Around dinner time, Severus quietly brought a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a glass of milk to Harry's new bedroom. He entered the room and turned on the light with a quick wand flick, dimming it for Harry's comfort. Placing the tray on the bedside table, he sat down on a chair.

Severus gently shook the boy's shoulder to rouse him. "Harry, it's time for dinner," he said softly, immediately correcting himself when he almost called him by his last name. He had noticed that Harry flinched whenever he did so, probably due to some unpleasant memories associated with it.

Weary green eyes looked up at him, unsure of what to do. When Severus placed a calloused hand on Harry's, the boy flinched again.

"It's okay, Harry," Severus reassured him. "I brought some food that I thought you might be able to tolerate better than the food in the Great Hall."

Harry's stomach growled loudly, betraying his hunger. He couldn't help but gaze longingly at the bowl of chicken noodle soup on the bedside table. The aroma was making his mouth water, and he couldn't wait to taste it. Severus watched him with a mix of sadness and anger. No child should have to experience such hunger. How long had they starved him?

Suppressing his thoughts, Severus moved to help Harry sit up in bed, propping pillows behind him. Harry didn't resist, knowing that cooperation would lead to food, and he was famished.

This summer, as always, the Dursleys had been neglectful with food. But it seemed worse this time around. Maybe it was because last year at Hogwarts, he had finally been able to eat his fill at every meal and had gained a bit of weight. Going back to constant hunger after being so well-fed had been a difficult adjustment.

However, this time at Hogwarts, nothing on the menu seemed appetizing to him. Everything made his stomach do flips. He suspected that the rich foods were jut too much for his stomach to handle.

Gently, Severus helped Harry sit up in bed, placing pillows behind him for support. Harry leaned back against them, feeling grateful for the added support. The professor then reached for the glass of milk and handed it to the boy. Harry eagerly grabbed it with both hands and brought it to his lips, but Severus didn't let go.

"Easy, Harry," he cautioned, keeping a firm hold on the glass. "You don't want to drink it too fast."

As Harry gulped down the milk, his eyes widened with pleasure. It had been days since he had tasted anything so delicious, and the cold liquid seemed to soothe his parched throat and provide a much-needed respite from the agony of hunger.

He watched Harry as he continued to drink, but it was short-lived as he noticed the boy's breathing grow faster and more erratic. Concern etched across his features, he knew he had to act fast to prevent Harry from getting sick or choking.

Severus swiftly removed the glass from Harry's lips, and the boy let out a cry of protest and he pleaded with Severus not to take the milk away. Severus's heart ached at the sight of the boy's distress, but he knew he had to do what was best for Harry's health.

"It's alright, Harry," he said, his voice soothing. "I'm not trying to take it away from you. I just need you to slow down and take little sips. Too much at one time will make it come right back up. Can you do that for me?"

Harry sniffled and wiped his tears away with the back of his hand, nodding in agreement. He was so desperate to taste the milk again that he would agree to anything. As Severus brought the glass back up to Harry's lips, the boy's hands once again wrapped tightly around it, his eyes fixed on the liquid inside.

As Severus brought the glass up to Harry's lips, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. He knew how weak the boy was, and he didn't want him to overexert himself. As Harry's hands snaked around the glass, Severus carefully monitored what went into his mouth. He watched as Harry's throat convulsed with each swallow, making sure that he didn't choke.

When the glass was empty he removed it from Harry's hand, and Severus carefully placed it on the bedside table. He then summoned a mug and poured the warm soup into it. He knew that Harry was still weak and that holding a bowl and spoon would be difficult for him at the moment.

As he handed the mug to Harry, Severus looked into his eyes with a soft, but firm gaze. "I want you to take it slow, Harry," Severus said gently, his voice full of concern. "This soup has noodles in it, so be careful not to choke. We'll take breaks every so often, okay?"

Harry nodded and latched onto the mug, the warmth of the liquid spreading through his fingers, he felt a sudden chill descend upon him. It was as if a cold hand had gripped his body, seeping into his bones and making him shiver uncontrollably. Severus could feel the tremors wracking Harry's small frame.

With a gentle touch, Severus carefully removed the mug from Harry's lips and held it in his hands for a moment. He could see the fear and desperation in the boy's eyes. He knew that Harry was holding onto the warmth of the soup as if it were his lifeline, but he also recognized that the rest of his body needed warmth too.

"It's okay, Harry," Severus murmured, his voice low and soothing. "Let me just set this down for a moment, and then we'll get you under the covers to warm up. You can have some more in just a moment."

Reluctantly, Harry released his grip on the mug, and Severus carefully placed it on his bedside table. "Alright, Harry," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I'm going to pick you up now and set you underneath the covers. Are you ready?"

As Harry nodded in agreement, Severus carefully lifted him from the bed, taking care not to jostle him too much. Harry felt weightless in his arms, his small body frail and fragile against his chest. With a flick of his wand, Severus pushed the covers down to the end of the bed, revealing the cool sheets.

Gently, he set Harry down on the bed, his small form sinking into the softness of the pillows. He pulled the covers up over the child, tucking them around him tightly to keep out the chill. With a quick incantation, Severus cast a warming charm on the bed, the warmth spreading across the sheets instantly getting rid of Harry's chill.

Severus sat down on the edge of the bed again, his eyes fixed on the child before him. "Ready for some more soup?" he asked softly.

Harry nodded eagerly, his hands reaching out for the mug as Severus held it up to his lips. The warmth of the liquid spreading through his body, Harry felt a sense of comfort and ease wash over him. His hands clasped tightly around the mug, as if he was afraid to let go.

As the mug emptied, Harry began to slow down, eventually coming to a stop when the soup was a little more than halfway gone. With a sigh, he released his grip on the mug, and Severus carefully took it from his hands. "Are you done, Harry?" he asked gently.

"Alright, I have to ask you something," he began gently, his voice low and soothing. "This might be hard to talk about, but I need to know so I can help you."

Harry looked up at him with a mixture of fear and budding trust in his eyes, and Severus felt a pang of sadness in his heart. How could anyone do this to such a young and innocent child?

Taking a deep breath, he continued. "Did you throw up a lot when you were with your...relatives?"

Harry nodded, as he looked away and his eyes filling with tears. Severus felt a surge of anger at the injustice of it all, but he kept his emotions in check and focused on helping Harry.

After reviewing the diagnostic report, Severus had found a concerning detail. It seemed that Harry's stomach lining had been severely damaged, maybe beyond repair. He needed to know more about what had caused this damage so he could gage just what he was dealing with.

"Did your relatives ever give you something to drink that tasted bitter?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm.

Harry looked down at his lap and fiddled with the quilt, his small body trembling with emotion. After a moment of hesitation, he began to reveal something that Severus never thought anyone would do to a child or anyone.

"Aunt Petunia used to give me a glass of water when I worked in the garden," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "It always made me feel sick though, and it would later come back up. After a while, I didn't want to drink it, but she always stood there and made sure I drank it all. I did a lot of gardening this summer."

Severus stared at Harry with a mix of shock and fury as he listened to the boy's story. How could anyone be so heartless as to poison a child in such a way? He took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions, and gently wrapped both his hands around Harry's.

"It seems what your Aunt was giving you was more than just water, and it has damaged your stomach," he said, his voice low and serious. "I will have to call someone who is more experienced to see what he can do to help. Not Madam Pomfrey, but rather my own healer. I trust this man with my life, and I know he will be able to help you. Would that be okay, can I give him a call?"

Harry was nervous and scared about seeing a doctor, but he trusted his Professor and nodded slowly. He didn't really understand what was going on, but he knew that he needed help.

Severus saw the small nod and gave the boy's hands a reassuring squeeze. "I'll be right back, Harry. Do you need anything else?"

Harry felt a sudden pressure in his lower stomach and blushed. "I have to use the loo..."

Severus nodded and got up from the bed. "Why don't I take you to the bathroom and then I'll call the Healer? We can get you cleaned up and feeling better before he comes over."

Nodding his head, Harry made to get up from the bed, but Severus stopped him before he could even swing his feet out of the covers. Harry looked up at Severus with confusion etched on his face, not really understanding what was going on.

"Madam Pomfrey put a cast on your ankle, but I don't really want you walking on it just yet. Let me help you."

Without further words, Severus scooped the boy up into his arms as he had earlier. This time without the blanket, for it would be a bit cumbersome considering the chore that had to be done. As soon as he was lifted into Severus's arms, Harry made a little squeak in surprise and latched onto Severus's robes as though he would be dropped any moment.

Severus smiled softly and held Harry closer, making sure the boy was comfortable and felt secure. He could feel Harry's small body trembling slightly in his arms, and he knew that it was not just from the physical pain. He gently ran a hand over Harry's hair, hoping to soothe him.

"Easy there, Harry. I have you."

Harry buried his face into Severus's robes and was strangely comforted when he realized that he could hear his Professor's heart beating. He had never been held this close to anyone before, and he found that he quite liked it. It was almost like being wrapped in a warm blanket, safe and secure. He closed his eyes and let himself relax, trusting Severus completely.

Severus carried Harry to the bathroom, trying his best to make sure that the boy didn't feel any discomfort. He carefully set him down on the toilet and then retreated from the bathroom to give him some privacy.

Severus had barely left the room when he heard a loud crash from inside. His heart skipped a beat, and he immediately spun around and headed back to the door. Knocking on it urgently, he called out to the boy. "Harry, are you alright? What happened?"

Silence followed his question, and Severus felt a growing sense of dread. He tried again, this time more forcefully. "Harry, answer me!"

When there was still no response, Severus took a deep breath and opened the door. As soon as he stepped inside, he was hit by the acrid scent of spilled potion. His eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of the boy.

It was then that he saw him - curled up on the floor, broken glass and spilled potion all around him. The sight made Severus's heart clench with worry.

"Harry," he called out, rushing over to the boy's side. "What happened? Are you hurt?"

The boy looked up at him, tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to. I was just so clumsy..."

Severus shook his head, kneeling down beside Harry and pulling him into a gentle embrace. "It's alright, Harry. You're safe now. Here, take a look."

Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him as Severus repaired the broken bottle with a flick of his wand. He watched in awe as the shattered pieces floated back together, and the contents of the potion returned to their original state. It was like magic - which, of course, it was.

Severus lowered his wand, and Harry realized that he was holding his breath. He exhaled slowly, trying to calm his racing heart.

"See, Harry? It's all better. Nothing to worry over," Severus said reassuringly.

Harry nodded, feeling grateful for his professor's expertise. He sat up, and Severus checked him over, looking for any injuries. As he worked, Harry couldn't help but feel a little ashamed of himself for his latest mistake.

"Did you bump your head at all?" Severus asked as he felt his skull for bumps.

Harry shook his head, but the shame lingered. He had been so clumsy stumbling in the bathroom. He blamed this big boot on his foot, it was hard to move around with it on.

Severus seemed to sense his discomfort, and he reached out to gently lift Harry's chin. Their eyes met, and Harry was struck by the concern he saw in his professor's gaze.

"Did you manage to use the toilet?" Severus asked, his voice soft.

Harry felt a blush creep up his face, and he looked away. "I stumbled into the side of the tub before I could," he admitted.

Severus didn't say anything for a moment, but Harry thought he could sense his disapproval. He braced himself for a reprimand, but to his surprise, Severus simply nodded.

"Alright then. Let's get you cleaned up and back to bed," he said, standing up and holding out a hand to help Harry to his feet.

Severus quickly lifted the lid of the toilet, revealing the porcelain bowl below. The boy's pajamas and pants were yanked down without hesitation and he was promptly placed on the seat. Severus turned his back to the child, affording him the privacy he deserved, but the palpable tension in the air made it clear that Severus would not be leaving this time.

The sound of rushing water soon followed as the boy flushed the toilet, and Severus turned back around. As the boy stood up, Severus reached down and helped him pull up his pants and pajamas quickly so as not to embarrass him any further.

With the boy now dressed and standing in front of him, Severus couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness wash over him. It was a foreign feeling, one he wasn't used to experiencing, but he couldn't deny the warmth that spread through his chest as he held the child close. It wasn't just his love for Lily that made him care for Harry - he cared for the boy simply because he was Harry.

As they made their way back to the boy's room, Severus felt Harry bury his head in his robes. He couldn't help but smile, even if it was only a small one, as he felt the boy snuggle closer to him.

"We're almost back to your room Harry," he reassured him, his voice gentle and calming.

Nodding into Severus's chest, Harry remained close to his professor as they entered the room. Severus sat down on the bed with the boy still in his lap, his arms securely wrapped around him.

Severus hesitated, but then asked, "may I step out briefly to get the Healer I mentioned earlier?"

He didn't really want to leave the boy alone even if it was just for a few seconds to fetch the Healer. This was mainly due to his concern for Harry's safety, especially after the fall. Although the boy claimed that he had not hit his head, Severus remained worried, knowing that Harry tended to withhold information. He had felt a small lump on the back of Harry's head, which added to his unease.

Harry felt embarrassed about his perceived weakness and neediness, but the thought of being alone made him even more uncomfortable, even if it was just for a short while.

Severus nodded and retrieved the blanket that had been in the living room earlier. He carefully draped it around Harry once more to ensure that he wouldn't catch a chill. Then, with resolve he took out a gold chain from around his neck and revealed a beautiful pendant shaped like a doe.

Harry gazed at the stunning pendant in admiration, but quickly averted his gaze, feeling self-conscious. Without comment, Severus proceeded to explain the true purpose of the pendant. "When I hold this pendant in my hand and say 'Healer Patterson,' my healer is called to come to me no matter where I am," he explained.

As Severus spoke, he activated the pendant and called for the Healer. Within seconds, there was a knock on the door and a worried voice calling for Severus.

"Please, come in Don," Severus said, his voice softer than usual. Don raised an eyebrow at the change in tone, surprised to hear Severus speaking so gently to him. As he entered the room, he saw a frightened-looking boy on Severus's lap and began to understand.

He had been called by Severus before, when a severely abused girl had been brought to Hogwarts in need of medical attention. At that time, too, Severus had used a gentle voice, but it had not been as laced with emotion as it was now.

Don walked over to the bed and sat in the chair that Severus had vacated earlier. "Hello, Severus. How are you? And who is this young man?" he asked, his tone warm and friendly.

Severus looked up from the boy in his lap and met Don's gaze. "I'm fine, Don. I'm more concerned about Harry here. It seems that his Aunt gave him something that has damaged his stomach lining, and I'm worried that it might have affected his throat as well. You know that my diagnostic charm works well with physical wounds, but it can be lacking when it comes to internal injuries."

Don nodded in understanding and held out his hand to Harry. "It's nice to meet you, Harry. As you may have guessed, my name is Healer Don Patterson, but you can just call me Don."

As Harry lightly grasped Don's hand, he felt a slight tingling sensation, which surprised him. Don smiled as Harry shifted, prompting him to say, "I apologize, Harry. At times, my healing magic can be a bit enthusiastic when it senses someone nearby is injured."

Don then turned to Severus and asked, "Severus, would it be possible for Harry to sit next to you on the bed? It would make it easier for me to examine him."

Severus nodded, but when he tried to move Harry from his lap, the boy clung tightly to his robes. Looking down at Harry, Severus noticed that the boy's eyes were tightly shut and heard a faint whisper escape from his lips.

"Please don't leave me."

Severus immediately stopped his movements and held the boy close to him. "I'm not going anywhere, Harry. As I said before, I will always be here for you. I just want you to sit next to me so that Don can make sure you're okay. I'll hold your hand the entire time, if you want."

Harry nodded, feeling relieved that the first adult who truly cared for him was not leaving his side. Slowly, his grip on Severus' robes loosened, and the professor transferred the boy to the spot beside him, firmly clasping their hands together.

Don carefully shifted his chair closer to Harry's bed, making sure to position himself directly in front of the young boy. He locked eyes with Harry, wanting to make sure that he had his full attention.

"I need to examine your abdomen, Harry," Don said in a calm and reassuring tone. "I want to make sure that everything is okay inside. I'm going to need to press on a few spots on your belly, and then I'll rest my hand still on your stomach. When I do this, you will feel a tingling sensation similar to what you felt when we shook hands earlier. Are you ready?"

Harry nervously shook his head, but allowed Don to pull the blanket down from his stomach. "I need to lift your shirt slightly. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, please let me know and I'll stop," Don informed him.

Harry nodded slightly, but then turned his head to hide his face in Severus' side. Sensing Harry's unease, Severus wrapped his other arm around the boy's shoulder as Don gently lifted his shirt and probed his stomach.

As Don conducted the examination, his frown deepened. The damage he observed appeared to have accumulated over several years rather than from a single incident. When he finished, he carefully replaced Harry's shirt and pulled the blanket back up.

"Harry, can you look at me?" Don requested. Harry lifted his face from Severus' side and met the Healer's gaze.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but you were raised by Muggles, right?" Don asked. Harry nodded his head and then looked down at his lap.

"Don't worry, Harry. You've done nothing wrong. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Your family has done something very wrong. Did your Aunt ever give you anything that smelled like a swimming pool?"

"I've never been swimming pool, sir. I don't know what it smells like," Harry admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Severus placed a comforting hand on the boy's back while Don continued on. "That's alright, Harry," he said, trying to ease the tension in the boy's body. "Did you ever experience any discomfort or bitterness after consuming something?"

Harry nodded hesitantly. "Whenever I used to work in the garden, she would give me this glass that looked like water. It tasted awful, and I would always end up throwing up afterwards. But she would force me to drink it every time."

Don frowned, his heart aching for the boy's pain. "How many times did this happen, Harry?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders and buried his face into Severus's side, seeking comfort. Without hesitation, Severus wrapped his arms around the boy, holding him tightly while giving a meaningful look at Don. "Shhhh, it's okay, Harry."

Severus gazed down at Harry while he rubbed the boy's back, attempting to provide comfort in any way he could. Although he couldn't hear Harry's sobs, he could feel them wetting his robes and sense the shaking of the boy's shoulders. He looked up at Don, his expression filled with concern, and silently mouthed, "How bad is it?"

Don's response was disheartening. He shook his head with a solemn expression, indicating that the situation was worse than they had initially anticipated. As a seasoned healer, Don had witnessed countless cases that had taken a toll on him emotionally, but discovering the extent of the damage was never easy.

Taking a deep breath, Severus closed his eyes for a moment before turning his attention back to the boy in his arms. He continued to soothe the boy until he calmed down, then gently pulled him away and wiped the tears from his face.

"Don still needs to speak with you, Harry. Are you feeling better now?" Severus asked, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Harry nodded slowly, his eyes now focused on Don who was looking at him gently and full of compassion.

"I believe your Aunt was giving you bleach," Don said gravely, his expression pained. "It's eaten away at the walls of your stomach, and unfortunately, it's irreversible. But we can manage the symptoms. You must feel sick after eating, correct?"

With a weary expression, Harry gave a slight nod, indicating that he was listening to Don and that the healer was indeed correct.

"To help with the symptoms, you can drink a glass of milk or eat a little bit of yogurt before your meals. This will coat your stomach and make digestion easier," Don suggested, trying to offer some relief.

Harry looked down and nodded, feeling a small sense of relief that there was something he could do to make things easier for himself. He liked milk and yogurt, so it didn't seem like too much of a problem. As he looked up, he saw Don's concerned expression and heard him ask if he could examine his throat. Harry nodded again, just wanting to get this over with.

"Please hold your head up, Harry. I'm going to feel from your ears down to your shoulders, and then I'll feel the front of your throat. It will tingle a little, okay?" Don explained as he began to examine Harry's throat.

Harry nodded, bracing himself for the sensation. As Don's hands moved across his throat, he felt a sense of discomfort, but it wasn't unbearable and it wasn't painful. However, Don stopped suddenly and frowned as he reached the boy's glands.

"Harry, you seem to be okay, but your glands feel a bit swollen. Do you have a sore throat?" Don inquired, his expression now even more worried.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I have a little bit of a sore throat," he admitted.

Don nodded, his eyes scanning Harry's face. "I'm going to check your forehead to see if you have a fever, okay?"

Harry nodded in agreement, and Don proceeded to feel his forehead. Almost immediately, Don removed his hand and turned to Severus. "Harry, you're burning up! We need to take your temperature right away."

Don quickly summoned a muggle-like thermometer to check Harry's temperature. "Put this under your tongue, Harry. Do you feel really hot?" he asked, his tone urgent.

Harry shook his head and tried to speak, but the glass instrument made it difficult. "Really cold," he managed to mumble.

Don took the thermometer from his mouth and looked at it, his eyebrows rising in concern. "39.7ºc! Severus, can you please run a cool bath for Harry? We need to cool him down immediately," he instructed, his voice urgent.

Severus nodded, but before he could move, he felt the small hands of the scared boy clutching his robes once again. He looked down into Harry's face, trying to comfort him. "Harry, I'll just be a second, and then I'll be right back to carry you to the bath, okay?" he reassured him.

"Please don't go," Harry pleaded, his voice small and scared. "I'll be good."

Severus let out a small sigh, understanding the boy's fear. "Harry, you have a very high fever. I need to draw a cool bath for you, but I promise to come back for you in a moment.

Can you take me with you?" Harry asked hopefully.

Severus' dark eyes locked onto Harry's trembling form, his heart aching with the boy's fear and anxiety and then over at Don who shook his head gently. Severus sighed and then looked softly at the boy. "Don't worry, Harry. I won't be gone long. Remember when I left earlier and came back a few minutes later?"

Harry gave a small nod, his eyes never leaving Severus' face.

"I did it before, and I'll do it again. I promise, Harry, I'll be back soon." As Severus slowly moved to the door to draw a bath, Harry's grip on his robes loosened, and Severus gently pried himself away from the boy's grasp. "I'll be right back, Harry," he reassured him before leaving the room.

As Harry watched Severus depart, his heart hammered against his chest. The fear of being left alone consumed him until Don's voice broke through the silence, calling his name.

"Harry, I need to ask you something. Something very personal. Can you be honest with me?"

Harry's gaze shifted to Don, and he nodded slowly, his eyes downcast.

"Has anyone ever...touched you inappropriately?" Don asked gently, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyes widened, and he shook his head violently, his messy hair whipping around his face. A sigh of relief escaped Don's lips, and he placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "Thank you for telling me the truth, Harry," he said softly.

The sound of the door opening drew their attention, and Severus stepped back into the room, relief evident on his features as he glanced at Don, who shook his head. Severus let out a deep breath before settling down next to Harry on the bed.

"Are you ready for a bath, Harry?" he asked kindly, and Harry nodded in response. Severus lifted Harry into his arms, and Don followed them out of the room until they reached the living room. From there, Severus continued to the bathroom alone with Harry.

Severus bustled into the bathroom, his heart heavy with concern for Harry. The boy had been running a high fever and was in desperate need of some relief. He gently lifted the boy onto the toilet and began to unbutton Harry's shirt, taking great care not to jostle him too much.

As he removed Harry's shirt, Severus could see the boy shivering. He quickly cast a waterproof charm over the cast on Harry's ankle, knowing that it would be uncomfortable if it got wet. With a reassuring smile, he helped Harry to his feet and steadied him as the boy wobbled unsteadily.

"You okay there, Harry?" Severus asked, his voice filled with concern.

Harry nodded, his teeth chattering. Severus knew he needed to act quickly, so he spoke gently to Harry, "This bath is going to feel very cold, Harry, but you have to stay in for a little while, okay?"

Harry nodded again, and Severus helped him out of his pajamas and pants before easing him into the bath. At first, Harry blushed and covered himself, but as the cool water surrounded him, he relaxed into it, his body finally finding some relief.

After what felt like an eternity, but was really only ten minutes, Severus came back into the bathroom. He had gone to fetch a fresh set of pajamas for Harry and found the boy dozing off in the tub. "It's time to get out now, Harry," he said softly, shaking the boy's shoulder.

Harry nodded, his eyes barely open, and Severus lifted him up under his armpits and wrapped him in a fluffy towel. He patted Harry dry and helped him into his new, shrunken pajamas. "Let's get you to bed. If you're getting sick, you need all the sleep you can get."

Harry was too tired to argue, so he let Severus carry him to his bed. As they passed the Healer, the man nodded in greeting, and Severus strode into Harry's room, placing the boy gently on the bed. He expertly placed the thermometer beneath Harry's tongue and waited a few minutes before taking it out to read.

He sighed in relief when he saw that Harry's temperature had dropped to 37.7ºc. "Much better, Harry. Sleep well, and if you need anything, don't be afraid to call me. I'm right next door."

Harry sleepily nodded his head, his eyelids drooping. Severus brushed the stray hair out of Harry's face and then quietly left the room, shutting the door behind him. He hoped Harry would have a restful night, free from the fever that had been plaguing him.

As Severus re-entered the living room, he was greeted by a deeply concerned Healer. The man's expression was etched with worry, a clear indication that he was concerned with both Severus and his new patient.

Without warning, the Healer grabbed Severus's arm and led him to a plush couch. Severus, who was a private person by nature, felt slightly uneasy about this sudden display of concern. Nevertheless, he allowed himself to be seated and waited for the Healer to speak.

"So, Severus," the Healer began, his voice laced with genuine worry. "Would you care to tell me why Harry Potter is currently under your care?"

Severus sighed inwardly. He knew that this question was inevitable, but that didn't make it any easier to answer.

"I noticed something amiss with the boy," he explained, his tone measured and even. "He was limping when he entered my classroom, and I suspected that he was injured. I asked him to stay behind after class, and with some help from Poppy, I was able to heal him to the best of my ability."

The Healer nodded, listening intently to Severus's words.

"When I confronted Albus about his living situation, he told me that there were no other options. That's when I blurted out that I would take Harry if it meant getting him out of his current situation. Albus is currently processing the paperwork to transfer his guardianship to me."

The Healer continued to nod, seemingly satisfied with Severus's explanation. When Severus finished speaking, the Healer regarded him with a soft, almost affectionate look.

"I've never seen you speak that way to anyone before," the Healer observed. "Not even that girl you had me look at last year. You really care for this boy."

Severus felt a flush creeping up his neck, and he quickly averted his gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about," he muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed by the Healer's observation.

But the Healer merely smiled knowingly. "What made you change your opinion of him so quickly? Just last week, you were calling him an arrogant brat."

Severus took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation bearing down on him. "You saw him, Don," he said, using the Healer's first name for the first time. "His relatives have been abusing him for years. How could I not care for him?"

Don's smile widened, and he reached out to give Severus's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I saw him, Severus," he said. "And I saw how you acted towards him. You were like a loving father to him."

Severus felt a lump form in his throat at Don's words. He wasn't sure about any of this and certainly not his feelings. Everything had just happened so quickly.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said again, his voice barely above a whisper.

Don gently rested his hand on Severus's shoulder, his touch reassuring and comforting. As he looked at his friend and sometime patient, he saw the weight of the world on his shoulders. Severus had always been a complicated man, guarded and closed off to the world. But Don had seen glimpses of the real Severus, the one that cared deeply for those he loved.

"I know you Severus," Don began softly. "I've known you for years. Through all the trials and tribulations, I've been by your side. I've seen you at your best and your worst, and I can tell when something is weighing on your mind."

Severus raised his head, meeting Don's gaze with his own dark eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked quietly.

"I mean that you care for the boy, Severus," Don replied gently. "It's written all over your face, despite the mask you wear."

Severus looked away, his eyes focusing on the ground. "I do care for him," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Don smiled, a warm and reassuring expression. "I'm glad you've admitted it," he said.

"But are you prepared for what lies ahead? Being a guardian for a young boy can be challenging, and his status as the 'savior of the wizarding world' may only complicate matters further."

Severus let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "All I know is that I want to provide this boy with a home, a place where he can feel safe and loved."

Don nodded in understanding. "That's a noble goal," he said. "But why you, Severus? Why do you feel the need to be the one to take care of him?"

Severus closed his eyes, memories flooding back to him. "I don't know if it was real or just a hallucination," he began. "But I saw Lily. She thanked me for saving her son. And in her eyes, I could see that she wanted me to take care of him."

Don nodded, his expression understanding. "I see," he said. "But is that the only reason?"

Severus shook his head, his eyes meeting Don's once more. "No," he said. "I agreed to be his guardian before that. He has no one else, and I know what that's like. I want to give him a chance at a better life."

Don smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "That's a beautiful sentiment, Severus," he said. "And I truly believe you will be good for him."

Severus looked up, his eyes filled with uncertainty. "But am I doing the right thing?" he asked.

Don sent a wave of calming magic towards Severus, the soothing energy enveloping him in a warm embrace. "Yes," he said. "I believe you are. And if you ever need any help, I'm always here for you."

Severus nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thank you," he said. "For everything."

As Don removed his hand from Severus's shoulder, he noticed a glimmer of uncertainty in his friend's eyes. He knew that Severus was not used to having anyone else in his private chambers, let alone a traumatized child who needed his care. Don was determined to help Severus through this new challenge.

"Rest well, my friend," Don said, his voice filled with reassurance. "I will see you tomorrow."

Severus nodded, his gaze following Don as he stepped into the fireplace and disappeared in a burst of green flames. Alone once more, Severus slumped onto the couch, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

Severus felt a sense of uncertainty wash over him. Was he truly capable of taking on this immense responsibility? He knew that it would be a challenge, but he had never been one to shy away from difficult tasks. In fact, he relished in the opportunity to prove himself, no matter how daunting the task may seem.

As he closed his eyes, memories of Lily flooded his mind. He saw her bright green eyes shining with gratitude, and he felt her presence surrounding him, comforting him. In that moment, he knew with absolute certainty that taking care of Harry was his destiny.

Taking a deep breath, Severus rose from his chair and began to make preparations for Harry's care. He would need to speak with the Headmaster and request some time off for Harry's recovery. He knew that diving back into school too soon would only hinder Harry's progress.

As he made his way to his bedroom, Severus couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehension. Caring for someone in this way was new territory for him, and he wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing. But then he remembered the way Harry had clung to him earlier, seeking comfort in his embrace. It was then that he knew that he couldn't abandon the boy. He had made a promise to both Harry and Lily to protect him, and he intended to keep it.

With a deep sigh, Severus closed his eyes and let himself drift off into a much-needed sleep. His dreams were filled with conflicting emotions, but deep down he knew that he was doing the right thing for Harry, and that was all that mattered.