Author's Note: Instead of creating a new story, I've decided to just add the chapters to my original story. Enjoy the story!
Months have past since the horrible night in Godric's Hollow. The boy-who-lived cried many tears for the first few weeks, but with the help of his new Hogwarts family, the toddler blossomed from a clingy infant into a curious boy who, in Minerva's opinion, was too brave for his good. Despite being told numerous times to not to wonder off on his own, a lost and upset Harry Potter was oftentimes returned to the distressed deputy headmistress by a helpful student or a fellow staff member.
Occasionally when Minerva or Albus are both unable to look after Harry, the boy would spend time with someone from the Hogwarts staff. Finding a sitter was never a problem as the boy was so adorable that no one seems to be able to resist him. Albus often told Minerva that they were lucky she was the boy's guardian as he was sure if it had been anyone else, the boy will be terribly spoiled and have the entire school within the palm of his hand by the time he was five.
It seems like there is only one person who is able to resist the charms of the Potter boy.
As the youngest member of the Hogwarts staff, Severus Snape was always the most aloof and reserved member of the staff. He avoided mingling and group gatherings as much as he possibly can. Although Minerva expressed her doubts about hiring the man for the potions master position, she had to admit that he was very good in his profession of making potions.
One morning late summer, Minerva prepared to review all her lesson plans in preparation for the beginning of a new term. In previous years, the process required most of the day as Minerva was very meticulous with her plans. She expected the process to be even longer this year as she will also be keeping an eye on Harry, who was currently playing on the floor.
As she got to her desk and opened the folder containing her lessons, her fireplace sparked up and Albus Dumbledore's head appeared in the living room. The sudden flash of green of the floo frightened the young toddler and sent him running and crying to his Gammy.
"Oh dear. Forgive me Minerva, I didn't mean to give the child a fright. If it wasn't such a pressing issue at hand, I would have gladly visited you and Harry personally," the headmaster stated with a twinkle in his eye.
"It's alright, Albus," Minerva kindly returned as she set Harry on her hips and gently swayed him to calm him down. "He'll calm down soon enough."
To Albus, Minerva looked so comfortable and natural, calming down the toddler in her arms. Her skills are admirable, especially when considering that she never had a family herself. Despite working together for numerous years, Dumbledore is still regularly amazed by his Deputy. Minerva McGonagall was truly a woman of many talents.
Meanwhile, in the safety of Minerva's arms, Harry's cries soon became whimpers, and the Headmaster was soon pulled out from the thoughts in his mind by Minerva's inquiry.
"Albus, what is so urgent that you needed to firecall?" I have known you for many years and you always preferred to speak to people in person."
"Yes, my dear. However, circumstances arise which prevents me from doing so today. It seems like there is trouble at the Ministry and I am needed right away. Unfortunately, there is also a meeting with the Board of Governors this morning and I'm afraid that I cannot be at both places at the same time."
As the Headmaster said this, Minerva noticed his eyes twinkling brighter. This was not the first time that Minerva wished she was a skilled legillimens so that she could see what the man is thinking as he speaks.
"And what can I do to help with this matter?" the Transfiguration professor inquired, with Harry still on her hips.
"As Hogwart's Deputy Headmistress, would you mind terribly to take my place at the Board of Governor's meeting? It is the annual start of term meeting that you've attended several times in the past. I could not think of a better replacement as we need a representative who will speak for the school. The Board has always respected your opinions…sometimes even more so than mine," Albus teased.
Every witch and wizard is always amazed by Albus Dumbledore's ability to have people do what he asks of them. However, Minerva figured out not long after working together that this was not the result of the man's power, but rather the result of his ability to bring out the best in people. He always manages to slip in one or two compliments in his requests, oftentimes hidden and not at all blunt like he trying to talk his way into someone's favor. It was one of many skills that Minerva admired in the man.
"Alright Albus. Where is the meeting and when is it so that I can make the necessary arrangements for Harry."
"I'm afraid you don't have much time, Minerva. The meeting starts in half an hour and it takes place in my office. I left some the files on my desk as I assumed you want to look over them before the meeting starts. You already know the password to my office, and I've already made the necessary arrangements for a sitter."
Minerva was grateful for the arrangements as she recalled that Poppy, who normally looks after the boy, was away at the moment. She was so caught up in her conversation with Albus that it was only then did she realize that Harry had fallen asleep in her arms while she was gently swaying him. Despite the boy's cherubic resemblance while asleep, there was something with the situation that did not seem right. The boy hated going to bed and it often took all of her patience to convince him to take naps during the day. Harry falling asleep so easily today disturbed Minerva, but she quickly overlooked it as she now had more urgent tasks on hand.
"Who is the sitter, Albus? I can not think of anyone else who's back so early in the castle besides Poppy and Severus, and I know Poppy left early this morning to visit her family. It can't possibly be Severus since we both know that the chances of him agreeing are as much as Poppy volunteering her services to the Deatheaters."
"Then we must question where Poppy's loyalties lie when she returns, won't we? I have already spoken with Severus. He is expecting you in his office soon. Since you will be nearby and the meeting often last no more than three hours, he has agreed to the arrangements. Now I'll leave you to get ready. Thank you greatly for your help, Minerva."
With that, Dumbledore disappeared from the fireplace.
Minerva gently put Harry on the couch and moved quickly but quietly to gather Harry's things. When she was done, she considered waking the boy. However, having Severus watch over a sleeping Harry would be much better than having him watch over an over-energetic bouncy two-year-old. Instead, she carefully picked him up from the couch and proceeded to walk down to Professor Snape's office.
Harry stirred slightly from his sleep as he felt movement. However, the warm arms and the gentle movements persuaded him to remain still in his Gammy's arms. Of all the interesting people he's met at the castle, he still favored his Gammy. She had the most rules but she also hugged him when he cried and kissed and tucked him in at night. Of course he received the most scolds and time-outs from her, but Harry knew that he had deserved most, if not all of them.
As Minerva descended into the dungeon, the sudden drop in temperature made Harry shiver. Almost instantly, a warm blanket was wrapped around him.
"Are you awake, Harry?"
McGonagall heard no response but felt the boy's head nod as he rested his head on her shoulders.
"I have to go to a meeting in Professor Dumbledore's office. You're going to stay with Professor Snape. You've never stayed with him before but I'm sure you'll be fine. Be a good boy and promise you won't go wondering by yourself."
Again, McGonagall felt the head nod. Usually, the boy was full of energy and running from one place to another. However, as Minerva reminded herself, he is often groggy after waking and it always takes him awhile to become his usual self in the mornings or after a nap.
The two had reached Snape's office and Minerva knocked on the door. A "come in" was heard immediately, indicating that the man was expecting them.
Minerva stepped in and could see Severus standing between two cauldrons, brewing two potions at once.
"Good morning, Severus. That's quite impressive, brewing two potions at once. Might I inquire what you are brewing?"
Severus Snape was a cynical man. He always saw the worst in people and as such, always preferred to be on his own. He never showed interest in anyone's company and only ate at the Great Hall because it was part of his duty as a professor.
The only person he's ever respected was Dumbledore, although he thought the man was too trusting for his own good. Minerva, he didn't mind too much. She wasn't someone you would want to cross, but she was always fair and just. It was only because of these two people that he's sealed himself the horrible fate of watching over a two-year-old for three hours. Besides, he didn't really have a choice as Dumbledore simply was not going to leave him to his potions until he agreed.
"Hello Minerva. Just a mild bruise reliever and a simple blood replenishing potion. Nothing that would harm your precious ward," Snape added.
Severus smirked as he saw Minerva slightly flush of out anger. He knew that was not the intent of her question but honestly, you think the child was made from porcelain the way she, Albus, and the others had been treating him. The woman decided to ignore the comment as she quickly said "Of course not, Severus. I trust that you have everything under control."
With that, Minerva set down Harry's bag next to a comfortable, oversized chair and laid Harry down on the seat.
"I'm sure Albus has filled you in already on the details. I will be in the Headmaster's office for about three hours in a meeting. Afterwards, I'll be right by to retrieve Harry. I must say I was surprised when Albus told me you agreed. Thank you very much for your help Severus. I really appreciate it."
Receiving a nod as a response, Minerva futilely tried to smooth Harry's messy black hair and told him once again, "Harry, I expect you to behave for Professor Snape. I'll only be gone a moment and will be back before you know it."
With a kiss on his head, Minerva left the office and quickly proceeded to the Headmaster's office.
Harry was confused. His Gammy left him in a room he's never visited and with a scary man he's never seen. Usually, his sitters welcomed him with smiles, hugs, kisses, and sweets but this man just ignored him.
Cold, alone, and confused, Harry started to whimper.
After Minerva left, Severus returned back to his potions. He only needed to add one more ingredient before one potion would be finished and he could then deal with the boy if need to. The boy seemed to be alright for the moment as he was quiet while Minerva talked. Honestly, he didn't think the woman would ever leave, the way she fussed over the boy. No wonder all the students he's had in class were brats. They've all been spoiled either by their own parents, or by the Headmaster and the Deputy Headmistress!
A child's whimpers brought him back to reality. He decided to ignore it as he was in the middle of cutting the final ingredient.
Just a few more minutes of undisturbed work and the potion will be ready, Snape thought to himself.
Harry was becoming more upset. His whimpers usually got him the attention of those around him and if he was with Gammy or Alby, he definitely would have been in someone's arms by now.
Not used to the lack of attention and comfort, Harry's whimpers soon became loud cries and wails.
Just as Snape finished one potion, the boy's cries suddenly increased ten fold in volume. The boy was turning red from the wails and really looked like he was ready to tear apart his small but very powerful lungs.
Dear Merlin! All babies should be banned, especially this one as no one should be alive for causing so much noise!
It was then that Severus Snape truly appreciated the thick walls of Hogwarts. He did not live near any of the other Professors but he was certain he would have heard the boy's crying had he been even a floor away from Minerva's McGonagall's quarters in the castle.
Satisfied with his potion, he extinguished the heat and approached the child.
Not one to be paternal, Severus simply patted the boy's head as if he was a puppy, and expected the crying to stop. Instead, the wails continued. Desperate to the point where he was willing to do anything to make the crying stop, Severus picked up the child and walked back toward his one remaining potion.
Harry was tired from screaming. At the moment, he was content in being carried and ceased crying. When the man took him to a big pot and he saw the deep red color of the blood replenishing potion, he was intrigued and tried to touch it.
"Oh no you don't! I will not have a child meddle with a potion that required many hours to make."
Despite the boy's slithering moves, Severus quickly stepped back from the potion so Harry couldn't reach it. Sensing the boy about to cry out of frustration, he quickly moved closer to the potion so that the boy could see it, but maintained a strong hold around the boy's arms.
Hopefully as a distraction for the boy, Severus began reciting the remaining steps needed to finishing the potion.
"Eight roots of asphodel chopped evenly. Stir counterclockwise three times and add two drops of nutrient elixir. Let it sit for thirty minutes off heat and the potion will become a deep purple color. "
While the man was muttering to himself, Harry began to not feel so well. Normally at this time, he could be found running around and blabbering away, which Gammy often blamed on the students and the staff for giving him sweets after breakfast. Today, however, he just wanted to sleep. In the warm arms of another human being, the toddler fell asleep listening to the Potion Master's directions.
Severus noticed a shift in weight in his arm and was surprised to see the boy asleep. He's seen the boy around and knew it wasn't normal for him to be so tamed. He put his hand on the boy's forehead and did not detect a trace of fever. If the boy wants to sleep during his watch, by all means, let him sleep!
Severus then proceeded to put the child down on the chair. However, the motion woke Harry up and he refused to be put down. He liked the warmth of sleeping in the man's arms. The toddler protested to being set down by whining and wrapping his little arms tightly around the man's neck.
Thankfully, Severus got the hint and spent the remaining morning carrying a toddler around with one arm and finishing his remaining potion with the other.
When Minerva returned to Snape's office, she found a sleeping toddler and a very irritated Potions Master.
"Goodness, is he still sleeping?"
"No, Minerva. I have always wanted to drug a toddler so that I can carry him around the ENTIRE morning."
Minerva ignored the sarcastic remark and quickly took Harry from Severus.
"Thank you for watching him, Severus. I better wake him so I won't be up all night."
The woman must be getting old. "Don't you mean so Potter isn't up all night?" Severus inquired, not that he actually cared.
Minerva raised an eyebrow at the comment. "Severus, when was the last time you saw a two-year-old quietly entertain himself during the middle of the night?"
With that, she left the office of a speechless Potions Master and quickly returned to her own quarters.