Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Rainforest Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
YAY 16TH OF JULY FOR HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
Chapter 14 - Healer Visit
Life after their wedding just seemed to flow for Minerva and Albus. Right from their wedding night they lived together in Albus' quarters. They spent the days teaching or fulfilling specific duties before coming together in their quarters at night, whether it be making love or just holding each other before sleep overcame them both.
Some mornings became more of a struggle for Minerva as a bed with your beloved in it isn't an easy thing to leave when you just want to sleep the day away. However Albus was always able to let her have those few extra minutes Minerva needed to get out of bed. Except for one morning in the middle of May.
It was a Saturday morning and there was no other reason for Minerva to get up other then the fact that she had an appointment. It was her first Healer visit since before the wedding, this time Albus was also coming with her. Minerva however didn't want to go. The thought that she could hear bad news which would lead to her leaving teaching early, something Minerva really didn't want to happen.
Albus urged her to get out of bed, even going so far as to say he would carry her all the way to the appointment in her nightgown. It was this comment which sparked Minerva's sudden energy. After a refreshing shower she quickly dressed and after a quick breakfast she and Albus left the castle. Albus insisted on flooing there to save Minerva's strength since apparation had begun to drain her energy.
They entered a room, about half full of people, all waiting for a Welcome Witch. Minerva already knew where to go though so she took Albus' hand and lead him to the right floor and room. After telling the assistant Healer at the counter they were there they sat, still holding hands but not speaking.
Minerva picked up a Witch's Weekly and began to flip through it, not reading because Albus was making her nervous by not talking. Soon though a door opened and Healer Samuel Johnston came out, "Minerva."
She smiled at him, "Hello Samuel. Albus has decided to join us today." She stood, bringing Albus with her and followed Healer Johnston into an examination room. They all sat down in chairs around a desk, as was routine.
"How have things been since you last saw me Minerva?"
"Things have been well Samuel. Mornings are becoming harder but Albus gives me time to make myself get up. I haven't fainted since before the wedding-"
"Except the last week in April," Albus interrupted. "You became dizzy and fell but didn't faint."
"Except for then," Minerva agreed. "I have had my sick days but I have normally been able to take a stomach calming potion."
"Good, that's all good. Now we'll just do your regular check up. Professor Dumbledore, are there any questions you wish to ask first?"
"Please call me Albus. Minerva has explained things to me so I don't think I have any questions at the moment. However I would be glad if the offer stayed open."
"Of course Prof- Albus. Now Minerva, why don't you lie down on the bed just over here."
Samuel led her over to a bed and Minerva calmly lay down. Albus watched form his chair as the Healer cast a serious of spells over her, using a Quick Quills notebook to keep a record. He was finished within minutes as both he and Minerva had become accustomed to a routine.
"Okay Minerva, now you just need your Salus (Health) potion." Samuel spoke to Albus, "It helps Minerva to battle the disease, making things easier on her body."
Albus just nodded, watching as Minerva drank the potion, grimacing at what would have to be a vile taste. Minerva had explained the routine of these visits to him and he knew that what came next would have a very important impact on what Minerva did between now and her next appointment.
"Okay Minerva, all done. Now sit back down, we have some things to discuss," Healer Johnston said.
Once everyone was seated he spoke again, his voice concerned but not overly so. "Minerva you have gained some strength back but this will be only a minor victory. You need to continue as much bed rest as possible and I want you to limit your physical activity. I know that Hogwarts is a large castle so no unnecessary trips, also when able to I want other people to do things for you. It would also be a good idea if Minerva was able to floo around the castle, being in the drafty corridors doesn't help."
Albus nodded, he would be able to set up a few of the key fireplaces.
"Now this is a semi-new topic to discuss. I understand that you two have recently married and will no doubt be engaging in sexual intercourse. I am not saying don't do it I just warn you to not tire yourselves greatly and to restrict how often you do it."
Minerva and Albus both nodded in assurance that they would do so before Albus had a question to ask. "There is a ball to celebrate the defeat of Voldemort on the anniversary of his death. Will Minerva be able to attend the whole five hours or is it best for her to go to bed at the normal time?"
The Healer considered Albus' words for a moment before speaking. "Minerva should be able to stay for the whole evening, however, if you feel weak, sick or very tired you are to go straight to bed, or at least rest."
Minerva nodded her assent once more, waiting for the final moment. "Lastly, Minerva, I would say the estimate for how long you have left is the same as what I said at your last appointment, mid-September. It's good that it hasn't changed and it is doubtful that that time is going to get any longer, if anything it may shorten but I don't want you to worry about that now. So if there is nothing else I shall see you at your next appointment."
They thanked the Healer before being led out of the room, as happy as one could be with their appointment.
To be continued…
Yay for book six so I decided to update, that and I couldn't sleep
Anyway, thanks to reviewers bigkihap (I try not to imagine my teachers having a private life so I assume the Hogwarts students do as well), Quill of Minerva and Always Hopeful (what's wrong with a bit of self-promotion?)
I know this chapter was unbelievably boring so I was just trying to give you a time line of where we're at, kinda, with kinda an example of how they're fighting the disease.
Also I plan on doing another story after this so as a bit of self-promotion ;-) it is yet to have a title but is set during Voldemort's first reign of terror and will be ADMM an it will involve children, but not Harry
Anyway review and have a very Merry Christmas, particularly with that news.