The Days Of The Flower
It wasn't even a month later when Severus returned to Jacob with a feverish Harry. Jacob was kind and patient with the ill-tempered Potions Master, and offered a reassuring presence when Harry had to be admitted for overnight observation.
"He'll be fine," Jacob reassured as he sat down next to Severus who had planted himself next to the small crib-like bed when Harry lay.
"This is entirely my fault," Severus murmured from where his face was buried in his hands.
"No, it's not," Jacob replied. He reached up to place a hand on the man's shoulder, but changed his mind. Severus didn't seem like one who would welcome comfort easily, especially from a stranger.
"I should have brought him in for a check-up sooner."
Jacob tilted his head at that statement before shrugging it away. All parents were different when it came to the care of their child; he had met many who believed home care was best, rather than going to see a Medi-wizard or witch.
"It probably would have just delayed it, you can't predict fevers," the Medi-wizard said.
Severus gave a deep sigh.
~.~
Harry was not responding to any of the children potions given to him, and had a bad allergic reaction to one of them. They were able to correct that, but Severus had to be treated for shock when that happened four days ago. Jacob was just grateful that Harry's fever hadn't gotten higher, not that it was good news, but at least it made things slightly easier and a little less stressful.
"Don't worry, Severus."
Jacob paused just outside the door, blinking in surprise at the sight of Lady and Lord Malfoy. Everyone knew of the hermit that was Severus Snape, so Jacob, like everyone else, was surprised when the man first turned up with a baby in tow. He quickly got over his shock when he saw how Severus man handled Harry during the check-up; to put it simply, it was rather adorable.
And now, the two Malfoys were here.
"Harry will be fine."
Jacob was roused from his thoughts at the sound of Lord Malfoy's voice. He then straightened his robes before entering the room.
"Good morning," he greeted and jumped when he was nearly bulldozed over by Lady Malfoy.
"Are you the one in charge of my little Harry's care?" she demanded.
"Yes, I am, Lady Malfoy." Jacob answered before turning his attention to the sleeping Harry. He checked the baby's vitals and sighed with disappointment when he saw that the fever still was the same.
"His fever is still the same, which is both good and bad," Jacob announced to the adults.
"Severus told us that you've been using small dosages of the adult potions," Lord Malfoy said.
Jacob nodded, "Yes we have, though considering that his fever hasn't broke we are upping the dosage."
"How much?" Lord Malfoy asked.
"I would like to ask for Mister Snape's opinion about that," Jacob answered. He turned to the Potion Master who, during the conversation, had been comfortably caressing Harry's arm.
Severus looked up, a bit surprised. He had dealt with Medi-wizards and witches before, they were all either threatened or jealous by his knowledge of potions, and more often than not, treated him with very little tolerance, not that it mattered to him. So it was a bit of a surprise when Jacob asked for his advice.
"Mister Snape?"
"My apologies," Severus answered, beating down his surprise. He had more important things to worry about. "As for the dosage, perhaps half while closely monitored."
Jacob nodded.
"I would also suggest using jasmine petals instead of nightmare seeds," Severus continued on.
Jacob blinked, "I beg your pardon?"
"Jasmine petals are easier on a baby's stomach without diluting the anti-fever potion than the seeds."
"Never thought of that" Jacob thought as he nodded, though he shouldn't be surprised - Snape wasn't the youngest Potions Master of all of Britain for nothing.
"I'll get right on it…unless you would like to make the potion yourself?"
Jacob had seen the way Snape would glare suspiciously at the potions that were given to Harry. While it was against the rules to accept potions brewed by parents, Jacob had a feeling it wouldn't matter in the end, as Snape stared at him before nodding.
Lucius and Narcissa decided there and then that they liked this Medi-wizard.