"Severus I have a favour to ask of you," Dumbledore began as he sat at the table with his 3 sons. Severus had been working on a potion so he was somewhat tired. But his hair had stopped looking greasy and his nose was straight. His hair was black and wavy. Sirius referred to him as a Black in disguise. Remus Lupin was half asleep since the night prior was a full moon. Severus was curious though. Dumbledore tended to ask Remus the favours. "Normally I would ask Remus for this sort of favour but since last night was a full moon," he began making Severus nod.

"He's still too tired to go anywhere. It's fine dad, what's the favour?" Dumbledore pulled out a picture of a girl who looked no older then 5. "Who's this little girl? She's adorable don't get me wrong, but I'm wondering why you have a picture. It's considered creepy you old codger," he teased.

"That's your new little sister," Dumbledore answered. That made Sirius, Remus and Severus spit out their pumpkin juice. "Paloma is 4 and in an orphanage that doesn't realize she's been having spouts of accidental magic," he explained.

"Ah. But she's a child. Surely they can't pin her for the crime," Remus chuckled. When Dumbledore looked at him he realized. "They pin her for each and every crime? That's not right. She's only a child dad," Remus explained.

"I know that. It's why I adopted her. I thought it might be a good way to get her calmed down from that. Also it might help her get used to her conditions," Dumbledore explained. Sirius and Severus looked at Dumbledore curious. "Severus, being a Potions Master you have to monitor what you're making and for whom right?" He nodded at that and then Severus realized. "Dwarfism and Autism," he informed. Severus couldn't believe it.

"What kind of dwarfism?" Severus knew there were many kinds. Severus noticed he had a folder. "Give me the folder you old coot," he snapped in a teasing tone. Dumbledore smiled and handed it over. As he read it, Severus couldn't believe it. "The poor girl. She's got the most common type of dwarfism which makes that easier. But the autism really doesn't help her," he sighed.

"What kind is it Severus?" Sirius was actually curious now. He knew about the Muggle condition referred to as autism. Severus pulled out his notes on Asperger's Syndrome and sighed.

"Asperger's Syndrome. It's a mild form of autism. The person has an exceptional brain so books smarts is their forte. Common sense and social smarts. That's the problem. At 4, if she's being mistreated she really won't be ready for the world. I think homeschool would be a good idea. I can teach her and so can Sirius and Remus," he explained.

"I understand. Now go retrieve her," he responded. As Severus apparated to the orphanage he saw the building's condition and winced. The bricks were crumbling and the plants were growing over the door. As he creaked it open, he smelt mold and soil. He could clearly see Paloma. He believed in getting down and dirty, but these conditions weren't even sanitary. He kneeled down and made her look at him.

"How long have you been sitting there?"

"All day," she answered with a yawn. Severus smiled sadly and picked her up before she tried to hit him and he turned her around landing 2 sharp swats on her backside. "Meanie," she whimpered. Severus sighed and held her still.

"You really need to understand that hitting's not okay. It's very naughty," Severus reprimanded and then kissed her eye. "But you're still my little sister and I'll always love you," he soothed as he rubbed her back and grabbing her bag. As he walked, he could hear her yawn. "Sleep now little sister," he whispered as he walked down the road. He saw Sirius and the Muggle car. He climbed in and Sirius knew cues. "Thanks Sirius. She could use Snuffles though," he answered as he tucked Paloma in the bed that was in the car. Sirius turned into the dog and laid beside her.

The drive was silent until Paloma woke up and was scared. She began whimpering. "Shhh. You're okay little one," Sirius soothed and then there was no answer of soothing.

"Hey. Paloma it's okay. Look up. There should be a little mirror right above you," he explained and he saw her eyes lock to his. "You are okay sweetheart. You're fine. Dad is waiting for you back at home. He's ready to see you at home. You're just fine," he answered while smiling and keeping his eyes at her a lot.

Slowly her breathing settled down and she closed her eyes again. They arrived home as she fell into a deeper sleep and Severus got out and picked up Paloma who resisted until Dumbledore held her and began whispering. "Daddy's here. You're okay," he whispered. He then took note of the dirt all over her. "Maybe we should get you a warm bath and all cleaned up before you go back to bed. Sound good? Warm and clean for your new bed?" She whimpered and Dumbledore thought of an idea. "Remus, why don't you come help me? She could use a calming presence," Dumbledore advised.

"Love to. I'll take her up if you can find her some clean pajamas," Remus answered taking her and walking up the stairs with the frightened girl.