Harry, along with Sirius and Remus, waited outside of the children's wing of St. Mungo's. He tried to pay attention to the book that Sirius was reading to him, which was a book of wizarding fairy tales, but he was too nervous to listen closely.

Sirius had told him the previous evening that they would all be going to St. Mungos so that Harry could see a Healer.

"What's a Healer?" he'd asked, glancing from Sirius to Uncle Remus.

It was still strange to be allowed to ask questions, but the two adults always smiled when he did so, and gave him answers.

Like they had last night.

"It's a bit like a muggle hospital, except instead of doctors and nurses, there are Healers," Sirius had explained.

His eyes had widened. "Will I have to get a shot?"

"No," Remus had answered. "Only muggles do that. If you're sick-which, of course, you're not-you'll be given a potion to drink, and that will make you feel better."

"Or," Sirius had added, "if you break a bone or something, we fix it with our wands."

Harry had scrunched up his face. "But when you fixed my leg, I didn't have to drink anything."

"No," Sirius had said, with a laugh, "but healing salve is a type of potion. You just don't drink it, because, well..."

"Because it works on the outside of the body, not the inside," Remus had finished, helpfully. "So, you see, there are three types of healing that wizards use, and Healers are people who have a lot of knowledge of magic, far more than us regular witches and wizards, because they've trained for many years. The Healer you will see is going to run some tests to make sure you're healthy, and if you're not, what can be done to fix it."

"I feel fine," Harry had countered, not to be contradictory, but because it was true.

"Yes, you're not sick," Sirius had agreed, pulling Harry into a bear hug, "but as your godfather and uncle, we want to make sure that you're as healthy as you can be."

"Anyway, in the muggle world, kids see doctors even when they aren't ill," Remus had added, brushing some hair out of Harry's face. "The same thing goes here."

That had made sense, so Harry had nodded, and not asked any more questions.

Now, as they waited, he was filled with nerves. When they had entered the building, there had been lots of places to choose from. He'd never been to a hospital before, but he suddenly realized that St. Mungo's wasn't just for kids who were both sick and not sick, but for all kinds of people. What sort of illnesses did witches and wizards get? What if he caught something?

But Sirius and Remus didn't seem concerned about that, so he supposed that he shouldn't be, either.

All the same, Harry was having trouble focusing on the story Sirius was reading. His godfather must have realized this, because he put the book down and looked at Harry.

"I expect you're a bit nervous, eh, puppy?" he asked, softly.

Harry bit his lip and nodded.

Sirius smiled, but it seemed to be an understanding smile.

"Would you like me to hold you while we wait?" he asked, softly.

Harry nodded again, then smiled as Sirius lifted him into his lap. His godfather's back felt like a warm chair against him, and his arms comforting as he wrapped them around Harry's middle. Sirius pressed a kiss on the top of his head.

Harry let out a contented sigh. He couldn't remember ever being hugged or held before this last week with Sirius and Uncle Remus, but it felt so nice that it was easy to get used to. Even the smell of his godfather was comforting, unlike Aunt Petunia's awful perfume or Uncle Vernon's stale smell.

"Thank you," Harry whispered.

Sirius chuckled. "You're welcome, sweet puppy."

They stayed like that for several more moments, not talking, until a woman in a green robe arrived.

"Harry and Sirius Black?" she asked, and Harry could see that she was very pretty. "Hello, there. Harry, I am ready to look you over, if you'll follow me."

"Ready, Harry?" Sirius asked, gently. "Don't worry, I'll stay with you the entire time."

At Harry's nod, he rose, still holding Harry tightly against him, and Harry latched his arms around his godfather's neck. They followed the pretty woman, and Remus trailed behind.

"Harry's uncle, Remus, will be with us as well," Sirius told her.

"Of course," the woman answered, pleasantly. "Please, follow me."

Soon, they were inside of a small room, and Sirius sat down on a chair, gently turning Harry so he was sitting on his lap. Harry was glad. He didn't want to be apart from Sirius, even if he wasn't going to get a shot.

The woman smiled at Harry. "Hello, Harry," she said, kindly. "My name is Healer Amanda. I understand that you're here for me to see how you're doing?"

"Yes, ma'am," he whispered, glancing back at Sirius.

"Now, I don't know if you've ever been to a muggle doctor-no?" she asked, as Harry shook his head. "Well, this will be much easier. We don't give shots, for one thing," she added, making a face. "I see that your mummy and daddy did have you checked over when you were about a year old." She raised her wand, and a very large and long piece of paper appeared. "Yes, everything appears in order. So, you were a very healthy baby, Harry. Now, I am going to run a few tests to see how you are now. Do you have any questions?"

"Will it hurt?" Harry asked.

"No," Healer Amanda promised. "You will feel some warmth when I run a few tests with my wand, but nothing will hurt. Are you ready?"

Harry nodded. "Should I stand up?"

"Yes, please."

Harry removed himself from Sirius' lap, and felt his godfather give him a pat on the shoulder just before he stood up.

"Good, now please spread your hands out...yes, like that," the Healer said, as Harry moved his arms straight by his side.

The Healer moved her wand along Harry's side a few times, mumbling something he couldn't understand under her breath. Magical words, he supposed. Then, she walked behind him, and did the same. Harry felt a warmth pass through him, like a warm blanket, but it faded after a few seconds. Then, the Healer had him walk a few paces in each direction, following him and moving her wand inches from his legs as he did so.

And then, it was over. Healer Amanda smiled at Harry.

"You did very well. I need to talk to your godfather, and maybe your uncle? Perhaps, you and your uncle can wait outside, and then I will tell everything to your uncle?" she suggested.

Remus gave a small cough. "That's not necessary, Healer Amanda. I expect that Sirius can tell me everything you tell him. There's no need to keep you longer."

The Healer smiled and, Harry thought, even looked a bit relieved.

"Very well, then. If you will wait outside, Harry and Remus, Sirius and I will have some words," she said, with a smile.

Remus nodded, and after taking Harry's hand, they departed from the room.

Author's note:

Next up: While Remus keeps Harry company outside, Sirius and the Healer discuss how to manage Harry's health-physically, and emotionally.

Additionally...although the paternal relationship between Sirius and Harry is my favorite to write (and read!), my mind has been invaded by another plot bunny. In this fic, a few decades earlier, Severus makes the choice to petition the Sorting Hat to go to Gryffindor. How will his life change as a result?

If you're inclined to check it out, it's called "The Unlikely Gryffindor." Two chapters are up, but several more have been written. All constructive feedback is most welcome!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!