Chapter Thirteen: Counting The Cost
Harry gradually began to drift back into consciousness. His hearing and sense of touch were the first to return, and they told him he was in the Hospital Wing. Well, at least I'm not dead, he thought, then winced as pain shot through his body. He felt a hand touch him on his chest, which appeared to be covered in bandages, he opened his eyes and saw Ginny standing over him. She had a few small cuts and bruises but that was it.
"Hi love," he whispered.
Ginny jumped, then smiled. "Harry, you're awake!"
"Yep, I am." he said, when grimaced. "How long have I been out?"
"Three days," Ginny told him, the expression on her face told him clearly that she at least had been worried for him. "Malone wasn't sure if you'd pull through, your injuries weren't too bad, but your magic reserves were dangerously low."
"Well, I'm back now." Harry told her and reached out to take her hand. "How are you, Gin?"
"I'm fine, Harry," Ginny assured him. "Just a few cuts and bruises. I came back here when you went down."
"And the others? Jamie? Ron and Hermione? Neville and Luna? Sirius? Remus?"
"Ron, Jamie, Luna and Sirius are fine," Ginny assured him. "Hermione got attacked by Dolohov again, but Ron got him and she's okay now. Remus has a bad fracture to his leg, it's not healing properly but Malone says his next transformation should fix it. Neville got a couple of broken ribs from a Vetuni that made it past us, but he's on the mend."
"Were there any other casualties on our side?"
"Yes, but Dumbledore wanted to wait to tell you himself," Ginny told him. "We got off lightly though."
"Good. Can I get out of here?"
"I think so," said Ginny. "I need to change your bandages then I'll get Malone to have a look at you. Is that ok?"
Harry nodded and Ginny bent down and began to unwrap the cloths wrapped around his chest. Once she had changed them, she did the same with a similar dressing on his injured knee. Once she'd finished she fetched Malone, who checked Harry over and declared that he could go. "You're not fully healed, Potter. But as busy as we are we can't spare any extra time for you. I'm sure Miss Weasley will take good care of you."
"I'm sure she will, Malone."
"Get plenty of rest, and try not to exercise that knee too much. Avoid climbing stairs if you can."
"I'll move back to my quarters," Harry promised.
"Good idea, now get out of here and let me get on with healing the real patients."
Smiling to himself, Harry eased his body out of bed, then got dressed - with a little help from Ginny - and then using her as support on one side and a long cane he'd found on the other, he hobbled out of the Infirmary.
----
It only took Harry and Ginny an hour or so to get Harry settled back in his quarters off the DA office. Civis arrived just as Harry was wondering where everyone was.
"Up and about, Harry?" he asked. Harry nodded. "Ginny taking good care of you?"
"Yep, she's been great."
"I'm sure she has." Civis said. "Do you want me to get the others?"
"Please."
Civis transformed into his crow shape and flew out the window. Ginny walked over to Harry's bed and snuggled up next to him.
It didn't take Civis long to round up most of Harry's friends, the Boneses weren't there but as he'd seen Susan in the Hospital Wing he didn't expect them to be. Hermione looked a little pale and was leaning on Ron at little more than usual, and Remus was - like Harry, relying on a stick and his girlfriend's help - to get around. Jamie's face lit up when she saw Harry and climbed onto the bed with them, sitting cross-legged at the foot of the bed.
"It's good to see you up and about, Harry," said Sirius. "We were worried about you for a while there."
"I know," Harry admitted. "And I'm sorry I worried you. But it had to be done."
"We know that," Hermione told him. "But we're glad you're back."
"I am too. Although I'll be much more pleased when my leg and ribs stop hurting so much."
Several other people there, including Neville and Remus, glanced at their own injuries and nodded at this.
The group stayed with Harry for the next couple of hours, until Fawkes appeared with a short note:
Harry,
I was glad to hear from Mr Malone that you are alive well. Could you please come and talk over the current situation with us? As I understand you are still not entirely rested, Civis and/or one of your close friends will be welcome.
Sparky.
"I've got to go up to the War Room for a bit, I'll see you at dinner."
He made to rise, but Ginny forestalled him. "You're not going anywhere without me, Harry."
"I won't dream of it, love." Harry assured her. "Civis, can you Apparate us up there?"
"The War Room is in Room of Requirement?"
"Yep."
"Then I can do it without too much difficulty." Civis replied after a moment. "Now?"
Harry nodded and held out his hand. Civis took it, and all three of them disappeared with a pop.
----
They re-appeared outside the door to the War Room. Harry reached over and pushed open the door, most of the Council were already sitting around the table, as were Madame Pomfrey, Madame Hooch and Jason Draper. Ginny and Civis took up positions slightly behind Harry on each side.
Dumbledore stood up. "Good evening, I'm glad everyone could make here."
"Uh, Sparky. not everyone's here." Harry pointed out. "Snape's missing."
"I'll come to that, Harry."
"Okay." Harry conceded.
"We successfully defeated Voldemort's forces when they attacked. The damage we cause them has been devastating, and according my contacts at the Ministry most of the remaining Death Eaters have surrendered, while the non- humans and the more intelligent beasts in his army have gone to ground."
Here Dumbledore paused. "However, our success did come without some cost on our side as well. In addition to the dozens of injured, we have also sustained a few fatalities and potential fatalities: Students Wilhelm Whisp, Sarah and Joseph Fawcett, Owen Cauldwell, Kevin Whitby, Lorna Greensboro; and Professors Evan Smith and Sybill Trelawney have all been killed. As have three members of the Order: Ray Harker, Rose Wilkes, and Elphias Doge. Professor Severus Snape is in a coma as a result of Cruiciatus Curse damage and is being transferred to St Mungo's tonight.
"I don't have any further to add, other than to say well done to everyone, and to urge you not to discuss this with anyone until I made the official announcement at dinner tonight." Dumbledore sat down. "Unless anyone else has anything to add?"
"We will need to replace Severus." McGonagall pointed out.
"You are correct, Minerva," agreed Dumbledore. "I have already attended to that. Ms White has agreed to remain at the castle and take over his classes and Professor Jones will act as interim Head of Slytherin House."
Harry smiled at this - he could just picture the look on Malfoy's face when he found out that he'd have to answer to a Muggle for the next two months.
"One more thing," said Dumbledore. "Jonas overextended himself during the battle, and will be unable for the next week or two. I don't anticipate this being a major problem, however it does mean that each of us will have to take part in a rotating monitor schedule. I also understand that your people will be leaving shortly?"
"Yes, we will leaving at first light tomorrow," confirmed Shi Hu. "We have fulfilled our bargain with you."
"As have I," pointed out Dr Chrystan.
"I wish you all the best of luck for the future," said Dumbledore. "As I'm sure we all do. If there is no further business?" He waited for a minute or two, but no one spoke up. "Then this meeting is adjourned. Filius, if you could remain here?"
Professor Flitwick nodded his agreement, and everyone else stood and filed out. Harry, Ginny and Civis were last and once they were outside Civis Apparated them back to Harry's quarters.
The trio headed down to dinner a hour later, which although well attended, was not conducted with the gaiety and noise that usually accompanied such gatherings. Dumbledore made his announcement regarding the casualties and the two new staff appointments.
After the meal, Harry and his friends returned to his quarters to chat and relax. Sirius, Remus, and Emmeline were the first to depart and did so at about eight pm, citing the need to leave early next morning. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Jamie and Mark stayed until well past curfew, but eventually they to departed leaving Harry and Ginny alone. By unspoken agreement, they undressed and got into Harry's bed together, and snuggled close, then after a hour or so they were asleep.
----
Harry's leg and ribs took only a few days to heal, and he was back at classes about a week after the battle. He had just come out of the War Room after a four-hour shift on monitor duty when Ginny came up behind him. "Finished Harry?"
"Yeah, were you looked for me, love?"
"Madame Hooch wants too talk to you about the Quidditch Cup."
"When?" asked Harry, slipping his arm into Ginny's arm.
"In Dumbledore's office. As soon as you can."
"Okay, I'll go now. Walk with me?"
"Sure."
It didn't take them very long to make it to the Headmaster's office. When they reached the gargoyle, Harry released Ginny. "Blood pops."
The gargoyle hopped to one side and Harry ascended the steps. Ginny stayed below.
When he entered the office, Fawkes trilled a greeting. Harry smiled and took the empty seat between Scott Summersby and Lisa Turpin. Nott arrived a few minutes later and sat in the corner chair.
"Thank you for coming," said Dumbledore. "Madam Hooch and I have asked you here to discuss the situation regarding the Quidditch Cup. Obviously the Final is as yet unfinished, but with members of both the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw teams unavailable it might be difficult to play a re-play."
Lisa Turpin nodded at this. Harry wasn't too worried as he had a good replacement for Wilhelm, but he knew Ravenclaw didn't so he nodded too.
"Therefore Madam Hooch and I propose that we run with the scores as they stand. Would everyone be happy with that?"
Harry and Summersby agreed to this immediately, Nott did so slightly reluctantly but did so eventually.
Lisa sat thinking about it for a few minutes, and then shrugged. "Okay, it's not like we could get the cup anyway. Go for it."
"Very well," said Dumbledore. "You may go."
The four students rose and headed for the door. Harry was first out and as soon as he reached the bottom he linked arms with Ginny and headed up to his quarters.
A/N: Sorry about the cliffhanger in the previous chapter, I hope this makes up for it. The next chapter may be within the next couple of days or it may be longer. In the meantime, your reviews would be appreciated.
Harry gradually began to drift back into consciousness. His hearing and sense of touch were the first to return, and they told him he was in the Hospital Wing. Well, at least I'm not dead, he thought, then winced as pain shot through his body. He felt a hand touch him on his chest, which appeared to be covered in bandages, he opened his eyes and saw Ginny standing over him. She had a few small cuts and bruises but that was it.
"Hi love," he whispered.
Ginny jumped, then smiled. "Harry, you're awake!"
"Yep, I am." he said, when grimaced. "How long have I been out?"
"Three days," Ginny told him, the expression on her face told him clearly that she at least had been worried for him. "Malone wasn't sure if you'd pull through, your injuries weren't too bad, but your magic reserves were dangerously low."
"Well, I'm back now." Harry told her and reached out to take her hand. "How are you, Gin?"
"I'm fine, Harry," Ginny assured him. "Just a few cuts and bruises. I came back here when you went down."
"And the others? Jamie? Ron and Hermione? Neville and Luna? Sirius? Remus?"
"Ron, Jamie, Luna and Sirius are fine," Ginny assured him. "Hermione got attacked by Dolohov again, but Ron got him and she's okay now. Remus has a bad fracture to his leg, it's not healing properly but Malone says his next transformation should fix it. Neville got a couple of broken ribs from a Vetuni that made it past us, but he's on the mend."
"Were there any other casualties on our side?"
"Yes, but Dumbledore wanted to wait to tell you himself," Ginny told him. "We got off lightly though."
"Good. Can I get out of here?"
"I think so," said Ginny. "I need to change your bandages then I'll get Malone to have a look at you. Is that ok?"
Harry nodded and Ginny bent down and began to unwrap the cloths wrapped around his chest. Once she had changed them, she did the same with a similar dressing on his injured knee. Once she'd finished she fetched Malone, who checked Harry over and declared that he could go. "You're not fully healed, Potter. But as busy as we are we can't spare any extra time for you. I'm sure Miss Weasley will take good care of you."
"I'm sure she will, Malone."
"Get plenty of rest, and try not to exercise that knee too much. Avoid climbing stairs if you can."
"I'll move back to my quarters," Harry promised.
"Good idea, now get out of here and let me get on with healing the real patients."
Smiling to himself, Harry eased his body out of bed, then got dressed - with a little help from Ginny - and then using her as support on one side and a long cane he'd found on the other, he hobbled out of the Infirmary.
----
It only took Harry and Ginny an hour or so to get Harry settled back in his quarters off the DA office. Civis arrived just as Harry was wondering where everyone was.
"Up and about, Harry?" he asked. Harry nodded. "Ginny taking good care of you?"
"Yep, she's been great."
"I'm sure she has." Civis said. "Do you want me to get the others?"
"Please."
Civis transformed into his crow shape and flew out the window. Ginny walked over to Harry's bed and snuggled up next to him.
It didn't take Civis long to round up most of Harry's friends, the Boneses weren't there but as he'd seen Susan in the Hospital Wing he didn't expect them to be. Hermione looked a little pale and was leaning on Ron at little more than usual, and Remus was - like Harry, relying on a stick and his girlfriend's help - to get around. Jamie's face lit up when she saw Harry and climbed onto the bed with them, sitting cross-legged at the foot of the bed.
"It's good to see you up and about, Harry," said Sirius. "We were worried about you for a while there."
"I know," Harry admitted. "And I'm sorry I worried you. But it had to be done."
"We know that," Hermione told him. "But we're glad you're back."
"I am too. Although I'll be much more pleased when my leg and ribs stop hurting so much."
Several other people there, including Neville and Remus, glanced at their own injuries and nodded at this.
The group stayed with Harry for the next couple of hours, until Fawkes appeared with a short note:
Harry,
I was glad to hear from Mr Malone that you are alive well. Could you please come and talk over the current situation with us? As I understand you are still not entirely rested, Civis and/or one of your close friends will be welcome.
Sparky.
"I've got to go up to the War Room for a bit, I'll see you at dinner."
He made to rise, but Ginny forestalled him. "You're not going anywhere without me, Harry."
"I won't dream of it, love." Harry assured her. "Civis, can you Apparate us up there?"
"The War Room is in Room of Requirement?"
"Yep."
"Then I can do it without too much difficulty." Civis replied after a moment. "Now?"
Harry nodded and held out his hand. Civis took it, and all three of them disappeared with a pop.
----
They re-appeared outside the door to the War Room. Harry reached over and pushed open the door, most of the Council were already sitting around the table, as were Madame Pomfrey, Madame Hooch and Jason Draper. Ginny and Civis took up positions slightly behind Harry on each side.
Dumbledore stood up. "Good evening, I'm glad everyone could make here."
"Uh, Sparky. not everyone's here." Harry pointed out. "Snape's missing."
"I'll come to that, Harry."
"Okay." Harry conceded.
"We successfully defeated Voldemort's forces when they attacked. The damage we cause them has been devastating, and according my contacts at the Ministry most of the remaining Death Eaters have surrendered, while the non- humans and the more intelligent beasts in his army have gone to ground."
Here Dumbledore paused. "However, our success did come without some cost on our side as well. In addition to the dozens of injured, we have also sustained a few fatalities and potential fatalities: Students Wilhelm Whisp, Sarah and Joseph Fawcett, Owen Cauldwell, Kevin Whitby, Lorna Greensboro; and Professors Evan Smith and Sybill Trelawney have all been killed. As have three members of the Order: Ray Harker, Rose Wilkes, and Elphias Doge. Professor Severus Snape is in a coma as a result of Cruiciatus Curse damage and is being transferred to St Mungo's tonight.
"I don't have any further to add, other than to say well done to everyone, and to urge you not to discuss this with anyone until I made the official announcement at dinner tonight." Dumbledore sat down. "Unless anyone else has anything to add?"
"We will need to replace Severus." McGonagall pointed out.
"You are correct, Minerva," agreed Dumbledore. "I have already attended to that. Ms White has agreed to remain at the castle and take over his classes and Professor Jones will act as interim Head of Slytherin House."
Harry smiled at this - he could just picture the look on Malfoy's face when he found out that he'd have to answer to a Muggle for the next two months.
"One more thing," said Dumbledore. "Jonas overextended himself during the battle, and will be unable for the next week or two. I don't anticipate this being a major problem, however it does mean that each of us will have to take part in a rotating monitor schedule. I also understand that your people will be leaving shortly?"
"Yes, we will leaving at first light tomorrow," confirmed Shi Hu. "We have fulfilled our bargain with you."
"As have I," pointed out Dr Chrystan.
"I wish you all the best of luck for the future," said Dumbledore. "As I'm sure we all do. If there is no further business?" He waited for a minute or two, but no one spoke up. "Then this meeting is adjourned. Filius, if you could remain here?"
Professor Flitwick nodded his agreement, and everyone else stood and filed out. Harry, Ginny and Civis were last and once they were outside Civis Apparated them back to Harry's quarters.
The trio headed down to dinner a hour later, which although well attended, was not conducted with the gaiety and noise that usually accompanied such gatherings. Dumbledore made his announcement regarding the casualties and the two new staff appointments.
After the meal, Harry and his friends returned to his quarters to chat and relax. Sirius, Remus, and Emmeline were the first to depart and did so at about eight pm, citing the need to leave early next morning. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Jamie and Mark stayed until well past curfew, but eventually they to departed leaving Harry and Ginny alone. By unspoken agreement, they undressed and got into Harry's bed together, and snuggled close, then after a hour or so they were asleep.
----
Harry's leg and ribs took only a few days to heal, and he was back at classes about a week after the battle. He had just come out of the War Room after a four-hour shift on monitor duty when Ginny came up behind him. "Finished Harry?"
"Yeah, were you looked for me, love?"
"Madame Hooch wants too talk to you about the Quidditch Cup."
"When?" asked Harry, slipping his arm into Ginny's arm.
"In Dumbledore's office. As soon as you can."
"Okay, I'll go now. Walk with me?"
"Sure."
It didn't take them very long to make it to the Headmaster's office. When they reached the gargoyle, Harry released Ginny. "Blood pops."
The gargoyle hopped to one side and Harry ascended the steps. Ginny stayed below.
When he entered the office, Fawkes trilled a greeting. Harry smiled and took the empty seat between Scott Summersby and Lisa Turpin. Nott arrived a few minutes later and sat in the corner chair.
"Thank you for coming," said Dumbledore. "Madam Hooch and I have asked you here to discuss the situation regarding the Quidditch Cup. Obviously the Final is as yet unfinished, but with members of both the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw teams unavailable it might be difficult to play a re-play."
Lisa Turpin nodded at this. Harry wasn't too worried as he had a good replacement for Wilhelm, but he knew Ravenclaw didn't so he nodded too.
"Therefore Madam Hooch and I propose that we run with the scores as they stand. Would everyone be happy with that?"
Harry and Summersby agreed to this immediately, Nott did so slightly reluctantly but did so eventually.
Lisa sat thinking about it for a few minutes, and then shrugged. "Okay, it's not like we could get the cup anyway. Go for it."
"Very well," said Dumbledore. "You may go."
The four students rose and headed for the door. Harry was first out and as soon as he reached the bottom he linked arms with Ginny and headed up to his quarters.
A/N: Sorry about the cliffhanger in the previous chapter, I hope this makes up for it. The next chapter may be within the next couple of days or it may be longer. In the meantime, your reviews would be appreciated.