The Rise of the God-Emperor

CH 25: A Place of Healing

The sun had just crested the horizon when Harry left the castle, the morning mist curling up around his feet as he made his way down the stone path toward the mansion that had mysteriously appeared overnight. The structure stood tall and imposing, its windows gleaming softly in the early light. It was strange to think that only a day ago, this building hadn't existed, yet now it stood as a sanctuary for those who had been rescued from the horrors of the Muggle laboratory.

As Harry approached the mansion, he heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Astoria Greengrass walking toward him, accompanied by two Hufflepuffs—Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott—and a Ravenclaw, Terry Boot. Astoria's presence was a bit of a surprise, though Harry had noticed her quiet strength over the years. The others, too, were faces he recognized but hadn't worked closely with before.

"I didn't expect company," Harry said, raising an eyebrow as they caught up with him.

Astoria, as composed as ever, gave him a small smile. "We heard about what happened last night. We wanted to check in. See how the parents and the children are doing."

"And lend a hand if needed," Hannah added, holding up a small satchel that clinked with vials of potions and medical supplies. "Susan and I know a bit about healing."

Terry nodded, adjusting his glasses. "We figured there might be people who still need care after what they've been through."

Harry felt a surge of gratitude toward them. "Thanks. I'm glad you're here."

Together, they continued toward the mansion, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the soft grass. When they reached the entrance, the large oak doors opened almost automatically, as if the castle itself welcomed them inside. The interior of the mansion was warm and inviting, a sharp contrast to the sterile coldness of the Muggle lab they had infiltrated just hours before. The house-elves bustled around, cleaning and preparing food for the residents, their movements quick and efficient.

The parents and children were scattered throughout the large sitting room, their faces still pale, but the sense of fear that had gripped them the night before had begun to fade. Some of the children were curled up in armchairs, while the parents sat nearby, speaking quietly to one another.

Harry scanned the room, his heart tightening at the sight of the five children who had been experimented on. They were quiet, their eyes distant, still trying to process everything they had endured.

Astoria was the first to step forward. "How are you all feeling this morning?" she asked gently, kneeling beside one of the mothers who had been rescued.

The woman smiled weakly. "Better than last night, thanks to you. But... the children are still struggling. We could all use some medical help."

Hannah and Susan exchanged glances, immediately moving into action. "We'll take care of it," Susan said, motioning to one of the nearby house-elves. "Could you bring us the largest first aid kit you have? Something with both magical and Muggle remedies, please."

The elf nodded eagerly and disappeared with a small pop, returning moments later with a large chest filled with various potions, salves, bandages, and other medical supplies.

Harry watched as the Hufflepuffs and Terry began to work, carefully attending to each of the parents and children. Susan's hands were steady as she applied healing salves to burns and cuts, while Hannah administered calming draughts to the children who were still trembling with fear. Terry, meanwhile, helped an older man who had a deep gash on his arm, muttering soothing words as he wrapped the wound with clean bandages.

Astoria knelt beside one of the younger girls, who had been curled up in an armchair, her small face pale and tear-streaked. "Hello there," she said softly, her tone kind and patient. "Can I take a look at you? I promise, it won't hurt."

The girl nodded hesitantly, her wide eyes filled with fear. Astoria gently took her hand, examining the small burns on her skin before pulling out a vial of burn-healing paste. "This will help," she murmured, applying it carefully. The girl winced at first but then relaxed as the cooling sensation took over.

Harry stood back, watching with quiet appreciation. These were the moments that mattered most—the quiet acts of care and healing, the things that kept people whole after the world had torn them apart. He glanced at the parents, the relief on their faces evident as their children were treated.

"Thank you," one of the mothers said, her voice shaking as she looked at Harry. "You saved us... I don't know how to thank you enough."

"You don't need to thank me," Harry replied, his voice soft. "We're going to keep you safe. You don't have to worry anymore."

Astoria stood up from where she had been treating the young girl, wiping her hands on a cloth. "It's not just about physical healing, though," she said quietly to Harry. "They've been through something terrible. It's going to take time before they're truly alright."

Harry nodded, his jaw tightening. "I know. And we'll give them that time."

After everyone had been treated, the house-elves brought out plates of food, filling the large dining table in the mansion's hall with a feast. The parents and children gathered around, grateful for the simple comfort of a meal. Harry sat at the head of the table, quietly watching as the rescued families began to eat, their faces slowly regaining some color.

"Here," Terry said, sliding into a chair beside Harry, a glass of pumpkin juice in hand. "You did good, you know. Getting them out. It's no small thing."

Harry nodded, though the weight of the mission still pressed heavily on his mind. "We can't stop here. There's going to be more. More parents, more children... the Muggles aren't going to stop. We need to be ready for what's coming."

Astoria, seated across from him, gave him a thoughtful look. "You're right. But it's clear now that not everyone sees it the way you do." She hesitated before adding, "Ron and Hermione... they're not on board, are they?"

Harry sighed, his eyes darkening. "No, they're not. They still think we should wait for the Ministry to do something. They don't understand how bad it's going to get."

Susan, overhearing, frowned slightly. "I saw how Hermione reacted in the Great Hall earlier. She doesn't get it, does she? She's still trying to play by the old rules."

"She is," Harry admitted, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "But we don't have time for rules anymore. Not when people's lives are at stake."

Astoria leaned forward, her gaze steady. "You're doing what's necessary, Harry. Sometimes leadership means making the hard choices, even when your friends don't agree."

Hannah, sitting nearby, nodded. "Ron and Hermione will have to come around eventually. But you can't wait for them."

Harry appreciated their support, but it didn't lessen the sting of Ron and Hermione's continued disapproval. He missed the simplicity of their friendship, the days when things were clear-cut, when it was just the three of them fighting for the same cause. But things were different now—he was different now.

"They'll either see it," Harry said quietly, "or they'll get left behind."

After lunch, Harry took one last walk through the mansion, checking in on the families before returning to the castle. The house-elves had prepared rooms for everyone, and the parents and children had already begun settling into their new quarters. The mansion itself was a blend of magical and Muggle comforts, its design meant to ease the transition for those who had been living outside the magical world.

As Harry walked back toward Hogwarts, Astoria, Susan, Hannah, and Terry walked beside him, the mansion now a comforting presence behind them.

"Thank you for coming with me," Harry said, glancing at his companions. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"It's not just you anymore, Harry," Astoria said with a faint smile. "You've got people willing to follow you. Don't forget that."

Harry nodded, grateful for her words. As they crossed the threshold back into the castle, he couldn't shake the feeling that the real battles were only just beginning. But now, at least, he knew he wasn't alone.

And if Ron and Hermione couldn't see what was coming, he'd have to move forward without them.