Disclaimer: I don't own anything. This is not meant to infringe upon copyrights.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dean Sassia was silent for a moment, not continuing the topic.
"Let's get down to business," she said, looking at Dumbledore. "I suspect someone is making a potion that can affect werewolves' transformations. The one we encountered today was likely deliberately placed in St. Mungo's.
I don't know their reason for doing this; it could be testing the potion's effects, or it could be trying to create panic.
But whatever the reason, this behavior is undoubtedly a desecration of St. Mungo's, and I will find that person."
"Do you need any help?" Dumbledore said. "I happen to know a werewolf friend."
"Thank you for your kindness, but no need. I have some connections with a werewolf pack," Dean Sassia said thoughtfully. "They are enough."
Dean Sassia's eyes were icy. That person dared to do such a thing in St. Mungo's; they had crossed her bottom line.
Fortunately, nothing serious happened today, otherwise, St. Mungo's reputation would have been severely tarnished.
She needed to let others know that Potion Masters also have tempers.
Whether intentionally or not, neither of them mentioned the Ministry of Magic during their conversation.
Dumbledore, having been rejected, said nothing more.
A werewolf pack... one more or one less wouldn't really make a difference.
"There's one last thing, and that's about compensation."
Kyle unconsciously leaned forward... he'd been waiting for this since earlier.
"I'm very sorry that our mistake put you in such a dangerous situation. St. Mungo's will take full responsibility."
Dean Sassia thought for a moment and said, "One thousand Galleons, this is our compensation to you. We hope you can forgive our mistake."
"Furthermore, because you stopped the werewolf from committing murder and preserved St. Mungo's reputation, we will reward you with an additional two thousand Galleons."
Three thousand Galleons in total?
Kyle raised an eyebrow. To be honest, it was less than he had expected.
It's no exaggeration to say that those few seconds when he encountered the werewolf were more dangerous than when he faced Oren in the Forbidden Forest.
From grabbing his wand to casting the first softening spell, it was only about a second. If he had made even the slightest mistake, he would have been bitten.
For something so life-threatening, three thousand Galleons was indeed not much.
However, considering that the other party knew Dumbledore and had just spoken up for him… three thousand it is. He had to give Dumbledore face.
Besides, Kyle was easily embarrassed. Since they had already put it this way, he really couldn't bring himself to ask for the remaining nine hundred and ninety-seven thousand Galleons.
Kyle nodded, just about to agree, when Dean Sassia continued.
"And also, the Order of Merlin!"
"What…" Kyle didn't react for a moment; he thought he had misheard.
"The Order of Merlin," Dean Sassia repeated, smiling slightly. "I will personally nominate you, but whether it will be a second or third class, I can't guarantee."
This was her true compensation… or rather, her thank-you gift.
In her view, compared to St. Mungo's reputation, the lives of those patients were the most important.
There were about fifty patients lying in bed on the entire second floor. If a werewolf broke into the room at this time, they would be completely defenseless.
Kyle could be said to have indirectly saved the lives of fifty wizards, an act that fully deserved an Order of Merlin.
It's just his age… Dean Sassia frowned.
Kyle was too young, not even twelve years old. If he were older, even just barely an adult, obtaining a second-class medal would definitely not be a problem.
But now she could only try her best.
Dean Sassia looked at Kyle and asked, "So, are you satisfied?"
"Of course, I'm very satisfied," Kyle smiled. "But... can I exchange the Galleons for something else?"
"Oh, what do you want to exchange it for?"
"A potion of equal value," Kyle blurted out. "If possible, I'd like it to be made by you, any kind will do."
This answer surprised Dean Sassia, who subconsciously asked, "Why do you want to exchange it for a potion?"
"Because I love Potions class," Kyle said without hesitation. "Having a bottle of a master's creation with me means I can always be aware of my shortcomings."
"Pfft..."
Dumbledore, who was drinking black tea nearby, suddenly choked, almost dropping his cup.
He wiped his damp beard. "Sorry, the tea's a bit hot."
Kyle, seemingly oblivious, continued, "Besides, I have a little ulterior motive. A Potions Master's creation is worth far more than the corresponding Galleons."
"...Alright."
Dean Sassia agreed almost without hesitation. "I'll make all the potions required for the seven years, one after another.
But I don't know their value; it might be much less than three thousand Galleons. Are you sure?"
"Yes, yes." Kyle nodded repeatedly.
He'd only considered exchanging Galleons for potions on a whim.
He didn't need Galleons anyway; even three thousand more would just be gathering dust in Gringotts.
It was better to exchange them for something else.
Judging from Dumbledore's earlier comments, this Dean's potion-making skills seemed even better than Slughorn's.
Such an opportunity was rare; a Potions Master's creation was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
After finishing their business, the group left the tea room's private room.
The Ministry of Magic personnel were still downstairs, and they were there to help. As the Dean of St. Mungo's, Sassia couldn't simply ignore it.
Also, two people were injured in the werewolf's original ward on the second floor. Although they were lucky enough not to be bitten, she still needed to check on them.
When the group reached the fifth floor, Kyle saw the round-faced boy again.
He was still standing at the corner of the stairs, still holding the lunchbox, but this time, there was someone behind him—judging by his age, it seemed to be his grandmother.
She was wearing a long dress, carrying a large red handbag, and wearing a hat with a vulture specimen on it.
The round-faced boy from St. Mungo's, plus the old lady with the vulture hat… Kyle roughly knew who they were.
"Speak, Neville!"
Seeing Kyle and his group, Mrs. Augusta nudged the boy from behind.
The boy hurriedly put the lunchbox aside and walked nervously to Kyle, saying, "Thank you, thank you for saving me... I, I was just... so scared, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I understand." Kyle looked at him and asked, "What's your name?"
"Neville, Neville Longbottom."
[End of the chapter]