reassuring presence. He could still feel her hand softly caressing his cheek and the steady pressure of her hand holding his let him know that she was still there for himself
Healer Dankworth began a series of long and complicated charms. Ginny's attention flitted back and forth from what he was doing and focusing on Harry.
Ginny was somewhat taken with what the elder healer was doing, small lights danced and flickered on Harry's wound and dare she say it, inside it as well.
As fascinating as she found it, she still focused mainly on Harry. He had a small frown on his face and his eyes, scrunched up minutely as if he was feeling small stabbing pains.
She looked imploringly at April who followed her look and noticed Harry reaction. She gave Ginny a curt nod, but did not interrupt the healer's work.
Ginny looked back at Healer Dankworth who was now hunched over with his head close to Harry's. She saw a shimmering shape that looked much like a thick lens before his one eye and he was staring intently at the dancing lights.
Finally the lights faded from view and the lens like structure disappeared. The healer stood upright, arching his head back and rolled his shoulders several times, sighing in relief as he worked out the tightness.
He spoke mainly to Healer Payne but included April and Ginny by making eye contact with both of them.
"Overall things look fairly stable. As you know," he said looking mainly at Healer Payne, "that a small blood vessel burst causing some additional minor damage, leading to the patient's convulsions. There are several additional blood vessels that are bruised and weakened so they will take further watching."
Healer Payne nodded thoughtfully while April spoke up. "Healer Dankworth, I had just recently given Mr. Potter a mild Strengthening Potion, could that have led to the bursting on the blood vessel?"
The Healer shrugged. "It is possible that the potion raised Mr. Potter's blood pressure causing the failure but it is just as likely that the vessel was weakened by the damage from his injury and chose that moment to fail. It's hard to say which was the cause."
He then smiled at the Medi-Witch. "But that was an excellent question and something we need to be aware of and monitor if he continues to receive the Strengthening Potion."
Healer Payne looked up. "I think we'll continue with the potion for now but cut it's strength in half to play it safe and see how it goes. We can always increase it again if there are no complications."
"That sounds prudent," Healer Dankworth said. "I'm going to prescribe a Venous strengthening potion that should help with the healing of the additional bruised blood vessels and hopefully that will help prevent any further episodes."
After making his notations in Harry's chart, he looked at Harry who still had his eyes closed so he spoke more to Ginny. "I'll be back to check on Mr. Potter after he has received his potion to check on him."
Ginny nodded in response and after Harry gave her a slight squeeze of her hand she said "Thank you Healer Dankworth, Harry also gives his thanks."
When the Healer looked at her questioningly she made an indication at Harry's hand in hers. He smiled and nodded, then took his leave, letting the others continue in taking care of Harry for the moment.
Slowly the additional medical personnel filtered out of the room until only Healer Payne and April remained with Harry and Ginny.
Healer Payne smiled at Ginny. "You accounted yourself very well with staying here and remaining so calm."
Ginny gave him a small smile in return. "Well Harry had a hold of my hand so tightly that I couldn't have left if I had wanted to."
Healer Payne gave a chuckle. "Yes, Mr. Potter seems like he is quite attached to you," he said humorously.
Ginny blushed deeply but her smile let them know she agreed with the healer's assessment.
The healer came over and gave her shoulder a light affectionate squeeze and departed.
"Well I think we've had enough excitement for one day," April said with a smile at the young witch.
Ginny laughed giddily from the excess adrenalin in her system. She tried to hide just how terrified she had been when Harry had went into convulsions. She had never seen something so scary and she hoped never to again.
She gazed down at Harry who had drifted off to sleep, tired from his ordeal. She began to sniffle and a couple of tears leaked out of her eyes.
April came over and hugged Ginny into her body. "It will be okay, Ginny," she said softly. "A few setbacks are to be expected with as severe of an injury that Harry experienced."
Ginny just nodded sadly in reply. To over come by emotion to say anything.
Harry and Ginny
Remus and Tonks headed out of St. Mungo's, Tonks holding on to Remus by the crook of his arm. Remus drew to a halt. "How about I treat you to lunch," he said with a smile, though he felt like his heart was in his throat. He figured he might as well acquiesce to Harry's and Sirius' demands.
When Tonks looked at him questioningly he frowned. "I can afford lunch," he said irritably.
Tonks gave him an exasperated look. "I didn't think you couldn't," she said with a smile. "I'm just a little surprised, that's all."
Remus gave a sigh and his shoulders sagged. "Godric! Why do I always stick my foot in my mouth?" he chided himself.
Tonks gave a gentle tug on his arm. "Come on, I'm hungry but I do need to get back to get some sleep. I have the overnight shift again so I really need to get some rest," she said amiably.
Remus let himself be led off towards the Leaky Cauldron still thinking about what is was about the witch beside him that made him act the way he did.
They had no problem getting a table back in a secluded corner and after receiving their meals they settled into a comfortable conversation.
They started with talking about Harry and how he was doing, That led to discussing his childhood and what they knew or suspected about what he had gone through.
That topic exhausted, they moved on to Tonks' job and the goings on at the Ministry, finally discussing some of the art and history that both found fascinating.
It wasn't until Tonks yawned widely that they noticed the time.
Remus tossed down some Galleons to cover the bill and stood. "Come on," he said. "Time to get you back to your flat so you can get some sleep."
They Apparated back to her flat and at the door, Tonks looked at him and said "Stay?"
Remus looked at her longingly but reluctantly. "I really should get back to Sirius and besides you need to get some sleep."
"Who said we'd do anything but sleep," she said mischievously, her eyes sparkling.
Remus blushed deeply, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "There I go again." he thought.
He was startled when he felt Tonks' lips brush his cheek.
"I'll see you later," she whispered pointedly.
"Yes, I'd like that," he replied, then with a smile he left to go to let Sirius know what he had found out about Harry.
Tonks watched him leave, a smile on her face. "Yes, I'm getting to you," she said softly before heading off to her bedroom to get some much needed sleep.
Harry and Ginny
Molly returned and immediately took in Ginny. She was looking at Harry worriedly, occasionally caressing his cheek or idly straightening his blanket.
She looked at April in confusion and the Medi-Witch came over and quietly explained about the events that had taken place that afternoon.
Molly sighed, tears in her eyes. "That poor boy," she said softly, looking at him laying there, looking so small and pale.
"He's strong and he has Ginny to help him," April replied sympathetically.
"I know," Molly moaned. "But he's been through so much already."
April could only nod her head in agreement, trying not to think about the trials that remained before him.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent in quiet talk, mainly Molly and April but Ginny did join in on occasion, though for the most part she kept her attention on Harry who continued to sleep.
Molly was just getting ready to leave and had gone over to Ginny when Harry slowly opened his eyes. He again looked around, a little bewilderedly before his eyes came to rest on Ginny.
He gave her a weak smile and shakily squeezed her hand. His eyes then drifted over to Molly and looked at her longingly.
She bent over him and he struggled to lift his other hand to her. She grabbed it, taking a firm hold. He gave it a weak squeeze, his eyes looking at her imploringly.
She seemed to know just what to say. "Don't worry Harry, Mum is here."
Harry nodded minutely, tears pooling in his eyes as he gave her a thin smile.
"I love you too," she whispered.
Harry's smile widened a little and he nodded again.
Molly smiled through her own tears. "Rest now. I have to go but Ginny will still be here and I'll be back tomorrow, I promise," she whispered.
Harry gave her hand one last squeeze, which she returned before placing his hand gently down by his side.
Harry gave her one last nod before closing his eyes, seemingly falling asleep in moments.
Molly straightened up and quickly turned around, trying desperately to get her emotions under control. She blinked her eyes rapidly, took a deep breath and finally got control back over herself.
She gave Ginny a small smile and patted her on the shoulder. As she went to step away, she was surprised by April who took her into a hug. As they parted, their eyes locked but no words were exchanged or necessary.
She took one last glance back at Harry before she slowly departed, praying hard for the boy who had become like a son to her.
Harry and Ginny
Remus arrived back at the little rundown house that he was sharing with Sirius expecting to find him sitting in the parlour drinking like he usually did. That's not to say he ever really caught the man drunk, but he did seem to almost always have a glass of Firewhisky.
"Sirius? Where are you?" he called out, shaking his head. While he did wonder where his friend was, he wasn't concerned that he had been found by the Aurors. The place was to intact for that as Sirius had vowed to fight his hardest rather than be taken back to Azkaban.
He was just starting to wonder if Sirius had slipped out as Padfoot, when the dog in question came pounding into the room from the back hall, slammed into his chest and knocked him on his back."
Remus glared at the dog standing on his chest, tongue lolling out, looking like he'd be drooled on any second.
"Get off me!" he cried, giving the dog a push.
While a fairly large animal, Padfoot was pushed off rather easily, no match for Remus' werewolf enhanced strength.
Remus sat up and climbed to his feet. "Where were you?" he asked irritably.
The dog changed back into a man and Sirius gave Remus a grin. "Welcome back, Moony," he said, his eyes alight with mischief.
Remus looked at him suspiciously. "I asked where have you been?"
"Oh, here and there. Nowhere really important," Sirius replied with a shrug, though his eyes were still dancing.
Remus didn't like that look. It usually meant he'd been up to something, and usually it was no good.
"I thought you would have been waiting to hear about Harry," he said, frowning slightly, still wondering what Sirius had been up to.
"I would have thought you'd have been back by now," Sirius countered, still smirking.
Remus took a deep steadying breath and let it out slowly, not relishing the teasing he was going to be taking from his fellow Marauder for the coming foreseeable future.
"I took Nymphadora to lunch afterwards," he said lowly, praying Sirius wouldn't hear.
Sirius' eyes lit up. "Really? What prompted that?" he asked, a bit too gleefully.
Remus' face changed, though he smiled, there was a touch of melancholy to it. "Harry requested it," then after a moment of thought said, "Demanded it, really."
Sirius, who had laid back casually in his chair, bolted upright, sitting on the very edge. "Harry's awake!?" he asked intensely.
"Yeah, he is," Remus replied a bit sadly.
Sirius frowned immediately. "What's wrong?" he asked worriedly.
""Well he still doesn't look that great, his face is still so bruised," Remus said, putting off the worst news till last. "And he can't talk," he finished softly, looking at Sirius with great concern.
Sirius looked at him with a puzzled expression. "What do you mean he can't talk?"
"Molly and the Medi-Witch explained it that Harry explained it was like his mouth and brain were disconnected," Remus explained.
Sirius looked at him bewilderedly. "How did Harry explain it if he can't talk?"
Remus smiled, "Ginny Weasley," he replied.
"What? Does she read his mind?" Sirius asked sarcastically.
Remus gave a low chuckle. "No, she brought Harry a muggle pen and notepad," he said in satisfaction.
Sirius gave an appraising look, a smile on his face. "Smart girl, that one," he said brightly. Then looking at Remus. "She was there?" he asked inquisitively.
Remus nodded, "Yes and has been from the very beginning." Then he smiled, "Borrowed James' cloak and snuck in, from what the Medi-Witch told me."
Sirius laughed heartily. "Got the makings of a fine Marauder," he said happily. Then sighing contentedly he said. "Harry needs someone like her."
"I don't think you have to worry on that front," Remus replied.
"Really?" Sirius asked, looking very interested.
Remus stared off for a moment, focusing elsewhere.
"Moony?" Sirius grumbled.
Remus snapped his attention back to Sirius. "Sorry, it's kind of funny really. Harry reminded me so much of James, at least after Lily's screaming and yelling part." he said with a laugh.
"When Harry wasn't busy writing, he'd slip one hand into Ginny's and was always sneaking peeks at her when he thought no one was watching,". he said happily. "It brought back a lot of memories," he said a bit more sadly.
Sirius' reaction was tempered by the memories of their lost friends. "Well, I'm glad he has her," he said more sedately.
"Me too," Remus replied with a sad smile.
The Sirius brightened. "So, tell me about you and Nymphadora."
Remus couldn't help but blush as the memory of Tonks coming out of the bedroom where that dress struck him.
"Oh, this must be good," crowed Sirius.
"There's not much to tell," Remus began.
"I doubt that," Sirius interrupted.
Remus shot a glare at his friend. "As I was saying, there isn't much to tell. I showed up at the flat and asked her to accompany me to St. Mungo's. She had just gotten off of an overnight shift and was sitting down to eat something." he explained.
Then with a frown, "Merlin she should eat better," he murmured to himself. Though Sirius heard, he kept quiet, though he did smile at Remus' comment.
"She was still wearing her Auror robes and she said she wanted to change," he continued. "It didn't take her long before she came back out," he said but had a dreamy look on his face.
Sirius howled with laughter. "Oh, she must have dressed in something special if the look on you face is any indication." he said gleefully.
Remus blushed deeply and shook his head in resignation. "She was wearing a dress," he replied lowly, but couldn't keep the smile from his face.
"Ah, Moony old man," Sirius chortled. "You're doomed, doomed I say."
Though Remus didn't reply, he thought to himself, "If I must be doomed, I can't think of a better way."
Harry and Ginny
Harry slept most of the remainder of the afternoon with Ginny remaining quietly by his side, holding his hand and watching him closely.
April let her alone for the main part, just watching how much the young girl cared about the young man beside her. It really touched her heart to see the depth of feelings she held for him.
Harry finally awoke shortly before dinner and the look he gave Ginny brought tears to April's eyes.
Ginny stayed and fed Harry again. Though it was beast broth again, Harry didn't seem to mind. He just lay there and let Ginny minister to him, smiling wanly as she took care of him.
The young witch was just getting ready to leave when Healer Dankworth returned to check on how Harry was doing so she stayed until he was done.
The Healer finished his examination and nodded in satisfaction. "Things are looking pretty good," he said with a small smile. "Hopefully we're past the worst of it but I must warn you, we're not totally out of the woods yet."
Harry nodded and motioned to Ginny for his pen and notepad. ~Thank you~ he wrote, but everyone noticed his writing was much shakier than it had been before.
Healer Dankworth nodded. "Just rest, Harry and try to remain as calm as possible. It will help keep the strain off of the vessels that need more time to heal," he said encouragingly.
Harry nodded tiredly and closed his eyes but not before giving Ginny's hand a squeeze.
Ginny squeezed his hand in reply and leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek, her eyes filling with tears as she looked at him laying there, looking so vulnerable.
She slowly made her way to the door when she felt April come up behind her, turning, the Medi-Witch took her into a warm hug.
"Thanks," she murmured, fighting the tears in her eyes.
"You're welcome," April said tenderly. "Remain strong and positive, Harry needs you," she said with a smile.
Ginny smiled in return, though it was touched by sadness. Taking a calming breath, "I will but it's just so hard seeing him like this," she lamented.
April gave Ginny's shoulders a reassuring squeeze. "Get some rest and I'll see you tomorrow."
Ginny nodded and made her way home to the Burrow. As she stepped out of the floo she was surprised to see Hermione sitting on the couch with Ron.
Ron was sitting slouched at the one end of the couch looking sad, while Hermione sat at the other end, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"How is he?" the bushy haired girl asked.
"It was a tough day," Ginny replied sadly.
When Hermione looked like she was going to speak, Ginny interrupted. "Excuse me, I need to go see Mum," and she hurriedly left the room, not wanting to be interrogated by Hermione.
Ginny found her mother in the kitchen, who took one look at her daughter and came over and took her into a huge hug.
Ginny just leaned into the comforting embrace, letting all the love and warmth fill her and she sighed contentedly.
After several moments, they slowly parted. Molly placing her hands on her daughter's shoulders, taking a good look at her.
"Why don't you sit down and have something to eat," she said softly.
"I'm not really hungry, Mum," Ginny replied sadly.
"I know, Dear, but you need to eat something. You need to keep up your strength," Molly said compassionately.
Ginny knew she was right and sat down at the table and ate the smaller than usual serving of Shepherd's Pie that her mother set before her. Surprising herself, she ate the whole thing.
Finishing, she felt what little energy she had remaining drain out of her. Rising slowly, she looked at her mother who was watching her with a sympathetic smile.
"I'm really tired, Mum. I think I'm just going to head off to bed," she said tiredly.
"Okay, Dear," her mother replied. "And don't worry. I've set Hermione up in Bill's old room so you won't be disturbed later."
Ginny smiled appreciatively at her mother. Trust her to take everything into consideration and make things easier for her.
"Thanks, Mum. I'll see you in the morning," Ginny replied, heading off to her room and some much needed sleep.
Ginny headed up stairs and stopped in the loo before heading to her room. After taking care of business, she stared at herself in the mirror, appraising the face that stared back at her.
It was a tried face, one filled with worry. Then she remembered what April had said. "Yes, I need to be strong for Harry" she said softly to herself.
She was pleased to see the look of determination that sprung onto her face and with a sad smile she headed off to her bedroom.
She changed quickly and snuggled down into her bed. Even though she was exhausted, it took a while for her to relax and fall asleep.
At first her dreams were a bit chaotic, her mind not settling on anything in particular. Then things changed and she found herself sitting out back in the garden of the Burrow.
Things seemed different somehow. Though she always loved sitting out in the garden, it seemed somehow more peaceful, more serene.
Before she could contemplate what was different, she noticed someone fade into existence at the edge of the woods. It was a beautiful young woman with long red hair.
The woman smiled at her and came over and sat next to Ginny.
It was then that Ginny noticed the woman's eyes, they were the same shade of green as Harry's.
"Lily!?" she said in surprise.
"Yes," Lily replied with a wide smile. "I always knew you were a smart one."
Ginny found herself blushing though she held Lily's gaze. "What are you doing here?" she asked in confusion.
Lily laughed, a sound filled with music. "Surely you can guess," she said humorously.
Ginny nodded her head. "Harry," she said plainly.
Lily nodded, "Yes, Harry and the part you need to play in helping him."
Ginny gave her an anguished look. "I'm doing all I can to help and support him," she cried lowly.
Lily looked at her sympathetically. "Yes, what you are doing now is critical for Harry, but it's time for you to take the next step."
Ginny looked at her bewilderedly.
Lily looked deep into her eyes and reached out and tenderly caressed her cheek. "You have it in you to heal Harry beyond what anyone else can do," she whispered.
Ginny was leaning into Lily's caress when she processed what she had said.
"Me?" she said in shock. Then, somehow she knew what Lily had said was true. "What must I do?" she asked eagerly.
Lily smiled at her. "I knew you'd understand." She then rested her hand over Ginny's heart. "Take what is in here, combine it with your magic and let it flow into Harry. Direct it where he needs healing and all will be well."
"But how?" Ginny asked, her mid whirling.
"That you must figure out for yourself," Lily said sympathetically.
Ginny nodded in understanding, knowing that truly important things were always so.
"Remember that things go much further than just healing Harry. You are critical to everything and without you Harry will be lost," Lily said seriously.
Ginny pondered what Lily had said, wondering about the implications of what she had been told. She knew no answers were coming at the moment and she'd have to think hard about the information Lily had given her.
Lily looked around at the gardens and smiled. "It's so peaceful here. I can understand why you like to spend so much time here."
She then turned her attention back to Ginny. "James and I couldn't have wished for anyone better than you for Harry," she said emotionally.
Ginny felt herself choke up. "I'll try and be worthy," she said softly.
"You are," Lily reassured her.
She then took one last look around. "It's time for me to go," she said sadly.
"Will I see you again?" Ginny asked, tears forming in her eyes.
Lily smiled at her reassuringly. "At least in the next life, as to before that, who can say. The future is an unknown."
With that, she leaned in and gave Ginny a fierce hug and kissed her on her forehead as they parted.
Ginny was too choked up with her emotions to say anything as Lily rose and headed back towards the woods.
Just before she got there, Ginny called out, "Goodbye, Lily!"
Lily paused and turned around and nodded at Ginny.
"And thank you," Ginny said.
Lily smiled and nodded again and then turned back towards the woods. She faded from view as she got there.
Ginny awoke, the sun just starting to peak in through the window. She smiled as she remembered her dream, though she was certain it was more than just a dream.
She lay there just a moment, contemplating on what Lily had said and vowed to learn what she needed to do to help heal Harry.
Bounding up with renewed energy she quickly went and took her shower and got ready for the day. She dressed in record time and hurried down to the kitchen.
Her mother was already preparing breakfast and she smiled as she saw Ginny.
"Well, I'd say the rest did you a world of good," she said smiling at her daughter.
"Yes it did," agreed Ginny, smiling back at her mother. "If she only knew," Ginny thought.
It wasn't long before Molly had breakfast on the table and she laughed lowly as Ginny dug in with gusto.
"Well someone is certainly hungry this morning," she said good-naturedly.
Ginny paused between mouthfuls. "Yeah I am, I need to keep up my strength if I'm to be able to help Harry," she said with a smile.
"Well, whatever. I'm just glad you're eating well. You had me a little worried last night," Molly said happily.
"I was just tired and worried about Harry. He had such a hard day yesterday," Ginny explained before diving into her breakfast again.
Finishing quickly, she placed her dishes in the sink. "Is it okay if I head over to St. Mungo's?" she asked hopefully.
Molly smiled at her sympathetically. "That's fine, Dear. I'll be over as soon as I get everyone else sorted out. I'll see if Hermione and Ron want to come along."
Ginny smiled. "I think Harry would like to see his friends," she replied. "Though please talk to Hermione, you know what she can be like and Harry doesn't need that right now."
Molly gave her daughter a knowing look. "Don't worry, I'll speak to Hermione and reign her in as much as I can," she said with a grin.
Ginny nodded in understanding, Hermione could be, just so Hermione. Flashing her mother a smile, she headed for the floo and with a burst of green flames she was gone.
Harry and Ginny
A/N: Poor Harry, nothing is ever easy for him. Ginny is preparing herself for what she must do, wonder how that will all play out.
I know I said this would be five chapters or so, and it looks like it is going to be the or so. Not quite sure how many chapters it will be at this point, though it won't be as long as my other multi-chapter stories. I'm sure that has you all upset.
As always, please review.