Hello everyone! Thank you so much for all of your reviews and support! Sorry to keep you guys waiting, and I hope you enjoy this new chapter.

Disclaimer: Still don't own Harry Potter, blah blah blah.

Warnings: Angst? I think that's pretty much it.


Chapter 7

Tom landed in the entrance hall with Harry in his arms. He looked down at the unconscious child to make sure that no negative effects happened to him from apparating. Harry looked far from peaceful, but there were no noticeable side effects. Letting out a sigh of relief, Tom quickly made his way upstairs to meet up with Lucius, Severus, and hopefully a medic. Narcissa was the one that was waiting for him in front of a bedroom that was opened, with voices lowly talking to one another.

Seeing the boy being carried in Tom's arms, Narcissa's eyes couldn't help but widen in surprise. The poor child looked like death warmed over!

Narcissa quickly rushed inside the room, which promptly stopped the talking, and lowered the bed covers for the child.

"Place him here, Tom," Narcissa said, and stepped out of the way for her lord.

Tom gently lowered Harry onto the bed, and turned toward the mediwizard that was in the room.

"Heal him," Tom demanded.

The man quickly scurried over the Harry's bedside and withdrew his wand to check the child. Tom was watching with intent eyes, making sure that nothing bad was going to happen to Harry.

Lucius was standing next to Narcissa, his hand was gently placed on her arm, in a rare public display of comfort. Narcissa relaxed at the small gesture from her husband, and stood up straighter. She was going to support these people around her, and Merlin help anyone that would ever harm this child.

Tom was still staring intently at the mediwizard and Harry, hoping that things would be okay. He wasn't sure how to tell others how Tom was connected to Harry. It was already complicated enough for him to have a hard time understanding, so how would the others react? He wasn't worried about the people in this room; he was worried about his enemies. How was he supposed to protect Harry from all those who wished him harm? He wasn't sure of the answer yet, but he would find a solution, even if that meant locking Harry inside his manor. Oh, he was sure that Harry would hate that, but when it came to his safety, he would do anything to keep him safe.

An hour later, the mediwizard was done checking Harry, and turned to Tom.

"I found a few broken bones that were healed incorrectly, so I'm going to have to reset those. Also, I found several bruises, most likely from him being hit, and he is also severely malnourished. This child has been neglected and abused for a very long time, and I will leave you some potions that will help with the malnourishment and for pain. I'll leave a balm for his bruises to help them fade faster. I will reset the bones now," the mediwizard explained. Sensing Tom's next question, he answered, "Don't worry, he won't feel me resetting his bones into the correct place, I gave him something that would make him sleep peacefully for a few hours at least."

Tom nodded, and made himself watch the mediwizard do what needed to be done. He wouldn't look away, as he had promised that he would protect Harry. He had to make sure that everything was going to be alright.

Severus, Lucius, and Narcissa watched as well. They wanted to support Tom and this child, so they wouldn't look away.

Severus knew that he was going to be in charge of brewing the potions for this small child. He wouldn't allow any other to do it. He felt somehow connect to this innocent being, and he was going to make sure that this child fully healed. He wouldn't trust others with this task, and he was going to demand that Tom let him brew the potions for Harry, and he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Lucius and Narcissa watched Harry, and they also vowed that they would protect this child. Perhaps Draco would get along with Harry, and they would be friends. Draco may be selfish, but he was also loyal to those that he deemed worthy.

Not much time had passed until the mediwizard was done. He placed a few vials of various colored potions on the bedside table, and turned to Tom.

"Make him drink these when he wakes up and after he eats. They will help with his pain, and his malnourishment. If you need me for anything, feel free to contact me at St. Mungo's, and ask for James."

"Thank you, James, for helping Harry. I will ask for you if I need anything," Tom said with gratitude clearly in his voice. "Narcissa, if you would please escort James to the floo for me," Tom asked and demanded at the same time.

Narcissa gave Tom a slight nod and turned to Healer James, "If you would please follow me," she told James, and led him from the room to the floo that was in the living room.

Severus glared at Tom for a few moments, and then strode from the room. Tom couldn't help but smile slightly, as he knew what Severus was going to do and he was thankful. Tom looked over at Lucius, and waited for him to speak.

"If I may," began Lucius, "I think I will bring Draco here in a few days. Maybe Harry will enjoy the company of someone his age, and I think Draco will benefit from Harry as well."

Tom nodded and said, "I think that is a good idea, Lucius. I hope Draco and Harry will become friends as well."

Lucius nodded in thanks, and walked out of the room to go and find his wife to tell her his plans. He knew that she would agree, because he could tell that she cared for Harry as well.

Tom was alone with Harry now, and he walked closer to the child's bedside to gently stroke Harry's hair. He saw the lightning bolt shaped scar and quietly whispered to Harry, "I may not be the nicest man, Harry, but I will never raise my hand, or wand, against you. I'm glad that Lucius and Narcissa are here, in case I ever need advice. However, I promise you this, I will be a loving and caring father, Harry, and Merlin knows that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. This is my vow."