Given that this is the year in which Arthur Weasley got bitten by Voldy's snake and taken to the same hospital where the Longbottoms are treated, the chance of Doug, as a friend of the family, visiting Arthur and bumping into Neville there, much as Harry did, goes up somewhat.
But really, I wasn't suggesting healing Neville's parents as something that had to happen. The Loon could equally well learn about their problem only when it's too late to maybe help — too late as in, a universe or three away. A reason for regret, that he didn't know, rather than another opportunity for him to amaze people. I know I'd prefer the happier version, but Reality is malevolent, so....
On the other hand, as I recall, "I'm Alive" is an area effect. If Doug decided Arthur's weird poisoning needed special treatment, he'd also be treating every ailment within range. Is the Longbottoms' ward within that range?
But really, I wasn't suggesting healing Neville's parents as something that had to happen. The Loon could equally well learn about their problem only when it's too late to maybe help — too late as in, a universe or three away. A reason for regret, that he didn't know, rather than another opportunity for him to amaze people. I know I'd prefer the happier version, but Reality is malevolent, so....
On the other hand, as I recall, "I'm Alive" is an area effect. If Doug decided Arthur's weird poisoning needed special treatment, he'd also be treating every ailment within range. Is the Longbottoms' ward within that range?
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"The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that this was some killer weed."
"The Lady of the Lake, her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur from the bosom of the water, signifying by divine providence that this was some killer weed."