Given that only a couple hours had passed since the Knight Bus had dropped them off, they were more than surprised to be summoned back to the same spot for the same people. When the conductor asked why he wasn't told that he would be needed again, he received no answer. His gaze followed them to their seats, and he continued to stare at their grave expressions. Even as the bus gained mighty speed down the street, the Potters remained silent. He finally asked where they were going this time; he understood why they looked so scared and sad.
"St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries," Ginny replied, her eyes on the floor.
After a moment of thought, the conductor went forward and announced that, due to an emergency situation, they will be stopping next at the magical hospital. One or two people groaned, but most looked alert or curious as to the "emergency".
In no time at all, the Knight Bus screeched to a halt in an alley next to a seemingly closed muggle shop. The Potters got off quickly and muttered a low "thank you" to the conductor. When they reached the street, they heard a BANG and knew the bus had gone.
Ginny grabbed her daughter's hand.
"This way."
James and Albus walked close behind their mother as she came to the window of the shop. The Potter children had never been to St. Mungo's before and were growing apprehensive as well as confused. When they saw their mother step through the glass as though it was nothing, they gaped momentarily. James regained himself first and followed with his younger siblings not far behind.
All three children stood rooted to the spot as they took in their surroundings. The people sitting in the waiting room or waiting in line had many strange conditions that they would normally have found comical. There was a man who had steam spouting out his nostrils every time he exhaled while making the sound of a train engine. A woman was holding a teapot in her hands that was yelling at her. On any other day, the trio of Potters would have fought to keep from laughing at the sight. Now, however, nothing seemed funny or even worth smiling over.
Their mother was at the counter talking to the woman very fast. As the children ran next to her, Ginny was reluctantly giving her the name of the patient in a low voice.
"It's my husband… Harry Potter. He was just brought in moments ago-"
"Harry Potter is in St. Mungo's!" shrieked the teapot in the woman's lap. The words echoed through the room. Many heads whipped around toward the family. Ginny pulled a disgruntled face and tried to continue.
"Please, he was brought through the Floo Network and-"
"Yes, we have a number of healers tending to him now. He's been taken to the fourth floor for spell damage, as I understand. Unfortunately, I do not have any information regarding his condition but I was informed to tell you they will be out to see you as soon as they can. This reception area is rather full, as you can see, so it may be best for you to wait on the Fifth floor in our Tea Room. Healer Martha Jorkinson is in charge of spell damage and will likely be the healer to speak with you when the time comes."
"Thank you," Ginny whispered, nodding. "Come along, children."
The children felt many eyes upon them as they followed their mother to the stairway.
"So, were those Harry Potter's children?" Albus heard as he continued behind his brother. He tried his best to ignore it.
When they reached the fourth floor, Albus paused and looked down the hallway hopefully. James noticed he stopped and saw which floor they were on. He looked on as well.
The halls were empty, but near the end was an open door. The light from inside shone on the floor. They could barely make out the distant voices of many people.
"James. Albus," Ginny called gently. "Come on, now." Reluctantly, they continued to climb.
Though the Tea Room was nicely kept and held beautiful Christmas decorations, the atmosphere was stiff with anxiety. Lily curled up in her seat next to her mother, seeking warmth and comfort. Ginny responded by wrapping a gentle arm around her. James sat staring at the floor in front of him with an almost angry expression. His hands clenched the seat of the chair tightly.
Albus' mind seemed to be broken or just not functioning correctly. He didn't know how to react to this. He understood perfectly why Lily and James were acting the way they were. He could easily see someone scared or angry at the situation. Albus, however, felt numb. Not knowing what to do or what to say, he slowly got up and got himself a hot cup of tea. Still standing by the table, he took a sip and felt the hot liquid warming his chilled insides. He looked up at his family and decided to prepare a few more cups.
He walked over to his mother with a cup of tea and a mug of hot cocoa for Lily. Ginny gave a small smile at his generosity and took the tea. Lily looked hopefully at the cocoa but did not take it.
"There are a few marshmallows in it," Albus offered softly.
Slowly, she reached up and took the mug. She did not drink it at first, but just held the heated drink firmly to keep her hands from shaking.
Albus walked back and grabbed the last cup of tea for his older brother. James didn't seem to register the offer when he walked over. His eyes were distant and glassy. Albus cleared his throat and James' head jerked up. He looked like he was about to yell at him, but when he saw the drink, his anger melted away. The side of his mouth twitched upwards as an attempt to smile and he took the tea. Albus returned to his and sat down.
Hours passed in silence. During that time, they were joined by Ron, Hermione, Molly, Arthur, George, Andromeda and Teddy. Ginny brought them to the side to explain the situation. She was sure the children didn't want to hear it again. Afterwards, Teddy walked over and sat next to the three of them, his eyes filled with concern.
"So…" he started, his voice shaking slightly, "… you… you saw it?" The boys nodded, Lily remained motionless in her seat.
Albus looked up at Teddy. He looked as if he wanted to ask more, but couldn't bring himself to do it. Teddy was practically an adopted brother to them. Harry was his Godfather after all. Teddy was nearly as distraught as they were. His usual wild, turquois hair lay flat and sandy colored. Andromeda walked over to her grandson, rubbing his back in comfort.
Lily seemed to have regained control of herself for she placed her empty mug back on the table and walked out towards the Gift Shop without saying anything.
Gift Shop… thought Albus.
He patted his left coat pocket and felt the gift he had bought from the Antique Shop with his mother. That was only hours ago. During this same day, they had walked carelessly through Diagon Alley, played around in the joke shop and come home to a horrendous sight. It seemed like days since that happened. One moment had stretched time extensively, or so it seemed to him. It even felt like he had been home from Hogwarts for weeks. Everything at school seemed a distant thought, now.
This… he had bought this for his father. He had hoped it would be a peace offering between father and son. He planned to give it to the man who now lay helpless with a swarm of healers just a floor below.
He saw something move out of the corner of his right eye and he looked up.
James, it appeared, was furiously wiping away a few lingering, unshed tears from his eyes.
Albus acted as if he hadn't seen. It had been years since he last saw his brother cry, but they were so young then that it hardly mattered. Both his brother and sister had been brought to tears because of what their father had gone through… was still going through. Yet Albus' mind still felt frozen.
It was very late. Each minute felt like an eternity. Lily returned holding a fleece blanket with a moving picture of a dragon on it. When Hermione asked about it, Lily answered in a low voice.
"I thought Dad might like it. It's been really cold this winter and… I thought he'd like to keep warm."
It was this that made Albus feel something. A great pang of guilt filled his heart as he remembered the blanket his father had offered him. The same blanket that warmed him when he was brought to live with his Aunt Petunia, and the same blanket that he tossed aside like a piece of garbage. He had called it "Moldy". Albus gripped his hair in frustration of his own actions.
The door to the Tea Room clicked open. All eyes turned to the woman entering. Her lime green uniform robes instantly told that she was a healer.
"Mrs. Potter?" she asked while looking around the room.
Everyone stood up, but Ginny and her children stepped forward.
"Healer Jorkinson?" Ginny asked, clarifying.
"Yes, I've been in charge of Harry's well-being since he's been brought in." She paused for a moment and then, with a small smile continued. "He gave us one hell of a scare, but, thankfully, you called us just in time. He should make a full recovery."
A collective sigh of relief was shared throughout the room. James rushed over and hugged Teddy, who welcomed his embrace. Ginny bent down and squeezed her daughter happily. Albus still stood frozen. A glimmer of joy was slowly growing in his heart, but there was still concern… and he couldn't explain why.
"I'm aware that you are all considered family, but it would be unwise to have such a large number in his room right now. He still hasn't woken up yet. I think it best if just his wife and kids see him now," Hr. Jorkinson added apologetically.
Molly wiped away a few tears and agreed. She offered for them all to join her and Arthur at The Burrow until later tomorrow. They all agreed and followed her towards the exit.
"If you will follow me, Mrs. Potter," Hr. Jorkinson offered.
Ginny nodded and they walked down to the Fourth Floor.