Don opened his eyes with a deep sigh, his heart heavy with the knowledge that Harry had yet another nightmare. Without wasting a second, he sprang out of his bed and sprinted down the corridor towards Harry's room. He had already cast a silencing charm on Harry's door before going to bed, to ensure that Severus wouldn't be disturbed by any sudden noises. In addition, he had set up a monitoring charm to keep a close eye on Harry's condition throughout the night.
Reaching Harry's door, Don flung it open and slipped inside, closing it as quietly as possible to avoid waking Severus. He swiftly made his way over to Harry's bed, where the young boy lay tangled up in his sheets, writhing in distress. Don carefully untangled him, lifting him up into his arms and holding him close. He could feel Harry's rapid heartbeat and the trembling of his small frame as he clung to Don, seeking comfort from his nightmare.
Don reached for the calming potion he had prepared earlier and uncorked it, holding it up to Harry's lips. "Come on, Harry, drink this," he whispered, coaxing the boy to take a few sips. "It will help calm you down and ease your breathing."
Harry's eyes flickered open, glimmering with fear and confusion. Don gave him a reassuring smile and brushed a lock of hair away from his forehead. "You're safe, Harry," he said softly. "You're at Hogwarts, and I'm here with you. You're not alone."
He was disoriented and felt as though he was still trapped in the clutches of the nightmare that had plagued his sleep. But as reality came into focus, the fear and embarrassment hit him. He buried his face into the warmth of Don's chest, letting the tears flow freely down his cheeks. The emotions were too much for him to bear alone.
Don, sensed the child's heightened distress and wrapped his arms around Harry, providing a safe haven for the child to cry out his fears. Don's gentle touch and calming presence provided Harry with a sense of comfort that he desperately needed in that moment.
"Harry, everything is going to be okay. Let me give you a calming potion to ease your worries and help you relax," Don said, his voice soft and reassuring.
Harry nodded, and Don held the vial of potion to his lips. As he drank the potion, Harry's chest began to loosen and his breathing slowed. Don placed the vial aside and held the child close, rocking him back and forth as he whispered words of comfort into his ear.
Eventually, Harry's sobs subsided, and Don wiped away the tears from his face with a gentle hand. "How are you feeling now, Harry?" he asked, his voice tender and compassionate.
Harry shook his head, his eyes still glistening with unshed tears. "I'm sorry," he murmured, feeling ashamed for breaking down like this.
"Don't apologize, Harry," Don whispered softly, his voice laced with compassion. "I just want to know how you're feeling in here."
Don placed his palm over Harry's chest, and then reached up to gently wipe away the tears that marked the almost teens face as he whispered, "Talk to me, Harry. Let me in."
Through hitched sobs, Harry managed to utter a single word. "Scared."
"What are you scared about, Harry?" Don asked, his voice gentle. "Are you scared about the dream you just had?"
Harry nodded, his tears flowing more freely now. Don stroked his hair back, his fingers working their way through the boy's messy locks.
"Can you tell me about it, Harry?" Don asked, his tone coaxing. "It'll feel less scary after you let it out."
Harry hesitated for a moment, his body racked with shivers as he relived the nightmare in his mind. Finally, he spoke in a quivering voice. "It's just the same dream I always have."
Don nodded, his eyes soft and understanding. "How often do you have this dream, Harry? Once a week? More?"
Harry shrugged, his body trembling in Don's embrace. "I don't know. Maybe once a week. Sometimes more."
Don nodded, his expression kind and patient. "Okay, Harry. Can you tell me what it was about?"
Harry's grip tightened around Don's torso, his small body trembling with fear and anxiety. Don held him close, feeling the boy's hot tears soak through his pajamas. He had expected Harry to resist opening up, but he was surprised to hear a small, muffled voice emanate from his chest.
Don leaned down, brushing Harry's messy hair behind his ear. "I can't hear you, Harry," he said gently. "Can you talk a little louder?"
Harry slowly lifted his head, his face still hidden in Don's pajamas. "I...I was really small," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "And I could hear my dad telling mum to take me and run.
Then...there was a green light in the hallway and a scream...and...and mum, she picked me up and hugged me tightly to her chest..."
Don listened intently, his heart breaking at the pain that Harry had experienced. "I can't even imagine how scary that must have been for you," he said softly.
Harry continued, his voice shaky with emotion. "I could hear men talking...and...and then there was...the same green light...only it was brighter...and mum, she screamed...and...and my forehead...it hurt...as we fell to the floor..."
Don held Harry close, feeling his sobs wrack his small body. He knew that calming him down was going to be a monumental task, but he was determined to try. He wrapped his arms around Harry, pulling him in closer, and whispered soothing words in his ear.
"It's okay, Harry," Don whispered, his voice low and reassuring. "I'm here for you. You don't have to be afraid anymore. You're safe with me."
Don was grateful that he had given Harry a calming potion earlier; otherwise, he knew it would have been much harder to comfort the boy. He held Harry for what felt like an eternity, letting him cry until his sobs slowly began to subside.
"Shhhh," Don cooed softly, feeling Harry's breathing even out. "It's all over now, Harry. And I'm here. I'll always be here for you, just like Severus."
Don continued to hold Harry in his arms, rubbing gentle circles on the child's back as he cried. Harry's sobs were heart-wrenching, and Don felt a pang of sadness in his own chest as he watched the child struggle with his emotions.
But Don was patient. He knew that Harry needed time to process his feelings, and he was more than willing to be there for him as he did so. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Harry's tears began to slow and he relaxed back into Don's embrace.
Don waited a few moments before gently pulling away and looking down at Harry. "How are you now, Harry?" he asked softly.
With a few sniffles, Harry looked up at Don and gave a small nod. Don reached down and wiped away the tears that had fallen with a warm washcloth, his touch soothing and gentle.
"Does that nod mean that you feel a little better?" Don asked, hoping to get a sense of how Harry was doing.
Again, Harry gave a small nod, and then yawned so wide that Don could see the boy's tonsils. Don couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"I think you're tired," he said, smiling down at Harry. "Do you need any help to get back to sleep?"
Slowly, Harry shook his head. "No, but...thank you, sir."
Don gently laid Harry back onto his bed, tucking him in with care. "I thought we talked about calling me sir already," he said, shaking his head slightly with a smile. "You don't have to be so formal with me, Harry. I'm both your Healer and your friend."
Don placed Harry's stuffed toys nearby, within easy reach. "I know," Harry replied, his voice still soft and subdued. "I'm sorry."
"There's no need to be sorry, Harry," Don said, his tone gentle. "Now try to get some rest."
Don gently patted Harry's arm and made to rise from the bed, but was stopped by a small hand tugging at his sleeve. He turned to look at Harry, who looked up at him with pleading eyes.
"Can you stay with me... until I fall asleep?" Harry asked in a small voice.
Don's heart swelled with affection for the child, and he immediately sat back down on the edge of the bed. "Of course, Harry," he said, smiling kindly. "I'll stay with you as long as you need me to."
With a sigh of relief, Harry snuggled deeper into his blankets, pulling his favorite stuffed kneazle toy to his chest. Don could see the child's eyelids beginning to droop, and he knew that Harry was exhausted from the emotional outburst.
"Close your eyes and relax, Harry," Don murmured, his voice soothing. "I'm right here with you. Just breathe and let yourself drift off to sleep."
With a gentle touch, Don brushed his fingers over Harry's forehead, making sure he was sound asleep and feeling protected under the warm covers. As he closed the door with a soft click, he leaned back against the sturdy wood and let out a deep breath. Harry remembered his parent's death even though he was just a baby when it happened.
Don's eyes opened slowly, and he released a deep sigh, feeling utterly exhausted. He was aware that it was crucial to consult his Healer, Quin, soon. As someone who worked as a healer, Don was well-versed in the significance of seeking assistance when necessary. He had always emphasized to his two young boys the importance of seeking help, and now he realized that he needed to take his own advice.
He decided to set them aside for later and turned his attention to checking on Severus. He gently lifted his head from Harry's door and quickly made his way to the room next door. He opened the door with great care, making sure not to make any noise that might disturb the peaceful slumber of the occupant.
A sense of relief washed over him as he saw Severus lying in bed, his chest rising and falling steadily. Don made his way to the bedside, leaning over to inspect the sleeping man. Very lightly, he rested his hand on Severus's forehead, checking his temperature. He felt the warmth of the man's skin, and Don gave a small nod of satisfaction. It seemed like Severus was reacting well to the potions.
Don withdrew his hand gently, careful not to wake the man. The last thing he wanted was to disrupt his much-needed rest. He stood there for a few moments, silently watching over Severus, making sure that he was still sleeping soundly. When he was satisfied that all was well, he let out a relieved sigh and turned to leave.
Don closed the door softly behind him and made his way to his transfigured bed. He sat down on the edge, feeling the exhaustion weigh heavily on his body. He kicked off his slippers and collapsed onto the bed, relishing the softness of the covers. As he curled up under the warm blankets, he closed his eyes, feeling his body slowly relax. Within moments, he was fast asleep, his breathing slow and even, his mind finally at ease.
The next morning, the sun peeked through the charmed window and cast a warm glow over the room. Severus stirred from his slumber to a gentle shaking that jolted him awake. He groggily opened his eyes to find Don standing beside him, a friendly smile on his face.
Severus rubbed his eyes and yawned, already feeling the weight of the day ahead. "What is it?" he muttered, still half-asleep.
"It's time to wake up, Severus," Don said cheerfully, nudging him with a friendly hand.
Severus groaned, feeling the familiar grumpiness of early mornings wash over him. He turned over so his back was to Don, hoping to sneak in a few more minutes of sleep.
But Don wasn't so easily deterred. He chuckled at Severus's antics and leaned in closer. "Come on, Severus. You're usually up before the sun."
Severus sighed heavily, knowing that Don was right. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and rubbed his eyes again. "It feels like I just fell asleep," he grumbled.
Don's expression turned concerned. "Hmm, let me do a quick examination, just to be sure."
Severus rolled his eyes, but relented. He trusted Don more than anyone, even himself. "Fine," he said, bracing himself for whatever tests Don had in store for him.
Don gently placed his hand on Severus's forehead, checking for any signs of fever. When he found none, he moved on to examine the man's throat, feeling for any swollen glands or tenderness. After a thorough inspection, he rested his hand on Severus's chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath.
Severus watched with a mixture of annoyance and resignation, knowing that Don was only trying to help. "Well, am I dying or not?" he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Don gave him a small smile. "You're not dying, my friend. In fact, you seem to be improving. Your fever has gone down and there's no sign of any infection."
Severus let out a sigh of relief and got out of bed, reaching for his clothes. "Good. Can I finally get dressed now?"
The healer nodded with a smile, "Yes, but you need to tell me if you start to feel any worse understand?."
Severus nodded, but before Don could leave, he stopped him with a question. "Did he have any more nightmares?" he asked, his voice low and serious.
Don gave him a sad nod. "Yes, he did. But don't worry about it, Severus."
Severus reluctantly gave a subtle nod, understanding that Don's hesitation to share the information meant that it was likely to be distressing. While he recognized that it was probably best to avoid upsetting himself and Don further, he couldn't help but feel frustrated at being left in the dark.
As Don saw Severus nod, he let out a silent sigh of relief and closed the door behind him, grateful for the opportunity to spare Severus from any unnecessary pain. He knew that telling Severus about Harry's recollection of his parents' death would be a heavy burden, and he wasn't sure if the man could handle it.
With a heavy heart, Don made his way to Harry's room, hoping to bring some comfort to the boy. Quietly, he approached Harry's bed and gently shook his shoulder to rouse him from his slumber. Harry slowly opened his eyes, and Don greeted him with a kind smile.
"Good morning, Harry," he said softly.
Shyly Harry smiled at the healer. "Is it time to get up?" He asked, his voice still groggy from sleep.
"It is," Don replied warmly. "Why don't you get dressed and I'll go order something to eat. Do you want anything special?"
Harry's face lit up at the prospect of a special breakfast. "Can I have some fruit?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Don gave a small nod, "How about some scrambled eggs and toast to accompany that fruit?"
Harry nodded eagerly, his smile growing wider as Don ruffled his hair affectionately.
"I'll meet you out in the kitchen then," Don said before backing out of the room and shutting the door behind him, giving Harry some privacy.
Once outside, Don summoned a house elf and ordered breakfast for the three of them. As the delicious aroma of food filled the air, he reached into the bag he had brought with him the night before and retrieved the potions his boys needed.
As Don carefully placed the potions before each of their plates, Severus emerged from his bedroom and let out a groan at the sight of the array of potions. Don couldn't help but hide a small smile as he turned to the man and gave him a scolding look.
"You know they are for your benefit, Severus," he reminded him firmly.
With a heavy sigh, Severus sat down at the table and obediently downed his potions. Meanwhile, a still sleepy-eyed Harry stumbled out of his room, dressed and ready for the day. Don gestured to the seat next to him and patted it gently.
"Come sit down, Harry."
The young boy nodded and walked over to his seat, his eyes curiously scanning the three potions in front of his plate. While he recognized the nutrient potion and stomach soother, the third potion was unfamiliar to him. Could it be the supplement he was supposed to take?
Don sat at the table, his gaze fixed on Harry as he studied the potions arranged in front of him. As the silence stretched on, Don finally broke it.
"I'm sure you can recognize two of those potions. Do you want to tell me what they are, Harry?" Don's voice was gentle, coaxing.
Harry hesitated for a moment before tentatively picking up one of the potions. "I think this one is a nutrient potion?" he ventured, looking up at Don for confirmation.
"Excellent, Harry. You're quite right." Don smiled warmly at the boy. "And what about the other one? Do you know what it is?"
After a moment's consideration, Harry answered, "It's... it's a stomach soother, isn't it?"
Don nodded, pleased. "Yes, very good, Harry. And what about this last one?" He indicated the final potion on the table. "Any guesses?"
Harry furrowed his brow in concentration. "Is it... that calcium thingy you told me about yesterday?" he hazarded.
Severus snorted from across the room, unable to suppress a small grin. "Very eloquently put, Harry," he remarked dryly.
Don cast an amused glance at Severus, a small smirk playing at the corners of his lips, before turning his attention back to the blushing child in front of him. With gentle encouragement, he urged Harry to take the calcium and vitamin D supplement before the nutrient potion. "I brought the stomach soother for after breakfast when we have to go through the floo," he explained.
Harry nodded in understanding and obediently swallowed the two vials Don had handed him. Despite the bitter taste, he managed to choke them down, washing away the unpleasant aftertaste with a few sips of milk from his glass. Don gave him a reassuring smile, his warm eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Good job, Harry. Now, drink your milk and eat up. We have a long day ahead of us," Don advised, his voice infused with kindness.
Following Don's instructions, Harry obediently drank his milk, and as he lowered his glass, he found himself scrutinized by Don's gaze, who seemed to be silently conveying a message. Harry's eyes flickered over to Severus, who had been sitting at the table, watching their interactions.
Don's gaze followed Harry's, and he gave the stoic man a knowing look, his eyes flickering down to the food in front of him. It was a subtle, yet stern reminder that Severus too, needed to eat, despite his disinterest.
Letting out a resigned sigh, Severus reluctantly picked up his fork and began to eat his eggs. Don's touch on his hand made him flinch, but when he met the older man's gaze, he was met with a kind smile and a subtle nod of approval. It was a small gesture of praise that Don knew wouldn't draw Harry's attention. He was grateful for the man's discretion; he didn't want to be unnecessarily embarrassed in front of the child.
Severus continued to eat in silence, but Don could tell that the appetite stimulants were doing their job. Despite his initial resistance, the potions had worked their magic and he found himself clearing his plate alongside Harry.
With breakfast finished, Don waved his wand, and the plates disappeared. He then directed the two boys to wash up and pack what they needed for the day, reminding them to keep in mind what they had already left at the clinic.
After a few minutes, Severus returned to the kitchen carrying his journal and a small book. Don recognized the journal immediately, it was the one he had given to Severus as a teen. The smaller book, he assumed, was meant for Harry . Don was pleased; writing was a great way to express emotions that were difficult to articulate. He had planned on giving one to Harry, but it seemed Severus had beaten him to it.
Don looked at Severus with a knowing smile and raised an eyebrow. "I see you have something there for Harry?" he asked, nodding towards the books that Severus was holding close to his chest.
Severus felt his cheeks flush as he nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Yes," he replied softly. "I know they helped me, and I thought it might be able to help Harry too."
The healer nodded gently. "I think it's a great idea Severus."
Just then, Harry emerged from his room, cradling a small black cat like creature in his arms. Both adults turned their attention to him, and it was Severus who spoke first. "Is that all you want to bring, Harry?" he asked gently.
Harry looked down shyly and blushed, feeling a little self-conscious. "Yes," he murmured, clutching the cat closer to his chest.
Severus moved closer to Harry and put an arm around his shoulder, offering him comfort and support. "That's perfectly fine, Harry," he said reassuringly. "We're all ready to go now. You just need to take the stomach soother, and then we can head to the clinic."
Harry nodded gratefully and accepted the vial of potion that Don handed to him. As he gulped it down, he couldn't help but grimace at the bitter taste that lingered in his mouth. He knew it was much better than having an upset stomach though.
The trio made their way to the floo and stepped into the emerald flames. Harry felt the familiar warmth wash over him as they whizzed through the Floo Network, and he stumbled a little when they landed in the clinic.
Severus caught him before he fell and made a quiet remark about Harry's lack of coordination, eliciting a smile from the boy. But before they could proceed any further, Don stopped in front of Harry and knelt down to meet him at eye level.
"Today, Harry, we're going to try something different. It will just be you and me in a separate room where we'll focus on some mind exercises to see how well you're progressing with your studies. Are you okay with that?"
Harry nodded shyly and reached out to grab Don's extended hand. As Don helped him up, he turned to Severus.
"Severus, you will wait here for Minerva, won't you?"
Severus nodded, and Harry looked up at him, confused. Don noticed the expression on Harry's face and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Your Head of House is on her way to discuss some important matters with Severus. But don't worry, Harry, everything is under control."
Harry felt relieved as Don gave his hand a gentle squeeze, reassuring him that everything was okay. Together, they walked down the hallway towards the room where Don would assess Harry's progress. Meanwhile, Severus waited by the floo, waiting on Minerva to step through.
Within ten minutes, the floo flared to life, and Minerva stepped out, looking a little flustered. "Sorry I'm a bit late," she said, catching her breath. "Albus decided to ask me about my upcoming classes. I don't know about that man sometimes. I'm sure he's just going to have whoever is covering let them goof off the whole day, pretending to teach them something useful."
She grinned mischievously. "I bet you ten sickles that tomorrow the entire school will know how to turn each other's hair different colors. My Lions' hair will all be green, and your Snakes' hair will be bright red."
Severus shook his head and let out a small chuckle. "Now you see why I was hesitant to let Albus step foot in my classroom. I'm sure he's been teaching them to brew those darn lemon drops he's always handing out."
Minerva laughed, not wanting to confirm Severus's fear was indeed true. "I wouldn't be surprised. Have Don and Harry already started?"
Severus shook his head slightly. "No, Don just left a few minutes ago to get him settled. He won't start until we get there."
Nodding, Minerva suggested, "We should head that way then. How is Harry doing, by the way?"
Severus regarded the witch with a calculating gaze before letting out a small sigh. "He seems to be doing alright, but he had a nightmare last night, and Don won't tell me what it was about, so it must have been pretty bad. Other than that, he seems to be adjusting well. At least he's not afraid of Don anymore."
Minerva placed a gentle hand on Severus' arm, offering him solace in the only way she knew how.
"Be patient, Severus," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Don will help him heal. You know it takes time."
Severus nodded, his face a mask of resignation. "I know," he said with a heavy sigh and started to lead the head of Gryffindor to where he knew Harry and Don were.
When they entered the adjacent room, Severus felt a sense of relief wash over him. Here, behind the one-way mirror, they could observe Don and Harry without disturbing them. It was important that Harry felt at ease, that he didn't feel pressured or scrutinized. They needed him to be relaxed, as much as possible, if they were going to make any headway.
Severus and Minerva took a seat on the couch in front of the one-way mirror, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them. Don was standing beside Harry, his brow furrowed in concentration as he studied the chart of letters on the opposite wall. Harry, for his part, seemed to be doing his best, even though his face was etched with a look of intense focus.
Severus' gaze drifted to the table beside them, where Harry had placed his small plushy. It was the first time that the boy had let go of the toy since Severus had given it to him. The sight brought a small smile to Severus' lips. It was a good sign that Harry was feeling comfortable enough to let his guard down.
Suddenly, Don gave Harry's shoulder a gentle squeeze, and he turned his head to wink at the one-way mirror. Severus felt a surge of gratitude towards Don. The man had put a charm on the room, so he would know when they arrived.
Without a word, Severus leaned forward and pushed a small button to turn on the speakers so they could hear what Harry and Don were saying.
"You see that chart Harry? Can you read the smallest line that you can see for me?" Don asked gently.
Harry struggled to read the fourth line on the chart, squinting as he strained to make out the letters. Don had been watching him closely, noting the young boy's difficulty, and decided to take action. He gently removed the boy's glasses and examined them closely.
"Why didn't you tell me you were having trouble seeing?" Don asked in a soft, reassuring tone.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, avoiding eye contact and looking down at his feet. But Don wasn't going to let him get away that easily. He put the glasses aside for the moment, knelt down in front of Harry, placing his hand on the boy's chin and gently lifting it so that he was forced to meet his gaze.
"Look at me, Harry," Don said firmly but kindly. "I didn't think to check your eyesight yesterday, but I'm going to do it now. I want to see how bad your vision is, okay?"
Harry nodded hesitantly, feeling a little apprehensive but comforted by Don's calm demeanor.
"Don't worry, Harry. You won't feel a thing," Don said, reassuringly. "I'm going to use the tip of my wand to illuminate your eye and see what's going on. I need you to try to keep your eye open as wide as you can and avoid blinking. Can you do that for me?"
Harry obediently nodded his head and Don removed his hand from Harry's chin. The healer then placed it softly on the child's cheek and delicately lifted one of his eyelids. With a flick of his wand, he whispered an incantation under his breath, one that would reveal the true extent of Harry's eyesight.
A quill and parchment materialized out of thin air, scribbling down a set of numbers as Don repeated the process on Harry's other eye. When he was finished, he retrieved the parchment and studied the results with a practiced eye.
After sending the parchment down to the optometrist office, Don picked up Harry's glasses from the floor, carefully pointing his wand at them to correct the lenses. He handed them back to the young boy, urging him to try them on.
As Harry gingerly placed the glasses on his nose, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as the world around him suddenly snapped into sharp focus.
"Everything's so clear," he marveled, his eyes wide with amazement.
Don's smile was bittersweet as he nodded his agreement. "Yes, but unfortunately, the charm on the glasses will eventually wear off. We'll need to take you down to the optometrist here to find you more permanent frames. How does that sound, Harry?"
As Harry's mind struggled to process the reality of his newfound vision, Don gently guided him over to a nearby table where a plushy cat sat perched atop. The Healer pulled out a chair for Harry to sit in, his demeanor calm and reassuring.
"Take a seat, Harry," he said, gesturing towards the chair.
Harry obediently sat down, feeling a sense of comfort wash over him as he settled into the chair. Don pulled out a unique book from his satchel, one that he often used in situations like this. Each page was progressively more difficult, allowing him to assess Harry's reading ability with greater accuracy.
"Alright, Harry," Don said, placing the book in front of the boy. "Can you read this book out loud for me?"
As Harry began to read, Don watched intently for any signs of struggle or hesitation. He could see the young boy's eyes flicker nervously over the words, his fingers tracing the lines of text as if searching for something that he couldn't quite grasp.
Around the sixth page, Don noticed that Harry's reading had become increasingly labored, his voice faltering over the longer words. By the eighth page, Harry was stumbling so badly that Don had to intervene, gently placing a hand on the boy's arm to bring him back to reality.
"It's alright, Harry," Don said softly, smiling reassuringly at the young boy. "We can stop here for now."
Harry looked up at him uncertainly, his eyes brimming with anxiety. Don sensed his unease and quickly moved to calm him down.
"It's okay, Harry," he said. "I just want to ask you a few questions about what you've read. Can you tell me what the story was about?"
Harry furrowed his brow, trying to remember. After a few moments of silence, he looked up at Don with a sheepish expression. "I'm sorry, I can't remember," he admitted.
Don nodded understandingly. "That's okay, Harry. Why don't we try reading it again, but at a slower pace this time? And don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."
Harry nodded and turned back to the first page of the book. As he read, Don listened attentively and noticed that Harry was having trouble keeping up with the words. Don interrupted him gently and suggested that they try reading it again, but at a slower pace.
"Let's take our time and read it slowly. And don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it," Don encouraged Harry.
Harry took a deep breath and started reading again, this time at a more measured pace. He seemed to be comprehending the story better now, as he read on without any stumbling. When he finished a few pages, Don asked him to recap what he had read.
"What did you just read, Harry?" Don quizzed him.
Harry thought for a moment before answering, "A boy went for a walk in the forest, and he saw a bear."
"Excellent, Harry! Now, let's keep going, slowly and steadily," Don praised him, patting his back gently.
As Harry continued reading, Don noticed that he was making progress. He was not only reading slower, but he was also taking in the information more effectively. When Harry paused at a particularly challenging section, Don didn't hesitate to stop him and offer assistance.
"That's enough for now, Harry. Can you recall what you just read?" Don asked.
Harry took a deep breath and recollected, "The boy saw the bear and slowly backed away like the ranger had told him. When the bear was out of sight, he saw a moose and hid behind a tree, like his mother had told him to."
"Brilliant, Harry! I'm so proud of you. You're doing a great job," Don said with a beaming smile.
As Don observed Harry, a sense of concern gnawed at him despite his encouraging words. He couldn't help but notice that Harry's reading level was behind where it should be. Harry was at least a grade or two behind his peers. Even when Don tried to slow him down, Harry struggled to comprehend what he was reading.
Don couldn't help but wonder if this was the root of Harry's academic struggles from the previous year at Hogwarts. It was crucial for Harry to grasp the information he needed, but his reading level was holding him back. Don knew that a tutor was necessary to help Harry catch up, and he had the ideal person in mind for the job.
Don inquired, "You went to a Muggle day school, didn't you?"
Harry nodded his head solemnly, "Yes, I did."
Curious, Don asked, "And how were your grades at that school?"
Harry's expression shifted, and he began to fidget with his hands nervously. "Not great," he admitted. "Everyone always told me that I was really stupid and that I couldn't do anything right."
Don's heart sank at Harry's response. He could sense the pain and shame that Harry carried with him. "I'm so sorry to hear that," he said, placing a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder.
Tears of frustration welled up in Harry's eyes, and he looked up at Don with a determined expression. "But that's not true," he declared. "I had to pretend like I wasn't smart because if I ever got a better grade than my cousin Dudley, my Uncle Vernon he would..."
As Don watched the distress on Harry's face escalate, he knew he had to act fast. Placing a tender hand on the child's cheek, he turned Harry's face towards his own, determined to bring some comfort. The boy's eyes were brimming with tears, and Don could feel the weight of his anxiety.
"Harry, please calm down," Don spoke softly. "You're not stupid. In fact, you're a very bright child. Your teachers have done you a disservice by not taking the time to understand what was wrong and why you were struggling."
Don's heart ached for Harry as he saw the boy's tears fall more rapidly. Without a moment's hesitation, he lifted Harry out of his chair and held him in a tender embrace. He could feel Harry's small body shaking with sobs, and he gently rubbed the child's back in soothing circles.
"Harry," Don continued, "I want to help you. I want to ask my friend to tutor you and help you with anything that you're struggling with in school. What do you think? Will you let her help you with your school work?"
Don leaned back on his chair and began rubbing soothing circles on the distressed boy's back in a gentle manner. He had hoped that the session would not end with Harry in tears, but now he had to abandon that hope. However, Don realized that if he could calm Harry down, they could proceed with the testing. It would not benefit anyone to drag it out for another day. Don still wanted to evaluate Harry's memory, math skills, and proficiency with a quill.
Don was lost in thought when the sound of Harry's sob snapped him back to reality. He shifted his position and rested his chin on Harry's head, his eyes closed for a brief moment. Then, he glanced at the window and mouthed "calming potion" to where he assumed Severus was.
"Don't worry, Harry. We are here to help you. Just take deep breaths while we wait for Severus to arrive with the calming potion," Don said soothingly.
In a matter of moments, Severus entered the room, holding the potion in his hand. As he handed it over to Don, he uncorked it for him. With a gentle grip, Don held the vial to Harry's lips and poured the potion down his throat.
"Good boy, Harry. Swallow it down," Don said, his voice filled with warmth.
Once Harry had consumed the potion, he turned his head into Don's chest to conceal his tears. He felt embarrassed and weak for crying in front of them. Severus noticed Harry's discomfort and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Harry, look at me," he said in a gentle tone.
As Harry turned to face his guardian, Severus couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. The boy's tear-stained face tugged at his heartstrings, and he couldn't resist reaching out to comfort him. Tenderly, he wiped away the tears with his fingers, feeling the warmth of Harry's skin against his own.
"I have to go back to be with Minerva," Severus said softly. "Are you going to be okay here with Don? Can you finish the tests he has yet to do?"
Harry gave a small nod, his tearful eyes glistening in the dim light of the room. The child had stopped crying as soon as he saw Severus, and the potion had kicked in, easing his pain and anxiety.
"Can you give me a smile before I go so I know you are truly okay?" Severus asked, his voice filled with concern.
Harry mustered up a small smile, feeling comforted by the presence of his Professor. With a little help from Don, he got back to his chair and settled in for the rest of his tests.
Severus patted Harry on the shoulder before making his way to the door. As he shut it behind him, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt in his chest. Leaving his child behind, even for a short while, was never easy.
"Do you want to play a game, Harry?" Don asked, hoping to distract him from his worries.
With a small nod from Harry, Don removed the deck of memory cards from his pocket and carefully laid them out in a grid-like pattern in front of the young boy. The colorful cards were decorated with pictures of different objects, ranging from a football to a flower.
"Have you ever played memory before?" Don asked, his voice gentle and warm.
Don had decided to use a special deck of memory cards to test his recall, without the boy realizing it. He knew that disguising a test as a game would make Harry feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Harry shook his head, his green eyes fixed on the cards with curiosity. "No, I haven't. How do I play?"
Don explained the rules of the game to Harry, watching as the boy listened intently, his determination shining through. Then, Harry started flipping the cards over, trying to match the pairs.
Don observed Harry closely, and as he had expected, the boy was doing well, but was having trouble remembering the location of certain cards. Don knew that this was a result of the brain damage he had seen on Harry's scan.
Don heaved a tired sigh and gently rested his hand on Harry's shoulder, feeling the boy's tension and anxiety. They had been playing the memory game for quite some time now, and he wanted to make sure Harry ate a mid morning snack.
"I'm going to go grab a small snack for you," he said, his voice soft and reassuring. "Are you going to be okay playing memory for a few moments? If you finish this game, you can play another if you want."
Harry nodded, his eyes fixed on the colorful memory cards. "I'll be fine. Can I have some fruit?"
Don couldn't help but smile at the boy's request. Ruffling his hair affectionately, he replied, "I think I can arrange that."
With that, Don got up and headed towards the door. Once outside, he called out to a nearby house elf and ordered some apple slices and a glass of milk for Harry to munch on. He knew that the young boy needed all the nourishment he could get to aid in his recovery.
As he waited for the elf to return with the snacks, Don decided to check on Severus and Minerva. He knocked lightly on the door next to Harry's and entered.
Inside, he found Severus and Minerva sitting on the couch, looking up at him with concern etched on their faces. With a warm smile, Don walked over to the two and sat down on the armrest of the couch.
"Are you two okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning their faces for any signs of distress.
It was Minerva who spoke up, her voice trembling with worry for the young boy. "I'm more concerned about Harry," she said, her eyes darting to Severus before returning to Don. "Why didn't we see why Harry was having so much trouble in school? I mean, with his vision, I doubt he could read the board!"
Don, ever the calm and collected one, placed a comforting hand on Minerva's shoulder. "You are not at fault here," he said, his voice soothing. "Teachers at his day school should have seen his troubles and helped him when he was younger. As for his glasses, how could you know when you had to watch all the other students as well?"
Minerva let out a heavy sigh, her brow furrowed with guilt. "I guess you're right," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I still can't help but blame myself for not noticing anything was wrong, though."
Don let out a resigned sigh. "I know, but you mustn't beat yourself up too much. What's in the past is in the past, and we can't change it now. We can only look to the future."
Minerva nodded, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Don removed his hand from her shoulder and rose from the couch. "I have to go and tend to Harry now," he said, his voice gentle. "Call a house elf or ask a nurse for anything you need."
The two on the couch nodded in agreement, and Don made his way to the door, his mind already racing with plans for Harry's future. Just outside the door, a house elf appeared before him, a tray of snacks in hand. Don nodded at the elf and thanked him before making his way back to the room where Harry was waiting.
As he entered the room, Don couldn't help but smile at the sight of Harry. Don strode over to the table where Harry was sitting, being careful not to disturb the cards that lay scattered on the surface.
"Have something to eat," he said, gesturing to the tray of snacks. "And then we'll continue with the tests, okay?"
Harry nodded and placed the card he was holding back onto the table. He then picked up the glass of milk and greedily took a few sips before placing it back down. Looking up at Don, he spoke.
"I appreciate everything, thank you, Sir."
Don placed a hand on Harry's arm and smiled, his eyes filled with amusement. "Do I look like a sir to you?"
Feeling embarrassed, Harry looked down. "No, I'm sorry."
Don gently shifted his hand from Harry's arm to his chin, causing the boy to focus solely on him.
"I was only joking with you, Harry. Finish your milk and then have some apples," Don said with a smile.
Harry nodded, and Don removed his hand from his chin. Harry picked up his glass and drank it down before moving on to the apples. He finished them in just ten minutes.
"Feeling better now, Harry?" Don asked.
"Yes, a lot Thank you," Harry replied softly.
Don chuckled as he ruffled Harry's hair affectionately, earning a small grin from the boy. "That's good to hear. Now, are you ready for some more exercises?" he asked, noticing the reluctance in Harry's eyes.
Harry nodded hesitantly, unsure of his abilities. Don sensed his apprehension and pulled his chair closer to Harry, facing him directly.
"What's on your mind, Harry?" Don asked, studying the boy's face closely.
Harry's head drooped in shame, his eyes trained on his lap as he fiddled with the ends of his shirt nervously. It wasn't easy for him to open up to someone, especially an adult, but the comforting touch of Don's hand on his cheek made him feel safe.
"Talk to me, Harry. What's on your mind?" Don's voice was gentle and kind, coaxing Harry to speak.
Letting out a deep sigh, Harry leaned into the touch of Don's hand.
"What if I don't have the right answers?" Harry finally spoke up, his voice barely above a whisper.
Don's hand moved from Harry's cheek to his shoulder, offering a reassuring pat. "There are no right or wrong answers, Harry. Just like the tests we have already done. I just want to make sure you are where you should be with your studies."
Harry's eyes flickered up to meet Don's, his face etched with worry. "How have I done so far?"
"Don't worry about that, Harry. But if you really want to know, I'll tell you." Don's voice was gentle yet firm, his gaze unwavering. "But I want you to listen to me very closely. Nothing we do today will tell me that you are stupid, because that is not true. Do you understand that?"
As Harry slowly nodded, his mind was still processing the conflicting emotions he felt. Doubt and uncertainty clouded his thoughts, and he wasn't quite sure if he could trust what Don was saying. However, there was a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, there was a way for him to improve and catch up to where he should be.
"It's okay if you don't believe me right now, Harry. But I hope that one day you will. You are an incredibly intelligent young man, and nothing can ever change that. I know that your reading level may not be where it should be, but with a bit of work and dedication, we can get you there. And as for the memory game you just completed, you did exceptionally well. You are doing just fine, Harry."
Harry's heart swelled with gratitude at Don's kind words, and a small smile graced his lips. "Are you sure? I mean, I've always felt like I was...well, not smart enough."
Don's gaze was soft and understanding as he locked eyes with Harry. "I am positive, Harry. You are not dumb, and you never have been. You just need a little bit of help, that's all."
Harry let out a relieved breath, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "You mentioned something about a tutor earlier. Do you really think that would help me?"
"Yes, Harry, I did. Professor McGonagall reviewed your grades from last year and noticed that you were having some difficulties in your classes," Don explained to Harry, his tone gentle and reassuring. "But don't worry, we can get you the help you need. The tutor I mentioned earlier will work with you on your homework and make sure that you understand everything. Many Muggle-born students need tutors to help them navigate the magical world they find themselves in, and I'm sorry that you didn't have access to one last year."
Harry nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. It was good to know that someone was finally taking notice of his struggles and was willing to help him.
"So...so what else do we need to go over?" Harry asked, his voice uncertain.
Don removed his hand from Harry's cheek and gave him a kind smile. "Well, I wanted to go over a few math problems with you and see if I could help you with your quill writing skills. Is that okay with you?"
Harry gave a small nod. "I always liked math."
"That's great, Harry. Math is very important," Don replied, his expression encouraging. He then pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill, setting them in front of Harry while he cleaned up the memory cards.
"I'm going to write down some simple math problems for you to solve. There will be some addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Just do as much as you can, okay?"
Harry nodded in response, his eyes fixed on the page in front of him. With a focused intensity, he began to solve each mathematical problem, carefully writing down his answers with his pencil.
As Harry finished the last equation, he glanced up at Don, who was scrutinizing his work. A moment of anticipation hung in the air as Don reviewed the paper, but his face soon lit up with pride.
"Very good, Harry!" Don exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Don carefully inspected the paper to ensure that every answer was correct. When he was satisfied, he took out his own pen and wrote a few more complex problems on the sheet and then handed the paper back to the boy. To his surprise, Harry tackled them with ease even though they were above his grade level.
"I am very impressed, Harry. Those were some very hard problems, but you solved them with ease. You truly have a gift for mathematics."
Harry's smile grew wider at Don's praise, and it was clear that the words had touched him deeply. Don made a silent promise to himself to encourage and praise Harry as much as possible, knowing that it would help to build the boy's confidence and self-esteem.
Harry's eyes drifted off to the side, lost in thought as he shared his secret with Don. "I've always been good at math," he confessed softly. "It was the one thing I could be good at and still pretend to be really bad at it."
Don reached over and gently placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. For the first time in a long time, he found himself at a loss for words after hearing Harry's statement. It was terrible that Harry felt like he had to hide his talents, but it was also fortunate that he had taken the time to learn math.
Letting out a brief sigh, Don decided to move on and fetched a fresh sheet of paper and promptly inscribed the entire alphabet in both uppercase and lowercase letters. He left some blank space beneath each letter, allowing Harry to practice writing them.
"Harry," Don said as he glanced at the paper in front of them, "would you mind writing out the alphabet below where I wrote mine?"
Without hesitation, Harry nodded and picked up his quill once again. As he began to write, his brow furrowed with intense concentration. Each letter was formed slowly with careful precision, his hand moving with deliberate movements to avoid any smudges or ink drips.
Don watched as Harry worked concern etched on his face. He was worried that he was struggling so much with something that should be simple. When Harry finished writing the uppercase letters, Don knew it was time to step in and offer some guidance.
"Harry," he said gently, "can I show you a better way to hold the quill?"
Harry looked up and gave a small nod. Don got up from his chair and stood behind Harry, placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. With his other hand, he carefully took hold of Harry's quill and showed him the proper technique for holding it.
"See how I'm holding it?" Don asked, guiding Harry's hand to the correct position. "Try to hold it like this, and you'll find it much easier to write."
Harry listened intently as Don demonstrated, then tried it for himself. As he wrote out the letter "a" under Don's watchful eye, he felt a sense of satisfaction and relief. Writing with the new technique was much smoother and more efficient.
"Is that better, Harry?" Don asked, patting him on the back.
"Much better!" Harry exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you, Don!"
Don watched with satisfaction as Harry's letters became neater and the ink spots diminished with each letter he wrote. As he finished the last letter, Harry looked up at Don with a beaming smile of accomplishment.
Don, still watching over his shoulder, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at Harry's progress. "We'll still need to work on your writing, but this is a tremendous improvement, Harry. Well done."
He then pulled up a chair next to Harry and adjusted the boy's chair so that they were facing each other. "You did a remarkable job here, Harry, and I want you to know how proud I am of you."
As he spoke, Don's eyes glanced towards the table, where he spotted a leather-bound journal resting atop a stack of parchment. He knew that Severus had left it for Harry, and he wanted to ensure that the boy received it.
"Ah, it seems Severus left something for you, Harry," Don said, reaching over to pick up the journal. "He and I both think you should have this."
Don held out the journal towards Harry and continued speaking. "This journal can be a helpful tool for you. If there's ever anything you need to get off your chest, but don't feel comfortable talking about it, you can write it down in here. You don't have to write anything if you don't want to or it makes you feel awkward, but I believe it could be a beneficial outlet for you."
Harry ran his fingers over the smooth, worn leather of the journal, hardly daring to believe that it was really his. It was a simple thing, just a little book, but to Harry it was something he had never had before - a place to write his thoughts with no one able to read them.
"This is really for me?" Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Don nodded, his eyes kind and understanding. "Yes, Harry. It's yours. And I promise, no one will read it without your permission. I can even teach you some privacy charms to make sure no one can even open it except for you."
"No one will be able to read it?" he asked again, just to be sure.
Don smiled reassuringly. "No one, I promise. Not even the most skilled wizard could break those charms."
Encouraged, Harry looked down at the journal once more, then back up at Don. "Do you want me to show you those charms now?" Don asked, his voice gentle.
Harry nodded eagerly, feeling a sense of excitement building within him. This was his chance to take control of his life, to express himself fully and fearlessly. And with Don's help, he knew he could do it.
Following Don's instructions, Harry placed his hand on the cover of the journal and said "abscondo".
As the words left his lips, he felt a sudden surge of magic, a warmth that spread through his body and into the book. When he looked up at Don, there was a sense of wonder and disbelief in his eyes.
"Did it work?" he asked, almost afraid to believe it.
Don looked at Harry with a warm smile. "It did, Harry," he said. "That journal will now only open to your magical signature, and to open it all you have to do is place your hand on it and say 'ostendo sum vestri specialis'. The only problem with that is anyone looking over your shoulder can still read it. Do you want to put a charm on it that would allow it to look like gibberish to everyone but you?"
Harry nodded shyly, his eyes bright with anticipation. Don gestured for Harry to place his hand on the cover of the journal once more. "This time," he said, "you have to say 'somnium'."
Harry did as he was told, feeling a rush of excitement as he felt the magic coursing through him. When he looked up at Don, there was a sense of wonder in his eyes.
"Now," Don said, "if you want to show what you wrote to someone, all you have to do is place your hand on that particular entry and say 'exibeo'. Okay?"
Harry nodded eagerly, feeling as though he had been given a precious gift. "Thank you," he said softly.
"You're very welcome, Harry," Don replied, his voice warm and reassuring. "Now, if you want, I can go call my friend and you can meet her now. We don't have to do this now, but her office happens to be right down the hall."
Harry looked at Don shyly, "If I meet her now, can we start with the tutoring?"
Don couldn't help but smile at Harry's earnestness. He knew that the boy was eager to learn. "Absolutely, Harry. Why don't you meet her today and then you two can work out a schedule?"
Harry's face lit up with excitement as he nodded his head eagerly. "Yes, please! I can't wait to get started."
"I'll be right back then," Don said, patting Harry gently on the shoulder before making his way towards the door. "You wait here and I'll sort everything out for you."
Don exited the room and made his way down the hall towards Pam's door, knocking gently before entering. "Pam?"
As Don waited at the doorstep, he couldn't help but admire the way the sunlight illuminated the woman's fiery red hair, making it appear like strands of molten copper. Her warm brown eyes sparkled with delight as soon as she recognized him, and her lips curved into a heartwarming smile that lit up her entire face.
It was Pamela, the woman he had been secretly crushing on for sometime. Although they were good friends, Don had never found the courage to confess his feelings to her.
As Pamela opened the door wider, the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted out. "Do you want to come in, Don?" she asked, her voice a soothing melody that made his heart skip a beat.
Don felt a pang of disappointment as he shook his head. "I'm afraid I came here on business," he said, trying to hide his frustration. "I told you about my new patient, Harry. Right?"
Pamela nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with concern. "Yes, you did. You need my assistance after all?"
Don let out a deep sigh as he explained the results of Harry's tests to Pamela, his trusted colleague and friend. He knew that he could always count on her expertise and compassion, especially in times of crisis.
"I'll do whatever I can to help," she said, her voice filled with empathy. "You said he wanted to meet me now?"
Don nodded, grateful for her unwavering support. "Yes, if you have the time. And thank you, Pam, for always being there for me."
Pamela placed a gentle hand on Don's shoulder, her touch comforting and reassuring. "You know you don't need to thank me," she said with a soft smile. "Just come by later and tell me more about Harry. I can tell something is weighing heavily on your mind."
"I would love to take you up on that offer," he said, flashing her a charming smile. "But I think I should talk to Quin about this."
The woman's expression turned serious, and she fixed him with a stern look. "That is fine, but I will have a chat with him later to make sure you did go to him. Is that understood?"
Don felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment, realizing that he had underestimated her protective instincts. "Please don't worry so much. You know I will," he said, trying to reassure her.
"I know, but I can't help it," she replied, her voice softening. "Now let's go see that boy, and you can talk to Severus and Minerva."
Author's Chapter Notes:
A long chater!
Tests