Chapter Six: Healer General
Slam.
The door shut noisily behind Ginny as she made her way into her modest flat. She was tired, and her stomach ached in hunger. All she wanted to do was order in, take a shower, then go to bed. It didn't even have to be in that order.
The warm water would soothing her aching muscles. Her soft bed, inviting to the touch. And food… warm, delicious food…
Ginny shook herself from her brief fantasy, which, however amazing it sounded, was an impossible dream for tonight. No, right now Ginny needed to get ready for the rest of the evening.
As Ginny headed to her room, she glanced at her bedroom clock trying not to look too longingly at her bed in the process. It was a little after six thirty, which would normally have been time enough to go out to eat with Harvey. In fact, it was extremely rare for Ginny to even be home this early if she wasn't going out to dinner with Harvey. But today was the beginning of a long stream of rare evenings. For the next couple of months, Ginny would be hard pressed to find any time for her boyfriend. With any luck, Harvey wouldn't notice…
Ginny massaged a light headache as she reached her closet to change. She needn't think about Harvey at a time like this. Ginny had more pressing concerns, like this headache for one. It had been bothering her on and off all day. The headache potion she'd taken only hours previously was starting to lose its strength, but she didn't dare take another one this soon for fear of overdosing. Ginny knew just how easy it was to overdose on those things. Still, there were other ways to take an edge off a headache. Food for one, but Ginny didn't really have time for that either.
Instead, Ginny allowed her thoughts to drift to a happier note, or at least semi-happy news. She'd not really wanted to leave work at all. Not after the day she'd had. No, Ginny had just gotten into the flow of writing. Another four hours of undisturbed work would have ironed out that paper. She could have even ordered in something by now too.
The problem with that scenario was the four hours bit. If Ginny had stayed, then the earliest she'd have left St. Mungo's was ten. If she was honest with herself, probably eleven. Ginny could not, would not, show up at Harry's with little more than an hour to the day. No, her paper could keep until tomorrow.
As Ginny changed her robes, she couldn't help reflect on the surprisingly good turn of the day she'd had. Ginny had wrapped up two of the three patients from the spell damage ward. The third was making great progress and she hoped to discharge the Auror tomorrow. Senior Healer McFarland had given her two more from his department, which were also progressing nicely. As for her home department, Ginny had wrapped up all four of her patients and Senior Healer Smethwyck had given her three more.
Well, not right away. No, the main reason Ginny was eager to get back to work had come before Hippocrates had given her the new cases.
"Healer Weasley, just the Healer I was looking for." Hippocrates Smethwyck had a tendency to call her by her title when they were not alone.
"Good morning Senior Healer Smethwyck." Ginny turned from Grace to give her full attention to Hippocrates, "Have another case for me, already?"
"A new case with your case load? Not quite. No, I've something better. I want you to consult on another case."
"Consult? I didn't know we did that at St. Mungo's." Ginny questioned.
"It's normally for rare, extremely difficult cases. This, however, is more of a learning experience." Hippocrates looked between her and Grace before he continued, "That is, if you have the time to spare? You've been keeping very busy these days."
"Oh, I've time. I'm not nearly as busy as you seem to think. I just need to finish up the paperwork from my last four cases."
"The Hallows Eve cases?" At Ginny's nod Hippocrates continued, "I'm surprised you finished already. With that extra work you've been pulling in the spell damage ward, I'd imagine it would take you longer to get those done."
"Creature attacks don't vary all that often. They should spend a couple more days on bed rest, but other than that they're good to go. I've just got to finish this last form for Grace." Ginny motioned to Grace and the parchments scattered over Grace's desk.
"Just one more signature, Healer Weasley." Grace replied as she handed Ginny another roll of parchment. "I'll make sure your follow ups for the afternoon are taken care of as well."
"Thank you Grace." Ginny smiled in Grace's direction before she turned to go with Hippocrates. "You're a life saver." Ginny sent over her shoulder seconds later as the two of them were rounding the corner.
Ginny looked over at the silent Hippocrates. Her mentor seemed to be deep in thought. So, Ginny gave him a few minutes to gather himself. She couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. It was highly unusual to consult on cases within the environment that St. Mungo's created. Competition was encouraged, with case completion rate being a high factor in advancement. To ask for a consultation was equated to saying you were incapable of completing the case on your own.
Ginny knew this was not the same at all the Magical hospitals around the world. She heard the Americans like to call it 'collaboration'. Despite what the Yanks might call it, Ginny knew that no self-respecting St. Mungo's healer would ask for one. So, Ginny could only stay quiet for so long. Her interest was piqued. Which one of her colleagues needed that much help?
"So, which one of my colleagues would like the extra eye?"
"I told you Senior Healer Smethwyck, this is an open and shut case." Ginny wasn't the least bit surprised to hear Pye reply as they approached. He looked directly at Hippocrates as if she weren't even there. Pye's complete disregard for her presence was as close as he would get to spitting in her face. Pye was first and foremost a professional, which meant he would never out right insult her. But their relationship was strained. Pye didn't like her at all. He took every opportunity he could to show some insult to her. And it was usually small petty things.
"Healer Pye." Ginny greeted as if Pye had not been rude.
"Healer Weasley, I'm afraid you're wasting your time." Pye replied. It was the best greeting she could expect given the circumstances. She, after all, wasn't the healer that needed someone else's help.
"There is no learning experience which is ever a waste of time, Healer Pye. I'd like you to remember that, as it wasn't so long ago when you were first starting out." Hippocrates gave Pye a long hard look before continuing, "Why don't you fill Healer Weasley in on your patient?" The Senior Healer replied in a way that was clearly not a request.
Pye replied with reluctance. "Mr. Wilson came in last night with an unknown poisonous magical snake bite that simply refuses to close or heal by magical or muggle means."
"Muggle?" Ginny questioned. Most wizards wouldn't bother to try muggle means of healing. Ginny was mildly impressed with Pye, but that quickly changed as he just couldn't seem to help himself with the slight jabs.
"Yes, muggle. I've seen a wound like this before, while you were still taking classes at Hogwarts. I've tried to use muggle means to close the wound, but sutures only last for a few hours before dissolving. Simply put, muggle and magical means will not work in this case."
"What's Mr. Wilson's status? Is he in danger of the poison?" Ginny replied ignoring Pye's extra comments in favor of the patient's health.
"The poison is being managed by controlled blood loss." Pye replied stiffly.
A wound that wouldn't close and the bleeding couldn't be stopped… This reminded her of the wound Harry had inflicted on Jim as her test. Yes, it could work, but it would mean she'd have to share the credit with Pye. Ginny looked over at Pye. Pye reminded her strongly of Percy, except he wasn't as talented and more importantly he wasn't family. Ginny put up with a lot for family. But this would help a patient. There were just too many things that could go wrong with 'controlled' bleeding. Ginny could live with sharing for that.
Just as Ginny was about to suggest to Pye her method, Pye decided to take the matter out of her hands. "Like I said, I've seen this before. The only thing to do is to manage the symptoms until all of the poison comes out of the body through bleeding." Ginny let him continue to dig his own grave. This was going to make her look real good, and better yet she'd not have to share the credit.
"What are you suggesting as treatment, Healer Pye?" Hippocrates asked.
"The best and only method of treatment for Mr. Wilson is blood replenishing potions every three to four hours. Followed with twice daily checks on the course of the poison. Once the poison has been neutralized, the wound should close up easily."
The Senior Healer nodded his head in agreement before turning to Ginny, "What do you think Healer Weasley?"
Ginny wouldn't be blamed for what happened next. "I'll have to disagree with Healer Pye on this one, Senior Healer Smethwyck."
"Of course you do, if it's not one case then it's another. Getting first claim on all of the good cases despite your junior position. You might think you're unstoppable, Weasley. But I assure you, this is beyond you level. So, I'll say it again. There is nothing more for us to do for Mr. Wilson. Anything more would only be wasting your, and this hospital's time coming up with a new method to heal Mr. Wilson when nothing exists!"
Ginny didn't bother to reply to Pye, he was not the end all on this matter, "Give me Healer Pye's patient with no consultant business, and I'll have the bleeding stopped and the wound on its way to healing within the next hour."
"Preposterous!" Pye replied on outrage.
"Enough Pye." Hippocrates stalled any further arguing, before turning to Ginny to continue, "I only wanted for you to get a look at the patient for more experience. I personally agree with Healer Pye's diagnostic. Not everything has a quick fix, Healer Weasley. It is part of my duty as Senior Healer to make sure our newest Healers understand that." Hippocrates seemed to be talking to Pye more at the last statement.
Seeing her opportunity slipping away, Ginny moved to speak, but Hippocrates stopped her mid breath. "Be that as it may, you've a fire in your eyes for which I can't ignore. So, I'll make you both a deal. You may have the patient, Ginny, but if you have to use Pye's method for treatment, then it will go on your record. I cannot have you wasting your time on patients like this. You are not a Trainee Healer."
"And for me?" Pye questioned. He had a glee in his voice that he did not try to disguise.
"Pye, if Ginny uses your method, I'll make sure it gets counted toward your record. In addition, I will give you the next four or five cases that I would have given Healer Weasley." Hippocrates turned to them both before continuing, "Are we agreed?"
"Absolutely." Pye replied with a silly grin on his face.
Ginny couldn't wait until she wiped it off. "Agreed."
"Alright then," Hippocrates replied. Pye took this as his cue to leave. Ginny turned as well. She needed to get to the potions lab. "One minute more, Ginny." Hippocrates stopped her. Ginny turned back to face her mentor. "I'm only giving you this chance because you are a bright and inventive young witch, but I honestly think you are wasting your time with this. I would rather see you channel your energy into more productive uses."
"I promise you, I'm not wasting my time." Hippocrates nodded at Ginny's reply, but it was clear in his eyes that he disagreed.
"Either way, you will learn a lesson here. I fear it will be the hard one. But this shall only be a small bump in your stellar career. That I can promise you."
Ginny smiled back at her mentor. "You won't be disappointed, Hippocrates."
Ginny had spent little more than thirty minutes in the potions lab of St. Mungo's preparing her ingredients. She'd had half a second of hesitation, before she went to the patient for the first time. Mr. Wilson had been an easy patient, willing to try anything after she'd introduced herself to him. It hadn't taken long to set the wound as she'd done with Jim. Together, they watched the bleeding stop and the wound remain close.
Within forty-five minutes of the bargain, Hippocrates and Pye were both examining her work on Mr. Wilson.
Hippocrates had been singing her praises after that. If Ginny remembered correctly, he had said something along the lines of how 'she was the only Healer at St. Mungo's that could have taken primitive muggle technology and combined it with magic to go beyond their current capabilities'. His words, not hers. Poor Pye had looked pretty bad after that.
Which lead her back to the work she'd had to stop to get home at a reasonable hour, the paper she was going to get out of it.
Grace had only just finished writing up her notes in a more legible fashion. At Hippocrates' suggestion Ginny had just began to write up her work so that it could be submitted to Magic, the premiere magical discovery journal. Although Ginny had already published five case study about healing and creature discovery, not one of them had she even considered publishing in Magic. But Hippocrates had suggested the journal and had given her assurance that even if Magic turned it down a lesser journal would pick it up.
Either way, it would give her six papers. Ginny had planned for her novel mind healing technique to be her sixth for the year, if the results worked out. But now it would likely be her seventh. That didn't even take into account her double work load with working in the Spell Damage ward as well. With the two departments, Ginny expected to have the opportunity to work on more interesting patients and put out more papers.
Add on her work with Harry, who was bound to give her the most challenging cases yet… Ginny had no problem believing that she'd easily beat her two paper a year record. A record that more than pleased her mentor, since most Healers in their department would be lucky to average about one paper a year. Pye was a good example with a total of only six papers in his eight years as a full Healer.
Of course, that was the average for the Creature Induced Injury department. Spell Damage expected more from their Healers with good reason, as they got the most interesting patients. Ginny couldn't help but think about the possibility of her ending the year with ten papers to her name…
Ginny had to forcible push back her thoughts on her rising success, as she pulled on some plain blue robes. She might even remember to thank Harry for his part in her latest success.
As Ginny moved to the main room, her stomach growled. She was hungry and there was no getting around it. Ginny was thankful to have Grace. Finding little snacks in her binder was a life saver, but Grace had also let her sleep through her lunch break. Two hours of dreamless sleep had helped her get through the rest of that day, but it did not fill the void in her stomach.
Ginny looked longingly at her fridge, despite the fact that she knew it was empty. She might have enough for another toasted cheese sandwich… Ginny looked over at the clock, six forty-seven. She didn't have time to cook, not if she wanted to be back home by nine. Besides, it wouldn't hurt her to go without for another two or so hours. She'd just have to remember to stop by Grimmauld place afterwards. Her mum would cook her a feast, while she snacked on whatever was in the cupboard.
With those thoughts in mind, Ginny took out the talisman Jim had given her before she'd left.
Ginny had to call it a talisman, as that was the closest thing to the item in appearance. She could tell it wasn't really a pendant, even if she'd wanted to fashion it as one the look just didn't match. It was squarer in shape unlike either the Healer or Order pendants. The color itself wasn't anything to write home about either. It wasn't silver or black, but a dull dung gray. Not exactly butt ugly in color, but it wasn't striking in appearance either. It was plain and unremarkable at best.
The surface was just as plain. No real engravings, nothing disguisable on its surface. It would have blended in well with a pile of her own coins. In fact, it could have easily gotten lost if she'd placed it with them.
Completely forgettable and unremarkable talisman. Ginny supposed that was the point, unlike her Healer pendant, that had the healer symbols, or the Order of the Phoenix pendant that could grow with the image of the next meeting, both of which stood out when they needed too.
The only marking of note was a slight red tint on one side of the coin-like object. It could only be seen at an angle up to the light, but if you looked hard enough it was there. Ginny wrapped her hand tightly around the talisman in thought. She wasn't going to have to worry about anyone, from the Order or otherwise, taking notice of her little new token.
As Ginny held the talisman, she couldn't help wondering why they'd not just made it a portkey. Instead, she was holding a direct apparition site that was tied down to an object. An object you carried… Ginny wasn't even sure this could or would work. But if Harry had wanted her dead, he'd not have gone through all the trouble to give her a weird portkey/apparition talisman. There were way easier methods to kill someone. More importantly, he'd not have wasted his time to save her family.
It was with that pep talk in mind that Ginny closed her eyes and apparated away. She didn't die on impact. But it sure didn't feel like any apparition she'd ever done. It didn't even feel like a portkey. If Ginny had to classify the sensation, she describe it as somewhere in between a portkey and apparition. And yet, very different from either one.
Ginny could dissect this new method of transportation later. Now, she needed to get going. As she stood up straight, Ginny couldn't stop herself from briefly wondered if it was even possible to track this method of magical transportation. She shook her head in confusion. Harry had surely changed. Ginny just didn't remember him ever being this paranoid.
As Ginny's senses started to return, a dull noises came to her ears. She looked around at her surroundings, not recognizing the origin of the sound.
The first thing she noticed was the tinted viewer. Ginny touched her hand on the glass, and watched as magic rippled across it. Runes she didn't recognize appeared for a split second at the place she touched the glass. Ginny looked through the glass, to see the strangest sight she'd ever seen in a wizarding setting.
In the center were small groups of men and women (mostly men) following one leader doing strange motions. Around the room there were bars of all types. High bars, bars attacked to the wall, low bars, bars sitting on a high rack and the same bars sitting on lower racks over weird looking sits. On most of the bars and scattered across the room were circular black things for which Ginny vaguely remembered reading something about them in her Muggle Study's class. What Ginny definitely didn't remember from her Muggle Study's class was the weird contraption that had men and women running on them. In fact, they weren't just running on those weird contraption, but also around the track that surrounded the atrium. Ginny stared at a group that ran right passed her. No one even glanced her way.
Ginny slowly walked toward the exit. Looking past the center group to the far side of the atrium, she could just make out rooms. In the far right were several groups that were clearly working on dueling, some with swords, and some working on normal dueling.
Movement above her caught her eye, causing Ginny to look up to see a second floor with more of the same on it. This was the biggest training room, she had ever seen. And Ginny had seen the Auror training facility. More importantly, was that Ginny didn't remember passing a room like this. This was not something that could have been easily over looked either. If Ginny had to guess, she'd say this had to be one of the halls she'd passed before going down the tunnel to Anaon. But which one?
Ginny continued to move slowly to the exit, as she watched the activities going on in the other room. It became clearly that despite her being able to see them working out, they apparently couldn't see her. Whatever the runes were must have been the cause of that effect.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Ginny turned her head toward the door at the sound of the soft tapping noise of shoes to ground brought Ginny out of her observations. She would have plenty of time to observe the atrium another day if this was the only room for direct apparition. Now, her welcome party seemed to be here.
"Jim." Jim made a face that clearly said he didn't care for her familiarity, but Ginny ignored it. It was just hard to take him seriously after the 'let me tie your shoes', bit, "How's your arm?"
At her question, Jim's face turned back to a neutral expression. For whatever reason, he clearly didn't like her. That was fine with Ginny, as she wasn't here to make friends.
After a moment, Jim seemed to find his manners, "It's fine, Healer Weasley." He turned to the exit and held his hand out in front of him, "Please, come this way."
Ginny nodded and followed him out. Once they stepped out of the narrow hall, Ginny was surprised to see it merge with another much larger hall. She could hear the sounds of straining voices and the clank of metal meeting metal that had been absent behind the glass wall. Ginny was sorely tempted to ask Jim about the atrium, but his long powerful strides didn't leave much room for the opportunity. She'd just have to remember to ask about it later.
They stepped out of a corridor and appeared to the left of the guard station. Her previous thoughts were correct. This was one of the halls within Azkaban she'd seen yesterday. Across from her was another corridor. So, if this was some type of training room, then the hall across would be… There was no point in speculating. Not when she had a guide. "Jim, what's down that corridor?"
Given the fact that he wasn't all that fond of her, Ginny had no guarantee he'd answer. But Jim surprised her, "The kitchen." Jim turned on his heel and led the way to the tunnel entrance, "You will not need to go there. Now, come this way. There is much we must do before you get started."
That was more of an answer than she'd thought she'd get. Ginny looked longingly at the kitchen. What she wouldn't do for a quick snack. Stay strong Weasley. Stay strong.
Unlike yesterday, Ginny did not stay one step behind Jim. Walking side-by-side, they passed several Ankou members. Each one stopped what they were doing to give some type of salute to Jim. It was hard for Ginny to see this man as a General. Not after she'd seen how deferential he was to Harry. Still, the men and women of Ankou Company had a seriousness in their face, in their whole body that not even the twins could have faked.
Perhaps Jim was two different people. General to these men and women, and a loyal servant to Harry. Deferential to a fault. As they passed the group, Ginny realized they had a great view of her hair and face. She briefly wondered if she should have worn a robe with a hood to cover those features. However, one look at Jim reminded her that if she had needed one, then Jim would have supplied it. He would do anything for Harry's well-being, Ginny was sure of it. He may not have like her all that much, but he was a loyal servant to Harry.
Once on the first landing, twenty or thirty people all moved out of their way and saluted in one swift motion. It was impressive. At one moment, they were talking among themselves, but as soon as she and Jim had stepped fully onto the platform to group had moved. The group seemed to move as one to the wall and bring their arms up in a very impressive looking salute. Despite this, Jim didn't even acknowledge their presence.
Ginny took a hard look at the man, not sure if he was always like this with his men or if he were trying to impress her. Ginny gave a soft sigh as she looked away from Jim. She just didn't have anything to compare his reaction with, since no one had been in the halls yesterday. There was no point in trying to read Jim motives either. Instead, paid attention to her surroundings. Throughout the tunnel, the bathroom and game room platforms, the scene played out over and over again.
It wasn't until they were passed the game room platform, when the halls started to look more like the day before. The spiral pathway was as deserted as yesterday. No one lingered here which made the long silent walk extremely awkward.
As they reached the fourth platform, Ginny walked confidently onward to Anaon and Harry.
"This way Healer Weasley."
Ginny stopped suddenly. Jim was not beside her. Instead, he was behind her standing in front of corridor to her right. "I thought we were going to see Harry?"
"We shall not be bothering the boss today. He has told me everything you will need to know for today. But first, there are things we must attend to." Jim pointed down the empty corridor. "If you will."
As Ginny passed Jim down the corridor, the three silver and green doors became clearer. On closer inspection, the doors were indeed in the Slytherin style with snake handle bars and a strong pull of green. It reminded her strongly of Harry. "Will I have all three of these rooms to work with?" Ginny turned to ask Jim, who she found studying her.
At her question, Jim moved to the door to the right. "Hardly." He then opened the door revealing a room that was a very far cry from her St. Mungo's office or patient rooms. It looked more like a very large flat. "This will be your flat for your time here."
Ginny entered slowly, looking carefully around. It was huge. The size of two or three of her own flat put together. The entry way opened up to a comfortable looking sitting room with a… "Is that a working fireplace?"
"It is not simply for decoration." Jim replied sarcastically.
Ginny snorted at Jim's remark, "We're tens of kilometers underground, and you're telling me this is a working fireplace?"
"Are you unfamiliar with the concept of magic?" Jim's replied harshly.
"Don't insult me, Jim." Ginny said coldly, "The amount of magic involved would be extremely costly. And if this room is anything like the other five…" Ginny was making a reasonable guess that the other corridor held the same thing as this, from Jim's expression she was correct. "The amount involved…"
"My Lord spares no expense." Jim replied as he turned to wave a hand around the flat before he continued, "Despite my protest, he has assigned you these apartments. Across from you, I have been made available to you. Next to you is where Danny sleeps, when he sleeps here that is. I will now give you a tour of the place. I will have you keep in mind, that my Lord is extremely generous. So please, no more… stupid questions."
"You'll have to forgive me, if the concept of a dead man having money is still warming up to me." Ginny bit back her next words. Control your temper Weasley. "Excuse me, Jim. We will be working together for some time. Let's try to get along."
"Get this Weasley, for I will only say it once. My loyalty to my Lord is unwavering. I will protect him from all those who try to hurt him, be it physically or emotionally. As of now, I do not trust you. Your loyalties are unknown to me, and I do not treat kindly to those who are not loyal to my Lord. But the boss trusts you. And for now, that's all that matters. Do not give me reason for that to change."
Ginny looked at the old man. His eyes shone with a fire that spoke to her. Harry need not worry about his loyalty, ever. It also had not escaped her of Jim's emphasis on 'my Lord'. He clearly saw them on different sides, and wasn't sure if his Lord was the same Lord she served. More importantly, words would not show her loyalty to Harry.
Ginny was well aware that she could never think of Harry as her Lord, but that was because she served no man. She'd tried that once, following the lead of another, and it hadn't ended well for her. Even so, if there was one other person who would not betray Harry, it was her. But it would take time for Jim to see that loyalty was not just about unquestioning service. Ginny had ten years of time…
"I understand. Please continue, Jim." Jim gave a small one sided frown at her continued use of his first name, before he moved to show her the place.
"There are two bathroom. A guest bathroom down this hall." Jim moved down the hall to her right, "Across from the bathroom, is a training room." Ginny looked in briefly, but didn't have much time to look around as Jim was already moving back to the main room. "Behind us, milord has instructed another room to be added for a library and study. It shall be here within the month. As of now, the sitting room will have to double as a study."
"How will you expand the place? We must be surrounded by solid rock." Ginny paused at one of the bookshelves in her sitting room.
"The Goblin's have been notified of the modifications they need to do for this room."
Ginny nodded before starting to move away from the bookshelf. But a book caught her eyes, so Ginny turned back and picked it up, "Ars Medicina…" Impossible, this was one of the rarest book on healing arts. There was said to only be two copies left, one still in Alexandra and the other missing.
Ginny started to open the book, but Jim stopped her with a word, "We've more to do today. You should have plenty of time when off duty to improve your abilities with these books."
Ginny reluctantly put the book down. Idly wondering what other gems were on her innocent looking bookshelves.
Jim passed the dining room to a kitchen. "Your kitchen is fully stocked." Jim opened a cabinet in demonstration revealing dry good foods loading down the selves. "You can make whatever you want. If there is something missing, a rare ingredient or the like, simply write it down and place it here." Jim lightly touched a square spot on the counter that rippled with magic revealing runes, transportation runes to be exact.
It was a simple rune that Ginny recognized from her Ancient Runes class, but from the look of it the runes were not likely to go very far.
"If you are not in the mood to make anything to eat, then simply lay your hand on the bottom right hand section of the rune. The house special will appear." Ginny was a little disappointed when Jim didn't demonstrate, but continued to speech instead. "If you want something made that is not the house special, then you will need to give several hours' notice before hand, as Davies is not here to cater to your every whim. All requests use this platform."
As Jim moved out of the kitchen, Ginny opened the cabinet Jim had first opened and pulled down some trail mix. Why work on an empty stomach, when you didn't have too? Jim gave her a dirty look, so Ginny decided not to also call for some room service. She'd get instantaneous room service after work, and see her mother at Grimmauld Place after eating. Ginny still needed lunch for tomorrow after all…
Jim moved to the last room, which was clearly her master bedroom. It was the size of two of her own bedrooms with a queen size four poster bed decorated in the Slytherin colors. Ginny smiled as she took in the room. Ron would have hated this place. "Attached is the second bathroom. I've had one of our female members fully stock it with the appropriate toiletries." Ginny was just going to have to take his word for it at the moment. She really didn't expect to need the 'appropriate toiletries' all that much while here.
Jim moved on to a closed door and opened it to reveal a walk in closet. "Within you will find every day robes and several St. Mungo's Healer robes. But, most importantly," Jim pulled out the garment bag closest to him, "your uniform." Ginny accepted the robes as Jim moved to leave. "I'll wait while you change."
Ginny waited for the door to shut fully, before she pulled the robes out of the garment bag. She had expected the gray muggle style uniform like the Ankou member's she had become so familiar with. Instead, within the bag held robes. Real robes. But they were not gray. The robes were mostly white with green highlights. The green was not a lime green like her St. Mungo's robes, but a true green similar to the Slytherin colors. Ginny turned the robes around to find a bone and wand cross similar to her healer robes. But unlike her healer robes, there was a large scythe in between the bone and wand cross. It drew the eye in a way the bone and wand cross could not.
As Ginny changed into the new robes, she noticed that her shoulder held a symbol that looked similar to Jim's symbol. On closer inspection, it looked to be in the shape of a silver diamond. However, she seemed to have two of the diamonds on her red shoulder cloth, while Jim had only one. She wondered if that meant anything, but dismissed the thought. She was a healer and that's all that mattered.
Dressed in her new uniform, Ginny opened her bedroom door to find Jim waiting. "To Anaon, I presume?" Ginny questioned.
"To Anaon."
As Ginny passed Harry's room, she could hear him in deep discussion with a male voice. "The werewolf company is ready to integrate…" The male voice trailed off as they passed the room.
They stopped in front of the last doorway on the left.
Jim entered first without looking to make sure she was behind him. "This is where you will be working."
Ginny looked around and immediately spotted the twenty something year old woman in an Ankou Company uniform. Unlike the normal uniform, she had a patch on her chest that looked like the image on Ginny's back.
"This will be your assistant."
"First Lieutenant Bryony Owen reporting for duty, ma'am!" Owen saluted her.
"Parade rest, Lieutenant." Jim replied.
The First Lieutenant hesitated for a moment. Looking confusingly over at Ginny before slowly relaxing her stance.
Ginny looked behind the First Lieutenant. She would have plenty of time to speak with Owen, she was sure. The room had an operating bed, and some shelves that probably held her healing equipment.
Ginny moved over to examine them. Pepper up and blood replenishing potions lined the cabinet. But it was mostly empty.
"I except you will fill the space with what you need. Any questions?" Jim didn't wait for her to reply, "No, then I shall take me leave. I'll be back in an hour while you settle yourself in. We shall begin then."
An hour? Was he crazy? "Excuse me?" Ginny asked as politely as she could, given her current options.
"What is it?" Owen looked worriedly between the two. Ginny was wearing thin with his attitude, especially when it came to her profession.
"You can't be serious." Ginny motioned to the mostly empty cabinets and Owen.
"Milord has generously offered the use of his potions lab. I'm more than positive that with Lieutenant Owen's help, you can have this facility up in running in no time."
Ginny looked at Jim as if he was crazy, which caused Jim to look hesitant. "No offense to Lieutenant Owen, but I can't work with just this. No serious medical professional could."
"That is not my problem. This is what milord has given you. This is what you will work with. That was your bargain." The tension that he put on the last word did not go unnoticed by anyone in that room, but Ginny ignored it for now. She had more pressing concerns, than Jim's feelings. There was no way she could do anything serious or non-serious in this room. Shoot, even Madam Pomfrey had a better facility then this!
Still, one look at Jim told her that arguing with him would be a waste of the next two hours. And in the end, it was unlikely to convince him. Some old dogs just couldn't be reasoned with.
But he was not the end all. Ginny would just need to go to the source, and screw whoever Harry was talking to. If Harry was going to try to screw her over like this, then she'd make him regret it.
Ginny walked right passed Jim on her way out. There was a man she needed to see…
"Where in the world do you think you're going!? You've got work to do." Jim shouted after her, while Lieutenant Owen stood rooted to the ground completely confused.
"Blaise, I'm telling you it's for his own good. Besides, haven't you been telling me you need more help out there?" Harry spoke to the image of Blaise over his viewing portal.
"Help? Sure, but Jim? He's your left hand man down there, Harry. Theo can't be there nearly as often or as long as he can. If you have to send anyone, then send Daphne." Blaise head and upper body replied.
"I don't need a minder, Blaise. I can change my own clothes just fine."
"Yes, but who will look out for your Azkaban troops? Who will keep your spy network going? Both Jim and Danny being over here seems a little extreme." Blaise paused looking over at nothing before he turned around and continued. "Look Theo said you were a little upset with him over the Healer thing, but taking it out on Jim…"
"I'm not taking anything out on Jim. It's time to move on to the next phase. And we can't do that if I don't know the state of the troops outside of Britain. I trust only Jim for that."
"What about Danny? I don't see why you have to have both of them out of the country."
"They work better together. I want to keep it that way. Besides, Danny can really expand his spy network in a way that he can't do in the country." Harry paused to take a breath. Some times it was refreshing when his people didn't just do what he told them to do without independent thought. But when Theo, Daphne and Blaise were all saying the same thing, it was starting to get old. "Look, Blaise. It will only be for two months. Somehow, I think I can manage without them for two months."
"Alright, but…" Blaise was interrupted mid-sentence.
"You're kidding me, right? You can't possible think I can do anything with one assistant and no supplies!"
Harry was surprised to see Ginny of all people interrupting him.
"Ha, ha, haaa!" Blaise laughing could be heard over the portal causing both Harry and Ginny to turn to Blaise's two dimensional face. "I see you have your hands full with your new healer. Be careful, Harry the Weasleys' are an extremely feisty lot."
"I'll talk to you later Blaise." Harry replied as he turned the portal off. He sighed deeply before turning to face the still fuming red-head. "Can I help you Ginny?"
"Can you help me!? You can start by not insulting me with this token help." Ginny pointed behind her. Harry could only assume she was talking about Lieutenant Owen and not Jim, who appeared behind her.
"I'm sorry milord. I told her to work with what we gave her, but she clearly doesn't seem to listen…"
"Jim," Harry interrupted whatever Jim was about to continue to say, "you know you shouldn't be giving Ginny any type of orders. That's precisely why I made her a two star general, and not a one star general like yourself." Harry had not wanted Jim to take advantage of his new healer, so that she could work to her full potential without any limiting factors. But from the sounds of things, his plan had not gone accordingly.
"A what?" Ginny question having lost her anger at realizing that Harry had not purposefully undermined her.
Harry looked down in frustration as he pinched his forehead in concentration. "Am I to understand that Jim didn't tell you about your rank?" Harry looked over at Jim, but he would not met his eyes.
"My rank? I thought I was your healer. What does that have to do with rank?"
"This is an organization that must work within a structured hierarchy, which Jim should have explained to you." Harry looked over at Jim, before he continued, "Your title is Healer General, and your rank is Major General."
Harry waved his hand in Jim direction, "Jim is a Brigadier General, which is the rank below you, As opposed to Lieutenant General, the rank of Blaise, Daphne and Theo." Harry paused in thought.
"He forgot to mention it." Ginny said as she gave a side long look at the man, "But that is beside the point. Even if he'd told me about it that wouldn't change the situation. I am an amazing healer, but even I need supplies and man power to perform at my best. I can't even make the necessary basic potions with just two people."
"Are there no tricks you can teach Owen to help with the process?" Harry questioned.
"Do you have an organization of more than 500?"
"Yes."
"Not a chance." Ginny sighed before continuing, "Let me give you an idea of how St. Mungo's runs their potions labs. Each apprentice year has a list of potion hours to complete, 5500 hours total or 687.5 hours per year to be exact. If each class has on average twelve apprentice and there's eight years to complete an apprenticeship. That nearly sixty-six thousand hours of potions making a year. And you want me to do that with two people…"
Harry looked Ginny over. He'd not realized how much work was needed to sustain a company. But he could not afford to spare nearly one hundred of his soldiers a year. "I can't give you nearly a hundred of my men, Ginny."
"I'm not asking for a hundred. Not right now anyway. You company would only need a quarter of that to work at full capacity."
Harry nodded, "I'll see what I can do."
But Ginny was shaking her head in response, "No, Harry you don't understand. That's what you need to sustain potion storage. I'll need four times that amount to get this place up in running in two months."
"You can't even make some of the more complicated potions in two months." Harry replied. He knew his potions very well. Harry just wasn't sure what type of potions Healers normally used.
"We can buy those to start with and have several batches brewing to replenish our supplies."
"I can't give you that many, Ginny." Harry paused in thought. Ginny needed man power. But there was something bothering him, "How did you manage fifty-five hundred hours of potion making in three years?"
"I didn't. I finished my required hours in less than one. I had a lot of free time, and…" Ginny paused, "That could work."
"What?" Harry questioned. He was impressed. Harry's research had not pulled that fact up.
"I managed to finish that fast because I used the 'per potion' rule to cut out some hours. If I teach enough people, say six or eight, they can lead a group in how to brew the potions faster. I might be able to get away with twenty-four."
"I can do that. Jim, find our best potions brewers. Anyone who got an E or O on their potions NEWTs. We'll set up a rotation of temporary potions makers, but you, Ginny, are only to teach Owen. Owen will teach the rest."
"I understand milord. I'll get right on that." Jim replied as he bowed to leave the room.
"And Jim, we'll have some words later." Harry stopped Jim's exit.
"Of course, milord." Jim replied softly as he left.
"You shouldn't be so hard on him. He's just very loyal to you." Ginny replied softly.
"Oh? So, loyal that he would disregard my orders?" Harry questioned. He was surprised that Ginny would care what happened with Jim seeing as Jim had not been kind to her.
"He doesn't trust me, but Jim will get better with time."
Harry stood in response. "I'll think about it. Now, we need to get back to your arrangements."
Ginny nodded in understanding as they walked out of Harry's room. "I'll need a bigger place to have the potions brewing. You're potions lab just isn't big enough." Ginny replied as they passed her new work room. Owen looking awkwardly out at them. "Where are we going?" Ginny asked as she pointed behind them.
"You didn't think this was all of Anaon, did you?" Harry said with a small smile on his lips. Harry opened the door to reveal a cavern. "How's this for a bigger room?"
Harry watched Ginny's face as she looked around in wonder. "What is this place?"
"This is where the dementors lived. Procreation and the like. The true heart of Anaon." Harry replied as he looked out at the cavern as well. It was refreshing to see his world in new eyes. The stalagmite and stalactites shone in different colors from the torchlight that touched it from weird angles. The small underground lake rippled with the colors and faint light. Glow moss giving its own special colors to the stone and lake around.
"It's so large, and so beautiful. Not a place I'd imagine dementors would live…" Ginny looked around for several minutes taking it all in, and Harry let her.
This place didn't have the same meaning to her as it did to him. And yet… He sensed a sadness to her expression mixed in with the amazement. Ginny turned to him quickly her mouth opened, waiting to voice a question that never came. Instead her eyes softened, and that look he couldn't place came to her eyes. Harry turned away.
"What happened to the dementors?" Ginny asked into the silence.
"I killed them. Now, I use it as a place to think." Harry looked around. "As you've said, your office is not large enough to house what you seem to need, nor is my potions lab. So, you will use this. I'll have someone set it up to house brewing stations. How will you want them?"
"I can't just organize them when they get here?" Ginny questioned.
Harry turned to look at her as he answered. "The only Ankou members with high enough clearance to meet you are those housed in Azkaban. But they have many duties, and I will not waste their time with something so mundane. I'll have Danny call in the lower ranked members to set it up while, Jim goes through his records for the members with the appropriate credentials. They'll get a promotion and this will be added into their rotations."
Ginny nodded her head in understanding before stopping herself, "Wait. If not all of the members can meet me, then how am I supposed to treat them? I can't have Owen do that. She's not been trained."
"Jim didn't tell you?" Harry turned to Ginny in shock, Jim could not have been this neglectful. But one look from Ginny confirmed it. He would be having words with Jim, indeed.
Harry sighed but that was for later. Now, it seemed he needed to give Ginny the proper tour. "Come. I'll explain on the way to your office." Harry lead Ginny out of the cavern as he continued, "I placed new runes on your office, so that any who apparate in will see what I want them to see. They will only know you as Healer General." Harry stopped right outside of the doorway and pointed to the four corners. "I've also added a one-way viewer tied to the same wards." Harry gentle tapped a rune on the right side of the doorway and watched as the glass viewer came down. Lieutenant Owen stood stiffly at attention on the other side.
"Why does it look like Bryony can still see us?" Ginny questioned.
"Because she can. It only works on those who apparate into the room. Thus, you will not be going to them, but they will be coming to you." Harry looked over at Ginny in question, "Did you not question the apparition point in your room?"
"I didn't really have time to look around. I was more concerned about the lack of equipment." Ginny replied as she touched the rune causing the glass viewer to slide back up.
"Anyway, make a list of what you need and how you want it. I'd spend the rest of the day teaching Lieutenant Owen, here, some of your tricks. We'll have the potion stations set up and started by the weekend at the latest." Harry moved to leave but paused to ask Ginny another question. "Will you be coming in at this time every day?"
"As close to it as I can, it all depends on what's happening at St. Mungo's. On the weekend, it could vary. Especial on Sundays."
"Why? What's happening on Sunday?"
"Sunday is family dinner at the Weasley's." Ginny smiled over at him. "I'll make sure to get here, you needn't worry." With that, Harry watched as Ginny walked into the room to speak with Owen. "Hello Bryony. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself properly…"
Harry stood there for several more minutes watching as Ginny introduced herself and got Owen to open up to her. It was fascinating to see Ginny in her element. Harry might have stayed longer but he really did have work to do. Jim's arrangements weren't going to fix themselves.
Harry settled back onto his bed ready to call up Blaise again, but stopped and instead placed his hand on his summoning runes.
"My Lord?"
"Yes, Davies." Harry started but before he could continue Davies was already talking.
"Ah, milord. I've got a snack ready for you. I'll send it up right away."
"No, Davies. I don't want a snack right now." Before Harry could tell him what he wanted, Davies was speaking again.
"Was dinner to your liking, sir?" Davies questioned shakily.
"Yes, dinner was lovely." Harry replied, and got no farther than that as Davies continued.
"Then how can I help you sir?"
Finally. "I want you to make sure that one of your amazing dinners is waiting for the Healer General, Davies."
"Is that the new room, sir? Next to Danny's?"
"Yes, the new room."
"I'll have it there waiting for her as soon as she enters, sir."
"Thank you, Davies." Harry didn't wait for Davies to reply before he took his hand off the summoning rune. He loved Davies' cooking, but the man did not know how to shut up and listen, which was why he normally let Jim handle Davies.
Speaking of Jim. Harry turned back to the portal, so that he could continue making Jim's arrangements. If Jim was going to act like this, then he needed some time way, and soon.
Blaise's head and shoulders reappeared in the portal almost instantly. "You back already, Harry. Thought it might take longer…"
Severus Snape walking down the dark halls of the Riddle Manor. His destination was a familiar one, even if the circumstances were not. The Dark Lord was a cruel and unforgiving master, and when he called to see you outside of a regular meeting setting, it was unlikely to be for praise. The likelihood that he would come out of this alive was slim, very slim. Severus was finally about to meet his end. And for what? He had nothing left.
Severus had traded it all for promised power in his youth. He'd been young and foolish to give up the one thing that meant more than life to him. Severus' biggest regret was that he'd not realized it sooner. But that was a life, long past, that could not be changed through any magic. Lily was dead, and Severus had long come to terms with his part in making it happen.
In his repentance, Severus had sworn his allegiance to Dumbledore to save Lily, and when that failed, he'd dedicated his life to protect her son.
Severus had assumed that task would contain mostly of him watching from afar and making sure his Slytherins didn't take things too far. But somehow Lily's son had ended up in his house. It should have been impossible really, a mistake… But the boy had wanted to be in Slytherin with his new found friends. So, Severus had taken it upon himself to make sure he didn't embarrass his house.
It had been a transformation throughout the following years. And not just for the boy. Severus watched himself grow with regards to Harry. He remembered seeing Potter's son standing there mocking him. Severus had been hard on him to make sure he did not also act like the man. Harry had risen to every task he set, be it his uniform or his studies. By the start of the spring semester of the boy's first year, Severus had seen Lily in him… And Lily's son was someone he could live with, someone he could teach.
To this day, Severus was sure that Potter's son would have never become a Slytherin. The arrogant toe-rag would never have allowed such a thing. However, it soon became apparent that the boy was not really Lily's son either… Harry may have looked like James, been studious like Lily, but he was neither Lily nor James. Harry was simply Harry. An individual completely different from either of his parents in his actions and his words.
By the end of Harry's second year, Severus had put more thought and effort in the boy than anyone else. It had not even occurred to him how he was acting, or why he chose to do certain things for young Harry. At least not until that fateful day… He'd realized then that he'd been more a father to Harry than anyone else. Especially Black.
Severus had grown to see Harry as his own son. He was no fool, he'd never done anything with Lily that would have led to Harry. Still, fatherhood was more than blood. Severus knew that better than anyone. If only he'd realized it sooner… taken the boy in, protected him from Black…
No, he could not blame Black completely for his own personal failings. Severus had failed Harry, when he'd needed him the most. Just as he'd failed to protect Lily. It was as if his life was cursed to fail the ones he loved.
Severus kept reviewing what he should have, could have, done better in his sleepless nights. If Severus had known the extent of Harry and Ginny's relationship, he would have tried harder to get the girl in that courtroom. Severus knew he could have done it as well. A talk with Molly and Arthur playing the relationship and what it would do to little Ginny. And if that hadn't worked, Severus could have gone to Ginny directly.
If she'd been able to testify, then Black's statements would have been given a lesser weight. Severus might have even been able to coach her into downplaying Dumbledore before the man had even spoken. But that was all wishful thinking. He had stopped at Molly, and without her or Arthur's consent, Severus had not been able to get Ginny to testify. In fact, Molly had gone out of her way to make sure Ginny didn't testify. As far as he'd known, she'd been kept in the dark about the trial during and several weeks after it had occurred.
Severus knew he was to blame for that failing as well. Harry had made their relationship seem nothing more than an 'I saved you, so now we kind-of talk every once in a while' kind of thing. Severus had not paid much attention to it either when Harry had been in Hogwarts. The foolish boy must have assumed that he'd not approved of their relationship. And, yet that knowledge probably could have saved him…
Severus had to find out well after the trial from Tonks no less about the relationship. By then, it had been far too late. It had also been the first time he'd ever cursed himself for leaving the Yule Ball early.
Severus' frustration had nearly ended him. Once Harry had been sentenced to Anaon, he'd had nothing left to protect. His life had been over for a second time. Dumbledore somehow managed to talk him into living. 'To stay with the Order in Lily's stead. Because that's what she would have wanted…' Severus was also sure that she would have wanted her baby boy to live.
It was little things like that which made him question whether it was still worth it to be a part of the Order. But what else would he do with his life?
He despised Voldemort for killing Lily. Yet, he couldn't trust Dumbledore after he'd sent Harry to die. Severus was sure as soon as he was of no more use to Dumbledore, then he too would be sent to certain death. And unlike Lily or Harry, he might even deserve it. But who was Dumbledore to cast sentencing? More importantly, Severus wasn't quite ready to reunited with those long past.
Recently, Severus had noticed that the Reaper was the most likely candidate to make sure his untimely death was not anytime soon. Severus had been keeping an eye out for him. In fact, Severus was sure that Lucius knew more than he was letting on with regards to the Reaper, as did Ginny.
Severus had a second sense for deception, which was why he was sure Lucius was holding back information. He had been for some time. But after the latest attack, Severus knew the information Lucius was holding back had to do with the Reaper. While Lucius had not lied to the Dark Lord about the attack. 'A source told him the Reaper was coming', he had not told the complete truth. He'd been planning to corner Lucius about his 'source' as soon as the opportunity arrived.
As for Ginny, she hadn't lied, at least not outright. Everything she said was true on some level. He'd sensed that, but she had not told the truth. It was a nuance that Dumbledore seemed to fail to pick up on. As for the twins, Severus was sure they had outright lied. He also knew that Dumbledore would never have been able to pick up on that type of lie. No, Severus was using his experience with the devils. If they were looking you in the eye, then they were probably lying to you. Severus had based their whole punishments at Hogwarts on that principle. He'd had too, since he'd not been able to read their thoughts the last couple of years they had been at Hogwarts.
Severus looked on stonily at the gloomy double doors in front of him. Whatever they did or didn't know was of little use to him now… Not with this meeting. There were very few reasons to get called to see the Dark Lord outside of the group meetings. This was not likely to be good for his health.
"Ah, Severus you've finally arrived." The Dark Lord spoke at his arrival. It was a far friendlier greeting then Severus had been expecting.
"I came as soon as I could, my Lord." Severus bowed in greeting. The Dark Lord motioned with his hand for Severus to stand. As he moved to stand, Severus took a quick look around. He'd never been so glad to meet the six out of seven icy glares of the Dark Lord's inner circle.
"Now that Snape's finally decide to grace us with his presence, milord, please go on." Rabastan Lestrange spoke coldly.
"Crucio!" The Dark Lord held Lestrange under the curse for several seconds as they all listened to his screams of pain. "Anyone else want to tell me what to do?" The Dark Lord asked as he looked around at his followers. Lestrange shakily stood up as the Dark Lord turned his attention back to Severus. Severus wasn't sure he cared for the focus. "Severus, I wanted you to be here for this. The Reaper has finally gone too far. He has chosen to help the Order. Something he has never done before. Of every little thorn he has pricked me with, this is the one I will not tolerate."
"What do you suggest I do, milord?"
"Information for one. Does Dumbledore know why the Reaper has chosen to help them? What has changed? Are the Order working directly with him now?" The Dark Lord attack Severus with questions.
"To my knowledge, Dumbledore doesn't understand the Reaper's choice to help them. More importantly, he doesn't agree with the Reaper's methods. He wants very much to stop him." Severus needed to say enough without revealing the depth of his knowledge.
"The fool would go against the very man helping him? Self-righteous blood traitor!" Avery replied.
"Enough, Avery." The Dark Lord was silent for a moment in thought. Severus did not look around and did not waver. It was best to not draw attention to himself less he end up like Rabastan. "This is good news. Very good news, Severus. This means the Order will not be a factor for my plan for the Reaper."
"What do you suggest we do, milord?" Rodolphus Lestrange hesitantly asked.
"His patterns are obvious. I've had years to watch the Reaper. Now, it is time to kill this man. Fool that he is to challenge me." The Dark Lord spoke mostly to himself.
"You don't think the Reaper is…" Bellatrix paused mid-sentence to look in Severus' direction before she continued, "The Prisoner?" Interesting, so there was more that the Dark Lord was keeping from him, even now. He'd have to find out more on this Prisoner.
"No, Bella. I've thought about the possibility, but he is too much influenced by Dumbledore's teachings. Helping those less fortunate." The Dark Lord snuffed at the idea of this Prisoner being the Reaper, "It's simply not his style to kill. No matter his strength, his is nothing more than a prisoner of his own making. No, we are looking at a weaker foe. And it is not one man, but many. And what is the best way to kill many?"
"Many more, milord. Many, many more…" Bellatrix answered with a crazy laughter in her voice.
"If I may ask milord?" Rabastan waited for the Dark Lord's acknowledgement before he continued, "How will we attack him? His whereabouts are unknown."
"How else? But a well laid trap. Like I said before, the Reaper has a pattern. Lucius, tell us of your findings."
"My Lord." Lucius bowed his head before he began, "The Reaper attacks Ministry employees that have taken the dark mark. His so called cleansing of the Ministry has meant that we cannot keep men within the Ministry for very long without them dying. But we can turn that to our advantage."
"Place a decoy in the Ministry and wait for the Reaper to attack him. He'll be dead within the week."
"Good Rodolphus, you'll be in charge of making sure it happens. Lucius, you make sure our man gets inside. I don't care what you have to do. You will make it happen."
"Yes, milord." Lucius bowed in reply.
"Severus, make sure Dumbledore does not get in the way."
"Your will is mine." Severus also bowed in reply.
Interesting. Now, how will you react, Reaper? The Dark Lord dismissed the group shortly after that. Severus made his way to Lucius who was several steps ahead of him. He finally caught up to man in front of the front door to the Manor. They were alone. "You owe me a drink, Lucius."
Lucius looked tiredly back at his friend, shaking his head slightly. "Not tonight, Severus. Tomorrow." Severus did not try to hide his displeasure at the response. Tired or not, Lucius owed him some answers. "I'll even take you to the Black Venom. Tomorrow, Severus, just not tonight. Please, my friend."
"Tomorrow, at the Black Venom, then. Go home to Narcissa." Severus reluctantly replied. It would give him time to plan out the best way to whittle out the information he sought.
AN: Alright, so that took way longer then I thought it would. I can't say I was all that happy with the chapter either. It's a little more tell and a little less show then I like, but I had to get backdrop setup... I'd like to give a thanks to by beta bkats.
So, I've got good news and bad news. Good news, my experiment is kicking ass. Who successfully differentiated neurons out of mouse embryonic stems? This dude. Now, I've just got to characterize them. Also more good news for me, I've finally got a committee set, whoop! Now that I think about it, I haven't got any good new for you guys... So bad news. I'm working on the outline for the next one or two chapters (can't tell how long it will in up being). As soon as I'm out of the middle game, then it's smooth sailing. But until the end game, I can only try to get the chapters out within a months time. Classes are started again, and my PI expects me to read about a million papers on my project. But I shall prevail.
So, JK Rowling still owns the rights to all things Harry Potter. I will, however, claim Magic. It pretty much based off of Nature and Science (two different journals).
KJ