heart of gold

“Yes, we will. Oliver is very excited to show you his new books. And Ambrette wants you to take her tree climbing.”

Davey smiled. He loved his niece and nephew about as much as he would love his own children. “Tell Oliver I can’t wait to see his books. And of course I’ll take Ambrette tree climbing. Otherwise she would just go by herself,” he chuckled.

“Of course you were… I’m sorry, I’ve been a bit on edge lately. Are you sure you don’t want me to take a closer look at that? I’ll have it fixed in a heartbeat,” Scarlett smiled, trying to make up for her icy start.

“That’s fine, I understand being on edge,” he said, offering her a smile. “I mean...honestly, if you’ve nothing better to do, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.” He sat down so that he would be at a better height for her to inspect the shallow gash on his face.

“I can take you up there now. Have to go to the fifth floor to check on some patients, so why don’t you follow me and we can get you where you need to go?”  Doris smiled at him, turning her body,  but still looking at him to make sure he was going to follow.

“Right, sure I’ll just...” he trailed off, intending to wait for her to go about her business, but when she turned around, he had no choice but to follow her. “Go with you, I guess. You’re sure you don’t need me to wait somewhere?”

“I’m fine.” She insisted, “We’re fine. Gladys wants to know if you’re still coming to dinner Friday.”

He wanted to tell his sister that she was obviously not fine. She hadn’t been fine since before Lincoln died. “Yeah,” he said. “Yeah, I am. Are you and the kids going to be there, too?”

“Oh, it’s been too long since we’ve had lunch together.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” Davey said. “So, how have you been? How’s...how’s Amycus?”

“Really? They not over it yet? I mean I know I’m the first person to ever escape but come on, they gotta let it go sometime.” Sirius joked. Or attempted too. There was no real humour behind his words. “No. I didn’t. It was Pettigrew not me. I would never have betrayed James like that.”

“I mean, it’s been lees so lately, but the word’s still out that out and wanted,” Davey replied. He gave a faint smile. “I know. The two of you were inseparable. I don’t think anyone suspected Peter, though. That bit took me by surprise.”

“As well as I can be. Aye, it is. I opened up a half-way house for kids who lost their homes and families in the war. They’ve been a big help.”

“That sounds great, Birdy. I’m glad to hear you’re still doing what you love,” Davey said. “Are you happy?”

“It’s all that’s keeping me sane.”

Davey took a deep breath. “Thea, if you ever need me to...babysit or something, anything to take your mind off of things, just let me know, alright?”

“Linda, I’ll handle this. Will you go check on the third floor?” Doris said to the woman in front of Davey, taking her place when she walked off. “Visitation hours ended a while ago… but who do you need to visit? I’ll do my best to get you to their room.”

“Um, a friend,” he said. “Yeah, just a friend. I think he’s on the fourth floor. I’d be happy to wait for a bit, though, if you need me to.” He was lying, of course. St. Mungo’s simply had the best sandwiches in their visitor’s tearoom.

“That tends to happen.”

“Indeed,” Davey replied. “Have you been...alright? Is the apothecary still up and running?”

“Aye, for apparently murdering three of my best friends. And now I’m…not. Funny that.”

“You...escaped, didn’t you? It’s been all over the Prophet. But you didn’t kill them, did you?”

“Heard what?”

“That...well...heard that...you were in Azkaban.”

“You look like you’re concentrating too hard.”

“What?”

“What what? Nothing, I was just...It’s been a while.”

“Hey– how dare you? If you don’t want my help I’ll gladly ship you off to another healer. You think I was too young to serve in possibly one of the most horrendous wars of our kind?”

“Alright, alright. I’m sorry. I just don’t think this really calls for any professional attention at all. And I don’t think you’re too young, I was just...surprised.”