Disclaimer; I do not own recognisable Harry Potter characters. Brief discriptions of violence, neglect and child abuse. Currently have no Beta.

Chapter 2 - First Examination and Meeting Rhea

With one hand movement, he had decloaked himself and removed his bag. He place the child on the large ottoman as he summoned towel, blankets and some of his Godson's old clothes. His sister, a pale kindly looking women entered in a rush with all the requested items.

" Hello Severus, What is the story this time?", she said in a matter of fact fashion as she tied up her dark brown locks into a tight bun.

" Male child, looks 3 but speaks like a 5 year old. Doesn't know his true name. Abandoned in the woods two nights ago. Dragon like creature led him to me tonight. Do you mind taking pictures and setting up to Auto - Quill while I treat." He turned his attention back to the boy, " Okay, Silvanus, will you let me treat you and take evidence. This way you won't have to head back to your old family."

When the boy nodded, Severus helped him stand gently. " We need to take a picture while you walk, so we can display the limp", he said as he gently guided the boy forward. "Just ten steps" he instructed in a encouraging tone, slowly the boy limped. When he was there, Severus placed him back on the ottoman. Rhea worked in the background, magically directing the Auto-Quill and parchment nearby, as she took pictures.

" Basic information, John Doe under the age of five, known by the alias Damian Towers. Lives with his Uncle, Aunt and male Cousin. Abandoned in woods in South Surrey, England on Wednesday the 20th during the night. Found by Severus Tobias Auer - Prince known as Severus Tobias Snape on Friday the 22nd sometime between 9 and 11pm. This is a medical review carried out by mediwizard, registered professor, potion and defence master. Witnessed by patient and Rhea Silvia Auer - Prince, who has basic family healing certificate, previous experience in children's welfare department and training paralegal in family law mundane and magical."

" Child nicknamed Silvanus was scanned using basic age, height and condition spell. Results; 4 years 4 months and 22 days, born July 1980. Height 92cm or 36.2inches, Weight 11kg or 1St 10Lb and 4 Oz. Average for 4 ½ is 104cm, 41 inches and 16 kg, 2St 7Lb 4Oz. Patient presenting in lowest percentiles of children aged 3 ½. Child condition indicates serious level of neglect and physical harm.

Second scanning spell, reveals that child name has been obscured. Most likely a child of magical or squib parents. Child has dark green eyes, long wavy dark auburn hair almost black. Skin tone is light olive skin, almond shaped eye, classified as Caucasian. Difficult to determine any distinctive face marks due to bruising." Rhea took another set of photos showing the boys face in profile from both directions and from the front. She whispered " Your doing well Sil" and gently squeezed his hand.

" Boy found in dark gray pajama shorts from the muggle brand H&M, several sizes too large with loose stitching and frayed edges. Light Jacket from H&M in dark blue with orange and white chevon from shoulders to breast bone region. Similar condition, holes, distressed material and seams, large coming down to child's knees."

Severus paused as he peeled off the boys clothes, laying them out on the coffee table to be photographed. " Grey vest top and white briefs both in poor condition from the same brand. Slightly better size still indicates they were secondhand and worn by a much larger male child. Trainers are cheap, secondhand and two sizes to large, with heavily worn soles and shredded laces. Sock are also in poor state and damp. After removing vest, it is clear that the child has severe bruising across the torso."

" On the face a partial handprint shaped bruise and several smaller superficial cuts and bruises. Deep tissue bruise and swelling on the right shoulder and upper arm. Indication of pulling leading to shoulder dislocation and muscle strain. Consistent bruising about 2 days old down torso and back. Knees have heavy bruising and cuts with debris in them, soil, plant matter and stone. Childs feet and hands have sores, splits dry skin, indicating exposure to damp freezing conditions without adequate protection. I will run a detailed medical scan, , covering medical history, intelligence indicator emotional, magical and physical health." After a series of complex wand movements and chants, parchment scroll appeared out of nowhere, rolling up neatly on the coffee table.

" A copy and summary of the report will be added to the evidence file. Recording from before Dec 1981 has been obscured also. Results indicate severe neglect with physical violence started recently with his first magical core growth. Light scarring suggests a belt was used in the first physical assault". After all the photos had been taken, he continued speaking as he healed the boy's injuries. First dealing with superficial ones, then the bruising, then the scarring marks on the back. Using a mixture of spells, balms and potions to heal everything. " Patient will require nutrient potion, bone strengtheners, muscle and nerve tonics. Suggestion that Goblin testing and healing required to break around obscuring magics. Will visit Goblins in the next 24 hours." with that they shut off the auto quill and placed all the evidence in a messenger bag along with his shrunk clothing.

"Who would like to bathe you, Silvanus?"

" You"

" Okay, question number 2, would you like to go the the bank tonight when its quiet or tomorrow whens its really busy and loud."

" Tonight, will the Goblins know what they are?" he pointed at the two creatures nestled on the fireplace mantle.

" The goblins are wise proud creatures, I think they will know knowledge than has been forgot many years ago."

Severus continued to talk about Goblins, as Rhea started the bath. With bright orange bubbles which when popped smelled of orange, cinnamon and cloves. After the boy body and hair was scrubbed and washed. Severus encased him in a fluffy towel while spelling his hair dry. Severus used a guiding hand to ensure the boy went to the toilet and brushed his teeth. Then clothing the boy in dark blue jeans, dark green shirt and a charcoal jumper. He improvise with a pair of his own shoes, creating comfortable pair of black shoes. While he tied them as the boy struggled, Rhea combed and put the boy hair up into a low bun with a leather hair tie.

Rhea spoke " I sent word to Grandfather and the family solicitor. They will meet Grasten in a guarded conference office. I also have a flask of hot chocolate, coffee some pepper up and biscuits. Sev will you change quickly and get all the paperwork, while I will find and adapt a cloak and winter wear for Siv". Severus quickly made his way to the adjoining bedroom, while Rhea summoned a cloak with the Prince and Auer Sigil on the lapel. The boy looked like he was drowning in material when it was placed on his shoulder as it was fastened.

" Okay Silvanus, hold the shoulder to your shoulders while I use the shrinking charm." After a couple of minutes there was perfectly sized dark grey gloves and scarves to match. Severus return in a dark green shirt, black trousers, jumper and shoes. He fastened and put on his outerwear, then dutifully held his sisters coat while she dealt with the more intricate lace fastenings on girls cloaks.

" Sev, shall we glamour the child for safety. The whole obscuring charms is not a good indication. Perhaps darken his eyes to a near black and his hair to a dark brown." Severus nodded and cast intricate glamours while his sister got out a pocket mirror to show the boy the changes.

" Silvanus, we are going to floo, travel through the fireplace. Same rules as before, the flame won't hurt us promise. Rhea will you take the dragonoids under your cloak, stick them to your arms and they will travel safe. Floo Hall, Gringotts, Princeps". The fire warmed momentarily before there bodies were pushed through the floo system in a disorientating fashion. After a moment, the siblings and their stowaways exited the fireplace. Walking into the inner atrium toward a teller. "Don't stare too much child. Greet or nod to the Goblins who help." The boy wiggled a bit in Severus secure grip while attempting to look at everything. They were greeted and guided the the meeting room.

" Grandfather, Grasten and co, thanks for meeting us at this inconvenient time. Rhea will pass over a copy of the evidence and notify you of events while I get Silvanus settled and remove his glamours" . Rhea pulled out the bag of clothing as well as multiple copies of document for them all to review. Severus removed the glamours and the their outerwear. Then gave him a sippy cup of hot chocolate with a dash of his daily potions in and sat down with the child on his lap, he placed a small box of biscuits on the corner of the table in front.

" I think it's advisable that I play a memory for you. We also found two dragon type creature who wanted to play stowaway and are yet to leave the boy". On cue the creature unwinded and flew to settle on a chair close to the heat vent in the room. The boy was too young to pull memories from they would have to rely of his words and Severus' memories in that case. Over the next hour, the evidence was received before the Goblins suggested certain actions.

" I have a suspicion who the child is, I recognise that specific shade of Auburn hair. Very rare and the family only exist in hidden squip lines and yet to be reclaimed in wizarding or known squibs. The family name Towers, old pureblood most famously known for their neutrality, wizarding architecture specialist and rare material manipulation talent. I suggest that I bring the Goblin Ruler in on this, I don't want to bring in his families goblin if they have been compromised by the obscurer. Have some teas and coffees while I notify the ruler." With that the Goblin left the room.

" Severus, the child is most likely a war orphan. Whatever happen he will no likely be brought into this family. Will you be prepared to be the primary caretaker? "

" If Albus won't interfere than yes, if not we have plenty of allies in Europe Mainland who can take him and I will spend the holidays with him. I will take a couple of weeks off for sickness to help him settle in the least." he said quietly as he rubbed the sleepy boys cheek lightly. " Grandfather did Grandmother let you leave without a gift for the child? We know how much she's loves children in need."

"Of course she did, a family blanket with soft sheep wool on one side, the usual family charms. Oh and a stuffed plush which she was teasing you with after hearing about your reputation among the children of Hogwarts." he said laying the item on the table for Severus to reach for. Severus lightly lifted the boy so he would wrap him up and placed the plush bat in his arm. He laid the boy across his lap and nearby chair. Rhea passed Severus a strong coffee while the adults engaged in light conversation.