ELIAS Rosier's heart pounded against his chest as he hurried through the dimly lit corridors of his home at the sound of someone shrieking his name. Dread gripped him tightly, choking his breath as he approached the living room. The urgent commotion he had heard had sent him into a frantic rush, his mind plagued with terrifying possibilities. Upon reaching the threshold of the living room, Elias's worst fears were realized in the grisly sight before him.
His cherished daughter, Charlie, lay sprawled on the ground, her torn robes soaked with blood, her complexion drained of color, rendering her skin ashen. She appeared more dead than alive, a sight that sent waves of horror crashing over him, threatening to overwhelm his senses.
"Charlie!" he gasped, his voice hoarse with anguish as he rushed to her side. He knelt beside her, his trembling hands hovering over her battered form.
Barty's house-elf, Winky, stood nearby, wringing her tiny hands in distress. Her wide eyes brimmed with tears as she stared, horrified, at Charlotte's unconscious figure.
"Elf, what happened?" Elias demanded, his voice laden with desperation and anger. "What in Merlin's name happened to my daughter?"
The house-elf trembled under Elias's intense gaze, her small frame quivering with fear.
"Winky…Winky didn't mean for this to happen, Master Rosier, sir," she whimpered, her voice quivering with guilt. "Winky knows she should have gone with Miss Charlotte, Winky knows…"
Elias's patience wore thin as frustration mingled with his fear.
"Tell me what happened!" he demanded, his tone sharp with urgency. "Where is Barty? Did he have anything to do with this?"
Winky's eyes widened in alarm at the mention of Barty's name.
"No, Master Rosier," she squeaked, shaking her head frantically. "Winky doesn't know what happened. Miss Charlotte was attacked in the woods, and Winky found her like this..."
Elias's heart clenched with a mixture of relief and dread at Winky's words. Relief that Barty wasn't involved, but dread at the thought of Charlotte being attacked. His mind raced with questions, his thoughts consumed by the need to ensure his daughter's safety.
"Attacked?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. "By whom?"
Winky hesitated, her gaze darting nervously between Elias and Charlotte's still form.
"Winky... Winky doesn't know, Master Rosier," she stammered, her voice barely audible. "But... the marks on Special Miss Charlotte's back are that of a werewolf's mark, Master Rosier, sir..."
Elias's blood ran cold at the mention of a werewolf. Dread tightened its grip around his heart as he realized the gravity of the situation. His daughter, his precious Charlotte, had been attacked by one of the most feared creatures in the wizarding world.
Anger surged within him, a blazing inferno fueled by his fear and helplessness.
"A werewolf," he muttered, his voice trembling with rage. "Where is that blasted creature? I'll flay that filthy disgusting dog that did this to my girl limb from limb! Evil, soulless creatures, deserving of nothing but death! I don't know why the Dark Lord allies himself with them at all!"
Winky's eyes widened in alarm at Elias's outburst, her hands trembling even more violently. "Master Rosier, please... We must get Miss Charlotte to safety..."
Elias's anger simmered beneath the surface, but he knew Winky was right. Charlotte's well-being was his top priority. With a deep breath, he pushed aside his rage, focusing on the task at hand.
"Help me get her to the guest room, elf," he instructed Winky, his voice steadier now despite the turmoil raging within him. "We'll tend to her wounds there."
Together, Elias and Winky carefully lifted Charlotte from the floor, cradling her gently in their arms. Elias's heart ached at the sight of his daughter's pale, battered face, her breaths shallow and labored. As they carried her to the guest room, Elias's mind raced with worry. He prayed to every deity he could think of, magical and Muggle, pleading for Charlotte's recovery.
Whatever had happened in those woods, Elias vowed to protect his daughter at all costs, even if it meant facing the darkest of threats. But as he laid Charlotte down on the bed, tucking her in with gentle care, Elias couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered in the air.
His daughter's life hung in the balance, and he knew that the road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty. As Winky bustled around the room, conjuring potions and bandages, Elias took a seat by Charlotte's bedside, his eyes never leaving her face. His heart ached with every shallow breath she took, each one a painful reminder of the fragility of life. In the quiet stillness of the room, Elias whispered a silent prayer, his voice choked with emotion.
"Hang on, Charlie, sweetheart," he murmured, his words a solemn vow. "Dad's here. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."
And as he sat vigil by his daughter's side, Elias vowed to unravel the mystery of what had happened in those woods. He would find whatever disgusting wolf was responsible for hurting Charlotte, and he would make them pay dearly for their crimes. But for now, all he could do was wait and hope, his heart heavy with the weight of a father's love and a father's fear.
As he leaned closer as Barty's house-elf fretted and fussed over his daughter, Elias winced at the gruesome severity of the slash markings on Charlie's back. Each wound spoke volumes of the brutal viciousness she had endured. Anger surged within him, mingling with his overwhelming concern for his daughter's well-being. With trembling hands, he reached out gently to touch the jagged lines, his heart clenching at the sight of Charlie's pain.
He vowed to exact revenge on whichever wolf did this to her, his resolve hardening with each passing moment. But amidst the fury and anguish, a flicker of hope remained. He whispered words of comfort to Charlie, promising to stand by her side through the darkness.
As Elias sat by his daughter's bedside, his mind churned with a mixture of anguish, anger, and determination. The sight of Charlotte, so vulnerable and injured, tore at his heartstrings like nothing else ever had. He couldn't shake the image of her bloodied form from his mind, and with each passing moment, his worry intensified.
Winky, sensing his distress, moved about the room with a sense of urgency, fetching potions and bandages to tend to Charlotte's wounds. Her small hands trembled as she worked, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Is she going to be all right, Master Rosier?" Winky asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Elias swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion.
"We'll do everything we can to help her, Winky," he replied, his voice heavy with worry. "But we need to get her the best medical attention possible."
As Elias absorbed Winky's admission about her lack of expertise in treating wounds from a werewolf, frustration surged within him like a tempest brewing on a calm sea. He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down upon him.
"Winky," he said, his voice tinged with urgency, "tell me, can you help her or not?"
Winky wrung her hands nervously, her ears drooping as she met Elias's gaze.
"Master Rosier, sir," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "Winky is afraid the injuries she's sustained... they're beyond Winky's skillset. Winky can try her best, but Winky fears it won't be enough."
Elias's jaw tightened, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
"Dammit," he muttered under his breath, his mind racing with the gravity of the situation. He knew he had to act fast, but the realization that their options were limited gnawed at him. "We can't bring in a Healer here, elf, the risks are far too great, you know this," he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "This is a delicate matter, and we can't risk involving outsiders."
"W-what about... Master Snape?" Winky ventured tentatively, her voice trembling with uncertainty.
Elias paused, considering the suggestion. Snape was known for his expertise in handling the darkest of magical afflictions. If anyone could aid Charlotte, it was him.
"Yes," he said finally, determination lacing his words. "Severus Snape. We'll seek his help."
Turning his attention back to Winky, Elias pressed for information about Barty's whereabouts and his knowledge of the incident.
The elf's hesitation only deepened Elias's growing apprehension.
Barty's sudden absence added another layer of complexity to the already dire situation.
"We need to find him," Elias said, his voice tinged with concern. "Whatever he knows about what happened to Charlotte, we need to know too."
With a determined nod, Elias rose from his seat and hurried out of the room, his mind racing with plans and contingencies. He needed to act swiftly to ensure Charlie's recovery and to find out which werewolf was responsible for her injuries.
As he made his way through the house, his steps quick and purposeful, Elias's thoughts turned to Barty. He needed to inform him of what had happened, to let him know that Charlie was in danger and that she needed his help.
In the urgency of the moment, Elias halted abruptly, his mind alighting on a decisive course of action. With a sharp flick of his wand, he conjured a Patronus, the silvery form of his frog Patronus materializing before him.
"Find Barty Crouch Jr.," he instructed the ethereal amphibian, his voice imbued with a sense of urgency. "Tell him Charlotte is in danger and to come immediately. He knows the way here."
The silver frog nodded, its eyes gleaming with understanding before darting off in a blur of shimmering light, its mission clear. Elias watched his Patronus vanish into the distance, a flicker of hope igniting within him. With Barty soon to be alerted to the gravity of the situation, they stood a better chance of resolving the life-threatening crisis that now loomed over Charlotte.
As Elias prepared to make his way down the hall to Charlotte's whereabouts, the distinct sound of someone Apparating in his living room resonated, piercing through the air akin to a bursting firework. Elias's heart leaped with excitement as he hastened to welcome the unexpected visitor, his chest tightening with anticipation.
There, standing in front of his fireplace, disheveled and breathless, was Barty.
The younger Death Eater's eyes widened in alarm at the sight of Elias, his usual stoic composure shattered by the urgency of his Patronus's message.
"Charlotte, Elias, what's happened to her?" Barty demanded, his voice hoarse and raw with concern as he took in Elias's grim expression.
Without hesitation, Elias ushered him inside, the urgency of the situation weighing heavily upon them both.
"It's Charlotte," he explained, his words rushed but laden with gravity. "She's been attacked by a werewolf. I thought you might know which dog did this to my daughter."
As Elias revealed the grim news, he watched as the little color that remained in Barty's face drained away, leaving him as pale as a ghost. The shock etched across Barty's features was palpable, his typically composed demeanor shattered by the severity of the situation.
In the tense silence that followed, Elias braced himself for Barty's reaction, knowing all too well the volatile temper that simmered beneath the surface of the younger Death Eater's façade.
As Barty turned away, his chest tight, Elias could only watch in silence. The weight of Charlotte's suffering bore down heavily on them both, fueling Barty's unchecked rage.
With a sudden burst of fury and a cry of rage upon his lips, Barty seized a nearby chair and hurled it across the room with a violent motion. The crash of wood against wood reverberated through the air, a physical manifestation of his pent-up frustration and anguish.
Elias remained calm, though concern flickered in his eyes as he observed his friend's volatile outburst. He understood the depth of Barty's pain and the desire for vengeance that consumed him. With a flick of his wand, Barty pointed it at the chair lying in splinters on the floor.
A surge of magic crackled in the air as he uttered a single incantation, causing the chair to erupt into a shower of sparks and splinters, the force of the explosion echoing through the room. In the aftermath, silence descended once more, broken only by the crackling remnants of magic and the heavy breaths of the two men.
Elias approached Barty cautiously, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Barty, please don't do anything stupid. You don't want to bring even more heat down on yourself right now. We'll find the bastard wolf responsible, Barty," Elias reassured him, his voice gentle yet firm. "But we must keep a level head. Charlotte needs us now more than ever."
Barty's voice rose with a raw intensity, his words laced with self-recrimination and regret.
"Then why did you tell me this if not for me to do something about it? I know who did this, Elias!" he exclaimed, his voice hoarse with emotion. "Fenrir Greyback. I let him live. I should have killed the disgusting dog when I had the chance when he attempted to corner Charlotte back in Knockturn Alley the first time. I should have slit the beast's throat then and there."
Elias listened solemnly, his heart heavy with the weight of Barty's revelation. He understood the torment that gnawed at his comrade's soul, the agonizing hindsight that plagued him.
"It's not your fault, Barty," Elias replied, his tone gentle yet resolute. "We'll deal with Greyback, we'll gut the dog from cock to throat like the animal that he is, but we must approach this with caution. Revenge won't heal Charlotte's wounds."
Barty's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with resolve.
"I know," he admitted, his voice strained. "But I won't rest until I've avenged her. I swear it."
Elias nodded solemnly, his determination mirrored in his eyes. Observing Barty's furrowed brow and gaunt, sickly face upon hearing about Charlotte's life-threatening injury, Elias felt a simmering frustration beneath the surface.
His gaze bore into Barty, laden with accusatory intensity.
"Where were you, Barty?" he demanded, his voice edged with disappointment. "Why weren't you by Charlie's side to protect her? You gave me your word that you would."
Barty hesitated, his gaze falling to the floor as he struggled to find the words.
"I…I went out for a while to clear my head," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't anticipate…I didn't mean to be gone the whole night."
Elias's anger flared, his disappointment palpable. "You left my daughter alone and vulnerable," he accused, his tone heavy with anger and reproach. "You of all people can't afford to be careless, Barty. Not when Charlotte's life is at stake. To say nothing of your own."
Before the two wizards could continue their conversation, the atmosphere in the room shifted as Severus Snape arrived via Floo Powder, his demeanor as cold and calculated as ever.
With an air of quiet authority, Severus stepped over the metal grate of Elias's fireplace, his dark eyes surveying the scene with a keen intensity. As Severus's presence filled the room, a tangible tension settled over the space, thickening the air with apprehension.
Elias straightened his gait, his expression firm as he greeted the anticipated arrival.
"Severus, thank you for coming on such short notice," Elias acknowledged, his voice steady despite the turmoil swirling within him. "My daughter, she requires your expertise, my friend."
Severus's gaze flickered between Elias and Barty, his features betraying nothing of his thoughts.
"Explain, either of you," Severus demanded, his tone clipped and authoritative.
Elias spared no time in recounting the events that had transpired, detailing Charlotte's harrowing encounter with the werewolf and the urgency of their predicament. As he spoke, Severus Snape's expression remained impassive, though the intensity of his scrutiny never wavered.
When Elias finished, a heavy silence hung in the air, punctuated only by the crackling of the fireplace. Severus's dark eyes bore into Elias, assessing him with a shrewdness that bordered on scrutiny. Finally, he spoke, his voice measured and deliberate.
"I will do what I can for you, but I must act swiftly, Elias, if I am to save her life," he declared, his tone leaving no room for dissent. "Take me to her."
Elias nodded, a flicker of fear reigniting within him as he motioned for Severus and Barty to follow. With a silent determination, he led them out of the living room, his footsteps echoing down the hall like a solemn procession.
As they approached the bedroom, memories of happier times flooded Elias's mind. The room had once been Charlotte's childhood haven, filled with laughter and innocence.
Now, it stood as a guest room, a painful reminder of the divide between father and daughter, a testament to the absence that hung between them like an unbridgeable chasm. Pushing aside the ache in his heart, Elias steeled himself for the task at hand.
With a steady hand, he pushed open the door, revealing Charlotte's prone form lying on the bed, her breathing shallow and labored. Severus wasted no time, his movements swift and decisive as he assessed Charlotte's condition.
Severus flicked his wand, summoning a small side table adorned with various instruments. Elias squirmed, pondering the ominous purposes of the tools, feeling as ill-prepared for the impending ordeal as if he were its intended subject.
A glance at Barty revealed the same apprehension mirrored in the younger man's eyes, confirming they shared the sentiment without a word exchanged. Elias shifted to make way for Severus to assess the damage.
After doing so, Severus remarked, "Both of you may remain if you so choose. Your assistance in restraining her would be appreciated."
Barty gulped and nodded, positioning himself to grasp Charlotte's shoulders, perching on the edge of the bed, mentally bracing for the ordeal ahead. It proved even more harrowing than he had anticipated. Charlotte thrashed wildly, her screams piercing the air, echoing off the walls of the room. Severus swiftly applied Dittany to the scratch marks on her back, his movements precise and efficient despite the chaos surrounding him.
With practiced ease, he administered a Blood-Replenishing Potion to aid in her recovery.
Meanwhile, Barty and Elias struggled to maintain their grip on Charlotte, their muscles straining against her frenzied movements. Despite their combined efforts, she thrashed with such ferocity that it seemed impossible to hold her still.
Barty gritted his teeth, his arms trembling with the effort of restraining her. Elias's brow furrowed in concentration as he sought to assist, his strength tested by Charlotte's frantic struggles. Severus worked quickly, his concentration unbroken despite the chaos. With each application of Dittany, he repaired the damage to Charlotte's skin, soothing the raw wounds left by whatever had inflicted them.
But even as Severus worked his magic, Charlotte's screams persisted, a haunting soundtrack to the tense scene unfolding in the dimly lit room. And as Barty and Elias continued to wrestle with her thrashing form, it became increasingly clear that this would be no easy task.
As Severus meticulously tended to Charlotte's wounds, his movements swift yet precise, the intensity of her screams seemed to escalate, reverberating through the room like a chorus of agony. Despite the pain she endured, her struggles showed no sign of abating, making it increasingly challenging for Barty and Elias to keep her restrained.
Barty's muscles burned with exertion, his arms straining as he fought to hold Charlotte steady. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he grappled with her thrashing body.
Beside him, Elias gritted his teeth, his strength stretched to its limits as he joined in the effort to keep Charlotte under control. Each movement she made seemed to require an immense force to counteract, leaving him feeling as though he were engaged in a battle of wills against an unseen adversary.
Despite the chaos unfolding around them, Severus remained focused, his attention fixed solely on his task. With each application of Dittany and Blood-Replenishing Potion, he worked to heal Charlotte's wounds, his movements steady and sure despite the tumultuous circumstances.
But even as Severus worked to mend her injuries, the sheer intensity of Charlotte's agony threatened to overwhelm them all. Her screams echoed off the walls, a relentless reminder of the pain she endured, casting a pall of despair over the room. Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, there remained a flicker of determination in the eyes of Barty, Elias, and Severus alike.
Though the task before them seemed insurmountable, they refused to falter, united in their resolve to see Charlotte through this ordeal, no matter the cost. As Severus completed his ministrations, the room fell into a heavy silence, punctuated only by the sound of Charlotte's labored breathing and the lingering echoes of her earlier screams.
With a sigh, Severus straightened, his gaze shifting to meet the worried expressions of Barty and Elias.
"It is done," he murmured, his voice tinged with a note of resignation. "But I must warn you, there will be scarring. Even with the Dittany, the wounds are deep, and they will leave their mark."
Barty and Elias exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking at the grim prognosis. The thought of Charlotte bearing permanent reminders of this night filled them with a profound sense of sorrow and regret.
Severus continued, his tone somber yet matter-of-fact. "However, given that Greyback only scratched her and did not bite, I do not anticipate that she will exhibit any, ah,... wolfish characteristics going forward."
Relief washed over Barty and Elias at Severus's reassurance, a small glimmer of hope amid the darkness that surrounded them. Though the scars would serve as a constant reminder of the horrors they had endured, they found solace in the knowledge that Charlotte would not be condemned to a fate worse than death.
Elias swallowed hard, his emotions swirling within him as he struggled to find the right words.
"We owe you more than we can ever repay, Severus," he managed, his voice thick with emotion.
Barty nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting the gratitude he felt. "You've saved her life," he added, his voice trembling slightly. "We'll never forget what you've done for us."
Severus inclined his head in acknowledgment, though his expression remained stoic.
Severus nodded solemnly, his gaze shifting between Elias and Barty, understanding the weight of their gratitude and concern. Severus's demeanor shifted slightly as he glanced at Barty, his eyes narrowing with a hint of irritation.
"And let us not forget, Barty," he interjected sharply, "that you still owe me a year's worth of supplies for seeding Polyjuice Potion from my stores."
Barty's heart sank as he realized his oversight.
"Of course, Severus," he replied, his tone apologetic. "I didn't mean to overlook that. I'll make sure to replenish your supplies as soon as possible."
Elias shot Barty a concerned look, sensing the tension in Severus's words. "We'll take care of it," he assured Severus, his voice filled with sincerity. "You have my word, Severus."
Severus regarded them both for a moment, his expression softening slightly as he recognized their earnestness. "See that you do," he said finally, his tone more subdued. "I trust you to fulfill your obligations."
With that, Severus turned and began to gather his supplies, his mind already moving on to the next task at hand. With a nod of gratitude, Barty and Elias turned their attention back to Charlotte, their resolve renewed as they prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead.
Severus nodded once, a silent acknowledgment of the trust placed in him, before turning to leave the room. As he departed, his footsteps echoing softly in the empty corridor, Barty and Elias exchanged a weary glance, their thoughts weighed down by the events of the night.
Before they could dwell on their troubles for long, however, a soft voice broke through the silence.
"You two go now," Winky urged gently, her small frame bustling into the room. "Miss Charlotte needs her rest, and Winky will watch over her."
Barty and Elias exchanged a nod of gratitude, understanding the gravity of the task entrusted to the devoted house-elf. With a final glance at Charlotte's still form, they reluctantly made their way out of the room, the weight of exhaustion settling heavily upon their shoulders.
As they descended the stairs, the sounds of the bustling household enveloped them once more, a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere they had left behind.
But even amid the chaos of daily life, the memory of Charlotte's anguish lingered, a haunting reminder of the fragility of their world.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Elias turned to Barty with a determined expression.
"We need to talk," he stated firmly, his voice tinged with urgency.
Barty nodded in agreement, recognizing the gravity of the situation.
Without a word, Elias led the way to the spacious living room, the crackling fire casting a warm glow over the elegant furnishings.
Motioning for Barty to take a seat in one of the plush armchairs by the hearth, Elias settled himself opposite, his eyes fixed intently on his companion. There was a palpable tension in the air as they both braced themselves for the conversation that lay ahead.
"What reason could you have possibly had for leaving Charlotte alone with just your house-elf for company?" Elias demanded, his sharp tone cutting through the tension-filled air, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the younger wizard's expression.
Barty hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment before meeting Elias's unwavering stare.
"Things are changing between your daughter and I, Elias, I…I kissed Charlotte last night," he admitted, his voice betraying a mixture of guilt and conflicted emotions. "And…it's complicated. I didn't plan for it to happen, but…I can't deny that there's…something between us, that there are emotions involved, feelings I never anticipated, Elias."
Elias's expression softened slightly, though concern still lingered in his eyes. The crackling of the fire seemed to underscore the weight of their conversation, as both men grappled with the implications of Barty's confession. It was clear that this conversation was far from over.
Elias's features hardened, a steely resolve settling over him as he leaned forward slightly.
"Barty, let's be blunt with each other, we owe one another that much," he began, his voice taking on a firmer tone. "Is my Charlie someone you could genuinely love?"
Barty hesitated, the weight of Elias's question hanging heavy in the air. He glanced into the flickering flames of the fire, searching for the right words.
"I... I don't know," he admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I care about her deeply, Elias. But I don't know that she could ever love a bastard like me."
Elias nodded, acknowledging the uncertainty in Barty's response.
"Fair enough," he conceded, though his expression remained guarded.
Elias's expression softened, a hint of vulnerability creeping into his features as he leaned forward. "Barty, understand this," he began, his voice gentle yet firm. "All I've ever wanted is for my daughter to be happy."
Barty met Elias's gaze, sensing the sincerity behind his words. "I know," he replied quietly, a flicker of empathy in his eyes. "And I would never want to cause her any pain."
Elias nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "I believe you, Barty," he said softly. "Just remember, whatever happens, Charlotte's happiness must always come first."
Barty nodded in agreement, a sense of determination in his expression.
"I'll do whatever it takes to ensure that," he vowed, his resolve unwavering.
As they sat in the warm embrace of the living room, bathed in the comforting glow of the fire, both men knew that they shared a common goal: to see Charlotte find the happiness she deserved. And together, they would do everything in their power to make it happen.
Barty's voice grew low and tense as he asserted, "Greyback can't be allowed to live after what he did to Charlotte."
Elias nodded in solemn agreement. "I agree with you," he replied, his tone equally resolute. "He must answer for his actions. We'll burn the bastard for daring to sink his claws into my girl."
Barty's jaw clenched as he formulated a plan. "I'll go after him at the first chance I get," he declared, his eyes burning with determination.
Elias raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "And what about Charlotte?" he asked pointedly. "How do you think she'll feel about you seeking revenge?"
Barty hesitated, his resolve faltering for a moment. "She... she'll understand," he replied finally, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Given what happened to her..."
Elias regarded him silently, a hint of concern in his eyes. He knew that Barty's desire for justice was driven by a deep-seated need to protect Charlotte. But he also understood the delicate balance they needed to maintain to keep her safe.
"Take some time to think about it," Elias advised, his tone gentle yet firm. "We'll find a way to deal with Greyback, but we must consider Charlotte's well-being above all else."
Barty's frustration boiled beneath the surface, his jaw clenched tight as he struggled to contain his anger.
"I can't just sit back and do nothing," Barty snarled through gritted teeth, the edge in his voice betraying his simmering rage. "Greyback needs to pay for what he did to her."
Elias placed a calming hand on Barty's shoulder, his touch a gentle reminder to temper his emotions.
"I understand your anger, Barty," he said evenly, his tone soothing yet firm. "But rushing into vengeance without considering the consequences won't serve anyone, especially Charlotte."
Barty shook his head, his gaze dark and intense. "I know," he muttered, his frustration palpable. "But I can't shake this feeling that I need to do something, anything, to make sure she's safe."
Elias sighed, his expression reflecting a mixture of empathy and concern. "We will find a way to deal with Greyback, I promise you that," he reassured Barty. "But for now, we must focus on supporting Charlotte and ensuring her well-being."
Reluctantly, Barty nodded, though the fire of determination still burned brightly in his eyes.
"Fine," he conceded, his voice tight with pent-up frustration. "But I won't rest until that monster is brought to justice."
Elias gave Barty's shoulder a reassuring squeeze before releasing him. "We'll handle this together," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "But remember, Charlotte needs us now more than ever."
Before Barty could respond, the conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Winky, the house-elf. She wrung her hands nervously, her large eyes wide with concern as she addressed Elias.
"Master Barty, sir," Winky squeaked, her voice trembling. "Miss Charlotte is awake, and she is asking to speak with you."
Barty's furious expression softened with relief at the news, and he nodded. "Thank you, Winky," he said with an unexpected note of kindness in his voice. "I need to see her."
As Barty rose from his seat, Elias followed suit, a mixture of apprehension and hope flickering in his eyes. With a silent exchange between them, Barty watched as Elias respectfully stepped back and allowed Barty to go first. Taking a deep breath, Barty ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing with conflicting emotions. Then, with determined steps, he walked down the hallway, his heart pounding in anticipation as he approached Charlotte's room.
Quietly, he slipped inside, closing the door behind him with a soft click.
He did not let himself look back.