Chapter Text
Petunia’s head spun, the world around her swirling and contorting into a seemingly endless blur. It was too much! The reincarnate closed her eyes, attempting to cling to Severus. All she could do was hope the boy’s hand stayed linked with his mother’s.
SPLAT
The young girl slammed against the ground, a moan of pain escaping her. Everything hurt. Her arms and legs felt like jelly, but burned like she’d just run a two kilometers. She could hardly breathe. The landing pushed all the air out of her leaving her gasping for air. The girl’s mind twinged, the beginnings of a head ache forming behind her eyes.
-Note to self: Keep eyes closed whist aparating.-
A similar pained sound had come from Severus. Petunia cracked her eyes open tentatively, letting the warm light of the room fill her sight. Luckily she hadn’t landed completely on top of the boy. He seemed fine enough, though judging by his scowl he wasn’t very happy. The reincarnate couldn’t blame him.
As suddenly as they’d been whisked away, they had arrived… somewhere.
They were strewn across the cold slate floor like Dominoes. Under Severus were the adults, Alastor and Eileen laying side by side. The Head Auror was only just holding onto Eileen, an arm slung around her waist while his face out of the view. The Mother and Son’s hands were still linked, thank the stars! They were lucky nobody got splinched.
It was then that Petunia noticed the dark liquid creeping on the floor, out from under Alastor’s leg.
“No-No-No-No!” Panic welled up in the girl’s heart. She’d jinxed them! The girl scrambled off Severus, crawling on hands and knees towards the man. “Moody!”
She tore desperately at his pant leg, hands trembling.
“Don’t.”Alastor lightly slapped her hand away with his own, turning his head towards her. “It’s fine.”
Petunia gasped.
Dark red liquid was filling a large gaping wound that now ran diagonally across his left eye.
The girl couldn’t hold back.
Turning away from the man, she lost the remnants of her lunch. The gruesome sight was bad enough, but with the way the aparation had flipped her stomach inside out it was a bit much for the young girl.
Alastor, for all his injuries, laughed at her.
“Good thing you didn’t get a look at that leg. You might have passed out on me, ya little hitchhiker.” His hearty voice filled the room with his amusement, not a hint of pain in his voice.
Petunia wiped the sick from her mouth, looking back at the man with confusion. Had he hit his head too? Or perhaps he was just laughing from the stress?
“It’s not like I planned on following. I tried to warn you, but it was too la-”
BANG!
The girl jumped, startled by the sudden sound. She stared up, mouth hanging open. Before she could say a thing, nearly twenty people stormed into the room through two large double doors.
The girl scrambled back on her bum, bumping into the Auror's limp body. Her heart thudded in her chest, mind going blank. Alastor Moody was bleeding out. She didn’t have a magical bag full of potions, nor the expertise to use them. She had no wand, no idea where she was, and the one adult who was supposed to take charge was maimed. The realizations hit Petunia one after another.
She was helpless.
Moving on instinct, Petunia glared at the strangers swarming them. Each one had a wand out with a determined look on their face. The young teen extending her arm like a shield, blocking the people behind her. She knew it wouldn’t actually stop any of these strangers, but it was all she could do.
The people didn’t stop advancing, though several were giving her concerned looks. If anything, their movements were hurried by her actions.
Threats hung on the tip of the girl’s tongue, that is until Alastor’s calloused hand found Petunia’s arm. The girl whipped her head around, noting the man had pushed himself to sit up. The girl’s stomach clenched once more at the sight of his injury. He was now covering it with his free hand, a small amount of red liquid seeping between his fingers.
“They're fine.” The Auror said in a firm manner. “Relax, but keep you’re wits about you. Don’t get into trouble…”
The reincarnate couldn’t help the way her bottom lip stuck out, almost like a small pout.
“Trouble should be worried about finding me.” She retorted with a small huff.
Alastor held her gaze for only another second, his one good eye shone with something akin to pride at her snark. The small conversation helped Petunia mentally right herself. If Alastor wasn’t worried, then she didn’t need to be either. Cautious of the situation, but not Frantic about what might go wrong.
The blonde let out a slow breath, forcing some of the tension out of her shoulders. She let herself think, taking in the details of the crowd surrounding them. The realization washed over her, every person here was wearing lime green robes.
Healers.
They were all Healers...
“Jenkins!” The Auror projected his voice, turning to stare at one of the strangers. “Get me a pain potions, will you? And Mia,” He called out to another, a slightly older witch with silver streaked hair tied in a bun. “Look after the kids for me.”
Petunia watched as the Healers surrounded them, breaking off into teams of three or four people. Each team moved to examine a single person.
A gentle older woman placed a hand on her shoulder, a kind sympathetic smile on her face. Petunia couldn’t help but flinch from the sudden contact, eyeing the woman a moment. The witch didn’t seem to mind, simply nodding in a reassuring way. It was the woman Alastor ordered to tend to them, Healer Mia.
“Let’s go over here dear.” The woman gently helped her stand, her peers assisting in a similar way. “We’ll take good care of you.”
Petunia couldn’t help but hesitate, looking back at Alastor with concern. He was already being treated, An older man, Jenkins perhaps, berating Moody whilst pouring silver liquid onto his eye. Other’s moved to examine the man’s leg. They blocked the reincarnate’s view with their bodies, but were working diligently it seemed.
“Don’t you worry ‘bout him dear,” The healer continued guiding the young teen a little ways away. “Auror Moody is tougher than most. I’ve been tending to him since he was just a trainee. This isn’t the first time he’s been hurt, nor the last. Lives for trouble, that one…” The witch shook her head at Alastor’s silliness.
The blonde let out a small sigh, nodding to the Healer in charge of her. They pulled Petunia away just a little bit, enough room for each team to work with out bumping into one another. The girl watched as several wands waved over her. The healers muttered to themselves as they checked her over, exchanging hushed words Petunia couldn’t make out. The teen noticed the teams tending to Severus and Eileen, wands waving over both of them in quick movements.
Severus’ crew seemed to be acting more rough with him, the three men seemed frustrated with the boy for some reason.
Eileen was being levitated onto a rolling bed, her clothes already changed for a patient’s robe. The healers did similar for Alastor, though didn’t change his clothes. Probably because of his loud arguments against it. Both adults were loaded up, being wheeled quickly out the large double doors with their escorts.
“Where are they taking them?” Petunia asked her Healer, forcing herself to breathe slowly. She hated how her voice trembled. The woman nodded gently, hand still on the girl’s shoulder.
“To get treatment.” She gave a non answer. “Don’t worry, you and you’re brother will be just fine.”
Petunia’s eyes went wide.
Brother?!?!
Her heart twinged uncomfortably at the word for some reason, causing the girl’s brow to furrow. She went to correct the woman, words on the tip of her tongue.
“NO!” Severus’ desperate yell distracted her.
The boy was being held back by his healers, desperately reaching out for his mother. The main healer was glaring at the boy, muttering what looked like threats to the boy in an attempt to get him to behave.
“NO! She’s my mother!”
Petunia moved instantly, rushing towards her friend. Her gaggle of healers followed after, a bit surprised by her sudden movement. She reached the other group quickly, standing in front of them with a fierce glare.
“Let. Him. Go!” The reincarnate’s voice trembled with rage.
The other group of healers froze, all eyes turning to their leader for guidance. The strange man glared at Petunia, tipping his nose up as he eyed her muggle clothing. The sneer on the man’s lips left no doubt as to his thoughts with in.
You have got to be kidding me.
The girl’s hands trembled with rage. She took a step forward, wrenching Severus from their grasp surprising ease. She earned several surprised noises from the subordinate healers who had been restraining the boy. The rude Head Healer opened his mouth to berate her, but the reincarnate pointedly ignored him. Petunia turned her own nose up with a huff, moving to face away from the wizard.
Her own healers came up behind her. The two younger ones quickly stood in front of the children protectively, while Petunia’s elder healer started ripping into her coworker about his bedside manner. The reincarnate felt a small smile tug at the corner of her mouth as the witch defended them. Ignoring the adults, she pulled the black haired boy close, speaking to him in hushed words.
“Your mum will be okay.” Petunia stated it like a fact, pushing aside her own doubt. “But they need space to help her.”
Severus’ legs trembled under his own weight, his eyes brimming with worry.
“You-you don’t know that.” He muttered back, shoulders sagging.
Petunia shook her head, her heart going out to the boy.
“I know that Mr. Moody seems to trust some of these people.” The girl through a pointed look at the lanky man glaring at them. “Let’s let them do their job… okay?”
The boy hesitated, eyes dropping to the floor. Eventually he did nod back. Petunia watched as he reverted back to his mother’s training, a carefully crafted mask set in place to protect him in the face of these strangers. He straightened his posture, pushing his shoulders back and holding his head high.
Petunia took his hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.
“-Enough!” The Healer Mia shouted, hands on her hips as she turned away from the lanky racist man. “I will be taking both these children into my care, as you seem to be as inept as you father.”
The reincarnate’s smiled, a sense of satisfaction passed by her.
“You take that back! They’re just a couple Mud-” The man was cut off, his lips sealing shut. Panic instantly filled the man, his fingers jumping up to his now mouth-less face. Petunia noticed one of the younger healers in front of her, slip their wand discreetly back into their sleeve.
She bit her lip to hide her own smirk.
“You’d best watch your language, Healer Avery.” The elder witch glared the man down, causing him to shrink back slightly, eyes going wide. “I’ll have your license if you to spew such fowl language in this ward again. Do I make myself clear!”
The man didn’t respond in any manner, simply glaring at the witch with all his might.
“Good.” She glared at his two subordinates. “Don’t think you lot are innocent. All three of you will be facing an inquiry, I will see to it personally.”
The three looked properly concerned now, the two younger healers instantly protesting.
“Enough!” The witch declared, her magic unleashing in a small burst that push the men backwards. “I have suffered you’re insolence long enough. You both swore to practice the arts of Healing Magic with conscience and dignity, to uphold the honor of our profession for all your patients. You have failed spectacularly.”
“But… But they’re just Muggle-Borns. See their robes.” One of the young healers tried to argue.
The witch looked just as furious as Petunia felt, stepping forward threateningly. She snapped her fingers, changing the three of their robes from green to brown.
“You do not deserve you’re own robes.” The woman hissed venomously. “Now, get out of my ward.”
The three fools fell into disarray, a combination of pleading and threats spilling from their lips. Even the mouth-less one seemed to be trying to say something, to little success. The reincarnate’s heart warmed, seeing how the woman before her didn’t take insult lying down. Perhaps there was more hope for the wizarding world than she thought.
The Head Healer silenced their protests with another wave of her hand. Somehow, this turned all their rage to Petunia and Severus. The rude wizards glared fiercely, as if this whole mess some how wasn’t their own fault. This left the reincarnate with the urge to pour salt in the wound… Justice for how roughly they handled Severus...
“You’re terribly assumptive, aren’t you?” Petunia began, projecting her voice a bit. “We never said we were muggleborn, you just assumed.” She tilted her head to the side in an almost curious way. The two healers shielding her and Severus parted, stepping aside to stare at the girl. “Don’t you wear muggle garb while blending in? The statute of secrecy is rather important, not something anyone should disregard. I’ll have to speak to Alastor about this, have him inform the Ministry of your negligence. We can’t have you three parading yourself around like a glorified Pygamy Puffs in front of the Muggles, now can we?”
The adults stared at her with various surprised expressions. Though, the smirk taking to the Healer Mia’s face might have been the best. The reincarnate gave the witch a subtle nod, then glanced at the door. That seemed to spur the woman into action. Petunia was grateful the witch understood her hidden request to leave.
“Alright, that’s enough of that.” Healer Mia began with a nod. “Let’s get you two sorted, shall we? We’ll finish your examinations in another room. I’ll deal with them later.” Her last words were not a threat, but a promise. Petunia could tell that much from her fierce tone.
Moving swiftly the wise witch took the lead, her subordinates taking up the rear. The reincarnate couldn’t help but wonder if this is how it felt to be a government dignitary with an escort. Petunia let the woman lead them away, hand still laced with Severus’ as they left the three other healers behind on the floor.
Petunia reached up with her free hand, rubbing her temple in an attempt to stave off her growing head ache as they walked.
Severus and Petunia were sat down as soon as they reached their destination. Severus was being looked at by the one of the younger healers while the other looked over Petunia. The head healer was jotting down notes, her clip board floating in the air with and writing on it’s own.
Petunia ignored the otherwise plain room. It looked rather similar to any doctor’s office, except the odd assortment of potions on the shelf and the lack of plastic. Eileen’s bag and Minerva’s cloak were resting on a spare chair in the corner now. Petunia was just grateful she had been able to keep hold of them.
The reincarnate’s thoughts mingled, theories about where on earth they had ended up. This didn’t look like the St. Mungos Ward Lucy saw in the films.
Soon the two young healers finished, handing over a few more papers to their superior. The older witch’s eyes grew wide, her brow furrowing as she read on. With a single nod, she dismissed the two others and took a seat across from the children.
“Now then,” The elder woman began with a nod. “Let’s start with your names, shall we.”
Petunia and Severus shared a look, a silent conversation between them.
“You can call me Petunia, and this is Severus.” The reincarnate watched the healer carefully, confused when she saw amusement flit across the woman’s face.
“I see…” The woman hummed to herself with a small smile, jotting their names down. “Pleasure to meet you both. I’m the Head Healer of the Auror’s Juvenile Healing Ward, Euphemia Potter. Please feel free to call me what ever makes you most comfortable.”
Petunia’s mouth fell open, her eyes going wide in pure shock.
Euphemia Potter?? EUPHEMIA POTTER!!! As in the mother of James Potter!?!?!
The Lucy side of her started freaking out, spurring more pain through Petunia’s temple. The girl winced slightly as her mind reeled with thousands of questions. Of all the people to be their healer, it just happened to be the one and only Euphemia Potter?!?!
Seriously, what were the chances of that?
The witch kindly smiled, amused light dancing in her eyes. The woman knew Petunia was at least familiar with her name, nodding that she was indeed ‘that’ Euphemia Potter.
Petunia forced herself to breathe, noting how pretty the woman truly was under the white lights of the examination room. Her enchanting dark black locks were tucked neatly into a braided bun. Veins of silver danced through her hair as a testament to her age, but her eyes shone with the fires of youth. She was a vision of beauty, warm and reassuring in an almost Maternal way. The reincarnate felt herself physically relax, letting out a small sigh of relief.
If this was Euphemia Potter, then they were relatively safe.
“Where are we?” Severus’ words cut off the reincarnates thoughts.
Lady Potter looked a little confused by his question, but answered none the less.
“You are in the Auror’s Private Ward at St. Mungos Hospital. I’m surprised your Father hasn’t mentioned it, considering how often he finds himself here.”
Wait… What?
Petunia and Severus wore similar confused expressions, glancing at each other for a quick moment. The Head Healer misread their confusion, continuing to speak.
“That man, I swear.” She muttered to herself. “He hasn’t told you two anything? His own children? Not that I knew Alastor had children. One would think he might have said something.”
The reincarnate's mind went blank. She blinked several times as the witch simply continued on with her rant.
“I mean, honestly. I was just complaining last week that my James didn’t have anyone to play with. You would think that was the perfect chance to at least mention having children of his own, but no. Always with the secrets that one.” Euphemia paused her rant, only now catching the children’s confusion. “What? Oh, no. I’ve gotten distracted. My apologies.”
The witch bowed her head slightly, letting how a small sigh. Petunia glanced at Severus before speaking.
“I think it’s us who should apologize Healer Potter…” The girl’s lips turned downward. “See, I’m not related to Severus or his Mother. Auror Moody is…” She paused, “A friend of my family.”
Mrs. Potter looked more confused by Petunia’s shift in tone than her actual words, her quill scraping quickly against the floating parchment.
“Ah, I see then.” The witch turned to Severus with a small nod. “Still, it’s nice to know Alastor has at least once child. You do look just like him you know, same face shape and such. Though, I can also see your mother shining through. Those eyes are no doubt hers, just as your hair is.” The witch nodded to herself, continuing on leaving the two children to gape at her. “Oh, don’t be so surprised. It’s quite obvious if you know what to look for.”
The woman began reading her notes again, leaving Petunia and Severus to stare at each other. Petunia went over the witch’s words in her mind as she cataloged her young friends features.
It was… terrifyingly accurate. Severus nose looked just like Alastor’s, though his eyes were more angular like Eileen’s. Knowing what the future Potions Master looked like as an adult, it was easy for Petunia to see the similarities. He looked just like the young Alastor Moody she’d met today. However, if you’d only met the disfigured version of Mad-Eye from the future, you’d never see the resemblance.
Thousands of little things started stacking up in Petunia’s mind.
Tobias talking about Eileen’s ‘bastard’ child. The suspicious looks Alastor kept making at the two. The weird conversation the two adults had back in the front room where Eileen said they would speak later. All of it! It was all about Severus! Alastor suspected it too, he must have! Now that Petunia had seen the similarities, she couldn’t un-see it.
Severus… Severus wasn’t a Snape. He was a Moody…
“Now then,” Euphemia cut off Petuina’s thoughts, now wearing a serious expression. “Let’s start with you Petunia Dear, as your condition is much more serious.”
The reincarnat’s eyes grew wide.
Condition? What condition? She didn’t have anything wrong with her, they’d been to see the Doctor a short while ago and got a clean bill of health. Did that mean it was something magical? But what could it…
A light bulb went off in the girl’s mind, an idea forming.
Were the Healer’s picking up on Lucy, like Moody had earlier today? That might make sense, though she wasn’t sure what the could be done about it. Lucy was a part of her now, her guardian angel. They were a team! And worse, what if they tried to ‘fix’ things and all her memories of the future got erased? That would be terrible! No! She refused to become the woman from those books!
“It’s fine Healer Potter.” The girl gave a small smile, nodding to the witch. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
The woman’s mouth fell open, a sadness filling her eyes.
“O-oh…” Lady Potter was momentarily stunned. “I see, you’re aware of it then…”
The woman closed her eyes for a moment, nodding in an almost apologetic way.
“Should you like to pursue a possible treatment, I would be more than willing to help you my dear.”
Petunia felt a little confused by the woman’s response, but she didn’t want treatment. Lucy would be with her till the day she died! They had big plans, and a lot of people to save.
“Thank you.” A determined smile formed on the young girl’s lips, her shoulders relaxing more. “That won’t be necessary, but I do appreciate your willingness to help.”
The witch held up a hand, covering her mouth while blinking water from her eyes. Euphemia took in a deep breath, nodding to Petunia once more.
“Of course dear.” The woman paused, forcing herself to switch gears. “Then, let’s move on.” She turned to Severus, offering the boy a small smile.
Severus looked very concerned, his eyes glued to Petunia’s face. She could hear his silent question, but only offered him a small nod. It was a promise to talk later. Though from the looks of it, the boy was not satisfied by her postponing the conversation.
Euphemia looked over at her notes, reading them as she spoke.
“It looks like you’re a bit malnourished young man. Not dangerously so, but still not good. It could impact your growth and magic capacity if untreated.”
Severus nodded slowly, lips pressed tightly. Healer Potter pursed her lips when the boy said nothing.
“Is you’re father aware of this?” The woman frowned. “Did Alastor let this happen to you Severus? Just say the word, and I will take care of everything.”
The threat hidden under the woman’s words sent a shiver down Petunia’s spine. This woman meant business.
“I… I’m not-” The boy didn’t finish, his brow furrowing in deep thought.
Perhaps… perhaps he was thinking along the same lines as Petunia. Suspecting his own parentage.
The reincarnate decided to step in. Wanting to take some heat off her dear friend and let him think a bit. She should probably also mention Alastor’s innocence, not wanting him to be under spell fire of the witch before them.
“Alastor didn’t know.” Petunia began, thinking quick on her feet. “There were some circumstances I’m not at liberty to mention, but Severus condition is not that wizards fault.”
Euphemia shifted her focus, eyeing Petunia with slight suspicion.
“I’m assuming those circumstances have changed recently then. Why didn’t you seek out a Healer? A few potions could have gone a long way in helping him recover.”
Petunia nodded, her lips tugging downward slightly. The blonde's mind flickered with an image of young scrawny Harry Potter. How many potions it would it have taken to help someone that malnourished? She pushed aside the thought, ignoring the growing pain in her mind.
“It wasn’t an option at the time.” The girl responded in a roundabout way. “We did the best we could with what we had… Today… Today was actually our first time meeting Auror Moody.”
Lady Potter’s eyes shifted from suspicion to shock.
“But- but you.” She looked from Severus to Petunia, her words failing. The woman closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. She took in a few deep breath before looking back up at the two children.
“I see.” She began, looking back at her clip board. “I’ll have to speak to Auror Moody and your Mother about it then. For now, I could give you some potions for the malnutrition. Would you like that, Severus?”
The witch waited for his response, not rushing him in the slightest. The boy looked a bit curious, slowly choosing his words.
“Can… Can you tell me about the ingredients of them?” The young black haired boy asked, his words coming out in an almost tentative way.
The Head Healer’s eyes lit op at that, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
“Ah, I see we are in the presence of a future Potions Master.” Euphemia clapped her hands together, summoning a dark green bottle to her hand. “I would be more than happy to elaborate for you.”
And elaborate she did.
Petunia’s mind swirled with the names of nearly fifty ingredients, only recognizing a few from Lucy’s memories. The girl had to fight to stay awake as the two potions nerds prattled on.
From what she understood, the first potion would stabilize his magic. It would let it rest from keeping him alive in a time of great stress, aka his entire life so far. The second would need multiple doses, but would supply his body with it’s much needed nutrition. And the last would trigger a growth spurt in the coming month or so, letting his body use that nutrition to catch him up to where he should be physically. The boy was soaking up the witch’s words, eyes filled with wonder. It was only after Euphemia explained the three potions purpose and brewing process at length that Severus agreed to drank them.
The reincarnate couldn’t help but smile, seeing the way her friend was already so passionate about potions. Unfortunately, her head continued to throb as the conversation went on. Petunia knew she could ask for a pain potion or something, but she didn’t want to interrupt. Severus needed the distraction from his mother’s situation. Instead, she decided to let her eyes rest, leaning her head back against the wall as her breathing slowed.
She’d just take a moment to rest her eyes… Just a single moment.
