The moment Harry stepped out of the fireplace, he stumbled forward, disoriented from the rapid journey through the floo. Before he could hit the ground, two sturdy hands gripped his shoulders, steadying him in place. When Harry looked up, he was met with the concerned gaze of Severus Snape, the man responsible for keeping him safe in this dangerous world.
"Are you all right, Harold?" Severus asked, his voice laced with worry.
Harry nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly as he realized how clumsy he must have looked. "Thank you, sir," he replied, grateful for Severus's unwavering support.
Severus gave him a reassuring pat on the back before leading the way towards their destination. Harry fell into step behind Severus and beside Don, his trusted friends and companions in this perilous journey.
As they emerged from the Hogs Head Pub, Harry was momentarily overwhelmed by the throngs of people bustling around him. He froze in place, his senses on high alert as he struggled to orient himself. In that moment, he felt a hand on his shoulder, grounding him and bringing him back to the present.
Startled, Harry flinched at the unexpected touch, but when he realized it was only Don, he breathed a sigh of relief. "It's just me, Harold," Don reassured him, his kind eyes conveying a sense of understanding.
When Harry felt Don's calming magic seeping into his body, he couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over him and he let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
Severus looked back at them and nodded, silently expressing his gratitude for Don's help. With Harry's anxiety somewhat alleviated, the three of them continued their walk down the bustling street towards Gladrags Wizardwear, their destination for the day.
As they walked, Severus felt a tap on his arm, and he turned to find a small, nervous-looking boy standing before him. The child shuffled his feet anxiously, clearly troubled by something.
Severus knelt down to the boy's level, knowing that it would be difficult to hear him over the noisy crowds. "What is it, Harold?" he asked gently.
"I don't have any money," the boy said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can we go to Gringotts first?"
Severus sighed inwardly. "No, we aren't going to Gringotts first," he said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "I am now your guardian, and it is my responsibility to take care of your needs. Today, I want to buy you some nice things, so we're going to Gladrags Wizardwear."
The boy's eyes widened in surprise, clearly taken aback by Severus's generosity. "Are...are you sure?" he asked hesitantly.
Severus gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I'm positive," he said, patting the child's shoulder before standing back up.
Harry peeked out from behind Severus's robes, his eyes wide with uncertainty. He had never been one for new clothes - in fact, he had always been content with hand-me-downs and cast-offs.
But as he looked around the brightly-lit store, with its rows upon rows of crisp, new garments, he couldn't help but feel a little bit excited.
As the overenthusiastic store clerk made her way towards them, Severus felt his patience begin to fray. He had always been a man of few words, and he found the clerk's incessant chatter grating on his nerves.
But he forced himself to stay calm, knowing that Harry was counting on him to be the rock in this unfamiliar environment.
"Can I help you three?" the clerk trilled, her voice grating on Severus's ears.
Severus let out a long sigh, eyeing the woman warily. "Harold here needs a whole new wardrobe," he replied, his tone clipped and businesslike. "What he has now is inadequate."
The woman nodded eagerly, extending a hand for Harry to take. But the young boy only clung tighter to Severus's robes, his face buried in the fabric.
Severus could feel the child's anxiety mounting, so he reached behind him and rubbed the boy's back soothingly. "It's okay, Harold," he said softly. "She just wants to take your measurements and help you find some clothes that will fit."
Severus could sense the boy's unease and let out a heavy sigh. He turned towards the store clerk, who was growing increasingly impatient. "Ma'am, would it be alright if I accompany him?"
The store clerk raised an eyebrow somewhat exasperated. "Sure, but he needs to stand on his own when I measure him."
Severus nodded, and they followed the clerk, who led them towards a pedestal where Harry would have his measurements taken. As they walked, Severus noticed Don sitting in a chair by the door. He smiled, knowing that his boys would be fine without him. They didn't need him hovering over their every move.
When they reached the pedestal, Severus helped Harry climb onto it. Harry stood a head taller than Severus, his small frame barely filling the space. The clerk grabbed a clipboard as they passed a desk and positioned herself in front of Harry, ready to take his measurements.
Severus stood there, his hands on his hips, admiring the boy in front of him. "My, look how you've grown! You're taller than me!" he said with a smile, his voice full of mirth.
Harry beamed back at him, and Severus felt his heart flutter and melt simultaneously. It was Lily's smile; Lily's beautiful smile. He took a deep breath to compose himself, patting Harry on the arm before stepping back and allowing the store clerk to take his measurements.
Once she was done, the clerk turned to Severus. "What colors would you like for his shirts and trousers?"
Severus raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous. "They are not for me, they are for the boy. Why don't you ask him what he would like?"
The clerk turned to Harry and asked him about his color preferences. She jotted down his choices before turning back to Severus, still writing notes.
"Just to confirm, you want a full wardrobe? That's ten shirts, ten jumpers, ten pairs of trousers, ten pairs of socks, a cloak, and shoes?" she asked.
Severus nodded. "Yes, add a pair of mittens, a hat, winter boots, five sets of pajamas, and three sets of school robes. And please include four sets of pajamas for me as well. My size and preferences are on file."
The clerk scribbled down the additional items, then looked up at Severus with a smile. "We'll have everything ready for you in no time. Is there anything else you need?"
Severus shook his head. "No, that should be all. Thank you."
The store clerk quickly jotted down all the items Severus requested and nodded in approval. As she wrote, the items started to float out of the backroom and into bags by the front register. With a flick of her quill, she indicated that everything was ready and they could check out if they were done shopping.
Severus led Harry up to the register, but the boy hesitated and tugged on his arm for attention. When Severus turned to him, Harry spoke hesitantly. "I...I can pay you back."
Severus sighed slightly and knelt before the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked into Harry's eyes and saw that he would have to repeat this more than once. "There's no need, Harry. I want to buy you nice things; you deserve them."
Harry's cheeks flushed with embarrassment and his eyes cast downward as he tried to avoid his gaze. Sensing the boy's discomfort, Severus gave Harry a reassuring pat on the shoulder and gracefully rose to his feet, unwilling to press the matter any further.
Turning to the man behind the counter, Severus inquired about the total cost of their purchases. The man responded with a figure that left Severus unfazed as he handed over the required sum without hesitation. Efficiently, he shrunk the bags and placed them in his pockets before taking Harry's hand and flashing him a small smile.
"Shall we make our way back to Don before he dozes off waiting for us?" he suggested.
Harry nodded, grateful for the diversion, and gave Severus a grateful smile as the two of them walked over to where Don was seated. A wide smile lit up Don's face as he saw the two of them approach.
"Ready to go, boys?" he asked.
Severus nodded in agreement, but leaned over to whisper something into Don's ear. Don's eyes widened in surprise before a mischievous grin spread across his face. With that, the trio exited the store and made their way back onto the bustling street.
Rather than heading back to the pub as Harry had anticipated, Severus expertly weaved through the throngs of people towards Roz's Toy Shop. Harry's heart skipped a beat as he realized where they were headed. He had always admired the intricate displays in the shop window but had never dared to venture inside. As they drew closer, the sound of merry laughter and the tinkling of a bell greeted their ears, and Harry felt a wave of excitement wash over him.
Severus stood before the toy store, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. He looked down at the young boy beside him, giving the child's hand a gentle squeeze to reassure him.
"I want you to pick out three toys that you would enjoy. Don't worry about the price, okay?" Severus said in a soft, kind tone.
Harry's eyes widened in disbelief. He had never been given the freedom to choose his own toys before. The idea of being able to pick out not one, but three, filled him with a mix of excitement and disbelief.
"Are...are you sure?" he stammered, looking up at Severus with wide, hopeful eyes.
"As ever," Severus replied, his voice firm and reassuring. "Now let's go in."
With that, Severus led the child into the store, Don following closely behind. Harry's eyes grew wide as he took in the colorful displays and bright lights around him. He had never been in a toy store before, and the experience was overwhelming.
Severus gently pushed the child further into the store, removing his hand from Harry's and letting the boy explore at his own pace. Harry's fingers brushed against the shelves, taking in the array of toys and games that he had only ever seen in books or on television.
As he walked through the store, memories of his past flooded Harry's mind. He remembered being dragged to the store by his relatives, forced to stand outside while his cousin Dudley picked out his presents. They had always told him that he would only spoil everything he touched, and they didn't want to have to pay for anything he broke.
"Harold, why don't you pick out a few things that you really like?" Severus encouraged with a gentle smile.
Harry's walked around the store with awe written all over his face, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling crowd of shoppers. Occasionally, he stopped to marvel at a particular item, lost in thought as he pondered the possibilities.
Severus watched the boy with a careful eye, noting his interest in certain objects and making mental notes for Christmas gifts. He wanted to ensure that this year's holiday celebration would be a memorable one for the child, who had likely never experienced the joys of a proper Christmas before.
As Harry made his way back to Severus, he clutched a small, all-black kneazle plushie with a tiny white spot on its chest. The toy looked incredibly soft and huggable, and Harry seemed to feel the same way, holding it tightly against his chest.
Severus frowned slightly, concerned that Harry had only picked out one item. "Is that all you want, Harold?" he asked, watching as the boy shuffled his feet nervously.
Harry nodded shyly, but his eyes shone with excitement and happiness at the thought of owning the little kneazle plushie. Severus couldn't help but feel a twinge of warmth in his chest at the sight of the boy's joy.
He paid for the toy, then took Harry's hand and led him out of the store, with Don following behind. They made their way quickly back to the Hogs Head pub and stepped into the fireplace, flooing back to Severus's cozy rooms.
Upon returning to Severus's quarters, they quickly unpacked the new clothing and grabbed two sets of pajamas. As they sat down for a quick lunch, Severus couldn't help but notice how quiet Harry was, clutching his new plushy tightly to his chest.
When they arrived at Don's clinic, Harry immediately hid behind Severus, clearly overwhelmed by the unfamiliar surroundings. Sensing the boy's nervousness, Severus kept a reassuring arm around him as they waited for Don to retrieve the room number from the receptionist.
As they made their way to their new room, Severus noticed that there were two cozy beds side by side, with a night table in between. Walking over to the bed by the window, Severus turned to Harry, who was still hiding behind him.
With a gentle smile, Severus knelt down and wrapped the boy in a quick hug. "You okay there, Harry?"
Harry gave a small nod, still clutching his plushy tightly. Severus stood up, placing a calming hand on Harry's shoulder as he unshrunk the new pajamas he had brought for the child.
"Why don't you get into these and then hop into bed, okay? If you need anything, we'll be right out here," he reassured the boy.
The child gave a small nod of consent, and Severus swiftly pulled the privacy curtain around the bed to shield the young boy's modesty. As he moved to the other bed, Severus reached for a set of pajamas that he had packed for Harry, along with his own attire. He had chosen to bring their own clothes to the clinic instead of subjecting themselves to the discomfort of the hospital gowns. The notion of having their bare backsides on display for the world to see made Severus uneasy, and he recalled the unpleasant experience from his past visits to the clinic.
Severus lowered himself onto the bed and exhaled a deep breath, unaware that he had been holding it in. The idea of visiting the clinic left a sour taste in his mouth. If it were not for Harry's need, Severus would have fought tooth and nail against the Headmaster and Don. But he accepted his fate, standing back up to begin changing into his night clothes.
As he pulled the curtains around his bed, Severus stole a glance at Harry, who was nestled under the covers with his new plush toy. The sight brought a small smile to Severus' lips. He felt a sense of relief that their impromptu visit to the toy store earlier that day had paid off. The child had been in dire need of a companion that he could hold close at all times. Severus hoped that the plush toy would provide Harry with the comfort and security he needed, and perhaps alleviate his tendency to cling to Severus.
Despite the fact that he enjoyed holding Harry close, Severus couldn't help but feel that it was a behavior more suited to a younger child. He shrugged his shoulders, feeling somewhat frustrated by his thoughts, unsure of what to think anymore. Don had assured him that it was normal behavior for a child who had suffered through trauma, and that he had acted similarly when Albus had taken him in. Nevertheless, Severus couldn't shake the sense of unease that lingered within him.
While Severus was lost in his thoughts, Don quietly slipped back into the room and drew up a chair to sit between the two beds. He observed Severus with a knowing smile, recognizing that the man often ran in circles within his own mind. Don made a mental note to speak with Severus later about what was troubling him. He then turned his attention to Harry, who was staring at him with a mix of apprehension and curiosity.
"Are you ready?" Don asked gently.
Harry nodded hesitantly, his eyes darting around the room nervously.
Don gazed kindly at Harry, his eyes full of compassion. "Harry, would you like me to draw the curtain for some privacy while I examine you? I could use a diagnostic charm, but that may not catch all the smaller injuries. My Healing magic is much more precise, but it requires skin-to-skin contact."
Harry shook his head slowly, his gaze dropping to his lap. "C-can Professor Snape hold my hand?"
Don smiled warmly, motioning for Severus to come closer and sit on the other side of the bed. With a flick of his wand, Severus closed the door to the hallway and joined them, settling into the chair by the window and taking Harry's hand in his own.
"I'm right here, Harry," Severus said reassuringly. "I won't go anywhere until you say it's okay."
Harry's small hand trembled as he clutched Severus's hand, seeking comfort from the soft plushy that he held in his other hand. Don, the Healer, stood up from his chair and walked around, giving himself a little more space to work. As he approached the child, he placed a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder to gain his attention, his touch reassuring in its warmth.
"I'm going to start with your head and neck," Don began, his voice calm and soothing. "Remember how I felt your neck before?"
Harry nodded in response, his eyes never leaving Don's face. The Healer continued, "It's going to be just like that. I'm going to feel for any injuries, and you're going to feel that slight tingle."
With that, Don began his examination, his skilled hands moving over the boy's head and neck, searching for any signs of injury. Harry sat still, his eyes wide as he felt the slight tingle that Don had described. The Healer's face furrowed in concern as he found evidence of many past concussions, as if the boy had been repeatedly thrown against something hard.
Sighing heavily, Don removed his hands and looked at Harry with worry etched on his features. "This is important, Harry," he said gently. "Do you remember ever hitting your head and passing out?"
Harry thought for a few moments before nodding hesitantly. He looked up at the Healer with confusion in his eyes, unsure of where Don was going with this line of questioning.
"Did it just happen the once or did it happen more than that?" Don asked, his tone patient and kind.
"I...I don't really remember," he said hesitantly. "A...a few times?"
Don's demeanor became more gentle as he placed a soothing hand on Harry's shoulder. "It's okay, Harry," he spoke with empathy. "I just want to make sure there's no harm to your brain. I think it would be best to conduct a more thorough scan of your head."
Harry bit his lip nervously, his eyes darting between Don and Severus, who had a concerned look etched on his face. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, Harry rolled over so that he was facing Severus, seeking comfort from the man's familiar presence.
Severus took Harry's free hand and brushed the stray hair from his face, his touch gentle and reassuring. "Hey now, Harry," he said softly. "It's okay. We're here for you."
Despite Severus's comforting words, Harry began to shake, and tears streamed down his face. Looking up at Don for permission, he saw the nod and felt a sense of relief wash over him. As Severus magically widened the bed and got on next to the child, pulling him close to his chest, Harry leaned into the man's embrace and let out a shaky breath.
Severus rubbed circles on Harry's back, whispering soothing words into his ear, his touch warm and reassuring. The room was quiet except for the sound of Harry's sobs, and Don watched on with a heavy heart, feeling the weight of the child's pain and trauma.
As Harry's sobs began to subside, Severus slowly released his embrace and gazed into the boy's teary eyes. "What troubles you, Harry?" he asked, his voice filled with compassion.
"It...it's going to hurt!" Harry stammered, his body trembling with fear.
Severus shook his head gently, his hand cupping Harry's cheek. "No, no, my dear boy," he reassured him. "You'll only feel a slight tingling sensation, just as you did before. Perhaps it may be a bit stronger this time, but I promise you, it won't hurt."
Tears still streaming down his face, Harry looked up at Severus with a pleading expression. "Will...will you stay here?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Severus briefly glanced at Don, seeking his approval, before nodding reassuringly at Harry. "Yes, Harry, I haven't left you yet. Just hold on to me tightly."
And with that, Don's skilled hands once again hovered over Harry's head, delving deeper into his mind to search for any signs of damage. The scan took nearly ten minutes, during which Harry clung tightly to Severus, his small body wracked with nervous tension.
When the scan was finally complete, Don's expression became more serious as he delivered the news. "Unfortunately, Harry, we did find a small area of damage," he explained, his tone sympathetic. "It appears that you may have been deprived of oxygen for a period of time, causing some cells to die."
Harry's face fell at the news, but Don was quick to reassure him. "The good news, though, is that the damage is minimal and shouldn't cause you too much trouble," he added. "You may need a bit of extra help with your schoolwork, but that's all."
Don slowly withdrew his hands from Harry's head, a solemn expression etched on his face. He had discovered something concerning during the scan, but decided to withhold the information for the time being. The last thing he wanted was to add to the boy's distress.
"Alright, Harry," Don said gently, "I'm going to move down to your neck now. You'll need to roll over onto your back."
Harry complied, but in doing so, he ended up half-lying on top of Severus. Don couldn't help but feel a twinge of amusement at the sight of the pair, but his focus was on ensuring Harry's safety and wellbeing.
"Very good, Harry," Don praised as he moved his hands to examine the boy's neck, making sure he hadn't missed anything during the previous scan. To his relief, everything seemed to be in order.
Don removed his hands and met Harry's gaze. "Severus will need to step off the bed now," he explained gently. "We need to remove your shirt and have you lie flat on your back for the next part of the examination."
Nervously, Harry nodded in understanding as Severus carefully extracted himself from beneath the boy, returning to his previous seat. However, Severus made sure to keep one hand intertwined with Harry's, providing a steady source of comfort.
Don removed a pillow from behind Harry's head, ensuring that he was lying flat on the bed. With gentle precision, he began unbuttoning Harry's shirt and exposing his chest. Harry couldn't help but feel vulnerable and exposed, but Don's reassuring smile helped to ease his nerves.
"Don't worry, Harry," Don said calmly. "This won't hurt at all, just a slight tingle."
Harry nodded, bracing himself for the sensation as Don's hands rested on his shoulders. Don's examination was thorough, exploring not only Harry's bones but also his internal organs and magical core. After a grueling twenty minutes, Don finally finished his task. He withdrew his hand and carefully buttoned up Harry's shirt, making sure he was comfortable. He then placed a few pillows behind his back so that he could sit up with ease.
Don then carefully pulled up Harry's sleeves, inspecting his arms without completely removing his shirt to avoid further embarrassment for the young boy.
Don was deep in thought as he thought about the boy's injuries. While most of Harry's organs appeared to be functioning normally, there were some concerning issues. Harry's stomach lining was a known issue, but his bladder was also weaker than usual. Don's greatest concern, however, was the fact that one of Harry's ribs had healed incorrectly, with a sharp point dangerously close to puncturing his lung. It was a miracle that it had not happened already.
As he moved down to Harry's hand, he felt the telltale signs of recent breaks in the knuckles, evidence of a recent altercation. Don made a mental note to ask Harry about it later, but for now, he focused on the old breaks and scars that littered the rest of his arm.
Letting out a small sigh, Don pulled down Harry's sleeve and gently stroked the back of his hand, which was clasped tightly around Severus's. "I need you to let go of Severus for a moment, Harry, so I can see your hand," he said gently.
Reluctantly, Harry's grip loosened, and with a few more gentle prying, he let go. As soon as the healer saw the hand and the many scars on it, Don closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to center himself. It was clear that these were not just ordinary scars, but the remnants of burns that had happened not just once, but many times over the years.
Summoning his magical energy, Don began to examine the hand deeper, looking for any signs of lasting damage.
Harry's resilience was admirable, given the amount of trauma he had endured while still managing to retain the use of his hand. Despite the significant nerve damage, Harry was still able to sense with his fingers and grip objects like a quill, suggesting that his magic was compensating for his disability.
As Don gently placed Harry's hand back onto the bed, he couldn't help but notice the instant way in which Harry reached out to take Severus's hand. It was clear that the two had formed a close bond over the last few days, and Don couldn't help but feel a twinge of warmth in his heart at the sight.
With a deep breath, Don began to examine Harry's other arm, rolling up the sleeve with a practised ease. As he ran his fingers along the length of the limb, he felt the same telltale signs of old breaks and burn marks as his other arm making him sigh tiredly.
Finally, with a satisfied nod, Don sat back in his chair with a heavy sigh, his gaze resting on Harry's tired but determined face.
"Harry, my boy, you've done very well," he began, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "But I have found a few things that concern me."
At the mention of something amiss, Harry's eyes widened, and he leaned in closer, waiting for Don to continue.
"Do you remember when you hurt your chest a few months ago?" Don asked, his expression grave.
Harry nodded shyly, his gaze never leaving the healer's face.
"Well, it seems that when your bone healed, it wasn't aligned properly. As a result, a part of it is now dangerously close to your lung. I can heal it easily enough, but it will hurt, I'm afraid."
Harry's face fell, and Don couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the boy's distress. "Do...do you have to? It's healed right?"
"I know it's not what you wanted to hear, Harry," he said, his voice gentle. "But if I don't fix it, there's a chance it could puncture your lung. And then things would be much, much worse."
With a slight nod from Harry, Don continued speaking in a soft, gentle tone. He tenderly took hold of the boy's hand, which was wrapped tightly around his plush toy, and held it in a way that mirrored the way Severus was holding Harry's other hand.
"Your hands," Don said softly, his voice filled with empathy. "Severus told me about how they were burned. Can you try giving me a small squeeze?"
With a look of determination, Harry tried his best to comply, his fingers curling around Don's hand as best he could.
Don gave the boy a small smile of reassurance. "Good, Harry. Can you feel my hand?"
Harry looked down at his lap, a single tear slipping down his cheek. Gently, Don released Harry's hand, letting it curl around the plushy once again. He rested a hand on the boy's arm, offering him a small measure of comfort.
"It's okay, Harry," Don said softly. "I can fix that too. I have a cream that can help repair the damaged nerves, but I won't lie to you—it can be quite painful."
Harry looked up at Don, his eyes wide with apprehension. "But if you put the cream on, then I can hold a quill again, right?"
Don nodded, his expression kind. "Yes, Harry. I would like to put you to sleep when I apply the cream and heal your rib. That way, you won't feel any pain, and you won't remember it either."
The child visibly relaxed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I...I would like that."
Don nodded reassuringly and stood up from his chair. "I thought so, Harry. I'll go and fetch everything we need to make you feel better. Okay?"
Harry nodded slightly and watched as Don left the room. As soon as the boy could no longer see him, he turned to look at Severus with a worried expression. "W-will you still be here?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Smiling gently at the boy, Severus took Harry's other hand and clasped it firmly around the one he was already holding. "I haven't left you yet, Harry, and I have no intention of doing so," he reassured him.
A small smile appeared on Harry's face as he relaxed a little. "Th-thank you," he murmured.
Severus nodded, accepting the boy's thanks even though it was unnecessary. He didn't want to upset Harry any further by saying it was needless. He had seen the slight glimmer of unease in the boy's eyes before.
Don returned to the room with several potions and a jar of cream, placing everything except for two potion vials on the bedside table. Tenderly, Don gazed at the young boy, whose nervous eyes looked back at him with uncertainty. He could sense the fear and apprehension that Harry was experiencing, and his heart went out to him. "It's okay, Harry," he said in a soothing tone. "You see these potions?"
Don held up the vials of elixir and watched as Harry nodded hesitantly. He then pointed to one vial and then the other. "This first one here is a potent pain relief potion that will ensure that you don't feel any discomfort while you sleep. And this second one here is the dreamless sleep potion that I promised. I want you to take the pain potion first and then the sleeping one. Can you do that for me?"
Harry gave a slight nod, his eyes fixed on the vials. He reached out to take the first potion from Don, and though he hesitated for a moment, he swallowed the potion down. With trembling hands, he accepted the second vial and repeated the process.
As Harry's eyes slowly started to droop, Don gently came over and took another pillow out from under the boy's head. He lowered him down, making sure he was comfortable and secure. Then, closing his eyes completely, Harry's breathing evened out, and his grip on Severus's hand loosened.
Severus released the small hand completely and brushed his fingers through Harry's tousled hair, glad that the boy was finally relaxed. Don smiled softly at the man and got to work opening the jar of cream he had brought with him. "Severus, could you help me?"
Severus nodded and looked at Don to see what he wanted him to do. "Of course," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Can you hold his hands so that his palms are facing straight up?" Don asked, holding up the jar of cream. "I'm going to apply this cream, but it will take a minute or so to sink in."
Severus did as he was instructed, taking hold of Harry's hands and lifting them up so that Don could apply the cream. Carefully, Don rubbed the cream into the boy's palms and fingers, watching as it gradually disappeared into his skin. They waited patiently as the cream worked its magic, repairing the damaged nerves and restoring feeling to Harry's hands.
When the cream had fully vanished, Don took hold of both the child's hands, and Severus released them. With a gentle touch, Don sent his healing magic into Harry's hands, further aiding the cream's restorative effects.
After completing the delicate task of realigning Harry's broken rib, Don carefully released the boy's hands, allowing them to find solace in the embrace of his beloved stuffed kneezle. With a gentle smile gracing his features, the Healer turned his attention to the child's chest, carefully unbuttoning his shirt to access the damaged area.
As he placed his hands on Harry's chest, Don's magic surged forth, pushing through his fingertips and infusing the young wizard's body with healing energy. The rib, which had been causing the boy so much pain, began to shift and realign under the tender guidance of Don's skilled hands.
With painstaking care and a meticulous attention to detail, Don worked to ensure that the rib was properly set, taking extra care to ensure that no harm came to Harry's delicate lung. The process was slow and methodical, taking a full twenty minutes to complete, but Don remained unwavering in his commitment to providing the best care possible for his patient.
Once the rib was realigned, Don turned his attention to the newly broken bone, sending a fresh wave of healing magic through Harry's body to ensure that it would heal properly. As the last of his energy was expended in this task, the Healer leaned back in his chair, taking a moment to catch his breath and gather his thoughts.
Turning to Severus, who had been a steady presence at Harry's side throughout the entire ordeal, Don offered a gentle smile. "I would like to examine his legs, and I thought it might be easier for him to be asleep. I would also like to see whether that doctor did any damage that needs to be repaired."
Severus nodded in agreement, taking hold of Harry's hand and offering him a reassuring squeeze.
With a deft hand, Don pulled the covers down to the end of the bed, casting a warming spell to ensure that the child remained comfortable. With a heavy sigh, he then proceeded to gently remove Harry's pajama bottoms, leaving his shorts intact.
Though he disliked having to expose the child in this manner, Don knew that it was necessary in order to properly assess the extent of his injuries. With a deep breath and a steely resolve, he prepared to tackle the next challenge in what was sure to be a long road to recovery.
on took a deep breath to gather his focus before starting his examination of the young boy. His attention was solely on the boy's legs as he carefully and thoroughly inspected each bone for any abnormalities or signs of trauma. His skilled touch was gentle and precise, a testament to his experience and expertise.
Next, he placed his hands on the boy's hips, carefully infusing a bit more magic than necessary for skin-to-skin contact to check for any damage to his bottom or other sensitive areas. Despite the ease of rolling the child over for a more direct examination, Don placed great importance on respecting his patients' modesty, particularly when it came to children. He knew firsthand the traumatic impact a medical experience could have on a young mind and soul.
Don was relieved to find no other injuries despite the years of broken bones that had marred Harry's legs. As he pulled up the boy's pants, he felt grateful that the doctor had not caused any further harm. However, he knew there was more to the story and resolved to speak with Harry later to learn what truly transpired during his "exam".
Don's speculations were fueled by Harry's behavior, as Severus had only informed him that it was not a routine physical. Don sensed that there was something more beneath the surface, something that Harry was struggling to articulate. But for now, Don was content in the knowledge that he had done his best to preserve the boy's dignity and protect him from any further trauma.
Don carefully pulled Harry's pants leg up, revealing the injured ankle that had been causing the boy so much trouble. He couldn't help but let out a sigh as he swiftly removed the cast and banished it with a flick of his wand. Don was relieved to see that the ankle appeared to be fully healed, but as he examined it, his expression became more concerned.
The bones had shifted again. It seemed as though they were determined to remain in a state of disarray. Don shook his head, frustrated that the bones were being so resistant to treatment. He knew he would have to take more drastic measures and use magic to bind the bones together with splints.
Looking up at Severus, Don offered a small smile before asking him to fetch a nurse. He knew that the man wouldn't question him, and sure enough, Severus quickly left the room to do as he was asked.
A few moments later, a nurse named Mary appeared in the doorway, and Don greeted her with a warm smile. He asked her to bring him some magical splints and bandages, and she quickly complied, setting them down beside Harry's bed.
"No, thank you, Mary. I may require your assistance later on, though," Harry replied, his eyes flickering towards Severus.
Severus noticed the subtle gesture, his keen eyes picking up on the unspoken communication. Harry's cheeks flushed with a tinge of embarrassment, causing him to cast his gaze downwards. Don, however, smiled warmly, his hand coming to rest on Severus's, offering a reassuring pat.
"Severus, my dear boy, there is no need to be embarrassed. You are in a safe space here," Don said, his voice soothing and comforting.
Severus acknowledged the sentiment looking down at his lap but admitted, "I can't help it."
Don patted Severus's hand in understanding and got to work healing Harry's leg, grabbing the magical splints and positioning them on either side of the injured limb. With a skilled touch, he directed the splints to straighten the bone before securing them and the bare skin with bandages. To ensure extra stability, he reinforced everything with a spell, leaving only a small amount of breathing room.
Once finished, Don rolled down Harry's pajama leg and gently pulled the blankets up to his chin. With a warm smile, he patted the boy's hand before tucking it safely under the covers. With a small smile and a nod of his head, he motioned for Severus to move to the other bed.
Severus understood the unspoken request and slowly rose from his seat, shuffling towards the other bed to take a seat. He sighed, his fatigue and worry evident as he lay on top of the covers, bracing himself for what he knew was coming next.
"Don't worry, Severus," Don reassured him as he sat next to the man. "We've done this many times before. You know the drill, please lay down."
Severus sighed and laid on top of the covers., but before Don could begin his usual routine, Severus interjected. "Wait, before we start on me, can you please tell me about Harry's injuries? I...I should know. I am his guardian after all."
Don's smile widened, impressed by the man's determination to stay informed. "You're absolutely right, Severus. But don't worry, I was going to fill you in first anyway."
Don raised his eyebrow as he smiled at the dour man who blushed before continuing with his thoughts. "I'm glad you asked Severus, and you shouldn't be ashamed of caring for someone. But now, let's move on to business. As I told Harry, he suffered extensive damage to his hands and had a rib that almost punctured his lung."
Don paused, and Severus nodded. "However, I didn't mention that I found some brain damage, but don't panic. It's minimal and will only affect him slightly in his studies. He may struggle to grasp new concepts, but with some tutoring, he should be okay."
Severus nodded again. "You also mentioned he has a weak bladder?"
Don confirmed this with a small nod. "This may be challenging for Harry. He may find it difficult to hold it until he reaches the bathroom, especially after a particularly bad nightmare."
Severus sighed in agreement. "Yes, unfortunately both have already occurred."
Don nodded sympathetically. "I suspected as much. But let's focus on you for now. We can discuss Harry later. I noticed that you haven't been taking your appetite stimulants or nutrient potions yesterday and this morning. Is there a reason for that?"
Severus nervously wrung his hands, much like the house elf had done the previous day when unable to find suitable clothing for Harry.
Don attempted to comfort him by gently placing a hand over his and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Talk to me, Severus."
"I didn't have time to brew them," Severus admitted.
Don looked intently at him. "That's not a valid excuse, and you know it. I offered to provide them for you, but you insisted on brewing them yourself. If you didn't have the time, why didn't you contact me?"
Severus shrugged and then slumped down onto the bed, feeling ashamed. Don administered calming magic to prevent Severus from becoming upset, grateful that he was accepting the comfort.
"It's because you didn't want me to know, isn't it, Severus? You were embarrassed that you couldn't do what you said you could."
Severus gave a small, dejected nod, feeling a wave of shame and embarrassment wash over him. He couldn't help but feel like he had failed once again. Don, sensing Severus's distress, let out a deep sigh before sending a bit more calming magic into him. He knew that it was important to keep Severus calm and relaxed in order to properly assess the situation.
"Severus, my friend," Don said in a soothing tone, "there's no need to be embarrassed around me. We all need help sometimes, and there's no shame in that." Don gently removed the pillow from behind Severus and helped him lie down flat on the bed. "I'll get you set up on monthly deliveries of potions again, but this time they'll have to go through Albus. We agreed to let you handle it on your own, but it seems like it was too soon for that. This isn't your fault."
Severus started to protest, his pride wounded by the idea of needing help. But Don interrupted him gently but firmly. "No, Severus. This is not up for debate. You need help, and that's okay. Just relax and let me see the damage."
Severus felt a mixture of relief and trepidation as he lay down completely and closed his eyes tightly. He knew that he had been neglecting his health and that it was likely that there would be consequences. Don unbuttoned his pajama top, revealing the pale skin of Severus's chest. Seeing Severus's reaction, Don stopped for a moment and rested a hand on his chest while sending more calming magic into him.
"Relax, Severus. Just breathe," Don said in a reassuring tone. The magic flowed through Severus, and he felt his muscles begin to unclench. His whole body slacked on the bed, and he opened his eyes to look at Don.
"Good, Severus. Just focus on your breathing. In and out. Very good." Don's voice was soft and gentle, and Severus felt himself begin to drift into a state of relaxation.
After a few more minutes of gentle breathing exercises, Don withdrew his hand from Severus's chest and resumed his earlier task of scanning Severus's stomach to assess the damage caused by his previous episode. Ignoring Severus's slight flinch, Don moved his hands carefully over the man's abdomen, evaluating the state of his organs.
"This will only take a moment, Severus, and then I'll arrange for Harry to have a bone density test and set up your potion delivery," Don informed him.
Severus nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes fixed on Don as he continued the scan. When the examination was over, Don let out a small sigh and sat down beside Severus, who proceeded to button up his shirt on his own.
"Your stomach has shrunk again, but luckily, you haven't caused any other damage this time," Don informed him in a soothing tone.
Severus finished fastening his shirt and met Don's gaze with a remorseful expression. "I'm sorry," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Don shook his head, his eyes full of compassion. "Don't apologize, Severus. We are here to take care of you. You must make an effort to eat regularly, even if you don't feel hungry or forget. Let Albus and I help you," he said, his tone gentle but firm.
Severus cast his gaze downward, and Don placed the pillow back behind his head to help him sit up. With a gentle touch under Severus's chin, Don redirected his focus back to him.
"Albus and I only want what's best for you. We believe that having Harry around could be beneficial, but you must promise me, Severus, that you will set a positive example for him. You need to eat regular meals and sufficient amounts to take care of your health," he implored him.
Severus nodded solemnly, fully aware of the gravity of the situation. "I promise to do my best," he said earnestly.
Don flashed a smile at Severus and nodded. "I trust you will, Severus. I'll call Albus to inform him about the potions. Once Harry wakes up, you can take him on a tour, but we need to schedule his bone density test and first talk therapy session for today. So please keep the tour brief."
Severus nodded in agreement, and as Don rose from his seat on the bed, he patted Severus's hand. "I'll catch up with you later, Severus. Get some rest, okay?"
As soon as Don left the room to look for the nurse, Severus relaxed onto the bed. But he quickly sat back up when he heard a small whimper from the bed next to him. He saw Harry lying beside him with his eyes closed, but the stuffed toy had slipped out of his grasp and fallen onto the floor.
Don nodded in response to Severus and left the room to find the nurse he had spoken to earlier. As soon as he departed, Severus relaxed onto his bed, but he sat back up when he heard a soft whimper from the bed beside him. Harry was facing him with closed eyes, and the small plushy had slipped from his grasp and fallen to the floor.
Severus rose from his bed and approached the child, picking up the toy from the floor and gently placing it back into Harry's hand. The boy clutched it tightly and drew it close to his chest. Severus sat down in the chair next to Harry and softly placed his hand on the child's forehead, brushing back the soft hair. He mused again that a haircut was certainly in order.
With a sigh, Severus pulled back his hand. He didn't need Don to tell him about Harry's injuries earlier; he had read the healer's expression and seen the distress each time he discovered something new.
Before heading back to his own bed, Severus cast a silent monitoring charm on Harry so he would know when the boy awoke. He realized he might as well listen to Don while he could. He couldn't provide Harry with Dreamless Sleep every night, and despite therapy, the boy would still experience some nightmares. He hoped they wouldn't be as severe as the previous night. With that thought, Severus closed his eyes and succumbed to sleep.
Small Comforts