Heal Thy Blood - Prologue
It was the moment of truth, the culmination of his efforts. His wand pointed downwards, its tip aimed directly at the center of the circle adorned with intricate glyphs. His right hand grasped the handle, while his left steadied the wand's butt. His heart raced in his ears as he prepared for the final incantation. Amidst the fog of uncertainty, his purpose shone bright.
Oh, whichever higher powers or cosmic forces exist, grant me success now. Allow me to rescue someone, a gesture of redemption for those I couldn't save. Please.
With a hushed voice, he whispered, "Expurgo."
...
The Daily Prophet's Headline.
Wizarding Britain was set abuzz as Harry Potter, famed as the man-who-conquered, surprised the nation by being conspicuously absent from the leaked list of new auror recruits. The Ministry confirmed that they were investigating the leak and clarified that Harry Potter would not be joining the auror corps, contrary to widespread expectations.
Has the hero faltered? We reached out to individuals close to Potter, yet responses remain elusive.
Reports suggest Hermione Granger has departed the country for undisclosed reasons, while Ronald Weasley could not be reached—rumors speculate he left with Granger.
Stay tuned for updates. Turn to page three for Minister of Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt's statement on the nation's post-Voldemort economy.
"Well, Mr. Potter, you certainly possess the knack for stirring the pot, even by not stirring at all," chuckled Healer James Watson, tossing the newspaper onto his desk. Dipple, the house-elf, set out tea for two.
Watson's office was a blend of order and clinical precision. Folders lined the bookshelves, a testament to meticulous organization. The oak desk, though somewhat cluttered, held pens, inkwells, parchments, and trinkets. Cream walls juxtaposed against the rich brown carpet. Sunlight streamed through two evenly spaced windows on the left. Saint Mungo's offices proved more aesthetically pleasing than Harry's experiences in Muggle hospitals.
"Indeed, it seems people have strong opinions about my choices, whether I act or abstain," Harry replied. He offered a grateful nod to Dipple as she handed him tea, met by her beaming smile.
"Having observed the past eight years, I apologize for the way some have treated you," Watson, a man in his late fifties, spoke. His neatly combed gray hair and trimmed mustache lent him a dignified air.
"Your compassion is appreciated, though you're hardly accountable for the general populace," Harry responded, dismissing the concern.
The older man settled into his leather chair, his words measured. "Shall we discuss your purpose today? May I address you as Harry?"
"Absolutely," Harry agreed, setting his teacup on the oak desk.
"Why healing? A man of your caliber—forgive me for referencing the paper—could be a valuable asset to the aurors. Your exceptional dueling skills, demonstrated by defeating Voldemort, speak volumes," Watson inquired, crossing his legs and interlacing his fingers over his knee.
Harry's response was straightforward.
"I'm seventeen. I've taken four lives, all in self-defense. But each time, I felt sickened—even when it was Voldemort."
Watson's demeanor remained neutral at the mention of the name.
"To be fair, aurors rarely kill. Their role involves apprehension and bureaucracy, from what I gather. However, the wars have left scars," Watson noted.
"I've also lost people—friends, family, classmates. I want to preserve lives, Healer Watson, not end them or watch them slip away," Harry explained calmly, though his throat tightened. Watson nodded, his gray eyes softening briefly.
"An admirable pursuit, Harry. I understand your reasoning. No one your age should endure what you have." Watson's gaze briefly drifted before returning. "But on this path, Harry, know that you will still lose patients. Some may be beyond salvation, or it's simply their time. Not all can be saved, and accepting that can be a challenging journey."
"I comprehend that, but at least I'll know I did everything I could. If that's insufficient, I'll cope," Harry affirmed.
Watson nodded.
"Despite eased healer recruitment standards, a two-year training program awaits. On-the-job training due to staff shortages, yet it's mandatory."
"I anticipated as much," Harry replied, attempting to conceal his nervous energy.
"Excellent. When can you commence?"
...
Rest assured, I have not abandoned my other stories. The birth of my daughter has temporarily diverted my focus, but that plot will resurface. In the interim, enjoy this story. There's no fixed update schedule, but I relish my writing time as personal indulgence. I await your feedback on this prologue.