As Severus stirred from his slumber, he was met with a chorus of bells that chimed softly in his ears. It was the alarm charm that he had placed on Harry before the boy drifted off to sleep. Groggily, Severus turned his gaze to the bed beside him, where Harry lay with a contented expression on his face.
A warm smile tugged at the corners of Severus's lips as he canceled the charm that was still tinkling in his ear. He sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and looked at Harry, who was watching him intently.
"Hey there, Harry. Did you have a nice nap?" he asked in a soft voice.
Harry nodded slightly, trying to hide the small toy he had been hugging while he slept. The sight of the boy and his toy made Severus's smile grow wider.
"Have you come up with a name for your little friend?" he inquired, gesturing towards the toy.
With a shy but determined look on his face, Harry nodded again. "I want to call him Shadow," he said quietly.
Severus's smile deepened. "That's an excellent name, Harry. Would you like to explore the clinic a bit? They have a beautiful garden that you might enjoy."
Harry's eyes widened with interest, and he nodded once more. "Can we?" he asked, looking up at Severus with a hint of pleading in his gaze.
"Of course, Harry," Severus replied kindly. "Let's go see what the clinic has in store for us today."
Harry's face lit up with a small smile as he watched Severus swing his feet off the side of the bed. Severus wasted no time in getting up and making his way over to Harry and offered him a helping hand. Gratefully, Harry accepted the gesture, and with a small leap, he was off the bed and ready for an adventure.
As they made their way towards the door, Severus couldn't help but curse the Dursleys under his breath. It wasn't the first time he had noticed how stunted Harry's growth was compared to his classmates. The boy was at least two heads shorter than most of them, and Severus could sense the frustration and embarrassment that came with it.
Before they left the room, Severus looked down at Harry with a gentle expression. "Would you like to use the restroom before we start our exploration?" he asked, concerned for the boy's comfort.
Harry thought for a moment before nodding. "Yes, please," he replied softly.
Severus directed him towards the bathroom and reminded him to call out if he needed anything. A few minutes later, Harry emerged, looking more at ease, and took hold of Severus's hand once again.
"Are you ready to go?" Severus asked kindly.
Nodded eagerly Harry replied, "Yes, sir. Let's explore!"
Severus' head bobbed in agreement as he deftly retrieved the two robes Don had left hanging by the door. It was a small gesture, but he wanted Harry to feel at home during his stay at the clinic. He handed one of the robes to the small boy, watching as Harry slipped it on, feeling a sense of satisfaction as he saw it engulf the child. Severus then put on his own robe, the black fabric flowing around him like a cape. He reminded himself to tease Don about choosing something something so close to his teaching robes.
After confirming that their feet were both clad in soft slippers, Severus cast a warming charm to ward off any potential chills as they ventured out into the hallway. The clinic's sterile environment always gave him the shivers, and he was sure Harry would feel the same. As they walked down the corridor, Severus gently guided the boy, his hand clasped softly around Harry's shoulder.
Their first stop was the cafeteria. The hospital-like setting was a stark contrast to the lush gardens that could be seen outside the full wall windows. Severus looked down at Harry and said, "How about a snack first? That was a pretty small lunch we had."
Nodding Harry's stomach rumbled at the thought of food. Severus led him over to the cafeteria counter, which resembled a sterile laboratory more than a place to eat. He picked up two slices of apple pie and placed them on a tray. "Do you like apple pie, Harry?" he asked kindly.
The boy looked down, shyly admitting, "I've never had it."
Smiled Severus replied, "That's okay, Harry. Would you like to try some?"
Harry's eyes lit up as he looked up at his professor and nodded eagerly. Severus grabbed two glasses of milk and placed them on the tray as well. He lifted the tray with one hand and kept his other hand lightly on Harry's shoulder guiding him.
"Is there a table you would like to sit at?" he asked the boy. Harry's gaze drifted longingly towards the booths near the side windows. The plush gardens outside were visible from there, creating a serene and calming atmosphere that Severus appreciated as well.
Shuffling his feet Harry looked down, unsure of what to say. Severus could feel the boy's unease and decided to take matters into his own hands. He gently squeezed Harry's shoulder and said, "How about in the booth over there by the window. What do you think?"
A smile slowly spread across Harry's face as he looked up at his professor. "That would be brilliant, sir," he replied, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
Severus led the way to the booth, the soft fabric of his robe swishing against the floor. As they sat down, he carefully placed the tray on the table, making sure the glasses of milk and apple pie were evenly distributed. A friendly nurse approached them and asked, "Would you like me to take care of that tray for you?"
Nodding, Severus was grateful for the offer. "Thank you, and would you mind telling Healer Patterson that we're having a small snack and then might take a walk in the garden?"
"Of course," the nurse replied with a smile before picking up the tray and walking away.
The man turned his attention back to Harry. "Would you like to go on that walk I mentioned?" he asked, his voice gentle and kind.
Harry's eyes widened with excitement, and a broad grin spread across his face as he eagerly nodded his head. "Very much, sir!"
Severus couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his chest as he watched the young boy before him. With a kind smile, he gestured towards the glass of milk sitting in front of Harry. "Then have your snack, and then we'll go," he said gently.
Without hesitation, Harry picked up the glass of milk and began to drink, relishing in the cool, creamy goodness that filled his mouth. Severus followed suit, enjoying the refreshment it provided. Once they had both drained their glasses, they turned their attention to the pie.
As Harry took his first bite, his eyes widened in amazement, and he sat there for a few moments, savoring the flavor that exploded in his mouth. Severus couldn't help but chuckle at the boy's reaction, finding it quite amusing.
"So, do you like it?" he asked, watching as Harry's face lit up even more.
"It's probably the best thing I've ever eaten!" Harry exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine excitement.
Severus couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness wash over him, knowing that this was likely one of the only treats the boy had ever had in his short life. He quickly pushed those thoughts aside, though, reminding himself that he was there to replace the child's bad memories with happy ones.
"I'm glad, Harry," he said, offering the boy a small smile.
Harry returned the smile, then eagerly dug into his pie, taking care not to eat too quickly. Severus happily followed suit, taking small bites and enjoying the delicious dessert.
Once they had both finished, Harry had devoured his entire slice, while Severus had managed to finish a decent chunk of his own. With a smile, Severus looked at the child before him, putting his fork down.
"How are you feeling, Harry?" he asked, wanting to make sure the boy was okay.
"Great! Can we go outside now?" Harry replied excitedly, his eyes shining with newfound energy.
"Ah, but first things first," Severus said, smiling warmly. "We must take care of our dishes. You see, even though this clinic has house elves, they believe that it's beneficial for patients to have some sort of responsibilities. It helps them feel productive and gives them a sense of purpose."
Harry nodded, his expression now one of understanding, as he listened intently.
"As such, we must wash our own dishes," Severus continued. "It's a small task, but an important one nonetheless. Now, let me show you how it's done."
Picking up his own dishes Severus gestured for Harry to follow suit. "Place your fork on your plate and carry that in one hand, while you carry your glass in the other," he instructed. "You see that window in the wall over there? Go put them over there, and I'll be over in a minute to show you how to wash them."
As Harry made his way to the window with his dishes, Severus watched him closely, studying his gait and movements. He wanted to make sure that the boy was comfortable walking with his cast, and that he wasn't in any obvious pain or discomfort. Satisfied that Harry was managing well, he decided that a short walk outside could do him some good.
After all, the fresh air and exercise would be beneficial for his recovery. And if Harry did tire out, Severus could easily carry him back inside. The boy was small and light enough to carry, and Severus mentally cursed the Dursleys once again for neglecting their nephew's basic needs.
As he made his way to the window to join Harry, he noticed the boy trying to conceal the fact that he had already washed his dishes. Smiling to himself, Severus placed his own dishes down and turned slightly towards Harry.
"Anxious to get outside?" he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
Harry's face flushed with embarrassment as he looked down. "I'm sorry, I didn't wait as you instructed, sir," he mumbled apologetically.
Severus placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder, feeling the tension in the boy's muscles begin to ease at the touch. "It's ok Harry," he said softly, his voice low and soothing. "I just thought you might not be familiar with this type of water hose. It's a little different from what you're used to, and it can be confusing for some."
Harry nodded, grateful for Severus's reassuring presence. He leaned into the man's hand, feeling a sense of safety and comfort that he hadn't experienced in a long time. "Aunt Petunia often had me cook and clean up at the local community center when her group got together to play bridge," he said, his voice quiet. "They had a sink kind of like this."
The man felt a pang of sadness as he listened to Harry's words. The boy had been forced to shoulder responsibilities far beyond his years, and it was clear that he had never been given the chance to simply be a child. Don had told him that it was important to encourage Harry to talk about his experiences, to help him process his emotions and begin to heal. So Severus pulled the boy back into him, giving him a one-armed hug as he listened.
"Who else helped with the cooking and cleaning?" he asked gently, hoping to keep Harry talking.
Harry shrugged, his body relaxing into Severus's embrace. "It was just me until Mrs. Landow started to come to the meetings. She refused to allow me to do everything by myself and helped every time she came."
Nodding, Severus filed away that information for later. He knew that it was important to build trust with Harry, to show him that he could be relied upon to listen and understand. But he also knew that he needed to be mindful of the boy's emotional state, to avoid overwhelming him with too much too soon.
Glancing over his shoulder, Severus caught the eye of a nearby nurse. He gestured with his head to the dishes on the counter, silently asking if she could take care of them. When she nodded, he turned his attention back to Harry.
"Come on Harry," he said, his voice gentle. "Let's go somewhere outside to talk some more. I want to hear more about your experiences at the community center, if you're comfortable sharing."
The child nodded eagerly, his eyes lighting up at the prospect of talking about Mrs. Landow. Severus unwrapped his arm from Harry's small frame but kept a reassuring hand on his shoulder as he led him outside to the garden. They sat down on a nearby bench, and Severus cast a warming charm over them both to ward off the chill of the late afternoon air.
"Tell me more about this Mrs. Landow, Harry," Severus prompted, his voice gentle.
Harry leaned into Severus's side, his small body seeking comfort and reassurance. "She was always very nice to me when we were in the kitchen," he said softly. "My Aunt always told me I wasn't allowed to eat any of the food I was preparing, but Mrs. Landow always snuck food to me. She said that what my Aunt didn't know wouldn't hurt her."
Severus couldn't help but smile at the memory, feeling a sense of fondness for the woman who had been kind to Harry when he needed it most. He brushed a stray lock of hair away from Harry's face, his heart aching at the thought of the boy's difficult upbringing.
"I'm glad she was there to help you, Harry," he said, his voice warm and compassionate. "How often did these meetings happen?"
"On Tuesdays and Thursdays," Harry whispered, his voice barely above a hoarse whisper. "I always looked forward to going because it meant that I got to eat that day."
Severus' heart constricted with the realization of just how dire Harry's situation had been. "When I missed a day, though," Harry continued, "the next time I went, Mrs. Landow was always so worried. As soon as Aunt Petunia left the kitchen, she would check me head to toe to make sure I was okay. Once she saw a few bruises, and she said something to Aunt Petunia...I wasn't allowed to go for three weeks."
He paused, his voice heavy with unspoken pain. "She never said anything after that, but she kept telling me that she would get me out of that 'hellhole' somehow, someday."
Severus' arm wrapped tightly around Harry's small frame in a side hug, offering comfort and safety to the young boy who had never known either. "I'm sorry, Harry, that she couldn't get you out sooner," he said softly. "You are out now, though, and you are safe. I promise you; you will never go back."
The weight of Harry's past hung heavily in the air, and Severus knew he needed to change the topic to lighten the mood. "Maybe we will take a trip to see Mrs. Landow," he mused aloud, the idea taking hold. "Would you like that, Harry?"
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement, and he nodded eagerly. "I would really like that. I even know where she lives. She brought me to her house one day when she found me in the park in the winter without a coat. She told me that I needed to at least warm up before she brought me home."
Severus felt a surge of gratitude towards the kind woman who had watched over Harry when no one else had. "I'll see what I can arrange then," he promised. "Now, how about our walk?"
Helping Harry up from the bench, Severus's strong arms supporting the boy's fragile frame. Harry's small hand slipped into Severus' larger one, and they began to stroll along the winding pathways of the lush garden.
The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds chirping filled their ears. Harry's eyes were wide with wonder, taking in the vibrant colors and intricate designs of the garden.
As they walked, Harry bombarded Severus with endless questions, his curiosity piqued by the beauty around them. Severus answered each one patiently, taking the time to explain the various plants and their uses.
However as the minutes ticked by, Harry's energy levels began to noticeably decline. Severus couldn't help but notice how the boy's eyelids were drooping and his tiny legs were struggling to keep up. Seeing this, he gave Harry's shoulder a gentle squeeze and guided them both towards the clinic.
Harry looked up at him with confusion etched on his face. "Are we going back already?"
Severus smiled down at him, his warm gaze softening. "I can see you're starting to get a little tired, and I bet Don is looking for us or will be soon," he explained. "But don't worry, we will explore some more when we come back tomorrow. And maybe later, I'll tell you about the gardens at your Headmaster's house."
Harry nodded, a small yawn escaping his lips. He leaned into Severus' side, and Severus wrapped his arm around the boy's shoulders, guiding him back towards the clinic.
"Would you like some help for the rest of the way?" he offered, as they climbed the steps to the clinic.
Harry's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions as he stood before Severus, unsure of what to do. His brain urged him to refuse the offer, warning him that it was too childish to be carried like a baby, but his heart yearned for the warmth and care that he had been deprived of for so long. He hesitated for a moment, torn between his head and his heart, before finally nodding in acceptance.
Severus bent down to scoop the child into his arms, his movements slow and gentle as he lifted Harry up against his chest. Harry felt a rush of comfort and safety as he rested his head on Severus' shoulder, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
As they walked, Severus quickened his pace, mindful of the child in his arms. In just a few minutes, they arrived at their destination and Severus carried Harry to their room, carefully placing him on the bed.
"You should rest a while until Don comes to fetch us for another test. Would you like to read a book or something else?" Severus asked, his voice soft and soothing.
Harry's eyes widened with excitement as he nervously fumbled with his hands. "Could I draw?" he asked, hopeful.
Severus smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I think that can be arranged," he replied.
With a wave of his wand, Severus conjured up a small lap table, covered with a bunch of paper and an array of brightly colored pencils. Before placing the table on Harry's lap, he turned to the child, who was still sitting with his feet dangling over the edge of the bed.
"Why don't you get comfortable and lie back against the pillows?" he suggested.
With a soft exhale, Harry complied with Severus' instructions, obediently slipping off his robe and slippers. He settled back against the fluffy pillows, feeling the coolness of the sheets against his bare skin. He watched in silence as Severus deftly pulled the covers up, allowing them to drape loosely over his lap. The man's movements were fluid and graceful, and Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for his caregiver's attentiveness.
As he settled into the comfortable position, Severus looked at him with concern etched on his features. "You all set there, Harry? Do you need anything else?" he asked, his voice soft and soothing.
A small smile graced Harry's lips as he gazed up at Severus, feeling a sense of safety and comfort in his presence. "Thank you," he replied, his gratitude evident in his voice.
As Severus caught sight of the warm smile on Harry's face, he inclined his head in acknowledgement before settling onto his own bed. His attention then turned to the potions journal that Don had thoughtfully left for him on the bedside table, complete with a small, elegant bow. With a small shake of his head and a grateful smile, Severus removed the bow and opened the cover to begin reading.
The exchange of gifts had become an unspoken tradition between the two men, stretching all the way back to the first time Severus had visited the clinic. Each time he found himself there, Don would leave a carefully chosen gift by his bedside, a peace offering if you will. Though Don never admitted to being the mysterious gift-giver, Severus had long ago deduced his identity. Still, he always played along with the pretense of surprise, knowing that it was Don's way of making him feel cared for.
As he skimmed over the words on the page, Severus's thoughts drifted back to the first gift Don had given him, a small stuffed snake that still held a special place on his bookshelf. A fond smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and he gazed over at Harry. It was then that he noticed a small package with a bow sitting on the table beside the child, which he had overlooked earlier.
Instantly, Severus knew what it was, and he rose from the bed, making his way over to Harry. The boy looked up from his drawing as Severus approached, a curious expression on his face. As Severus placed the package on the tray in front of him, Harry's confusion only grew. But Severus simply smiled, savoring the joy of sharing in this unspoken tradition with his young charge.
As soon as he saw it, he recognized what it was and carefully rose from his bed to retrieve the little package from the nearby table. With a grin, he approached the boy, who paused his drawing and glanced up as Severus approached. However, the child's expression turned puzzled when he noticed the small package in Severus' hands. As Severus set it down on the tray in front of the boy, his confusion only deepened.
With a reassuring smile, Severus sat down on the bed next to Harry and gestured towards the small package.
"Harry, it appears that someone has left you a present. Would you like to open it?"
"Someone left this for me?" Harry asked incredulously, his eyes widening with excitement.
Severus nodded. "Yes, Harry. This is for you."
Harry's eyes pleaded for confirmation, and Severus could feel the weight of the child's uncertain past bearing down on him. "Are you sure it's for me?" Harry asked again, his voice shaking slightly.
Severus placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. "I'm sure, Harry. Now, why don't you open it and see what's inside?"
With trembling fingers, Harry carefully untied the bow that held the brightly wrapped present. He was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation as he wondered what could be inside. The paper was smooth and glossy, and he didn't want to tear it, so he took his time as he carefully undid the tape.
As Harry revealed the contents of the package, Severus couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the child. No child should have to savor a gift with such caution, as if it were their last. A gift should be a source of joy and wonder, something to be excitedly ripped open and celebrated.
However, as the wrapping fell away, Harry's eyes widened in surprise and delight. Carefully cradled in his hands was a plush lion, slightly larger than the one he had seen at the store. Harry held it up, examining it from every angle, and then gave it a tentative hug. It was soft and warm, and he could feel the love that had gone into making it.
Nestled amongst the stuffing was a small note, which Harry retrieved and read with a smile. As he hugged his new lion, he reached for the other stuffed toy that had been his constant companion and hugged it tightly as well. It was as if the two toys were old friends, reunited at last.
Severus looked down at the note that had brought such joy to Harry's face and felt a warmth in his chest. "I thought Shadow might need some more company," the note read. He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Don and his uncanny ability to know everything. He shook his head in amusement and turned his attention back to the boy.
"So, what are you going to name your new lion?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Harry studied his new toy for a long moment, as if searching for the perfect name. Eventually, he looked up at Severus and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. What do you think I should name him, sir?"
Severus smiled at the boy and patted him on the shoulder. "That is up to you, Harry. He is your new friend, so you should choose a name that feels right for you. Take your time and think of something special."
As Harry contemplated a name for his new lion, Severus couldn't help but notice the drawing that lay on the table next to him. It was a beautiful, detailed picture of a woman with long red hair, holding a baby with black hair. Severus felt a tightness in his chest as he realized that it was Lily, holding Harry as a baby.
He couldn't help but let out a small gasp of surprise, and Harry looked up at him with a concerned expression. Following Severus' gaze to the drawing, he fumbled nervously with his hands.
"I'm...I'm sorry. It's not very good," Harry said, his voice small.
Severus roused himself from his reverie, blinking rapidly to clear his mind. His gaze fell upon the drawing that Harry had just presented him with. The intricacy and attention to detail in the artwork took his breath away.
"No Harry, it's quite stunning," Severus murmured in awe. He then noticed the slight fear in Harry's expression and let out a small sigh.
"I was just surprised at how wonderful it is. Do you have any photos of your mum and dad?"
Harry's eyes lit up at the mention of his parents. "Yes," he replied, nodding his head slightly. "Hagrid gave me a photo book before I left Hogwarts last year. I usually keep it under my pillow..."
Severus followed Harry's train of thought, his eyes still fixed on the stunning drawing of a red-haired woman that Harry had drawn "Is it back in your dorm, under your pillow?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle.
Nodding, Harry's expression crestfallen. "Yeah, I wish I had it here..." he trailed off, his voice trailing off as he looked at Severus with a mixture of longing and sadness.
Severus nodded understandingly. "I'll go floo Professor McGonagall then and ask her to fetch it for you. How about that?" he offered, hoping to alleviate Harry's disappointment.
Harry's face lit up with gratitude. "I...I would like that," he said, his voice filled with relief and gratitude.
Rising from the bed, Severus was intent on carrying out his promise. As he made his way towards the door, he was intercepted by Don, who had just walked into the room. The man smiled warmly at both Harry and Severus, his eyes filled with kindness and understanding.
"And where are you going?" he asked, his tone light and curious and placed a hand on his arm.
Severus leaned in towards Don and whispered softly about where he was planning to go. Don nodded his head in agreement and released his arm gently. As Don surveyed the weary expression on Harry's face, he realized that taking him to the therapy room might only exacerbate his stress levels. He determined that it would be best to have a heart-to-heart conversation with him in his room, where he could feel safe and comfortable.
As Severus exited the room, he cast a knowing glance at Don, indicating that he trusted him to handle the situation. Don approached Harry's bedside and pulled up a chair to sit next to him, gently asking, "Do you like your new lion, Harry?"
With a small nod, Harry replied, "Do...do you know who gave it to me?"
Don's sly smile spoke volumes as he gave the same answer he had given before, when Severus had inquired about the gift's origin. "I don't know, Harry, but whoever gave it to you clearly cares about you a great deal."
As Harry gazed at his new toy, a sense of comfort washed over him. Was it possible that he was not alone in the world after all?
Don, sensing the boy's unease, scooted closer to him and placed a reassuring hand on his knee. "Yes, Harry. You have a lot of people who care about you, including me, Severus, the Headmaster, your Head of House, and many others."
Feeling overwhelmed by the realization, Harry hugged his two soft toys tightly, tears welling up in his eyes. Don sensed his distress and sent a gentle wave of calming magic his way, hoping to ease his troubled thoughts.
"I know it's hard to believe right now, Harry. But with time, I hope you'll come to trust us and understand that we're here for you," Don continued, his voice gentle and soothing.
Still clutching his plushies, Harry nodded slightly, unsure of what to make of all this newfound attention and care.
Taking a deep breath, Don knew he had to broach a difficult topic with the child. "Harry, there's something important I need to talk to you about. Is that okay?"
As Don settled into the chair next to Harry's bed, he noticed the young boy's apprehensive expression. Harry's eyes were fixated on the stuffed animals that were now uncomfortably compressed between his chest and knees. It was evident that Harry had something on his mind, and Don sensed that this conversation was not going to be an easy one.
With a gentle touch, Don placed his hand back on Harry's raised knee, hoping to offer some comfort and reassurance. "Harry, I'm going to ask you a few questions, and I want you to answer me as honestly as possible. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, please tell me, and we can stop. Remember, talking about our experiences can often help us feel better."
Harry gave another small nod, and Don leaned in closer, moving his chair to the head of Harry's bed. "Do you remember the nightmare you had the other night, Harry? The one with the doctor in it?"
Harry's face crumpled, and he took a deep breath before answering, "Yes."
"Very good, Harry," Don replied, offering an encouraging smile. "Now, can you tell me what the doctor did after your aunt left the room?"
Harry's shoulders slumped, and he hesitated before replying, "Do I have to?"
"You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, Harry," Don reassured him, but he added, "but I promise you it can only help if you tell me."
Harry gave a small nod but continued to stare straight ahead, speaking in a detached, monotone voice. "He...he made me take off all my clothes...all of them. He then...touched me...down there. When...when he was done, ...he...took out a camera...and started to make me pose while...he took pictures of me..."
Don's heart ached as he watched Harry's emotions get the best of him. The young boy broke down, burying his face into the stuffed animals on his bed, sobbing brokenheartedly. Don knew he had to act quickly to help Harry. Without a second thought, Don got off his chair, placing the tray on the table next to them. He then sat on the bed next to Harry, pulling the distraught child into his lap. Placing a hand on Harry's chest, Don sent stronger spurts of calming magic to help soothe the boy.
He spoke to Harry in a calm, reassuring voice, hoping to bring him some comfort. "That's it, Harry. You're here with me, Don, and everything is alright. That man can never do that to you again, I promise. Just try to calm down a little for me and take some deep breaths."
At first, Harry resisted Don's magic and calming words, but after a few minutes, he gave in, feeling the warm embrace of Don's healing magic.
As he wept heavily, Harry began to wonder if he could share more of his pain with Don. He had always felt like he had to bear his burdens alone, but the simple act of confiding in someone else seemed to lift a weight from his chest. The calming magic that Don had sent into him was doing its job, and Harry's breathing gradually slowed down. With each passing moment, Harry felt a little bit lighter, a little bit more at peace.
"That's it, Harry," Don whispered softly. "You can cry as much as you need to now that you've calmed down a bit. I want you to know that you're safe here. No one will ever hurt or humiliate you like that again, I promise."
While Don was trying to comfort the child, his thoughts drifted to the terrible man who had taken pictures of him. Don knew he needed to contact the police officers he had met before when he had encountered similar situations with Muggle-born children. During their last meeting, the officers had mentioned that perpetrators like the man who had taken pictures of the boy often posted their photos on something called the "interweb," a new platform where the images could be seen by anyone. Don was horrified by the thought of someone violating and humiliating a child in that way and then exposing them to the world.
As Harry began to calm down, Severus entered the room holding a small photo album. When he saw Harry crying, he moved to approach him, but Don motioned for him to stay back and gestured toward his own bed. Severus understood that Don wanted to handle the situation on his own, and he sat down on his bed, observing as Don comforted the child. It was important for Harry to learn to trust people other than just Severus, and Don's efforts were a step in that direction.
Severus watched as Don comforted Harry, holding him close and whispering words of comfort until the child's sobs subsided. When Don felt that Harry was ready, he gently pulled the child away from his chest and offered him a small smile.
"How are you feeling now, Harry?" Don asked, his voice gentle and concerned.
Harry took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Lighter... like a weight has been lifted off my chest," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Don smiled softly. "I'm very glad to hear that, Harry. Now, do you want to sit on your own or stay where you are? Either way, I believe Severus has brought something for you."
"I... I can sit on my own," Harry said hesitantly, feeling a little better but still shaken.
"Okay, Harry." Don carefully lifted him up and placed him on the bed beside him, making sure that he was comfortable. Meanwhile, Severus got off his bed and took a seat in the chair Don had vacated earlier.
Severus then produced a small photo album and placed it on Harry's lap. "Thank you for bringing this, sir," Harry said gratefully.
"Open it up, Harry. There are some more photos in the back," Severus instructed gently.
Harry looked up at him, wiping the last of his tears with the back of his sleeve. "There are?" he asked, feeling a flicker of curiosity and interest despite everything that had happened.
Nodded silently Severus opened the photo album to the page where he had inserted the new pictures. He had gone to Minerva's office and explained the situation to her, and she had immediately offered to provide him with some old photos of Harry's parents. As he placed the photos of Lily and James Potter in the album, he couldn't help but notice that he was in many of them, standing close to Lily or even next to her.
Severus looked up at Minerva with a grateful nod, but she merely returned the gesture and pretended not to notice the tears in his eyes which he was grateful for.
Meanwhile, Harry was studying the new photos with a small smile on his face. As he looked at each one, he felt a little bit closer to the parents he had never known. It was a bittersweet feeling, but it was still better than the crushing despair he had felt earlier.
Severus made a silent vow to himself that he would add some of his own photos to the collection later that night. He would also reach out to some of his colleagues and ask if they had any pictures they were willing to contribute.
When Harry finished going through the photos and looked back up at him, Severus noticed a few more tears in his eyes.
"Th-thank you," Harry stuttered, his voice choked with emotion.
With a flick of his wand, Severus conjured handkerchief and held it out to Harry, who gratefully took it and wiped away his tears. "Don't thank me, Harry," Severus said softly. "These photos are from your Head of House, but when we return to Hogwarts tonight, I'll add some of my own for you."
Suddenly, without warning, Harry launched himself from the bed and into Severus's arms, leaving the photo book behind. Severus was momentarily caught off guard, but then he wrapped his arms tightly around the boy, holding him close as Harry took comfort in his new guardians arms.
For a moment, Severus closed his eyes and allowed himself to indulge in the memories that the photos had brought back. He thought of Lily, the woman he had loved so fiercely, and the pain of losing her all those years ago. But holding Harry in his arms, he also felt a sense of comfort, as if he were somehow able to keep a part of Lily alive through the boy.
Finally, Severus pulled back from Harry, looking into the boy's tear-streaked face. "I take it you like my idea?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Harry's face lit up with a smile. "Very much, sir!" he exclaimed.
"Good," Severus said, feeling a sense of satisfaction. He let Harry jump down from his arms and climb back onto the bed, giving the boy some space.
Harry's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he clambered onto the bed, feeling foolish for his earlier outburst. He scolded himself internally, berating himself for acting like a baby in front of his guardian and Don.
Don, who was attuned to Harry's emotions, sensed the boy's discomfort and intervened gently. Placing two fingers under Harry's chin, he held the boy's gaze and spoke words of reassurance.
"There's no need to feel ashamed, Harry," Don reassured him. "Expressing your emotions is perfectly natural, and crying is an important part of that. The old myth that 'boys don't cry' is just that - a myth. Everyone needs to release their emotions, regardless of gender, and there's no shame in doing so."
As Don spoke, he glanced at Severus every now and then to ensure that he was following the conversation. Both of them understood that Harry was going through a period of emotional instability, which was common among children who had endured trauma for an extended period of time.
With a final pat on the shoulder, Don released his hold on Harry's chin and cast a tempus charm to check the time. Nodding to himself in acknowledgement, he reminded himself that Harry had a bone density test scheduled soon. Don was determined to provide Harry with the best possible care and support during this trying time.
Don gently addressed Harry and reminded him of the purpose of his visit. "Alright Harry, we have a few more tests for you today, including a bone density test," he said, giving Harry a reassuring nod.
Harry nodded back, though his nerves were getting the better of him. Don could see the anxiety in the boy's eyes, so he continued to explain what the test was all about.
"This test is going to help me determine how strong your bones are and if they need any help growing. We'll need to go to a room that isn't affected by magic and use a muggle contraption for the test."
Harry's curiosity was piqued, and he asked, "What kind of muggle machine?"
"It's a machine that's similar to an x-ray machine," Don replied. "You'll need to lie flat on a table, and a large piece of metal will go over your body to scan all the bones in your body. The scan will only take ten minutes, and you won't feel a thing."
"Will you be there?" Harry pleaded with Severus, who turned to him with a reassuring expression.
Severus took Harry's hand gently and replied, "I will be by your side throughout the whole process, as will Don. Magical people are not affected by radiation in the same way as muggles, so we can stay in the room with you."
Harry nodded in acknowledgment, and Don rose from his seat, taking Harry's hand in his own. "Let's go, Harry," he said.
As Harry got up from the bed to follow the Healer and Severus out of the room, Severus draped a robe around Harry's shoulders, put soft slippers on his feet, and cast a warming charm over him.
Walking down the hallway, Harry clung tightly to his plush toy, Shadow, feeling a little apprehensive. He had left his other toy on the bed because carrying both toys would be cumbersome, and he was more attached to the small kneazle than the lion.
When they arrived at the room, Harry hesitated at the door. Severus noticed Harry shaking and holding his plush toy close to his chest, so he knelt down before the child and placed a hand on his cheek.
"Hey there, Harry. What's the matter?"
Harry leaned into the gentle touch of the concerned Professor, and unconsciously relaxed a little. "I'm...nervous," he admitted.
Severus gently brushed Harry's unruly locks out of his eyes and placed a reassuring hand on the boy's shoulder. "Don't worry, Harry," he whispered softly, "I'll be right here with you the whole time." The young boy looked up at his guardian with a mixture of fear and trust in his eyes as they made their way into the examination room.
Inside the room, Severus led Harry over to a tall table that seemed to tower over them both. With a swift motion, he lifted the small boy up by his armpits and carefully placed him on the table. It was so tall that even Severus himself would need assistance to climb up.
As Harry settled onto the table, Don came over holding a soft pillow, which he placed neatly under the boy's head. Severus took Harry's hand in his own, their fingers entwining, and helped him to lay down flat on the table.
Don pressed a button on a remote, and a large metal plate suddenly materialized above Harry's feet. The boy looked up at it with curiosity and apprehension. He didn't have the nerves to ask any more questions though.
"Don't worry, Harry," added Don, patting Harry gently on the shoulder. "Just try to lie still and it will all be over before you know it."
With a small nod from Harry, Don pressed the button to start the scan, and the metal plate began its slow ascent up Harry's body, moving towards his shoulders before gradually making its way back down. Harry's eyes were tightly shut, and his grip on his stuffed toy tightened as if his life depended on it.
As soon as the scan was complete, Severus wasted no time in lifting Harry off the table and into his arms. Seeing Harry so frightened tugged at Severus's heartstrings, and he held the boy tightly, gently rubbing his back in soothing circles.
"It's all right, Harry. It's all over," he murmured softly, his voice full of comfort.
Don approached them, placing a hand on Severus's shoulder and whispering something in his ear. Severus nodded in response before setting Harry down on his feet and helping down the hallway and back to their room. He helped the child gently jump on his bed and carefully removed his slippers and robe, tucking him under the covers.
As he spotted the sleeping potion a nurse had left by the bed, Severus couldn't help but feel grateful for the magical remedies at their disposal. Pouring a small amount of the potion into a spoon, he handed the spoon to Harry who took it with a look of confusion.
"It's a mild sleeping drought. You should sleep for a few hours Harry," he said softly. "You're tired and stressed and need a bit of rest. When you wake up we can have some dinner, okay?"
As Harry drifted off into a peaceful slumber, Severus silently added, his voice soft and low, "...and we can also go over the results of the test." Though he was grateful for the efficient and precise nature of muggle technology, Severus despised the wait times before the results arrived. It gave too much time for the mind to wander, creating a plethora of distressing scenarios. One of the reasons why they decided it would be best for Harry to sleep throughout the wait was to prevent him from working himself up into a panic.
The child nodded slowly, weariness tugging at his small frame as he closed his eyes, lulled by the potion coursing through his body. Once the boy was asleep he adjusted the boys covers so he was completely tucked in and lend down to place a small kiss on his forehead. Don followed close behind as Severus helped the boy walk back to their quarters, watching the scene before him with a slight smile. It was heartwarming to see Severus, the stern and unrelenting man, caring for someone so tenderly.
As Severus finally stopped fussing over Harry, he turned and caught Don's gaze, the latter's eyes filled with amusement. Heat rose to his cheeks as Severus gathered himself and sat down on the bed, embarrassed that he had been caught acting like a doting father.
With a gentle pat on Severus' knee, Don spun the chair around and settled down beside the still-flustered professor. "Severus, there's nothing wrong with caring for a child who needs all the love he can get," he reassured him. "In fact, I think it's sweet that you care so much."
Severus let out a deep sigh, burying his face in his hands. "I suppose you'll never let me forget about this, will you?"
Chuckling softly, Don slid over to sit beside Severus. "Why would you want to forget? In fact, I'm rather pleased to see you taking such a genuine interest in him. It's not only good for Harry, but it's also good for your own heart to open up a bit."
Lifting his head slightly, Severus peered at Don through his fingers. "Please, promise me you won't mention to Minerva and Albus that I kissed him on the forehead."
Patting Severus' knee comfortingly, Don nodded understandingly. "I won't say a word if it troubles you so much. However, don't try to conceal your emotions from them. It's evident to all who observe you that you care deeply for the child."
Severus slumped down onto the edge of his bed, his hands fidgeting nervously in his lap. "I...I was considering adoption. Guardianship isn't stable enough for Harry, and I don't want the Ministry interfering. But, do you think it's too soon? Am I making a mistake?"
Don could sense the agitation building within Severus, so he sent a calming wave of magic towards him, hoping to ease his distress. "Take a deep breath, Severus. I believe that adoption would be an excellent option for Harry, but you should talk to him first and see what he thinks about it."
Severus nodded slightly, and Don could feel his breathing evening out. He stopped the flow of magic and gently patted Severus' knee before rising from the bed.
"You need to rest, Severus. The few hours of sleep you've had here and last night aren't enough. You look exhausted, and I can see the bags under your eyes."
Severus let out a weary sigh, removing his slippers and robe before pulling back the covers. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light.
Don smiled at the sight, knowing that Severus often put on a tough exterior to hide his emotions, but Don could always read him like an open book. Tucking the covers in around him, Don placed a charm on both of them to alert him when they woke up. He vowed to ensure that both of his patients received a nutritious meal tonight, whether they liked it or not.
Gardens