Harry Potter's Real Dad

Doctor Villin didn't comment on the frightened look, Harry had. He flicked his wand and waited a few seconds before the parchment appeared. He read the notes, tsking at what he saw. Severus frowned, holding his tongue and forcing himself to be patient while he waited for the doctor's analysis.

"Very interesting," Doctor Villin said.

"What is it?" Severus couldn't help himself.

"Well, from what you've told me about the situation, everything here fits the scenario. I'll give you a muggle report for the case. He's severely malnourished, slightly dehydrated, and his growth has been stunted a bit. He has quite a few deficiencies, vitamin A, B12, iron, calcium—as I said, I'll give you the report. He'll definitely need to start on some daily vitamins for a while along with beginning a healthier diet. I'd also like you to make sure he's drinking plenty of milk and water. I'm going to send you the recipe for a nutrient potion that meets his needs. Now, what's this I hear about asthma?"

"Nothing," Harry muttered, hiding his face back into Severus's robe.

Severus picked Harry up and stood him in between his knees so he was facing Doctor Villin, who summoned a strange, ruler like object. He attached a mouthpiece to it, then held it out for Harry.

"This is a peak flow meter," Doctor Villin said. "What I'd like you to do is put your mouth around here, like this." Doctor Villin demonstrated, then swished a cleansing spell on the device before holding it back out. "Then, you're going to blow really fast into it as hard as you can. Okay? Let's practice. Take a deep breath."

Harry took a deep breath.

"Now let it out really fast."

Harry did so, and the doctor nodded.

"Good. Again, but on the meter this time."

Harry took a deep breath and carefully put the mouthpiece in his mouth, then tried his best to blow fast on it. He ended up coughing and he pulled away from the meter, wheezing slightly from the effort. Severus gently rubbed his back.

"Eighty-seven liters per minute," the doctor said, reading the meter. He moved closer to show Severus what he was looking at. "His normal should be in the one-twenty to one-forty range. It's a nifty little muggle device, great for keeping track of his breathing. I'm going to let you keep this one, I'll get you the manual."

Harry leaned back against Severus as the two adults talked about inhalers and prescriptions and when to use what and how often. It was a lot of information and Harry didn't like how many times the word "potion" or "medicine" came up. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, spotting Iris sucking on the lollipop she had been given and playing with the blood pressure cuffs. Finally, the doctor was handing a few scripts to Severus and a small baggie with two inhalers in it.

"These should get you through until you get your scripts in. This one is the quick relief, not unlike the potion you were giving Harry yesterday. This one is his long-term medication. He needs to take it twice daily; once in the morning and once at night. Let's start with one puff and see how it helps him. Make sure you're watching for any anaphylactic reactions when he starts this, and keep an eye out for any other adverse signs to the medicine. Would you like him to have his first dose now so in case any thing does happen, he is still within the hospital?"

"Yes, of course," Severus said, worry now filling his chest.

The doctor helped Harry figure out how to hold the pump and correctly place it in his mouth, Severus watching closely. Harry took a deep breath in before coughing and pushing the inhaler away.

"It's weird for the first timers," the doctor said, but he'll get used to it. He may need some assistance for a while until he is able to take it on his own every day when he should."

Severus could already see the many future battles he was going to have with Harry. He sighed and nodded his head, taking the inhaler back and putting it in the bag.

"And for being such a brave boy." Doctor Villin held out another lolli for Harry.

"For me?" Harry said, his eyes wide as he slowly reached for the lollipop. "Really?"

"Yes, for you. You did very good today."

Harry looked at Severus, who nodded his head, then he smiled and accepted the lollipop.

"Thank you." Harry said.

The small family left the hospital. Severus helped the kids back into their car seats before driving over to a small kid clothing store. There, he helped Harry try on several clothes, and allowed Harry to pick out what he liked, which was like pulling teeth.

"Harry, I don't want to be here all day any more than you probably do," Severus said. "But you need to help me out by picking what you like and not just agreeing to everything I grab. Do you actually like this shirt?" Severus held out a plaid shirt.

Harry shrugged. "I don't know," he said softly.

Severus set the shirt down and rubbed a hand through his hair. He hated shopping. Perhaps he should have Addie come back with Harry. After raising five kids and nannying several others, she would know how to engage with Harry more at the store and help him find what he liked.

"Daddy, can I have this?" Iris asked, running up to him with a pink tutu. "I need a new one for dance."

"You have three new ones," Severus frowned at her. "Put that back. We're shopping for Harry, remember?"

"What about this?" Iris held up a frilly skirt.

"Iris, please," Severus dragged a hand down his face. "Not now. Put those back."

"Fine," Iris complained. "Harry, I found a bunch of dinosaur hoodies—want to see?"

"Okay," Harry agreed, running after Iris before Severus could scold them to stay close.