Lady Augusta Longbottom looked at the young first-year wizard before her, clearly unconvinced.
She chuckled softly and shook her head.
"Child, I know you mean well, but I've heard claims like this for years."
"Countless Healers, Potioneers, even the top experts at St. Mungo's, have said similar things."
"And the result?" Her voice grew weary. "They were all equally helpless."
Beside her, the attending Healer frowned deeply, clearly offended by the challenge to his professional authority.
"Young man, this is St. Mungo's, not your little playground." His tone was sharp and impatient.
"Soul damage caused by the Cruciatus Curse is one of the most difficult problems in the magical world."
"If you keep messing around, I'll have to throw you out."
Neville quickly stepped forward. "Sir, Charlie's really talented- "
The Healer cut him off with a scoff.
"A first-year brat? Talented?"
But Charlie remained composed, unbothered by the man's condescension.
He turned to Lady Longbottom and spoke sincerely.
"Ma'am, my method won't harm the patients in any way."
"And right now, with no other options available, isn't it worth a try?"
Augusta hesitated.
The boy wasn't wrong, Frank and Alice's condition couldn't possibly get worse. So what was there to lose?
Seeing her waver, the Healer tried to interject again, but Augusta raised a hand to silence him and asked, "Charlie, what exactly is your method?"
"I've developed a potion," Charlie explained, "specifically designed to treat soul injuries."
The Healer let out a derisive snort.
"Merlin's beard, that's the funniest thing I've heard all year."
Augusta Longbottom sighed, a trace of self-mockery in her eyes. The idea of her even entertaining this was laughable. A first-year, concocting a soul-healing potion?
The Healer sneered outright.
"We've tried every known treatment in St. Mungo's. Nothing has worked."
"And you're telling me a single vial of potion will fix them?"
"I wouldn't expect a dimwit like you to appreciate the beauty of a slow-simmered cauldron releasing fragrant silver steam," Charlie retorted with biting sarcasm.
That line... where had he heard that insult before? It sounded suspiciously familiar.
Charlie's voice sharpened.
"To trolls like you, potions might as well be written in a dead language."
The Healer's face turned crimson.
Charlie glanced at him with disdain before continuing.
"Hogwarts' Potions Master, Professor Snape, is fully aware of my research."
"He's provided considerable help and support."
After all, Snape had generously supplied the ingredients, how was that not support?
Both Augusta and the Healer were stunned at the mention of Snape.
His reputation in potions mastery was unquestioned in the entire British magical world.
If Snape really had a hand in this...
The Healer suddenly felt uneasy. What if the boy's potion actually worked? That would be an utter embarrassment for St. Mungo's.
But he quickly pushed the thought aside. Impossible. Snape mentoring a first-year on something this advanced? That had to be a bluff.
Lady Augusta turned to Neville, seeking confirmation.
Neville gulped and whispered, "Snape really is… very focused on Charlie."
Losing twenty points per lesson? If that wasn't attention, what was?
Charlie pressed on.
"Professor Snape was very impressed when I finalized the potion."
"Whether you use it or not, ma'am, that's your decision."
Augusta fell silent.
If Snape truly had a hand in this, then maybe it wasn't all nonsense.
She looked over at her son and daughter-in-law, heart full of conflicted emotion.
Ten years of despair. She'd grown used to disappointment.
But if there was even a sliver of hope... how could she not try?
"If there really are no side effects…"
The Healer panicked. "Madam! You can't seriously believe this child, what if something goes wrong?"
"I will take full responsibility," Charlie said firmly.
"My decision is final," Augusta declared.
Her gaze met Charlie's, a faint flicker of hope rising in her eyes.
"If you can truly heal them, I'll pay any price."
"No need for that," Charlie replied. "Just cover the potion cost."
"I'll return to Hogwarts and fetch it. If I had known earlier, I would've brought it with me."
He turned to leave.
"Wait here. I'll be back soon."
Augusta nodded, watching him go.
The Healer still looked doubtful, but the patient's family had made their decision. All he could do was wait and prepare to be proven right.
But shortly after Charlie left, groans of pain echoed through the ward.
Frank Longbottom began convulsing violently, his body shuddering on the bed.
Alice followed, twisting in agony, her face contorted with suffering.
"Frank, Alice…" Augusta whispered, her heart breaking.
The Healer rushed forward, his wand casting soft green light in an attempt to ease their pain.
But the spells barely made a difference. The couple continued to seize and moan.
Neville's tears spilled over as he watched his parents writhe.
"Mum… Dad…" His voice trembled.
For once, Augusta did not scold him.
She pulled her grandson into a tight hug.
"Don't cry, Neville. Don't cry." Her own voice cracked.
"Children of the Longbottom family must never cry."
But her eyes were already swimming with tears.
Ten long years. Every time she saw them like this, her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
The Healer frantically tried spell after spell, none of them working.
"Damn it, why is it so much worse today?" he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow.
Time ticked by. The sky outside began to darken.
The Longbottoms' condition was only deteriorating.
Neville clutched his grandmother's hand, eyes full of despair.
Then, at last, the door burst open.
Charlie entered, carrying a small potion case. His expression darkened when he saw the scene before him.
"How are they?"
"Worse than usual," Augusta replied quickly, stepping forward.
Charlie opened the case and pulled out two crystal vials filled with a pale golden liquid.
Under the candlelight, the potion shimmered, releasing a faint scent of mint.
"This is the Soul-Healing Elixir."
He handed one bottle to Augusta.
Her hands trembled as she took it, her gaze locking with Charlie's.
Then she turned toward Frank's bed.
"Frank, open your mouth."
<><>---------------------------------------
200 P.S = 1 Extra Chapters
40 Advanced Chapters on p(a)treon
p(a)treon.com/Aaltairr
Add to Collection!
🚨 TL/N 💥
Hello guys Fanfic recommendation!
Check out my other work:
💥> Naruto: Mind Control
If you like smart and strong MC, this fanfic is for you.
It's Peak.
Give it a chance and you won't be disappointed