"Barkley's," Hydrus explained as he joined the other adults at the end of the bed. "The matron, Ms. Cartwright, informed me that there was a younger child who might be in danger from his uncle. So I asked Sirius if he knew you and we figured we'd come and help." He then explained what Barkley's was and why they monitored the hospital. "Sirius said what wonderful parents you are, so I wanted to see if he had magic and offer our services if he didn't, even if it was just counseling."
"That's a wonderful concept," the mousy woman said with a beaming smile.
"Yes, we thought it might save some of the children," Hydrus agreed.
"And the ball?" Frank asked, happy to see his child playing so willingly with someone his own age. Neville was a shy child by nature. He got it from his mother.
"Harry's favorite as a baby, and the easiest way I could think of to prove you had a wizard child," he said easily.
"You should sell them, they might keep something like this from happening to someone else," the sandy-haired man suggested. He had heard this man owned a few businesses in Diagon Alley, though he never met him. He even shopped at the entertainment store for a TV and VCR with a few of the children's movies, though Alice was bugging him to buy some of the adult ones. With their stressful jobs as Aurors, they needed something to unwind.
That was how Algie got to Neville in the first place. They were at work and his mum was supposed to be watching the child, but let that old man do it instead. Now, they were either going to have to find a sitter or nanny or one of them would stop working, since he no longer trusted his family to protect his son.
"I'm thinking of putting them in Fun For All," the immortal said distractedly as he watched the two toddlers playing on the bed. It was a good idea, one he had been mulling over for a few months now. Seeing the Longbottoms so relieved, he'd have to see about getting a children's section set up soon. Then again, it might make it so more squibs were killed or thrown into the streets at an earlier age. He'd have to talk to Ms. Cartwright to set up a section of the home for younger children.
"Well, whatever the reason, thanks for making my little boy's day," Alice said, kissing each man on the cheek.
"I've been setting up play dates with children Neville's age. Do you think we can come and visit some Saturdays and let the two get to know each other better?" Sirius asked.
"That's a great idea. I heard Harry was living with his Muggle aunt and they were in hiding, so I'm surprised you are allowed to take him anywhere," Frank said, raising an eyebrow.
Sirius stuck with their story about how he was only allowed to see Harry away from the Dursleys and that they didn't like wizards and were only keeping Harry for the wards. The guardians made arrangements to meet again in a few weeks' time and the Blacks and Harry left the hospital shortly after.
"That went better than I thought," Sirius said as they made their way to the Apparation point.
"Nay, I knew Neville's a strong wizard. Since his dad is alive, he'll have his own wand. Then everyone will know how powerful he is," Hydrus said with a wave of his hand and a smile on his face.
"Still, maybe Frank is right and you should sell those toys," the dogman suggested.
"I'm thinking about the pro and cons of it," the immortal answered as they made it to the point. The two adults and one child then Disapparated home. They told Moony what happened and discussed selling the toys some more.
Harry was content that he had a new friend and played with his toys, only to disrupt the adults when he did something correct. They all had a good, relaxing evening and soon went to bed with the knowledge that all was going well.
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