The usual hum of activity filled the corridors of St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Nurses bustled about, attending to patients, and the familiar aroma of potions and antiseptics permeated the air. It was shaping up to be a typical day—until Alastor Moody, the legendary Auror, arrived with an unexpected and unsettling addition to his usual duties.
Moody's entrance was marked by his usual aura of authority and intimidation. The nurse, Patricia Collins, noted the grim expression on his face and the curious package he carried—a bound, masked figure with a heavy, dark cloak enveloping him. As a seasoned nurse, Patricia had seen many odd cases, but the sight of Moody escorting a bound and masked individual was unusual, even by St. Mungo’s standards.
Moody’s artificial eye swiveled, taking in every detail of the bustling lobby as he made his way to the Director’s office. Patricia watched, her curiosity piqued. Moody was a legend among Aurors, known for his unyielding vigilance and fierce demeanor. His presence alone was enough to make the staff take notice.
After a brief, tense conversation with the Director, who seemed visibly shocked and concerned, Patricia was summoned. She approached the office with a mixture of apprehension and professionalism. The Director’s face was a mask of concern as she handed Patricia a note and instructed her to attend to the mysterious patient.
“Take care of this patient, Nurse Collins,” the Director commanded, her voice tight with unease. “He’s been brought in under special circumstances, and I trust you’ll handle the situation with the utmost discretion.”
As the Director departed, Patricia was left alone with Moody and the masked figure. Moody’s magical eye whirled continuously, scrutinizing everything in its path. Patricia felt a shiver run down her spine under the weight of his gaze.
Moody turned to her, his voice low and commanding. “This man is dangerous. I need you to perform a thorough examination and make sure he’s fit for the next stage of our investigation. We need to ensure he’s in good health before any further steps are taken.”
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Patricia, though apprehensive, took a deep breath and nodded. “Understood, Mr. Moody. I’ll take good care of him.”
With steady hands, Patricia began her examination. She carefully removed the mask, revealing a face that was gaunt and lined, with unkempt hair and eyes that flickered open with a mix of fear and defiance. Patricia noticed the man’s appearance was far from healthy—his nails were chipped and overgrown, his teeth rotting from neglect, and his skin appeared pallid and malnourished.
As she worked, Patricia conducted a thorough scan using her diagnostic spells. The results were mostly cosmetic issues—extensive malnutrition, poor dental health, and general neglect. There were no immediate signs of severe magical or physical injuries, but the overall state of the man’s health was concerning. Patricia couldn’t shake the feeling that the man’s face seemed vaguely familiar, though she couldn’t quite place where she might have seen him before.
Once she finished her examination, Patricia reported back to Moody. “Mr. Moody, I’ve completed the examination. The patient is suffering from severe malnutrition and general neglect—his teeth and nails are in poor condition, and he shows signs of prolonged mistreatment. However, I didn’t find any immediate magical injuries or threats.”
Moody’s eye whirred rapidly as he listened, his expression unreadable. “Good. See to it that he’s treated for these issues. I want him to be in better shape before he’s questioned further. We need him in as good a condition as possible, and some potions and proper care should address these problems.”
Patricia nodded, feeling the weight of the situation settling heavily on her shoulders. “Of course. I’ll administer the necessary treatments. We have excellent potions for dental health, and I’ll ensure he receives proper nutrition and care.”
As Moody left the room, Patricia couldn’t help but wonder about the masked man and his mysterious past. The sense of secrecy surrounding him added an unsettling layer to her routine duties. She resolved to approach her tasks with the same dedication she always did, but the unusual circumstances left her with a lingering sense of unease.
The corridors of St. Mungo’s seemed to pulse with an undercurrent of tension as Patricia returned to her duties. The masked man’s presence was a stark reminder that even in the familiar confines of the hospital, there were mysteries and dangers that lay just beyond the surface.