Hey everyone, got a little of the writer's bug as my block has been miraculously cured. And I'm up anyhow even though its 3am :) enjoy

One Year Later...

Minerva Awoke suddenly to little harry tugging at her bedspread. She looked at her clock and it was just 6am. too early to even go down for breakfast at the great hall. "It's still too early sweetie. Here, come snuggle." She lifted the large heavy blanket and little harry climbed inside and snuggled in close. He liked to call her mum, but she didn't have the heart to tell him, he is just so young and fragile. Someday she vowed she would tell him what happened to his real mum, but for now, this was fine. If only he knew.

Harry lay his little messy bed-head on Minerva's arm and snuggled into her tummy and fell asleep. His deep breathing let her know he was back to sleep, but yet, she couldn't fall back into her previous slumber. She stroked his messy, unmanageable hair with her hand. He was so sweet, nothing could be better. It's his first birthday today, a week before the new school year. It would be trying to manage a one year old and class, and headmistress duties, but with Hagrid's help, it wouldn't be a problem.

He has been indispensable the last year. Nighttime feedings, making sure that she got enough sleep and time to do her duties, stuff like that. It would be difficult to imagine a one year old running about. It's difficult enough now, but imagine with students. She couldn't imagine having all those children running around, harry would sure to be overwhelmed, hes shy enough as it is.

He only really talks to me or Hagrid... He's going to be so lost... she thought to herself. A slight fear and protectiveness washed over her. Poor little Harry... No one understood him the way she did. He's just very shy and doesn't talk much... She's told Albus this many times, how can he not see? Of course, he witnessed his parent's death, even if he doesn't remember. Wouldn't you be shy too?

She got lost in her thoughts so long, that little harry got back up. Looking over at the clock again, bags under her eyes from getting up every few minutes, seen it was only 6:15. she sighed deeply as little harry began to tug at her sleeve. "ugh, ugh"

"Alright, alright, lets go see what the house elves can whip up." Minerva pulled her robes over her sheer gown as she knew how impatient the little tyke could get and slipped on her slippers before taking his hand and leading him down the stairs to the kitchens. Harry quickly let go in front of the painting of the pear and eagerly tickled it, he seemed to like the sound of it laughing as it swung open. He has done this every morning since he caught on and Minerva adored it.

Harry ran into the kitchen and sat at the same seat he always did and Minerva sat beside him. The house elves brought him chocolate chip pancakes with a whip cream smile on them and a cup of orange juice. They knew they would be there. Minerva was yet to be hungry and sipped on some tea. Little Harry ate quickly, practically inhaling his food.

"Thank you... that was kind." She said to the house elves. they just smiled and nodded before continuing about their business. Some even muttered yes mistress quietly with a little bow first. others just nodded. They knew they had much work to do, prepping the little one's first birthday and taking care of breakfast orders. Only Hagrid, Severus, and Albus were here so far, but soon the rest of the hogwarts professors should arrive for the school year.

As Harry finished, the house elves took their plates and Minerva led Harry back upstairs to get dressed. She was still quite tired as she barely got any sleep again, but at least little Harry was happy and healthy, all that mattered to her anymore. Minerva gave little harry his clothes to wear, but he just threw them on the ground and stomped on them. He hated wearing anything but p-jays. This task of getting him dressed usually takes her anywhere from a half hour to an hour.

Minerva simply allowed him time to cope with the idea while she got dressed properly, and did her hair up. Then she gently held his hands and looked at him lovingly as he stared at his feet. "Harry dear, we need to wear our cloths." He shuffled his feet a bit, nudging them with his toe. "Put it over your head... no your shirt, not the pants."

After some soothing and coaxing, Harry managed to get dressed and Minerva smiled. it was 8am. finally, got it done before 9am which would be her first class when the school year started in a week. Thank goodness. Now we just have to make this routine she thought to herself. Then it will come second nature to the boy.

"Dah?" Minerva smiled at little Harry.

"Yes, time to go see Dah." Harry grabbed onto her hand with his chubby little fingers and eagerly led her to the big doors that led outside. Minerva pulled them open and Harry started a dead run down towards the forbidden forest. Her heart stopped as she chased after him, her old bones aching under the sudden impact. She had difficulty keeping up let alone outrunning him due to her age, but she finally caught him at the very edge of the forest.

"Don't run off like that again, you hear?" She sobbed a bit but bit back the tears. No need for little Harry to see. "You scared me. It's not safe here, you need to stay by me or dah." Harry looked at his feet before reluctantly taking Minerva's hand again. Minerva led him to Hagrid's hut and they entered when greeted by the scraggly half giant.

"I Baked him er cake' n everythin'." Minerva smirked at this

"Could have let the house elves do that Hagrid."

"Nah, tis a special day." Hagrid smiled ear to ear. "Our boy turnin' one ter day."

"True. Lets celebrate and let him enjoy his day as a family, well as best as possible." Hagrid nodded as Harry started to rip his presents open that were sitting atop the table. Minerva could already tell this job was going to be alot more difficult than Albus had let on.

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To be Continued...