Okay, first of all, I wanna say Thanks for all those lovely reviews you guys have been leaving. I read each and every one, and they made me smile and just made my day! I am glad you guys are loving this story and all of my other stories too. I apologize for the long lojng long time between updates, but at the same time, thank you for still waitiing for the updates all the same! Thanks for bearing with me. on to the story!
Harry was sitting in Albus' lap at the head table and stealing bits of food off his plate when he thought Albus wasn't looking. Of course, those bits were meant to be for Harry and Albus was deliberately letting him think he was stealing his food, but Harry didn't know that so he happily kept stealing food off his plate. Snape and Minerva shared amused smirks at Harry's behavior. Severus was taking the opportunity to tease Minerva that she was raising a Slytherin and not a Gryffindor, which was really amusing the witch.
"Well, if Harry does turn out to be a Slytherin as you so predict, you're the one who's going to have to take care of him for seven years Severus. I daresay that's a bonus of this." She smirked when Severus turned pale, imagining all sorts of pranks Harry will play, with Minerva probably aiding him.
"On second thought, maybe I was a bit hasty in saying so. He will probably be a Gryffindor like you and his parents."
Minerva just let out a laugh and Albus patted him on the back with a chuckle. By now, Harry had succeeded in emptying Albus' plate and so was sitting back with a self satisfied smile on his face. Albus looked down and pretended to be astonished on seeing his empty plate.
"Who ate all my food?" He exclaimed to Harry. "Harry, my boy, did you see who stole my food?"
Harry giggled and shook his head no, very excited indeed at having gotten away with his crime. It was fun, he decided.
"Come on, you brat. It's potion time." Severus picked him up.
"Severus, he is a kid." Minerva said exasperatedly.
"So what? My mother taught me potions at this age too. Besides there's so many teachers here, I need to start early if I want him to love MY subject the most." Severus said haughtily.
"Oh Severus." Minerva shook her head. "Fine. Go ahead, make a potioneer out of my kid. But you are not allowed to make him grumpy."
"Oh shut up." He walked away with a sniff, but the scary effect of his billowing robes was diminished by the laughing toddler in his arms, cooing at him and trying to boop his nose.
When they were settled down comfortably in his quarters, Severus took out a kiddie potion book that he had purchased especially for Harry.
"Now Harry, potions is a delicate and very dangerous subject. But, if you pay attention, it is also very rewarding."
Harry looked up at Severus very seriously, like he understood exactly what Severus was saying. Feeling very satisfied that Harry was paying the appropriate amount of attention, Severus continued seriously. He pointed at the illustrations and told Harry about the different ingredients and potions. This continued for about an hour, which is when Harry decided he was bored and started tugging at Severus' robes very urgently.
"Yes what is it Harry?" Severus asked him very seriously.
"Play!" Harry shouted. "Harry play. 'Nape PLAY!" Harry said miserably.
Severus stared at him for a moment. Then he slowly closed the book.
"I'm sorry Harry. I forgot you were a little kid. Alright, we'll play for a while then we can study for another hour. Okay?"
Harry nodded. Happy that he was finally able to play. He loved watching the pictures with 'nape, but he loved playing more.
Snape conjured up some blocks and gave them to Harry to play with. Harry tugged Severus down time sir with him and build a castle with him.
Two hours later, Harry was clapping on a job well done. Severus was just astonished that a little baby could make such A huge and complicated tower, but was impressed nonetheless.
"Very nice Harry. Now let's go back to studying, we've had a very long break."
But Harry did not want to study anymore. So he made a crying face. Once snape saw the tiny leaking tear out of his left eye, he knew he wouldn't refuse Harry whatever he asked for. Damnit he thought. So with a sigh, he told Harry that they will study tomorrow and today is a play day. And little kids need to play anyway for them to develop fully. Yes, Snape will play with Harry, it was for Harry's own good after all...
And so snape took Harry out in the sunlight and they went to the lake where he showed him the giant squid and they fed him bits of food until Harry fell asleep in Snape's shoulders and Severus cane inside to tuck him in his bed.
He stared for a whole minute, at how angelic Harry looked. Then he softly closed the doors to Harry's room and nodded to Minerva before slipping out and going to his quarters.
It was a good day, he mused. He didn't know he could tolerate babies. Oh well. Just the one.
It's not like he was going to make babies of his own...