Healing

Chapter 2

Over the next few weeks people came and left from the hospital wing. Many stared in confusion at Harry's unwavering presence within the castle, even a few daring to question him on it. Question after question. Aurors had become an unyielding presence outside the doors of the hospital wing. The amount of bloodied shells of the former students had lessened over the weeks, yet some still remained staring off dazedly into the distance.

Harry was sure by now that, if prompted, he could recite every single word within the medi-witch training books that Poppy had gifted him. Shockingly, he enjoyed the packed books that contained little to no pictures to help understand. After his second read through of the books Pomfrey had taken to quizzing him on the knowledge within them. During his third reading of 'Magical Resuscitation and Reassurance' Poppy had tapped a new book on his hand. A scoff had immediately left his mouth without hesitation.

"I thought you'd be able to tell from my test results that I don't really care for potions." There was a hint of anger that he immediately felt apologetic about. "Sorry, just not really my thing." Looking up, Poppy had a scolding look on her face that he knew all too well, constantly being in her care throughout his teens gave him an extensive knowledge of that look.

"You can make up by giving it a try, it is more of salves and spells, not strictly potions. Also, not like there is anything better you could be doing." She raised an eyebrow, almost daring him to challenge her. He did not dare to. If anyone knew Harry's daily timetable, it was Poppy. She knew that there was no way Harry would be venturing off somewhere else, unless necessary.

With a begrudging sigh, he took the book from her shaky fingers. Magical Stimulus Potion he noted. Excessive use could lead to exhaustion of magical cores. Not recommended with lack of sleep or stable dieting.

"Phillips still unstable?" Leaning back, he flipped mindlessly through the pages of 'Medical Practical Potions'.

"Yes," A loud sigh left her lips as she looked over her shoulder at the boy. The silencing wards around the corner remained, but Poppy had insisted on opening the separation curtains during midday to let natural light in. "His parents are insisting upon moving him home, to make him comfortable." Her shoulders tensed and her lips pursed.

"Maybe that's for the best." This caused a sharp glare from the medi-witch. "I just mean that it's been a tough month for them and Phillips." He looked over to the adult lying in the bed in front of him. A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder, before fingers ran through his hair.

"I do not give up on my patients, Harry. Yes, magical law may force it but as long as someone wants me to keep going, I shall." A hopeful lightness swirled in his stomach.

"Dumbledore,'' There is a hanging silence between them as Poppy continues to thread her finger through his tangled hair. He takes in a deep breath "He is insisting on 'letting him go'" The hand on his shoulder tightens ever so slightly. "Says that's what Snape would want, with Aurors trying to convict him and all."

"I do not think Albus is right to consider at all that he would ever know what others would want." It is said with such a ferocity that stuns Harry momentarily, before drawing a smile onto his face.

A chuckle escapes the teens lips. "I guess you're right."

An electrical sting ran through Harry's back as he felt the pulsating of his wards. The fingers running through the strands of his hair removed themselves as he turned to look at their visitor. On the other side of the barrier stood Hermione, an inquisitive look stained on her features. Her hair was pulled back and a large book was clutched to her chest. Raising his hand, he allowed the wards to crumble down into nothingness leaving only the faint smell of burnt parchment in the air.