Harry Potter's Real Dad

Severus started the car and slowly pulled out of his driveway. He had taught himself to drive soon after winning custody of Iris. It was a safer way of travel through muggle areas than side-along apparition was, and it gave Iris a chance to embrace the muggle world and its developing technology, as well himself. And now, it would give Harry that same advantage.

"You're going to like our doctor," Iris started talking as they drove down the road. "He's the best in the whole world!"

"We're going to the doctor?" Harry asked nervously.

Severus silently scolded Iris in his head, but he knew she had not meant to upset Harry. He had been hoping for a quiet ride to the doctor's, but what could one expect with two six-year-olds?

"I don't want to go to the doctor," Harry said.

"We need to get your asthma under control," Severus said. He adjusted the rear-view mirror so he could see Harry in it, alternating between watching the road and watching Harry's reaction.

"I don't have asthma."

"I disagree."

"I don't like doctors."

"Ours is nice," Iris said, smiling at Harry. "He gives me lollies every time I see him. And he's also a wizard. Shhh!" Iris put a finger to her lips and shushed Harry as if she had just revealed a big secret.

"I don't want to go!" Harry said louder. He kicked the seat in front of him. "I want to go home."

"Harry." Severus eyed Harry in the mirror, meeting his son's eyes. "Do not kick my seat."

The stern voice sent shivers down Harry's back, and he lowered his head, peering up at Severus through his bangs. At that Severus reangled his mirror and focused on the road. It was a quiet ride the rest of the way, Iris swinging her feet and Harry sulking out the window. They arrived at the muggle office and Iris jumped out of her seat and waited for her father impatiently while he helped Harry figure out where the seatbelt connected to. Once Harry was free, they walked into the reception area. Iris led Harry over to the play area while Severus checked them in.

When a nurse called the kids in, Severus took their hands and walked them after her. Iris pulled free to be weighed and measured first, while Harry needed prying away from Severus. After temperatures and blood pressures were taken, they waited for the doctor in an exam room. Iris jumped up on the table while Harry decided to take the chair next to Severus, leaning against him.

"May I ask what is wrong about the doctor's office?" Severus questioned.

"I don't like it. They poke me and stab me with needles and I never get a treat like Dudley."

"We're getting a needle?" Iris cried, covering her arms protectively.

"No," Severus answered, wrapping an arm around Harry. "No one is getting a needle today. Harry, I don't know everything you've been through, but our doctor is very nice. He will look you over and hopefully prescribe some medicine for you."

"More medicine?" Harry's lower lip trembled.

"It's to help you," Severus said. "That's all I'm trying to do."

After fifteen minutes, Doctor Villin finally entered.

"Wow, look how much you've grown, Iris!" He said cheerily, walking up to the table. "What happened to the baby girl that barely fit in my hands?"

"I'm a grown up, now," Iris said, sitting tall on the table.

"I see," Doctor Villin smiled. "Too grown up for a lolli?"

Iris shook her head as she accepted the candy Doctor Villin held out to her. Doctor Villin turned his attention on Harry.

"Now, I believe the appointment was made for you, young man," he said. "What's your name?"

Harry turned his face into Severus's shirt, who rested a hand on Harry's back.

"I'm sorry," Severus said, "I do not believe he's had any good hospital experience. This is Harry."

"Hello, Harry," Doctor Villin said, sitting down in the chair across from them and pulling it toward Severus and Harry. "I'm not going to do anything to you that you won't like. I just want to make sure you're healthy. Would you like to see me perform some tests on your sister?"

Harry peeked out at the doctor, who quickly used the opportunity to flick his wand at Iris, sending shimmering gold swirls that wrapped around Iris before vanishing. A parchment appeared in the air next to Iris, who grabbed it and held it out for Doctor Villin helpfully.

"Thank you, Iris," he said, then glanced it over. "Looks like you are perfectly healthy, as is to be expected. Now your turn Harry. What do you say?"

It didn't look so bad. Harry bravely sat up and closed his eyes. He nodded.