Author's Note. For all the Healers, giving everything for us.

He was gone. Wasn't he?

Draco sat entombed in his vast bedroom for several days after his father had been unceremoniously thrown out of Malfoy Manor. In the heat of the moment, Draco felt powerful, even validated. In standing up to Lucious, Draco had found himself somewhat vindicated. Sure, Lucious wasn't the Dark Lord, he wasn't the ultimate example of Draco's inadequacy when it came to courage… but he was something. Another tyrant he could finally bring himself to take to task. Draco was exhilierated as he watched his father balk at their uprising, as he watched him leave.

Of course, in the heat of the moment, everything is exhilarating. It's like being of another mind. An entirely different person. This person could act of their own accord, they didn't have to worry about consequences. They didn't have to be rational. It never mattered what happened next.

But the moment was gone now, and with it, died the heat.

Now, the world seemed to cool off, and suddenly Draco had to grapple with the true realities of what he had done. Now, the questions came.

Was he gone?

Would he come back?

What would happen, when he did? If he did?

What of Mother? What of Zuko?

What of himself?

Draco's eyes wandered along the drafty expanse of his room which suddenly seemed cavernous. Drooples had been trying to get him to eat something for the last several hours. Draco smiled. In desperation, Drooples had started finding creative ways to corner Draco into taking care of himself. At one point, he apperated into the shower with him, holding out a scone. Draco had been furious at the time, but had to admit the plan worked. Under the watchful eye of Drooples, Draco petulantly took the scone and ate the soggy mess in the shower as the scolding hot water beat at his back. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he took that first bite and Drooples looked immensely pleased as Draco finished the whole thing rapidly, naked as the day he was born.

Draco sighed. Even with these odd moments of levity, the dreadful weight of his current situation overpowered him. What was he to do now?

…

Zuko stared at the strange creature that was currently co-habitating with him in the guest room of Malfoy Manor.

He had convinced himself that he snuck the creature in because he was being humane. It was terribly cold out and it didn't seem right to leave it out there. He had been feeding it for several days, it seemed like all he could do, like all there was TO do. He now noticed how vibrant the colors were on this beast. What a strange animal it was. Why would the spirits curse an animal to stand out so much? With all the predators stalking this world, how would it ever be able to hide?

They called it a Peacock. Even it's name brought it attention.

Zuko had learned a long time ago how important it was to be able to hide. To be able to pass from place to place without being noticed…without being hunted. And yet, there seemed like there was no place he could go where he wouldn't be noticed, there never had been. Zuko sometimes wished he could walk the Earth without anyone ever knowing he was there. Life would be so much easier that way. But alas, he was ever the Peacock.

The animal grazed him affectionately, making a small kind of squawking noise. Before he could stop himself, he was stroking it's beautiful plumage. The animal rested itself beside him and seemed content. Zuko uncrossed his legs as he sat in one of the ornate chairs in his bedroom. He turned his attention from the bird, over to the dying fire that was currently illuminating his quarters. He blinked and then looked across the room to the glass doors that led out to the balcony and noticed how distorted the moon looked through them.

Zuko eased back in his throne. The room had an eerie glow due to the roaring fire in his fireplace. Tonight, he found himself in a pair of satin emerald pajama pants brought to him by Drooples. Shirtless as usual, the blood of a fire bender ran hot. He ran a finger across his lip as he sat in contemplation, gazing at the consuming fire that would always be his companion.

Zuko was concerned. He was extremely concerned. He had not meant for any of this to happen. He had not meant to cause a Malfoy family rift. He had meant to eat dinner. He had hoped he would be able to figure out what secrets Draco had been hiding. Well, he certainly got some answers the other night, didn't he? But the answers he got hadn't necessarily answered any of his questions. What happened in that room? What, exactly, had been Draco's role in the war? What, exactly, was the boy hiding?

But now, there was a much more pressing issue.

Lucius had seen him bend. Zuko was almost certain of it. He had tried to hide it…make it look like magic…but it wasn't magic.

Everything had happened in a split second. He was sure he had bended at him and was sure that Lucius had seen it…but there was something else. After Lucius had left, when things started to initially calm down, Zuko noticed something that horrified him.

The wand was smoking.

The blood of a Firebender had always ran hotter than most, but his wand hand had not been the one he bended from. In fact, that hand had been ice cold.

And yet the wand had been smoking. What did that mean? How could that have happened?

Zuko was not a wizard, and he didn't understand magic but he understood that something wasn't right. Had the others experienced these weird little anomalies? Was it safe to tell anyone about it? Zuko just wanted to stay under the radar. Just once. Just once, he'd like to not have to be the center of attention.

It had been ages since he had seen or spoken to Team Avatar. He felt so cut off from them now, as if they had all been divided up and categorized. They all got to spend the break together, and here he was, alone. Again. Thoughts started to creep up on Zuko. Had they done this on purpose? Had Katara's reassuring words, spoken on a wounded night in the middle of the sky…could they have been a smoke screen? Had they wanted to be separated from him? Why hadn't he heard from anyone?

Zuko shook his head. He was being crazy. He was letting his insecurities get the best of him. This just happened to be the way things shook out. There was no devious plot, no plans of ostracism.

Right?

Zuko blew out a painful sigh and closed his eyes. The visions passed along his consciousness as they always did. Aang, Sokka, Toph, Katara, Mae, Uncle…and then there were his new acquaintances: Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna, Ginny, Hermione…and then there was the final face, the one that always came last because it hurt the most. Mother.

Zuko's eyes shot open at the mere flash of her smile and his chest burned. He shook his head. He couldn't think about her now.

Zuko's fists clenched.

There were more important matters to stress about right now.

His jaw grinded.

He couldn't waste time on his usual ruminations.

His breathing quickened.

Zuko shot up from his throne, the bird squawked indignantly as it was unceremoniously separated from him. Zuko muttered an apology to it before smirking at himself when he remembered animals can't talk. He sighed. Should he tell Draco about what happened? Could Draco be trusted with this new bit of information? Zuko looked towards the door of his bedroom, wondering if he should take the short yet incredibly long walk to Draco's room.

Zuko sighed. He sat back down.

He took out the stick that was now consuming his thoughts. He examined it carefully. There didn't seem to be anything particularly fascinating about it. There was nothing about it that really illustrated what it was capable of. It was nicely carved and all but...it's plain appearance seemed like a trap.

Zuko smirked. Ridiculous thing. He put it back on the table when a loud tap reverberated through the room.

Zuko snapped around and took half a stance. He looked around frantically but saw nothing. He straightened, and with careful steps, he started to walk through the room. He moved over to the large double doors that kept entrance to the room. Slowly, he reached his hand out and cautiously grasped the handle.

Zuko took a deep breath and readied himself. Finally, he yanked the door back and snapped back into stance.

But no one was there.

Zuko furrowed his brow. Slowly, he approached the door and peeked his head out.

Darkness.

He slowly moved his head from left to right but there was nothing but the usual eerie silence that came along with this depressing place. Zuko shook his head and closed the doors.

Another loud tap, behind him.

Zuko swung around again, nothing. Was he insane? Was this place getting to him?

Tapping. Insistent tapping

Zuko swung his head once again in the direction of the noise. He spied the balcony door. The tapping was becoming rapid.

He walked over to the balcony and yelped when he saw a little owl standing there. A RIDICULOUSLY little owl. Zuko arched an eyebrow. The owl was hopping up and down, as if trying to hop high enough for Zuko to see him at face level.

Zuko was momentarily paralyzed as he stared at the utter preposterousness of this animal...but soon it's incessant tapping snapped him out of his revelry.

"Oh!" Zuko yelped again. Quickly, he flung the door open and the little bird toppled into the room.

The little owl jerked around for a second before righting itself, shaking it's feathers, and looking up at Zuko.

And for a moment, there was a strange silence as they regarded each other and Zuko briefly wondered if he was supposed to say something. Maybe the animals DID talk in this world and he didn't know it yet.

But then, the animal started squeaking and jumping excitedly, flapping it's little wings. Zuko cringed back from the animal when he noticed something wrapped around it's neck. Zuko cocked his head to the side and leaned down to get a closer look.

Just then, the owl jumped higher than Zuko anticipated and bonked him right in the face.

"Gah! You're a nuisance! Damn bird!" Zuko growled as he rubbed his forehead. "Stay still dammit!"

After some work, Zuko finally grabbed the little thing and turned it upside down. The bird hooted delightedly at this fun new game they were playing.

Zuko frowned as he looked at the animal. There were….letters attached to this bird. ALOT of letters. Far too many for such a small bird to be carrying. "Spirits animal, how are you coping with this? How far have you come?" Zuko whispered.

He set the bird down and it hopped jovially. Zuko arched his eyebrow at it. What was he supposed to do next? Send it on it's way? Zuko looked at the open door and then back at the bird.

"Well? Off you go." He murmured. The bird stared at him and then continued to jump up and down excitedly.

Zuko rolled his eyes."Get out! You can't stay here!"

The bird was jumping so rapidly now that it seemed to almost be vibrating. Zuko groaned.

Suddenly, the bird took off further into the room. The peacock squawked indignantly at it. The bird perched itself in a molding near the ceiling, then quickly started to clean it feathers, seemingly forgetting where it was.

Zuko sighed, closing the balcony door. When had he become the bird whisperer? He looked down at the letters in his hand. Who did these belong to? Maybe the little owl got lost?

Zuko crossed the room and sat back in his throne. He examined the letters closely in the light of his fireplace.

Should he open them? Would that be inappropriate? If he didn't, how could he possibly know who to send these to?

Zuko scoffed. Even if he did know, how would he send it? With that little idiot bird?

He sighed and decided to hell with it. He opened the first letter and held it up to catch the light.

And his face lit up the room more than his fireplace ever could.

Dear Zuko,

Why haven't we heard from you?! What are you doing? Are you ok? I swear Zuko, you better not be sulking! I'm sorry we haven't come to visit. Harry says he, Ron, nor Hermione can go to Draco's. He didn't say why and I didn't want to press it but he said we could write to you easily! I hope that's enough. Really, they should have just had you come over here if they knew that but...well Zuko honestly, Ron's house is crazy. I'm not 100% sure it's not going to topple while we are asleep and kill us all. There are SO MANY WEASLEYS Zuko. You're probably better off with Draco. Doesn't he live in a mansion?

The owl is named Pigwideon. Look at it! Isn't it so cute! How is it supposed to carry a letter? It looks like it can barely carry it's own head. This place is so weird, Zuko.

Anyway, write back as soon as possible and let us know what's happening with you! If you don't, I will come looking for you. Harry said we should be seeing you and Draco soon. Can't wait.

Miss you brother!

Katara

A curious tear ran down Zuko's face. He smiled. He opened another letter.

Hey Zuko!

Pigwidgeon came back with Katara's letter. I think it got lost. We haven't gotten anything from you? Are you ok? Zuko! We've learned so much since we got here. There's so much to tell you!

Everything is going ok here. Neville and I were thinking of visiting a place called Saint Mungos with the gang. He said he volunteers there, taking care of the plants they use for potions. I guess it's a sort of healing place? Neville says he and Sokka have been talking about going and thinks it would be good for the gang to go.

Neville says the 'holiday season' was about giving back in their spiritual culture and we should consider doing some good while we are here. He said it really puts things in perspective. I think it sounds flamin, you want to go? We're going next week, before we head back to Hermione's. So owl me back and let me know if you and Draco are in!

Look at this crazy bird? Why is it so small? Momo would love him! Write us back soon or I'll use my avatar powers to find you...I mean...if I can...ah, but I'll tell you everything when we see you…

Flameo Hotman!

AAng (aka Scare of the Air Kuzon)

Zuko blew out a hard amused sigh. He opened the next letter.

Zuko,

Did that prat Malfoy not tell you that you could write us? I'm sorry, normally, we'd come visit but ...we can't go to Malfoy Manor. I mean Hermione and I can't go to Malfoy Manor. Ron as well.

Damn, are you ok? I figured it would be safe for you to go there now that ... well anyway, if it's not, you can send word via owl. That little asshole Pigwidgeon can handle anything, I swear.

We'll come for you straight away. Damn, now I'm worried.

Owl us back,

Harry (Potter, in case you forgot)

Zuko chuckled as he opened the next letter.

Hi Zuko!

Hermione here. This is the third damn time this owl has as come back with undelivered letters. If he comes back again, I'm getting a ministry owl. That thing is a nuisance.

Zuko, we should be seeing you soon but I wanted to ask you something. How is your bending doing? Have you been able to bend lately? I feel bad that you don't get to bend like you would at home. Let me know how it's doing yeah?

Also, do you still have your wand? It hasn't been giving you any trouble has it?

Just curious. I feel like we haven't seen you in a million years instead of two days. I think we should be heading out into town day after next. Apparently, Neville, Sokka, and AAng have something planned? I am very nervous.

We'll owl you with the details! I hope you are enjoying yourself this holiday a little bit. I know it must be difficult without your family. We'll get this owl thing figured out and get together ASAP!

Best,

Hermione

Zuko sighed and, for once, wasn't bothered by the warm feeling cascading through him.

They hadn't forgotten about him. Zuko smiled widely despite himself. He sighed contentedly.

He wasn't sure why he was so concerned. Had he forgotten it had only been two days? Spirits, the days felt like years in this place.

His friends missed him though. They missed him.

Zuko closed his eyes and sat back comfortably for a moment, crossing his ankles as his body relaxed. How long had he been clinching his muscles?

Then he opened his eyes. How come they couldn't come here? Why was Hermione asking about his bending? Why was she asking about the stick?

Zuko sat up. He looked over at the stick sitting on the table. He smirked. Casually, he grabbed the stick and turned it over in his fingers.

He got up slowly and stared at the stick a bit longer. He chuckled slightly at how ridiculous he felt.

Without a thought, he flicked the wand flippantly.

And the balcony door exploded.

"AAAAAH!" Zuko screeched at the top of his lungs and, quickly, he scrambled over to the peacock and threw himself over it.

But nothing happened. Zuko, trembling, raised his head to look.

The balcony door windows were blown clean through. Zuko sucked in a horrified breath and stood shakily with the wand still gripped in his hand.

But then suddenly, the pieces of the window started to fly up in the air and put themselves silently back in place in the door window panes. After a few moments, the door looked just like new. What kind of self correcting magic was this?

Zuko stared entranced for a moment, watching the door right itself of its own accord. His eyes locked on the last piece as it slid into place, when suddenly he heard a sharp gasp.

Zuko snapped his eyes to the place the sound was coming from.

And there, standing in the door, with his shaking wand pointing towards the balcony door, was Draco Malfoy. His wide, horrified, eyes set on Zuko.

Draco dropped his wand slowly and the room was witheringly silent. Draco's eyes dropped, unblinking, to the wand in Zuko's shaking hand.

Zuko was still trembling. He looked at Draco with unsure eyes. "I...I didn't-" Zuko started.

"-Yes, you did." Draco whispered in terrified shaky breaths.

Zuko took a step forward. Draco took a step back.

And finally, Draco lost it completely:

"WHAT! THE! FUUUUUU-"

…

Neville, AAng, and Sokka had been sitting in the family room of The Burrow. They had been sitting there for at least an hour, talking in hushed whispers.

Harry stood watching them from the hallway. What were they playing at?

Harry found it rather abrupt when Neville had suggested they spend a day volunteering at Saint Mungos. Harry had not been expecting such a request at all.

After all, he had planned to spend the holidays frivolously. Occasionally taking time to solve the impossible question of Team Avatar. He hadn't planned on doing anything...so...responsible.

Harry didn't want to complain about it. Hell, half the people that were in there, were in there because of him. But that was the issue. Harry felt a heavy, morose feeling coming over him. The destruction he had caused. And why? Because the world couldn't live with itself if they let one child die? So everyone else could die instead?

Harry felt a terrible pain in his chest at the thought and suddenly a trip to Saint Mungos seemed all the more harrowing.

How could he face those people? How could he face their families? He had condemned them all to this life of hospitals and visiting hours and potions and tears.

If Harry really thought about it, the prospect of going to Mungos was downright terrifying. But what could he do? How could he say no? How could he decide that his pain was greater than theirs?

And so, Harry left his hallway perch and grabbed his trainers. As he examined them, he looked up momentarily to see Hermione coming down the stairs. She turned towards him and smiled.

She strolled up to him and grabbed her boots. They were silent for a moment, each lacing themselves up, when Hermione finally broke the silence.

" So...any idea what those three are up to? She muttered.

Harry sighed, perching his arms up on his knees. "No idea. Is it just me or does this whole thing seem out of nowhere?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, but what can you say? It's volunteering at a hospital...do...do you feel a bit...nervous? About going?" Hermione whispered ashamedly.

Harry looked at her as she bit her lip and stared down at the floor. Gods, they thought alike and Harry found himself so thankful to have someone with him that understood him. Understood his shame.

" Yes." Harry whispered and, just then, she looked up at him with those wide chocolate eyes.

And he thought he would do anything to reassure her. Anything.

And then they were looking at each other. In that way. The way they had been desperately avoiding. Gods, why did this house have to be so small!

"Hey!" Came a voice in the distance.

Harry and Hermione looked towards Katara but they looked as though they were in a daze. Katara smirked. " What are those miscreants up to in the living room?"

"What?" Harry muttered as reality started to come back to him. He blinked. "Eh...no idea. That's what we were just wondering."

Just then, an owl came tumbling into the window. Katara went to check on the poor thing. She would know one of Pigwidgeon's crash landings from anywhere at this point.

She grabbed some feed and used it as a distraction as she grabbed the letter from it's neck. She righted herself and the little owl clucked irritably at losing its feed source.

Katara looked at the letter and recognized Zuko's familiar handwriting. She smiled as she tore it open.

Katara and…"Team Avapotter",

I am doing well. Thank you for writing me. I received your letter about Saint Mungos and your subsequent letter about the visit today. Draco and I will meet you there.

Incidentally, I look forward to hearing about your recent discoveries. Aang sounds excited. I have some news as well. I'd rather not speak of it now, in case this letter is intercepted.

Ron's bird is an absolute plague. I don't understand that thing at all. It's physiology does not seem apt to live up to the bird's expectation of itself. Where does it's energy come from? I suspect the peacock hates it.

By the way, I've made friends with a peacock. It's like a bird...but not like a Horsebird, or a Dogbird, just...a bird.

This is indeed a strange place.

I look forward to seeing you soon sister,

Zuko

PS. Are we sticking with this Team Avapotter name thing?

Katara smiled. It amused her how formal Zuko could be without needing to be. "Zuko and Draco will meet us at Saint Monkeys today!"

"MUNGOS!" Ron yelled from somewhere.

"Excellent! Everyone gather up." Neville exclaimed.

The gang eventually gathered in the living room. Neville stood, flanked by Aang and Sokka.

" Ok!" Neville began. "First, I want to thank you all for agreeing to do this. It really means a lot to me."

The gang threw him various smiles and mumbles and agreement.

" Ok, we will meet Healer Larrgins at the reception. I've let them know we are coming but it's pretty short notice so I'm not totally sure what we'll be doing. I've requested non-magical tasks. So I'm thinking we'll be bringing people their lunches or helping the healstaff with tasks. I'm sure they'll find things for us to do."

The gang looked around uncertainly but put their trust in Neville Longbottom.

Neville finished. " Look. I...I know that things have been really stressful lately. That's why I want to do this. I just...I just thought we could take our minds off our own problems and focus on others. Maybe that might... help."

The gang looked cautiously at Neville, Aang, and Sokka. Hermione almost looked mutinous, was Neville trying to manipulate her? She would suspect everyone.

Neville rushed on. "EH. What I mean to say is, it feels good to do good. You'd be surprised what it does to the mind." Neville felt like he was starting to lose the room. Aang cleared his throat abruptly.

As always, Sokka reared his ugly head.

" You guys are acting like jerks and I continue to be amazing." He started and Neville wanted to choke him. Sokka continued, "So. It feels like we need a reminder of what Chrispychicken holiday is all about."

"Merlin's Balls…" Ron groaned intensely.

"So I don't want to hear any whining. We're going." Sokka concluded. And that was that.

Neville waited for the inevitable explosion that was coming...and yet it didn't. They all just sort of stared at Sokka, as if they were just too dumbfounded to deal with dealing with him.

Neville took the opportunity to grab a handful of floo powder before anyone could respond. He threw it in the fireplace. "So! Whose first?!" He exclaimed.

...

The main lobby of Saint Mungos Hospital was a hectic place. Healers conferring with each other, healstaff checking people in, administrators ticking down lists. People rushing from here to there, one holding a box of something that was absolutely screaming.

Team AvaPotter stood off to the side of the main lobby and Team Avatar found themselves horrified. Someone...should have warned them about what this place was. What HAPPENED here.

Katara stood clutching to Hermione. She was watching a man looking irritated while sitting quietly with his arms crossed. There were currently several healers examining the man and exchanging ideas.

Everyone seemed perfectly calm.

Except the man's head was on fire. Very on fire. A weird purple fire. But still, he was very much on fire.

Aang was currently staring at a woman with an extremely handsome set of antlers. There were several children around her secretly hanging things off the branches in some weird game they had created.

Sokka was looking at a kid who was actively coughing up slugs. He looked over to Ron.

Ron smirked." Nothing to do but wait until they're all out, I'm afraid."

Sokka's eyes flew wide. "What...what does that MEAN?"

"Oh! Look." Hermione cried and they all snapped their eyes to see Draco walking towards them, wearing a black sweater and jeans. He looked very...confused, but Hermione didn't think it was due to Mungos. Draco had been to Mungos plenty of times.

She had run into him once. She was there for a follow-up visit to see how her pain potion was working. He was sitting in the lobby with his mother. His mother looked very frail and Draco looked terrified.

But it wasn't just because of his mother. All the people around him we're glaring at the two. Whispering feverishly.

One man was gripping his wand.

Draco kept his head down. Trying desperately not to look anyone in the eye. Hermione started to look away from him. It was too difficult to see him so soon after...after Malfoy Manor. She didn't have the energy to think about the position he was in.

But as she looked away, he looked up and they locked eyes. She froze. He froze. And then the healstaff called her name and the room became deadly silent as the world looked to see THE Hermione Granger.

Hermione rose and walked slowly to the healstaff under the gaze of everyone in the lobby. And suddenly, the room broke into raucous applause. Hermione smiled slightly but found the she couldn't stand the abrupt loud sounds. Suddenly, her heart started to race and she felt as though she was going to pass out.

Each clap seemed to transform into screams and explosions. Suddenly, she was seeing spells and smoke and cold black eyes. Her legs started to become weak as confusion consumed her.

Then, in the haze, she saw blinking grey eyes. And the haze started to lift. As the lobby of Saint Mungos came into view once more, she saw a face staring at her with a very concerned look.

"Malfoy!" She heard a voice yell but no one else seemed to notice. He got up in that moment and quietly led his mother to the healstaff that had called his name while the room continued to clap for her.

And, making himself as small as possible, he slipped through the room and followed the healstaff into the healing triage.

Hermione continued to stare off at where Malfoy had disappeared and a most curious feeling of thankfulness entered her, just slightly. :Ms. Granger?" Herminoe heard a voice say to her and she was snapped out of her thoughts. She turned to see the healstaff staring curiously at her.

"Ms. Granger? The healer will see you now." The healstaff said softly, smiling the most warm and kind smile she had ever seen. Hermione smiled, she turned and gave the crowd of still applauding patrons a small wave. Hermione followed the staff quickly to the back.

Yes, Hermione knew that Draco was no stranger to Mungos. But then...why did he have that look on his face? Hermione wondered if she should ask when she found herself distracted and amused by the look on Zuko's face.

Behind Draco, walked an extensively horrified Zuko.

For the first time, Zuko was the one gawking at injured people instead of being the one to be gawked at.

Not that people weren't gawking at him too.

Zuko had a WILD night before coming here. A terrifying, confusing, night. And yet, this place was so horrifyingly insane that his mind had been temporarily wiped clear of everything.

Zuko was currently staring at a group of small, scaley, ghoulish looking creatures with pointed ears. What was wrong with them?

Draco and Zuko came up on the gang. Zuko stumbled towards Katara and grabbed her, "What...what are those ... ghouls?!"

Ron arched an eyebrow and looked in the direction Zuko was looking. "Oh. Those aren't ghouls, those are goblins. They work at the bank. Probably here on business."

Zuko looked at Ron with wide eyes. "...WHAT."

Draco chimed in but his voice was monotone and cautious. " Ghouls are a different creature entirely. They tend to hide in dark, tight spaces…"

"...WHAT?!"

AAng perked up. " Oh! There's one at Ron's house! It lives in the attic!"

Zuko was shaking now. "...WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!"

Finally, Neville cut them off. " Ok, everyone is here. Luna is already upstairs working with people."

Harry felt a slight pain in his chest as he thought of Luna. How was she holding up?

Neville continued. " Ah. There is Healer Larrgins! Healer Larrgins is the Chief of Heads and Head of Curses here at Mungos. He's VERY busy, so it's a real honor that he's taking the time to talk to us." Neville finished in low tones. He straightened himself as Healer Larrgins arrived.

The man looked just a bit disheveled. Not because he was a disheveled man but because he looked like he had been working this shift non-stop since he was born Ever in service to those who needed him. His hair was all over the place, his glasses were a bit crooked. His tie was half tied. He had tea stains on his white robes and dark circles under his eyes. He rubbed his five o'clock shadow and shuffled some papers on his clip board.

Finally, he looked up and his eyes surveyed the newcomers and the familiar look of shock crossed his features when his eyes rested on Harry Potter. Harry smiled and gave a small wave.

The Healer cleared his throat and continued to survey the group, stopping to stare at the arrow tattoo on the child's head, his eyes finally rested on Draco and they narrowed. Draco looked away. He was used to that look at this point but that didn't mean he would continuously subject himself to it.

"Well, first, Mr. Potter...Mr. Potter, thank you for coming." The healer breathed out. He started to extend his hand but hesitated, as if he questioned whether he was good enough to shake Harry Potter's hand. The Messiah.

Harry took hold of the man's hand and shook it firmly. " Thank you for having me, and thank you for the work you are doing." Harry finished quietly, not sure if HE was good enough to shake this Healer's hand. The man who repaired Harry's greatest mistakes.

Healer Larrgins then looked to Ron. "Mr. Weasley, it's a great honor to meet you, thank you for coming." Ron smiled and shook his hand in return.

The Healer's eyes rested on Hermione and his lip twitched a bit. He knew who she was. Hermione had been his priority patient #1 since she entered the hospital months ago. The Head of Curses did not often take on individual cases, he was charged with running the department. He had a staff of Healers and Healstaff he oversaw, clinical protocols to oversee, budgeting, and a plethora of other things. Curses was sort of a big deal department at Mungos.

But this was not an ordinary patient. This was Hermione Granger. The hospital would never allow her to be treated by ANYONE but the very best and he would lose his job in a heartbeat if they found out that anyone was treating her but the Department Head.

As if he would allow anyone to treat Hermione Granger BUT him.

Still, this created a conundrum. As he was providing her care, he had to maintain strict confidentiality. He wasn't sure if her friends knew she was being treated here and he surely didn't want to say anything to give it away.

So when he went to introduce himself, he wasn't sure whether he should do so with her. But Hermione, ever the clever girl, solved this problem for him.

She extended her hand. " Very nice to meet you Healer. I'm Hermione Granger."

Healer Larggins smiled. Ah. They must not know she is being seen. "A great honor to meet you as well Ms. Granger."

Healer Larrgins nodded to the rest of the group.

Neville chimed in." Healer Larrgins, allow me to introduce you to the rest of the group. This is Wang Fire." Healer Larrgins narrowed his eyes at the name, Neville continued. " His sister Sapphire, Melone Lordaye, Lee, and Kuzon. I believe you already know Ginny Weasley and...Draco Malfoy."

Draco would not look up. He wouldn't let them make him feel.

Larrgins nodded to the group, giving a side eye to Draco. " Well, we are excited to have you all. Merlin knows we can take all the help we can get...the demand is still pretty high because of the war...our long term care ward is almost at capacity...the sheer diversity of curses used has presented quite a challenge to us. Gods, we'll need someone down supporting the potion chamber, they have been brewing non-stop since we got the first surge of battle victims. Interestingly, there have been alot more slow acting curses surfacing, I think we are seeing the second surge now." Larrgins blasted off as if he were talking to everyday colleagues instead of, now terrified, teenagers. He continued."I've been able to conference with Reynolds, he's the Head of Transfiguration, he indicates he is seeing an uptick in transfiguration injuries as a result of dark magic. We are currently monitoring admissions but transfiguration will need support. Wallace, Head of Potions, wants one of you as well. I've let them know that we'll be starting you off with something a little less rigorous..."

Healer Larrgins stopped for a moment as if in contemplation. Completely at ease. Completely focused. Completely a healer. And yet, he seemed to completely miss the horrified looks of Team Avapotter. What would they be doing here? Harry thought they would just be delivering food and flowers or…

"Kuzon, I'm sending you to Transfiguration, they need someone to run between Chambers and deliver supplies. Wang, I'm sending you to Charms, Head of Charms, Healer Montoya, has demanded she have someone to help clean the debris from the exam rooms, some of the things these dark charms leave in the body? Quite unfortunate...but it has to come out…"

Sokka's jaw dropped. "What...what does debris mean here.. " He whispered, and yet Larrgins was already continuing on the assignments. " Sapphire and Melone, let's put you over in Administration, Madam Lamont, Chief Admin Officer, will be ecstatic. The paperwork is piling through the roof, the hospital has never been this close to capacity... we are completely inundated." Healer Larrgins blew out a hard breath but soldiered on. "We will make due. Neville, you'll be in Herbology chambers, of course, Healer Juxtapoe will be delighted to see you, Potions is driving him mad with orders...you know how Potions can be…" Neville nodded and smirked.

"Ginny, I'm going to have you up with Ms. Lovegood, she's in Children's. She's doing some kind of performance for the kids who survived the muggle born purges. That's a tough wing...let me know if you need to take a break. You can hand out snacks and change out sheeting and all that."

"Lee." Healer Larrgins began and didn't flinch the slightest at the sight of Zuko's scar. "I want you in Admissions. We have at least 100 admits every 2 days as of right now. They will need help processing..."

Finally, Healer Larrgins' gaze rested on Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "Honestly, I have a very special request of the three of you and I hope you will indulge me and not think I am intruding upon you too much." He finished, looking down at his clipboard. Harry wondered what he would be tasked with doing. Would he be helping to clean curse wounds? Would he be defending himself against tentacular? Harry was resolved. He could do it. He was ready. He would make up for his life... After a short while, Larrgins continued, "You three...you are such an inspiration to so many people...I was hoping you could walk around and greet the patients? You...you don't have to do it ALL day. The war was very difficult, and I don't want to re-traumatize...just...one or two patients."

Harry looked off into the distance. Talk to the families? Face...face them? What could he say to them? Harry's chest started to burn intensely and he could feel the sweat pooling in his palms.

Larrgins went on quickly, sensing the hesitation. "A patient's mental state can sometimes dictate their physical state, no matter how much magic we throw at them...sometimes a morale boost can be a breakthrough…"

Harry looked down to the floor. Was he shaking? "I...yes, of course. Of course. Whatever you…" Harry trailed off.

Hermione, noticing Harry's tremble, swooped in. " Sure. Healer Larrgins. But...if we could just...take it slowly? We've...we've never done this before."

Healer Larrgins' eyes narrowed a bit at Harry's appearance. He had been in Healing for a number of years. He knew symptomology when he saw it. He made a mental note to owl Clavicula for follow-up. "Of course. As I said, you don't have to if…"

"Yes." Ron said suddenly. "Yes, we'll do it."

Larrgins mouth closed immediately at Ron's short pronouncement. Such a commanding presence for such a young man. "Very Well. ANY TIME you need a break. Take it."

Healer Larrgins nodded to the group, his gaze finally resting on Draco.

" Mr. Malfoy...well, I can't out you with any patients...moreso for your safety…" Larrgins muttered in contemplation.

Draco shut his eyes tight. "I understand." He ground out. He started to move to leave, assuming that Potter could figure out how to get Zuko back to Malfoy Manor. What was he thinking? Coming here? All he would be was a painful monument to murder and hate. He was a symbol of treachery so deep that people in this building would be burying their loved ones soon due to his betrayal.

And it was betrayal. He had betrayed them all. Draco fought the tears hard. He would not let them make him cry. Not now.

"Mr. Malfoy? Where are you going?" Larrgins voice broke through his shame spiral. Draco jerked around with narrowed eyes. "I said, I understand. You don't need to make room for me. I understand."

Larrgins cocked his head to the side and, curiously, his gaze was soft for the briefest of moments.

Larggins had been a healer for a long time.

"Mr. Malfoy, I don't need to "make room" for you. I need EVERY AVAILABLE HAND. If there were three of you, I'd take three of you. As it happens, I just got a message from Herbology." He pointed to a paper floating just above his head. Where had that come from? He continued, "Potions is really turning up the heat. I'm going to put you with Neville, he'll need a runner as well. I hope you're in shape."

Draco's eyes went from narrow to wide.

Larrgins didn't have the time to stick around for his reaction. " I'm due to a Panel meeting. Good luck everyone, Neville can you show them to where they need to go? Page Ollins from Public Relations and have him show Harry, Ron, and Hermione to rooms, then PLEASE get Wallace off my back."

"Sure thing, Healer Larrgins." Neville replied nodding to the Healer as he left the group. Neville turned on his heels and motioned for the group to follow.

Some time later, Harry was standing next to an immaculately dressed Wizard. He was staring at Harry with a manic smile that made Harry kind of nauseous.

"Mr. Potter...we are so. so. SO excited that you are here. Would you be open to taking some photos-"

"No." Hermione said finitely. She said it in a commanding kind of way that fit the stature of someone who had accomplished what she had. It was the first time she spoke as her lore demanded her too. " We will just be meeting patients. Please do not ask again."

Ollins turned blood red. "I...I...I am so s-sorry. Pleas-"

"It's fine." Ron said in a bored sort of way. "We're just tired of cameras for a while. Don't worry about it, you're not the first to ask and you won't be the last. It's your job." Ron said quite matter of factly and Hermione blushed at the confidence in which he spoke.

Harry's mouth was so dry it was making it hard for him to breath. His heart was pounding so hard it was making him dizzy. They stood outside a patient's room. It was a young man. He was a victim of the muggle born purges. The Deatheaters had taken his ability to walk and the hospital couldn't figure out how to reverse it as of yet. The healstaff was in the room prepping him to meet them. Apparently, the boy was very excited to meet Hermione, as she was muggle born too and muggleborns had come to see her as something of an idol.

Harry found himself relieved that he wasn't the main event but.. he knew he was the main event. His family was in there. What would they say to him? How would they look at him? Would the boy smile at him while his family scowled? Or even worse, would they treat him like it was an honor? An honor to suffer for him? Harry started to shake again.

It was Ron who noticed it this time. Harry was trembling. He looked absolutely terrified. Ron's lips set in a hard line. He knew what he had to do

"Ollins, would you mind giving us a moment before we go in?"

Ollins looked at Ron curiously for a moment but immediately complied, no doubt wanting to make up for the earlier gaffe.

Harry was breathing hard now. Ron and Hermione looked at each other and, coming to some kind of silent truce, they surrounded Harry.

Ron put his hand on his shoulder to steady him. "Mate?"

Harry shut his eyes tight and dipped his head, almost as if he was trying to hide himself behind them. They seemed to notice this because they got even closer to him as if to block him from view.

Harry was sweating profusely. "I...I...I can't…"

Ron's grip on Harry's shoulder tightened. "It's ok mate. I'm scared out of my mind too."

Harry looked up shakily at Ron who had shifted somewhat to the point the he seemed to be partially supporting him.

Hermione ran her hand through his hair and he closed his eyes at her touch. Her touch didn't inspire the confusing lust as it usually did lately, no, it inspired a warm kind of calm that a mother instilled in a scared child. "Harry, I'm terrified. Having to face those people? All this sacrifice surrounding me? What am I supposed to say to them?"

Harry nodded his head shakily as Hermione moved to support him as well as the sweat dripped down his face. His legs felt like jelly but...it was getting better.

"She's right mate." Ron said softly, "I have no idea what to say. Gee, thanks for getting maimed? Things will never be the same? I'm fine…." Ron's head drooped.

"But...but …" Harry stuttered as he shifted himself to try to catch his footing and stop leaning so much on Ron and Hermione. "How... will you d-do it?"

Ron thought for a moment. "Well. I suppose... I'll will walk in there, safe in the knowledge that my friends are just as scared as I am."

Hermione nodded. "Exactly. At least now I know it's OK if I'm not perfect. At least I know that none of us know what we're doing. Hell, this whole time, Harry, we've had no idea what we are doing and it worked out alright...in the end. We're doing the best we can."

Harry swallowed hard at their words but found a strange kind of courage from their shared fear. He took a deep breath and, finally, he found his footing. He stood shakily to his full height.

Ron and Hermione stepped back slowly from him. He nodded. They nodded. And then a Healstaff was at the patient's door.

"They're ready for you now." She said softly.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other briefly. They all took a deep breath, walked forward, and into the room.

"Hi. I'm Harry. Harry Potter."

...

Some time later the gang was getting used to the hectic pace of Saint Mungos.

Ginny waved to Neville as he rushed a Ligonus vine through Children's. Neville smiled as he watched Luna lead the children in a Bubsie rain dance.

Draco was running through Potions, delivering a box of tentacular leaves over to Transfiguration when he narrowly missed a running Sokka who was covered in... something but seemed no less determined to get to his destination quickly.

Katara and Toph were up in Admin. She and Katara were quickly prepping forms for filing. Katara would review the forms for accuracy and then hand them to Toph for stamping.

Hermione had shifted over to Charms and was currently casting low level support charms on patients in the Dragon Burn ward.

Ron was talking with Healer Lamont. Healer Lamont was Head of Children's. Ron was currently negotiating a delivery of Weasley Wizard Wheezes for the kids.

"No Puking Pastels or Fever Fudge! Please! I can't tell you the nightmare that presented to staff when those first came out ...everyone thought their kids were dying…" Healer Lamont announced but his tone was light and Ron felt like the Healer was more relaying an amusing anecdote than expressing anger.

Ron laughed. "Of course. I will owl my brother immediately."

Ron had taken to a new job over Christmas holiday. He had been helping George with the shop. It wasn't anything groundbreaking, mostly just helping with expense reports and all the day to day menusha that was necessary to run a business. It was all Ron could do to get George to interact with him. Ron would do all the things George couldn't bring himself to do right now because it had been Fred's job before. Ron had never realized how nuts and bolts Fred really was. George was a people person but, apparently, Fred was all about numbers. So, for the moment, Ron would be all about numbers too.

And yet, Ron really enjoyed it. It was so...ordinary. No danger at every corner. No drama. No screams. Just Ron, a piece of paper, some quill, and welcome quiet. He hadn't realized how much he had come to crave quiet.

Well, he wasn't getting any of that in this place. Ron smiled. Two children walked by Ron and Healer Lamont at that moment. They were clearly patients based on their hospital patient robes. The children's eyes flew wide once they saw THE Ronald Weasley. Ron smiled widely at them and the children stood in shock for a moment before squealing with delight and running off. Ron thought there would never be a time when he would smile this hard.

Harry was walking through the halls with Mr. Ollins. Ollins was chatting on about an upcoming fundraising event and sneaking glances at Harry. Harry had a feeling that Ollins was trying to figure out how to ask Harry to come. Harry smiled somewhat. He would go.

Harry had found himself terrified to do the rounds with patients but, as he met more people, as they shared their experience, Harry found himself getting more comfortable. He was still taking it slow but he had met all the children in the Children's ward at this point and figured he couldn't leave without greeting some of the long term stayers.

He looked off into the distance and saw Aang arguing with a very red faced healer.

"I've taken 6 of those severed arms already! How many is he going to grow?" Aang complained. "Does Healer Carter know about this guy?"

The Healer rolled his eyes. "Of course he does, Kuzon, I can't stop the arms from growing yet, so we're gonna have to keep trimming until we figure out the magio-physiology differential! This is what it's like in the trenches kid! What did you think we'd be doing here? Picking flowers?"

Aang rolled his eyes but had the decency to look somewhat ashamed of himself. "Right. I'm sorry, I've just never run so much in my life."

The Healer laughed and pat Aang on the back. "Dont worry about it. This job can be very jarring in the beginning, but you get used to it. Just remember, we are of service. Always." The Healer thought for a minute before chuckling. "This job WILL make you fit though. Ive run two muggle marathons since the war and it feels like nothing to me. I met a muggle healer at one once, he was a...I believe they call it trauma surgeon. He worked in the Department of Emergencies… apparently they do just as much running as we do." The Healer concluded thoughtfully.

Aang nodded his head. He had no idea what she was talking about but found himself impressed with how deep her code seemed to run when it came to her patients. He watched as she picked up her clipboard, put on a smile, and headed straight into another patient room, no sign of the red faced exhaustion that graced her features only moments ago. Always of Service.

...

Draco was walking through the halls looking for HealStation 8. He had a delivery of Snargoloff Squares but for the life of him, he couldn't find the damn station. He walked cautiously through the ward, squinting around a large box he was holding.

"Oi! Malfoy." A voice rang out from a room he was passing. Draco backed up to see who was calling him. He spotted Neville and Ron sitting in a patient room.

Gods, Draco didn't want to go in there. He was perfectly content being a blur running through the halls. The people could only glare at him for a few seconds and he could be of... service. He could do some good.

It felt good to do good.

Draco smirked and put his box next to the patient door as he forced himself to answer Neville's call. Finally, he approached the door but was careful not to enter the room.

"Longbottom. Is this what you and Weasley have been doing while the rest of us have been working?" Draco sneered lightly as he crossed his arms across his chest.

Neville eyed Draco critically but had to admit, it certainly looked like Draco had been working. His hair was stuck to his face from sweat. The sleeves were rolled up on his sweater...and where did he get those trainers? Did he come here in those? Draco Malfoy owned trainers?

Ron rolled his eyes. "Can you shut it for a second? Look who we found." He pointed inwardly into the room and Draco silently cursed Ron for forcing him to enter. He slowly leaned his head around the door frame and there, looking at Draco with wide eyes, was Liddry.

Draco cocked his head to the side. " Oh. Hi." Draco said simply.

The boy smiled, a small kind of smile that also seemed to have some bravery attached to it. Draco took some courage from his smile and slowly entered the room.

It was a small room, in the long term stayers ward. But it was filled with sunlight and flowers. Draco inspected the surroundings a bit further.

There was a blanket draped off the chair Ron was sitting in. Was the boy sleeping here? There were little framed photos about the room that had seemed to be painstakingly put there. There were various stuffed animals spread about that gave the room a weirdly happy feeling.

Draco looked over to the bed. There was a woman there. She seemed gaunt and pale. Her hair was thinning and she had purple splotches all over her skin. And yet, her face held a soft kindness to it, even in her currently sleeping form.

Draco looked over to Liddry with confusion.

" She's sedated." Liddry said quietly. "That's my mother."

Draco froze. He had remembered Liddry's story about what happened to his parents. He was a muggle born and they paid the price for loving him enough to support who he really was. Draco turned pale.

" Oi! What are you guys doing in here?" The voice of Harry Potter rang out as he entered the room, then he suddenly froze as he realized that this was a patient room and there was a sleeping woman mere inches from him.

"Oh Gods, I'm so sorry." Harry whispered.

Liddry's eyes were saucers as he saw Harry Potter. Apologizing. To him. "I...it's...it's ok Mr. Potter. She's sedated, she can't hear us."

Ron cut in. "Harry, this is a friend of ours. Liddry. He's a second year. Gryffindor. We met him officially in the train but you may know him from-"

"Quidditch try outs. You were going out for keeper." Harry said quietly, and silently chastised himself for reminding the child he had been cut from the team as he sat with his sick mother.

But the boys face lit up as he seemed to realize that Harry Potter, THE Harry Potter, had remembered who he was. "Yes! Yes, sir."

"You were pretty good." Harry said slowly, starting to smile.

"Thank... thank you sir ."

Ron cut in again. "Better than good, I hope you go out for the team again next year Liddry. You could be a monster keeper."

"Thank... thank you sir."

"Liddry! What did i tell you about the sir thing?" The voice of Sokka rang out as he walked into the room. "Is this where you all have been? I've had three healers ask me where you've been. Have you met Healstaff Bonners? She is the scariest woman I have ever seen."

Suddenly Katara burst into the room frantically. "What're you all doing in here?! Is there a...Liddry Holmes here?"

"Yes." Liddry squeaked out. Katara locked eyes on him and saw him sitting, holding the hand of an older sleeping woman. Her face softened.

" I'm sorry if we're disturbing you." She glared around the room at Team AvaPotter. " But, can you confirm your mother's date of birth? I need to process a referral form for her. I have a referral here for Healer Rollins. He's supposed to come down to see you both later today."

Liddry looked at Katara with a confused gaze. "See us both?" He muttered but acquiesced and confirmed her date of birth.

Katara smiled kindly to the boy, he smiled back. Neville, however, put on a furtive brow.

Suddenly, an alarm bell resounded throughout the room and Liddry's mother woke up gasping and spitting up a sticky black liquid. The room exploded in panic.

Liddry's mother grabbed his collar. "Earth…" she muttered.

"Mom! Mom, what's wrong?!"

"E..arth. My...my love."

"Mom! I don't understand! HELP!"

And then, a flood of Healers entered the room.

Team AvaPotter looked around frantically, hovering about, not sure what to do. All except Neville, who had pulled a trainer Healer aside and was talking with them frantically.

"HELP HER PLEASE!" Liddry screamed. "SHE'S ALL I HAVE!" A Healer grabbed him and tried to pull him away as the staff went to work but the boy fought tooth and nail to stay by his mother's side.

Harry went to go to the boy but was stopped by the strong arm of Neville Longbottom. Neville shook his head vehemently and guided Team AvaPotter, upon protest, out of the room. The last thing they heard was Liddry's tortured cries as the door slammed.

"Neville! We have to help!" Harry yelled out as they entered the hall.

" There is nothing we can do." Neville replied solemnly.

"What?!" Ron yelled. "What do you mean? We can...we can…" but Ron stopped himself. What could they do? "We can help Liddry!"

Neville sighed. "Not yet. Not right now."

"What the bloody hell are you talking about?!" Ron yelled out again.

Harry stepped forward. "We… we can't leave him."

Neville shook his head but spoke calmly, even in the face of his friend's screaming. It took a great deal more courage to stand up to your friends. "We aren't leaving him. We will stay right here."

When the gang gave him an outrageously impatient look, Neville sighed. "Do you know who Healer Rollins is?"

The gang looked at him like he was crazy to be bringing up such a thing at a time like this.

Neville looked up at the ceiling before continuing. "Healer Robbins is from the Mind Healing Department."

The gang froze as they were very familiar with the concept of Mind Healing.

Neville continued. "He specializes in...grief. He works with the patients who have to deal with loss." Neville's words were merely a whisper at this point.

Team Avapotter stood rooted to the spot for the moment, trying to process what Neville was saying.

Finally, Katara let out a strangled gasp of realization. And then, the room seemed to have the air sucked out of it as they all realized what was happening.

Finally. Neville sealed their shock. "Liddry...is about to watch his mother die. We...we can't be in there for that. Not for that."

And then there was silence.

And the gang all stood in horror as they realized how utterly powerless they really were.

The silence continued until it was abruptly ended by the sudden, strangled cry of Draco as he collapsed against the wall and started crying profusely.

And curiously, Ron knelt down beside him and put his hand on his shoulder. And they all stayed quiet for several moments as they sat down on the floor and waited.

" It's ok. It's ok." Ron said over and over as Draco lost it completely and fell, crying into Ron's shoulder.

Harry shook the tears from his eyes. "What...what will he do?"

Ron sat, holding a crying Draco. He shook his head as well. "He'll...carry on." Ron said simply.

Sokka looked into Ron's eyes and was shocked at the bluntness of this statement. "How do you know? How do you know if he can?" He said quietly. "He's only a child. How do you know?"

But then Neville chimed in. "Because...he has to." He began quietly. "We all did. Death doesn't give you a choice." Neville's head drooped solemnly at the finality of his words.

There was a beautiful, torrid silence.

Finally, Neville blew out another sigh. "I'll page the rest. Tell them to meet us here. Then...we wait."

"We wait." Harry replied quietly as the universe cruelly and suddenly reminded him of the toll that Death would take for his life. Was this the way it had to be?

As Liddry's muffled cries echoed behind closed doors, Harry remembered a very familiar sentence that had come to torture him as it took on an entirely new meaning:

For neither can live, while the other survives.

Author's Note. Hi Kids. I don't have much to say about this chapter, it came to me yesterday. I love it. I hope you do too. It's wonderful to see you all here again. Drop me a line and tell us how you're doing in the reviews. You dont have to leave a review of the story if you dont want to, you can just tell us how you're holding up. Stay safe and Im thinking about you. Thanks for sticking with me.