AN: Hi, everybody! I know it's been a while since I've updated this story and I am so sorry about that! Life has been, you know, life. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I will do my best to get the next one up soon!
October 1984
Darcy stood nervously by the fireplace, waiting for both of her guardians to join her. They were taking her to the doctor–no, Healer–for the first time, and she was a mess of anxiety. Darcy had never been to any kind of doctor before, her aunt always told her she wasn't worth the time or money.
Needless to say, Darcy's new guardians disagreed with that.
"Alright", Remus said as he and Sirius entered the sitting room. "Ready to go, cub?"
Darcy nodded hesitantly. She watched as Sirius snapped his fingers and her stuffed dog appeared in his hand.
"Do you want to bring him with us?", Sirius asked.
Darcy reached her hands out for the toy and hugged it close to her chest once her godfather handed it over.
"I know you're nervous", Sirius told her. "But we're going to be with you the whole time, okay?"
"Kay", Darcy replied softly. "I'm ready."
"Good girl", Remus praised her. "Since we're going through the Floo, one of us is going to carry you. It's up to you who does."
Darcy looked between them before holding her arms out toward Sirius. He smiled and bent down to pick her up, tossing her into the air as he did. Darcy giggled, feeling some of her nerves fade away already.
Once they arrived at St. Mungo's, Remus went up to the reception desk to check in while Sirius found them a place to sit, adjusting Darcy in his lap as he did.
Darcy laid her head on his shoulder and began sucking her thumb.
Sirius gently pulled her hand away from her mouth.
"You're okay, love", he assured her. "No one here is going to hurt you, I promise."
Remus joined them a moment later.
"You're being so brave, sweetheart", he smiled.
Darcy gave him a small smile and tightened her grip on her stuffed dog.
Nearly twenty minutes later, the receptionist called Darcy's name and Sirius and Remus stood up.
They followed the woman through a door and into a small exam room. The exam table was up against the back wall with two chairs beside it.
"Do you want to sit up there?", Remus asked.
Darcy shook her head.
"You might have to", he told her gently. "The Healer might have you sit there so she can check you over."
"But you can sit with me until then", Sirius added.
Darcy nodded and snuggled closer to her godfather.
The walls were painted with various animals, and Remus tried to distract Darcy by asking her what animals she saw. She was slowly starting to relax when the Healer knocked on the door.
"Hello!", she smiled. "My name is Healer Davis, you two must be Sirius and Remus?"
"Yes", Remus replied. "Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine. How are you today, Darcy?"
The little girl looked up at her godfather.
"She's nervous", Sirius explained. "She's never–her relatives never took her to the doctor, this is her first time."
Healer Davis frowned for a moment before smiling at her new patient. "Well, let's see if we can make a good first impression. Can you sit on the exam table for me, Darcy?"
Darcy shook her head.
"Hey", Sirius said softly. "We're not going anywhere, okay?"
"I'll hold your hand", Remus offered.
Darcy nodded hesitantly and let Remus lift her up onto the table, immediately reaching for his hand after he set her down.
"Well done, Darcy", Healer Davis praised her. "I know this seems a bit scary, but I promise it'll be over before you know it."
Darcy sat perfectly still while the healer checked her temperature, pulse, and oxygen levels. She even stood up so she could be measured and stepped on a scale to get her weight.
"You are the best patient I've had all day", Healer Davis told the little girl. She looked up at the two men next.
"She is small for her age, in height and weight. I read in the intake forms that you know she was malnourished, correct?"
"Yes", Sirius nodded. "What can we do?"
"The best course of action is regular meals and encouraging her to have healthy snacks when she's hungry", the healer replied. Then she looked through the papers on her clipboard. "It looks like Darcy needs some shots as well, so I will be right back with those and then you will be all set."
Healer Davis gave them all a smile before leaving the room.
As soon as the door closed, Darcy scooted closer to Remus and snuggled against his arm.
"Don't wanna get shots", she mumbled.
"I know", Remus sighed. "But you need them to be healthy. They'll be over before you know it."
"Dudley said shots hurt really bad", Darcy informed them.
"They're not that bad, kiddo", Sirius shook his head. "It feels like a little poke and then it's all done. Your arm might be a bit sore afterwards, but I promise you'll feel better in no time."
Darcy still looked nervous as the healer rejoined them in the room. She was holding three syringes. Darcy held tightly to Remus.
"You know what I was thinking, cub?", he asked.
Darcy looked up at him.
"Since you're doing so well, I was thinking you deserve some ice cream after this."
The little girl's eyes lit up.
"Oh my goodness", Healer Davis smiled. "You're very lucky, Darcy. I wish someone would give me ice cream after my appointments."
Darcy took a deep breath and held out her arm, her grip tightening on Remus' hand. Healer Davis talked her through the process.
"Alright, I'm going to clean your arm first", she explained. Once she did that, she picked up a syringe. "You'll feel a little poke and then it'll be all done, I promise.
Darcy squeezed her eyes shut, whimpering quietly when she felt the needle go into her arm.
"One more, Darcy", the healer said.
"You're doing so well, love", Sirius said encouragingly.
The second needle went in and, just like that, it was over.
"All done!", Healer Davis announced. "You are the best patient I've had all day, Darcy. Very well done."
Darcy gave the woman a smile.
"If you don't have any other questions or concerns, I think you three are free to go."
"I think we're alright", Remus said. "Thank you."
"Oh, of course!", Healer Davis smiled. "I always love meeting new families. I will see you next time, Darcy. Enjoy your ice cream!"
The woman left the room and Sirius picked his goddaughter up.
"I'm so proud of you, kiddo", he told her. "I think someone might have earned a trip to the toy store, too."
"Really?", Darcy asked, looking between her guardians.
"I think you're right", Remus agreed with a grin. "Let's go make your next appointment, cub."
The rest of the afternoon was spent picking out a new toy and eating ice cream. Darcy decided that the doctor might not be that bad after all.
However, that doesn't mean she was excited for her next appointment.