======Hippocrates Smethwyck======
=====Introduction=====
[[Hippocrates Smethwyck]] is a [[Healer]] at [[St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries]] during the [[Second Wizarding War]]. As the Healer-in-Charge of the '[[Dai Llewellyn Ward]]: Serious Bites', he is a knowledgeable and senior medical professional. His primary role in the story is overseeing the treatment of [[Arthur Weasley]] following his attack by [[Nagini]] in the [[Department of Mysteries]]. He serves as a key figure in the scenes that take place at the wizarding hospital, demonstrating both the capabilities and the limitations of [[Healing magic]].
=====Biography=====
Almost all that is known of [[Hippocrates Smethwyck]] comes from his work at [[St. Mungo's]] in the winter of 1995. As the Healer-in-Charge of the ward specializing in serious bites, he was responsible for treating [[Arthur Weasley]] after [[Lord Voldemort]]'s serpent, [[Nagini]], attacked him.
Smethwyck was initially perplexed by Arthur's wounds, noting that the [[venom]] was of an unknown magical variety that actively resisted healing and caused the wounds to bleed anew. He and his staff attempted various magical remedies, including a Regurgitating Potion, without success. He was dismissive when his trainee, [[Healer]] [[Augustus Pye]], suggested using [[Muggle]] stitches, calling it an "old-fashioned idea," but ultimately permitted the attempt as magical methods were failing.
During the Weasleys' Christmas visit to Arthur, [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] overheard Smethwyck speaking nervously to [[Lucius Malfoy]] in the corridor. Malfoy was visiting fellow patient [[Broderick Bode]], who was also on Smethwyck's ward. Smethwyck assured Malfoy that Bode was harmless and unable to speak, seemingly unaware that Malfoy was there to ensure Bode remained silenced about the [[prophecy]].
=====Physical Appearance and Personality=====
The novels provide no description of Smethwyck's physical features. He is only noted for wearing the standard lime-green robes of a [[St. Mungo's]] [[Healer]].
In terms of personality, Smethwyck is a professional and dedicated [[Healer]], though he can be flummoxed by new and powerful [[Dark Magic]] like [[Nagini]]'s [[venom]]. He exhibits a typical wizarding-world bias, showing skepticism toward [[Muggle]] medicine. When confronted by the influential and intimidating [[Lucius Malfoy]], Smethwyck appears nervous and deferential, suggesting an awareness of the political landscape and the [[Malfoy]] family's power.
=====Magical Abilities and Skills=====
  * **[[Healing magic]]:** As a Healer-in-Charge at [[St. Mungo's]], Smethwyck is undoubtedly a highly skilled and experienced practitioner of healing spells and potion-making. His specialty in "Serious Bites" indicates a deep knowledge of treating injuries inflicted by magical creatures and dark curses.
  * **Magical Diagnosis:** He was able to quickly diagnose that [[Arthur Weasley]]'s wounds were caused by a [[venom]] with magical properties designed to prevent healing, even if he could not immediately produce an [[antidote]].
=====Possessions=====
  * **[[Wand]]:** As a qualified [[wizard]], Smethwyck owned a [[wand]], though no details about it are known.
  * **Healer's Robes:** He wore the official lime-green robes of his profession at [[St. Mungo's]].
=====Relationships=====
Smethwyck's relationships are seen entirely within a professional context. He was the primary [[Healer]] for his patients, [[Arthur Weasley]] and [[Broderick Bode]]. He was the superior to the trainee [[Healer]] [[Augustus Pye]], whose unconventional suggestion about stitches he initially disparaged. His brief interaction with [[Lucius Malfoy]] was strained, defined by Malfoy's authority and Smethwyck's unease.
=====Etymology=====
  * **Hippocrates:** The first name is a direct reference to Hippocrates of Kos (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), a Greek physician from the Classical period who is widely considered the "Father of Medicine." The Hippocratic Oath, a historical text on medical ethics, is named after him. This name explicitly connects the character to the field of medicine and healing.
  * **Smethwyck:** This is an English surname, likely a location-based name derived from Old English elements such as "smiþ" (smith) and "wīc" (dwelling, farm). It provides a common British-sounding surname with no overt magical connotations.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
[[Hippocrates Smethwyck]] does not appear, nor is he mentioned, in the film adaptation of //Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix//. The plotline involving [[Arthur Weasley]]'s recovery at [[St. Mungo's]] was heavily condensed for the movie, and his professional role was omitted. (film)