From Ashes to Oak

The Healing Forest

The first rays of dawn filtered through the gaps in the makeshift roof, rousing Harry from a restless sleep. The weight of his situation pressed down on him, but a newfound determination thrummed through his veins. He had a home, however rudimentary, and Luna's comforting presence offered solace. Most importantly, he had the triplets – three tiny lives depending on him.

His first priority was food. Hunger gnawed at his stomach, and the thought of nourishing the triplets made it even more urgent. Remembering the stream he'd discovered the previous day, he set off with Luna by his side. The forest seemed less daunting this time, the rustling leaves and chirping birds now a familiar melody.

As he reached the stream, a new sound caught his attention – a mournful cry echoing through the trees. Curiosity piqued, he followed the sound, Luna close behind. The cries led him to a clearing bathed in dappled sunlight, where a sight both magnificent and heartbreaking unfolded.

A majestic thestral, its sleek black coat gleaming in the morning light, stood over a fallen foal. The foal, its coat dull and lifeless, lay unmoving on the ground. Grief hung heavy in the air, a palpable sorrow that resonated with Harry's own recent loss.

He approached cautiously, the thestral raising its head with a whinny that resonated with pain. Harry felt a pang of empathy. He knew the loneliness, the searing ache of loss. He knelt beside the foal, his magical senses tingling. There was a faint flicker of life within, but it was fading fast.

Without a conscious thought, Harry extended his hand towards the foal. Memories flooded his mind – Madam Pomfrey's lessons on healing magic, Sirius's gentle instructions on caring for magical creatures. A warm green light emanated from his palm, bathing the foal in its glow.

The thestral watched with wide, intelligent eyes as Harry poured his magic into the creature. It was slow, painstaking work, but slowly, a faint gasp escaped the foal's lips. The flicker of life strengthened, and the foal's eyelids fluttered open. It looked at Harry with a gaze filled with gratitude.

The thestral nudged Harry with its head, a silent thank you. Then, with a gentle whicker, it nuzzled its foal, nudging it to stand. The little foal, wobbly but alive, took its first tentative steps.

Exhausted but exhilarated, Harry rose. He had not only helped the thestral but also discovered a hidden wellspring of healing magic within himself. Perhaps, this magic could not only protect him but also help him nurture the triplets growing within.

As he turned to leave, the thestral nudged him again, offering a pouch made of woven leaves. Inside, nestled amongst soft moss, lay three shiny, iridescent objects. Curiosity overwhelmed his exhaustion. They felt warm in his hand, pulsating with a faint magical energy.

Suddenly, Luna nuzzled him, nudging him gently towards a specific section of the forest. With a sense of premonition, Harry followed, the thestral pouch clutched tightly in his hand. He soon found himself standing before a secluded grove unlike anything he'd seen before.

The trees here shimmered with a faint silver glow, their leaves shimmering like moonlight. Strange, vibrantly colored flowers bloomed throughout the grove, emanating a sweet, calming aroma. And in the center, nestled amongst the flowers, stood a crystal-clear pool of water that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light.

An overwhelming sense of peace washed over Harry. He intuitively understood that this was a place of healing, a magical haven for creatures of the forest. This was where the triplets would thrive.

Inspired, he set to work. Using the knowledge gleaned from Fred's tinkering and his newfound magical abilities, he began to build a sturdy structure around the pool. This wouldn't be a simple cabin; it would be a haven, a space filled with love and magic to nurture the triplets as they grew.

Days turned into weeks as Harry worked tirelessly. Luna remained by his side, offering silent companionship and support. The thestral family would often visit, the mother nuzzling Harry and the foal playing playfully with Luna.

One evening, as Harry sat by the pool, the pouch from the thestral slipped from his pocket. The three iridescent objects tumbled out, rolling around on the grass. Curiosity piqued, he picked one up. It felt warm in his hand, pulsing with a faint light.

As he held it closer, a vision flooded his mind. He saw himself, cradling three healthy babies – a boy with fiery red hair, a girl with his emerald eyes, and another baby with a head full of wild, black curls. A wave of love washed over him, so intense it took his breath away. He knew, with a certainty that defied logic, that these were his children