16 Mysterious Residues

Harry lay in his bed, immersed in the fascinating world of Hogwarts classes as described in the book he was reading. The allure of Charms and Runes captivated his attention, and Transfiguration held a certain mysterious appeal.

Consulting "Hogwarts: A History," he discovered that Hogwarts stood as one of the three premier magical schools in Europe. Beauxbatons in France and Durmstrang, located somewhere in northern Europe, shared the prestigious trio. Intrigued, Harry planned to delve into a book about European wizarding schools to uncover more secrets.

Realizing the importance of mastering his magical abilities, Harry was determined not to squander his extraordinary talent. Even muggle subjects would not escape his pursuit of knowledge, as he believed that one could never possess too much information.

The next book on his reading list promised insights into wizarding professions and their requisite qualifications. Eagerly anticipating details about salaries in different magical occupations, Harry wondered about his future prospects.

His morning had been interrupted by a visit from a mind healer, or as they preferred to be called, a psychiatrist. While Healer Nimes seemed genuine in his desire to help, Harry remained cautious, having learned not to trust adults easily. The first session mostly revolved around Harry's fond memories in Little Whinging, particularly the local libraries and playing football.

Mr. Miller and Mrs. Jannison were the exceptions, the only adults Harry somewhat trusted. They had been instrumental in supporting him against the Dursleys, and gratitude had slowly built a bridge of trust.

Now, as the clock approached three, Healer Reggam took center stage. The healer conducted spells on Harry's curse scar, attempting to discern the lingering dark magical residue that defied explanation even after a decade.

What Healer Reggam discovered left him perplexed. The spells unmistakably pointed to the killing curse, yet there was an unsettling twist. Something malevolent seemed trapped within the scar, defying a conventional understanding of the curse.

"I must delve deeper into the mystery of your scar, Mr. Potter," Healer Reggam declared. "Before I proceed, I need to enlist the assistance of a curse breaker. Their expertise in dealing with eccentric curses and enchantments surpasses that of any other wizard or witch." 

"That's understandable; I just want to get rid of this dark residue," Harry asserted.

He couldn't fathom the idea that whatever lurked within that scar had done him any favors.

It made him wonder why nobody had considered treating him for it earlier. If they knew he survived a killing curse as a baby, why didn't they rush him to St. Mungo's?

The lack of logic baffled him. Yet, without knowing who left him with the Dursleys, unraveling the mystery seemed impossible.

Maybe Healer Reggam held the key. Harry only needed to pose the right questions.

"Healer Reggam, I've been wondering why this examination wasn't conducted before. I mean, Healer Ickings' diagnosis spell detected the residue immediately and prompted you to check it."

"Shouldn't this have been done after I survived the killing curse? I mean, who wouldn't have a baby that just defied a killing curse examined to ensure everything's okay?" Harry deliberately maintained a neutral tone.

"That's an excellent question, Mr. Potter, one I'll certainly bring up with Albus Dumbledore," replied Healer Reggam.

"The headmaster of Hogwarts? What does he have to do with this?" Harry asked, a hint of alarm in his voice.

"In the chaos of the news about your defeat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, many overlooked what would happen to you and where you'd grow up."

"Numerous influential families vied for guardianship over you, hoping to capitalize on your fame. However, Professor Dumbledore acted swiftly."

"He had one of his trusted associates retrieve you before any authorities arrived and concealed your whereabouts."

"He informed the Wizengamot and the Ministry, assuring them that he had taken precautions to ensure your safety from any potential harm by Death Eaters."

"For the past ten years, only he and his trusted confidant knew your location. Hence, he was the one who ensured your scar received a thorough examination." Healer Reggam clarified, shedding light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Harry's past.

Harry's face contorted into a frown. The realization hit him like a spell gone wrong – the headmaster of the seemingly prestigious school offering him a spot was the very person responsible for the decade of torment he endured at the Dursleys.

The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, a sour twist of fate that wasn't exactly encouraging. Did he really want to place himself under the influence of someone who had subjected him to those monstrous relatives, neglecting his well-being, and failing to check for injuries after an attempt on his life? A person who hadn't even bothered to check up on him for an entire decade?

Sure, he acknowledged the need to gain control over his magical abilities, but was Hogwarts truly the best choice for him?

His mind raced with doubts. Even if there were no other magical schools in England, Harry decided he needed to consult the book detailing European magical schools. Perhaps, he should extend his search to American schools as well – more options could mean a better fit. With his name and fame, he could potentially start anew anywhere.

"I'll contact Gringotts and see if they can lend us a curse breaker. Theirs are the best in the business. I'll inform you as soon as I have an answer, Mr. Potter," Healer Reggam assured.

"Alright, thanks, Healer Reggam."

"You're welcome, Mr. Potter," the healer replied before exiting the room.

Without wasting any time, Harry retrieved the book about magical schools in Europe. Other potential options would have to wait until he could return to Diagon Alley. The journey to find the right magical institution for him had just begun.

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