This is my first fic and this idea just came to me and I wanted to write it down. It is quite short for the beginning, but I just wanted to test it out a bit. So… Enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: I do not have kids, nor am I blonde
Harry couldn't sleep. How could he, he was in a bloody magical school after all and just a few months ago he hadn't even known magic existed!
Harry sat next to his owl near the windows, staring silently outside through the windows. It was so beautiful. He could see the Forbidden Forest and the Great Lake. The moon shone bright and if Harry squinted, he could see the tentacles of the Giant Squid. Harry stared at everything with amazement, running his fingers through Hedwig's feathers. If he could, Harry would have cried in joy and relief. Joy because finally for once in the last 10 years of his life he had a friend and relief because he was not with the Dursleys anymore! Finally he was free from them for once in his long miserable life. At first Harry couldn't sleep, for he had thought if he did, he would leave this wonderful place and wake up in their house. He couldn't bear that thought, that everything around him was a dream. But just to make sure, Harry pinched himself hard. Wincing, he rubbed his arm, but then grinned. It was real. Everything was real. Harry huffed out a quiet laugh, hugging Hedwig.
"This is home now Hedwig." He looked out the window, at the bright moon shining before his eyes, casting it's light over him. "And it shall always be."
Minerva walked briskly towards the Gryffindor Common Room. At least once at the beginning of every year, some foolish Gryffindors would decide to stay up late all night to have some fun or other mischief that she could not tolerate. She had always put a quick end to it. Minerva entered the Common Room, checking the girls corridor first. She gave a small smile when she saw all of them fast asleep, one little firstie was even snuggled with a teddy bear. Minerva cast a mild warming charm on her Lions to keep them comfy. Then with some trepidation, she trudged towards the boys side. The two Weasley Terrors reminded her of the days of the Marauders, which made her feel nostalgic and a touch of dread.
Minerva stopped in her tracks when she saw someone awake. More specifically, Harry Potter, curled up in a blanket on the cold marble floors of the 1st year boys dormitory. Minerva was about to ready to scold the boy, when something made her pause.
The boy was staring up at the night sky with an expression she couldn't understand on his face while petting his familiar. Something about his expression however made her heart ache. He looked so lonely there, so small, wrapped in that huge blanket with a quiet, secretive smile. Something then and there exploded in Minerva's heart and she silently swore to herself that she'd to anything and everything possible to protect this little boy.
Minerva walked slowly towards him. His owl saw her first, and it gave a quiet hoot. Harry however startled so hard that he literally jumped.
"Professor?" he whispered, confused and worried.
Minerva raised her hand to make a placating gesture, however Harry flinched hard and tried to get him and his owl away from her.
"No, no Harry. I didn't mean to startle you as such. I merely just wanted to ask why you are up so late. It is already half-past one after all."
"Oh," the child blushed. "I couldn't sleep," he mumbled, his eyes downcast on the marble floors.
Minerva made sure the boy was looking at her and then smiled warmly, hoping it would reassure him. "That is fine Harry. Everyone is bound to be a little too excited on their first day. It's quite a shock I'd imagine."
"Yeah," Harry agreed, smiling a little, but still not meeting her eyes.
"Well then Harry, would you please indulge your old head of the house to at least lay on your bed. It is a bit cold out here on the floors. Here," she cast another warming charm on the child's feet and hands, "better right?"
Harry nodded enthusiastically, looking at her in awe.
Minerva smiled inwardly. Oh the joys to be young again, to be fascinated by every single thing, to have that innocent, curious expression. How easy the young were to impress.
"Now please young man go to bed. You wouldn't want to be late to any of your classes would you?" At this Minerva stared at him pointedly. The boy flushed, getting the message and nodded hard at her.
"Yes Professor. Thank you."
"Think nothing of it Harry. Now go on then." Minerva watched him leave, a smile she couldn't resist flitted across her face as she watched the boy skip merrily to near the end of the room. He gave her a beautiful, cheeky little smile, did a little mock salute and disappeared into his bed. Minerva's heart ached more now as she saw the ghost of James leaving with him as well. I'll protect him. I will not fail him like I have his parents, she thought seriously, resolve forming in her heart.