Chapter 27
AN: I am so sorry that it's been so long since the last update, especially considering how the last chapter ended. From tomorrow I will be working only evening and night shifts for the next month so I hope that will mean I will have more time to write.
"What can I do?" Minerva asks Poppy once Aberforth has carried Mie out of the room not asking how Albus is again as after the way Poppy has been reacting, she is sure that she doesn't want the answer.
"I need potions, I need Slughorn," Poppy says as from what she can tell not only was Mie right about an artery being served by several organs were also affected by the serving charm.
"Okay," Minerva says, before hurrying away, feeling glad that she has something to focus on.
"What can I do?" Lally taking a step forward, and both Poppy and the Head Healer know that Lally has experience with healing charms, which is exactly what they need right now.
"Control the bleeding while we try to repair the damage, if you can cycle the blood back into his system," Poppy instructs, knowing that it is the best chance Albus has.
"Okay," Lally says and she does what Poppy requested, knowing just how bad Albus is for that to be what she needs to do, which means she knows exactly what is a real possibility.
While Poppy, Lally and the head Healer at Saint Mungos are all working on her father, and Minerva has gone in search of Slughorn for potions, Mie is sitting on the couch in Poppy's office, with Lily and Amelia sitting either side of her, and the rest of her friends watching her in concern. As she sits between her friends Mie doesn't even notice them as all she is doing, all she has been doing, is staring at her hands which are covered in her father's blood and still holding his wand.
As Mie is so far from okay, and wanting to do something to help because she is feeling pretty useless, Amelia summons a bowl and some walm water as while there might not be a lot, she can do she can clean Albus's blood of Mie's hands.
"Mie, I'm going to clean your hands if that's okay," Amelia tells her friend, knowing that Mie doesn't react well to unexpected touching under the best circumstances and this is far from the best time, and Mie just nods so Amelia starts to clean her friends hands. "Mie, none of this is your fault," Amelia assures her friend as she gently cleans her hands, though she knows Mie well enough to know that it probably won't be much use.
"He took the curse meant for me, this is happening because of me," Mie says, guilt in her voice, knowing that, without a doubt Albus wouldn't be fighting for his life if it wasn't for her.
"And if I know one thing about your dad it's that he would much rather he be hurt than you," Remus says, walking over to Mie and squatting down in front of Mie, putting his hands on her legs, offering her support, and causing those who didn't read the books to feel confused at it seems that Remus is a lot closer to Albus than they thought, but those who have read the books are pretty sure that Remus has the best chance to get Mie to realise that it's not her fault because of the relationship she has with his future self.
"Remus is right," Alice tells her. "Think about your dad, Mie," Alice tells her friend. "He knew what he was doing, and we both know that he would much rather he be hurt than you," Alice says and even though Mie knows Remus and Alice are right that doesn't prevent the incredible guilt Mie is feeling.
In a place that only exists for them, Albus and Gellert are sitting across from one another, their eyes locked and even if this place didn't exist only for them, they would be the only ones in the word for each other. After a few moments Gellert's joy at seeing Albus is replaced by the horror of the realisation of what it means that he is sitting before him as Gellert knows, without a single ounce of doubt, that if it was his daughter dying Albus would not be sitting before him.
"What happened?" Gellert asks, the place they created being so sacred to both that they cannot see anything wrong with the other. While they both look how they old they are they look completely healthy even though neither are.
"What do you know?" Albus asks, purposely answering a question with a question.
"Just what I felt," Gellert answers. "I felt fury, fear, and incredibly strong dire to protect, followed by pain and incredible terror," Gellert informs Albus, being able to picture exactly what each emotion felt like.
"Voldemort's followers attacked Godric's Hollow," Albus reveals.
"Is Aunt Ba….." Gellert starts to ask concerned.
"As far as I know she wasn't involved," Albus reveals, knowing exactly what Gellert is about to ask, and Gellert looks glad. "Death Eaters also attacked Hogsmeade," Albus explains. "The Ministry was warned about both attacks, but as the Godric's Hollow attack was focused on Muggles, they didn't send Aurors," Albus explains.
"So, you and your friends went to Godric's Hollow to fight back, to protect," Gellert realises and Albus nods.
"My daughter and her friends, my students, also joined us," Albus explains, still not sure how he feels about that. "In my daughters timeline it was a massacre, she wanted to do whatever she could to stop that from occurring," Albus explains.
"Of course, sounds familiar," Gellert says, and he and Albus exchange looks, both thinking the same thing "Albus what happened?" Gellert asks his love, dreading the answer, but feeling uncertain about how much time they have together before they are forced to say goodbye.
"My daughter was duelling with a Death Eater, he was torturing someone, which hits to close to home for my daughter, so she was determined to defeat him," Albus explains, and Gellert doesn't need Albus to fill in the gaps to know that means Albus's daughter was tortured at some point, but he doesn't say so as he isn't sure he wants Albus to confirm that. "She was so focused on her duel, which she won, that she didn't realise that a Death Eater, and I suspect I know exactly which Death Eater, send a severing jinx at her," Albus explains, and Gellert tenses at that as he knows how bad that jinx can be when it hits a person, especially if there is a lot of force behind it, which he suspects there would be in this is situation if Albus believes he knows the Death Eater who cast it. "I knew she wouldn't have a chance to defend against it so I apparated and took…." Albus starts to explain.
"The curse meant for your daughter," Gellert says, that making perfect sense to him.
"I would do it again," Albus says, knowing he would do that without hesitation.
"I know," Gellert responds, not at all surprised by Albus's words. "You're always willing to risk everything for someone you love," Gellert says, knowing that from his own experience. "No matter what they may have done," Gellert adds, clearly speaking about himself and not Mie.
"Annemie will be blaming herself, feeling so much guilt," Albus says and Gellert can't help but smile as that's the first time Albus has told him his daughter's name, which feels like a step forward.
"Annemie, I like it," Gellert says, needing to acknowledge that as it means so much to him that Albus has trusted him with his daughter's name, as that is something truly significant.
"Annemie Ariana Kendra Harriett Dumbledore," Albus reveals, locking eyes with Gellert, who smiles, understanding the significance and assuming Harriett is a name that means something to Mie from the timeline she is from as he knows the name doesn't mean anything to Albus. "I will never regret protecting Annemie, I would always choose to do so, but she will not be seeing it like that. She will be blaming herself," Albus reveals, knowing that.
"Sounds to me like you have to go convince your Annemie that nothing that happened is her fault," Gellert tells Albus.
"I know," Albus admits as he intends to do that. "But what if I am not ready to leave you quite yet?" Albus asks Gellert reaching out and taking his hand, something he is able to do despite the fact that neither of them are actually there.
As she waits with her uncle and friends for updates about her father for Mie every second feels like it lasts a lifetime. While she waits Mie is grateful that no one is trying to make small talk, needing to see if she can get any clue about what is going on Mie looks out to the main area of the Hospital wing and as soon as she looks out Mie feels anger rise up inside of her, and before anyone can stop her Mie goes running out into the main area of the hospital wing where Harold Minchum is now with Minerva, Lally, Poppy, Slughorn, and the Head Healer.
"YOU! This is your fault!" Mie yells angrily as she walks towards the Minster, not even caring about who she is speaking to. "He warned you! He told you this would happen, and you didn't listen!" Mie says, sounding furious.
"Mie," Mary says in a worrying tone of voice, as all the seventh years and Aberforth walk out of the other you.
"You should remember who you're speaking to young lady," Minchum tells Mie, as both Slughorn and Minerva turn to watch what happened while Poppy, Lally and the head healer continue what they are doing as they know that ever single second counts.
"I don't care," Mie says, and those who read the book with Mie are shocked as they are pretty sure out of everything they have read, and all they have seen from Mie, they have never seen her like this, never seen her lose control, which they suspects is a testament to what Albus means to her. "You were warned, Dad told you that this was going to happen. Everyone who was hurt, everyone who was tortured, everyone who was killed, is on you, it's your fault," Mie tells the minster. "Including Dad," Mie tells him.
"You are not your father, you have no right to speak to me like that," Minchum says, taking a step towards Mie, causing Minerva and Aberforth to exchange looks, both being prepared to step in if needed. "And you need to watch yourself Little Girl, the way I understand it the curse your father was hit with was aiming for you, so who's fault is it really?" Minchum asks.
"Minster!" Minerva says, her tone say that he is so clearly out of line, and Mie, being driven by both anger and guilt, pulls her wand and points it at Minchum.
"MIE DON'T!" A voice says, but Mie doesn't know who it is that spoke, all her attention is on Minchum as she points her wand at his face, while holding the Elder Wand in her other hand.
After his conversation with Peter Voldemort has returned to where he is currently staying and is being briefed by Bellatrix about what happened in Godric's Hollow, having just finished listening to Lucius explain what happened in Hogsmeade.
"Am I to understand that you once again failed to kill Annemie Dumbledore?" Voldemort asks, Bellatrix, looking less than impressed, and Lucius is very glad he is not looking at him.
"Yes, My Lord," Bellatrix tells him.
"I am displeased Bellatrix," Voldemort tells her.
"I wasn't completely unsuccessful My Lord," Bellatrix tells Voldemort, and he gives her an interested look. "Dumbledore, he took the curse I intended for his daughter," Bellatrix informs Voldemort who looks thrilled at that.
"Are you telling me that Albus Dumbledore is dead?" Voldemort asks, needing to be sure, a level of joy to his voice.
"The curse hit him, he was hurt, but I am not sure if he died," Bellatrix admits, Voldemort frowns, and Lucius wonders if he can sneak out of the room.
"What do you mean you didn't know?" Voldemort asks, needing to know.
"They both disappeared, Dumbledore did not look well, my lord," Bellatrix informs him.
Feeling frustrated Voldemort pulls his wand and uses the cruciatus curse on Bellatrix, taking the frustration he is feeling out on her. As he tortures Bellatrix Voldemort realises that he may have to take advantage of the opportunity that was presented to him earlier, though he doesn't plan to tell anyone about the opportunity, as what has occurred has proved one thing and that is that Annemie Dumbledore is Albus Dumbledore's biggest weakness as, just like he has always believed, love makes you weak.
For a few moments, blood pounding in her ears, Mie points her wand at the face of the Minster for Magic. For the first time Mie is not thinking about the consequences as she needs to lash out as Minchum's words hit too close to home, they are exactly what she is feeling; that this is all her fault.
"Mie, don't do it," Frank tells her, even though he isn't completely sure that he will be able to get through to her.
"Are you really going to curse the Minster of Magic?" Minchum asks, not realising that Mie should not be tested, and Aberforth, who honestly wants to see the minster be cursed, decides that it would be better not to say anything.
Just like those who read the books with Mie Minerva knows that if pushed enough Mie will likely attack the minster and so she walks over from where she is helping Poppy, Lally, Slughorn, and the Head Healer, who are desperately trying to help Albus, and over to Mie.
"Mie," Minerva says, standing between Mie and the minster. "You don't want to do this," Minerva says, knowing what Mie is capable of and so how dangerous it is to stand between Mie and someone she is pointing her wand at. "What happened wasn't your fault, but what you choose to do now is your responsibility," Minerva tells Mie. "Think about your father, think about what he would want you to do," Minerva says, hoping that would be enough to get through to Mie, and Mie knows exactly what her father would tell her to do, and so she lowers her wand.
"I'm sorry," Mie mutters, her voice barley above a whisper as she is feeling like everything is falling apart, nothing makes sense.
"Good choice," Minerva says approvingly, and she turns to the Minster. "Minster while Professor Dumbledore is hurt, I am acting head of Hogwarts and as Acting Head I cannot allow anyone who causes distress to my students to stay," Minerva says, sounding protective. "Mr Black, Mr Potter, would you kindly show the Minster the way to the gates," Minerva requests, an edge to her voice, knowing that James and Sirius will make sure the minster leaves the grounds and will not be pleasant about it.
"Gladly," James says as he and Sirius walk over to the minster.
"If you'd follow us Minster," Sirius says, annoyance in his voice.
Looking around the room the minster sees Mie, who is clearly looking like he would very much like to curse him, Aberforth who he knows would, and a lot of students who are looking protective, and given the circumstances the Minster knows what he has to do.
"This is not the end," The minster tells Minerva before storming out of the hospital wing.
"Make sure he leaves, boys," Minerva tells James and Sirius.
"Of course," Sirius says as he and James exchange grins, and the tow of them head out of the hospital wing.
"Minerva, we need another set of hands over here," Poppy says as Minerva hurries back over to where Albus is being worked on, and Amelia walks over to her friend and puts her arm around her shoulder.
"I've got you, we're all here," Amelia promises her friend, being able to tell that Mie is falling apart and because she knows her friend Amelia knows that the only way Mie will be okay again is if Albus is.
Hearing Albus's words, words that he stopped believing he would hear long ago, Gellert cannot help but smile.
"Oh Mein Schatz the only way this would be goodbye is if you die," Gellert tells Albus.
"That's not strictly true, after all to a well-organized mind…." Albus starts to say.
"Death is only the next great adventure," Gellert finishes, rolling his eyes. "Well, it's not time for you to take that adventure," Gellert tells him. "Albus, who do you love most in this world, Liebling?" Gellert asks, knowing the answer because of everything Albus has said and done since they have been talking again.
"Annemie," Albus answers, without needing to think about it.
"Annemie," Gellert says with a nod, as that is exactly what he was expecting. "From what you have told me you have given her love and support she has never had before; do you really want her to lose that now?" Gellert asks, being uncharacteristically selfless as he knows that it's what Albus needs right now. "She needs you more than I do Liebling," Gellert tells Albus.
"I love you," Albus says, seeing that the Gellert who is sitting before him is so much more like the boy he fell in love with rather than the man he fought a war against.
"And I love you," Gellert responds. "Albus this is our place, we can always come back, but only if you survive," Gellert tells him, understanding enough about magic to know that Albus needs to decide to fight, otherwise nothing the healers he is sure are working on Albus do will work "I know you're tired, and I'm huge reason why that is, but this isn't your end," Gellert responds. "You've got too much work to do, people who need you," Gellert explains.
"Does that include you?" Albus asks.
"Always Mein Schatz," Gellert responds, with the most charming smile he can manage, and though he has always known Gellert's words confirm what Albus knows he has to do.
"I will visit you when I can," Albus promises Gellert.
"I'd like that," Gellert tells him. "But if you aren't well enough we can always meet here," Gellert says and after a nod, and squeezing Gellert's hand, Albus disappears from where she is sitting, and while Gellert feels sad about saying goodbye to Albus he also feels indescribable relief as he knows that this isn't goodbye forever.
In the Physical word, hours after she pulled her wand on the Minster of Magic, Mie has finally been allowed to sit with her father as Madam Pomfrey, Lally and the Head Healer, with help from Slughorn and Minerva, have done everything they can for the moment. While her friends, and uncle are all doing what they can to offer support Mie feels like she is completely alone, and all she wants is for her dad to be okay.
"Wake up Dad, please, just open your eyes," Mie begs, ignoring the look her uncle is giving her as she doesn't care, she just wants her Dad to be okay.