A New Daddy for Harry

Healer Mark Harrison sat at his desk in his office going over his patients files. In his profession as a Healer, he had healed and provided treatments for numerous ailments and injuries over the course of twenty-four years. He had graduated from the prestigious Healers' school, Merlin's School of Healing. Merlin himself had founded the school.

When Voldemort had terrorized the world, Hr. Harrison had treated many of the dark wizard's victims. As he was going over his schedule for the week, someone knocked on his office door.

"Come in," said Hr. Harrison.

The door open and another Healer walked into the room. She had a file in her hand.

"Mark, you next appointment is here," said Hr. Bella Banks.

She handed him the file. Hr. Harrison saw that it wasn't a medical file; it was a case file with the Child Protection Council seal stamped on the front. He quickly scanned the contents of the file.

"Harry Potter," muttered Hr. Harrison. The name was familiar, very familiar. Where had he heard this name before? Hr. Banks supplied the answer.

"This baby is the Harry Potter. He's the baby who defeated You-Know-Who," said Hr. Banks with a tone of surprise in her voice.

Hr. Harrison was surprised and angered that Harry's guardians were under a cloud of suspicion for allegedly neglecting him. Whose idea was it to place Harry Potter with these people?

He closed the file and stood. The two Healers walked out of the office.

"The social worker is in the waiting area with the baby," Hr. Banks informed him.

Hr. Harrison walked to the waiting area. The waiting area had several armchairs and a table. There were a few issues of 'Witches Weekly' and old issues of the 'Daily Prophet' laid on the table. The room was occupied by a few patients who were waiting to see the Healers. Hr. Harrison spotted a woman seated in an armchair. She was holding a baby on her lap. In his professional opinion, the baby didn't look very healthy. Harry looked unnaturally pale. He approached the social worker and introduced himself.

"Excuse me, ma'am," Hr. Harrison said politely. "My name is Hr. Mark Harrison."

Lauren glanced at the older man standing next to the armchair. She stood and greeted him.

"Hello, I'm Lauren Bones. I'm a social worker from the Child Protection Council."

"I would assume that this is Harry Potter," said Hr. Harrison as he looked closely at the baby.

"Yes. It's a shame that his guardians appeared to have neglected him," said Lauren. She really couldn't understand how anyone could have mistreated such a sweet child like Harry.

"He doesn't appear too healthy," said Hr. Harrison. Now that he was closer to Harry, he could clearly see that Harry looked underfed and dazed. "I will give him a complete physical exam."

"The Child Protect Council will need the results of the exam to use as evidence of neglect," said Lauren.

"I will send an owl with a copy of the medical report to the Councils' office," said Hr. Harrison.

The social worker handed the baby to the Healer.

'He sure is light,' thought Hr. Harrison as he adjusted the baby in his arms. He walked out of the waiting area and headed for an exam room down the hall. The room looked like any typical exam room. It had an exam table, a few chairs, medical instruments placed on a counter and cupboards stocked with healing potions and ointments, hospital pajamas and other supplies. He laid Harry on the exam table.

"Hello, there Harry," Hr. Harrison said in a soft tone. Harry appeared to like the sound of his voice. He made a cooing sound. He was puzzled that he wasn't being shouted at.

"I am going to be taking care of you for now."

Hr. Harrison scanned Harry's body with his wand. A piece of parchment appeared out of thin air.

The Healer read the medical report that the wand scan had created.

Magical Medical Report

Date of Exam
February 12, 1982

Name
Harry James Potter

Date of Birth
July 31, 1980

Age
Sixteen months, one week, and five days

Gender
Male

Physical Ailments
Severe malnutrition, cold, diaper rash

Cause of Physical Ailments
Child Neglect

Psychological Ailments
Developmentally delayed motor and verbal skills.

Cause of Psychological Ailments
Child Neglect

Treatments
One teaspoon of Nutrition Supplement Potion for Babies mixed into each meal for one month.
Two teaspoons of Cold Cure Potion for Babies should be given every two days mixed in milk for six days.
Healer Speck's Magical Diaper Rash Ointment applied to the infected area once, twice if needed.
Instructions from caregiver should be given to the child to improve language and walking skills.

Hr. Harrison was relieved that none of Harry's problems were life-threatening, but he still felt disgusted knowing that someone could be so careless and neglectful. If Hr. Harrison had his way, the people who had been this child's guardians would never be allowed to care for this child or any child again. Hr. Harrison knew he didn't have the power to remove Harry from the custody of the Dursleys, but he would make certain that the social workers that were investigating the neglect claim would see this medical report.

The report didn't make any note of physical abuse, but the wand scan only picked up on recent illnesses and injuries. Hr. Harrison decided to examine Harry to see if he had any old scars to indicate past physical abuse. He removed Harry's clothes but left on his diaper.

'I can't believe they would dress him in these rags," thought Hr. Harrison as he threw the clothes away.

He examined Harry's front side, and turned him over to examine his back. Hr. Harrison let a sigh of relief when he confirmed that Harry's hadn't suffered from physical abuse. However, without the over-sized clothes, he could clearly see that Harry was far more under weight than he had originally thought.

Hr. Harrison checked his watch. He still had an hour before his next appoinment. He usually left bathing and diaper changing to the assistants and orderlies, but with an hour to spare he figured he could take care of Harry himself. Hr. Harrison took Harry to the washroom next to the exam room and bathed him and washed his hair.

Harry was surprised and delighted that the bath water was so warm. He had grown to hate bathes because Aunt Petunia bathed in icy cold water.

The Healer carried the baby back into the exam room wrapped in a towel. Hr. Harrison laid him back on the table. After retrieving hospital pajamas and a nappy and a bottle from a cupboard, he dressed Harry. Harry was making cooing noises and kicking his feet. He was happy to be away from the Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia.

His assistant, Medi-Wizard Stuart Danton entered the room.

"Your next appointment is here, Mark," said Stuart.

"Thank you for telling me," said Hr. Harrison.

"Is this the neglected child that the social worker brought in?" asked Stuart.

"Yes, it is. His name is Harry Potter," answered Hr. Harrison.

"Harry Potter?" said Stuart. He looked startled by the mention of that name.

"I'm afraid it's the same Harry you've obviously heard about," replied Hr. Harrison.

"I would appreciate it if you would fix him a bottle of warm milk," said Hr. Harrison as he reached into a cupboard and took out a jar which contained a clear liquid. "Remember to mix one teaspoon of the Nutrition Supplement Potion for Babies in the milk."

"Will he be alright?" asked Stuart.

"He will be fine in time, providing that he receives the care that he needs," replied Hr. Harrison. "We will be keeping him overnight for observation."

After the Medi-Wizard had taken Harry to the Pediatric ward, Hr. Harrison sent an owl to the Child Protection Council with a copy of the medical report.

The crib in which Harry lay in was certainly more comfortable than the hard cot he had slept on in his cupboard. He remembered seeing Dudley's crib during the brief times he had spent in his cousin's room when Petunia had changed him. Harry had been very jealous of Dudley's crib, toys and he had been especially jealous of the attention that Dudley received from his parents.

Harry heard the sound of someone approaching him. He recognized the stranger who had placed him in the crib. The man handed him a bottle. He grasped the bottle between his hands and started to drink. It wasn't water!

The warm milk tasted heavenly. It triggered a long lost memory that had been hidden in the back of his mind. He remembered his mother cradling him in his arms feeding him a bottle. Harry had long ago gotten used to have constant hunger pangs and feeling itchy and dirty from not being bathed and changed often enough. It felt good to have clean hair, a fresh nappy and warm milk.

Arthur Weasley had decided to come home early on February 12th to assist his wife in preparing for a new arrival. Arthur and Molly had seven children of their own, but they occasionally took care of children who needed temporary shelter. They hadn't had a foster child live with them since last year. The last child that was placed with them had been Neville Longbottom. Neville had lived with the Weasleys for two weeks before he was permanently placed with his grandmother.

Arthur was greeted by his small son Percy who was looking at a picture book of Hogwarts Prefects. Arthur failed to see what the young boy could find so interesting about a book that everyone else in the family had agreed was very boring. Arthur glanced down at the kitchen table and saw the letter that had arrived yesterday. It was the request from the Child Protection Council.

Arthur and Molly Weasley,
This is an emergency request from the Child Protection Council. We may be removing a sixteen-month-old baby boy from his home due to neglect. In the event that the child is removed, he will require a temporary foster home until a custody hearing takes place. The custody hearing is on February 18th at the Ministry Courthouse in courtroom #22 at 3 o'clock pm. Please send an owl if you would like to provide care for this child.
Sincerely,
Celest Diggory
Chairperson of the Child Protection Council

'Why didn't they mention his name?' wondered Arthur. He figured that it must have something to do with the new security measures that were in place. Although You-Know-Who was gone, the Ministry wasn't taking any chances that he could come back or that another could take his place. After years of fighting against this evil monster, it was hard for a lot of people to adjust to a world without him.

Arthur had thought that someone like Albus Dumbledore would kill You-Know-Who. Dumbledore was the most powerful wizard in modern time.

'It's so hard to comprehend that this peace that we know enjoy is all because of one baby,' thought Arthur.

Arthur's musings were interrupted when Molly came down stairs.

"Hello, dear. I'm glad that you're home early," said Molly. "One of us needs to go to Diagon Alley to get some supplies. Ron and Ginny are napping. I wouldn't dare take the twins out today considering how they're behaving. They're both playing quietly in their room-for now. I don't expect it to last."

"What about me, Mummy?" asked little Percy. "I've been really good!"

"Yes, sweetie, you've been a really good boy," said Molly.

Percy smiled proudly and went back to playing with the Ministry building doll house that had been a gift to the Weasley children as a Christmas bonus. Arthur would have preferred a cash Christmas bonus, but he didn't dare voice this opinion for fear of sounding like an ungrateful employee. Percy was the only Weasley child who played with the doll house and little Auror figures. Arthur wondered is this meant that Percy would follow in his footsteps one day.

"What kind of supplies do we need?" asked Arthur.

"I received an owl today concerning the baby-not one of ours-the one we're been asked to provide care for," said Molly. "According to the letter, the baby had been badly neglected. The package I received had a copy of the Healer's medical report and a fifty galleons to pay for the expenses of taking care of the child."

Molly picked up an opened package that had been lying on the kitchen counter. They sat at the table to examine the contents. Molly had already seen everything within the package so she allowed Arthur to read Hr. Mark Harrison's report.

"Dear Merlin, how could anyone neglect a baby like this!" exclaimed Arthur. He checked the report again.

"Harry Potter. James and Lily's boy?"

"Yes, it the same boy," answered Molly.

"We already have the diaper rash ointment," said Arthur as he read the treatments portion of the medical report. "I will make a list of potions ingredients that we will have to purchase to make the Nutrition Supplement Potion for Babies and Cold Cure Potion for Babies."

Molly suddenly had an idea.

"Dear, instead of doing that, why don't we purchase the potions ready-made?" asked Molly. "I could send an owl to Severus right now. The potions will be delivered by the time Harry arrives."

"You really think Severus would brew potions for the son of the man that he despised all through school?" asked Arthur in disbelief. Everyone who knew of the feud between the late James Potter and Severus Snape.

"Oh, don't be silly, Arthur," Molly admonished. "Severus wouldn't hold a grudge against Harry just because he's James' son. He has more sense than that."

Molly found a parchment, quills and ink in a drawer. She jotted down a quick note and charmed twenty galleons to stick to the note. The charm would wear off when Severus touched the parchment. She was positive that Severus wouldn't mind brewing the potions. He had been hired as a Potions Professor as Hogwarts a few months ago.

"Error!" Molly called. The owl came swooping in from the kitchen window. Molly gave him a treat and attached the letter to his leg.

"Take this letter to Severus Snape," she instructed Errol.

Errol, who was more than happy to be of service, flew off with the letter.

Professor Severus Snape was sitting at his desk in his office. He was correcting Third Year essays from the Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuffs. He had been teaching at Hogwarts for almost six months. It wasn't exactly the job he pictured himself having when he sat for his O.W.L.S. and his N.E.W.T.S. He had thought he would put his advanced knowledge of Potions to use at some important research lab. There were companies willing to pay handsomely for someone with his knowledge, but unfortunately his job prospects were few because of a certain mark on his left arm. It wasn't just the mark; it was what that mark represented.

Of course, Severus realized that he was extremely fortunate to have his teaching position. He would have preferred teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, but the Ministry didn't want a former Death Eater teaching children anything related to the dark arts even if it was self defense. Severus' argument was that he, of all people, could provide the young witches and wizards with a vast knowledge of defense against dark wizards and witches since he used to be a dark wizard and had spent time with one of the most evil wizards of all time. Severus knew of hexes and curses that any ordinary teacher wouldn't know about due to the time he spent with the Dark Lord. Dumledore's argument against him having the job was that it would put Severus' life at risk if the Dark Lord were to return and find one of his Death Eaters teaching children how to defend themselves against him.

He selected the next essay from the pile and started reading the chicken-scratch handwriting. 'I can't believe this idiot got into Ravenclaw,' Severus fumed. 'He doesn't even know about the key ingredient in a Dreamless Sleep Potion!'

He wrote a low grade on the essay and tossed it aside. Severus was about to read the next essay when an unfamilar owl flew through the door which was slightly ajar. Severus' office, which was located in the dungeons of the castle didn't have a window. The owl landed on his desk and practically fell over in exhaustion.

He untied the letter from the owl's leg. As Severus unrolled the parchment, several coins dropped onto his desk. 'Maybe one of those Potions publications is accepting one of my articles,' Severus thought hopefully. He felt a tinge of disappoinment when he realized it was just a letter from Molly Weasley asking him to brew a couple of potions for one of her many children. He stopped reading. 'How many do they have now?' he wondered idly. He went back to reading the last few lines. What a minute! Harry Potter!?

Dear Severus,
This is Molly Weasley. I hope you are well. Congratulations on your new teaching position. I am writing to request two potions. I understand if you're too busy, but I thought it would be worth asking since you are a now a certified Potions Master. I need Nutrition Supplement Potion for Babies and Cold Cure Potion for Babies. This potion is for a baby that Arthur and I are taking in as a foster child. You may know him. He's James and Lily Potter's son, Harry. I have enclosed twenty galleons to pay for the ingredients and your valuable time. I greatly appreciate you help, Severus.
Sincerely,
Molly

It wasn't a secret that Severus didn't like James Potter. He briefly thought of turning down Molly's request. Why should he have to make potions for Potter's son?!! The thought quickly vanished. He liked making potions-any potions. There wasn't any valid reason for turning down Molly's request. A couple of weeks ago, he had to turn down a request from a Death Eater who wanted a highly illegal potion that had the same effects as the Cruciatus Curse. He had made up an excuse about being worried about getting caught by the Ministry. It was a valid excuse, but the real reason he didn't want to make the potion was that he knew it would be used to torture someone. Severus had vowed never to make another torture potion ever again.

Severus was more than a little confused about why Harry wasn't living in the same home that he had been placed in after James and Lily died. 'I thought the Potter boy was living with a family of Muggles. What's he doing with the Weasleys?' He decided that he would ask Dumbledore the next time he visited the Headmaster in his office. It was an unknown fact the Severus and Dumbledore had a weekly chess match. They usually talked about current events, students and other school business. Severus secretly looked forward to their weekly visits.

Severus began writing a list of potions ingredients he would need to make the potions. He had half of the needed ingredients in stock already. He stood and and walked over to a shelf. He removed a dead rat from a jar and offered it to the tired-looking owl that was half-asleep on his desk. Errol came out of his stupor when he saw the dead rat being dangled in front of him. He accepted it happily and started eating his snack.

Severus grabbed his traveling cloak form the hook by the door, pocketed the money, and picked up his list. He left his office and headed towards his living quarters on the next floor where the teachers apartments were located. Severus planned on using the the fireplace in his apartment to floo to Diagon Alley.

The next day, Feb. 13th, noon

"Where are you going, Sirius?" asked Remus.

Sirius was standing in front of the fireplace with a fistful of floo powder.

"I'm going to St. Mungo's to visit Harry," replied Sirius. "He's being released from the hospital later today and I want to see him before the Weasleys pick him up."

"Alright," said Remus. "Would you mind if I came along?"

"Sure! Prong Jr. would love to see his Mooey!" said Sirius with a smirk.

They stood in line and were given directions from the witch who worked behind the desk in the reception area.

Sirius walked fast down the hall of the Pediatric ward with Remus close behind him. They found the correct room and pushed the door open. The room had two cribs, but only one was occupied. Sirius and Remus looked at the sleeping baby. The room had a table and chairs, a couple of high chairs, a changing table and cupboards that contained medical supplies, and items for babies.

"He looked much healthier than the last time I visited him at the Dursleys," said Sirius feeling very relieved.

"He smells content and happy," observed Remus.

"You can smell his emotions?" asked Sirius. He had known Remus for more than ten years and he was surprised to find out that he didn't already know everything about his friend.

"I can smell most peoples' feelings and emotions because of my lycanthropy," replied Remus.

"He's waking up!" said Sirius with a smile.

Harry's eyes were slowly opening. He looked at Sirius with recognition. He remembered Sirius from their weekend visits. Sirius reached into the crib and gathered Harry into his arms. Harry looked around the room with interest.

"Harry, do you remember Remus?" Sirius asked him.

Harry couldn't answer but he gave Remus a smile.

An orderly walked into the room carrying a tray with dishes.

"It's time for Harry to have his lunch," said the orderly.

"Would it be alright if I fed him?" asked Sirius.

"Are you Sirius Black?" asked the orderly.

"Yes, I am. I'm Harry's Godfather," said Sirius with a proud smile.

"Here is Harry's baby food," said the orderly as he placed the tray on the table.

After the orderly had left, Sirius placed Harry into the high chair.

"Are you hungry, Harry?" asked Sirius with a grin.

Harry responded with indecipherable baby talk.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'," said Sirius.

Sirius started feeding Harry his strawberry flavored baby food. After Sirius had spooned a few mouthfuls into Harry's mouth, Harry took the spoon out of Sirius' hand, and started feeding himself.

"He knows how to feed himself!" exclaimed Sirius. "I thought the Healer's report said Harry was underdeveloped."

"Harry probably had to teach himself how to feed himself since the Dursleys didn't feed him," said Remus.

"Why hasn't he taught himself how to walk and talk?" asked Sirius.

"That's a little more complicated," answered Remus. "He needs someone to teach him."

"How could those Muggle neglect him like that?" asked Sirius angrily. He had asked that question several times before. He knew there wouldn't be an answer to satisfy him. Sirius clenched his fists as he thought about the hexes he would like to use on those cold, heartless people.

"They won't get away with it. Believe me, Sirius," Remus assured him.

"You're damn right they won't!" yelled Sirius. "I'll curse them into next week!"

"No, you won't, Sirius," Remus stated firmly. "The law branch of the Ministry will decide what to do with them."

"No! I want to hex them!" yelled Sirius. He was enraged.

"Sirius, calm down," ordered Remus. "You're scaring Harry."

Sirius looked over at his Godson. Harry had stopped eating. He was staring at Sirius fearfully and his bottom lip was trembling. Sirius immediately stopped his tantrum. He walked over to Harry's side and placed his hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry, I'm sorry," Sirius said in a soft tone. "I wasn't trying to scare you."

Harry accepted Sirius' soft tone as an apology. Harry loaded his spoon with more food and held it a few inches from Sirius' mouth.

"Harry, what do you think you're....Ooomph,"

Harry had shoveled the baby food into Sirius' mouth. Harry giggled happily.

'This will be a funny story to tell Harry when he's older,' thought Remus as he laughed at Harry feeding his Godfather.

"Hmmm, you know this stuff is pretty good," said Sirius as he got a good taste of the strawberry flavored baby food.

Sirius gave the spoon back to Harry who loaded more food onto it and attempted to give Sirius another spoonful.

"No, Harry," said Sirius as he pushed Harry's hand away. "You need it more than I do."

Harry seemed to understand and he continued to eat. They spent the rest of the afternoon together.

End of Chapter 4 - St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries