Arlo Quinten Avery

Iris had walked the halls of Hogwarts a thousand times before, but never had it been so quiet.

It was nighttime, of course, so she didn’t expect to see any students walking around, talking loudly with their friends. But she’d expected to hear students sneaking around, whispering to a secret lover in one of the nicer broom closets, or muffled giggles from some pranksters sneaking away from their latest masterpiece. Maybe even someone crying softly in one of the hidden rooms, or behind one of the suits of armour, clutching a letter from home that held bad news.

But there was nothing. No whispers, giggles, or tears. Just the sound of muffled conversations coming from the Great Hall, and even those had gotten more and more quiet. Fear had drained all the fun from Hogwarts. The fun, and the gossip.

However, if there’s one thing she’d learnt in her years of learning people’s secrets, it was that there’s always someone just around the corner with a secret they desperately needed to say out loud; you just needed to be patient.

She only meant for the saying to be metaphorical, but it seemed that luck was on her side, because some unsuspecting guest that Iris didn’t immediately recognize had just turned around the corner, and was heading towards the staircase on which Iris was currently sitting on. Even if there was no gossip, Iris was bored out of her mind, and any conversation was good when you were a little tipsy.

“My, don’t you look lovely.” She said sweetly, eyeing the person up and down and determining the outfit actually wasn’t awful. “Bored with the reunion or looking to cause trouble?” She asked with a small smirk, hoping it was the latter. Not too much trouble, but enough to keep her night interesting.

Arlo had definitely overindulged when it came to the bottomless champagne. It was his first time being anything close to drunk since he had broken away from his family. He was too used to using alcohol as a crutch, a way of socialising, a way of spiting hateful and venomous views without hesitation or a lack of conviction. But this was nice. This was comfortable. He was safe in the castle, with James, and the Potters, and the friends he had made since announcing to the world who he truly was. Who he had always been. Regardless, he knew it would be smart to take a brief break from drinking, so he had slipped away from the hall under the guise of exploration. The truth was, there weren’t many places in the castle that held happy memories for him. So he climbed the nearest staircase as the noise from the hall slowly faded, with every intention of taking a seat on the stone steps. 

Flinching when he realised he wasn’t alone, he laughed at how easy he was to startle. “Iris,” he grinned easily, tugging on his pink corduroy suit. He knew it was a little eccentric, but pink was his favourite colour and when you worked in fashion, it was all too easy to find designer clothes. How was he supposed to resist? “Neither?” He tried, shaking his head at her question. “I was actually going to sit... I think perhaps I may have had just a little too much champagne. Do you mind if I join you?” He had developed somewhat of a friendship with her, over their time in the shared publishing office. And despite her occasional attempts to pry gossip from him, he genuinely enjoyed her company. 

“Yeah, Evan. Rosier-Grayson? He was a Slytherin at Hogwarts. He’s also quite a bit younger than me. He’s only 23 but he makes me happy so.” he blinked, realizing it probably just sounded like had just been staying with a friend. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. We’re dating. I keep forgetting not everyone knows he’s my boyfriend.” he says with a small sheepish smile. “He’s just over there- with the blue hair- talking with Lily. I’m surprised you don’t know him. Lily’s his best friend.” he says motioning to the other side of the room where the pair were speaking. 

“Me too. It’s… been hard. I’m working toward feeling safe. But for now, I’ll just stay with him. At least until I’m okay with living alone again. I’m glad you have James and that he has you.” he says and he means it. Knowing that his little brother had someone who loved him as much Teddy loved him was reassuring. “Good, I’m glad. We could also use a bit of peace in this mess,” he says with a sigh. “As he should. It’s well me and Al. Just keep reminding him that he’s not alone in this. I had to do that a lot when we were growing up and it always helps. I promise. You being there for him is enough.”

Arlo smiled, he knew Evan. Maybe not incredibly well, but it was interesting to hear how those who did would describe him. “I suspected you might be.” He admitted, his eyes shining as he looked at his friend. “I’m so happy, Teddy... I really am.” Glancing over to look at where Evan was standing, he nodded politely as he met his gaze. He would have to greet him before the evening came to an end. “I do know him. He helped James and I decorate a room in our apartment. His parents invited me to dinner a while ago, I really should take them up on that offer...” Evan Sr had been through a lot, some of his backstory was similar to his own and Evan Jr had assured him a few times now that he might have some advice. At the very least, he would be able to understand. 

“I’m glad I have James too. I’d be lost without him.” His smile quickly became a grin as he thought of the way his boyfriend made him feel, the fact that Evan probably made Teddy feel the same way. “James, and the Potter’s, have spent so long telling me I’m not alone. The least I can do is return the favour now. The Potter’s and the Weasley’s... they protect their own, don’t they? I couldn’t imagine being surrounded by a more sincere, and affection group of people.” 

Lily could talk about her time here for days, and she was sure her future kids she might have would grow tired of her stories one day. “I think you just simply need to open your mind up more,” she joked, giving his shoulder a gentle nudge. The closest she’d ever gotten to playing a trick on Arlo was popping into his flat at random times and potentially running the risk of startling him. Either way, it still gave her a laugh. “My uncles. Uncle George basically taught me everything I know. I assume I can’t be better than him since he was my ‘teacher’.”

She scrunched her face up in disgust at the idea of James and Arlo doing anything other than hugging. “Good because I would hope you didn’t do anything unholy on these benches,” she teased. Lily noticed how he seemed to fall into a deep thought. “No, he didn’t,” she responded, a soft smile forming. “I’m glad you had home. I know people weren’t always kind to you. Myself included.”

“I’m more than content with being a spectator.” Arlo assured Lily. It was strange, considering the life he was leading now actively drew attention to him. But until recently, he had been the person who bowed their head and tried to avoid being seen. “Remind me to never upset your Uncle George.” Laughing quietly at the look on her face, he resisted the urge to roll his eyes, allowing her to assume the worst like he had always known she would. When she told him James had never explained how they officially met, he smiled, biting down on his bottom lip. The memory once used to inspire fear and anxiety. Now, he realised it was the beginning of his new life. 

“I’m sure you heard, during my Sorting ceremony I... blacked out.” He swallowed, still embarrassed even though he knew his behaviour was somewhat justified. “I was so scared, Lily.” He breathed, pushing his hair back away from his face. “I was under so much pressure and-” He broke off, debating how honest to be. There was something he had never told anybody before, not even James. A reason for the crushing sense of relief that had caused the drop in his blood pressure. “If I tell you this... I just- I don’t want people to know, okay?” He said, his voice barely louder than a whisper. 

“I was supposed to be in Hufflepuff. The hat wanted to put me in Hufflepuff but I- I knew if that happened, what was waiting for me at home would be-” He felt himself grow pale at the thought, taking a shaky breath to calm himself. He was safe here. His parents had disowned him. “I begged the Hat, I said I would do absolutely anything to be placed in Slytherin, and when it listened- when it told the hall I was a Slytherin I- the relief was too great. I just... I don’t really remember what happened. I was taken to the hospital wing by the Matron, and while I was in bed... terrified again because of what might happen if Father heard I had humiliated my family, James appeared. He had lied to Professor McGonagall after his Sorting was complete. He told her he knew me and that I would want to be with a friend, so she allowed him to visit.” 

Even now, the story brought tears to his eyes. The fact that his boyfriend had been so determined, so willing to help a stranger... “I didn’t realise who he was, of course. But he stayed with me, he missed the Feast too. When I asked him why, he told me nobody should spend their first night in the castle alone.” Humming when Lily told him people weren’t always kind to him, he shrugged, brushing off the comment. “I wasn’t always kind to people, Lily...”

Albus gave a small smile, looking over at his friend, hell at someone quite nearly his brother, and simply shook his head.  “No…no I have to be alright, Arlo.  I’m a Potter.” And there were ramifications there.  He couldn’t look weak before the press.  Or weaker.  He already looked supremely foolish.  Best not to give them any more fodder.  And while he knew, he so understood from the look in the other man’s eyes, from the way he spoke and held himself, there was a layer here that Arlo was just beginning to connect with: the weight of that fucking public eye.  “Can’t let anyone think I’m really in a bad way…”

He groaned and let his head hit the pillows with a resounding lack of sound.  It was bad enough that he had guilt and anger clawing at his chest in equal measure with the scaring that his hurting his lungs.  But hearing about the idiocy coming out of the tabloids.  Fuck if his family wasn’t going to run riot with that.  He was serious when he said he wasn’t trying to bring more attention their way.  “Circe’s tits but I really don’t want to know half of what they’re saying.  Unflattering will probably be the nicest adjective.” 

“He’s always been the big brother,” Albus murmured softly, closing his eyes and letting out a shaky breath.  “Tried to keep us both safe from the ills of the world.  Or what he saw as them.” He gave a small wry smile.  “Wouldn’t blame you if you were, Arlo.  Healing will happen.  Making up for a bit of colossal stupidity might take more work.” He flashed him a tight smile.  “You and James have been safe though, yeah?  No assaults from…” he swallowed thickly on the word father and coughed.  “From them?”

Arlo frowned deeply. He had heard James and Lily say the very same. Merlin, he was sure he had heard Harry say something similar not long ago. It felt like a toxic thing to believe, but he knew he was powerless to undo what they had taught themselves over the years. And maybe it wasn’t his place. “Your brother says the same thing to me.” He admitted, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “But you can take breaks, Albus... there isn’t anybody here you need to be strong for.”  Sighing softly, he wanted to ask whether his comment meant he considered himself to be in a bad way, but that felt too personal. Especially when he was trying so hard to appear unflustered. 

“At least the public think you live a wild life of danger and rebellion.” He smiled, hoping it was encouraging information and not something that was going to make him feel worse. “I’m not.” He said, keeping his voice firm and leaving no room for Albus to argue. Being angry with him right now was something that hadn’t even crossed his mind. He was upset, and frustrated, and scared, but any anger he had was directed towards... them. The people responsible for the attack. “You don’t need to make up for anything, please don’t carry any guilt.” He begged. That wouldn’t be fair. Maybe he had been reckless given the fact that he knew he was under threat. But he deserved the right to go out, he deserved the right to leave the house without worrying for his safety. “James and I have been safe. I promise you.” 

He wasn’t entirely sure why they had been passed over when their relationship alone made them both a target. Not to mention his own betrayal and subsequent Blood Traitor title. He wondered whether there had been any discourse, or whether the plan had always been to hurt Albus. The Muggle-loving youngest son, who so often shunned the Wizarding World for his life in Oxford. “I suppose consorting with Muggles must be above James stealing away one of their own. They never offered me much respect, I doubt anybody was truly sad to see me leave... it would have been a matter of principle, if anything. And they like to shock... maybe it would have been too obvious a choice.” 

She was happy to hear Arlo’s voice behind her as she turned to face him. “I was never threatened by my brother per say, but I knew pranking you in particular was never a good idea. He warned me to let you be, and I knew better than to argue against him. It’s a pity, really. You missed out on being part of the second best pranks at Hogwarts.” The first place holders were her Uncle Fred and George. She learned most of her tricks from Uncle George, and she liked to spend time at his shop during the summers when she was a kid. Of course, Lily never knew about the Arlo and her brother until she accidentally stumbled upon it, but she did assume they were at least friendly growing up. Lily never understood it when she was in school. She thought he was one of the bad guys, and never understood why James cared about him. Yet, here she was, years later with the same guy she was convinced was one of the bad ones. “Yuck. I hope you don’t mean what I think you mean.” Lily made a face in dramatic disgust before giving Arlo a light tap on the shoulder. “Can you believe there was a point where I thought you were one of the bad guys?”

Arlo smiled, despite knowing something similar must have happened during their time at school, hearing about it made him feel warm and safe. James had always been there for him, had always been there to protect him when he was able to. “Forgive me for not sharing your perspective.” He teased. As far as he was concerned, it was about as far from being a pity as it could possibly be. “Who holds the title of first place?” He asked curiously. He knew Lily’s family was filled with pranksters, though he couldn’t imagine who she held in such high regard. 

Laughing quietly at her sudden reaction to his comment, he shook his head with an easy grin. “I very likely don’t.” He assured her. “You can relax.” His smile fading, he sighed quietly., reaching down to wrap his fingers around his left forearm. It was something he did when he was deep in thought, reminded of his past. It kept him grounded. “There was a time I thought the same.” He admitted. “Your brother has saved me more than once. I owe him everything... did he ever tell you he missed his first Hogwarts feast for me? He was the first friend I made here... the first friend I made ever, really.” 

Teddy hadn’t wanted to come to the event. It hadn’t been long enough since the break in at his apartment- and he still hadn’t stepped foot back there. Evan had gone a few times to get him things he’d left- mainly his health potions and some clothing items. He’d sat on Evan’s bed holding the letter Professor McGonagall had sent to everyone shaking like a leaf knowing that it would be odd for him to not show at something like this. No one would probably blame him for not going- but the last thing he wanted to do was to cower and let people know that they’d gotten to him. So he’d tried to put on a brave face as they went out to get suits and got ready that night. He’d put on the bravest face when they’d entered the hall, and while Teddy had felt much at ease walking in on Evan’s arm- he was still very wary of people who would no doubt ask him how he was doing and trigger the feelings he’d had when he’d first come home to his flat being trashed. 

He was walking by having come back inside from getting a bit of fresh air and had been on his way to find Lily when he heard Arlo before he saw him. “Oh, hey Arlo. Alright?” he says, offering a small smile. He almost winces at Arlo’s mention of worry- and he hopes it wasn’t visible because he really appreciated the concern he’d just been trying to keep it together and he was afraid it would unravel again here. “I uh.. yeah mostly reparable. I’ve um being staying with Evan since then. I’m not quite ready to be alone in the flat again. It’s good seeing you though. Are you alright? In spite of well everything?”

Arlo immediately felt guilty for talking about the break in. He could see in Teddy’s reaction that he would rather be talking about quite literally anything else. Offering him an apologetic smile, he still couldn’t hide his concern. “Evan?” He asked, searching his mind to remember whether he knew Evan was who Teddy had been seeing. “I’m so glad you have somebody to take care of you. I know... I know what it feels like, to be scared. I don’t know where I would be without James, if I’m being entirely honest. He has saved me far more than just once.” His smile growing, he nodded insistently. “I am. As well as I can be, considering.” At least that was one less thing for Teddy to worry about. “James is... stressed, but I’m doing everything I can to be there for him so we’ll- we’ll be okay.”

There was always a special feeling of joy that filled her each time she walked down the halls of Hogwarts. Her time here was completely delightful, and part of her wished she never had to leave. Maybe she’d come back one day as a healer or even the potions master. She pondered all the possibilities as she leaned against the opening to the courtyard, and she smiled at the memory of her favorite prank she pulled during school that just happened to be in this very spot. Footsteps came up behind her, but she didn’t bother turning to look. She should, though, given what had happened to her brother. This was Hogwarts. It had always been safe. “You know, my sixth year I played a little prank on the Slytherin’s right here. We had a massive Quidditch game against them, so I set up a tripwire when I heard them coming. I’d spent hours on this potion and how to vaporize it. Long story short, when they tripped it, they were dyed a sickly green color.  It didn’t wash off of some of them for days,” she laughed before finally facing the source of the footsteps. “It’s hard not to be a little nostalgic when you’re here.”

Arlo had seen Lily slip away from the event. He hadn’t followed her, technically. But remembering the rest of the castle was free for him to explore, he had left the Great Hall after her, not expecting to find her again so soon. It was strange being back. The castle made him feel safe, safe from his parents at least, who luckily hadn’t decided to attend the event. But it had never been home for him like it had been for some people. “I suppose I should count myself lucky I was never on the receiving end of your pranks.” He smiled warmly, moving to stand beside her. “I guess James politely and mysteriously asked you to leave me alone?” It was something he had never really spoken to his boyfriend about, but it made sense considering the unlikable persona he had adopted to protect himself in school. He would have been the perfect target. “I don’t feel a lot of nostalgia.” He admitted. “Although... James and I did, uh... get carried away on one of these benches. Once upon a time when nobody was looking.” He figured Lily would assume the worst, but he also knew she understood, with his rigid upbringing, carried away could very well mean a kiss to the cheek in public. 

Finn’s head slowly rose when he heard a familiar voice hit his ears. He never really talked to people in this office but knew Arlo was a good soul. “You can say that again man,” he laughed and looked down at his paper. “Sadly I can’t, article is due whenever the game is over – Arlo I bloody hate this thing,” Finn threw his quill masterfully placing a large splatter of black ink on the parchment, he groaned in response. 

“You think it’d bode well if I just don’t do this? I demand a better piece more fitting for me?” Finn glanced back over to Arlo, his eyes round and puppy dog like. He knew it wouldn’t do him well, but he also wasn’t into turning in something he wasn’t proud of. 

Arlo glanced down sympathetically at the parchment Finn had been working on. He knew what it was like to complete a project under a deadline, he was only lucky in the fact that he had yet to be offered a project he didn’t enjoy. “Why do you hate it?” He asked. There had to be a reason, and maybe he could help. If he could, then he certainly would. “I know a little of Quidditch due to James and his incessant ramblings. Is there anything I can do?”  Smiling quietly when his friend asked what might happen if he simply abandoned his work, it was a question he wasn’t sure he could answer. “I think it might be important to be honest when something isn’t right for you... but I also don’t wish for you to lose your job.” He admitted. “Are there other articles you could volunteer to write? Perhaps something that interests you more than sports?” 

Finn was needless to say – stressed. He had absolutely no interest in writing a crummy article about whether or not a Quidditch game was happening. He loved the sport it was something he and his dad Seamus bonded over, but writing about it was not his forte. Finn wanted the hard and gritty things, the stuff that made you enemies not whether or not the Appleby Arrows would win against the Ballycastle Bats.

Downing the last of his coffee he stared at the empty parchment paper and pushed it all to the side. One more coffee, he thought to himself, one more and I’ll prove that I can take on a worthy article. Finn bought himself another coffee – extra sweet and extra creamy with almond milk –and then sat down.

Worthless staring was all he found himself doing after a few more minutes yet again, before groaning and laying his head on the table.

Arlo was far too used to the office space in Diagon Alley being shared, he didn’t even look up as he let himself into the room. He considered himself friends with almost everybody who had reason to work there so checking his surroundings wasn’t a priority. He only made a point of turning his attention away from the various sheets of parchment in his hand when he was comfortably sitting at an overcrowded desk. Smiling the moment he realised it was Finn, he abandoned his work, raising his eyebrows as it became clear it was his second cup of coffee. “Has it been a long day?” He asked, equally curious and concerned. “Perhaps you should take a break?” 

Albus shook his head, unable to give voice to that concern, to what he’d seen.  He bit the inside of his cheek, tasted the faint wisps of copper and strain, and took a deep breath.  Unfounded accusations were no way to begin this, no way to progress what would be a process.  No, hell no.  He needed proof.  And had no idea how to attain that.  “Just…something odd.  IT’s ok!  I’m ok…” He whispered that last part once more.  

He chuckled lightly and shook his head with a little wry grin.  Arlo knew.  Probably knew exactly how it felt to see that wand pointed at him in anger.  “Thanks.  Thank you.  I mean…I’m worried about me too.  This is a bit of a fuckup, even by my colossal standards of idiocy.” He tried for that smile again, wanting to move away from talks of assaults and onto recovery.  That seemed the best thing for it right now.  “It is.  Just immobilized while muscle heals and is regrown.  Took some shrapnel to the wrong place ya know?”  He shrugged the one shoulder he could.  “So doing better yeah!” He winced and looked down, the guilt clawing at his throat.  “Yeah…yeah I get that.  I worried a lot of folks it seems.  Made fodder for the papers.  Ahhhh I hate proving dad right sometimes, ya know?” He gave a weak smile and looked up.  “I’m sorry about that.  Really sorry.  Don’t like bringing more attention our way than I have to really…”  He winced again and looked up at Arlo, worry clear in his eyes.

“I…how mad is James?  Or you?  I kinda acted like an idiot…”

Arlo felt his frown deepen. As far as he was concerned, the entire conversation had been odd so far. Seeing Albus wasn’t easing his worry in the way he hoped it might. “It’s not okay.” He insisted, his voice soft but firm. “Albus, I need you to know that you don’t have to be okay right now. “ It was his second time saying the words but he would repeat them as many times as he needed to. “I spent twenty years pretending to be okay and it very nearly destroyed me. Don’t do that... not with me.” Sighing quietly when he began to blame himself, he leaned back in his seat. It was almost like listening to the old Arlo, he could see why James used to get so upset each time he casually brushed off his suffering. 

“This isn’t your fault, you aren’t to blame for this. Regardless of what you, James, and Lily were doing... if they were determined to attack, they would find a way eventually. Of course they would.” A terrifying thought, one he had been refusing to admit before the attack had taken place. Now he could admit it, accept the truth, because Albus was alive. He was going to survive. “You should see what the magazines are saying about you.” He murmured, a smile playing at his lips as he tried to steer the conversation into a direction Albus might genuinely appreciate. “I saved some issues at home though I wasn’t sure it would be appropriate to bring them with me today... some are speculating you may be involved with drugs. Some of them have decided you were attacked by a scorned ex. Maybe it shouldn’t be so amusing , forgive me, but I know you’ll appreciate the creativity.”

His smile fading again at the mention of Harry, he could only imagine how worried he was. He hadn’t spoken to him in probably far too long. “How... how is he?” He asked, resisting the urge to tease Albus about always drawing unnecessary attention. Maybe another day, but not right now. That wouldn’t feel at all fair. “James is... well, James. He is worryingly determined to find a way of blaming himself. Please don’t tell him I told you that.” Surprised to be considered a part of the equation, even now, he shook his head. “Albus... I could never be angry with you for this. Please, please don’t concern yourself with that, I only want you to heal...” 

Hermione smiled as she saw Arlo opening the door. Hermione hadn’t seen Arlo too many times, but she was always happy to see him with her nephew and the woman had enjoyed the small amount but interesting conversations they shared. “Oh Arlo, you’re not bothering at all” Hermione smiled and got up from her seat to welcome him in. Hermione smiled as Arlo talked “It is okay” smiled warmly trying to calm the boy down. She knew Arlo was a nervous person and she didn’t wanted to make it more difficult for him. “Do you want to take a sit?” asked Hermione as she gestured to the seat opposite her desk. Hermione walked to the opposite seat and once she was sitting she looked at Arlo with a grin “This is not uncourteous, you’re part of the family so you can come around if you want to”.

Arlo felt himself beginning to relax at Hermione’s reassurance. Stepping further into the room, allowing the door to close behind him, he carefully set the hamper down on her desk, taking the seat opposite her own with a gentle smile. A warmth spreading outwards from his chest when she told him she was a part of the family, he felt his smile grow, cheeks flushing just a little. “Thank you.” He said quietly. “There isn’t a lot left, and I know nothing will ever compare to Molly’s cooking. But James and I have been learning how to bake bread, so we made a few rolls and sandwiches to bring to Harry. Are- are you having a difficult time too?” It only made sense given her nephew had ended up in hospital and she was knee deep in her work for the Ministry, but it felt rude to assume, even if Harry had essentially told him it was true. 

It took everything in his power to uncurl fingers, to let the wand drop to his bedside.  That face.  That face.  It stared out at him in snippets of dream, look of anger and shock and equal parts rage and worry.  Albus licked his lips, took a slow breath and nodded, focusing on the words his friend was saying.  The protection spells.  The work with muggles.  The little bits that were absolutely right.  He gave another slow breath and nodded, looking up sheepishly, skittishly.  

And he focused on the differences.

The lack of grey at the temples, the lines on the face, the look of worry and not contempt.  And that soft voice, so very different from the one he’d heard throw curses at him.  He let out a little sob, a laugh and a smile and tears starting now as he watched his friend, his brother’s lover, stand there and be so concerned.  

“Oh thank Merlin it’s you,” he gasped out, laugh just this side of watery.  It was so good to know this man wasn’t hear to hurt him.  And it was so terrible to know that he could now identify his attacker.  Almost too well.  “N-never mind me.  Being silly is all.  Come!  Tell me how the world is.  All I see is this room and the pile of things I’m not allowed to open yet.” He frowned.  “Or can’t.  Bloody arm.” 

He’d wrap it all in a laugh.  That would calm his racing heart.  And maybe the smile would reach his eyes.

Arlo could have fainted upon seeing Albus drop his wand, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time he had lost consciousness due to a crushing sense of relief. Letting out a shaky breath, he continued to stare at his friend. Terrified for him, realising how much trauma his attack had left him with.That was going to be far harder to heal than any of his physical injuries. It made his heart ache to know the struggle was far from over. “It’s- it’s me-” He hurried to assure him, still hesitant to move any closer to his bed. “Albus... who did you think I was?” He asked, wondering whether that was smart. If Albus had been reliving some element of his attack, was it fair to ask him about it? Then again, if he was seeing things then it might be better to know. What if this was the first time and the Healers needed the information?

“Albus...” He murmured, a frown creasing his brow. “Please don’t do that. I know what it feels like... to be scared, to have a wand pointed at you and fear for your life. I understand.” He swallowed, a familiar anxiety creeping to his chest as he thought back on his old life. “Don’t invalidate yourself, being nervous is... it’s okay. I’m just worried about you.” At the invitation, he finally made his way over to the side of the bed, taking the seat next to it slowly so that he wouldn’t startle its occupant. “Your arm, is it healing?” He asked. James was too tired recently to press for answers, and he hadn’t seen Lily in a while. “Merlin, you scared me so much. You scared all of us. I don’t know what I would do if...” He trailed off, choking on his own words. They were too difficult to even speak, and he knew Albus would understand his meaning. “I’m just so grateful you’re still here...”