The Family that Chooses You

Chapter 122: Recognition

"You look less than well, Mister Potter," Pomfrey said frankly as she looked at him.

Harry smiled weakly.  "I feel less than well.  Do you mind giving me a look over?"

"Not at all, have a seat."  Pomfrey waved her wand over him.  "Hmm.  Your temperature is a little off but within normal range.  Slightly elevated heart rate.  Muscle spasms.  No apparent illness however.  Are you in pain?"

"Sort of?  Like I get weird muscle tics and cramps all over.  Been feeling a little anxious lately, haven't been sleeping well."

"Nightmares?"

"Yeah.  Some."

"Feel like telling me about them?"

He hesitated for a moment.  "It's mostly screaming.  Mine, and I can hear Katie screaming.  I hear someone else talking, and lots of pain."

Pomfrey winced.  "Ah.  I think I know what you're experiencing.  Tell me, are you having any difficulties with knives?"

Harry sighed, catching on.  "Yeah actually.  Huh, I guess it was two years ago around this time."

She nodded sadly.  "It appears so."

"I wasn't having any nightmares last year," he said slowly.  "Then again, I was still dealing with last Halloween, wasn't I?"

"Most likely.  If I recall, you were on the way to mending at this time last year, perhaps being so focused on O.W.L.s helped as well.  Sixth year is that strange one between major tests that gives you some idle time for those who aren't actively preparing for N.E.W.T.s."

They sat in silence for a few moments.  "What do you recommend?" Harry asked.

"I could give you some Peace and Dreamless Sleep if you like," Pomfrey said.  "That'll do for the interim, but it is not something you want to do for long term."

"I rather not," he admitted.  "Doesn't feel like a fix to me."

"They aren't, a coping mechanism but not more than that.  I would be happy to speak with you about it, or would you like me to send a letter to Andromeda?  Or find a mind healer?  Healer Verity has experience as a mind healer, she would be more than happy to meet with you."

"I don't want to bother Auntie Andi about this, not right now.  I know she'd want to help but it's not like last time where I sort of...didn't function for a while.  I don't know if I'm that comfortable with talking to Healer Verity or any mind healers right now.  I always feel fine talking to you, but you're busy too."

"Never too busy for a student, especially you."  Pomfrey smirked, a strange expression that someone made when they had an idea that could work or could equally provide disastrous.  "Actually, I think I know who could help you.  You know him too, somewhat.  Would you like me to reach out to him?"

"Sure, if you think it would help," Harry said, slightly concerned at her expression and tone.

"It'll help one way or another, and he does owe you and I."

"That's not as reassuring as you think it is."

"It wasn't supposed to be."

"That's even less reassuring."

-0-

That weekend Harry followed Pomfrey through the Floo in her office.  He had shown up early at her request, wearing exercise clothes and brought his wand and holster and Medic's kit with him.  He blinked when they exited the Floo, recognizing FireFalls park.

"Harry!  What are you doing here?" Tonks asked with delight and confusion.

"I have no idea," Harry admitted, hugging her tightly.  "Madam Pomfrey told me to follow her today.  I've been having nightmares from the...Crouch thing, and she said she was going to find me some help."