Chapter 12 – Discussions
Tim walked downstairs a quiet Jimmy and Gibbs behind him. He sat on the couch and jumped when he felt someone head slap him. He looked up to see a smirking Gibbs sitting in a chair a few feet away and a glaring Jimmy sitting next to him.
"Don't even go there. This isn't your fault. Harry is old enough to know right from wrong. And he knew enough to know he was lying to you. This isn't about trust Tim. This is about those Monsters training him to put himself and his health last. He got an upset stomach and a headache for his lie. You told him that wasn't ok and to never lie to you again or you'd spank him. Now let it go and don't beat yourself up over it." Jimmy said.
"But if I can't trust that he's eaten..." Tim started.
"Tim. Jimmy's right. Harry trust you but he's going to back slid at times. He's been raised all his life that his needs don't matter. You told him it's not acceptable and he comes first. Now let it go. When it happens again and trust me it will. Then you punish him and I don't mean ground him. He needs to know that you're his dad and that you mean what you say." Gibbs said.
Tim went wide eyed and he said surprised. "You want me to spank him when he's sick? I understand for lying. But when he's sick?"
Jimmy said firmly to Gibbs and Tim's surprise. "Yes. His health is nothing to play with. Harry is malnourished already. This time he got a headache and an upset stomach Tim. Next time with these potions it could be a lot worst."
Tim said. "If there so harsh. Why have him take them?"
Jimmy looked at Gibbs. Knowing he'd have to going into detail. And he knew at some point he rambled on not able to help himself. Both thing he knew annoyed Gibbs. But Gibbs getting irritated with him wouldn't help matters.
Gibbs smirk and said. "It's my grandson's health. Tell us Dr. Palmer but please keep it so I can understand it. I'd rather not have Tim break down what you're saying so I can understand it."
Jimmy nodded and said trying to keep it simple without insulting them. "Harry since he was very young. Hasn't gotten the proper food, sunlight or exercise his body needs to thrive. It's made his body from head to toe fragile. As Harry gets older if nothing is done he can develop some serious problems. The blood adoption gave him a good start by healing the current injuries he had at the time. The mix of potions we have him taking will do the rest. By basically hitting a reset button on Harry's body. The reset is in simple terms. Rebuilding Harry's body making it stronger and healthier and in the process healing the damage that has already been done. As it does this he'll get moody, at times be very hungry and probably crave things his body needs. It's important he eats regularly, exercises, gets sunlight and the emotional support he needs as he takes the potions. Dr. Mallard and I will watch his progress and do any testing needed, based on those test we can change the dose as needed. Harry won't like some of the test but their needed. A few he'll need support through but we can give Tim a warning for those ahead of time so he can be there."
"How long will he need the potion?" Tim asked.
Jimmy sighed and said. "Based on the test results from the ER Doctor and our own tests at least a year maybe longer."
Tim blinked and stuttered. "A-a-a year. Is he that bad off?"
Jimmy thought for a minute trying to figure out the best way to tell them.
"Don't sugar coat it Jimmy." Gibbs said.
Jimmy sighed and said. "If Harry didn't have the level of magic he does. He would have died years ago. Harry's magic has been feeding him and healing his body for years. The amount of damage and scars left is what Harry magic couldn't heal past keeping him alive. As the potions heal him some of the scarring will go away. But we don't know how much will be left. Tim you might consider having Harry see a plastic surgeon for it in later years. But for now between the potions and then him hitting puberty right after he's off of them I wouldn't worry about it."
Tim asked. "The spell Dumbledore put on Harry. Did it hurt his magic?"
Jimmy shook his head and said. "No that spell is often used by parents, guardians, healers and sometimes instructors. The spell will let a child or adult that comes into an inheritance with a large boost of magic get use to the magic they now have. It aids them in slowly getting use to using their now stronger magic a small amount at a time. Harry is a little young for having it cast on him. But it's not unheard of for children to have it put on them young if their family has strong magic lines. Which from what I've heard of Harry's parents it's possible. The thing Dumbledore wasn't counting on. The person it is put on controls the amount of magic used for each spell. In this case Harry could have control the amount of magic he used at any time. Harry wasn't told that so he never tried and took Dumbledore at his word and only used the small amounts he needed in classes. That's why when you adopted him, the spell broke. Harry's magic did what it always does protect and heal Harry. That bubble was Harry's magic testing you Tim. Checking to make sure that not only were a suitable and strong enough magic wise. To guide and protect Harry. A young but powerful wizard and do all the other things a parent should do for him. But that you wanted to for the right reasons. Once Harry's magic began testing you. Harry didn't know how to control the amount of magic released. So when too much was released at once it broke the spell and all of it was released. His magic did that on purpose releasing itself both to test you further and see what you'd do. But it also at the same time was fighting the potion. I imagine you were shown thing about Harry's childhood and made an oath to Harry. Take that oath very seriously Tim."
Tim started to get offended and said. "I do. How can you th…"
Jimmy held his hand up and said calmly. "I'm not saying you don't Tim. I'm just saying that Harry's magic now sees you as Harry's father. His magic will now seek you out when Harry's in trouble. That oath formed a bond that connects your and Harry's magic. You are now Harry's biological and magical parent. As for the spell I wouldn't suggest putting it back on him as Harry's magic is working with the potion to heal him. You can calm Harry using your magic as I said you're connected now. If you stay calm so will Harry. You can use that connection to help Harry re-gain control. No matter how out of control he gets. Even if the house is falling down around you. Stay calm and remember you're the calm in Harry's magical storm."
Tim's eyes went wide and he said. "Just how powerful is Harry?"
Jimmy sighed and said. "We honestly don't know at this point to be honest."
Tim and Gibbs both looked at him with explain now or get head slapped expressions on their faces.
Jimmy sighed and said. "Ok give me a minute. I need to think on how to explain this."
Gibbs glared and said. "We aren't idiots Jimmy. Just do the best you can."
Jimmy glared and said. "Never said you were Gibbs. It's just very hard to explain. Harry's magic doesn't work the way an average magic users does. It's hard to put into words."
"Is it because of the potions? You said Harry's magic is working with them." Tim said.
Jimmy finally nodded and said. "In a way yes the potions are part of it but the main reason is this. Think of your magic like a muscle in your body. You could be the strongest person in the world. But if you don't use your muscles after a while they'll atrophy. Harry is powerful, very powerful. Off the charts powerful and for the last elven almost twelve years. His magic has been constantly healing and feeding him. Harry's magic has been working moving stretching and keeping him alive. Harry's magic unlike others that have a core and that's it. Harry is a mage his magic literally runs through his body making his body function and has for years. Dr. Mallard and I tried to get idea of Harry's power range. Every test we tried the reading was different. We're not sure if it's the potions throwing the test off or if Harry is too powerful to test. We've considered Harry might have blocks on him. But we can't find evidence of them in any test we've run. It might be that they are just that well hidden or he might not have them. We don't know to be honest. But either way the readings we did get are the highest either of us have ever seen in someone so young. And Harry's still untrained and hasn't hit his maturity yet. The possibilities for Harry's magic at this point are endless."
Gibbs asked. "What happens when he's off the potion? And what about these blocks will they hurt Harry or his magic?"
"First off were not sure if the blocks exist. But if they do Harry's had them on him for years. So his magic is used to getting around them. Once Harry is older and his magic is able to. It may break them on its own. Or it's very likely once the potions have healed Harry. That his magic may focus on them then and break then. Honestly I'm not sure but either way it's safe to say. That when Harry is fully healed that is when Daddy Tim gets to live with a teenage Merlin. Tim you need a good magic school that teaches mages control along with magic. They'll help teach Harry full control over his magic. If needed and Harry can't control his magic. Then we can redo the spell. But it's temporary so I wouldn't do it. On the plus side Tim's magic will always be able to calm Harry's magic and that is a very good thing. Tony and Abby are good choices as godparents as there both magically strong and can help Harry if Tim's not available. Another good thing is as Harry's trust grows in Tim and the rest of us we'll be able to help him learn control. We all have different methods we use with our own magic to help control temper, sadness, and frustration and so on. Harry will need that as he grows up. And as he learns control Harry will naturally seek out the stronger magically among us to help him. When he starts looking for a partner Tim's going to have fun. Not many will match Harry magically and he'll get. Shall we say frustrated easily? Teenage angst at its best matched with accidental magic. Find a school fast McGee or get good at home repair spells. On second thought I'd get good at those anyways you'll need it." Jimmy finished smirking at Tim.
Tim glared at Jimmy as Gibbs laughed. Tim broke out in a grin as he thought of something making Jimmy nervous. Tim said. "Harry needs a tutor to catch up with his mundane studies. You're the last one out of school and the most up to date not to mention the best person to keep an eye on his potion intake."
"I loved to tutor him Tim. But I've got two jobs and a very hectic schedule as it is. It might be best to find someone else. Sorry I wish I could." Jimmy said.
Tim smirked as Gibbs head smacked Jimmy.
"The kid looks up to you Jimmy. He'll listen to you and since its summer. It not like he doesn't have his days free. You can tutor him in your office at NCIS." Gibbs said.
"Gibbs no. Like I said. I've got a job to do besides NCIS. And at NCIS I'm busy assisting Dr. Mallard in the field and in autopsy. Plus I help Abby and you guys when I can. Harry needs someone that can give him there full attention in his studies. Not hit and miss when I get a free hour here and there. No as much as I'd love to. It just wouldn't be fair to him. I'm sorry Tim much as I do anything to help you and Harry. My answers has to be no. Goodnight." Jimmy said and left before they could respond.
Tim was shocked and looked at Gibbs. "What just happened?"
Gibbs narrowed his eyes and said. "I'm not sure. But I plan to find out."
"Gibbs don't force it. I can get Harry another tutor." Tim said.
"Jimmy tutoring Harry is not the problem Tim. Something just isn't right here and hasn't been for a while. Do you know Jimmy asked a lot of question about the adoption and about Harry himself, when Harry first got here? It was almost like he needed to know every little detail about the kid. But then during the first two weeks he was barely around and hasn't been since then. I mean he's helped with his care and he came tonight. But haven't you notice he is never alone with Harry. Every time Palmer is supposed to be alone with Harry he makes an excuse not to be? And he gets your permission before he does anything with Harry. Even the simplest thing like talking to him. It's like he's afraid to be alone with or even talk to him." Gibbs said.
Tim thought a minute and said. "Some people just don't feel comfortable around kids. They think they'll break or spill something. And Jimmy said Harry is pretty powerful. Maybe he's afraid of Harry losing control of his magic and he won't be able to do anything. So he wants someone else around just in case he does."
Gibbs shook his head and said. "No if he was uncomfortable around kids he would make an excuse to not be around Harry at all. And I've seen Jimmy around other kids that have visited with their parents or been connected to a case. He pretty good with them. As for Harry, Jimmy has no problem if he has your permission and someone else is in the room. That might be it but I don't think so. You'd be the only one to completely help Harry control his magic if it got out of control and he's fine with Ducky or me being in the room with Harry and him. You know Harry said the first time he saw Jimmy. That he reminded him of pictures he saw of his biological father."
"You think Jimmy's afraid Harry might question it. Gibbs people look like other people all the time with no blood relation. Look at that fed that was here last year. He could have passed for my kid brother and were not related. Remember Tony called him the evil McGeek. I think you're reading too much into it. Jimmy might just not have the time to tutor Harry. As for the rest he could just be nervous around kids Harry's age or Harry's level of magic. Jimmy's never been mean or rude to Harry and he didn't have a problem coming over tonight to help." Tim said.
Gibbs nodded and said. "That's true. But he is only around Harry if someone else is around. It's a little odd. Something in my gut tell me he's hiding something and it's the reason he won't be alone with Harry. I don't think he'd hurt Harry. I just want to figure it out before Harry get wind of it and gets his feeling hurt. I'll talk to Ducky he might know something. Goodnight."
Tim said goodnight and walked Gibbs out. He hope this thing with Jimmy didn't blow up in their faces. Sighing and feeling tired he turned off the lights and locked up. He checked in on Harry and then went to his own room. He knew Harry had been faking being asleep but figured he would fall asleep soon. He got ready for bed and had just gotten comfortable when he heard a soft knock.
"Come in." Tim said.
Harry opened the door Jethro next to him. He looked nervous.
"Harry what's wrong?" Tim asked sitting up and turning the lamp on next to his bed.
Harry said. "Um never mind. I'll go back to bed."
"It's ok Harry come in." Tim said.
Harry nervously walked in his heart beating hard against his chest. He closed his eyes and said. "I want to ask something but…Never mind."
Harry ran into his room threw himself on his bed and when Jethro jumped up next to him buried his face in the dog's neck. He felt like a dumb little kid and had heat rushing through him and tried to calm down. He felt the house start to shake and tears started to flow out as he couldn't stop and couldn't force himself to calm down. Tim sat next to him and started rubbing his back. Harry turn into him and felt himself pulled into a hug. A few minutes later he was calm.
"Harry you want to tell me what's wrong?" Tim asked.
Harry shook his head.
"Come on it can't be that bad?" Tim said.
Harry mumbled something in Tim shoulder.
Tim grinned and pulled back. He said. "Let's try that again. I didn't catch that."
Harry blushed and said. "Can I sleep with you in your bed? You don't have to let me. It's just something my friends talked about when they were sick or scared. They said they'd sleep with their parents and it made them feel a little better. And I still don't feel well."
Tim scooped him up and went into his room and put him on the bed and told him to scoot over. A few minutes later Harry snuggled into Tim's side. Tim turned the light out and put the covers over them both. A few minutes later The McGee family was snoring away all three of them with small smiles on all three faces. (Yeah McMutt was amused by his humans even in his sleep.)
