THE SHADOW PATH ⎯ james potter

[040]

chapter forty:

winning a battle, losing the war

When Ellie woke up, the world around her was soft and hazy, the familiar scent of the infirmary drifting into her senses. She blinked a few times, trying to focus on her surroundings. 

As her vision cleared, she noticed the figures in the beds next to her: James was resting in one, his face pale but peaceful, and in the other bed, Regulus lay quietly, his brow furrowed even in sleep.

Ellie's heart ached with relief and concern, her thoughts swirling as she tried to piece together the fragments of what had happened. The last thing she remembered was the overwhelming power coursing through her as she fought Professor Slythe. Everything after that was a blur.

Her attention shifted when she heard soft voices nearby. Glancing toward the end of her bed, she saw Professor Dumbledore speaking in hushed tones with Madam Pomfrey. The headmaster's expression was grave, but there was a gentle kindness in his eyes. When he noticed Ellie was awake, he offered her a warm, reassuring smile and approached her bed.

"Miss Ellie," Dumbledore began, his voice as calm as a still pond, "it's good to see you awake. You've been through quite an ordeal."

Ellie tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, reminding her of just how weak she still was. "What... what happened?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Dumbledore's eyes softened as he took a seat beside her bed. "You, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Black were found in Professor Slythe's office, unconscious. Fortunately, young Mr. Crouch discovered you all and alerted the staff. Thanks to him, you were brought here swiftly."

Ellie's gaze shifted to the side, where Barty Crouch Jr. lingered near the door, his usual air of arrogance slightly subdued. He gave a faint smile when their eyes met, and Ellie managed a small, grateful nod in return.

"What happened to Professor Slythe?" Ellie asked, her voice trembling with the weight of everything she had learned.

Dumbledore's expression grew somber. "Professor Slythe has been apprehended and will be sent to Azkaban. Her actions were... unforgivable, and the consequences will be severe. The Ministry is already involved, and I assure you that she will not harm anyone else."

A shiver ran down Ellie's spine as the reality of the situation sank in. Professor Slythe, the woman she had trusted and admired, was now a prisoner of Azkaban. It was difficult to reconcile the kind, supportive teacher with the dark, twisted individual who had plotted such terrible things.

As if sensing her thoughts, Dumbledore placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You showed great courage, Ellie. Not only in standing up to Professor Slythe but in protecting your friends as well. I am very proud of you."

Ellie nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She didn't feel courageous; she felt exhausted, drained by the weight of everything that had happened. But Dumbledore's words gave her a small measure of comfort, a reminder that she wasn't alone in this.

After a few more words of reassurance, Dumbledore rose to leave, giving Ellie one last encouraging smile. "Rest now, Miss Ellie. You've earned it."

As Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey moved away, Barty gave Ellie another brief, almost shy nod before he slipped out of the room. Ellie watched him go, her thoughts spinning with everything she had learned. But there was a strange sense of peace as well, knowing that the immediate danger had passed.