Family Doesn't End With Blood

Chapter 4: Finally Family

The family of four remains huddled together at the window for a little while longer, staring out as the police car, the very one that held Vernon Dursley inside, drove away. Harry was truly safe now, and he would never have to deal with the man ever again.

*

The doorbell soon brakes them all out of their trance, though. "Here, take him, Severus, while I go get the door," Charity requests, passing the young boy over without receiving an answer. Harry frowns, as he had been comfy where he was. He soon settls back down onto the man's broad shoulder, though, his thumb subconsiously slipping into his mouth.

Severus wasn't pleased as he was a bit of a germiphobe, but he left the matter alone due to not wanting to have an upset boy on his hands. He understood that it was a comfort mechanism, and he figured it would be best to pick up a few pacifiers.

Charity opened the door to reveal the Child Protection Services worker from before with a stack of papers in her hands. "Oh, hello, good early evening," she welcoms as she stepps aside to let the woman in. "Please come in."

Emily smiles and makes her way into the house, dusting her feet off as Charity shuts the door. "If you don't mind me asking, what is the cause of your visit?" Charity questioned politely.

"I've brought Mr. Potter's file with me so that we may start the adoption process as soon as possible. I just need to ask Harry a few questions," Emily replies, peeking into the living room and sending Harry a small wave and a playful smile. The boy only hides face in Severus' shoulder.

"Potter? I thought he lived with the Dursely's?" Charity questions.

"Yes, Harry Potter. He was moved into him aunt and uncle's home after the death of his parents when he was about a year and a half. All the details are in the file you'll be given. But that'll be after my questions."

"Ah, right. That shouldn't be an issue at all. I feel that in the little time we've had him he's already become a part of the family. Is the living room alright?" Charity leasd the way at Emily's nod.

"Wherever is most comfortable."

As the two enter, Harry whimpers and buries his face deeper into the crook of the Severus' neck, a bit timid around new people. Severus set a comforting hand on the boy's back as his other hand pats the boys bottom, gently bouncing him up and down.

"He's a bit shy it seems, understandably," Charity tells Emily.

"That's quite common in these situations. I'll just need to ask him a few questions, and then we'll discuss the steps from here," Emily explains.

"Alright. Sev, could you turn him around for us so he's facing this kind woman," Charity instructs, and Severus nods before lifting the boy up in order to turn him around in his lap.

Although in a different position, Harry still attempted to hide his face away this time in his hands. He's scared.

"Hi, Harry," Emily speaks softly, crouching down in front of the boy. "My name's Emily. I won't hurt you, darling, I'm here to help. You probably don't remember me. You were just a baby the first time we met."

Harry, recognizing the geuinity and kindness in the woman's soft voice. Chancing a peek at the woman, he glances at Charity before his eyes land on Emily again.

The woman smiled softly and carried on. "Do you know what my job is, Harry? I make sure that little boys and girls like you are safe, looked after, and placed in loving homes," the woman explained, attempting to hold eye contact with the boy as he follows along. The idea of talking to a stranger frightens him but she did say that they met before. "The first time didn't work out but that's okay before because these two people would like to adopt you. Do you know what adoption is?"