Claire guided Raven and Harry through the clinic doors, the scent of antiseptic mixing with the faint odor of old carpeting. The waiting area had faded green chairs and muted posters on the walls promoting flu shots and hygiene. Claire approached the front desk with a firm expression.
"Hello. Is the pediatric doctor Blake Ross available?" The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with tight curls in her hair and tired eyes, looked up. Claire added, "Please tell him it's Claire Thompson from the Applewood Home for Wayward Children." She leaned in slightly. "I've brought in a child with severe injuries from long-term abuse and neglect. He needs to be seen immediately." The receptionist nodded quickly. "I'll relay the message right away, Mrs. Thompson." Claire nodded back. "Thank you. We'll be waiting."
She turned toward Harry and knelt down slightly to meet his gaze. "Harry, a doctor is going to take a look at you, okay?" Her tone was calm but serious. "If they need you to lift your shirt or check your body, you need to be okay with that."
She added gently, "We just want to make sure you don't have broken bones or infections." Harry's face tensed with uncertainty. "Are you sure this is okay?" He looked away for a moment. "Who's going to pay for all of this?" Claire smiled gently. "You don't need to worry about that, dear. That's why I work for the government. All the bills will be taken care of." Her voice tightened slightly. "And Petunia Dursley, her husband, and that other child will never be able to lay a hand on you again."
Harry's hands trembled at his sides. "I don't want to inconvenience anyone." Raven's head turned sharply. "Harry Potter, you need to stand up for yourself a little." She crossed her arms. "Be more assertive. Don't be so timid, okay?" He glanced at her, then gave a small nod. "All right… I'll try, Raven." Raven's tone softened. "That's better."
At that moment, a tall man in a white coat emerged from a nearby hallway. "Claire? You brought another one in this time, huh?" Claire let out a quiet breath. "Yeah, doctor. It's a bad one." She gestured toward Harry. "I need you to run scans. Check his bones for any breaks of fractures." She spoke carefully. "I suspect long-term abuse by his foster parents. His biological parents are deceased. He was placed in the care of Petunia and Vernon Dursley." Her voice hardened. "He's suffered from long term starvation, exposure to the elements, repeated beatings, and burn injuries." She paused. "There's also another child in the home who routinely assaults him."
Claire nodded toward the hallway. "Why don't you take him into the observation room? I'll wait out here with Raven." Blake sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Another one…" He shook his head slowly. "I don't know how you do this job, Claire." She offered a faint smile. "I do it for the children, Blake. You know that."
Blake turned to Harry. "Come on, kid. Let's take a look at you." He softened his voice. "After we're done, I'll get you a nice sucker, all right?" Harry hesitated, then reached out and took the doctor's hand. The two of them disappeared down the hallway.
Claire and Raven sat together in the waiting area. Claire folded her hands in her lap. "Raven, you wouldn't mind if Harry stayed at Applewood, would you?" Raven shook her head immediately. "Of course not." Her voice was even. "I'm not that self-centered. I'm just glad we're able to help him."
She paused, thoughtful. "And I don't think his situation is as simple as it looks." Claire tilted her head. "What do you mean?" Raven said nothing more. Inside, she reflected carefully. Magic in this world is hidden. Whoever wields it has gone to great lengths to conceal it. I shouldn't use my abilities around Claire or anyone else.
Two and a half hours passed. The hallway door opened, and Harry stepped out with bandages on his arms and legs, and a gauze wrap secured gently over his temple. Dr. Blake Ross followed behind him, clipboard in hand. "Mrs. Thompson, I've run x-rays and completed a full evaluation." He sighed, weary. "You were right." He reviewed the notes aloud.
"He has had exposure to the elements. Frostbite on his toes. Severe malnutrition. Multiple burns on his back and chest. Fractured bones in his legs, arms, feet, and back." His voice dropped. "He's had broken ribs before. No signs of any concussions, thankfully." Blake's tone grew grim. "Based on his condition, I'd say he was fed once every few days. With very little water." He paused. "We're running toxicology, but there are no injection marks or signs of them drugging him."
Claire's face was filled with anger. "Is it really that bad?" Blake nodded. "Its one of the worst cases I've ever seen. The fact that he's still walking around is a miracle." Claire drew in a deep breath and straightened up. "Compile everything into a report and send it to the police. Officer Timothy Claremont will handle the liaison between me and his former guardians." Her voice remained steady. "This should support charges for child abuse, neglect, starvation, and endangerment." Blake gave a single nod. "I'll send everything over."
He glanced at Harry. "He'll be staying at Applewood, I assume?" "Yes," Claire confirmed. "I'll file the necessary paperwork." She gestured vaguely. "And the bill—" Blake cut her off with a wave of his hand. "There won't be one. You know we never bill cases you bring in." He offered a small smile. "We do it for the children, Claire." Claire exhaled softly. "Thank you."
She turned to Harry. "Come on, Harry. I'm taking you to a new home." Her voice warmed. "You'll have supper with Raven." Harry smiled shyly. "Okay, Mrs. Thompson."
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