Harry stood in the lobby in a queue to a desk where a harried woman was directing people as they entered. Harry was amazed at some of the injuries obvious on some of the people.

He saw people with missing or deformed arms (one man was carrying his), odd growths, ears turned in to vegetables, and a number of other assorted odd-looking circumstances.

He was amazed that nobody seemed particularly upset or frightened. Even the man holding his detached arm was joking with another person in the queue.

Mr. Dumbledore and Ms. McGonagall were looking about in interest at the others. Even they seemed to only express professional curiosity. Finally, Harry decided he had to ask.

He quietly got Mr. Dumbledore's attention. "Why aren't the people around a bit more … emotional … about their injuries?"

"Do you remember what I said about wizards in general?"

Harry thought for a moment. He said, "Logic?" He was carefully trying not to offend anyone who might be listening in.

Albus chuckled a bit and nodded. "As a result, magical injuries are not too uncommon. Wizards and witches learn potions and charms while attending Hogwarts. For the average condition, even broken bones and mild illness, these are commonly dealt at home or by friends – we Magicals are a sturdy lot. Only the things that are not common or are untreatable by simple means are brought to St. Mungo's. Read the sign." Albus nodded toward the large sign behind the desk.

ST. MUNGO'S HOSPITAL FOR MAGICAL MALADIES AND INJURIES

Ground Floor: Artifact Accidents

First Floor: Creature-Induced Injuries

Second Floor: Magical Bugs

Third Floor: Potion and Plant Poisoning

Fourth Floor: Spell Damage

Fifth Floor: Visitor's Tearoom and Hospital Shop

VISIT THE WELCOME WITCH TO DETERMINE YOUR DESTINATION.

When Harry looked back he concluded, "If it isn't one of these things, we tend to take care of it in other ways."

Harry read the list again in confusion and then turned back. "Then where are we going?"

Albus smiled. "We are visiting the Second Floor for magical vaccines. You have not been in the Magical world since you were a child. At the same time, I will ask the Healers to perform a checkup. We might be delayed by a quick visit I must make to a friend on the First Floor."

Harry nodded and then shrugged. It would obviously save time to take care of everything at once, even a friendly visit.

Finally, the group made it to the front. When the woman at the front saw who it was, she asked, "Professor Dumbledore! Professor McGonagall! Can I help you?"

Albus smiled. "Yes. I have a student needing common vaccinations." He put his hand on Harry's shoulder. The woman's eyes grew wide.

"Of course! Second Floor, Ward Two." Albus, as well as the others, nodded to the woman and made their way to the elevator.

Harry was still a bit confused. "Isn't there paperwork to enter? And if there isn't did we need to stop at the desk?"

Albus calmly replied, "The records are taken by the healers in each Ward. They might not have available room in a particular Ward and may direct a visitor to another. And finally, it is only polite to check in. Magical society is conservative in terms of personal manners. Even hated enemies are expected to be polite to each other. Many who do not practice this find out that they are not treated very well in 'polite' Society." He looked with some expectation towards his young charge.

Harry blushed. "I'm sorry if my question was rude." Mundane society tends to drop formality to be friendlier and he was used to this.

Mr. Dumbledore's reply was unexpected to Harry, who was used to being accused of things. "I was not implying that you were rude," Mr. Dumbledore protested. "I am a teacher – I only was interested to see if you took in the lesson."

Harry chuckled nervously. His primary school teachers only taught their subjects – none seemed overly concerned with ensuring the social niceties. "I thank you for the lesson, Professor Dumbledore."

Albus nodded in satisfaction and then continued as they traveled. "When you arrive at Hogwarts, you will find that this is pervasive. The teachers as a matter of course will refer to you with your full name or your last name so as to not show undue familiarity. Students may ignore the normal usages with each other – inadvisably so for those who are not on friendly terms – but the staff will generally follow protocol as it helps maintain discipline. You will find that such usages allow a smoother flow in your dealings with others."

Albus chuckled for a moment. "Even Magical creatures respond much better to manners. Unlike Mundane animals magic often gifts creatures with increased intelligence, often to the point they compare favorably with humans. For example, it is a stupid wizard indeed that treats a hippogriff with anything less than extreme politeness."

Harry looked confused for a moment. Professor McGonagall provided the explanation. "Hippogriff: A magical winged beast which combines the fore of an eagle and the rear of a horse. Hippogriffs are notorious for attacking those who approach without a proper exchanging of bows. Insulting one is much more serious than insulting a mere wizard – and almost as dangerous as insulting a witch!"

Harry laughed in time with Professor Dumbledore's chuckle, even as he was amazed that the Professor had shown a sense of humour. He didn't imagine it was every student who saw the stern-looking woman crack a joke.

At that, Professor Dumbledore commented to him, "You might find that some of the staff will tend to reduce their formality with you. These staff, I and Minerva included, were friendly with your parents and maintained relationships with them after graduation. Most knew you as a baby. You might have noticed Minerva and I have used your first name. It is unusual that we do so – such informality indicates a much more personal affection than is common from teachers and those in authority. I hope that you are not offended."

Harry actually felt his throat constrict for a moment. No one had ever simply professed affection for him in the past. He attempted to control his reactions.

He noticed that both Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall seemed to not be looking at him. He understood that this was the concept of manners once more.

Finally he replied quietly, "I'm not offended. Thank you. I look forward to learning more of my parents from people that they were close to." Albus then nodded at him with a smile. Professor McGonagall also had a soft smile for the son of one of her favorites.

Before they arrived at the Ward, Albus stopped and added one more comment while they were alone, "If we use your name more formally in the company of others do not take it as a drop in our personal affection. It is only the usage of common manners among a more diverse group so as to not offend those who are not included in such personal affection. When it will not offend, we might still refer to you in the more familiar manner to indicate to those present our personal feelings."

Harry nodded in reply, and maintained his composure more easily this time. He smiled at the Professors, indicating his happiness and understanding. Professor Dumbledore squeezed his shoulder in a comforting manner and then led the group in to the Ward.

A healer immediately approached. "Professor Dumbledore, can I help you?"

Professor Dumbledore smiled at the woman. "Yes. We have brought young Harry here to ensure his inoculations are up to date. He has not been in the Magical world since he was a very young child." Harry smiled with the knowledge that Professor Dumbledore really wasn't hesitant to show his personal friendliness toward him.

The young healer looked with interest at Harry, and gasped. "You're Harry Potter!" At Harry's embarrassment, the healer corrected herself. "I'm sorry! I'm sure you're getting that a lot."

Harry's reply was a bit shy. "Actually you're the first person I've talked to in the Magical world outside of the Professors." The healer looked amazed at this fact.

"Oh. Well. Welcome back! I am Junior Healer Samantha Sanatore. Come this way, Mr. Potter, and we can look up your records to see what you might be missing." The woman moved with a happy stride to lead Harry to a bed.

Professor Dumbledore looked at Harry with expectation. Harry did not misunderstand this time and caught that he was to observe the lesson in action. He smiled and nodded. Professor Dumbledore's face once again took on a look of satisfaction.

Minerva observing this was happy that Albus had decided to come out of his Ivory Tower. She had noticed that his casual familiarity in the past seemed more insulting than affectionate because he still held himself aloof. He showing actual affection was much more pleasant. She did not know why he did so – she was just happy that he did so.

Presently, the healer came back with the file. "Mr. Potter, your file lists the normal inoculations for Dragon-Pox and Spattergroit as a baby. You are missing the five year Wizard's Flu. You also will need inoculation against Scrofungulus and Vanishing Sickness. I will go and get the potions and return here."

Harry nodded, "Thank you, Healer Sanatore." The young woman beamed at him before she turned and flounced out of the Ward. Dumbledore nodded at Harry happily. The lesson had taken well.

After the healer had disappeared to get the potion, Professor Dumbledore added to his lesson. "That was well done, Harry. In professional settings, using the title is more polite than just referring to a person by name. This is especially true for a title indicating much study or effort to obtain. It recognizes and acknowledges the person's past efforts to obtain such a title. As a logical progression, students are expected to not only speak to teachers with professional respect, but to refer to them so when their names arise in conversation outside of a private setting or with teachers. After all, the other teachers are professional colleagues."

Harry nodded to himself: Got it. Use manners in referring to teachers.

"If you should meet Cornelius Fudge – and I find it highly likely as he is a politician and you are well-known – it would be better to refer to him as Minister Fudge or just Minister than Mr. Fudge. Mr. Fudge might actually be taken as insult. In personal circumstances, for example if you met at a party at which you are both guests and the party is given by personal relations rather than professional, Mr. Fudge might be acceptable. So, what would you refer to him as in those circumstances?"

Harry was socially inept in many respects save one: He had many years of experience using manners and polite responses to avoid unpleasantness. It was one of the few things he would consciously thank his aunt and uncle for at the moment. He also was very bright, even if it was often hidden. Professor Dumbledore's approach made him more confident in showing it though.

After taking a moment, he asked a question: "Is this a Magical or Mundane event?"

Albus chuckled. "Very good! It is a Mundane event, but all present know about magic."

Harry nodded. "In that case: Minister Fudge."

Albus didn't indicate approval or disapproval. "Why would that be the answer?"

"Doesn't matter that it's a Mundane event, everyone there knows about magic. Minister acknowledges the time and effort he put in to reach that. If that was all, I would probably still call him Mr. Fudge except I'm a wizard, and he has some authority over me or at least he would think so. Whether he does or not he probably wouldn't care about. A Mundane at the same event should refer to him as Mr. Fudge as the Minister would have no authority and it isn't a Magical event."

Albus was amazed, as was Minerva. Their exclamations of approval were certain and quite definite. Harry glowed at the praise he was receiving, just for demonstrating his understanding.

After congratulating him, Albus added a point: "I would have given you half-credit for Mr. Fudge as an answer if it was well-reasoned. I would have given a passing grade for just the correct answer. Your answer would receive the highest grade: Outstanding."

The Professor's tone took on the same tone of a lesson as his earlier explanation. "That can be important. Your ability to work out an explanation which hangs together logically is a trait that most professors attempt to engender. Such is not always the case – some just expect and reward memorization. However, the highest grades are usually given only when the answer is correct, the rationale is excellent, and the answer shows real understanding.

"A poorly-reasoned answer which is wrong would be Dreadful. A well-reasoned answer which missed a major point is Poor. A poorly-reasoned but correct answer might also receive that grade. A correct answer with average reasoning could achieve Acceptable. A correct answer with a well-reasoned argument would Exceed Expectations. An answer showing excellent reasoning reaching the correct result, demonstrating clear understanding and the ability to expand is what makes an Outstanding grade.

"Remember this when completing essays for your classes and I am certain that you should be very highly placed."

Harry thought the Professor must have been an excellent teacher. His lessons were easily understandable and would help him avoid making a fool of himself. In reply to the point Harry said, "Thank youn. I think that this is the first time a teacher has ever explained why certain grades are given outside of a number on a test."

Minerva considered that as she witnessed the conversation and admired, once again, her old Transfiguration teacher's style. As she thought back, she realized that she had never heard such a cogent explanation for the reasoning behind grades. Albus' explanation was accurate in how she did her own grading.

"Albus, you should really take time to teach when opportunity arises. I think most aspiring scholars would appreciate a demonstration of a master at work." Harry, as audience to the comment, nodded quickly in agreement with that statement. "We should really include that in the students' orientation. It would decrease the ridiculousness that some turn in which demonstrates your earlier lesson to young Harry about the logic of wizards."

The three chuckled together at the comment. Harry had never really had a conversation with an adult which was so inclusive and he rather relished the chance to speak and be spoken to as more than just a mere child.

Just then, the healer returned with several potions. "These are the inoculations. These first two are drunk; the last has to be spelled-in." Harry nodded and took the two potions. He winced to himself at the taste. When that was completed he handed the vials back to the Mediwitch.

She then took her wand and handed it to him to hold in his hand. As she did she volunteered, "It's much easier if the patient can hold it. If a patient is unconscious, it's a bit more work." She then made a motion with her wand and the potion gradually disappeared. Harry felt a little tight and said so. "Well, we're adding to the blood here, so your body feels the extra. It will settle soon – the body is quite adaptable."

Harry nodded. "Thank you, Healer Sanatore." The woman beamed at him again.

Professor Dumbledore then entered the conversation. "If you are able, I would also like Harry to receive a quick checkup. There might be some issues in how he was cared for as a child which might need correction."

The woman looked at Professor Dumbledore with wide eyes. "I can do that." She took her wand and muttered several things as she carefully moved it this way and than. At the same time, the file was receiving information via an old-fashioned quill.

When she was done, she looked over the record. "Well, he lacks certain nutrients." She moved further in the report. "A number of old injuries." She looked at Harry. "Did you grow with a lot of other children?"

Harry winced. "No; just one very large one – my cousin."

The healer tsked at this. "I would guess he had a habit of playing rough?"

Harry nodded in agreement.

"Well, there is nothing permanent but your tissues show repeated injuries in your face, arms, back, and legs inconsistent with someone the size of an adult doing it – the angles are all wrong for that. You need to avoid roughhousing. You also are deficient in some vitamins and minerals, indicating a somewhat poor diet, but not badly so. You need to drink more milk and eat more meats, eggs, and such. I also will have you take a potion. Give me a moment."

Albus was both alarmed and relieved: The Dursleys did not seem to physically harm Harry, but definitely allowed their son to do it. They also had not been feeding him enough. From meeting Vernon and guessing his son's likely shape, it would seem that the others in the house might not get as much of the hearty items. It was no wonder Petunia was so skinny in comparison – even if she did not look unhealthy particularly.

The healer quickly returned. "This is a nutrient potion, more commonly known as the Paracelsus Potion, devised by a healer with that name around five hundred years ago to replace minerals, trace metals, and other things that average Muggleborns often lacked when they arrived in the magical world during that time. You will learn about it in your fifth year."

Harry was amazed. It was a large coincidence he needed a potion invented by the "good" snake-speaker Professor Dumbledore mentioned.

Healer Sanatore continued on, "Take this now. You will need to take another dose once a week for about a month. The time in between gives the body opportunity to absorb the nutrients fully and adjust." She turned her head toward the two Professors. "I assume you can arrange that?"

Albus replied in the positive even as Harry drank the potion. He grimaced, wondering if all potions tasted so bad.

The healer accepted the vial back. "For that to work, you have to have a good diet, so eat heartily."

Harry nodded once again.

"Well, if you have any more questions feel free to contact any Mediwitch or Mediwizard here."

When Harry had been dismissed, the group walked to the elevator. Albus decided to take Harry to the Tearoom to prepare him for the next encounter.

Albus took Harry to a private room on the Tearoom floor and they took refreshment until Albus began.

"Harry, there is one person who is currently present at St. Mungo's whom I particularly want to introduce to you. He was great friends with your parents." Albus took a sip of his tea, allowing drama to build.

Albus really did like to make things dramatic at times.

Harry's interest spiked at the comment. "How did he know my parents? Can he tell me about them? Did my parents have other friends who I can meet?"

Albus motioned Harry to settle down. "Not to worry, I will explain. Recently, it came to light that a terrible injustice had been committed on one Sirius Black. Sirius was a contemporary of your father and shared a dormitory room with him when they both attended Hogwarts. They became fast friends – so much so that Sirius was named your Godfather."

Harry was both shocked and very hopeful. He whispered, "Godfather?"

Albus solemnly nodded. "Yes."

Harry tried to hold the tears in his eyes. "Where was he while I was growing up?" A few tears fell as he continued, "Didn't he want me?"

Minerva moved to quickly comfort Harry even as Albus calmly began to refute the conclusion. "Actually, he holds you in his utmost affection. When your parents were killed, they were betrayed by another. This other used misdirection to frame Sirius for the betrayal leading to your parents' death. He had been sent to prison without proper procedure and therefore was not available to take care of or visit with you. Do you understand?" he asked gently.

Harry nodded, and then buried his face in the crook of Professor McGonagall's shoulder as she held him to the side.

Albus sat back sadly. It was often painful but he knew from long experience that sadness and pain had to be lanced and allowed to drain before true healing could begin.

Soon Harry settled down, and Albus continued on.

"He is currently being treated for exposure to the creatures that are used to guard Azkaban, the prison we Wizards use. He has been asking to see you, and was only waiting to be released. I could tell you a thrilling tale of how we uncovered the injustice and how his release was obtained, but I wanted to allow him to contribute to the conversation. I don't think he would forgive me if he did not have opportunity to be there when circumstances were clarified."

Albus smiled with compassion toward the image of his grandson. "The reason I told your Aunt that you would likely not return this evening was because I wanted to ensure enough time for you to acquaint yourself with Sirius and your father's other close friend Remus Lupin who has been visiting with Sirius since his release." He stood up.

"Are you ready to meet your Godfather for the first time in almost ten years?"

Harry stood up, still a little emotional but quite eager. The group moved to the First Floor, Creature Induced Injuries. As they walked toward the Ward, Harry was becoming more and more nervous. Finally, they approached the entrance to the Ward. Voices could be heard from inside.

A man's voice was raised in irritation, as he talked to another person. "Damn it, Moony, this is taking entirely too long. Whatever long term care they want to force on me can wait until after Harry goes to Hogwarts! I don't care if it's 'inadvisable' to put it off!" There was a pause, as the sound of rustling was heard as though someone was pacing. The voice then continued. "I JUST WANT TO SEE MY GODSON!"

At that, the Professors led Harry in to the room. Harry stopped at the door to observe, still a bit nervous even though he definitely could put paid on the idea the man had not wanted him.

As he looked he saw a man with long, black hair dressed in an old fashioned hospital gown (one which had a back, thank god) standing emotionally gesturing to another man who looked a bit worn out. The other man was sitting on a chair next to a obviously slept-in bed.

Harry assumed the black-haired man was his Godfather. He noticed the man looked quite thin and very irritated. Harry had stopped noticing other people in the room. At the entrance of other people, both had turned toward the door.

Sirius was quite annoyed with the healers forcing him to stay in St. Mungo's. Yes, he was thin. Yes, he had been exposed to Dementors. He had been in Azkaban for Merlin's sake! But he was free now, and he felt good enough. Didn't they know that he needed to see his godson much more than he needed bed rest?

As he was ranting to his old friend Moony, he caught motion out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see Albus and Minerva moving forward. Then he noticed the short, messy-haired, bespectacled boy standing shyly by the door. His mind went blank. The only thing he could say was a strangled, "Harry?"

(A/N: Paracelsus was a real person and would fit right in as a Wizard; the same reason Rowling used Nicolas Flamel – also a real person. Paracelsus is listed in the Harry Potter lexicon.)

OMAKE:

'Wulfric' wanted to scream in outrage.

Sirius Black would be a horrible influence! Harry Potter needed to physically safe, grateful for retrieval, and most importantly: Easily led. There was a reason he had not pursued a trial. On the off chance Sirius was innocent – as he had turned out to be – 'Wulfric' did not need a Godfather mucking up the situation!

Of course, none around his current position seemed to care one whit for his outrage.

The red-headed woman was cooing, as her companion rolled his eyes at his wife. "It's very touching. I'm happy for them both." He turned his head towards the red-headed twins seated next to the couple. "God, women are emotional." He was of course hiding his joy at the reunion, and his wistful longing to have been there himself. He was around his mates – he didn't need to look wishy-washy.

His wife hit his arm in protest, hiding the smile she felt. She knew her husband better than that. He couldn't hide anything from her. "I'm so happy that 'Albus' (glare) is doing such a good job of it. He really is so very bright! Much more intelligent than others (glare)."

'Wulfric' REALLY wanted to scream in outrage.