The world was spinning, his life flashing in front of his eyes. He felt rather light, as if he was falling through an endless void and into a deep abyss. Everything, from his early memories of Privet Drive to Hagrid rescuing him from the hell hole, passed in a blink in his mind. Then came his Hogwarts years, meeting Ron and Hermione, forming alliances, fighting dark wizards, discussing future in vain with Sirius, encouraging Neville, sympathizing with Luna, the long walks from Quidditch pitch after practice with Ginny, being named Teddy's godfather, everything passed as clear as crystal that Harry briefly wondered if he was seeing the things that he ought to when he were to die.

"On Merlin's robe, I'm going to curse Robards!"

"Geez, chill Ron. The Healer did tell he would make it and she seems like a woman of her job."

"Blimey, it's all my fault! I should have just ushered him to the Ministry instead of discussing stupid lucky charms." Lucky charms.

Harry struggled hard to fight the abyss he had fallen into. Something was pulling him back no matter how hard he tried to wake up. "Hey, look! He's responsive! Healer Thornsbury!"

"I'll get her!"

"Harry?"

"Mr Potter?" Something fierce was forcibly thrown into his mouth, and his eyes shot open.

"W–W-" he gasped, hoping he did not look like a gaping fish out of its natural habitat. Whatever imitation of a smelling salt it was, it was way too spicy to be fanciable. His throat burned, as if he had just drunk a jar of Firewhiskey.

He felt everything cool down when the sweet tasteless water hit his lips, freezing the fire that had erupted within him as it descended down his food pipe. The relief was only ephemeral, for a wave of pain washed over him the next second. His head was throbbing as if he had had a very bad concussion. He could seldom feel his arms and legs, his vision was still a blurry mess. To his further vexation, his overgrown hair fell to his eyes.

"You're awake, Harry!"

The boy could barely make out his best friend, Hermione, through his poor vision. "Erm-" he croaked out, before deciding it best to not speak and make a fool out of himself more than he already looked.

"Shush, mate!" This was Ron.

Next came Neville's concerned voice. "Healer Thornsbury, how is his heart rate now?"

"Fairly mediocre, if it makes sense." This was a totally different voice, one that he did not recognize. "He needs to be put on blood replenishing potions as soon as his wounds are patched up and sealed if we don't wish to risk losing the fluid again." Harry tried to crane his neck to see what he was clothed in, only ending up with a sharp cry of pain. "Ah, I'm afraid you need to rest a lot longer, Mr Potter. Fret not. I am Healer Mimosa Thornsbury and you're under the safety of St Mungos. I assure you that your boss can never get in here." There was a hint of humor in the lady's voice that Harry decided to ignore.

"Thank you, Healer Mimosa," Hermione's gratitude made its way to his ear.

"I'll leave you to it but kindly let him rest."

"Yes, ma'am."

There was a shuffling of footsteps before Harry felt something being pushed onto his nose, giving him a strange ache before it subsided into numbness. Everything before him was finally clear; Ron had placed his trusty glasses to aid his vision.

Harry mumbled a thanks but was not sure if his best friend had heard it. His eyes sought for another redhead, before his spirits fell. There is no use in hoping for her to show up. I just sent her hopes crashing down.

Hermione seemed to have understood his non-verbal laments, for she started reprimanding him. "Harry James Potter! What were you thinking when you declined Laura and Arren's help?!" Miss Camberley and Arren were rookie aurors themselves. Harry decided against voicing his thoughts aloud, lest he sound like a duck quacking for attention. He could not have, even if he wished to because that would have made him look like a duck, literally, regardless of how cute and innocent it looked.

Luckily, Ron came to his rescue. "Blimey, let the man breathe, Hermione! He's just woken up from a concussion for Merlin's sake."

"O-M-S!" Neville exclaimed, all of a sudden.

"What?" Ron and Hermione asked in unison with Harry arching an eyebrow at his blond friend.

"I totally forgot I had to inform L–grr, the instructor, Matthews! He was supposed to take over the case from Arren and Laura. I better get going! I'll make sure Gran sends you a card, Harry!" Harry looked over his glasses to see Neville breaking into a run as he exited the ward.

Silence reigned, but as minds worked, Harry's brain set to thinking back on what exactly happened. The Snatchers! Where they caught?!

He could not exactly derive the answer from his memories alone and his throat was dried up to ask Ron. His mind reeled in discomfort with all the recollection. Deciding not to ponder upon his questions, he turned his attention to his best friends.

"I don't think it is necessary at all. You're being offered a position without that, Hermione!"

"No, Ron. I don't wish to drop my schooling just because I'm offered a position now. What if they Minister changes and he or she demands not less than three NEWTs to work?" From what he could hear, Harry concluded that they were discussing about Hermione returning to Hogwarts to start her seventh year. It only reminded him of how she would be leaving in not less than a week and so would Ginny. And I'm nowhere near to repairing things between. . .us.

The rabbit foot charm flashed in his mind and he looked around as much as possible to find it. It had, after all, given him a bit of fortune even if it did not last forever. He did survive, after all. "What are you looking for, Harry?" Harry turned to face the concerned faces of his friends. He shook his head and decided it would be a lost cause, but it caught his eye. There, in the shiny silver bin farther from his bed, was a hint of fur among wasted bandages.

Guess the rabbit was more unfortunate than I was.

H

ey guys!
Harry's now safe, but alone in his road to recovery. What do y'all think about it?

If you liked this chapter, comment! I'd love to hear your thoughts about it!

Thank you for reading!

Miyoko x