The Shadows Solace Book I: The Growing Years Prequel

Chapter X Part II: The Power of the Soul-Bound Continued

Petunia and her guests walked silently to the upper floors and entered the study; a room that had last been utilized by James, but only infrequently. His home, they had come to learn, had in-fact been at the Hollow. The house had been left to him since his parents had already been murdered by Tom at that point, and he had no desire to remain in the Potter Mansion where so many of his memories of them were still lingering.

Petunia surmised that had they lived; James and Lily would have eventually brought Harry to the mansion. At least for some time; to learn of his magical heritage and more under their guidance or to host their more elaborate gatherings there.

But his home study/office was at the Hollow, so he only came here if he had needed reference materials that were not available to him at home. Especially if the materials he needed were older and rare; things he wouldn't simply be able to go and buy from the alleyway or things that were unable to be magically copied.

They all sat before the large fire that ignited on their entry and were quiet as Dot once more brought a new set of tea with small snacks. Everyone feeling like they knew that this night would a long one.

The Healer then cleared his throat nervously, "Pardon my lack of etiquette. I just realized I hadn't introduced myself, but given the circumstances...Anyhow, I am Head Healer Victor Lange; I head the unit that is reserved for the treatment, care, and overseeing of all the infants, toddlers and young children to the hospital."

"Whether in-patient or recently discharged out-patient, and I am also a close friend of Adrianna. She has asked of me personally to see to this case. I was more than happy to do so, and I understand that this case won't be like anything we have seen before."

His grey-green eyes saddened, "Harry's own circumstances already are so unique."

He paused to sip the tea, "Which is why I wanted to know more of the soul-bond; I believe that finding whoever it is that is tied to him...they will be able to draw him back to all of us. Hopefully, before he decides he would rather stay buried inside his own core and not come back."

Petunia breathed sharply to that and eyed Augusta and then Lucius; both of whom were wary of the healer. Healer Lange was surprised to see the cohesion this group had; it seemed as if a new small alliance had been made between them. If you had considered all of the rumors about some of the people in the group, he would never have thought it to work...until now. But whatever he thought was irrelevant; it was clear they all did not trust him yet.

Perhaps why Petunia had sent Adrianna with Lady Malfoy to watch the other children. Petunia hadn't wanted personal feelings because of their friendship to get in the way of them being able to help her nephew heal; which was a very smart thing to do. Even when both healers knew sentimentality was to be kept out of their work in such instances; it was harder to do than it appeared.

Especially when it was family members, good friends, lovers or people who you were close to that was affected.

Adrianna was also, another matter altogether, as she had served the Potter home as friends to the late Lord and Lady. She was attached to their son as like any secondary aunt would be; regardless of the general rules of distance and remaining unattached. This exception went to any healer who had served in-home to a noble house. Not that it always applied; some of the healers did not exactly bond well to the family they served.

"I will be straight right now." She spoke softly, "I have been emotionally drained from these events to my wits end. Everything I have experienced since stepping into the magical world without knowing of magic or being able to use it; it has been overwhelming and exhaustive. Adrianna has done her best to help my husband and I to acclimate quickly, but even then...sometimes all the nuances to grasp has been too much for us.