Chapter 25: “The Healer's Sanctuary”

Nestled in the serene mountains of northern England, hidden from the prying eyes of the world, lay a quaint and enchanting cottage. This haven, surrounded by a lush garden of rare and mystical plants, was the sanctuary of Healer Fawley, an old healer whose name was whispered with reverence in the wizarding world. The cottage, with its greenhouses filled with unusual flora, was a treasure trove of knowledge and healing.

Inside, the old woman stirred a large pot, her back to the door. From behind, she might remind one of an evil witch from a fairytale, but her demeanor was that of a kind, wise grandmother.

Cordelia Fawley, known for her intelligence and kindness, was a healer of great renown. Her untamed auburn curls and twinkling eyes spoke of a life filled with both joy and profound knowledge. Dressed in deep purple robes, with a wand tucked neatly behind her ear, she exuded an air of mystery and wisdom.

As she focused on her potion, the wards around her cottage chimed softly, signaling the arrival of unexpected visitors. Stepping outside, she was met with a sight that pierced her heart – a house elf, cradling a gravely injured young wizard.

"Mistress Fawley, healer of many, please help Master Harry. He is dying. Mira can't do anything to save Master Harry," Mira pleaded in her unique elf-speak, her voice laden with tears.

Cordelia's gaze softened as she assessed the boy's critical condition. With a gentle wave of her wand, she levitated Harry into her cottage, into a room that served as her sanctuary of healing – a space where magic and medicine intertwined.

The room, bathed in soft, soothing light, was equipped with an array of magical instruments and devices, each serving a unique purpose in the art of healing. Here, Cordelia had spent countless hours mending wounds both physical and magical, her skills a beacon of hope to those in dire need.

As she placed Harry on the operating table, her expert gaze quickly identified the numerous afflictions plaguing him. 

She detected traces of dark magic – trackers embedded in his skin, and a charm dampening his memories.

Her anger grew as she noted Harry's severe malnutrition, the recent serious injuries in his chest, and signs of prolonged abuse.

The magical block on his core, and this core powering distant wards, was the final straw. To Cordelia, the extent of Harry's suffering was unthinkable, especially for a child so young. Her heart ached at the sight of such cruelty inflicted upon a child, and her resolve to heal him strengthened.

Cordelia worked tirelessly, her hands moving with precision and care. She removed the trackers, ensuring that whoever had placed them would no longer be able to locate Harry. Her spells gently mended his broken bones, healed his bruises, and nourished his malnourished body.

The ward connection to his magical core was severed, but she dared not remove the magic block on his entirely, fearing the sudden release of magic might overwhelm his fragile state.

As Harry's breathing steadied and color returned to his cheeks, Cordelia finally lifted the memory-dampening charm, curious about its purpose but mindful of the delicate balance she needed to maintain in his recovery.

Turning to Mira, Cordelia sought answers.

Mira, still trembling but grateful for Harry's salvation, recounted Harry's story, revealing his identity, and the changes in his life after Voldemort's attack. How Dumbledore had orchestrated his separation from his family, and how she, bound by her love and loyalty for Harry, had searched tirelessly for him.

"So, he is Euphemia's grandson. I remember seeing him years ago," Cordelia mused her mind whirling with the implications. "This must be another one of Dumbledore's plans. Always for the 'greater good,' but at what cost? How low has Dumbledore stooped to use a child in his plans?"

Turning to Mira, she spoke gravely, "If we are to protect Harry from further manipulation, we must make Dumbledore believe he is dead. It will require deception and secrecy. Are you prepared for this?"

Mira nodded resolutely, "For Master Harry, I will do anything."

Cordelia outlined her plan. It involved continuing Harry's treatment and creating a decoy to fool Dumbledore. She cautioned Mira about the costs, both monetary and magical.

Mira, undeterred, assured her that she could access Harry's trust vault and it should be able to cover the cost. She returned momentarily with a sack of galleons, enough to cover the expenses of their elaborate ruse.

With the resources at hand, Cordelia set to work. Cordelia used many rare magical items to craft a golem, a magical replica of Harry, imbued with just enough magic to withstand scrutiny. She then instructed Mira to take her to the location where she found Harry.

Under the cover of night, she and Mira ventured to Privet Drive. They first placed the golem Harry in the cupboard under the stairs.

Cordelia then manipulated the Dursleys, magically compelling them to bury the golem in a place that they themselves would be unable to find later. This would stop Dumbledore from getting his hands on Harry's 'body'. Magic would take care of the specifics, and the Dursleys would find the burial place in a remote confusing place.

Cordelia and Mira then watched as Vernon and Petunia Dursley followed Cordelia's instructions. She helped them by meticulously covering their tracks, ensuring they remembered the events as she planned and Dumbledore could not follow the tracks to the golem.

As they departed Privet Drive, Cordelia ensured that any magical traces were erased, her spells leaving no stone unturned. She needed to be extra careful to have a chance at fooling Dumbledore.

Cordelia's final act was to destroy the protective wards around Dursley's house, making it appear as a consequence of Harry's supposed demise.

Back in the tranquility of her cottage, Cordelia reflected on the night's events. She had chosen not to inflict harm upon the Dursleys, despite their cruelty to Harry. Her principles as a healer and a protector of life guided her actions, even in the face of such blatant injustice.

"Mira, we must allow Harry time to recover fully before we consider any form of retribution against those who have wronged him," Cordelia advised the house elf, her voice carrying the weight of experience and wisdom. "Our priority is his well-being and safety."

Mira, her loyalty unwavering, agreed. She understood the importance of patience and the need to focus on Harry's recovery.

In the quiet of the night, the cottage became a sanctuary for Harry. Here, he would find the care and compassion he had been denied for so long. Cordelia watched over him, her mind already planning the next steps of his treatment and recovery. The magical block on his core remained a concern, but she was determined to address it when Harry's body was healed and stronger.

As dawn approached, bringing with it the promise of a new day, Harry lay in peaceful slumber, unaware of the lengths to which Cordelia and Mira had gone to save him.

The old healer stood by the window, gazing out at the awakening world, her thoughts a blend of concern and determination. She had known the boy for only a night but vaguely knowing what he had gone through, she felt it was her duty to help him.

She knew from examining his magic core and the history of the Potter family that the boy was destined to become a strong wizard. At that moment, Cordelia Fawley made a silent vow. She would be the guardian, the mentor, and the healer that Harry needed. She would shield him from the machinations of those who sought to use him and help him grow into the wizard he was destined to be.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, casting a warm glow over the mountains, the cottage stood as a beacon of hope. Within its walls, a young wizard's journey to healing and recovery had just begun, under the watchful eye of one of the wizarding world's most skilled healers.