Been a while, but here is a long awaited chapter for rease... hope you enjoy hun.

Harry settled into bed, his own now as he is a growing boy of two. He insists now that his feet cannot be covered and his socks had to be worn inside out so the seam wouldn't touch his toes. If it did, well, prepare for an epic meltdown. Minerva covered him up carefully and gave him a little kiss on his forehead. Oh how he was growing up so fast. It was a year since she found out about his autism. A year of a steadfast friendship with an unlikely person. Never in a million years would she have ever imagined that she would actually be friends with severus of all people.

He helped out once in a while, albeit not much as he really isn't that great with children even though he tries. once in a while he at least gives her a good break so she can shower or take a nap. She never dared leave harry for long though, even though harry was quite fond of Severus, as he would start having fits after a while due to her absence.

Finally she lay in her own bed, ready to lay for the night when a soft knock sounded from the door. she quickly looked over at harry who was still asleep thankfully and darted quietly to the door. She opened it quickly, not thinking about how she was in her nightgown and her hair was down. Not something she does in public, ever. Severus stood there, gesturing her to come out so not to wake him. She reluctantly did so and they crossed the hallway into her classroom, leaving the door cracked so that she could hear if harry got up.

"What is it Severus?" He was having difficulty not admiring what she looked like in her shear robes and her hair just brushing her bottom. "My eyes are up here, Severus." Minerva joked. Severus seemed to redden slightly. He regained his composure quite quickly.

"I was thinking that maybe i could take harry on a little expedition. I think he would quite like seeing where the ingredients come from. He does like to help out alot and learn what they are... What would you think?" Minerva looked a little annoyed.

"This couldn't wait until morning?"

"Well, I didn't want to ask in front of the boy. It wouldn't be fair to you and could cause a meltdown if you were to say no..." Minerva sighed softly, clearly thinking it over.

"Well, you would have him back by noon?"

"Of course."

"And you would be sure to pack a snack? Oh and make sure he doesn't run off... He likes to run into the lake, and he can't swim yet..."

"Min..."

"Don't forget he doesn't handle things touching his feet well, so his tennis shoes have to be on... and inside out socks..."

"Miner..."

"Oh and he likes the juices with the straws... but make sure they don't bend... he hates that."

"MINERVA" Severus softened quickly and took her hands into his and looked deeply into her eyes. "I have this. Everything will be fine, I promise." Minerva breathed deep and let out a prolonged breath.

"Okay... I just worry Severus. Hes only a boy..."

"Yes, a boy who this information could save his life or someone elses life someday."

"True... You're right, as usual."

"Now, why don't you get some rest, I'll be here to pick him up after breakfast in the great hall." Minerva nodded as Severus placed a hand on the small of her back and steered her to her door. "Goodnight Min."

"Night." She walked to her bed and slept a restful sleep.

The next morning Harry got up and started to jump on Minerva's bed as per the usual. She got up and waved her wand over herself and she was dressed. She didn't have time for much else anymore. Then she went to manually put on harry's cloths as he couldn't handle the magic way. She made sure his socks were inside out and that his tennis shoes were on so that he didn't have any sensory issues if his feet got a little soggy.

"Now harry, Severus is going to take you on a little field trip today."

"Ooooh, where?"

"Hes going to take you to find ingredients. He told me how you have been wanting to learn about the plants he uses. He thought it would be fun for you to come along while he collects them." Harry started to jump up and down excitedly.

"Yaaaay." He screamed happily.

"Now, you must promise to behave for Severus..."

"I pwomise." Harry said smiling.

"I know you will be. I will see you again at noon. You leave with him after breakfast. How's that sound?"

"Gwood.." Minerva smiled as harry rocked back and forth on his toes to heals.

"Alright common." Minerva took harry by the hand and brought him to breakfast where Severus was eating already with a brown bag full to the brim with snacks and his favorite juices. Minerva smiled at this. He really was thoughtful.

Harry eagerly sat down next to Severus and grabbed a plateful of eggs and began to eat quite eagerly. Severus beamed. "He's excited isn't he?"

"Ask him yourself." She chortled.

"Yes, of course. Are you excited to go herb hunting with me, Harry?" Harry let out an excited squeal. "I'll take that as a yes. I thought you would enjoy a day with me."

harry nodded his head quickly. Severus smiled. Harry finished his food quickly and Severus left half his plate as to not upset the boy by making him wait. They made their way down the lawn, hand in hand. Harry was simply beaming with excitement. It was almost as if he wasn't able to contain it any longer.

They entered the forbidden forest, hand in hand as so he wouldn't be able to run off as easily. Severus's other hand was on his wand in case they happened across anything other than friendly. Most of the unfriendly creatures knew to stay away from the boy, while the centaurs generally will follow at a distance to help ensure safety. He made sure to make arrangements with them beforehand. Thank goodness their ability to follow orders far surpasses their ability to hold a decent conversation.

As they wandered deeper into the forest, Severus made sure to point out many different plants that he didn't need and mentioned their uses. They stopped to pick some wolfsbane and nettles. Severus let go of little harry's hand for a minute while he picked them. "Now, don't touch as the nettles are poisonous. Stay right here." He picked them quickly and deposited them into his satchel before grabbing his hand again as so he didn't wander away. They wandered towards the black lake next.

"We will be looking for different mushrooms and algea such as gillyweed here. Your mum said that you can't swim, so please stay on shore for a moment." Right as he let go of Harry's hand he bolted for the water. Luckily Severus was able to catch him right at the edge before he dipped his first toe in. "Now, what did i say Harry?" Harry slid his toes in the dirt as he held his hands behind his back, his head dipping down to look at the grass at his feet.

"Not to go in the water..."

"Yes... you could have drown... Never do that again Harry. Don't you like coming out here with me for the day?" Harry nodded. "Then you need to listen and do as I say or I won't be aloud to take you anymore. Do you understand?" Harry started to tear up and ran into Severus's robes, burying his face into the black material. He started to cry hysterically, words barely understandable between sobs and were quite muffled.

"Sorry... Never... Again..." Severus stroked Harry's head.

"It's alright son... Just make sure that you listen, okay? No need to tell you mum and worry her and the like. Just don't do that again." Harry looked up, wiping his nose on his sleeve.

"Oh Tay..." He said quietly. He smiled a little, now happy that he wasn't mad at him. Severus took his hand again and walked him back to the castle as they were having lunch now. Harry ran to Minerva and hugged her as she scooped him into her arms.

"Did you have fun with Severus?" Harry nodded.

"Yeah. We got plants and mushrooms." Minerva smiled wide and looked over at Severus, mouthing the words thank you. Severus smiled back and wandered off to his potions lab.

Hope you guys enjoyed this little chapter, There will be more to come, but I do have a job so I do appoligize if chapters run short or only have few updates for a while... but everything is good now.

To be continued...