Chapter 27
"You had no idea." Remus says.
"Come on Harry. We've got to get to the Hospital Wing for your check-up."
"I'm fine dad, why do I need to get to a check-up?"
"Because, we need to make sure that you are completely healed from what his uncle did to you." Severus says patiently.
"I'm telling you, I am." Harry argues back.
"Harry. I am trying to be patient with you but I must admit that I am losing my patience. I know you feel fine but there still could be some injuries that haven't healed or healed incorrectly."
Harry groans quietly, but not quietly enough. Severus gives Harry a sharp look. Harry has the decency to blush under the gaze.
"I've had enough of your attitude Harry James. Fix it and fix it quickly before I do so for you."
"I'm sorry." Harry whispers, looking at his feet.
Severus lets his stern look fall from his face when he sees the defeat look on the child's face. "Look at me Harry." Harry looks up at Severus. "I'm not mad at you. I just need you to realize that I take your health and well-being very seriously, Harry. I care about you and don't want you to be hurt. What your relatives did was wrong and I will make sure that you recognize that if it is the last thing I do."
Harry nods slightly. "I know that, I really do." Harry says at Severus's doubtful look. "It is just hard to switch what I have had forced into my mind to the complete opposite idea."
"I understand that. I had to go through that as well, you're not alone. I am here for you every step of the way. There are going to set-backs, and I am going to be here for you through every set-back and for every step ahead. I will never leave you."
Severus says all of this watching Harry's eyes. He sees the emotion and unshed tears in the emerald eyes. Severus decides that Harry needs to release the emotions he is trying to hide, so he pulls Harry into a hug.
The hug has the desired effect and Harry starts to cry freely. Severus just rubs small circles and whispers reassurances to the crying boy.
"You're fine. I've got you. Everything will be alright. I won't let anyone hurt you. It will all be okay."
Harry just nods slightly against Severus's chest. Severus continues the quiet reassurances. Harry starts to calm down after a few minutes.
When Harry's cries have subsided Severus pulls away slightly. He guides Harry's chin so that he is looking directly into the emerald eyes of the teen.
"You feel better?" Severus asks softly.
Harry nods. "Yeah. I've never cried like that for no reason."
"You had a reason, a very good reason. After having a life filled with inconsistent and irresponsible adults, you just had me tell you multiple times that I will do anything for you. That is one of the best reasons to cry Harry, because something good happened in your life."
"You're giving me what I always dreamed of…" Harry says softly." "...a family. "
"Oh Child… I love you, you know that, don't you?"
Harry just nods his head.
"Good. Because that is the truth. In fact, I've been talking with Poppy about having you deaged so that you could have a proper childhood. "
"What? That's possible?"
"Yes Harry, that is possible."
"How young old would I be? When? What about school?"
"We were thinking 8. It wasn't going to be for a few weeks, but we could do it in a few days. As for school, you would be raised how a magical child should be. You would go to an elementary school during the school year and the summers we would spend together, here most likely. I don't want your decision yet, I want you to think about it and make your decision in a few days."
Harry just nods, thinking about all the information that he just recieved. Severus lets Harry get caught up in his thoughts for a few moments before talking again.
"Alright. I think it is well past time to leave for your check-up. "
Harry makes a slight grimace at the words. Severus just shakes his head. He knows that while Harry doesn't want to, he has accepted the fact that he is going to have the check-up one way or another.
"Come on Harry… let's get it over with." Severus says while standing up. Harry sighs, but follows his father.
The journey was quick and quiet. Severus was thinking back to the scene that just happened in his quarters, he can't help but hope that Harry accepts the proposal of deagement. Harry is thinking about the proposal that was made to him. On one hand, he would love to have a proper childhood and get away from the celebrity lifestyle. He would have a childhood that he didn't have to live in fear. But on the other hand, he would lose his friends and would have to re-do his first 5 years at Hogwarts. Not to mention that he would be much younger than he was currently.
Harry is so wrapped up in his thoughts that he doesn't notice when they reach the Hospital Wing. It takes Severus putting his hand on Harry's shoulder to draw the teen out of his musings.
Harry looks up and is shocked to see that they are in the Hospital Wing. The first thing he sees is Poppy turning towards him.
"Hello Harry and Severus. I am so glad that you could come." Poppy says softly.
"Like I had a choice." Harry mutters under her breath.
Poppy gives a soft laugh at Harry's words. "That's true Harry. And from the tear tracks on your face, some force was needed. I really wish you cared more about your health."
Harry blushes at the medi-witch's words, but also feels a bit indignant. Luckily for Harry, Severus steps in before he has to say anything.
"You have the wrong idea Poppy. While it did take some convincing, it wasn't in the form of what you think. That was just from some realizations."
"That's good. Well Harry, get on the bed and we can start your exam. This shouldn't take long."
Harry doesn't hesitate to follow the medi-witch's directions, especially since he wants to get the exam over with. He heads over to his normal bed that he normally stays on.
Poppy smiles at Harry's antics. She has noticed that Harry has behaved very differently after being with Severus. He listens more and makes himself more vulnerable.
"Alright. I am going to start the scan that will record any and all injuries that you currently have. We won't have to do the deep scan again because we already have a record of the injuries from your uncle. Understand?"
"Yes ma'am. I understand." Harry says obediently.
"Good boy." Poppy says. She waves her wand and mutters the spell for the scan.
Harry lies still for the scan. Severus walks over to Poppy's side and they start talking to her in whispers.
The scan only takes a few minutes. When it ends, Poppy walks to Harry's bedside and grabs the parchment out of the air that was recording the scan's findings.
Poppy looks over the parchment and smiles. She looks up at Harry and says, "Well Mister Potter. I am glad that you have listened to my instructions. You have healed from most injuries that you have received. That is except for your weight. You are still underweight for your age. But other than that, you are fine."
"Can I fly then?" Harry asks eagerly.
Poppy hesitates for a moment. "I won't say you can't. But," Poppy continues seeing Harry's eyes light up. "I don't think that you should. I will leave that up to your father."
Harry instantly looks at Severus. "Can I dad? Please?"
Severus sighs. "Very well. But, you will only fly for an hour and you will not do any tricks. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir. I understand."
"Go on then and have fun. Be safe." Severus says waving his arm. Harry's broom appears in the air.
Harry takes the broom and sets off to the quidditch pitch. Poppy and Severus watch with amusement.
"He is such a different child now that he is under your guardianship." Poppy says.
"I know. I talked to him about the de-ageing idea."
"How did he respond?"
"I wouldn't let him. I wanted him to think about it for a bit before making a decision."
"That's fair. You don't want him to feel pressured into a decision."
"No, I don't. I want him to make his own decision. He has had very little say in his life so far and I think that that isn't right. I want him to have a say in his life."
An/ Sorry it is such a late update. This week has been absolutely crazy. I had a large test this week in addition to homecoming (I am one of the leaders for it) and I had a bunch of homework to do. I sometimes hate school, but other times it is my saving grace. I am actually writing this about 4 minutes before I post this chapter. I do apologize for the inconvenience, but I have to write secretly as my parents don't know (and won't know) that I write and post my stories.