A/N: Just a short chapter to further progress the plot into the story's climax.
You could call this a warning for the upcoming storm.
Looking forward to your reactions.
As always, your faves, follows, and reviews make me smile.
My Cheating Heart
By: tweety-src-clt9
Chapter Twenty-seven: The Mastermind
ICW Medical Research Team Solves Mystery Epidemic on British Pureblood Children
By: Rita Skeeter
December 20, 2010 – This morning, the members of the ICW Medical Research Team, accompanied by the Head Healer of St. Mungo's, Head of the Auror Corps, and the Minister for Magic answer the questions regarding the mysterious epidemic that started to plague fifteen of our British pureblood children since September of this year, in a press conference attended by fifty journalists from all over the world.
The mystery epidemic has gotten worldwide attention because this is the first major case to be solved by the wizarding world's premier medical research facility under the leadership of their youngest ever chief, Hermione Jean Granger (31).
Aside from the victorious resolution of the case, a lot of gossips has been spreading upon the Chief's return to our shores, primarily because of her complicated past with Britain's resident hero, Lord Harry James Potter (30) who also happens to be the Head of the Auror Corps. Ever since the Prophet's exclusive on Lord Potter's open letter containing details of their rocky marriage, the world is anxious to know of two things – will Hermione Granger lead another victory over death by saving her patients; and, will the estranged Power Couple ever get back together.
Gossip magazines have been banned by Lord Potter to publish any articles regarding his long-lost lady since her accident a few weeks prior – he ordered a specific ban on publishing any pictures of his lady that us journalists are forced to comply; after all, no one is stupid enough to incur the wrath of the House of Potter.
So now, upon the resolution of this sensational malady, the press along with the rest of the wizarding world, is on the edge of their seats to hear about the truths straight from the mouths of the key players in this case.
Because of the ban, there will still be no pictures of the Lady Potter (along with the rest present with her for this press conference) to be published. But despite that, the Daily Prophet reassures its dear readers of the validity of this report.
Present during the press conference held at the auditorium of the British Ministry of Magic were the following (by order of their seats from left to right):
- Albert Trifflewood = Head Healer, St. Mungo's
- Evangeline Rosier = ICW Medical Researcher, Expert on Potions and Skeletal Diseases
- Kei Irie = ICW Medical Researcher, Expert on Genetic Mutations and Pathology
- Abimbola Omenuko = Deputy Chief of the ICW Medical Research Department, Expert on Diseases from Magical Creatures and the World's Best Medicinal Potions Maker
- Hermione Potter nee Granger = Chief of the ICW Medical Research Department, Expert on Surgery and Diseases from the Dark Arts
- Kingsley Shacklebolt = British Minister for Magic
- Harry Potter = Head of the British Auror Corps
This is a verbatim record of the entire press conference attended by yours truly.
Press: Chief, how do you feel about this case? This is your first major case upon assuming the position.
Hermione Granger: I feel relieved, to be honest. I am just happy that all of us involved in this case can help cure all the children affected by the epidemic. We are perfecting the vaccine for the non-pureblood kids who are carriers of the disease. Abim and Rosier will have it ready soon. When that happens, I can declare this case officially closed.
Press: Could you explain to us the whole process of the cure you developed?
Hermione Granger: The team will be publishing a paper on this soon. It will contain details of the case and the cure. To sum it up, first, we had to identify the severity of the effects on the victims. Then, Irie investigated how the disease was spread. Rosier, Irie, and I worked together with the local healers to give interim aid just to lessen the victims' pain. When I got into an accident that was the trigger for me to drain my magical core, Irie and I thought about the unknown substance that is causing the disease. After rigorous research, we discovered that it was a complicated mixture of extremely hazardous non-magical substance with its effects magnified because of a dark spell. And then a miracle happened. We were able to kill whatever darkness that was in the cursed item. Using that same logic, the ICW medical research team worked together to think of the cure. Abim shall explain the potion he developed as an antidote.
Abimbola Omenuko: Yes. Because of a miracle, we were able to develop the antidote using a substance more hazardous than the ones placed in the cursed item. With that logic, I developed a mixture of a limiting reagent to a dark substance. I will only say that the antidote's main component is phoenix tears. It is used to counter the venom used during the surgeries.
Press: Venom? What sort?
Abimbola Omenuko: The most potent venom of all. Basilisk Venom.
Press: But where would you get basilisk venom?
Abimbola Omenuko: That is something that we could not disclose. Let's just call it a miracle. This information for the venom's source is strictly classified information.
Press: During the surgeries, how did you manage it? There are fifteen victims recorded.
Hermione Granger: Irie could explain that.
Kei Irie: After a series of clinical tests, I was able to identify who Patient A is or the first victim. That person is the most severe. With the last infected one to be the least severe. With that logic, I proposed surgical teams given that St. Mungo's has four surgeons. The Chief led the operation on Patient A, whose name shall remain undisclosed. With the Chief, was me as an anesthesiologist, Abim as second-in-command, and Rosier was our last member. The four surgeons were in the operating room with us to observe. After an hour, the gruesome operation on Patient A was an astounding success. Frankly, I expected that. The Chief is the best surgeon I have ever met.
Press: Are the rumors true that the family members waiting outside could see what's happening during the surgery?
Hermione Granger: Yes, that is true. We did not cover the glass panes with the curtains. Patient A's parent made the request. The rest of the family members for all other patients agreed. So, I had to suffer performing in the theater with a little audience of nervous parents and family members. I pity those who had to watch the entire operation. It is a bloody and rather disgusting process.
Press: Is it true that Lord Potter was present during the surgery?
Harry Potter: I was there on duty. Ten aurors were stationed all around St. Mungo's as a security measure. This epidemic along with the entire healing process is a very high-profile case. So, maximum protection for the healers, the patients, and their families is a must. My task along with my second-in-command, Auror Thomas, is to follow the ICW Medical Researchers all over the place. I had to stay along with the anxious families watching the entire operation through the glass panes.
Press: What is your opinion of the Chief's performance during the surgery, Lord Potter?
Harry Potter: I cannot believe she has guts of steel. The whole thing looked disgusting with all the blood, pus, and flesh. All I can say is, I am so proud of Hermione's performance. She saved so many lives. I agree with Irie. I expected her to succeed. Hermione Granger is the brightest witch of the age. She's always been brilliant in whatever she does, well except flying, ever since I met her at Hogwarts all those years ago.
Press: You seem to be very fond of the Chief, Lord Potter. Do we hear a reconciliation between the wizarding world's Power Couple?
Harry Potter: (gives a nervous chuckle) No comment. My relationship with Hermione is not pertinent to this interview.
Press: But the world wants to know. The status of your relationship will be affecting all of us. Should you get back together, the Chief could retire from her position to stay in Britain with you. Minister, won't you agree that having the chief back in British soil is such a great boon to your nation?
Kingsley Shacklebolt: Hermione Granger is an asset to whatever organization and endeavor she pursues. Do I want her back to Britain? Yes, of course. But whatever she decides, it is not up to anyone. It's her choice. And I agree with Lord Potter. Their private life is none of our business.
Press: What about you Healer Trifflewood? What is your opinion on the Chief?
Albert Trifflewood: Hermione Granger is the best healer I have ever met. To me, the moniker World's Best Healer is something that she deserves. My surgeons and healers who worked with her learned a lot. I would proudly step down from my post if she decides to stay in Britain and she could have my position. At the end of the day, the Chief is the only person who has a final say in this whether she stays or leaves.
Press: Healer Rosier, you are cousins with the Malfoys, are you not?
Evangeline Rosier: Yes, I am.
Press: Can you describe the Chief's friendship with them? It has been said that the members of your team lived with the Malfoys until the Chief left to stay at Lord Potter's house.
Evangeline Rosier: The Chief is close friends with my cousin Draco and his wife, Astoria. And yes, she stayed at my cousins' home until she decided to stay with Lord Potter.
Press: Do you know why?
Evangeline Rosier: It is not my habit to disclose the private affairs of an Ancient and Noble House. You would do well to remember that.
Press: The Weasley Family, known to have hurt you severely in the past, is one of the aggrieved parties because of the epidemic. What can you say about them, Chief?
Hermione Granger: I have two Weasley patients. I did my duty to them just like any other healer would. As for the rest of the members, no comment.
Press: There is a rumor that it was you who cured Ginevra Zabini nee Weasley after she got cursed from angry letters because of Lord Potter's revelations. Is that true? What kind of curse hit her?
Hermione Granger: I shall not disclose my dealings with my patients.
Press: Do you still harbor resentment for the Weasley family, Chief?
Harry Potter: Alright! That's enough. Hermione doesn't have to answer this.
Kingsley Shacklebolt: Please refrain from asking personal questions.
Press: Will you stay in Britain, Chief?
Hermione Granger: I will stay until the vaccines are administered. I already have holiday plans here as well.
Press: Will you still go back to Switzerland? After all of this?
Hermione Granger: I have pledged my magic in faithful service to the ICW. All employees and officials there, are bound by that pledge. I shall do my very best to uphold my promise.
Press: What about Lord Potter?
Harry Potter: That's enough!
Hermione Granger: No, Harry. It's fine. They won't stop until I answer this. Once and for all, my relationship with Harry is none of your business.
Press: But the world wants to know if the Power Couple will get back together.
Hermione Granger: Lord Potter and I are sorting out our issues. I will only tell you this. I am giving him a second chance. As to the logistics of the relationship moving forward, it is none of your concern.
Kingsley Shacklebolt: That concludes the press conference. We will answer no more questions.
There you have it, my dear readers. The complete and unabridged version of the press conference.
To summarize a few things, we now have a very little idea about what happened during their investigation to find the cure. There is a promise for a paper to be published on the entire healing process, it will be very helpful to those interested in healing and potions. And lastly, for all gossip lovers, Lord, and Lady Potter are giving their relationship a second shot. If you could only see and feel the sexual tension between those two… Too bad we are not allowed to take any pictures due to security reasons.
On behalf of the witches and wizards of Britain, I would like to give a huge thanks to Hermione Granger and the rest of her team for saving our nation's children.
And to Lord Potter, we wish you all the best in regaining the affections of your wife once again. Hopefully, this time around, you will never let her go.
As the rest of the wizarding world reads about varying versions of what occurred during the press conference, a man with a red triangle tattoo on his back grins at the information he was able to gather from the reports.
His plan in drawing Hermione Granger away from the highly secured wards of the ICW Headquarters is a huge success. His test on her magical capabilities and intelligence has proven to be highly effective as well. By setting up the whole epidemic in Britain, he was able to see the extent of her abilities. And by planting the cursed item on the Weasley children, he was able to test the strength of her character and the firmness of her heart to fulfill her obligations.
He finally found his perfect Isis. For not only was the original Isis the cleverest woman of her time, she was also pure of heart with a very strong character.
After gathering intelligence on the Brightest Witch of the Age for more than ten years, he is now certain.
Hermione Granger is the one that he needs for the mating ritual and spiritual communion that he plans to do.
She is the only suitable candidate as his mate when he reclaims the throne of Osiris, his birthright from his forefather that had long been dormant ever since the downfall of his family's blessing from the Creator.
Only one thing left to do. Figure out the perfect time to capture his future queen…
Harry Potter will never stand a chance between me and what's mine…
Hermione Granger shall be my Isis and then I can finally reclaim my family's birthright...
His family has waited for thousands of years to reclaim what they had lost. But they have never been lucky enough to find what they had all been looking for.
Generations after generation have searched far and wide to find a suitable candidate, but all of them failed.
Finally, after all this time, he is the lucky one.
He is lucky to have found the perfect candidate for the ritual. No one else but Hermione Granger would do.