Chapter Four:

Pre-School

A/N: Thank you for all of your support! I really appreciate it :)

I hope you like this chapter,

Savoren.

"Today I will be eating with you here and dad will be eating in the Great Hall. He has a lot of announcements to make and we thought it would be best if you two weren't there. He will be back shortly though, he wants to see the two of you off." Minerva explained as she poured the boys glasses of milk.

Harry eagerly took his glass of milk and gulped it down. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon said milk was too expensive for Freaks to drink.

Severus calmly took a small sip of his milk and gave Harry a look of disapproval. He noticed Max on Harry's lap."Mum, tell him to not take his stuffed animal. No other kid is going to have their stuffies at Pre-School," Severus voiced his concern as he played with his porridge.

Seeing the fear evident in Harry's eyes after Sev said that, she shook her head. "Leave him go, Sev. If he wants to take Max he can."

Albus entered the kitchen just then and took his seat. He let out a deep sigh and looked at Min. "The Potion Masters aren't having luck with finding the cure."

"Cure for what?" Severus quickly asked. Potions would be so cool! I can't wait to be old enough to play with them!

Minerva gave him a smile, "Nothing, dear. Finish your breakfast, we need to leave soon." I'm not sure if I want them to find the cure. Sev deserves this.

Breakfast didn't take much longer and soon Albus walked the boys to Hogsmeade while Minerva went to her first class.

Harry stayed close to Severus as they entered the room. He looked around the spacious room and saw tons of kids running around - some were reading, playing, crafting, and even napping. If he could, he would move even closer to Severus.

Severus could sense that Harry was very uneasy and so he allowed him to stay in his personal bubble. "You okay, Harry?" He whispered as he too took in his surroundings.

Harry gave a small shake of his head, "When can we leave again?" He held Max tightly in his arms. If it weren't for Max, Harry would be shaking in fear.

Sev gave Harry's hand a quick squeeze and then left it go, it wouldn't do well if another kid saw him holding his brother's hand! "Come on, let's go read a book." He didn't notice Harry's blush at hearing those words.

Harry glanced behind him and noticed the Head Ladies watching them, "They are really intimidating."

Severus nodded in agreement, "It'll be okay. Come on."

Before they could move toward the reading section, they were interrupted by a clan of red heads.

The tallest of the four boys extended his hand in greeting, "Hello, my name is Percy Weasley. I'm ten and these are my younger brothers."

Severus quickly shook his hand in return but Harry shrunk away and held tighter to Max.

"My name is Severus and this," He looked at his shy brother, "This is Harry."

Percy's eyes flashed in recognition, "Harry? As in Harry Potter?"

Harry gave a small, stiff nod of his head.

The two that look like twins pushed their elder brother out of the way before he made a fool of himself. "It's nice to meet you, Harry." They said in unison.

Fred and George exchanged smiles.

"I'm Fred."

"And I'm George. We are eight! We can't wait for the three years to fly by; Hogwarts is going to be epic!"

This put a smile on Harry's face, the twins seem amusing.

The youngest of the clan offered Harry a warm smile. "My name is Ron. I'm six, how old are you?"

"We are both six as well," Harry told the boy. He seems nice.

Ron's face lit up in excitement, "Awesome! We are going to be the bestest of friends!"

Harry laughed softly and allowed Ron to pull him into the play area.

Severus, on the other hand, gently removed Ron's hand and stayed to speak with Percy - he seems like the less childish of the crew.

Their time at Pre-School went rather smoothly - neither boys liked the thought of nap time but they didn't put a fuss. Harry really struggled with his quill skills and even ended up throwing the quill across the classroom in frustration - Ron and Severus jumped to help him after that.

They met most of the children there, especially the ones their age. They met a boy named Neville Longbottom (Harry really enjoyed his time with him) and four other boys named Gregory, Seamus, Vincent (who seemed to be close friends with Gregory), and Dean. They also met two girls their age: Pansy and Parvati. Harry quickly learned who he liked and who he didn't - the girls seemed snotty and Gregory and Vincent reminded him of his cousin. While Harry mostly hung out with Ron and Neville (and sometimes the twins), Severus spent most of his time reading beside Percy.

After lunch the boy named Gregory came over to Severus and Harry. He grinned with amusement at seeing the stuffed animal. Pulling the bear out of the small hands, Goyle laughed and poked at the hole where Max's one eye used to be. "Why do you have a stuffed toy? Are you a baby? You look like a baby! How old are you, anyway? This Pre-School is only from ages six to 10!"

Severus stepped in front of Harry in a protective manner. "Give Max back and leave him alone! He is old enough to be here and you shouldn't be going around making fun of people's sizes - not everyone looks like an eight-year old!"

Gregory gave him a glare and held Max high in the air. "I'm just tall for my age! I have a best friend named Draco, he is home-schooled but he will come beat you up if you make fun of my height again!" In a daring tone, he added, "If you want the stupid bear you're going to have to get it from me!"

Challenge accepted.

Stepping forward, Severus used both of his hands to push the boy backwards. He watched with satisfaction as Gregory stumbled backwards into a table.

Stubbing his toe, Gregory let out a howl and fell to his knees. Tears streamed down his cheeks.

Severus smirked at the sight. "Now who is being the baby?"

Jumping to his feet, Gregory ran to find the Head Lady.

Severus frowned deeply as he watched Gregory tell on him. "What a tattle tale. . ." Reaching down, he picked the fallen Max up from the floor and handed him to Harry.

Holding Max tight against him, Harry hid his face in Max's fur. "Thanks, Sev."

"Come on! Fred and George are gonna put a firecracker in the loo!" Ron exclaimed as he ran over to them. Taking hold of Harry's arm, he dragged him toward the loo.

Harry laughed and allowed himself to be pulled into the loo. These Weasleys are hilarious.

Severus sighed softly and stayed where he was. He watched as the Head Lady made her way over to him.

"Why did you push Gregory?" The Head Lady questioned and leveled him with a disappointed frown. First day he is here and already causing problems.

"The real question here, madam, is why wouldn't I push that prat?" Severus snapped back, words dripping with vicious attitude.

Taken back by the six-year old's ability to make her feel uneasy, the Head Lady crossed her arms and tried to remind herself that she is the adult, not Severus. "Your attitude is unacceptable, young man. I expect you to drop it or else you will find yourself standing in timeout. Am I understood?"

Severus forced himself not to roll his eyes. Oh no, timeout! He forced himself not to smile. "Crystal clear, " The sarcasm was obvious in his tone.

Sighing, she knelt down to stare Severus in the eyes. She mentally reminded herself that this is the six-year old version of the bat-of-the-dungeons. This is Snape, obviously he is going to have an attitude and perfected sarcasm by the age six. "I do not appreciate your sarcasm, Severus Snape."

Severus crossed his arms and leveled her with a dangerous look. "Well I don't appreciate your threats."

Once again, the Head Lady had to remind herself that Severus is no longer the menacing Potions Master. Taking hold of his shoulders she gently lead him to the closest corner, "It was a promise, young man. Now, I want you to stand there for six minutes." She forced a smile to not appear on her face as she thought about putting the adult version of Snape in the corner for timeout.

Severus forced himself not to kick the wall. This place is stupid.

Walking away, the Head Lady called for Gregory, "You need to go apologize to Harry, young man." She watched him leave to find Harry. Hearing an explosion coming from the loo, she forced herself not to groan, "Not again!"

Harry's eyes grew huge at the sight of the Head Lady entering the loo. She is going to kill us.

"Fred and George Weasley! What have I told you about firecrackers?" She didn't wait for a response and snatched out to capture their ears. "Your mother will be hearing about this when she comes to pick you up!" Looking over her shoulder at Harry and Ron, she said, "If you are not going to use the loo then there is no reason to be in here." Leaving go of one of their ears, she flicked her wand at the exploded toilet, fixing it.

Harry and Ron quickly followed her out of the loo.

"Want to play a game a Junior Wizarding Chess?" Ron asked. He didn't even wait for Harry's response and began pulling him toward the play area.

"I don't know how to play," Harry mumbled as he felt himself being pushed into a chair.

"I can teach you!" Ron exclaimed in excitement.

In the middle of their game Gregory came over to apologize.

Ron leveled him with a glare, "You make fun of my friend again, Goyle, and I'll shove your head in the toilet where it belongs! Got it?!"

Goyle quickly nodded his head and ran out of the play area to Vincent.

Harry smiled, It's nice to have friends.

Minerva entered the pick-up room and took a seat, patiently waiting for the boys.

Seeing Minerva, Molly hurried over to her and gave her a welcoming smile. She tugged Ginny on to her lap. "I heard the great news, Minerva! I am so glad that the two of you got Harry's guardianship."

Smiling, Minerva gave a small nod of her head. "Thank you." She offered Ginny an even bigger smile, "I haven't seen you since you were really small! How old are you now?"

Ginny blushed and hid her face in Molly's chest. "Five," she mumbled.

Molly laughed softly and rubbed Ginny's back. "She's shy." She decided to change the subject so Ginny didn't feel as shy. "Is it true that Severus had a potions accident and was de-aged to Harry and Ron's age?" Molly questioned as she sat down and got comfortable. Sometimes waiting for the kids to have everything cleaned up can take a while.

"Yes, that's true. He and Harry are sharing a bedroom and are starting to get along." Before she could continue, she noticed the Head Lady enter the room and come over to them.

"I need to have a word with the two of you in the office." She didn't even wait for them to respond before turning and walking into her office.

Minerva and Molly exchanged nervous glances before standing and hurrying into the office.

"Is everything alright?" Minerva questioned as she took one of the seats in front of the desk.

The Head Lady shook her head and leveled the mothers with disappointed frowns. "We had two incidents here today." Giving Molly an annoyed look, she started with her. "The twins blew up another toilet today with firecrackers. You need to check their pockets before bringing them or else we are going to have to be forced to do so when they arrive. As you know firecrackers are highly dangerous and should not be played with."

Molly let out a deep sigh. "I am so sorry they did that again! They will be finding themselves in quite the heap of trouble when we get home, I assure you." Changing the subject, she asked, "What about Ron? How did he behave today?"

"Ron behaved well - he helped Severus and Harry adjust to the system. His reading levels went up a score today but he is still behind for his age."

Reading levels? I didn't realize they taught reading at age six here! I'm pretty sure Sev knows how to read but I definitely don't think Harry knows. . . Maybe he does, I will have to look in to that.

Molly smiled, proud of her son. "That is wonderful! We will keep practicing with him at home."

Ginny wiggled on her mother's lap and stared at the stern looking Head Lady. She definitely was not looking forward to coming here next year!

The Head Lady turned her attention to Minerva. "Harry was well behaved; however, Harry has severe social anxiety. With time, being here will help with that. He is also below average on his schooling."

Minerva already knew that. "And Severus?"

"Severus is a highly intelligent young man. However, I am concerned with his problem solving skills. Today he pushed a boy named Gregory Goyle."

Minerva frowned, that doesn't sound like Severus. "Why did he push him?"

"Gregory took Harry's stuffed animal. We dealt with Gregory's misbehavior and we spoke with Severus about pushing others but he gave me a sarcastic response and then glared at me when I called him out on it."

Minerva forced herself not to smile - it wouldn't do well to smile after the Head Lady said that, she would probably think she's a horrible mother. "We will deal with it at home."

Nodding firmly, the Head Lady readjusted her quills on her desk. "See to it that you do." Looking up at Minerva, she added, "I also wanted to speak to you about Harry's stuffed animal."

Minerva frowned, "What's wrong with Max?"

"Don't you feel as if Harry may be getting a little too old to carry it around outside of the house?" The Head Lady questioned.

Minerva's frown deepened and she leveled the Head Lady with a daring look. "Max is like Harry's safety blanket. Do you have any idea what that little boy has been through?" She ignored Molly's curious look.

"Yes, it is all in the paperwork-" Minerva cut her off, "Then there should be no more questions about Max."

The Head Lady sensed that her concerns weren't getting crossed, "I am just concerned that the other children will give him a hard time."

Molly jumped in, "I am sure that if that happens then you will be able to handle the situation. If I am hearing correctly, Harry needs his stuffed animal."

Leaving out a soft sigh, the Head Lady stood. "Alright. Then I feel we are all done here. Have a good day."

Molly and Minerva exited the office. They watched as Ginny ran off to attack her big brother, Ron, in a hug.

Ron blushed and tried to push her away, "Stop, Ginny. I'm at Pre-School, you're embarrassing me!"

"Thank you for helping me in there. I don't know what their problems are with safety blankets," Minerva said to Molly as they made their way over to their children. Minerva smiled at the red heads. It made her extremely happy to see Harry and Severus enjoying time with other children their age.

Molly patted Minerva on the shoulder, "I had the same problem with Fred and George when they first started coming here." She too watched as the children said their goodbyes. "We should get together and let the kids have a play date."

Minerva smiled, "That's a good idea."

Harry walked over to his guardian, holding Max tight against him. "Hi, Minerva."

Smiling, Minerva knelt down and pulled him into a hug. "How was your first day?"

Harry let out a small sigh. "The Weasleys are nice but do I have to come back? People don't like Max and Max hates it here."

Severus came over and nodded his head in agreement, "I hate it here too. I already have to listen to you and dad, why should I have to listen to the Head Ladies too?"

Minerva pulled Severus into a hug as well. "Yes, you need to come back. I take it your first day wasn't good?"

Severus shook his head, "Why can't we just get home-schooled? Other kids get home-schooled before Hogwarts!" He ignored her question, not willing to admit to getting into trouble yet.

She sighed softly and rubbed his back. "You know that home-schooling is not an option, Sev. With your father's and my schedule there is no time. Now, do you want to tell me what happened today?" She leveled him with a knowing look so he wouldn't try to lie.

"I got in trouble," he mumbled and stared down at his trainers.

"I know, Sev. We will discuss it with your father at home." Standing, she held on to their shoulders. "Say goodbye to your friends."

Harry and Severus quickly followed her instructions and then together they returned to Hogwarts.

They met Albus in the living room. He quickly pulled them into a huge hug and kissed the tops of their heads. "Did you have a good day at Pre-School? Did you like it? Did you make any friends?" Albus seemed as if he were more excited about this situation than the boys were.

Both boys quickly answered all of his questions.

Minerva leveled Severus with a frown, "I believe you left something out, little boy."

Severus sighed and sat down on the couch. "I pushed Gregory Goyle today because he took Max from Harry."

Albus frowned, "Though I am proud of you for sticking up for your brother," he ignored Severus' sharp look at the title brother, "I fully believe that you could have handled that situation differently. Is violence ever the answer to a problem, Sev?"

Severus smirked softly, "When someone is in danger it is. Max was in danger, dad."

Harry nodded in agreement, "People don't like Max."

Albus sighed, "You know that is not the correct answer, Severus Tobius."

Dropping his eyes, he let out a huff, "Fine. No, violence is never the answer. . ."

Tapping his chin, Albus waited until he was, once again, staring into Severus' onyx eyes. "What could you have done differently, Sev?"

Severus tried to look away. He hates when his father's eyes aren't twinkling! "Gotten a Head Lady," he mumbled under his breath.

Leaving go of his chin, Albus straightened and nodded his head. "Correct. Now, before supper (which is in an hour) I want you to write an apology letter to young Mr. Goyle."

Severus' eyes went huge, "What?! Why? He deserved it!"

Minerva sensed Harry was becoming uneasy with the situation and led him into the kitchen.

Giving him a firm look of disapproval, Albus gently took hold of his hand and led him to the desk by the bookshelves. "He did not deserve being pushed, Severus Tobius. Now, I want you to sit here and do what I told you."

Severus slouched in the seat and crossed his arms over his chest. "This is stupid," he muttered under his breath.

Albus frowned. "Excuse me, young man? Would you like to repeat that?"

Immediately, Severus sat up straighter and grabbed the piece of parchment from his father. I'll write the stupid letter but it's going to be full of lies!

Satisfied, Albus left the living room and entered the kitchen. He took his seat and let out a tired sigh. Being a full-time father of two young children and the Headmaster of a castle is proving to be a lot more tiring than he anticipated.

"Do you know how to read, Harry?" Minerva asked, pulling the boy's attention away from his tired guardian.

Harry shrugged his small shoulders. "A little. I can write my name and can read a couple words. My aunt and uncle didn't teach me. Mrs. White, my first grade teacher, was giving me extra lessons and I met with a reading specialist during recess." They probably think I'm stupid!

Minerva gave him a reassuring smile. "I bet the Weasley children's' mother, Molly, would love to help you."

Harry blushed, "I don't want Ron to think I'm dumb." He held Max tight in his arms. His heart hammered away anxiously.

"Ron would not think you are dumb, Harry. Ron, too, is having problems with reading. His mother gives him lessons throughout the week. If you are comfortable with this plan, I will write Molly Weasley after supper."

Harry gave a small nod, "If you are sure they won't think Max and I are dumb. . . "

Minerva smiled, she loves how he blames all of his feelings and actions on Max. "I am positive that no one thinks you are dumb."

Pulling Max up to his face, Harry smiled into his fur. It's so nice to have guardians!

"Why don't you go change into clean clothes, dear? We will be leaving shortly for supper," Minerva instructed him.

Once Harry had left the room, Minerva reached over and took hold of Albus' hand, "Are you okay, dear?"

Albus squeezed her hand lovingly. "I should have expected Sev to still be sarcastic and have an attitude. After all, he was like this as soon as he started Hogwarts."

Minerva smiled, "This is a big adjustment for him, Albus. He has no memories except knowing that we are his parents and he was randomly given a brother. He is not used to sharing the attention."

Albus nodded in understanding, "I am glad that Sev stood up for Harry today. It proves that he is giving him a chance. I just wish he would have stood up for him in a different way. I don't want to have to deal with an irate Goyle Sr. because Severus couldn't keep his hands to himself."

Understanding, Minerva squeezed his hand. "It is all going to smooth out soon. They will adjust to the schedule and will keep making friends and growing closer together. And we will get used to parenting two six-year olds and running the castle. Of course it is shaky right now, we aren't used to this but it will even out. Today was the first day, tomorrow will be easier."

Albus ran his hand over his tired face. "I could barely concentrate all day. I was worried about them. I was worried that they wouldn't make friends or that someone would be mean to them. The Head Ladies are already scary enough, Min!"

Minerva smiled, "I know, Albus. It will all work out though." She stopped talking once she saw Severus enter the kitchen and thrust the apology letter on the table. She smiled at him and scanned the letter. Even in the letter she felt as if she could hear his sarcasm and lies. She forced herself not to laugh at his last line: I won't push you again but if you verbally attack my little brother again, you will regret it. Have a nice day.

Looking up from the letter, she handed it to Albus. "Please go get changed, we need to leave for supper as soon as you are changed."

Severus quickly did as he was instructed.

Albus chuckled as he read the last line, "I think that is as good as it is going to get."

Minerva smiled in amusement, "You told him to write an apology letter; you did not specify what should be in that letter."

Albus nodded, an amused smile still on his face. "I need to be more specific next time."

After a few minutes, the small family made their way to the Great Hall. When they entered, the Hall filled with awes over the two, cute little boys. This is the first time the student body has seen the children - that morning they had all be informed of the new change and been told about Severus. That morning Albus also introduced the new Potion Professor/Head of Slytherin, Professor Reyn. Zacharia Reyn is also one of the Potion Masters that is looking for Severus' cure.

They quickly made their way to the Head Table and took their seats.

Harry felt as if the whole student body has their eyes glued to him. He slouched in the seat between Severus and Minerva.

Minerva tapped her fingers on the table in front of him. "Please sit up, Harry. We do not slouch at the table."

Severus barely noticed the stares as he dug in to his plate of food, starting with the wonderful looking potatoes.

Slowly, Harry sat up and started picking at his plate. He could feel his cheeks warm with embarrassment, I hate when people stare.

Seeing that Severus was eating everything on his plate except the broccoli, Albus glanced at Minerva and noticed her give him a nod. He forced himself not to sigh. "Severus please eat your broccoli."

Severus grimaced and shook his head. "No thank you, dad."

Albus frowned, "It was not an option, young man. Eat your broccoli."

Severus gave him a glare. "I hate broccoli!"

Albus tried to keep his voice even, "Broccoli is healthy for you, Severus. Look, Harry is eating his."

Severus rolled his eyes, "Well isn't he just perfect." The look his father gave him only made him frown harder and cross his arms over his chest. "I don't want to."

"I don't particularly care, Severus Tobius. Now, you are making a scene. Just eat your broccoli, it's not going to hurt you."

Instead of doing what he instructed to do, Severus picked up his plate and threw it off the table.

Immediately, Albus stood and hoisted Severus up off his seat. Flicking his wand at the mess, it disappeared. He mentally noted that the Great Hall had grown deathly silent.

Grabbing Severus' hand, he started for the Great Hall doors. No need to make an even bigger scene in the Great Hall than Severus already caused.

Tugging at his captured hand, Severus tried to stop moving and when this failed he stomped his feet in outrage. "Broccoli is stupid! I shouldn't have to eat it!"

Albus ignored this and exited the Great Hall. As soon as the doors shut behind them, Albus turned him to the side and landed three sharp smacks on his backside.

Severus immediately reached back to cover his bottom, "Ow! You're being mean! I hate broccoli, dad!" Tears filled his onyx eyes from the small sting in his bottom.

Albus knelt down and took hold of his small chin. "You just made a huge scene in there, Severus Tobius. You are six-years old and you acted like a toddler - even toddlers eat their broccoli without throwing such a fuss." He leveled him with a disappointed look, "Why did you get your bottom smacked, Severus?"

Severus crossed his arms, "Because broccoli is stupid."

Albus forced his sigh to not escape. "Young man my patience is wearing thin. If you do not drop your attitude this instant I am taking you home where you can put your nose in the corner!"

Severus made an angry face and scrunched his nose. "I hate you. You're a bully!"

Albus ignored the feeling in his heart at hearing those words. "Fine. You can think about this further with your nose touching the wall."

Severus let out an angry scream and tried to free his hand from his father's grip. "No! Why don't you love me anymore? You love Harry more; he never gets in trouble!"

Albus felt his heart clench and he immediately stopped trying to pull his son down the corridor. He knelt in front of Severus and put both of his hands on his shoulders, "Sev, that is not true. We love you both equally."

Tears sparkled in his eyes and he gave a small nod of his head. "Yes it is, dad! Ever since Harry got here I have to get in trouble to get one-on-one attention with you!"

Hearing that, Albus pulled his distraught son into his arms. "Oh, Sev. I am sorry that you feel that way."

Sniffling, Severus hid his face in his father's shoulder. "Can we return him now?"

Albus smiled softly and rubbed Sev's back. "No, son, we cannot return him. I can promise you something though?"

Intrigued, Sev pulled back to look in his father's eyes. "What's that?"

"How about every night before bed we play a game of wizarding chess?"

Severus smiled brightly at the idea. "Truly?"

Albus nodded and pulled him into another hug, "I promise."

"Am I still in trouble?" Severus whispered as he stared at his trainers.

Albus sighed softly and eyed his son. "Can you tell me what you did wrong?"

Severus bit his lip and gave a small nod of his head. "I threw a temper tantrum and made a scene over broccoli."

Albus nodded and rubbed Sev's back. "What could you have done differently?"

Severus, once again, bit his lip. "Eaten it?"

Albus smiled. "You could have calmly told me what was wrong. I have a feeling that the broccoli incident wasn't because you don't like broccoli, Sev. I have seen you eat broccoli before."

Sev dropped his eyes.

Tapping his chin, Albus gave him an encouraging look. "Am I right?" At Sev's nod, he continued. "Instead of causing problems just come and talk to your mother and I about how you are feeling, alright?"

Severus nodded. "Okay, dad. I'm sorry."

Albus smiled and pulled him into another hug, "I forgive you. Come, we can go finish supper at home and play a quick game of Wizarding Chess before your mother and Harry get home."

Minerva could feel the awkward tension in the Hall after the broccoli incident. The students and professors weren't used to seeing their bat as a naughty six-year-old.

She let out a small sigh as she noticed Harry slouched so far he could almost go under the table. In his arms Max was being held in a death grip. Harry's plate was obviously forgotten about.

She gently tapped the table in front of him again and said, "Harry, what did I say about slouching at the table?"

Harry slowly peaked up at her. "Can we leave? Max doesn't like their stares."

Since the Headmaster is gone the Headmistress must stay. She gave a small shake of her head and reached down to gently lift him back into a sitting position. "Please finish your supper."

Very slowly, Harry followed her instructions. He could still feel everyone's attention on him and it made his anxiety rise.

Seeing the issue, Poppy moved her plate and drink down beside Harry. "Hello, dearie. How was your first day at Pre-School?"

Harry smiled at her in welcome before explaining his day. "A kid named Gregory made fun of Max. That upset Max!"

Poppy frowned deeply. She looked at Min, "I hope that boy was spoken to."

Hearing that, Harry smiled. "Even better! Sev pushed him down and yelled at him!"

Minerva sighed tiredly. Working full-time and raising two six-year olds is hard work. "Now Harry, what did we say about that?"

Harry dropped his eyes, ashamed. "That it was naughty. It was good that Sev stood up for me but that he could have gotten his point across verbally and not physically."

Poppy nodded in agreement. "Violence is never the answer, dear."

Harry let out a deep sigh. Someone should have told Dudley that!

Noticing that the boy was not going to reply, she reached in her pocket and pulled out a shrunken vial. Enlarging it, she handed it to Harry. "This is a nutrient potion. I will be giving you one every day at supper."

Harry eyed the oddly colored liquid with suspicion. "Why does it look like that?" He took a whiff of the liquid and immediately made a disgusted face. "Ew! Do I have to drink it?"

Poppy and Minerva exchanged amused smiles.

Poppy nodded, "Yes, you have to drink it. You are under weight and your nutrient levels are very low."

Knowing he didn't have a choice, he closed his eyes and quickly drank the vile potion. Sticking his tongue out, he gagged and clenched his eyes shut. "That's horrendous!"

Poppy chuckled and handed him a brownie, "Here, this will make the taste go away."

Harry eagerly ate the brownie and let out a sigh of relief when the taste disappeared.

The rest of supper went by quickly and Harry met the rest of the staff - they all seemed very nice except the one professor named Professor Trewlany (she gave him the creeps).

"Mum, can we get a dog?" Severus asked as he allowed her to tuck him into his bed.

Minerva shook her head. "No, Sev. We don't have time to take care of a dog."

"I'll take care of it!" Severus pushed.

"I can help!" Harry exclaimed. It would be cool to have a pet dog.

Albus finished tucking Harry in and leveled them both with firm looks. "Your mother said no. If you want to play with a dog then you may go play with the ground keeper's dog, Fang. I am sure Hagrid would love to spend time with the two of you."

Severus sighed sadly, "But I want my own dog."

"Maybe when you are older, Sev." Changing the subject before Severus started throwing a tantrum, Albus sat down in the chair between the two beds and accio'd a children's book, "Are you ready for your bedtime story?"

Both boys wiggled to get comfortable and eagerly waited for their nightly story.

Minerva smiled and left the room to grade the students' summer homework. "Goodnight boys, I love you both."

A/N: Thanks for reading! The next chapter will contain Fang, Peeves, accidental magic, and talk of Harry's relatives.

Savoren.