Chapter Two
Dad sits on the base of father's bed while Eileen and I try to hide ourselves. It's a bit odd to watch dad rub our father's hairless leg and whisper words of love when they have never shown the slightest bit of intimacy in front of the family. "Grandfather, why does Grandpa Harry have hair on his legs and you don't?" That one never finishes asking questions. I'm glad dad didn't choose Hermione to be my birthmother. Then my little Lily would be just as curious as Eileen's kids.
"Your grandfather was hit with a spell in a skirmish during the second war. It made his boots freeze and the curse slowly traveled up his legs. He wasn't able to throw it off until it got to his knees."
"And the hair never grew back?"
Dad sighed and turned to me. "Sirius, would you mind explaining this to your nephew. You're the healer in the family after all."
"You see James, Grandpa Harry did as much as he could to break the spell after the battle was over, but it only took the ice from the outside of his legs. His bones stayed cold. They're still cold." Hearing the boy grunt in disbelief I add, "Touch his knee caps if you don't believe me." Watching James join dad in rubbing father's leg, I continue, "Because it stayed cold, grandfather had low circulation in his legs, and if you have low circulation the hair won't grow."
"Ooh. Is that why he lives here now instead of with Grandpa Harry?"
Relief surged through me as Eileen picked up this one. "Grandfather Severus isn't going to live here forever James. He is only staying here because he is very sick and your grandpa can't take care of him by himself. Do you understand?"
"I think so, but he's not going to go to the veil like Lily's Grand-mammy Luna did is he?" Silence filled the room as we all pondered his question. We all knew there was a good chance that father may not last much longer due to his age and illnesses but it's easier to deny it. I guess we've been forced to face it now.
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A/N- I know the parentage may be confusing to some, so if you have any questions about the story feel free to ask in your review.