When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 58

Bedside Manner

His eyelids felt heavy, and they ached uncomfortably squeezing them shut as the stark whiteness of the room invaded his vision. It was a familiar brightness, as was the smell of disinfectant mixed with potions he had experienced many times during his years at Hogwarts.

"I don't suppose there's no chance that I'm not in a hospital, is there?" Harry croaked, his throat dry and raw.

The man in the chair next to his bed all but jumped out of it in surprise or relief, perhaps both.

"My boy, you've had us so worried," Nicholas sighed, the relief in his tone unmissable.

Harry groaned as he opened his eyes once more, and though it wasn't as uncomfortable as it had been the first time, it was still unpleasant.

"The lights, Nick," he muttered.

The room darkened, and Harry was able to keep his eyes open, and his initial assessment of where he was proved to be correct.

He was in Hospital, but it wasn't Hogwarts.

"You're in Paris," Nicholas informed him, seeing the look of confusion marring his features. "They did all they could for you in the trenches, but you were moved here when the extent of your injuries became known."

Harry nodded his understanding.

"What happened?" he asked. "I remember fighting Grindelwald, but that's it."

Nicholas released a deep breath.

"You were struck by muggle artillery," he explained. "You're lucky to be alive. I'm guessing the shield you cast on impact saved you. Young Charlus got you out of there."

Harry snorted.

"Bloody saving people thing," he grumbled.

It was evidently a Potter trait.

"He's a good man, Harry. You should be proud of the family that birthed you. He even went back and retrieved this," Nicholas explained, placing the dagger he had gifted Harry on the bedside table.

"I am," Harry assured him, "but it doesn't mean I won't give him a kick up the arse for risking his life like that."

"Would you not have done the same?"

Harry conceded the point with a nod.

"So, what's the damage?"

Nicholas shook his head.

"Your left leg was in a bad way. You almost lost it because of the injuries, but the healers here have done a wonderful job putting you back together," he explained. "They had to cut away a considerable amount of flesh from your left side and regrow a significant part of your lung before they could even administer the Skelegro. They felt comfortable enough to do that three days ago, and the healers assures me you're well on the way to being back to your usual self."

"Quite bad then?"

Nicholas's nostrils flared.

"You died twice whilst they were fixing you, Harry," he sighed. "Merlin knows how you pulled through, but you're still here and will live to fight another day."