Chapter 18
The Return
Lyra was welcomed by the hospital's dean himself. A portly man stood waiting outside the international fireplaces at the Ministry of Magic to greet her. He swiftly took her bag, which contained many of her shrunken belongings, and her satchel. Lyra, towering over the older gentleman, shook his hand respectfully as he introduced himself as Healer Fredrick Myers.
"We are thrilled that you accepted the position, Healer Marks! We've been struggling with that department and hope to see some positive changes soon." He said professionally.
They engaged in a lengthy discussion about her substantial remuneration, along with additional perks such as free lodging and a muggle car, as per her request. Afterward, he directed her to the immigration floor of the Ministry.
The Ministry of Magic in England was an impressive and regal building, and Lyra received a grand tour of the place after her wand and residence were properly legalized. They passed through multiple floors and departments as Healer Myers and a ministry official enthusiastically showed her around.
Once they completed the immigration procedures, Healer Myers and Lyra used the Floo Network to arrive at his office in the hospital. So far, everything was proceeding smoothly, Lyra thought. However, she couldn't help but feel anxious about where Healer Myers might be leading her. After an extensive tour of the hospital and introductions to numerous individuals—some who fawned over her, some over her work and research as a Healer—they finally reached the Janus Thicke ward.
Healer Myers entered the ward, and Lyra followed suit. He commenced by introducing her to the senior healers and her direct colleagues—Healer Henry Kranston and his counterpart Healer Diana Torres. Subsequently, he introduced the interns working in the ward, totaling seven in number. It was during this introduction that Lyra spotted Sarah. A beam of recognition and warmth crossed Lyra's face upon seeing her niece. However, all she received from Sarah was a cold nod, promptly followed by her niece looking away. Lyra sighed and rolled her eyes, wondering if Sarah truly believed she was there for her or if she was simply being obtuse?
"I'll leave you in the capable hands of Healer Kranston and Healer Torres. They will provide you with detailed briefings on each of our patients in the ward. I have full confidence that you will find our affairs in order here. Now, please excuse me as I must attend to the less exciting parts of my job." Muttered Myers. Lyra smiled politely in response as he took his leave.
Over the next couple of hours, Kranston and Torres introduced Lyra to the ward's patients and provided her with insights into their cases. As they passed a curtained bed, they chose not to explain the circumstances behind it. Eventually, the day drew to a close, and Lyra decided it was time to head home and settle in.
After a short taxi ride from the hospital, Lyra arrived at her new residence. She spoke to the doorman, who greeted her with a friendly smile. As she entered the building and rode the elevator to the seventeenth floor, the sun had already set. Lyra unlocked the door to her Muggle apartment, and soft lights illuminated the spacious living space. The apartment was furnished with modern amenities, white walls, and cozy lighting. It was well-stocked, just as she had requested.
She picked up a decanter of Fire Whiskey from the bar top and made her way to the balcony. Sliding open the glass doors, she looked out at the wide vista before her. Taking a generous swig from the bottle, she stood on the balcony, gazing at the view. A gentle squawk next to her caught her attention.
"What? Can't I enjoy this even a little?" She snapped somewhat petulantly at the giant bird perched on the glass parapet beside her. Burst cooed in response, nuzzling Lyra's head.
"Stop that. I'm fine. Everything will be fine. I'm here to do a job. It's just a job!" She reassured Burst, or herself, she could hardly tell the difference anymore.
"I won't get involved in their nonsense. Besides, I'm a senior member of the 27 now, and tasks get easier with age. This is what 'easy' looks like!" She declared, as if justifying her actions to the phoenix. The bird huffed in response.
"If you don't like it, well, tough luck. Get fucking used to it!" She snarled at Burst. After a many more swigs, the decanter lay empty on the coffee table, and Lyra was sprawled out on the couch, fast asleep, with Burst nestled close by.
Sarah was seething during the evening meeting, finding it difficult to focus. The meeting was of paramount importance, as Snape had brought forth new intelligence concerning the missing witches and wizards who had fallen into Voldemort's clutches, forced to toil on dark and unspeakable spells. However, it was Sirius who had taken charge of the meeting, fervently demanding that Harry Potter be brought to headquarters. Snape's comment about Potter being safe where he was had triggered a furious response from Sirius, plunging the meeting into a heated argument. Dumbledore, the voice of reason, had to intervene, chiding them for bickering like children. He then opened the floor for others to share developments on their missions.
Amid the tense atmosphere, Sarah raised her hand, drawing the collective attention of the room.
"The International Society of Healing has appointed a new head of department for the Janus Thicke ward...and it's my aunt, Lyra Marks. She's back in England...though it seems she forgot to mention that in the three hundred letters she sends every week!" Sarah's words dripped with frustration.
The room fell silent, with everyone's gaze now fixed on her. Kingsley Shacklebolt was the first to break the silence, his curiosity piqued.
"Lyra Marks? Isn't she an auror?"
"She's also a healer. The 27 are double graduates. Lyra's degrees are in Defence and Magical Healing. She juggles between being an auror and a healer. It's just that she's always garnered more attention as an auror. Her arrests have always made bigger headlines than her healing career. However, she was the one who discovered the spell that almost put Skele-Gro out of business." Sarah clarified with a hint of begrudging respect.
"And now she's going to be my new boss. As if all of last term wasn't enough." Sarah's irritation was evident as she continued.
"Maybe we should try and..." Moody started to speak but Dumbledore intervened, addressing Sarah.
"Thank you for sharing that information, Sarah. We will consider its implications for your current mission."
"That will be all for tonight." Dumbledore concluded, gathering his belongings. He turned to Snape.
"Severus, would you like to floo back to Hogwarts with me, or will you be staying here?"
Snape's sneer was his only response.
"I have a night shift to manage tonight. I will be needed here. I will return tomorrow morning to discuss what we spoke of in further detail."
Dumbledore bid everyone goodnight, and Mrs. Weasley quickly began preparing the kitchen table for dinner. Despite their apprehensions about Snape, most members couldn't resist her cooking, not even him. Sarah sometimes suspected that Snape only took night shifts so he could savor Mrs. Weasley's meals.
The general consensus among those at headquarters was that they were wary of Snape. As a former Death Eater turned spy for the Order, trust was in short supply. After all, he bore the Dark Mark and attended meetings with Voldemort and his followers. Suspicion hung over his true loyalties. But Sarah had noticed a shift in Snape's demeanor. He remained a menacing and snarky presence, intimidating those around him. However, when he was at headquarters, he usually kept to himself. He spent his time in the basement brewing potions to aid members on their missions or crafting Wolfsbane for Lupin to endure his transformations. Or, he secluded himself in one of the attic bedrooms on the fourth floor, isolated from the rest of the residents. While his visits were frequent, people hardly took notice of him except when he showed up in the kitchen to eat, often sparking confrontations with Sirius.
Sarah couldn't help but wonder why Snape and Sirius harbored such intense animosity toward each other. Perhaps it was rooted in the age-old rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor, but weren't they both too old for such nonsense?
It went beyond that, though; Snape had undergone a noticeable transformation. Especially when he was out of his teaching robes and dressed in ordinary Muggle attire, he exuded a different aura. He maintained a formal appearance, typically wearing a black or white shirt paired with black pants and a black vest, occasionally adding a grey or black blazer. He looked remarkably improved from the previous year, more presentable, and even had a new haircut.
As Snape and Zeus ventured into the backyard for a cigarette, Sarah's curious eyes remained fixed on them. She couldn't help but notice that Zeus appeared incredibly tense during their conversation, while Snape seemed to be trying to calm him down.
A pang of jealousy washed over Sarah, wishing that Zeus would open up to her as he did with Snape. Lately, he had become more secretive and easily irritated around her, and she couldn't fathom why. She tried to dismiss her feelings, recognizing that she might be projecting her thoughts about Lyra onto Zeus, which wasn't conducive to their already strained relationship. She consoled herself with the notion that, at least, Zeus wasn't bottling up his emotions and was sharing them with someone he trusted.
Sarah's attention soon shifted to the hushed yet heated discussion taking place outside the noisy kitchen. She picked up her sandwich and decided to investigate.
Moody and Dumbledore stood there, engaged in a heavy argument.
"You've tasked me with recruiting for the Order, Albus. However, every time I mention her, you dismiss the idea...I don't understand it! Why are you being resistant, especially now that an opportunity has presented itself?" Moody grumbled.
"We've discussed this, Alastor. We don't need Americans involving themselves in a cause that doesn't concern them." Albus stated firmly.
"It's not about that. It's something else, isn't it? There's something about Marks that bothers you. Albus, we need more powerful recruits, and with her on board, our chances of focusing on our larger mission improve greatly. She has access to knowledge, skills, and magic that none of us possess. Furthermore, the 27 have supported causes against the darkest powers since their inception. Tessra Jones would undoubtedly allocate her resources to our cause if Marks joined the Order. You know she's the current favorite! Why are you passing up such a significant opportunity?" Alastor retorted.
"Because she doesn't trust me, Alastor! She doesn't trust me, you, or anyone in this house!"
"That's not true! Her niece is here. If Sarah can convince her..."
"Lyra Marks is no fool. She's sharp and ruthless. In case you've forgotten, she was the one who detected that something was gravely amiss when we accused her of petty lies. She saved Harry from an untimely death! She won't willingly join a cause that has no direct connection to her and stake the solidarity of the 27 or her country. If she is to act independently, she needs a compelling reason to undertake such a mission."
"Then find a bloody reason, Albus! There has to be something you can offer...a way to regain her trust...but get her to join the Order!"
With that, Moody left Dumbledore alone in the hallway as he limped back into the kitchen.
Sarah saw Dumbledore sigh and shake his head. He noticed her peering around the corner, but he didn't utter a word. Instead, he walked toward the fireplace in the parlor and flooed away.
Lyra awoke the following morning to the warm embrace of sunlight filling her room. The curtains danced gently, moved by the light breeze that had also covered her in a thin layer of sweat. Her head throbbed with the remnants of a hangover from the previous night, and she struggled to steady herself as she rose to make a strong cup of coffee. Glancing at her watch, she hurried to the bedroom for a refreshing shower.
Feeling fresh after her shower, she put on her new robes. Healers at St. Mungo's had a specific uniform that differed from her usual auror attire, but she was flexible about it. She doubted they'd fire her for a slight departure from the dress code. With her lime green cloak in hand, she adjusted her white shirt and let her auburn hair cascade freely around her shoulders. After a final check in the mirror, she left her apartment.
Several days had passed, and the month of May was swiftly coming to a close. Lyra had begun to familiarize herself with the hospital's staff. She formed quick bonds, with Healer Kranston and Healer Torres practically attached to her side wherever she went. They accompanied her on consultations regardless of the department, ate lunch together, and their loyalty grew in a matter of days. However, despite her best efforts, Sarah remained unresponsive. No matter how hard Lyra tried, Sarah continued to ignore her.
Progress was steady in the department, if not spectacular, but it was an improvement from the past. Healer Myers himself praised Lyra for her remarkable work. After all, patients leaving the Janus Thicke ward was unheard of, yet Lyra was managing to heal cases that would typically take months in a matter of weeks. For one of the new cases, Lyra required a special potion. So, around midnight, she found an excuse to visit the Potions department, anticipating an opportunity to speak with Shorthorn and ask him to help bridge the gap with her niece.
Exiting the lift and entering the department, she was hit by a disorienting scent. Half the department seemed to smell of the pickled insides of various beasts, while the other half was drenched in bleach. It made her stomach churn slightly, but she composed herself. She exchanged a few words with the head of the Potions department, who readily provided her with the required vials. After thanking him, she surveyed the laboratory to locate Shorthorn. She spotted him hunched over a cauldron, carefully stirring its contents.
She inquired whether she could enter the lab and observe the interns at work. The department head readily agreed, without hesitation. Lyra sanitized her hands before entering the lab, walking among the numerous desks where interns hunched over their work. Some raised their heads in surprise at her arrival, and she responded with a polite smile. Ignoring their murmurs, she eventually reached Shorthorn's desk. He didn't look up, but he knew she was there.
"What can I help you with, Healer Marks?" He asked pointedly as he continued stirring his potion intently.
"If you keep stirring that, it's going to explode, Shorthorn." She remarked, taking a seat on a tall stool across from him.
"I'm aware, and that's precisely what makes it volatile. I need to focus! So, I'll ask again, what can I help you with?" He replied curtly. Lyra hadn't expected such a tone from him, but she remained calm
"Oh, come now, Zeus. We're practically family. Is this how you greet your girlfriend's favorite aunt?" Lyra smirked.
Shorthorn paused his ministrations and looked up. Not wanting to attract attention to their conversation, he pretended to bottle the ingredients on his desk. He didn't respond to her, which perturbed Lyra, so she got straight to the point.
"Sarah won't talk to me. I can understand why she hasn't written back, but I'm here, and she refuses to even acknowledge me. What's her deal? I was wondering if you could talk to her. All I want is to know if she's doing alright. I care about her. A lot." Lyra whispered, her frustration evident in her voice.
Zeus examined her for a moment, his gaze piercing, and then shot her a glare.
"Look, whatever your issues are with Sarah, you should resolve them yourselves. I don't want to get involved. I have other matters to attend to. So please, if you're finished here, leave me alone. If you truly care about her, perhaps you shouldn't have taken this job in the first place. She's not a child, no matter how stubborn or foolish she can be at times. She's capable of making her own decisions. Merlin knows I've tried to persuade her to return home, but she just won't listen. So, if you think you can convince her to go back with you, and if that's your intention here, then we're on the same page." Zeus retorted, his voice tinged with irritation. He then resumed ladling the hot potion into vials.
Lyra clenched her teeth in frustration and left in a huff, believing that these children needed a dose of reality and someone to set them straight.
Lyra stormed toward the lift, her finger repeatedly jabbing the button in frustration. Checking her watch, she realized it was already two in the morning, and this encounter had been a complete waste of her time. She needed to speak to Sarah, but that would have to wait until tomorrow. Lyra had a call scheduled with Tessra. Word had spread about Voldemort's return, prompting the 27 to plan their response and prevent the dark forces from spreading to America. She knew Tessra would ask her to gather more information and get involved.
Lyra pressed the elevator button again, wondering why it wasn't working. Irritated, she decided to take the stairs, despite the unlikelihood of jogging up six floors. She was in a hurry to leave. Lost in her thoughts, Lyra collided with someone as she turned a corner. When she looked up, she was surprised to see Minerva McGonagall, who was trying to regain her balance.
"Minerva! What are you doing here? Are you alright?" Lyra asked eagerly, recognizing her aunt and feeling delighted to see her. However, when she noticed the large bag filled with vials of unpetrification potion on Minerva's shoulder, her expression shifted to a frown.
"Lyra, I...I'm fine. I was just here to...get some potions for the Hogwarts Matron. It's one of my duties as Deputy Headmistress." Minerva replied calmly, her face showing no emotion. But Lyra wasn't convinced; her years of learning how to detect lies told her that something was amiss. What Minerva added next only deepened her suspicions.
"You see, after the events three years ago, when students at Hogwarts were petrified due to the opening of the Chamber of Secrets, it became a policy to stock up on these potions every year." Minerva explained nonchalantly, maintaining a blank expression. Lyra scrutinized her, hoping for any sign or hint, but Minerva remained composed.
"It's as if you don't know me, Minerva. Now, I'm not sure as to why you require those potions, or where you got them, but they certainly wouldn't have been in the ward you just left. The laboratory is downstairs, and I happen to be in charge of that ward." Lyra stated calmly, her gaze unwavering. Minerva's nostrils flared as she fixed her eyes on Lyra.
"As I mentioned, Lyra, these are for the school. Unless you're insinuating that I'm stealing from St. Mungo's!" Minerva responded nonchalantly. Lyra continued to study Minerva, searching for any sign, any hint, any telltale flicker of guilt. She hoped Minerva would break her silence, but the former auror remained composed. Lyra smiled and shook her head, realizing that Minerva, with her background, wouldn't crack under pressure.
Lyra stepped aside, allowing Minerva to pass, and their eyes remained locked for a few seconds. A sense of guilt washed over Lyra, as though she had been caught misbehaving. Her cheeks flushed, and she broke eye contact, perplexed by the unusual guilt she felt. Minerva's gaze immediately softened, a look she always reserved for Lyra. She appeared as if she longed to convey something to her. An awkward silence hung between them, but Minerva gently broke it by placing a hand on Lyra's shoulder.
"I understand you're likely busy, but if you happen to find the time, perhaps you'd like to join me for a cup of coffee and some ginger newts? You know where to find me." Minerva said, offering a warm smile.
With that, Minerva departed, leaving Lyra alone in the stairwell. Lyra watched as Minerva jogged down the stairs before turning to continue her ascent to her ward.
Entering the dark ward, the faint glow of the phosphorous band on her ring was the only source of light. Lyra briskly headed toward her office, glancing at her watch; it was nearly two-thirty, and her meeting with Tessra was scheduled to begin in just half an hour. However, something felt amiss. An eerie sense washed over her, suggesting that an unauthorized person was present in the ward.
Instinctively, she withdrew her wand and illuminated its tip. She moved cautiously past each bed, observing the residents fast asleep, even Gilderoy Lockhart snoring away. Faint chanting reached her ears from the far end of the ward, behind a set of curtains.
For weeks, Lyra had been trying to access information about the mysterious patient in that bed. She had failed to uncover anything; every file related to the bed was classified and heavily redacted. She had intended to discuss this with Healer Myers but hadn't found the opportunity.
Lyra hastened her steps toward the source of the chanting, violently sweeping aside the curtains. She needed to identify the intruder who was disturbing her patient. What she saw left her momentarily dumbfounded.
Sarah, startled, jumped upward, dropping the vial she had been holding. Lyra's voice thundered with anger as she demanded an explanation. Sarah stood frozen, breathless from being caught. They locked eyes, and Lyra waited for an answer. Sarah, however, remained speechless, having been caught red-handed.
Lyra's gaze then shifted to the man on the bed, who lay with his eyes wide open, slightly bloodshot from exposure to the air. His outstretched arm resembled someone who had been pointing a wand. He was lifeless, completely petrified. But his face...his face bore an uncanny resemblance to his brother, Zeus Shorthorn.
AN/- Hi Everyone! Hope you're enjoying the story so far! Thanks for reading :)