Chapter 36 : Aftermath

I do not own Harry Potter

Author's Notes :

HOGWARTS MYSTERY - YAY OR NAY?

Really intent on seeing where I can take this, even if I'm unsure. A lot of it is just my curiosity on how these characters would play out during the second war, especially since Hogwarts Mystery establishes quite a detailed and connected backstory.

Here's how I see it - after the death of his best friend, and then his brother the following year (I am assuming the second part), the protagonist from HM exiles himself and moves to MACUSA with Penny Haywood. Dumbledore recruits the both of them (and maybe other friends?) for becoming professors, under the guise of supplementing his teaching staff, but it's also to add more people to fight when Voldemort eventually returns, and above all, protect Hogwarts and its future.

The scale of their roles won't be too big, but I see it as a secondary arc, one amongst those that are already running alongside the main story. I think I've got some good ideas, but I'm just not sure if I want to mix that into this story, perhaps that would be one side-tracks too many. Or perhaps not. I shall leave it up to all of you.

A cloaked figure dashed through the halls of St Mungo's Hospital with Harry Potter cradled in his arms. With each hurried step, the figure's breath hitched in a mixture of exertion and concern.

Spotting a mediwitch bustling nearby, he urgently grabbed the mediwitch's sleeve. "Help! I need Healer Ted Tonks immediately."

Accustomed to medical exigencies, she immediately summoned a stretcher and barked some instructions to a nearby subordinate, who promptly transferred the boy onto the stretcher and began swishing their wand in crisscrossing patterns before carrying the patient away.

As the figure was whisked away, the nurse noticed the famous lightning bolt-like scar on his forehead. "Is he going to be alright?"

The cloaked figure shot her a quick glance, his eyes masked by shadows. "He will be once Healer Tonks can help him. I hear he's a prominent authority on curse wounds." Sirius said shortly.

If the implied possibility of a cursed wound worried the St. Mungo's employee, she didn't show it. However, a question persisted, fueled by her empathy. "But won't this hit too close to home for him? I mean... I've heard he's close with Harry Potter?"

"Healer Tonks will is best suited to handle the situation" Sirius said at once "Given his knowledge of both, one of the major injuries and the patient himself. Personal acquaintance won't be a problem."

A doubt lingered in the mediwitch's tone as she pressed, "How can you be so sure?"

The cloaked figure pondered her inquiry for a moment, as if weighing his words. "Around the start of the war," he began, "there was a dire situation where he had to perform a critical operation on his own wife. It was a life-or-death scenario, right after a Death Eater attack that left their home in ruins. Despite the tremendous pressure, he saved her."

With her objection satisfied, they shifted their attention back to locating the Healer in question.

Soon, they arrived at a quiet alcove, where Ted was deep in conversation with Chief Healer Dennis Bonham, his expression fatigued. They were discussing the aftermath of an accident that has taken place the day before, and had flooded the hospital with injured wizards.

"Thank you, Ted," the Chief Healer, a direct descendant of Mungo Bonham, was saying, "You really didn't need to do stay back, go enjoy your party now"

Ted offered a tired smile, "You know I had to once I saw those guys coming in,"

Just then, the nurse approached, her voice urgent. "Healer Tonks, there's a badly injured boy who's just been brought in. The man who brought him specifically asked for you."

Ted's brows furrowed in confusion. "Who is he? What happened?"

The nurse pointed to the cloaked figure who had followed her. "That man, over there."

Ted's eyes widened as he saw the figure, recognizing the discreetly flashed Black family ring that adorning his finger. It was a subtle sign, but it spoke volumes.

Something had gone terribly wrong.

Without hesitation, he turned back to the Chief Healer.

"Go" Bonham nodded, his expression solemn.

Ted walked over to the cloaked figure, his voice low yet urgent. "What happened? Why is Harry here?"

Sirius' shoulders sagged slightly, weariness and concern etched into every line of his form. "I don't know what the bloody hell he was hit with, but he's hurt. Badly."

The Healer nodded once, sweeping aside his fatigue from what was already a long day. "Prepare my OT." he instructed his nurse, who hurried to make the necessary arrangements.

"Walk with me, tell me what happened." Ted stated shortly, turning back to whom he now recognized to be Sirius.

"The Death Eaters... they struck out of nowhere," exhaled the Marauder

Ted stiffened ever so slightly, but continued walking "...Andi and Dora?"

"I don't know, Ted.," said Sirius, his admission tinged with a mix of concern and frustration "I'm sorry-"

"Nevermind" dismissed Theodore "Best I don't know for now anyways" The conversation pivoted, an unspoken consensus that certain inquiries needed to be temporarily shelved. "So any idea what happened to Harry?"

"They'd been fighting for a while" began the animagus, his demeanor taut "I came in late, just saw Harry firing that damned spell he used against the dementors again."

Ted's features twisted with concern and frustration. He knew the spell was powerful but dangerously unpredictable, a last resort he had hoped the boy wouldn't have to employ again.

"Then... they had some kind of counter. A spell or strategy, I don't know," Sirius continued, his eyes narrowing as he replayed the chaotic scene in his mind. "They created some sort of barrier of fire and energy and lashed back at him... with their numbers they were able to overpower him." finished the animagus with a frown

Ted's expression tightened as he absorbed the information. There was the collateral damage that Harry's own spell could inflict, on top of which was the obscure counter he was then hit with.

Sirius fell silent, allowing the medical expert to process the information. The Healer's steps quickened as they neared his office, and once they were inside, he swiftly gathered a kit.

'Counter-curse apparatus' realized the Marauder.

Wordlessly, they left the office and approached the room that had been prepared for the emergency treatment. Ted's gaze shifted to the unconscious Harry, his expression a mixture of resolve and concern.

"I need to examine him and treat his injuries. You should go back to Grimmauld Place," suggested Theodore

Sirius opened his mouth to protest, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, but then he sighed heavily, understanding the necessity of the situation. He couldn't risk being seen in public, not with his precarious situation. With a resigned affirmation, he turned and walked back toward the apparition zone.

As he disappeared from view, Ted turned his attention to the room, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

Entering the space, he gave a brief nod of acknowledgement to the Mediwizards already in the room, before almost mechanically embarking on a meticulous assessment of the boy's injuries.

His eyes were drawn to the angry, reddened skin exposed through the burnt fabric of his robes. The surface was marred by deep welts, the remnants of flesh scorched and ravaged by searing heat. Alongside the raw patches, areas of charred, blackened skin told the tale of the fire's merciless dance.

"What do we have, Jane?"

"You see the burns already, sir" observed the mediwitch, swiveling around from her workstation "Once essence of dittany didn't work, I performed diagnostics. It's not mundane fire that dealt this damage. There are distinct magical signatures within the burns, indicating a more complex interaction. I've been trying to figure out the specifics, especially to discern what kind of counter-curse would be most effective.

"I'll take it from here" replied Ted "I'm aware of the best remedy... other injuries?"

"We had a bite wound that's been bandaged and seen general disinfection, but it's not healed." continued Jane "It's deep and appears to have come from a large animal."

"I'm already on it, sir" replied a second mediwizard, hovering his wand over the bite "Just making sure it didn't come from a magical creature"

"Right," Ted acknowledged with a nod as he watched the mediwizard perform his examination. "Best ensure there are no hidden complications...Also, while I admire your dedication, just remember you don't need to stay back, especially after a double shift. Someone else can take your post."

Mike's response was casual, his words carrying a lightness that hinted at camaraderie. "True, but then again, that applies to you too, sir. And in any case, treating the Boy-Who-Lived is certainly an experience."

Ted's lips quirked into a small smile, appreciating the mediwizard's commitment. He was also happy his team was, at least so far, able to maintain their usual professionalism, regardless of their patient being a celebrity. "What else, Senior Mediwitch?"

"There are some minor cuts and bruises Flannery is tending to" informed Jane, jerking her head towards the the other mediwitch "That takes care of the external damage, I think."

Ted let out a slow breath, picking up on the wording. "And internal injuries?"

"An assessment of the patient's magical aura reveals a significant depletion of magical energy reserves. This state of depletion suggests a prolonged period of spellcasting and manipulation, likely in a high-stress combat scenario."

"Anything else?"

"Umm, yes, one last thing" the mediwitch hesitated.

Her uncertainty was palpable as she continued, and her teeth were subconsciously chewing on her lower lip. "We detected a subtle but concerning injury, it's hard to describe... Best way I can put it is a high-intensity impact... like a lightning strike... it has traces of magic, but further investigation is required to determine the exact nature of this injury and its implications for the patient's overall condition."

Ted's countenance tightened upon absorbing the mediwitch's assessment. His features, once characterized by a blend of concern and curiosity, now bore a more pronounced shadow of worry.

"I'll cleanse the burns off dark magic. Flannery, start treating them once I'm done," Ted began, his mind already formulating the plan of action.

He paused momentarily, his thoughts juxtaposing the necessary treatment with Harry's relative youth and vulnerability in the present state; anything too potent might inadvertently evoke a negative reaction from the already weakened boy.

"Alright," he continued, his voice focused and composed. "Jane, first check if that unknown impact could prevent or hinder potion treatment. Then, administer a mana potion to amp his magical reserve. That should make his body react faster to the healing. Also, administer one flask of Wiggenweld and a half flask of Numbing Potion and Sleeping Draught each. Put Anti-Tempus on an IV-drip—see if the injury has anything to do with an electric strike and let me know how his body reacts every 15 minutes. We need to make sure we're putting him on only what's necessary."

"And Mike," he added, turning to the mediwizard who had been examining the bite. "Once you're done with the bite, get me comprehensive readings from this 'lightning strike'. If it's anything more than a hard blow, I'll start treating it separately."

With his instructions delivered, Ted's focus shifted entirely to his patient. This particular case presented a formidable challenge, not solely due to the unconventional injuries, but more so because on his table was a boy whom he'd held close to him no less than a week ago and proclaimed a member of his family.

But he knew it has to be him. Ritual magic had left distinct marks on Harry's body. While only seven rituals had been conducted, each carried significant weight. Though not outwardly distinct or alarming to another healer, it necessitated a tailored approach. something another healer might inadvertently overlook. or spend too long was acceptable, lest they risk any unforeseen permanent damage from whatever of earth he'd been hit with.

This responsibility now rested on Ted's shoulders. He drew upon his Occlumency, one of his underrated skills, and reined in his emotions.

Composed, he focused squarely on the task at hand — a task he had honed over more than twenty years: the practice of healing.

Applying Occlumency, one of his underrated skills, he managed to appease his rising emotions and focus on the task at hand. A task he'd performed for over two decades - healing.

Amidst the chaos of the aftermath, Aurors and medics scrambled to aid the wounded and initiate the evacuation process. Within this whirlwind of activity, Tonks's instinct was to locate her mother.

Relief washed over the Auror as she spotted Andi helping someone up. She seemed to have survived without any significant harm.

"Mom!" Tonks called out, her voice catching as she rushed toward her mother, hugging her tightly.

"Nymphadora," she breathed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I was so worried."

Tonks couldn't help but reply with a playful edge, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "Don't call me Nymphadora!"

A surprised laugh escaped Andromeda's lips, and for a brief moment, the weight of the battle seemed to fade into the background.

And then, as if summoned by the very act of their reunion, a single word pierced the air, spoken in a hushed breath that carried more weight than any other.

"Harry."

Tonks pulled back slightly, her eyes meeting her mother's. She remembered—Harry and some of the children had separated from them some time before the assault.

Without another word, the two rushed out of the hall, taking the fastest route they could figure out to get to where they last knew the boy to be.

Arriving at the courtyard, Tonks and Andromeda were met with a scene of destruction and chaos. The once-grand space had been transformed into a battleground, the signs of the fierce confrontation etched into the scorched earth and debris-strewn landscape. Traces of magic lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of burnt wood and earth.

Their eyes fell upon a group of survivors, and a modicum of relief washed over them. Among the battered and weary faces, Tonks spotted Neville Longbottom.

"Neville!" Tonks called out, her voice a mixture of worry and urgency. She reached him and placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze searching his eyes for answers. "What happened? Where's Harry?"

Neville's eyes were weary, but there was a hint of resolve in his gaze as he met Tonks's concerned expression. "Harry… he used that spell he used against the Dementors," he explained, his voice heavy with both admiration and concern.

"He did what?!" exclaimed Dora, as the carnage they had walked out to began explaining itself.

"And where is he now?" asked an anxious Andromeda

The Gryffindor's gaze shifted, his expression growing more somber. "He's not here," he replied, his voice quieter. "He… someone saved him. Just as a Killing Curse was about to hit him, they dragged Harry and apparated away. I saw it"

Andi's eyes widened in alarm. "Could he have been kidnapped?"

Nymphadora shook her head "No, if someone went through the trouble of saving him from the Killing Curse, they wouldn't just kidnap him afterward," she reasoned, her mind working quickly. "It's someone frie-"

The mother and daughter shared a quick glance.

Sirius.

The unsaid name reverberated through their minds, seconded by the appearance of Remus during the fight.

Andromeda's suggestion broke through their unspoken connection. "Let's check St. Mungo's," she said decisively, helping Cedric to his feet. "We can take some wounded with us."

Tonks hesitated, torn between duty and her family's safety. "You go. I'm an Auror, remember?" She gave her mother a reassuring look. "I'll stay back and ensure everyone's okay."

Andromeda's concern was evident, but she relented. "Alright," she conceded. "But you better promise to come to me as soon as you can."

"All these taunts about wanting me to move out, and now you want me around? make up your mind, woman!" Dora couldn't help but tease.

Andromeda's eyes rolled with playful exasperation, a hint of pride gleaming beneath the surface, before taking Cedric's arm and disappearing in the familiar swirl of Apparition magic.

As began being flooded with those injured in the recent attacks, Andromeda handed off Cedric to a mediwitch who promptly started tending to him, her assurances of notifying his father providing a small measure of comfort amidst the turmoil. Andromeda's gaze lingered on Cedric pallor for a moment, a fleeting hope that he would recover quickly from whatever injuries he had sustained.

As she turned away from the stretcher, her attention was abruptly seized by the sight of Lucius Malfoy, who had walked right up to her. His arm was secured in a sling, and his appearance in the midst of the medical commotion sent a surge of anger through her. She fixed him with a stare that held equal parts hatred and accusation, her emotions raw from the recent events.

"You..." Her voice was laced with contempt as she confronted him. "You're behind all of this."

Lucius raised an eyebrow, his expression a carefully crafted mask of concern. "I beg your pardon?"

Andromeda's anger only intensified. She saw through his façade, knowing his history all too well. "Don't play innocent with me, Lucius," she spat, her words dripping with venom. "THIS... it's your doing, isn't it?"

Lucius's lips curved into a thin smile, his eyes gleaming with a calculated light. "My dear Andromeda, you seem to be quite distressed. I assure you, I had nothing to do with whatever "this" is supposed to be."

Her voice trembled with suppressed rage as she retorted, "You expect me to believe that?"

He inclined his head, the picture of faux sympathy. "Attacks have occurred in various places today. My family and I were dining at a restaurant that was also targeted. Fortunately, none of us sustained serious injuries."

Andromeda's eyes narrowed, skepticism clear in her gaze. "Convenient, isn't it?"

Lucius's expression shifted, his tone taking on a touch of cold amusement. "You seem to insinuate something, Andromeda."

She didn't hold back, her words slashing through the air like daggers. "You ordered these attacks, didn't you? And that little injury of yours is nothing more than a ploy to divert suspicion. I wasn't born yesterday, Malfoy"

"You have quite the imagination." he flashed her a smug smirk

Andromeda's patience was running thin. "You did this because of Harry, didn't you? Because he humiliated you in public."

Lucius's gaze flickered, a hint of something darker passing through his eyes. "Perhaps I did, but revenge can be a satisfying pursuit, can't it? Especially when one's pride is wounded." he drawled, finally shedding the thin veil of malice.

"There were children there for Merlin's sake" deadpanned Andi "You're a monster, Lucius."

Malfoy inclined his head once more, his parting words a final twist of the knife. "It takes one to know one, my dear."

And with that, he turned away, leaving Andromeda seething. However, the proxy quickly cast those feelings aside, remembering she had more pressing matters to attend to.

Andi made her way to the hospital's reception desk, discovering that Harry was indeed at 's, and under the care of Ted in Ward 24.

Relief washed over Andromeda as she rushed toward the ward, but her path was blocked by an attendant stationed outside the rooms. He delivered the news with a polite tone but unwavering resolve.

"I apologize, Madam Tonks, but entry to the room is currently restricted."

"I'm family! Or, well, close enough!" Andromeda's frustration bubbled to the surface.

"I empathize, ma'am," the attendant acknowledged, "but the patient is undergoing treatment. We cannot allow anyone but medical staff."

Taking a deep breath, Andromeda composed herself, understanding the necessity of the restriction. She offered an apology and requested notification as soon as visitation would be allowed before making her way back to the reception area.

There, a presence caught her attention—an alcove harbored none other than Benedict Greengrass.

"Benedict," Andromeda acknowledged him with a nod, glad to see him escape unscathed.

"Andromeda," he replied, his eyes distant.

"You know Lucius is the one behind all this, right?"

Andi's response was swift, her voice steady yet tinged with weariness. "I do."

Benedict's jaw clenched, his knuckles whitening as his fists balled up. "He's crossed a damn line, Andi. Our children... he went after them." His words hung in the air like a promise of vengeance.

Andromeda's gaze didn't waver as she met his intensity. "I agree. He needs to answer for his sins, all of them"

A fragile moment passed, and then Andi's voice quivered just a fraction. "Are you and Daphne... are you both alright?"

Ben exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Yes, thankfully. Daphne told me how Harry helped her when she was injured. I... I'm grateful for that," A heaviness settled in the room as his tone shifted, becoming more somber. "I heard about Harry."

Andi's eyes, usually so resolute, seemed pained. Benedict, ever perceptive, promptly changed topics. "I hear he's in good hands, I'm sure he'll be alright." he put a supportive arm around his colleague "As for the rest, I've announced that we'll cover the medical expenses for those brought over from the party. We'll send over hampers in the morning."

"Did anyone die?"

Ben's response held a measure of gravity. "Aside from the security personnel, only one prominent person - Anna Fawley. Right in the middle of the room, people are saying she basically walked into a killing curse."

Andi's sigh carried the weight of the world, her weariness seeping through her every pore. "Fawley was important, and her allies still are - a group without a leader by the way"

Greengrass nodded. "We need to move quickly." The Slytherin's gaze met hers, "Our team needs to compile a list of the injured, their conditions. We'll have it ready by morning."

"I'll get on top of that" Andi said at once, her voice steady again "You start with Fawley's people. With her gone, they could go any way. I'll join you when I can"

"It's going to be a chaotic couple of days" acknowledged Ben.

"I know" came a curt reply.

The two figures stood side by side, relishing the tranquility, their backs to the world beyond.

A moment of solitude before they were swept away again.

That's all for now, but for a good reason - do you want to see the Hogwarts Mystery protagonist join the story? (see A/N's for context).

See you all next time!