Chapter Fifty-Nine
Tacere Veritas
Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go
So make the best of this test, and don't ask why
It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time
(Good Riddance - Green Day)December 11th, 1976Mia sat in the hospital wing, red-rimmed eyes staring down at the unmoving fingers
threaded through hers, struggling with each and every breath. Each inhale a sniffle, each
exhale a sob. The bandages that covered the wounded wizard on the bed beside her were
wrapped tightly, despite the fact that she had done what she could to heal him. His skin
was pale and ashen, but Madam Pomfrey insisted that colour would return when the Blood-
Replenishing Potion took effect.
Remus stood behind her, hands on her shoulders, acting as her support—her rock.
She closed her eyes and let more tears fall down her cheeks as she took the cold hand into
her own, stroking her thumb gently over curled fingers. She could feel Remus's cheek
resting against her head, and his breath calmed her when she concentrated on it hard
enough.
Turning into Remus's embrace, Mia blinked away her tears. She saw Madam
Pomfrey near the doors of the infirmary talking to Dumbledore and Professors
McGonagall and Scrimgeour.
"They're certain?" Scrimgeour asked. "I've never even heard of this spell, and yet,
you'd have me believe that one sixth year girl was able to cast it at a fellow student, nearly
killing him in the process, and another sixth year girl was able to heal him within moments
using a Healing Spell of which I've also never heard?"
McGonagall defended Mia, saying, "Miss Potter is a very talented witch."
Dumbledore inclined his head toward Scrimgeour. "I'm more concerned about the
students who attacked."