Chapter 25: Chapter 25: “The Healer's Sanctuary”
Nestled in the serene mountains of northern England, hidden from the prying eyes of the world, lay a quaint and enchanting cottage. This haven, surrounded by a lush garden of rare and mystical plants, was the sanctuary of Healer Fawley, an old healer whose name was whispered with reverence in the wizarding world. The cottage, with its greenhouses filled with unusual flora, was a treasure trove of knowledge and healing.
Inside, the old woman stirred a large pot, her back to the door. From behind, she might remind one of an evil witch from a fairytale, but her demeanor was that of a kind, wise grandmother.
Cordelia Fawley, known for her intelligence and kindness, was a healer of great renown. Her untamed auburn curls and twinkling eyes spoke of a life filled with both joy and profound knowledge. Dressed in deep purple robes, with a wand tucked neatly behind her ear, she exuded an air of mystery and wisdom.
As she focused on her potion, the wards around her cottage chimed softly, signaling the arrival of unexpected visitors. Stepping outside, she was met with a sight that pierced her heart – a house elf, cradling a gravely injured young wizard.
"Mistress Fawley, healer of many, please help Master Harry. He is dying. Mira can't do anything to save Master Harry," Mira pleaded in her unique elf-speak, her voice laden with tears.
Cordelia's gaze softened as she assessed the boy's critical condition. With a gentle wave of her wand, she levitated Harry into her cottage, into a room that served as her sanctuary of healing – a space where magic and medicine intertwined.
The room, bathed in soft, soothing light, was equipped with an array of magical instruments and devices, each serving a unique purpose in the art of healing. Here, Cordelia had spent countless hours mending wounds both physical and magical, her skills a beacon of hope to those in dire need.
As she placed Harry on the operating table, her expert gaze quickly identified the numerous afflictions plaguing him.
She detected traces of dark magic – trackers embedded in his skin, and a charm dampening his memories.
Her anger grew as she noted Harry's severe malnutrition, the recent serious injuries in his chest, and signs of prolonged abuse.
The magical block on his core, and this core powering distant wards, was the final straw. To Cordelia, the extent of Harry's suffering was unthinkable, especially for a child so young. Her heart ached at the sight of such cruelty inflicted upon a child, and her resolve to heal him strengthened.
Cordelia worked tirelessly, her hands moving with precision and care. She removed the trackers, ensuring that whoever had placed them would no longer be able to locate Harry. Her spells gently mended his broken bones, healed his bruises, and nourished his malnourished body.
The ward connection to his magical core was severed, but she dared not remove the magic block on his entirely, fearing the sudden release of magic might overwhelm his fragile state.
As Harry's breathing steadied and color returned to his cheeks, Cordelia finally lifted the memory-dampening charm, curious about its purpose but mindful of the delicate balance she needed to maintain in his recovery.
Turning to Mira, Cordelia sought answers.
Mira, still trembling but grateful for Harry's salvation, recounted Harry's story, revealing his identity, and the changes in his life after Voldemort's attack. How Dumbledore had orchestrated his separation from his family, and how she, bound by her love and loyalty for Harry, had searched tirelessly for him.
"So, he is Euphemia's grandson. I remember seeing him years ago," Cordelia mused her mind whirling with the implications. "This must be another one of Dumbledore's plans. Always for the 'greater good,' but at what cost? How low has Dumbledore stooped to use a child in his plans?"
Turning to Mira, she spoke gravely, "If we are to protect Harry from further manipulation, we must make Dumbledore believe he is dead. It will require deception and secrecy. Are you prepared for this?"
Mira nodded resolutely, "For Master Harry, I will do anything."
Cordelia outlined her plan. It involved continuing Harry's treatment and creating a decoy to fool Dumbledore. She cautioned Mira about the costs, both monetary and magical.
Mira, undeterred, assured her that she could access Harry's trust vault and it should be able to cover the cost. She returned momentarily with a sack of galleons, enough to cover the expenses of their elaborate ruse.
With the resources at hand, Cordelia set to work. Cordelia used many rare magical items to craft a golem, a magical replica of Harry, imbued with just enough magic to withstand scrutiny. She then instructed Mira to take her to the location where she found Harry.
Under the cover of night, she and Mira ventured to Privet Drive. They first placed the golem Harry in the cupboard under the stairs.
Cordelia then manipulated the Dursleys, magically compelling them to bury the golem in a place that they themselves would be unable to find later. This would stop Dumbledore from getting his hands on Harry's 'body'. Magic would take care of the specifics, and the Dursleys would find the burial place in a remote confusing place.
Cordelia and Mira then watched as Vernon and Petunia Dursley followed Cordelia's instructions. She helped them by meticulously covering their tracks, ensuring they remembered the events as she planned and Dumbledore could not follow the tracks to the golem.
As they departed Privet Drive, Cordelia ensured that any magical traces were erased, her spells leaving no stone unturned. She needed to be extra careful to have a chance at fooling Dumbledore.
Cordelia's final act was to destroy the protective wards around Dursley's house, making it appear as a consequence of Harry's supposed demise.
Back in the tranquility of her cottage, Cordelia reflected on the night's events. She had chosen not to inflict harm upon the Dursleys, despite their cruelty to Harry. Her principles as a healer and a protector of life guided her actions, even in the face of such blatant injustice.
"Mira, we must allow Harry time to recover fully before we consider any form of retribution against those who have wronged him," Cordelia advised the house elf, her voice carrying the weight of experience and wisdom. "Our priority is his well-being and safety."
Mira, her loyalty unwavering, agreed. She understood the importance of patience and the need to focus on Harry's recovery.
In the quiet of the night, the cottage became a sanctuary for Harry. Here, he would find the care and compassion he had been denied for so long. Cordelia watched over him, her mind already planning the next steps of his treatment and recovery. The magical block on his core remained a concern, but she was determined to address it when Harry's body was healed and stronger.
As dawn approached, bringing with it the promise of a new day, Harry lay in peaceful slumber, unaware of the lengths to which Cordelia and Mira had gone to save him.
The old healer stood by the window, gazing out at the awakening world, her thoughts a blend of concern and determination. She had known the boy for only a night but vaguely knowing what he had gone through, she felt it was her duty to help him.
She knew from examining his magic core and the history of the Potter family that the boy was destined to become a strong wizard. At that moment, Cordelia Fawley made a silent vow. She would be the guardian, the mentor, and the healer that Harry needed. She would shield him from the machinations of those who sought to use him and help him grow into the wizard he was destined to be.
As the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, casting a warm glow over the mountains, the cottage stood as a beacon of hope. Within its walls, a young wizard's journey to healing and recovery had just begun, under the watchful eye of one of the wizarding world's most skilled healers.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
TalesByJaz
TalesByJaz Hi everyone!
Big thanks to all of you for the amazing support, and a special shoutout to my Patreon supporters. Because you've been so awesome, I'm dropping a bunch of new chapters today as a thank you.
If you want to read even more chapters ahead of everyone else, check out my Patreon: patreon.com/TalesByJaz. There you will have the chance to read nearly 10 chapters ahead of the public release.
I also want to address some concerns that have come up. I've noticed a few readers worried that we're just treading the familiar ground of the canon. I assure you, that's not the case. The Dursley arc, which might seem like I am following the original story, is actually a crucial setup for our protagonist. It's meant to serve as an early, harsh lesson about the realities of the fantasy world he's been reborn into.
Remember, before he became Harry, he was just a 23-year-old guy. He wasn't someone with tons of life lessons under his belt. So, he's going to need a few reality checks to really get how serious things can be. It's all part of him getting ready to face whatever comes his way.
Thanks again for all your support.
Here's to many more chapters and adventures together!
Chapter 26: Chapter 26: “Awakening and Revelations”
In the serene sanctuary of Cordelia Fawley's cottage, nestled among the mystical mountains of northern England, Harry Potter slept soundly. The warm morning light filtered through the windows, casting a comforting glow across the room where Harry lay, his breathing steady and deep. The injuries that had once marred his small body were now healing, thanks to Cordelia's skilled magical interventions.
The cottage, a haven of knowledge and healing, was alive with the sounds of bubbling cauldrons and the rustling of potion ingredients. Cordelia, her auburn curls now streaked with silver, moved about with a grace that defied her age. Each step and gesture spoke of her deep connection to the magical world and her mastery over the healing arts.
As she prepared a potion, her thoughts were on Harry. She pondered the challenges he would face in recovering not just physically, but also emotionally from the traumas of his past. The child had been subjected to much, and Cordelia was determined to provide a nurturing environment for his recovery.
Mira, the loyal house elf, watched over Harry with a mix of concern and admiration. Her devotion to the young wizard was evident in her every action. She had been instrumental in bringing Harry to Cordelia, and she now took her role as her master's protector very seriously.
"Mira, how is he doing this morning?" Cordelia asked, her voice gentle yet carrying an undercurrent of strength.
"Master Harry is much better, Mistress Fawley," Mira replied, her eyes shining with relief. "Master Harry sleeps peacefully, and his magic is stronger today."
Cordelia nodded, satisfied. "Good. Let him rest. Healing is as much about the mind as it is about the body. He needs time to recover fully."
A day and a half later, Harry Potter awoke in an unfamiliar place that resembled a hospital room. As consciousness returned, a flood of memories overwhelmed him. It was confusing as if he had been reborn as Harry Potter two times. He remembered his life before, his rebirth as Harry Potter, the days at Hogwarts with his younger brother Charles, and the stark shift to living with the Dursleys.
The stark contrast of his experiences, culminating in the recent car accident, painted a vivid picture of his tumultuous journey. The recollection of the car accident and his subsequent rescue brought a rush of emotions.
Harry felt a wave of frustration and anger wash over him. He was angry at himself for being too trusting, for seeing Dumbledore as a decent person despite all the negative things he'd read about him in various fan fiction. He knew for sure that Dumbledore was behind this and had thought even he would not stoop to the level of separating a child from his parents. He decided to trust his instincts and the character assessments from those stories more in the future.
But Harry's disappointment wasn't just with Dumbledore. Realizing that his own parents had agreed to send him to the Dursleys, and then ignored him, made Harry feel deeply betrayed. He had expected better from them, given their intelligence. He made a solemn vow never to forgive them, a decision that irrevocably altered his perception of family bonds.
Yet, Harry didn't feel any anger towards his younger brother, Charles. He knew Charles, still a baby, wasn't to blame for the decisions that changed Harry's life so much. But their brotherly bond was lost. Harry saw Charles as a stranger now, and at best, they might become friends if Harry liked who Charles became.
Harry didn't envy Charles for getting all their parents' love. He didn't even want their love in the first place. He could have lived with being ignored, but being sent to the Dursleys while having his memories erased just to keep him there was something he couldn't forgive. Remembering his time as a servant at the Dursleys and the bullying at school made Harry's decision firm. The suffering he had gone through made it impossible for him to forgive his parents or anyone else involved in sending him there.
As Harry contemplated the lost years and opportunities, Mira, his loyal house-elf, entered the room. Her joy at seeing him awake was palpable.
"Mira is so happy to see Master Harry awake," she exclaimed with a bounce.
Harry, seeing Mira, felt a wave of gratitude. He was sure she played a big part in getting him out of trouble. He was very thankful for his decision to form an elf bond with Mira that day. He did not know what could have happened otherwise.
He said "It's because of you I'm alive, Mira. I owe you my life. How can I ever thank you?"
Mira's response was simple and heartfelt. "Mira is just happy Master Harry is well. Madam Cordelia Fawley saved you, not Mira."
Cordelia entered the room just then, her presence bringing a calming aura. Harry thanked her, remembering her from a visit with his grandmother in his younger years. "Thank you, Madam Fawley, for saving my life," he said sincerely.
Cordelia, with a wave of her hand, dismissed the formalities. "Your gratitude is appreciated, but unnecessary. I did what any healer would. It is Mira here who deserves your thanks. The bond you share with her is quite extraordinary."
Harry's smile towards Mira was full of affection and a silent promise to repay her loyalty.
Harry sat up slowly, his body still weak but responding to the healing he had received. He looked around, taking in the details of the room – the shelves lined with potions, the cauldrons simmering with magical concoctions, and the comforting presence of Cordelia and Mira.
Cordelia conducted a thorough examination of Harry. "You are recovering well, Harry. In a day or so, you should be able to move around. But we must tread carefully with the block on your magic; it's a delicate process and your body should heal to normal before we fully unlock it," she explained.
Harry nodded, acknowledging the need for patience in regaining his strength and magical abilities.
Cordelia then presented Harry with a pair of glasses, addressing his need for a visual aid. "I noticed you're near-sighted during my examination. I've ordered these glasses for you," she said, handing them over.
Once Harry put on the glasses and glimpsed his reflection, he couldn't help but notice his striking resemblance to the Harry Potter he knew from the books, especially now, appearing thin and somewhat malnourished like the canon Harry.
Harry then broached the subject of his presence causing trouble for Cordelia. He expressed his concern about Dumbledore's reaction and his intention to leave soon for safety.
Cordelia, with a reassuring tone, dispelled his fears. "Dumbledore is under the impression you've passed away. Mira and I have seen to that," she revealed.
Mira enthusiastically shared their daring escapade, explaining how they crafted a golem to mimic Harry, fooled the Dursleys, and convincingly staged Harry's supposed demise. Cordelia added details on how she altered the Dursleys' memories and erased any evidence of their scheme.
Feeling a wave of relief and gratitude, Harry said, "Thank you for everything. What do I owe you for all this help?"
Cordelia waved off his concern with a light-hearted remark, "You owe me nothing. Thwarting Dumbledore's plans was quite a delight. Besides, Mira has compensated me generously from your trust vault."
Harry was more than content, knowing his life was worth any price. The conversation then turned to precautions. Harry was advised to avoid magic and dangerous situations until his recovery was complete.
After Cordelia excused herself to continue her work and Mira went to help her, Harry was left alone with his thoughts, contemplating his future moves. He knew he couldn't remain at Cordelia's indefinitely without risking discovery. A visit to Gringotts was essential to look at his options and secure a new accommodation.
Lying in bed, Harry felt invigorated by a sense of autonomy he hadn't experienced before. Freed from the constraints of the Dursleys and Dumbledore's machinations, he was poised to navigate his path, one marked by self-reliance and determination.
The wizarding world, with its myriad challenges and opportunities, lay ahead, and Harry Potter was ready to embrace whatever came his way. The experiences he had endured had taught him the value of caution and the importance of being prepared. This time, as he prepared to step back into the magical community, he did so with a newfound resolve to approach each situation with extra care and to have multiple contingency plans in place.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
TalesByJaz
TalesByJaz
That wraps up the much-hated Dursley arc! Moving forward, you will see a proper Self-Insert (SI) story. Our protagonist will be using his time wisely, gearing up with some serious training before making a grand return to the wizarding world and Hogwarts. Expect some familiar faces to pop up during this journey.
Disclaimer: I know some of you might be wondering about the Dursleys and if they just get away with everything. Don't worry, that's not the case. The intervention by Cordelia and Mira, while hopeful, left enough gaps for a police investigation to poke through. I'll shed some light on what happens to the Dursleys in Chapter 29. As for their ultimate fate, I plan to reveal it through a flashback during Dumbledore's first meeting with Harry at Hogwarts.
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
33 Power
stone 
Paragraph comment