Hello Warpers, and welcome to the final chapter of Peabody's Probable Adoption Process! This last chapter took WAY longer to write than I wanted it to, but I'm happy with the results! A big thanks and God bless to everyone who has followed this story, I hope you had as much fun reading it as I did writing it!

Don't worry though; I'm not ready to disappear from the fandom just yet. I've got another story waiting in the wings. That, and I'll be occasionally adding one-shots to Of a Dog and His Boy.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately I own no genius beagles or adorable red-heads. I do own a sweet social worker though...

The sun shone down on the city of New York as a warm breeze whipped around the skyscrapers, bringing with it the promise of summer. All around budding plants poked through the concrete, reaching their leaves out towards the light.

Clara Norton relished the warm weather as she walked through the bustling city streets. It had been just too nice a day to catch her usual taxi.

She smiled as she neared her destination, looking up the large skyscraper to focus on the penthouse at the very top.

After she pressed the intercom button, Clara absentmindedly checked her watch. 3:00, she was right on time! The woman carefully readjusted the objects in her arms while she waited.

In one hand was her usual briefcase, but in the otherwise was a light blue gift bag, a plume of red tissue paper pluming out the top. Technically she was here on business. It was a social worker's job to conduct a three-month follow up on her client. Still, she couldn't just leave the birthday boy empty handed. Although there was no doubt in her mind his new father had already gone all out...

She was jolted from her thoughts are the intercom buzzed to life. Over the static she heard the happy, garbled sounds of an infant before Peabody's voice came through the speaker. "Oh, Hello Clara! Right on time as usual. Come on up! No, Sherman that is not a toy-."

Clara smiled to herself as she walked through the doors and into the elevator. As she slowly made her way to the top, she wondered how big Sherman must've gotten. After all, she hadn't seen the baby since the court case. It was hard to believe it had already been three months.

The media had had a field day when Peabody was legally granted custody of Sherman. A picture of Peabody making his way down the court steps with the smiling infant in his arms had circulated all over the globe. Both newspaper and talk shows alike had begged Peabody for an interview but he had, excusing the pun, doggedly refused. Finally to appease the press he agreed to one interview with Time magazine, but only because the journalist writing the story was a old friend from Harvard. Clara had read the article two months ago when it was first published. The interview had been conducted in Peabody's home and, much like the dog himself, was warm, poignant, and understated. When asked what he planned to do next the genius had simply stated: "I look forward to a wonderful new life with my son."

The elevator slowed and the doors swung open to reveal Peabody's home. As she walked into the foyer and peeked into the living room, Clara smiled when she saw the well -furnished home wasn't quite so immaculate anymore.

Late afternoon light shone in from the wall-to-wall windows illuminating the assorted baby toys, picture books, and blankets strewn over the white rug. The once polished hardwood floors now had a few telltale handprints from the sticky fingers of an infant. Contrasting the expansive dining room table was the small high chair sitting next to it. Occasional food stains from the baby's last meal splattered both the chair and any surface within a three foot radius. Even the regal grand piano in the corner had a diaper changing bag set on top of it. A few spare diapers and a tube of petroleum jelly were sticking out of the top of the bag like a bizarre floral decoration.

It was amazing how just a few things out of place could make the penthouse feel more like a home...

"Oh! I'm sorry Clara I didn't hear you come in." Clara turned to see Peabody walking out of the kitchen, balancing a giggling Sherman on his right hip.

Her eyes widened as she took in the smiling baby. Even in the three short months since she'd seen him, Sherman had grown so much. The infant was now almost half the size of Peabody. He no longer looked like the scrawny, neglected baby she'd seen in the orphanage. His brown eyes shone brighter behind the round glasses. His cheeks, more full and round, were a lovely shade of pink as he smiled.

"My apologies for the mess," the dog muttered self-consciously, picking up a blanket off the floor and placing it over the back of the couch.

But Clara waved him off, smiling. "It's alright. Looks like you've been busy with this little guy!" She cooed at Sherman, crouching down to meet the child's eye level. "Hey there Sherman! It's been a while since I've seen you!"

The baby drew back under her gaze, burying his face into Peabody's shoulder bashfully.

Peabody smiled at her apologetically before turning to the baby. "Sherman, you remember Ms. Clara don't you?" His paw rubbed the infant's back soothingly. "She's a very dear friend of mine and she worked very hard to let you stay with me." He lowered his snout to meet the baby's eyes. "Come on, why don't you say hello? just like we practiced, okay?"

Sherman turned back to look at her with curious eyes. "Lo" he murmured softly, waving his arm in a clumsy wave. He blushed as Clara clapped for him, smiling shyly at her encouragement.

"Very good!" Peabody praised. Sherman let out a high-pitched giggle as the dog nuzzled his cheek, all fear of the stranger in the room forgotten.

The woman laughed at Peabody's enthusiasm, marveling at the drastic change she now saw in the genius. She'd never seen him so open and happy.

"Here! Maybe this will help him warm up to me." She offered, reaching into the gift bag and pulling out a set of rainbow-colored stacking toys. "Happy Birthday sweetheart!" She told the infant as she held to the present for him father to take.

"Ooo!" Sherman eyes widened as he took in the brightly colored object, reaching out to touch the smooth surface.

Peabody took the toy in one paw, while trying to steady the squirming infant. "What a wonderful gift!" He exclaimed, allowing the Sherman to examine the toy while still keeping a firm grip on it. "What do we say to Ms. Clara Sherman?" He prompted lightly. "Thank you. We say thank you."

The baby looked at Clara and proceeded to babble nonsensically, waving his tiny arms for emphasis. His father grinned. "Close enough. We'll work on that one later I suppose..."

Peabody proceeded to place the infant on the rug next to his new toy. "Now why don't you play while Ms. Clara and I talk?" The baby garbled more gibberish at his request, but Peabody beamed all the same.

Clara giggled as she saw Peabody message his sore arm. "Getting a little big for you huh?"

"Yes well" Peabody gave her a self-effacing grin. "Let's just say it's a good think Sherman's learning to walk so quickly." His gestured to her usual spot on the couch

As she turned to sit, Clara noticed the half-finished cup of coffee sitting on the table. She frowned in confusion, knowing full well Peabody couldn't drink caffeine.

"Mr. Harris was kind enough to stop by a few hours ago." The beagle clarified, following her bemused stare as he sat down in on one of the chairs. "He just wanted to check up on Sherman and wish him a happy birthday. You could say he's grown rather attached to Sherman. Not that I blame him..."

Clara looked down in surprise as she felt something hit her leg. She looked down to see bright blue nesting toy at her feet. A few feet away she could see Sherman, his eyes darting nervously from her to the toy.

Slowly she picked it up and held it out to him, trying her hardest to smile reassuringly. "It's okay," she soothed. "You can have it back."

"Go on," the dog encouraged softly, placing a reassuring paw at Sherman's back. "Ms. Clara isn't going to harm you."

After a few moments of deliberation, Sherman got to his feet and toddled towards her cautiously, eyes never leaving her face. The minute his outstretched arms reached the toy, Sherman snatched it up and held it close. The infant nearly fell face first on the carpet as he scrambled back towards Mr. Peabody, hiding himself behind the dog's chair. Clara's heart ached as those brown eyes still stared at her from behind the chair's legs.

"Well done Sherman." Peabody encouraged. "See? Nothing bad happened. Ms. Clara is nice." Peabody reached down to ruffle the child's shock of vibrant red hair.

Sherman leaned into Peabody's touch, glasses falling crooked on his face as he pressed up against the dog's paw. Once reassured, the infant ventured back out from behind the chair and proceeded to play once more with the nestling toys. Peabody watched him fondly for a minute before turned back to Clara, an apologetic smile on his face.

"I'm so sorry about that," he sighed. "Sherman's still getting used to meeting people. That and..." The beagle shuffled uncomfortably. "I've found he hasn't had the best experiences with... woman caretakers."

Clara frowned as she thought of the Mrs. Hamish, the women she'd had the pleasure of meeting the day she'd accompanied Mr. Peabody to the orphanage during one of his visits. "No, it's alright. I understand. But he's going to have to learn that not all women are like that."

Peabody nodded fervently. "I couldn't agree with you more, and I'm hoping his interactions with you today will help negate this behavior. In fact..." He hesitated for a moment. "I was hoping you could help me with something."

Clara's eyebrows raised in surprise. In the time she'd known him Peabody wasn't one to ask for help. "Yes?"

"Could you please keep an eye on Sherman while I finish up dinner? It's almost done but I'm afraid I've been a bit behind schedule. Sherman's just started walking and he's been quite a handful. Besides..." The genius turned to glance a moment at the preoccupied infant. "I was hoping your presence might give him a more positive view of the female."

The woman bit her lip, thinking back to Sherman's previous interactions with her. "Are you sure that's the best idea Peabody? I don't think one positive experience with me is going to fix the 9 months he spent in that orphanage." Besides, she wasn't exactly a qualified child psychologist. She advocated for children, but, in all honesty she was probably better with the paperwork than she was with the children themselves. What could she possibly do?

"It couldn't hurt, either." The beagle insisted. "All things considered I think this is the best time to try it. I would just be in the kitchen and ready to come back in at a moment's notice..." He seemed to be almost reassuring himself more than her.

"Please Clara. Sherman's health is of the utmost importance to me and I don't want those nine months of neglect to have lasting effects in him," he turned to her earnestly. "I'm afraid this is an issue I can't fix for him, but I was hoping you could try."

Looking into Peabody's concerned eyes Clara found she couldn't say no. "Alright," she stated simply, "I'll try my best."

The smile Peabody sent her way almost quelled the bundle of nerves in her gut. "Splendid! Thank you very much Clara!" He then turned to Sherman, patting the baby's head affectionately. "Please be good for Ms. Clara now Sherman, I promise I'll be back in a few minutes." With that, the beagle began to make his way to the kitchen, sending his son one last nervous glance before turning the corner.

It took Sherman all of five seconds to realize his father wasn't there anymore. Anxiety gripped Clara's heart as a small whine began to build in the infant's throat.

"No, no, no! Please don't cry!" She begged. The woman lowered herself onto the carpet, and cautiously approached the baby. "Don't worry, you dad will be right back." This was, apparently the wrong thing to do. Sherman let out a whimper as she drew closer, searching frantically for his father and finding nothing. Seeing she was only making things worse, Clara stopped abruptly and drew back, giving Sherman some space. She sighed quietly to herself. This wasn't going to be easy.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the nesting toys she'd given him were lying only a few feet away. She was amazed to see that, in the relatively short time he'd been playing with the toy, Sherman had managed to place all the interlocking parts into their correct order. Most children his age needed at least few hours to piece together the puzzle. That was one smart baby…

Maybe she could distract him; take his mind off Peabody's absence. Clara picked up one of the baby toys on the rug, a small wooden box with assorted shapes cut out of the sides. "Look Sherman!" She exclaimed, tentatively pushing the box towards the baby. Sherman watched her warily from behind the chair he'd hidden behind. It was like drawing a scared rabbit out of its hole.

Well, at least he wasn't crying anymore. That was something right?'

Picking up a small-star shaped block, Clara made a show of inserting it into the star-shaped hole on the box. "Ooh! Isn't that neat?!" She felt so ridiculously stupid right now, but kept the grin plastered on her face all the same. "Why don't you try it?" She pushed the box a little closer to him and backed away.

Sherman let out a fearful squeak and drew back further, trying to make himself as small as possible.

Clara groaned and placed a hand over her eyes in frustration. What did she think that was suddenly going to work? This was hopeless. After twelve years as a social worker one would think she'd know a thing or two about children. They would apparently be wrong. Why did she think she could do this? She-

"KER-THUNK"

The sound of wood hitting wood brought Clara out of her thoughts. Cautiously, she peeked through her fingers, eyes widening at what she saw. Sherman had crawled up the box, brows scrunched as he stared at it in concentration. Then, quick as a flash, the baby picked up a square shaped block and slid it easily into the square hole, smiling at the satisfying klunk it made as it hit the bottom. Feeling her eyes on him, Sherman turned in fear, but Clara managed to put her hands back over her eyes just in time. Satisfied that he hadn't been seen, Clara listened intently as Sherman quickly toddled away, presumably back under the chair.

Suddenly, she felt something hit her leg. Opening her eyes the woman was bemused to see a triangle-shaped block at her feet. She looked up to see Sherman no longer looking at her expectantly. It took the social worker a moment to put two and two together.

Clara approached the box and slid the block into its adjoining slot before going back to her spot on the rug and covering her eyes. She smiled as she heard Sherman's small giggle and the thunk of another block hitting the bottom of the box.

Their strange game continued for a while, Clara making sure to cover her eyes each time Sherman emerged from his hideaway in order to give the child a small sense of security. Each time it was her turn to insert the block she would feel Sherman's eyes following her every movement. He was no longer looking at her in fear but fascination, like a little scientist observing a specimen. She grinned wryly. When did she become the experiment here?

"KER-THUNK!" The noise of wood hitting wood once more reached her ears once more. Clara listened expectantly for the sounds of Sherman toddling back to the chair, but frowned in confusion when none came. Instead, she was surprised to feel something warm brush up against her arm. Clara's breath hitched in her throat as she slowly brought her hand away from her face and opened her eyes.

Sherman's lopsided grin came to meet her. In the infant's outstretched hand there was a single, heart-shaped block.

Mr. Peabody's tail wagged anxiously as he put the finishing touches of cilantro and lemon juice on the Indian Tandoori Chicken he'd prepared for tonight's meal. The whole time he'd been in the kitchen his ears had been perked, ready to fly into the living room at a moment's notice. Still, things had gone a lot smoother in the kitchen without a baby underfoot, and so far there had been no wailing, screaming, or crying. That was a good sign right?

But what if Sherman wasn't ready for this sort of immersion yet? What if leaving him alone with Clara would just traumatize him further? The dog breathed deeply to calm his troubled mind, trying to shake off all these infernal doubts.

Peabody knew full-well from every psychology book he'd ever read that Sherman needed to spend some positive time with a woman if he was ever going to grow up in a good state of mental health after his experiences at the orphanage. And, as far as Peabody was concerned, Clara was the perfect women for this first experiment. Still, the feeling of being out of control was hard for Peabody to deal with.

Taking off his apron and hanging it up, the genius picked up the two plates of chicken for Clara and himself and the small bowl of mashed carrots and pureed chicken he'd prepared for Sherman. Peabody braced himself as he swung on the kitchen door, fully preparing himself for the worst.

What greeted his ears was Sherman's squeal of laughter as Clara's lifted the giggling baby high into the air before bringing him back down, and blowing a raspberry into his stomach. Sherman clapped his tiny hands together in delight, reaching his out his arms so Clara could lift him again. Peabody stared in utter amazement, unable to keep his jaw from dropping. This was a radical contrast from the shy, retiring infant he'd left just twenty minutes ago.

"Pea-baba!" Sherman cried enthusiastically the minute his eyes caught sight of his father. Clara looked up in surprise, blushing slightly at Peabody's stunned expression. "Hi there," She grinned bashfully while bouncing Sherman on one hip. "Um… Do you need any help with those?" she gestured to the plates Peabody was balancing precariously.

"Wha- Oh! Oh no I'm fine." He reassured, his wits finally coming back to him. "I take it your time with Sherman was a success then?"

Clara laughed, self-consciously fixing her now messy bun. "You could say that." She lowered a squirming Sherman to the floor. The moment his feet touched the ground the baby was toddling at full speed towards Peabody, catching the dog round the middle in a tight hug. "Pea-baba!"

Peabody smiled and returned his son's embrace. "I missed you too Sherman. Do you have a good time with Ms. Clara while I was busy?"

Sherman nodded enthusiastically, his glasses nearly falling of his face. He let out a string of garbled baby-talk in response, but both the woman and the dog were surprised when the name "Clawa" came tumbling out of the infant's mouth.

Again, Clara found herself floored by Sherman's incredible cognition. The child absorbed information like a sponge.

"Very Good Sherman!" Peabody beamed ecstatically. "Now what do we say to Ms. Clara for watching you?"

A string of more gibberish was his only reply.

Peabody sighed but smiled. "Mark my words, young man, one of these days I'm going to get you to say thank you!" He told Sherman playfully, ruffling the boy's messy hair. Sherman just smiled and laughed, relishing all the attention.

"Frankly, I'm just surprised he's picked up as much as he has" said Clara as she walked towards the table. "Peabody this looks incredible!" She exclaimed, looking down at the meal. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble!"

But Peabody just dismissed her concerns with a wave of his paw. "It's no trouble at all." He told her, walking up a small step stool to place a squirming Sherman into his high chair. "I've been meaning to try out the recipe anyway." Like the gentleman he was, Peabody held out her chair for her with a flourish before sitting down himself.

The orange sunset melted to violet night as the three shared their meal. Peabody regaled Clara with tales of his many expeditions and world travels, all the while trying to make sure at least some of Sherman's dinner ended up in his mouth and not his bib. Clara listened, but covertly she observed Peabody as he tended to the infant, smiling at the faces he wasn't aware he was making as he coaxed Sherman to eat the food. Mentally she was taking notes for the final report she needed to submit to the agency.

As far as she could tell Sherman had adjusted magnificently to his new environment. Peabody was stimulating his development, keeping him on a regular schedule, and providing him with the love and attention he needed. And, judging by his interactions with her today, Clara suspected any lasting effects the orphanage may've had on Sherman would be gone in no time. For all intents and purposes, Sherman was a normal, healthy baby and his new father was doing a splendid job.

As the night dwindled to a close and the last remnants of their meal had been put away, Clara and Peabody sat in the living room for their final interview, a pot of tea between them. A now sleeping Sherman was tucked into the crook of the dog's arm, a smile on his face as he nestled deeper into the dogs soft fur.

Peabody stifled a yawn as he hugged the Sherman close. It was then that Clara could see just how worn out the beagle looked.

So was the crash course in parenting as easy as you thought it would be?" She quipped, a smirk on her face as she recalled Peabody's comment of "how hard could it be?" during the trial.

Knowing exactly what she was referring to, Peabody sighed and shook his head. "Alright, alright. I suppose I can be a bit over confident at times," he admitted. "Truthfully?" His brows furrowed in thought as he searched for the right words. "It's probably one of the hardest things I have ever done."

He smiled earnestly as he continued. "When it comes to Sherman... I find I'm questioning my actions in ways I've never had to before. Every time I think I have everything figured out he manages to surprise me with something new. There are just so many variables..." he chuckled. "And not nearly enough sleep."

Clara laughed softly so as not to wake Sherman. "So I've heard. For all it's worth it looks like you're doing a wonderful job. I'll be submitting a very positive review to the agency on Monday."

"That's good to hear." He downplayed his response, but Clara saw the way his shoulders relaxed and how his eyes shone with relief.

Then, out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of the time on a nearby wall clock: 9:30. "Oh jeez..." She muttered to herself, "I'd better start heading out. I told my husband I'd be back by ten."

"Oh dear." Peabody glanced up at the clock himself. "And I was just going to tell you about my latest invention. I designed it for Sherman's birthday. I call it the WABAC and-"

But Clara politely held up a hand and he took the hint. "Of course. Another time perhaps. Besides..." He looked down at the slumbering infant his arms. "I believe it's someone's bedtime."

Clara quickly collected her briefcase and coat and headed for the foyer. Peabody was there waiting for her by the elevator.

"Thank you very much for joining us." Peabody, shook her hand gratefully. "And for all you've done these past months."

Clara's eyes crinkled as she smiled down at him "It was my pleasure."

"I do hope you'll keep in touch." He continued, trying to sound formal and failing miserably. "It's just that... Well Sherman's grown awfully fond of you..." He cleared his throat sheepishly. "As have I..."

Clara tried hard not to laugh at his obvious embarrassment, knowing this wasn't an easy thing for the genius to stay. Putting down her briefcase, Clara kneeled to meet his eyes, her lips whirled into a smile. "I'm sure I can find some way to check up on you too, what with the unorthodox nature of this case after all..."

He caught her drift instantly and grinned himself. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

The ding of the elevator sounded and the metal doors slid open. Clara took a few moments to peck Sherman lightly on the cheek before picking up her briefcase and turning to go. Bit before she hit the button the the lower floors, Clara had one last question she'd been dying to ask.

"Peabody?"

"Hmm?" He responded, turning back around to meet her gaze.

"Would you do it again?"

His brows arched in confusion.

"The media frenzy, the court case, the adoption..." She clarified. "Would you do it all again?"

He took a moment to consider her words. Then, as Peabody looked down at Sherman's slumbering form and held the infant close, a fierce look of resolve came to his face.

"Yes," he answered simply. "In a heartbeat."

So there it is! My first finished multi-chapter fic! (sorry, but this is a big personal accomplishment for me).

What did you guys think of it? Bad? Good? Did the cuteness-factor overload your heart? Should I call an ambulance? Please be sure to read and review!