Chapter 420: Occlumency
Chapter 420: Occlumency
This Christmas night at Hogwarts was far from peaceful. Many students were jolted awake by explosions, disoriented and confused. Fortunately, the professors took charge, and despite some grumbling, the students obediently climbed back into bed to continue their sleep.
A few young wizards vowed to themselves, before closing their eyes, to find out the truth about the night's events first thing in the morning. The noise in the castle gradually subsided, but the Hospital Wing remained brightly lit.
"You must drink your potions and rest in bed for the night. If you are fine by morning, I will allow you to leave", Madam Pomfrey said, holding a gleaming potion in each hand, standing between two beds with a hawk-like gaze.
Harry and Ron nervously drank their potions. As the liquid slid down their throats—though the sensation was different—it still reminded Harry of the memories in his dreams. He suppressed his nausea and downed the potion in one go.
Madam Pomfrey left, satisfied.
She walked out of the ward, closed the door, and headed to the intensive care unit, where two more patients awaited her. Barty Crouch had suffered severe physical and mental trauma. She could only attempt to repair his body, while Alastor Moody's physical condition was slightly better, but the mental damage was equally significant.
As she walked, her mind was preoccupied, considering whether to learn some techniques from Felix. Over time, Felix Hep's other identity as a Memory Master had become increasingly renowned, and many speculated that he would definitely be one of the first Chocolate Frog Cards of the new century.
At the corner of the corridor, Madam Pomfrey saw Dumbledore, Felix, and Mcgonagall standing by the intensive care unit's door.
"Pomona, you're just in time", Dumbledore smiled, looking in good spirits. "Felix has just examined Barty and Alastor, addressing the most challenging issues, but they will need a considerable amount of time to recover."
Madam Pomfrey instinctively looked at Felix, seeing him as the authority.
Felix nodded slightly and explained, "Mr. Crouch has been under the influence of the Imperius Curse for a long time, as well as the Confundus Charm and the Cruciatus Curse. This has left his mind in a state of confusion, though it is not irreparable. I suggest transferring him to St. Mungo's for more systematic care in the future."
"As for Professor Moody..." He paused, uncertain. "I'm not sure how to describe his condition. His memories have been carefully modified, and he has been implanted with various suggestions, such as not checking his room, ignoring certain oddities, and always sleeping through the night when in bed. This allowed little Barty Crouch to crawl into his room through the secret passage without restraint."
"He will lose some of his memories, though I'm not sure which ones. I think he would find it deeply distasteful, given his character."
Felix looked to Dumbledore for his opinion. Dumbledore shook his head slightly, knowing his old friend's temperament. Being tampered with in his memories would drive him mad.
Madam Pomfrey understood. She hesitated for a moment and asked, "Felix, can I observe when you come to treat them these next few days?"
"Of course, Madam", Felix agreed readily.
Madam Pomfrey thanked him and then pushed open the door to the intensive care unit, walking in. The other three could see Barty Crouch and Alastor Moody lying quietly in their beds. Professor Mcgonagall's lips moved slightly.
"Minerva?" Dumbledore looked at her.
"I, I’m not doubting... but shouldn’t we take some precautions? What if they are still under the influence of the Dark Lord’s dark magic..."
"There’s no need to worry, Minerva", Felix interjected, smiling. "I have some confidence in Memory Magic, and their wands are now in the Headmaster’s hands."
Professor Mcgonagall let out a sigh of relief. They walked down the stairs together, and after a moment of silence, she couldn’t help but say, "Albus, you shouldn’t have stopped me from deducting points from Potter and Weasley, or at least giving them detention..."
Dumbledore blinked and looked at her with a warm smile.
"They were too reckless; they might have lost their lives", Professor Mcgonagall finished.
"Minerva, there’s no need to be so strict. That boy has a sense of responsibility far beyond his years", Dumbledore said softly. "In this case, it was surprising that they thought to use the Marauder's Map and the Invisibility Cloak. They had to be decisive. If they had wasted a few minutes looking for a professor, we might have seen a different outcome."
At least Moody wouldn’t have survived.
Professor Mcgonagall pursed her lips and relaxed her furrowed brow. "You’re right."
...
Felix returned to his office and stood by the window, recalling what Dumbledore had said to him in private.
"Felix, I have a favor to ask of you", Dumbledore said solemnly.
"What is it?" Felix asked, already having some idea of what was coming.
They were standing high in the castle, the cold north wind howling, making the window frames creak. Dumbledore was silent for a long time, as if making a difficult decision. Finally, he said, "Teach Harry Occlumency."
"Of course", Felix replied immediately. After a moment, he asked softly, "Anything else?"
Another silence—
"... Don’t hurt him."
...
Felix turned away from the window. It was already the middle of the night, and a faint gray-green light was beginning to appear on the horizon.
"I’m becoming too sentimental; that’s not like me."
"Chirp!"
He looked down and saw Valen, the Niffler, standing at the bedroom door, rubbing his eyes and wobbling over. Valen tried to climb up Felix’s leg but couldn’t manage it.
Felix chuckled and moved his finger, lifting Valen up to his level.
"You’re awake? Valen, that’s a surprise..."
"Chirp!"
Valen waved his little hands in the air, as if writing something. Felix focused and tried to make out the distorted letters—
"Gift?"
Valen nodded vigorously, his bright black eyes full of anticipation.
Felix asked, "You want to know how Granger felt about the gift?"
Niffler-style nod, Valen’s eyes still shining with hope.
"She was overjoyed", Felix said.
Valen was extremely satisfied. It was one of his most cherished treasures, and the thought of giving it away made his heart ache. He yawned and held out his hands for a hug.
Felix picked up Valen and placed him in the crib.
When he changed into his pajamas and got into bed, his mood had noticeably improved.
(End of Chapter)
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