Many of the students were awakened by the explosion and got dazed and confused, but the professors played their part, so they went back to their beds despite being a little unsatisfied.
A few of the young wizards swore before they closed their eyes that they would get up early tomorrow to find out the truth about the night. The noise in the castle died down, and only the hospital wing remained brightly lit.
"You must drink your potion and stay in bed for a night in peace, and if you are alright in the morning, I will allow you to leave." Madam Pomfrey held a shiny cup of potion in one hand and stood between the two beds with a hawk-like gaze.
Harry and Ron drank the potion with trepidation, and as the liquid in the glass slid down their throats - although it felt completely different - it still reminded Harry of the memory from his dream, and he fought back the feeling of nausea as he " gulp" a mouthful to finish.
Madam Pomfrey left satisfied.
She walked out of the ward and closed the door, next she had to go to the intensive care unit, there are two patients waiting for her. Barty Crouch's both body and mind are severely traumatized, she only hoped that his body can be repaired, Alastor Moody's physical state is a little better, but his mental damage should not be taken lightly.
She walked while still thinking about mental issues, and debated whether to learn something from Felix. As time fermented, Felix Hap's other identity, the memory master's reputation grew, and many speculated that he would certainly be included in the first batch of chocolate frog card slots in this upcoming century.
Around the corner of the corridor, Madam Pomfrey spotted Dumbledore, Felix, and McGonagall standing in the doorway of the intensive care ward.
"Poppy, you're just in time," Dumbledore said with a smile, apparently in a good mood, "Felix has just diagnosed Barty and Alastor, and dealt with the toughest problems, though it will take them a considerable amount of time to recuperate."
Madam Pomfrey subconsciously looked at Felix, in her heart, this person is the expert.
Felix nodded slightly and explained, "Mr. Crouch has been under the control of the Imperius Curse for a long time, as well as the impacts from the Confundus Charm and the Cruciatus Curse, which has caused his mind to be somewhat muddled, although it is troublesome, but not irreversible. I would suggest transferring him to St. Mungo's after a while to receive more systematic rehabilitation."
"As for Professor Moody ...," he said uncertainly after a moment's thought, "I don't know if his state is considered good, his memory has been carefully modified and numerous hints have been placed on him, such as not checking his room, overlooking certain abnormalities, as well as the inevitable deep sleep until dawn when lying in bed ... which is the reason why Barty Crouch Jr. had no qualms about sneaking into his room through the secret passage."
"He would lose part of his memory, as for which, I'm not sure, I think with his character he would dislike that."
Felix looked inquiringly at Dumbledore, seeking his opinion. Dumbledore shook his head slightly, he knew what his old friend's character is, the fact that someone had tampered with his memory would be enough to drive him mad.
Madam Pomfrey said she understood, and after a moment's hesitation, she asked, "Felix, can I observe while you treat them for the next few days?"
"No problem, ma'am." Felix agreed quickly.
Madam Pomfrey thanked him, and then she pushed open the door of the intensive care ward and walked in. The other three people present could see Barty Crouch and Alastor Moody lying quietly in bed, and Professor McGonagall's lips quivered twice.
"Minerva?" Dumbledore looked at her.
"I, I'm not doubting ... but don't we need to take some precautions? In case they're still under the influence of the dark magic of that man ..."
"No need to worry, Minerva," Felix interjected as he smiled, "I have confidence in my memory magic, and their wands are now in the hands of the Headmaster."
Professor McGonagall breathed a sigh of relief. They went downstairs together and after a few moments of silence, she couldn't help but ask, "Albus, you shouldn't have stopped me from giving Potter and Weasley deductions, or at least detention ..."
Dumbledore blinked and looked at her with a smile.
"They were too reckless and might have lost their little lives." Professor McGonagall finished her sentence.
"Minerva, there's no need to be so strict, that boy just has a high sense of responsibility that goes far beyond the norm." Dumbledore said softly, "Take this time, it was quite a surprise that they could think of using the Marauder's Map and the invisibility cloak, and they had been decisive enough; if they had delayed a few minutes and spent their precious time looking for the Professor, perhaps we would have been presented with a different scenario."
At least, Moody certainly would not have survived.
Professor McGonagall pursed her lips, her furrowed brow relaxed, "You're right."
...
Felix returned to his office, he stood in front of the window, thinking back over what Dumbledore had just said to him in private.
"Felix, I want to ask you something." Dumbledore said in a deep voice.
"What is it?" Felix asked, with some inkling of what would follow.
They were standing at the castle's high point, the north wind was blowing hard, and the window frames creaked. Dumbledore was silent for a long time as if he was making up his mind, and he finally said, "Can you teach Harry Occlumency?"
"No problem." Felix said promptly. After waiting a moment, he asked softly, "And besides that?"
There was another silence -
"... Don't hurt him."
...
Felix retracted his eyes; it is now late at night, and the sky is lit up with a pale gray-green colour.
"I'm growing sentimental, and that's not like me."
"Kiki!"
He looked down and saw Niffler Valen standing in the bedroom doorway, rubbing her eyes with one hand, staggering over, as she pulled his pant leg twice without climbing up.
Felix laughed silently and motioned his fingertips to let Valen float up to him.
"I can't believe you didn't sleep yet? Valen, what a surprise ..."
"Kiki!"
Valen waved her small hand, tracing the air, and Felix gazed at her, she seemed to be writing, and he tried to discern that somewhat distorted letters-
"A gift?"
Valen nodded once.
Felix asked tentatively, "Are you asking how Granger felt about receiving your gift?"
Niffler nodded, her small dark eyes looking at him expectantly.
"She was overjoyed." Felix said.
Valen looked satisfied, it was one of her most cherished treasures, and even now the thought that she had given it away made her heart bleed, then she yawned and opened her hand for a hug.
Felix carried Valen and put her on the basket bed.
As he changed into his pyjamas and laid down on the bed, his mood unknowingly changed for the better.
--------------
#PyramidOfMerlin II, Thanks for your love and support.
There are 478+ chapters on P@treon, if you have some extra pocket money, Support me on P@treon: www.p@treon.com/Crazy_Cat.
Happy Reading!!!