The Weasley boys woke up late again, having stayed up until 3 a.m. playing video games.

After brunch, they learned they’d be going to a shopping mall for a leisurely walk, with the main goal of visiting a bookstore to pick up some books for Percy.

Ron looked surprised. “Never knew you were interested in Muggle books.”

“I just thought we might find something interesting,” Percy replied, raising his eyebrows.

Fred and George, however, were more curious about the concept of a shopping centre.

“Brent Cross Shopping Centre,” Scarlet explained as she drafted a list. “There are lots of shops there, and you’ll be heading to Dillons Booksellers – it's the biggest bookstore in the area. I know William had planned to take you all to a nearby bookstore, but it would be a shame not to show you some of the more famous spots. I’ll come along with you, but I’ll need to leave you for a bit as I have some things to take care of. Oh, by the way, could I ask a favour?”

“Of course! Just say it and we’ll do it!” Fred said proudly, clapping his chest.

“Here’s a list,” Scarlet said, handing over her newly drafted paper. “I want to get some gifts for the children at the orphanage for Christmas day, but I’m afraid I won’t have time to gather everything myself. Could you pick them up for me? William, Meiko, and Hawk will go with you, and they’ll handle the payment.”

Percy glanced over the list. “Sure, you’ve written down all the details. We should be able to get everything.”

“Great, I’m counting on you.” Scarlet smiled. “And if you’re unsure about something and William or the others can’t come up with a suggestion, let Ron make the final decision.”

Ron jumped. “Me? But why?”

“I have a feeling your taste might suit them,” Scarlet said with a shrug. “That should cover everything before we head the van...”

“Where’s Kyle?” Percy asked.

“He’s still sleeping. He got an urgent call from Hong Kong and was up working all last night,” Scarlet replied, glancing at Percy, “Time zone difference - it’s daytime in Hong Kong when it’s midnight here in England.”

Percy nodded, appreciating that Scarlet was always feeding him bits of information, knowing he was eager to learn more about the world beyond the British wizarding world. He took it upon himself to look after his brothers once they arrived at the shopping centre.

The shopping centre was massive, decked out with all sorts of Christmas decorations dangling from every corner. The displays in the shop windows caught their attention, showing products that stretched beyond their imagination. It was amazing, though the lack of magic gave it a slight strange feel, in their opinion.

Scarlet was an excellent guide, explaining everything they were curious about as they made their way to the bookstore. After showing them how to find the books they need, she waved goodbye, telling them they’d meet again for dinner at a fast-food chain later.

Ron watched her retreating figure and sighed, impressed. “Blimey, businesswomen really are busy every day, even during the holidays. I can’t imagine myself doing that.”

“What do you imagine yourself doing?” Fred asked.

“Quidditch, I suppose?” George teased.

Ron clenched his fist, “Just wait until I get a new broomstick! Then I’ll show you my skills!”

As the Weasley brothers continued joking and teasing each other, Scarlet hopped into a cab and headed for an old red-brick department store in London. The sign read Purge & Dowse Ltd., and in the window stood a mannequin that, from what she knew, was the entry point to St. Mungo’s.

She waited outside, observing the abandoned store. It was dusty and old, with outdated fashion displays. The store was far from the main road, making it unlikely anyone would venture there – an ideal setting for a scene in a film about a drug deal or a criminal hideout.

“Hi, Scarlet.” Neville arrived, and following behind him was an elderly lady, whom Scarlet recognised as his grandmother.

Scarlet straightened and greeted them. “Hi, Neville. Hello, Mrs. Longbottom, a pleasure to meet you.”

Mrs. Longbottom gave Scarlet a quick once-over before saying, “Pleasure to meet you too. Neville’s learned a great deal from you, and I appreciate that.”

“Neville’s been very helpful as well,” Scarlet replied with a smile. “I believe he’ll soar high in the future - he just needs more practice.”

Mrs. Longbottom didn’t respond, but her stern, wrinkled face seemed pleased. She pointed her wand at the mannequin by the door and said, “Augusta Longbottom, Neville Longbottom, and Scarlet Smith, visiting Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom.”

The mannequin’s eyes slid open, and its mouth gaped wide before stepping aside to reveal an entrance for them to pass through.

Mrs. Longbottom led the way, and they soon arrived at a reception area where bustling people were waiting for their names to be called. Despite a whimsical touch here and there, the place had the look and feel of a normal hospital. The healers even wore uniforms similar to those in ordinary hospitals, which gave Scarlet a clearer idea of how things operated at St. Mungo’s.

She helped the two young wizards register at the counter, collect visitor badges, and then headed toward the Janus Thickey Ward – an area specifically for long-term residents who had suffered severe spell damage.

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Mrs. Longbottom walked straight into the ward, while Neville hesitated at the entrance. His lips tightened, and his eyes seemed to focus on nothing particular, staring blankly at the floor. Perhaps he was lost in thought, or maybe his mind had simply gone quiet.

“Neville?” Scarlet asked softly.

Neville sighed, “I’m fine, Scarlet. I just...I don’t remember anything about them.”

“I know, it must be a strange feeling,” Scarlet said, giving his shoulder a gentle pat. “Let’s go in, and you can introduce me to your parents. Then, I’ll need you to show me around this place.”

That was her official reason for being there – gathering inspiration for her novel. But she couldn’t deny that she was also hoping to spot any clues that might help her track down the dark wizard, either through side characters or unexpected side quests. Given Neville’s background, he had the potential to become a protagonist in his own right.

Does that mean he was connected to Harry somehow? What made him different? Why was a side character given such a similar situation to Harry’s? Scarlet mused on these thoughts, but soon raised her head when she heard Mrs. Longbottom calling for Neville.

They entered the ward, which was brightly lit and cheerful. Colourful wallpaper adorned the walls, and various magical artifacts added to the lively atmosphere. Several patients were sitting up in bed, chatting and laughing. At the far end of the ward, they spotted Mrs. Longbottom, seated beside a bed where a frail-looking woman with kind eyes and thinning hair was sitting. Next to her was a man with a vacant expression, staring blankly ahead.

Neville walked slowly toward his parents, taking a seat beside the bed after Mrs. Longbottom stood up.

“Hello, mum,” he said quietly, gently taking his mother’s hand. She smiled at him, but her eyes were distant, as though she couldn’t quite place who he was. Neville then turned to his father, sitting on the other side of the bed. “Hello, dad.”

His father gave no sign that he had heard or understood, but Neville took his hand and squeezed it gently.

Scarlet stood silently in front of the Longbottoms as they spoke softly. Based on the conversation, this seemed to be Neville’s first time visiting his parents. If she was right, it was because Neville hadn’t been mentally strong enough to face this situation before gaining confidence while assisting her. She could still vividly recall how he had been a cry-baby during their train journey to Hogwarts.

Perhaps Mrs. Longbottom had been pleased when she saw her, not just because she was Neville’s friend, but because she had helped him in growing braver.

Scarlet glanced around the ward, and her keen eyes with the magic granted by the Queen quickly picked up on unusual details. Plans began to form in her mind just as Neville called her over to introducing her to his parents.

Scarlet greeted them politely, though, as expected, they didn’t respond.

After a moment, Neville excused himself to show her around St. Mungo’s. Before he left, his mum handed him a candy wrapper, which he smiled at and tucked into his pocket. He gave both his parents a hug, then led Scarlet out of the ward.

Once they were outside, Neville let out a long exhale and grinned at Scarlet. “That went better than I thought.”

“You thought you’d burst into tears or collapse?” Scarlet asked as she walked beside him.

“Yeah,” Neville admitted. “I’ve always known they were here at St. Mungo’s, but Gran never brought me...And honestly, I couldn’t picture how I’d handle it. But, well, here I am, and it’s fine.”

Scarlet teased, “So, how are you going to show me around if this is your first time here?”

Neville raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been here a few times. You know, when children can’t handle their magic, accidents happen. I’ve been treated here, and sometimes to visit other kids who were hurt. Just not to see my parents in this ward.”

“Alright, then,” Scarlet nodded. “Show me around.”

Each floor had different departments. There were no needles in sight; instead, wands and potions were used to treat patients. Neville didn’t take her inside any of the wards, but they peek at the entrance, giving Scarlet a glimpse of the magical treatment in action. It was an eye-opening experience for her, and it gave her a clearer idea of how to construct a medical centre in her novel. Neville seemed glad that this trip had helped her with her book.

They returned to Neville’s parent’s ward, where Mrs. Longbottom was still sitting with them. Neville thought it was time to say goodbye and was about to wish Scarlet a merry Christmas when he froze upon hearing her say, “Actually, I may have a plan to heal your parents.”

It took him a moment to process her words, and he couldn’t help but grab Scarlet’s hand, “You--what did you just said?”

“As you’ve probably noticed, I study ancient magic, specialising in death and soul research,” Scarlet whispered. “I can see the cracks in your parents’ soul.”

And in fact, on you too. she thought, though she didn’t mention it. When she had looked more closely at Neville’s soul, she noticed subtle fractures. It was so subtle that she had never thought to inspect his souls before. Perhaps this explained why his memory was so poor - he’d likely been repeatedly subjected to spells that dulled the pain and suffering of losing his parents.

Scarlet glanced at Mrs. Longbottom, who was watching them with her usual stern expression. She couldn’t tell what the old witch was thinking, but she knew this was someone not to be underestimated.

“If those cracks can be healed, does that mean my parents...” Neville gasped, looking at her with a mix of disbelief, hope and desperation.

“But it’ll take time - years, maybe even decades,” Scarlet said. “And I’ve never come across any records of such cases in my studies, so I’d need to research thoroughly. But rest assured, there is a chance.”

“How?” Neville asked, his voice low and urgent as he tried to keep the conversation discreet, assuming this was a secret form of magic. “Tell me, Scarlet! I’ll give you anything, anything!”

“You don’t have to,” Scarlet replied, thinking for a moment. “Just be prepared to gather what’s needed for the ritual. I think this is my responsibility somehow, so I’ll handle it.”

After all, the Queen prefers soul to arrive in the Shadowy Land whole - not cracked and shattered into fragments. That said, I’ll need to deal with the dark wizard somehow, eventually, even though I wasn’t part of the original storyline, Scarlet mused.

Neville looked puzzled by Scarlet’s words about being responsible for his parents, but before he could ask, she lifted her head and met Mrs. Longbottom’s gaze. The old witch had clearly overheard their conversation and was now weighing whether Scarlet could be trusted.

“Grandma.” Neville said noticing his grandmother approaching. He stepped aside, giving them space.

“Not even the best Healers have claimed they can heal my son and his wife,” Mrs. Longbottom said, her eyes fixed on Scarlet. “How can you be certain your ritual will work?”

“Because the magic bestowed upon me comes from Queen Scáthach, ruler of the Shadowy Land - the warrior maiden who draws the line between life and death and stands guard at the gate to the shadowy realm,” Scarlet explained calmly. She wasn’t sure if Mrs. Longbottom had ever heard of the Queen, so she added, “You can confirm it with Professor Dumbledore. I’ve already informed him about this, and he’s aware.”

The caution in Mrs. Longbottom’s eyes faded, replaced by a glimmer of hope, “I will certainly speak with Dumbledore. Now, please...enlighten me about this ritual you say can heal my son and his wife.”

Scarlet briefly outlined the rituals she had learned from the runic stone gifted by the Queen and from her previous life. “It will require some preparation. Let’s find a more private place where we discuss the details.”

Contemplation shone in the old witch’s eyes. “As you wish.”