Chapter Three
The next morning, Minerva awoke to a small body snuggling against her. She wrapped her arms around Harry, pulling him close. It was only Saturday, and she had no desire to get up yet. So, she kept her eyes closed and attempted to fall asleep again. But, she felt a pair of eyes on her and couldn't resist opening her own.
Still heavy from sleep, she blinked a few times. She looked across her bed and saw Albus smiling at her.
"What?"
"You look beautiful when you sleep."
Minerva blushed. She rolled over and looked at her clock. It was only seven and she wanted to sleep a little longer.
"Why don't we go back to sleep? I'm still really tired."
"Of course."
But whatever Minerva was thinking, it was dashed when Albus positioned Harry on the outside of the bed and Minerva in the middle. She pulled Harry to her, keeping him under the covers, safe and warm. Albus wrapped his arm around Minerva's waist, placing a light kiss to her neck before he let her drift off again. She was asleep in minutes; seeking the comfort she had so greatly needed for years. Albus was falling asleep as well, for he hadn't gotten much sleep last night. He had been thinking how lucky he was to be here with the woman of his dreams. Slowly, his eyes closed and he was asleep.
Minerva felt someone lightly poking her.
"Mama!"
She slowly opened her eyes and saw a pair of bright green eyes look at her.
"You awake yet?"
"Yes, Harry, I'm awake."
"Paba's not. He sleepin and snorin. It sounds funny."
Minerva chuckled. She rolled over on her side and saw Albus fast asleep, his light snoring moving his beard. She rolled back to Harry and carefully got out of bed. She picked him up and walked out into the sitting room. She closed the door behind her, then went to set Harry on the sofa.
"Are you hungry, Harry?"
Harry nodded.
"Dipsy!"
A house elf appeared, scaring Harry. He screamed and jumped off the couch. He ran to the bedroom door, pounding on it with his little fists. Minerva grabbed him just as the door opened.
"What's going on?"
Harry was crying uncontrollably, his face buried in Minerva's shoulder. Minerva was trying to comfort him.
"Dipsy startled him."
Albus nodded and went over to the crying house elf.
"There there Dipsy. Young Harry Potter here isn't used to magical things yet. Don't worry."
"D-Dipsy is being v-very sorry sir. She d-didn't means to do it."
"Everything is fine now, Dipsy. Harry, come here please."
Minerva brought Harry over and placed him down beside Albus. He hid behind Albus' arm.
"Harry, this is Dipsy. She's a house elf."
Harry peered around Albus and stared at the creature. Dipsy waved at Harry, who quickly ducked behind Albus again.
"Now, Dipsy, I'd like you to bring up some breakfast. Pancakes and eggs with some bacon and sausage. With a large helping of fruit. I'd also like some tea and milk."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall. Dipsy is getting that right away."
Dipsy disappeared. Harry stepped out from behind Albus, tears still running down his face. He crawled into Albus' arms and rested his head on his shoulder.
"There, there, Harry. Dipsy wasn't going to hurt you."
"She sc-scared me."
"I know, Harry."
"What did she do? How d-did she get here?"
"She apparated, Harry."
"Appaparateded?"
"Close enough. Yes."
"It's like magic?"
"Yes. It is magic, Harry."
"Oh."
"And your Mama here, she can do magic too."
Harry's eyes got wide and waited for Minerva to do something.
"Do you remember those colored bubbles Harry?"
"Yes."
"Those were magic and the dinner I cooked was helped along by magic too."
"Really?!"
"Yes."
"Can you do more?"
"Of course, but we'll save that for later. We have to wait until we eat."
"Okay."
Harry crawled out of Albus' arms and walked over to Minerva. He held up his arms for her, plainly giving her the notion that he wanted to be held. She picked him up and cuddled him.
"I love you, Harry."
"I love you, Mama."
Minerva almost cried there, because hearing that from Harry caused her heart to swell with pride and joy. A while later, Dipsy came back with there food. Harry was less afraid of her, but was still a little nervous around her. When she left again, he scrambled out of Minerva's lap and ran to the table. Albus and Minerva followed, helping him into his chair. Albus dished up the plates as Minerva poured the drinks. Harry dug into his food right away, enjoying the fluffiness of the pancakes and the great taste. Minerva and Albus, however, ate at a slower pace, just watching Harry. Minerva looked around the room for a moment and noticed something different right away. She put her fork down and stood. She walked over to a door next to her own, running her hands along the intricate designs. Little lions and unicorns pranced around the edges. The handle was lower than her own, just the right height for Harry. She turned back to the other door. It wouldn't open, so she left it for a little while. She went to sit back down.
"Albus, did you have anything to do with this?"
She motioned to the doors. He looked at them with a confused expression.
"I can assure you, Minerva I didn't do anything."
"Hmm."
She turned back to her breakfast, sipping her tea and taking a bite of a strawberry. She looked over at Harry and almost spit out her food. His face was covered in syrup and fruit juice.
"Oh, Harry."
She shook her head with a smile and conjured a wet rag. She wiped his face of most of the food.
"I think you'll need another bath, Harry."
He gave her a sheepish smile.
"Finish eating."
He did, getting messier. When they were finished, Minerva lifted Harry out of his chair and set him down.
"Don't touch anything, Harry. Just follow me."
She walked over to the new door and pushed it open. The room was painted in royal blue. The bed was made with blankets in Gryffindor red and gold. A wardrobe was next to the door. A toy chest sat on the floor at the foot of the bed. Harry's eyes were wide as were Minerva's. She looked up and almost gasped. The ceiling was enchanted, just like the one in the Great Hall. Except this one showed the sunny sky, even while it was raining. She suspected it changed to night when it got dark out. She looked down at Harry.
"What do you think?"
"Wow!"
She giggled.
"Let's get you a bath and then you can come and play."
He nodded, never once taking his eyes of the room.
"Look!"
"What is it, Harry?"
"The walls, they have things moving on them."
"So they do. It's clouds and dragons, Harry. Do you like it?"
He nodded. She carried him out of the room and to her bathroom. Albus followed soon after.
"That room is amazing."
"It is. Mind finding Harry some bath toys?"
"Sure."
Albus left the room and went into Harry's new room. He looked in the toy chest, but found nothing. He frowned. He took out his wand and went back to the bathroom. He grabbed some bars of soap and transfigured them into a merperson, dragon and unicorn. They were enchanted, so they swam around and walked on the edge of the tub. Harry was delighted and watched them. Minerva washed him up, getting all the syrup off of his face and fingers. When she was done washing him, she let him play with the toys. She and Albus watched him from the floor. Minerva laid her head on Albus' shoulder, a smile on her face. Many thoughts were running through her head, about Harry, Albus, and something else. Something she had wanted for a while, but was never able to have.
"You know, Albus, I'm not as old as I look."
"I know."
He continued to watch Harry, waiting for Minerva to continue.
"In fact, I'm still young enough have a child of my own."
"Yes, you are."
"Albus, although I have Harry, I'd like a child of my own. One that I've carried for nine months inside of me."
"Minerva, where are you going with this?"
"Albus, I love you, I hope you know that."
"I do."
"And, I'd like to spend the rest of my life with you. I know it's only been a day since we've actually shared our feelings, but I can't live without you."
"To be honest, neither can I. Minerva, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Yes, Albus, yes I will."
She looked up at him and placed a sweet kiss to his lips. She lay her head back on his shoulder.
"How old are you really?"
"Only thirty-three."
"Oh."
"How old are you really?"
"Sixty-seven."
"What an age difference!"
"Minerva, my dear, age doesn't matter."
"Oh, believe me, I know."
They watched Harry for a little while longer and then Minerva scooped him out and dried him off. She helped him get dressed and walked out into the sitting room.
"Well, Harry, what shall we do today?"
"Actually, Albus, I was hoping you could watch him. I want to go to Hogsmeade and get him some clothes."
"Get him some toys too. There aren't any in his room."
Minerva nodded.
"Well, what do you say?"
"Of course I will. I'll give him a tour of the castle."
"Albus, make sure no one, not even Poppy or Rolanda, know who he is right now. It'd be too much. Besides, I've got to make it legal that I have him."
"Of course. I'll put a few glamour charms on him."
"Now, Harry, I'm going to go out for a little while, be a good boy for papa."
Harry nodded his head as he sucked on his thumb. Minerva stood and went to get herself ready. Albus sat in the sitting room with Harry. When Minerva came out, she remembered the door she couldn't get open.
"Albus, there's this door here, and I'm not quite sure where it leads. I can't get it open, maybe you can try."
Albus put his hand on the door and it opened. To his surprise, it led straight into his sitting room.
"Would you look at that?!"
"Oh my!"
Minerva smiled and then placed a kiss on Albus' cheek. She placed another on Harry.
"While I'm away, try not to get into too much trouble."
"Of course not."
"And, you might want to think of a wedding date. That way we can get it all started."
"So soon?"
"Yes. Albus, Harry needs a whole family. The sooner we marry, the sooner he has both of us."
"True."
She grabbed her handbag, placed a kiss to both of their cheeks again and left. Harry's lip trembled and he started to cry.
"Harry, what's the matter?"
"Mama!!"
Albus picked Harry up and rocked him.
"She'll be back. She went to get you some presents."
Harry wiped his eyes with his little fists and looked at Albus. He smiled at him.
"Shall we take a tour of the castle?"
Harry nodded. Albus picked him up and they walked out of the room.
"Which way first?"
Harry looked around. He pointed right. Albus walked that way, opening the door to the transfiguration classroom.
"This, Harry, is the Transfiguration classroom. This is where your mama teaches her class."
Harry looked around in amazement. He then noticed the animals used for lessons. He pointed and wriggled in Albus' arms.
"Aminals!!"
"No, Harry, animals."
"Aminals!!"
"An-i-mals."
"Aminals."
Albus sighed.
"We'll work on this another day."
He carried Harry over to the cages. The small furry creatures caught Harry's attention the most. He reached his hand into the cage of a niffler. It sniffed him, rubbing itself along Harry's hand. Harry giggled. Albus pulled him away, taking him out of the classroom.
"Let's continue the tour, Harry."
They toured the Great Hall and first and second floors before Albus checked his watch.
"It's time for lunch, Harry. Would you like to get something to eat from the kitchens?"
Harry nodded. Albus carried him down to the dungeons to the kitchen. Albus showed him how to tickle the pear and they entered. Albus called a house elf to him and told him to get them a lunch of sandwiches. He got Harry a glass of milk and some hot cocoa for himself. A platter of sandwiches came floating to the table.
"Eat up, Harry. Your Mama wouldn't be very happy if you didn't."
Harry took a bite of a ham sandwich. He munched until it was gone and then drank his milk. Albus cleaned him up and then took him out of the kitchens.
"Where to now, my boy?"
Harry shrugged.
"Owls."
"Hmm, let's do that then. We'll go to the Owlery."
Albus carried Harry outside and out to the Owlery. Harry looked at the vast grounds his eyelids slowly drooping. When they reached the Owlery, Harry was sound asleep. Albus looked down at him, a smile spread across his face. He carried Harry back inside, all the way to his new room. Once there, he tucked Harry into bed and went out into the sitting room.
For an hour at least, Albus sat and read a book, waiting for Minerva to return. When she finally did, she was loaded down with packages. He helped her get them in. He was actually very surprised at how much she got.
"Where's Harry?"
Minerva looked around for him.
"He's sleeping. He tuckered out after lunch so I put him in his bed. What did you get?"
"Well I was hoping Harry would be the first to see it, but I'll show you the clothes."
So, Minerva showed him Harry's clothes.
"I got him a few sets of robes; red, green, blue, and black. He'll be needing them, I think. I also got him some slacks and shirts. Cute little things actually and I had to get them in the size for two year olds because he's so small. The little animals on the front move so he should like them. The toys, I'll save for later."
Minerva looked pleased with herself.
"Are you happy?"
"Very."
He looked at her and then took her hands.
"Do you still want another child?"
Minerva looked at him and then looked down.
"Yes, Albus, I do."
Albus nodded. He dug in his pocket and then handed Minerva a box. Her eyes grew wide as she took it. She opened it to reveal a diamond engagement ring with and two emeralds and two sapphires flanking the diamond.
"Albus, it's . . . it's beautiful."
"It was my mother's and my grandmother's before her."
"It's wonderful, Albus. Thank you. But, what is it for?"
"You want to get married do you not?"
"Of course, I do. I love you, Albus."
"And I love you. So, I figured we could get married soon."
"How soon?"
"Whenever you deem ready."
"I'll have to think about it. But soon," she said with a smile, "definitely soon."
Minerva leaned over and placed a kiss to his lips before standing to check on Harry. Albus followed her. When she went in, the room was darkened by clouds so Harry could sleep. She put her hands on her hips and looked at it.
"You can wake him up now."
Slowly, the clouds shifted to allow sunshine to peak through. Harry turned over in his sleep and slowly woke.
He opened his eyes and looked at Minerva. She had a smile on her face and was slowly walking towards him.
"How was your nap?"
Harry yawned as he sat up.
"Good."
"That's good. Now, how about some tea?"
Harry made a face.
"Well, then milk and cookies for you."
Harry smiled.
"Come on."
She held out her arms for him and he jumped out of bed. She gave him a quick hug and kiss before letting him run to the sitting room. She followed him, taking Albus' hand in hers. He lifted it up to his lips and placed a kiss to her knuckles. They sat down on the sofa, Minerva calling Dipsy.
"We'd like some tea and biscuits and Harry would like milk and cookies."
"Of course, Professor McGonagall. Dipsy is getting that right aways."
Harry sat in between Albus and Minerva, resting his head on Minerva's arm.
"Well, Harry, I've got a few things for you. Would you like to see?"
Harry nodded with a smile. Minerva levitated the bags of toys and clothes over to the sofa.
"Have a look, but don't break anything."
Harry carefully looked through all of the bags. When he reached the toys, he squealed in delight. Stuffed animals of all sorts; unicorns, dragons, lions, nifflers. Figurines of knights, dragons, princesses, unicorns, everything a little boy needed to play the knight in shining armor. A large castle to play with was found as well, after it was charmed back to size. Harry also found some new blankets in Gryffindor colors.
Dipsy returned with the tea and milk just as Harry was finished opening his things.
"Thank you, Dipsy."
Dipsy bowed and left. Harry stood up and then scrambled into Minerva's lap. She handed him his milk and one cookie. He munched happily and noisily while on his mama's lap. Albus and Minerva each sipped at their tea, watching Harry. Harry looked around after a while and then saw the ring that was on Minerva's finger.
"Pretty!"
He took Minerva's hand and looked at the ring.
"Pretty ring."
"Yes, it is, isn't it, Harry."
Harry nodded at her before letting go of her hand.
"So, Harry what would you say if we were to become your mama and papa for good."
Harry looked at them both, a small smile creeping onto his face. He only understood a little of what they said, but he knew enough to know that he would be with them permanently. He nodded happily.
"And would you like a little brother or sister?"
"Yeah, yeah!"
"That settles it then, Albus."
He laughed and placed a kiss to her lips.
"Let's play with your new toys, Harry."
Albus got down on the floor with Harry. They began to play with Harry's toys and Minerva took this time to kick off her boots and relax. She hadn't realized how tired she actually was but she soon found herself falling asleep. Albus turned to find Minerva sound asleep. He shushed Harry and then gently lifted Minerva. He placed her in her bed and covered her up. He closed the door behind him and then went to finish playing with Harry.
"Why's mama sleeping?"
"She's a bit tired, Harry."
"Oh."
"Come, let's lay down for while again."
"With mama."
He pulled Albus to the bedroom, waiting for his papa to open the door. Albus chuckled and pushed open the door. Harry bounded over to the bed and crawled up into Minerva's arms. Albus crawled in beside Minerva and pulled her and Harry to him. In her sleep, Minerva gathered Harry in her arms. Soon, all three were fast asleep.