THE KILLING MOON - CHAPTER 8
Harry had thankfully managed a somewhat peaceful night's sleep following his horrific realisation. After hours of lying awake, contemplating conversations where he would have to tell those closest to him the truth, the exhaustion had turned into sleep.
The healer had returned as the sun began to rise, checking on Harry, and bringing with her the all too familiar potion. She passed it to him, and Harry took a long gulp as she spoke.
'Before you leave, I'll give you a prescription of potions that should last two weeks, taking half a bottle, twice a day. Then we will see you again for a check-up.'
'Thanks,' Harry replied, but he didn't feel all that grateful, he was just thankful that he could leave St. Mungos.
Healer Thomas glanced through the notes hanging from the rope on the end of his bed. She flicked through the pages and smiled satisfactorily.
'We're very happy with how your wounds have healed, but if there are any problems, let us know.'
Harry nodded.
'Did I explain to you about the possible scaring?' she asked.
'Used to it,' Harry mumbled bleakly.
'Alright,' she smiled, but Harry could sense that he was being rather ungrateful. 'Do you have any remaining questions for me?'
Harry thought for a moment, the truth was so close to the surface that all he needed to do was say the words, but where to begin? And how best to phrase his concerns?
'No, I think everything's fine,' he said, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt.
'Alright, I'll leave you to get dressed. Will someone be coming to fetch you?'
Harry nodded. 'Yes, my friend is on her way.'
'Okay,' she smiled politely.
Harry felt the need for help again, all he had to do was stop her from leaving. 'Healer Thomas,' he said as she moved away.
She turned back around but Harry paused.
'Thank you for everything you've done, I really am grateful.'
'Of course, Mr. Potter,' she smiled and headed out of the ward.
Harry sat back on his bed and sighed. For now, he needed time to decide what he should do next. It was no use telling anyone if he wasn't sure whether or not he was a werewolf. For all that Harry knew it could be a trick of his imagination.
After Harry had changed and gathered the small number of belongings that had been brought to the hospital, Hermione arrived, holding a large stack of papers and folders, flanked closely by Healer Thomas.
'Hello,' Hermione said cheerfully, and Harry couldn't help but smile. Her face was flustered, and her eyes were wide.
Harry knew all too well that he was looking at a stressed Hermione and pretty soon she would be experiencing an outburst. Harry crossed his fingers that she wouldn't have her due fit of panic in front of him.
'How are you feeling?' she asked and threw the large pile of papers onto the end of his bed.
'Great,' Harry said confidently and bent to tie the laces on his shoes, but a pain cinched across his chest.
'Here let me,' Hermione huffed. She relinquished the stack of papers onto his bedside table and tied his shoes for him.
Harry growled lowly.
'Here is your prescription, Mr. Potter,' Healer Thomas said and placed the bag of potions onto the tray at the end of his bed.
'Thank you.'
'Of course,' she smiled, 'well, I will see you next week for your appointment.'
The healer was about to turn away from Harry when Hermione rose to her feet, still looking flustered.
'Healer Thomas,' she said quickly, 'I was hoping to speak to you before we left? Is there somewhere else we could go in private?' Hermione asked.
Healer Thomas lifted her eyebrows.
Harry had a distinct bad feeling about the privacy of their conversation, but he watched Hermione struggle to pick up the papers once again. Healer Thomas took half of the load herself and the pair of them left the ward.
'Sorry, Harry, shan't be long. Do you want to gather your things?' Hermione said and the pair of them left the ward.
Harry sighed, feeling rather left out. He knew it wouldn't be easy to find out what the two of them could be speaking about. He sat down on the bed contemplatively and waited.
To Harry's annoyance, Hermione had not revealed the nature of her conversation with Healer Thomas. They had traveled back to The Burrow, where Harry had been greeted by Mrs. Weasley, whose kettle had just boiled.
'Tea, Harry?' she offered, wandering to the kettle.
'A coffee would be great, Mrs. Weasley thank you,' he replied.
'Sit down, dear, rest your feet on that chair if you like,' she flustered, pointing to the chair in front of him.
'I'm fine, Mrs. Weasley, honestly,' he replied, but he could feel himself blushing. He had to admit that he had missed her coddling.
'Of course,' she said and returned to making the drinks.
'So, Harry I'm entrusting you with the task that Ron doesn't make any last-minute changes to the groomsmen's outfits,' Hermione told him.
'I don't know how much help I'll be,' he replied mildly.
'Well, Ginny is overseeing things anyway I suppose,' Hermione said, 'thank you,' she added as Mrs. Weasley passed her a cup of coffee.
'Ginny will be there?' Harry asked.
'Yes, she offered to help more with the planning, she thinks I'm a bit stressed,' Hermione laughed.
But Harry couldn't help but agree with Ginny's diagnosis.
'It would stress anyone out dear,' Mrs. Weasley said wisely.
She placed Harry's coffee in front of him and he thanked her.
'Are those your prescription bottles?' Mrs. Weasley asked, pointing to the paper bag.
Harry nodded, looking surreptitiously at the bag as if it had offended him.
'I'll keep them in the top cupboard for you,' Mrs. Weasley said and moved to place the bag in the cupboard.
Harry stared into his cup of coffee as Hermione related to Mrs. Weasley everything Harry had been told by Healer Thomas. Harry was too busy trying to stay calm to listen to Mrs. Weasley's additions to the advice.
Harry and Hermione left The Leaky Cauldron and began traipsing down Diagon Alley while the wind swelled around them.
'You're still not going to tell me what you spoke to Healer Thomas about?' Harry ventured.
'I need to speak to Ginny first, that's all,' she replied.
Harry had no idea why the situation related to Ginny, but Harry did know when to quit so he let the subject slide.
'You didn't need to drop me off you know,' Harry mentioned.
'They said you shouldn't use the floo network for a while,' Hermione argued back, 'and I thought you'd appreciate the company.'
'I do,' Harry replied heartily. 'It just feels a little like you're escorting me.'
Hermione smiled. 'You heard what the Healer said; you will need help to do things for a while.'
Harry zipped up his coat but made no reply. It was one thing to admit that he needed help; but to notice that people were being put out because of his vulnerabilities was something else.
'Here we are,' Hermione said, and she stopped outside of the door to Madam Malkins.
Harry noticed her pause and stopped next to her.
'You alright?' he asked wearily.
'Yeah, of course,' she said but Harry wasn't convinced. 'I'm just happy that you're here.'
Harry glanced into the shop and could see Ron and George noticing them outside the door. He turned back to Hermione.
'Did you doubt that I could walk up Diagon Alley?' he asked.
Hermione looked at him imploringly. 'No, I mean at all. When we heard about your accident, we were all worried that you wouldn't make it. We had our doubts, but I am so thankful that you are here with us.'
Harry swallowed, feeling a little hot even though the breeze was cold.
'I couldn't miss the wedding, could I?' he laughed. 'Even if I had died, the bride would have killed me.'
Hermione smacked his arm softly. Harry wrapped his arms around her and smiled as the wind lifted her hair in front of his face. He heard her sigh and she let go.
'The groom would have killed you too,' she laughed and the pair of them left the cold breeze and entered the shop.