August - Harry, age 6
Snape swallowed hard as he stood in the upstairs hallway. He closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment before his hand fell to his side. His eyes remained closed as he silently counted backwards from ten.
They had to leave in the next five minutes if they had any hope of being on time and the child had disappeared.
Snape knew damn well that Harry was hiding. It was not the first time it had happened. Just a week earlier the boy had hid in an attempt to get out of a nap. Snape had been well past annoyed at the stunt however he had let the child off with a stern scolding. Now he was beginning to wish that he had been harder on him. Perhaps if he had he wouldn't be dealing with this now.
"Harry," he called loudly fighting to keep the annoyance out of his tone. "We do not have time for this. Come out at once!" He was silent as he listened carefully for any sound of the child.
Harry cringed to himself as he heard Snape's tone, his legs folded to his chest as he remained sat and curled up within the cabinet in the bathroom. He rested his cheek on his legs, remaining tense as he stared at the door of the cabinet. He wasn't going to the doctors. He refused! They were nothing but mean and poked and prodded him with needles or they didn't ever listen to him. The child gave a small sniff, blinking as several tears fell down his cheeks at the idea of it all. He wasn't going!
Snape stood in complete silence for several long moments before he felt his temper rising at the situation. "I am going to count to three Harry and if you are not out by then I will use magic to bring you to me." He paused for a moment listening carefully once more. When he was met with silence he continued. "If I say three and you do not come out, you have my word that you will be going to the doctors with a sore backside. One..."
Harry wanted to doubt that magic could do such a thing! Yet he was also learning that magic could do almost everything. Even their food just appeared. He cringed at the threat, tightening his hold around his legs slightly as he heard the first number get called. Harry shifted uncomfortably, chewing on his bottom lip.
Snape's features grew stern as he was met by silence. "Two," he called out loudly. "Perhaps you need a wooden spoon taken to your backside..." Snape took a step towards the staircase listening carefully for any noise downstairs.
The words broke Harry and he whined a loud "Dooon't!" as he emerged from under the cabinet. He stood, remaining in the bathroom. "I'm not goin' though!" He shook his head roughly, rubbing at his tears.
Snape turned on his heel, his eyes narrowing in on the small boy in the bathroom behind him. A moment later he was standing in front of Harry. Snape reached out and took the child by the arm. Turning him to the side he landed a firm swat to his small rear end before picking him up. "Did you forget the conversation that we had just last week about hiding from me?"
Harry took a half step back before he was grabbed, yelping at the smack as he went up on his toes. His breath hitched as he was picked up, tears continuing to fall as he rubbed at them. "N-noooo. I'm NOT going Snape!" The child started to struggle in the man's hold, attempting to move down and get himself back on the floor.
"Stop your squirming." Snape's voice was low and firm. "If you can not control this tantrum you will find yourself over my knee." He moved out of the bathroom and into Harry's bedroom. He sat on the bed, the child still firmly in his arms.
"I'm not going!" Harry nearly screeched, sobbing hard as Snape sat down with him. His right hand gripped at the man's front, his shoulders shaking with his sobs. "Don't make me goooo!"
Snape raised an eyebrow at the small hand gripping his cloak. "You do not have a choice Harry. In order to go to school you must see the doctor." The man forced his tone to remain normal despite his annoyance with the child's tantrum.
"I don't haveta go to school th-then." The child shook his head as he rubbed at his eyes. "I'm not goingg!"
"Not going to school is not an option," Snape spoke softly, the child's tears starting to wear him down. "What is this fear all about?"
"They're mean," Harry's voice fell softer, resting his cheek on Snape's chest as the tears still fell. He gave up on attempting to stop them, his small shoulders shaking slightly.
"This doctor is not mean," Snape attempted to assure the child. "He comes highly recommended and is well known for how well he is with children." Snape sighed softly as he stood up with the child still in his arms. He moved through the room and out into the hallway. "We need to go downstairs now and get your shoes on before we are late."
"No!" Harry started to squirm in the man's hold once more. "Noooo, please Snaaape! I don't wanna go!" The child pushed against Snape's chest, whining loudly.
Snape tightened his hold on the child as he started down the stairs. "I will stay with you the entire time."
"I don't CARE!" Harry's sobs started once more, shaking his head. "I'm not going!" The child's small frame shook in the man's hold as he simply continued to shake his head while attempting to break away.
"You are going," Snape said firmly as he stepped onto the first floor. "If you keep trying to wiggle out of my arms you are going to go with a very sore backside. Is that what you want?" Snape looked down at the child in his arms.
The child could only shake his head at the threat, his breath hitching. "Dooon't," he whined softly, his hand raising once more to rub at his face.
Snape moved across the parlor, sitting down in his armchair with Harry in his lap. With a wave of his hand the boy's shoes appeared next to Snape's feet. The man leaned over picking up Harry's right shoe and pushing it onto the child's foot. "We will be done at the doctors and back home before you know it."
Harry tried to move his foot out of Snape's hold, hiding his face within his guardian's robes as he continued to whine. "Nooooo."
Snape paused in his actions as the child tried to fight against him. "Now that is enough!" His voice was firm and slightly loud. "If you fight against me even once more you are going to find yourself over my knee. Are we clear little boy?"
Harry forced his legs to relax so he would stop fighting, cringing as Snape's voice rose slightly. Sniffing loudly, Harry didn't respond as he simply kept his head buried against the man.
Snape easily slipped the shoe on the child's foot. He tied the laces before reaching down for the other shoe and doing the same.
Once Harry's shoes were on, Snape stood with the child in his arms and moved towards the front door. "Just calm down. There is no need for all these tears. You will have a quick physical, receive your vaccinations, and we will be back home. As I said I will stay with you every moment." Snape worked hard to keep his voice calm.
"No shots!" Harry rushed out, his body tensing at the words. "No, no, no!" He shook his head with a loud sob. "Please dooon't, Snape!" It was clear the child was fearful, attempting to break away from the man once more.
Snape stepped outside closing the door firmly behind him. A moment later his hand moved to gently rub the boy's back as he started down the front walk. "Calm down," he instructed gently. "You will be just fine. I promise you. There is nothing to be afraid of."
Harry wrapped his arms tightly around Snape's neck, hiding his face within his shirt. "Please no shooots," he whispered, shoulders shaking with his tears.
"You need them to attend school," Snape explained patiently. "You will be just fine Harry. Now calm down. I hardly think that you want everyone in the doctor's office to see you crying."
Snape walked up the street, turning the corner as he adjusted the child in his arms.
He rubbed his cheeks on Snape's shoulder, his breath hitching as he tried to reel in his tears. Still, Harry couldn't help his soft whisper of "I want to go hoooome."
"As I have said we will be home before you know it," Snape sighed softly as his hand moved to rub the small back once more. "You need to do this in order to go to school and school is not an option."
"Can't... cant I be homeschooled then? Anything but getting a shot." Harry's voice was still a whisper, his breath hitching every few moments.
"That is not an option," Snape shook his head as he crossed the street. "I have classes to teach. I do not have the time to properly teach you as well. Aside from that, eventually in life you will have to get a shot. It can not be avoided forever."
"Nu uh. Grown ups don't get them," Harry pointed out, sniffling softly as he tucked his head under Snape's chin. "Pleaaase Snape! I'll be good forever if I don't get them! I'll listennnnn!"
"This has absolutely nothing to do with your behavior." Snape turned a corner, the doctor's office now in sight. "You need to just calm yourself. If you would like I can even hold your hand while you get the vaccinations."
Harry's hold tightened around Snape's neck at the words, the action alone being the answer for the man. "'M scared," he finally whispered.
"I know." Snape's voice remained gentle as he stopped out front of the doctors office. "You have nothing to be afraid of though. I will stay with you, the doctor will be nice." Snape rubbed the child's back gently. "Now do you want to walk in the office or would you like me to continue carrying you?"
"Carry," he stated softly, his hold loosening slightly. Harry's eyes closed, taking in a deep breath.
Snape nodded as he adjusted the child in his arms once more. "I absolutely expect you to behave while we are here Harry. I understand that you are scared but that does not give you permission to misbehave. Do not think for a single moment that I have an issue with taking you to the bathroom and reminding you of your manners." The man walked towards the office door. He opened the door walking in and to the counter checking Harry in before he took a seat in the waiting room, with Harry now on his lap.
Harry's cheeks flushed at the threat, suddenly glad he decided to still be carried. He tilted his head slightly, hiding his face within Snape's front. He swallowed heavily, releasing a slow breath.
Snape gently rubbed the child's back for several long moments before a nurse appeared calling Harry's name.
Snape stood, carrying Harry across the waiting room. He greeted the nurse and followed her down a long hall and into an exam room. "You need to sit on your own on the exam table now," he whispered into Harry's ear.
Harry pulled his head away from Snape's shoulder as they entered the room, tensing as he was placed down on the table. He watched Snape move away from him. The child tucked his hands between his knees, clearly tense and nervous.
Snape eyed the child carefully as the nurse introduced herself. He took the step back towards Harry, placing a gentle hand on his leg.
The nurse moved across the room. "I'm going to take your temperature. Is that okay?" She grinned softly as she held a thermometer out in front of the boy's mouth.
Harry's leg shook slightly under Snape's touch, the child eyeing the nurse a moment. Slowly he nodded and opened his mouth for the thermometer to be placed under his tongue. The child closed his mouth, eyes lowering down to focus more on the floor.
The nurse left the thermometer under the child's tongue for a moment as she asked Snape several questions about Harry's health.
A moment later she gently removed the thermometer from Harry's mouth giving him a small smile. She moved over to the counter making some notes on a sheet of paper. "Can you hop down and get on the scale for me real quick?" She asked looking back at Harry. "We need to see how much you weigh."
"Okay," Harry whispered, slowly and carefully slipping off the table and moving over to the scale. He looked over towards Snape before he stepped up onto the scale.
The nurse moved over to the scale taking note of the boy's weight before moving back over to the counter to write it down. "He is a bit underweight for his age." She glanced up towards Snape before looking back to Harry. "You can hop back up on the exam table Love."
"We are working on his weight," Snape nodded. "He is a bit small for his age in his height as well."
Harry swallowed once more as he stepped back to sit on the table. He chewed his bottom lip, eyes still remaining on the floor. His arms wrapped around himself nervously as he started to bounce his leg once more.
The nurse nodded in agreement at Snape's words. "He is in the lower percentile for his age with his weight. There is nothing wrong with that but I would keep an eye on it. He certainly can't afford to lose anymore weight." She looked over at Harry giving him a small grin despite the fact that he was not looking at her. "It was nice to meet you Harry. The doctor will be in to see you in just a moment."
She walked across the room, stepping out and closing the door behind herself.
"You are doing very good," Snape said gently as he placed his hand on Harry's leg once more.
Harry continued to shake his leg nervously, giving a soft whine at the back of his throat. He knew the worse was yet to come, and he dreaded it. His lower lip quivered a moment but he took in a sharp breath in an attempt to bring in his emotions.
"Just calm down." Snape was sure to keep his voice gentle. "Everything will be just fine." His hand moved to softly rub Harry's leg as there was a soft knock at the door and the doctor walked in.
The man introduced himself to Snape before looking down at Harry with a smile. "And you must be Harry! It's a pleasure to meet you! I am Dr. Dan and I am just going to look you over and make sure you are ready to go to school. Is that okay?" The man moved over to the counter picking up a tongue depressor as he waited for Harry's response.
Harry's eyes lifted from the ground, shifting his hands so he was sitting on them. The child was clearly beyond nervous with the situation as he watched the doctor move. "Okay," he said softly, swallowing heavily once more as he glanced over at Snape.
Snape gave the child an encouraging nod before he cleared his throat. "He is a little nervous," he confided in the doctor.
The doctor gave Harry a grin as he approached him. "There is no need to be nervous at all. I promise that you will get through your school physical with no problem at all!" The man leaned forward, putting his own face close to Harry's. "Can you open up nice and wide for me so I can see your throat?"
Harry took in a breath as the doctor approached, not being able to help but lean away slightly as the man bent to his level. Swallowing once more, the child opened his mouth as instructed. He closed his eyes, taking in a breath through his nose.
The doctor pressed the depressor down on Harry's tongue as he peered down the child's throat. A moment later he stood up straight, removing the depressor. "Your throat looks nice and healthy," he smiled as Snape gave the child's leg a gentle squeeze.
The doctor threw the depressor in the trash before he picked up the otoscope from its resting place. "I'm going to take a peek in your ears. I assure you that this won't hurt at all." The doctor approached Harry once more.
Harry felt Snape's hand on his leg but it brought him little comfort as he watched the doctor. So far this man seemed much nicer than the last one he remembered having to see, but he also knew the worst was still to come.
As the doctor approached to look into his ears, the child couldn't help the small giggle the item brought up when inserted into his ear.
The doctor checked both of the child's ears before nodding in approval. "Perfectly healthy." The man turned his attention to Snape for a moment, "Does he sleep well?"
"Very well. Roughly nine hours a night and he takes a nap daily for at least an hour, sometimes two."
The man nodded his approval before turning his attention back to Harry. "I need to check your reflexes." He moved over to the counter picking up a the small reflex hammer. "This will not hurt in the least but it may feel a little funny."
Harry watched the man with apprehension as he approached him with the small hammer. He wanted to tell the doctor no but he knew that his guardian likely would not approve of that answer.
"It will not hurt," Dr. Dan said once more. "I promise you that."
At the words, Harry finally nodded in agreement. Still he watched carefully as the doctor raised the small hammer and gently hit his right knee with it causing Harry's right leg to fly forward. The child couldn't help the small giggle that escaped his lips at the action.
"And once more," Dr. Dan grinned at the child before doing the same to his left knee and causing the same reaction.
"Excellent reflexes," Dr. Dan nodded in Snape's direction.
The man turned his attention back to Harry for a moment. "I'm pleased to say that you are a very healthy boy!" The man smiled as he moved back over to the counter, writing down a few notes. "I am going to go prepare the vaccinations and then you'll be all done Harry." The doctor gave the child another smile before walking out of the room.
"See we are nearly done." Snape's hand gently rubbed the boy's leg. "We will be back home very soon."
At the doctor's words, Harry visibly tensed. He moved a hand, reaching and tightly grabbing Snape's own hand on his knee. His grip was tight, looking over to Snape as he gave the man a desperate look. Tears were visibly blurring his vision, his chin starting to quiver just slightly.
"Take a deep breath," Snape instructed gently. "You are getting upset over nothing. You haven't even received the vaccinations yet, how do you even know that they will hurt?" His free hand moved to gently rub the child's back.
"Cause I just know," Harry muttered, leaning back into the touch on his back. "I'm sc-scared." The child broke, a few tears falling as he used his other hand to rub them away. "I don't want th-them."
"It's okay," Snape's voice was soft. "You will be okay. I will hold your hand and in seconds it will all be over."
The words were hardly out of the man's mouth when the doctor re-entered the room with a rolling tray. He rolled the tray over closer to Harry before giving the child an encouraging smile as he noticed his tears. "This will be very fast Harry. We have a treasure chest by the front desk as well. You will be able to pick out a prize when you leave." His eyes moved to Snape. "If you can just have him lie on his stomach. I just need a small portion of the flesh on his bum."
"No!" Harry's voice came quick, looking between the two before he gave Snape a pleading look. "Please nooooo," his voice was soft, clearly not wanting to get in trouble with his guardian but his fear was completely evident on his face.
"Come now Harry." Snape reached out and quickly undid the child's jeans. "You are doing so well and we are nearly done here."
"That's right," The doctor agreed with a small grin. "It will be over before you even know it and then you can pick a prize on your way out."
Harry couldn't help the few tears that fell from his cheeks, his chin quivering still. "I don't want a prize. I don't want a shoooot. Pleeeease Snaaaape!"
"We talked about this Harry." Snape kept his voice soft as his hand moved once more to gently rub the child's back. "You need to do as the doctor has asked now." Snape gently attempted to move the child so that he was lying on his stomach.
"That's right Harry!" Dr. Dan smiled brightly. "Just three quick shots and you will be on your way. I am sure that you will hardly feel them at all!"
"Three?" Harry didn't fight against Snape. He knew better after the man's threat before they stepped into the building. He did lie down, though his hands gripped tightly at Snape's.
Snape pried his hands free before he quickly lowered the boy's jeans and underpants as far as need be. The moment his task was complete his left hand rested gently on the small of Harry's back and he held his right hand out for the child to hold.
"I'm just going to clear the area real quick Harry," the doctor explained as he opened a small alcohol pad. "This won't hurt at all but it will be a bit cold. You are doing very well!"
Harry curled his left arm up, hiding his face within the crook of his elbow as soft cries shook his shoulders. His right hand latched onto Snape's, small nails digging into the man's skin.
"You are okay," Snape hummed softly as he gently squeezed the child's hand. "Just calm down, nice deep breaths."
The doctor threw the small alcohol wipe in the trash before picking up the first needle. "Okay Harry," he said gently. "This first one might sting a tiny bit." He quickly and carefully injected the child before placing the needle back on the tray and picking up the second one.
A sob shook the child's body as he felt the prick, his arm tightening where his face was hidden. He didn't even care that he was crying in front of the doctor. His fear was much more over powering than any pride he had right then.
"Very good!" The doctor praised as he placed a gentle hand on the skin next to where the next needle would go. "Here comes the second one, you are nearly done."
The hand that Snape had resting on the small of the boy's back gently began rubbing his back. "Come now Harry, just calm down. You are okay," he whispered softly. The man cringed to himself as he realized that this scene would likely play out yearly until the boy was old enough to go to Hogwarts.
Harry didn't respond or give sort of knowledge that he heard either of them. He simply sobbed softly within the crook of his arm. He tensed up as the second needle was carefully injected. He just wanted to go home!
"You are okay," Snape repeated his words once more. "Just one more and then it will be all done."
The doctor picked up the third needle, once more placing a gentle hand next to where it would be delivered. "This one may burn just a little too." The man quickly injected the needle.
A hiss of pain passed the child's lips as he tensed up once more, Harry's left hand raised to curl into his hair, his right hand still gripping Snape's tightly.
The doctors lips pressed into a sad tightline. "You are all done Harry and you did beautifully."
He turned his attention to Snape. "He may be a bit more tired than usual today, perhaps a bit cranky as well but by tomorrow he will be back to his normal self." The man gave Harry's leg a light tap. "You are free to go whenever you are ready Harry. I will see you in one year." The doctor gave Snape a small smile. "Take your time, this room isn't needed for another thirty minutes or so."
Snape thanked the man and once he left he carefully pulled his hand from Harry's grip. He pulled the child's underpants and jeans back up before sighing softly. "Are you ready to go home now?"
As the door shut, Harry gave up in fighting his tears. He sobbed into his arm as he folded his right one over his left after Snape pried his hand away. He only nodded, breath hitching slightly as gripped at his own arms. "P-pleaase," the child whined softly, shifting his head just enough to peer at Snape through one eye.
Snape carefully shifted the child, sitting him up on the exam table. "You are okay Harry. It is over now and you did quite well. Why all these tears still?"
Harry raised his arms up, clearly wanting to be held by the man. "I-It hurtssss," he whined softly.
Snape picked the boy up, careful to arrange him in his arms as to not hurt the place where he had gotten the shots more. "It will stop hurting soon," he said in a gentle tone. "I'm sure by the time we arrive home you will be fine." He tightened his grip on the small boy as he walked towards the door. "Did you want to pick a prize like the doctor said you could?"
Harry rested his cheek on Snape's shoulder, closing his eyes as his arms rested around the man's neck. The child simply shook his head, tucking his head against his guardian's chest after a moment. "I wanna go home," he whispered softly against the man's shirt.
Snape frowned slightly at the response. "We are going home right now. Are you absolutely positive you don't want to take all of a moment to select a prize? You may regret it later when you feel better if you don't." Snape walked out of the exam room and started down the hallway.
Harry remained silent for a moment before he simply shook his head once more. "Well maybe," he muttered softly, rubbing his cheeks on Snape's shoulder before he finally lifted his head back up.
Snape nodded knowingly as he stopped at the door to the waiting room. A medium sized treasure chest sat on the floor next to the door. Snape gently set Harry down on the ground. "Go on, pick something out."
Harry moved over to the chest, reaching in and retrieving a small coloring book that had a miniature packet of crayons attached. He moved back over to the man, rubbing his cheeks with his sleeve.
Snape picked the child up once more carefully adjusting him in his arms. He walked into the waiting room waving goodbye to the lady at the front desk before he stepped back out onto the street. "We are going to get you home and down for a nap. How does that sound?"
"Can I lay on the couch?" Harry adjusted his head on Snape's shoulder, sniffing softly as he looked down the street. At the motion of being carried, his eyes soon closed, forehead resting into the man's neck.
"You may," Snape nodded as he adjusted the small boy in his arms before turning a corner. "When you wake however I think that you and I need to have a discussion about how you hid from me once more." Snape was careful to keep any sternness far from his tone.
"'M sorry," Harry whispered, his hold tightening slightly. He didn't want to be in trouble on top of everything else, and he closed his eyes even tighter at the thought.
"We will discuss it after you nap. You are not in fear of being punished however, we do need to have a bit of a talk," Snape promised as he crossed the street. "The doctor said that you might be a bit more tired today, I think a nice long nap will do you good."
Harry didn't complain as he relaxed in Snape's arm, giving a soft hum. His bottom still stung terribly from the needles, but at least soon he'd be able to lay down on the couch and sleep.
Snape turned the corner, their house now in sight.
Moments later Snape started up their front walk and then stepped into their house. He started up the staircase with Harry still in his arms. "Let's get some sleep pants on you."
"Kay," Harry whispered softly, nestling his face closer to Snape's chest. "And my owl."
Snape nodded as he walked into the child's room. He gripped Harry a bit tighter as he released one hand to pull a clean pair of sleep pants from the boy's wardrobe. He moved over to the bed, sitting down with Harry now on his lap. "Leave your new coloring book on your bed, you can have it later." He quickly undid the boy's jeans before helping Harry slide down to the floor. Snape quickly lowered the boy's pants, "step out of your trousers please."
Harry tossed the book onto the bed behind Snape, standing up and stepping out of the pants. He rubbed at his eyes, his cheeks only slightly flushed from his previous tears.
Snape leaned down holding out the pajama pants for the child to step into them. "Is your backside still hurting you?"
"A little," Harry admitted softly as he stepped into the pajama bottoms. As they were pulled up, the child wrapped his arms around Snape's neck.
Snape lifted the child with ease once more as he stood. He leaned over picking up the boy's owl and handing it to him before he picked up the pillow and pulled the blanket from the bed throwing it over his arm. "Despite your tears you did very well at the doctors." Snape moved out of the boy's room and back down the hallway towards the stairs.
The child gave a small smile at the words, tightening his hold on Snape and his owl as they descended the stairs. "He wasn't that mean," Harry stated softly.
"I didn't find him to be mean at all." Snape stepped onto the first floor and moved into the parlor. "It would do you well to remember that for next year."
"I'm not goin' again," Harry stated, shaking his head firmly. Even if the man hadn't been mean at all, he certainly didn't enjoy the visit!
"You will need a physical every year before you go to muggle school," Snape explained as he set the child's pillow down on the couch. He gently placed Harry down before holding up his blanket to cover him. "Lie down."
"Not shots." Harry shook his head once more, lying down onto his stomach and tucking his hands under the pillow.
"We shall see." Snape laid the blanket down over the child, tucking it tightly under his chin. "You have your owl?"
Harry shifted his body slightly, exposing his owl who was tucked against his right side. Resting his head back down on his pillow, the child released a soft hum.
Snape sat down on the edge of the coffee table, reaching out a hand he gently began rubbing the boy's back. "Take a nice long nap. When you wake you and I will have a bit of a discussion about your vanishing act and then we'll have some dinner."
"Kay," Harry muttered softly, nestling his cheek against his pillow. He tucked his face slightly under the covers, relaxing at the touch.