Minerva awoke next to little Harry, although he wasn't so little anymore. She knew he should be in his own bed, but he slept so much better with her. He was only five now, but he was growing so fast. Tall and slender, and yet so sweet.

Severus of course was still a huge part of their lives. Minerva watched as little Harry grew closer and closer to him every day. This made her heart swell with joy knowing he would have a father figure in his life. God knows it wouldn't be an easy one. Minerva was ever so thankful for Severus for stepping up, even after the initial reluctance.

Albus seemed to bond with the boy as well, almost as if he was the grandfather. It was quite the little family they had going in here.

The new students were due to arrive again later that night, causing small worries in Minerva's head. she knew lots of students and staff running around tended to overwhelm little Harry.

This was to be the first feast little Harry got to attend. Minerva was informed her presence was to be needed. She had shielded him for too long and it was beginning to show.

Minerva gently woke little Harry. He stirred and stretched his hands above his head in a giant stretch. His mouth opened wide as a rather large yawn emitted from his mouth.

"Morning Mama.". Minerva's heart warmed .

"Morning little one. Shall we try to have breakfast in the great hall today to practice our manners?" Harry jumped out of bed and ran for the door in excitement. "Harry, we need to dress first silly." Harry seemed to contemplate this for a moment before nodding and allowing Minerva to get him dressed. She handed him the clothes and he proceeded to show what a big boy he was and dressed himself. Minerva went after his messy hair with a comb but Harry ducked and ran under her arm and out the door.

Minerva, still in just her night robes, quickly threw a bathrobe over herself and ran after him, not bothering to fasten them as she didn't have the time. It was a big castle and he could get lost easily.

Minerva gave chase as harry rounded corners after corner. Harry quite suddenly rounded for the staircase. Minerva knew if he made it there before her, he would surely win this little game and get away.

Harry bounded down the stairs with Minerva at his heals. rounding the landing, Severus turned and quickly grabbed the boy and lifted him on his shoulders. Minerva, who was quite out of breath, hair a mess, and most definitely not dressed arrived a few moments later, comb in hand looking worse for wear.

Severus smirked slightly, clearly amused. "My my, we mustn't keep meeting under these conditions." Severus said playfully. "Why don't I take little Harry to start breakfast while you get dressed... properly.". Minerva blushed, clutching her bathrobe around herself sheepishly. She nodded and made her way up the stairs.

Minerva entered the great hall in ger usual emerald robes and tight bun. Her half moon glasses stooped on the vridge if her nose, enhancing her hazil eyes.

Harry was eating away hapoily next to Severus who smirked slightly as he looked uo at Minerva, clearly thinking if the state he found her in just a few moments before.

Minerva walked over and sat on the other side of little Harry and began to grab her breakfast.

After breakfast in te great hall, Minerva took little Harry outside to let off some energy. Severus followed as he didn't have anything better to do for the moment. Minerva was quite sure that wasn't really the case, but who was she to argue with an extra set of hands?

Harry ran and ran, kicking and chasing his little red ball in the grass near the castle wall. Minerva and Severus sat in the grass not far away to keep watch and enjoy the sunshine.

"So, Harry is going to attend the fest tonight? He informed me how excited he was," Minerva smiled. She was very glad that Harry had good feelings about the feast. This helped to easy Minerva's anxieties about the whole affair.

"Yes, he is. I just hope everything goes smoothly.". Severus put a hand on hers.

"It will." Minerva felt a warm comfort where his hand touched hers. She smiled and looked into his eyes. She wasn't quite sure what she was feeling, but she didn't want to dwell on it.

Later that day, Harry sat up at the professor's table next to Severus, his mother's seat emoty as she had left to go get the students.

Harry was very hungry, but waited, looking around as the lights from the candles reflected off his eyes. Everything was so exciting for him.

After some wiggling and rocking in his seat, his mother wandered into the room followed by many students. They made their way to an old battered hat.

The hat sang of the great houses of the castle and then was rested on each child's head before they joined tables who cheered loudly for them.

Harry wanted to try on the hat too, but was informed that he wasn't old enough. Harry pouted with his arms crossed. He would be sorted and when he was he would have a big smile, he just knew it.

After all the students were sorted and the feast appeared, Harry ate hungrily. Minerva couldn't help but notice all the students whispering and pointing to her little Harry who sat by her and Severus. Her nerves began to fry as she felt the need to protect him.

Albus convinced her that he was ready, but she now worried that he wasn't. clearly if everyone was gossiping about her little Harry, then perhaps he eas draeing too much attention. Her mind reeled, but a warm hand covered hers and she was calmed.

Minerva looked uo at Severus eho made no guesture to say it was him, but she knew. The touch carried the same warm feelings that his touch did earlier that day. Minerva wasn't sure what was happening or how it would change their relationship, but hopefully something so nice could only be for the better.