A Perfect Ending

Although the healers at St Mungo's had anticipated it, the news that the Longbottoms, bedridden and muddled for over a decade, had finally awakened caused an enormous stir throughout St Mungo's. Whether long-term patients or staff members, everyone wanted to witness this miracle with their own eyes.

For the entire morning, the Longbottoms, their mother, and their son, who was still studying at Hogwarts, received people's congratulations.

Some eager busybodies even suggested going to The Daily Prophet offices in Diagon Alley to fetch a few reporters and publicize the matter. Many people supported the proposal, but Dumbledore ultimately stopped it.

"Please, do not do that, Sytaris—"

Dumbledore said gently to a short old man dressed in a healer's green robes,

"I have already stressed that Amosta and I cannot widely promote the treatment we used for Frank and Alice. But if The Daily Prophet publicizes this matter, I fear Hogwarts will be packed with the families of wizards who have suffered similar misfortunes."

"People will find out eventually, Albus!"

Sytaris, who held considerable prestige among the healers, said rather indignantly,

"This is an achievement of an era! The wizarding world should know what a miracle you have accomplished. Your and Breen's Chocolate Frog cards should bear this great accomplishment, and the Order of Merlin ought to send you and Breen an entire oak barrel of First Class medals!"

"Oh—"

Dumbledore's silver beard swayed as he chuckled.

"That does sound rather nice, but I am quite certain that neither Amosta nor I need such fame."

Dumbledore still used his "supreme authority" to put an end to the matter. Of course, rumors would surely spread everywhere.

"Mm."

When Amosta awoke from his sleep, the evening glow had painted the white wall opposite his bed with a lazy blush of red. After blinking