A.N. ~ Well I don't own these characters. First fanfic so if you are going to review, please be nice. Constructive criticism is definitely ok, being an ass isn't. That said... Please leave comments, good or bad, so that I know what readers think. Thanks

This is a short one I know, I know...

Ch. 3 Surprise Surprise

Christmas Day came and went. Harry received from Hagrid, a hand carved doe and stag that had been charmed to prance around and follow him. Minerva gifted him with a toy broom that hovered about 35 cm off the ground and thankfully flew slow enough as to not give Severus a heart attack. The headmaster seen fit to give Harry a magical coloring book with a set of small brightly colored wands. He also received many other small toys and treats from the other staff and even a few students. Severus on the other hand had gotten only 3 gifts. From Dumbledore, a pair of very obnoxious socks and from Minerva he opened a rare obscure potions journal. Most surprising was a gift from Lucius Malfoy. A very expensive bottle of 50-year-old firewhisky.

New Year's Eve was spent huddled with Harry in front of the fire reading Severus' new potions book out loud and sending up small colorful sparks at midnight, to the delight of Harry. As far as Severus was concerned, New Year's Day was just a day like any other. Well, all holidays were just that to him but he found himself watching Harry's reaction to the decorations and extra cheery faces, wishing he could do better for the toddler.

Severus' birthday was supposed to be a quiet affair. He would take Harry out to the Three Broomsticks to eat and then back to the castle to let him fly his broom around the quiet dungeons. It started off with a nice dinner out with Harry, that's where his plan fell apart. Arriving back at the castle, Severus noticed a piece of parchment stuck to the door to his chambers.

Severus,

Please come to my quarters once you receive this. Bring Harry as well.

Minerva

The short note unnerved Severus immensely. He spun on his heel with Harry on his hip and headed toward Gryffindor Tower and Minerva's chambers. What could be wrong? Was there an issue with the adoption? Why else would she need him to bring Harry along? Severus' anxiety was mounting with each step. By the time he knocked on her door, he had worked himself into quite the frenzy. Severus was convinced that there was a ministry official in her office waiting to take Harry from him. That was until the door opened and he was face to face with a smiling Minerva McGonagall.

"Minerva, what is the meaning of this? I thought there was something wrong, but I can see by your expression that is not the case. You know I had plans with Harry for tonight." Severus growled.

"It's lovely to see you too Severus. Wont you come in for a moment?" Responded Minerva, not losing her smile.

Severus stepped into her chambers and immediately knew she wasn't alone. Looking around he spotted a familiar cloak hanging on the back of an armchair. Looking back at Minerva, he could see the mischievous look in her eyes and was immediately suspicious.

"Minerva..."

"Harry, baby. Come to Nanny Minnie." Minerva interrupted Severus and took Harry from his arms. "You need a real Birthday once Severus, and you deserve to have a night off. I'll watch Harry tonight, you go out with your friend."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Minerva. Severus here looks like he needs a good night out." Lucius Malfoy stated, coming around the corner to stand in front of Severus.

To say Snape was surprised would be an understatement. He stared at Malfoy with open curiosity and mild distrust for a moment before he caught himself and once again closed off his emotions. "Malfoy. I must confess, I did not know that you knew Professor McGonagall on a personal level."

Lucius chuckled. "I once told you that you were not the only one with more than one Master. Now you know who else I call my Master. She saved me once, you know. Well, maybe you do not know. Either way, she saved me during a small skirmish between some Order members and a few Death Eaters. She brought me to an Order safe house, where I was healed and stayed to recover. No other member of the Order knows that I am a spy. Not even its Great leader. I follow directives and report solely to Minerva. Let us speak more about this at another time, I believe that we have a town to "paint red" as the Muggles say."

With a look of pure astonishment on his face, Severus Snape was led to the fireplace in the sitting room and whisked away by his friend.