AN: Since chapter 3 was so short, I decided that I should post chapter 4 up as well. Enjoy! You can thank me with reviews : D
Chapter 4
"Grandpa!"
Albus stopped at the door, turned around to see if there was anyone else around, and then ran his hand through his long white beard and proceeded to look confused.
Harry giggled at his grandfather's antics.
"Who is this 'grandpa' that I hear you calling, Harry?"
More giggling. "You, Grandpa." The boy then ran towards the headmaster.
Albus gladly picked the boy up and swung him around once before setting him at his hip.
"I see. And may I ask what happened to 'Alby'?"
"me like 'grandpa' more" was the simple reply.
Despite his delight at his new title, Albus couldn't help but consider Minerva's reaction to this title change. "Harry, does your grandmother have any objections to this?"
"What's 'jecion?"
Just then, Minerva walked into the room and requested tea, milk, and biscuits from the house elf.
"There you are, Minerva. Might you perhaps clarify some details for me? Some specifics about becoming a grandfather?"
"Harry insisted on calling you this after I read him a story about the adventures of a boy with his grandfather. Apparently the story reminded him of the times he spent with you. I'm sure it's just a phase and he'll eventually outgrow it. However, if you wish, I can try to persuade the child to revert back to 'Alby' or some other more suitable form of address?"
Albus couldn't help but notice a twinkle in his deputy's eye (unlike his own) when she made the last remark.
"If that is the case, I do hope that phase lasts for a long time." Turning his attention back to the child in his arms, Dumbledore told the boy, "You have made an old man very happy, Harry. I am most flattered and hopefully can live up to the title. Now, how about some milk and biscuits and perhaps together, we can defeat your grandmother in a game of chess?"
Even though she was busy setting up the biscuits and drinks, Minerva's response still reached the Headmaster's ears. He was awfully amused when the comment sounded like "that's as likely as hearing Severus call you grandpa."
By the time Harry Potter turned three, no one would have believed that Albus Dumbledore had once considered leaving the child at his aunt's doorsteps, to be raised in a family void of love and care. Spending time with his grandpa was one of Harry's favorite things to do and Albus adored Harry just as much. Sometimes when the two were together, it was hard to tell which one was the adult. Of course during such times, Minerva was always there to make sure there was some decorum in the room.
Despite the length of time that Harry has been at Hogwarts, there were still eyebrows being raised when Harry referred to the Headmaster and his deputy as "grandpa" and "Gammy" but fortunately, both the witch and the wizard were sensible people who did not care much for gossip and rumors in the magical world. They both had duties to perform, one of which was to protect and raise the boy who was everything but in blood, their grandson.
And so the lives of two professors were enriched with the joys of raising a child.
Harry was a boy who enjoyed being outdoors more than he enjoyed running around the castle. Unfortunately due to the circumstances, he was often limited to the castle grounds. Minerva, being the more careful and prudent of the two grandparents wanted to keep the young boy away from the public as much as possible. She knew that she couldn't protect the boy forever, but she wanted him to be older before showing him the rest of the wizarding world.
After much convincing from Albus and realizing that the now three-year-old would very much enjoy a trip to Diagon Alley, she agreed to bring Harry along the next time the headmaster needed to replenish his supply of lemon drops…which happened to be the next day.
When the boy found out, he dashed into his grandmother's office where she had been doing paperwork and demanded "Weealy, Gammy? Grandpa says I can go to Di'gon Alley. Weealy?"
Minerva couldn't help but grin at his enthusiasm. She knew that even if it wasn't true, she wouldn't have the heart to deny the boy when she's faced with such adoring eyes.
"Yes, Harry, it's true. Albus needs to go to Diagon Alley tomorrow and he asked the two of us to accompany him."
"Yay!" The boy shouted as he jumped around in random directions. He almost knocked himself out when he lost his balance and almost bumped his head into the desk. Fortunately, his grandmother saw it coming and moved him before he could injure himself.
"Alright Harry, that's enough. Why don't we get you ready for bed so you can be well-rested for your first trip to Diagon Alley tomorrow?"
By that point, the three-year-old would have agreed to eat broccoli for a week if it meant that he can finally go to the candy store that all the older students were always talking about.
The following morning, Harry woke up bright and early as he was too excited to stay in bed. He left his cot and went into his grandmother's room. Like all toddlers, he had no notion of time and was amazed that his grandma can sleep when Diagon Alley is waiting for them. He tugged at her arm, which was the only part of her that had not been covered by the large comforter on her bed.
Minerva jerked awake to tugging and the first thought across her mind was Harry. When she realized it was still dark outside and the toddler was standing next to her bed, she automatically lifted her comforter and the boy immediately crawled next to her, nesting against her side.
After a gentle kiss on the head, Minerva asked "What's the matter, dear? Did you have another nightmare?"
"No, Gammy. Want candy!"
Harry received a chuckle in response. "It's too early, darling. The stores are still closed. Why don't you sleep a bit more with me and we'll leave when it is bright outside."
Seeing that he had no choice but wait, Harry tried to relax and go back to sleep. However, he kept tossing and turning. After ten minutes of Harry rustling around her, Minerva wrapped an arm around the boy, and softly patted his back while humming a light lullaby. Soon, both the child and the adult were asleep and did not awake until the sun shone brightly through the curtains into Minerva's chambers.
Two hours later, Albus, Minerva, and Harry were standing in front of the floo, with Minerva going over the rules with Harry one last time.
"Remember, Harry, always hold either my hand or Albus's hand. Diagon Alley is a busy place and I don't want you getting lost."
Harry nodded.
"And if anyone asks for your name?"
"My name is Evans James and I'm visiting my grandpa."
"Good boy!" Albus injected before Minerva could ask her next question.
"And what do you do if a stranger tries to talk to you or take you away?"
"No talking to strangers and make lots of loud noises if you or grandpa is not around!" Harry proudly answered.
"Excellent" was the reply from Albus. Minerva couldn't help but grin as the three year old recited the responses that she's been trying to drill into his head.
"Just one last question, my boy." Minerva was surprised. She thought that the rules she had gone over with Harry were the most important ones. Of course there were more rules she would have liked Harry to remember but even as it is, she thought it was enough for a three year old to remember.
"What is your one and only task at Diagon Alley today?"
Harry thought and thought but he could not think of the answer. He looked to Gammy for help, and worried that he wouldn't be able to go to Diagon Alley because he didn't know the answer.
Seeing the worry in Harry's sweet innocent face, Albus quickly replied "to have fun, of course!"
Harry relaxed. It was a trick question! He giggled and flung himself at his grandpa, glad that he was finally getting to explore outside Hogwarts.
With his arms full of Harry, Albus looked to Minerva to let her know that they were ready to depart. She quickly concealed his scar before flooing away to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Now, my boy, I want you to close your eyes and hold onto me tightly, alright? It may be uncomfortable but do try to keep your eyes and mouth close. Ready?"
"Yes!" was the enthusiastic response.
"Alright, here we go." As the two traveled by floo, Albus could feel Harry's clinging tighten as the swirling increased. He tightened his hold on the boy, assuring him that he was safe in the old man's arms.
As soon as the two landed, Harry burst into tears and wails. Not wanting to attract too much attention, Albus quickly walked outside to the hidden entrance, where Minerva was waiting.
"There, there, my boy. It wasn't that bad. It's alright now, Harry. We're here. Don't you want to see how we enter Diagon Alley?
Despite his misery, Harry was more curious about the place and stopped crying to see what was around him. His hands remained clutched tightly to Dumbledore's robes though.
"There you are, Albus" Minerva said when the two approached her. Seeing Harry's tear-stained face, she then said "I take it that Harry did not enjoy the floo."
"No, he didn't but I bet some sweets would make him feel better, wouldn't it my boy?"
Harry's eyes lit up and he nodded.
Before Minerva could object that it was too early, Dumbledore continued.
"Well then, let's not linger here. Off to Diagon Alley we go."
Dumbledore opened the entrance to Diagon Alley and proceed to swing Harry through the entrance. Appalled as she was that they were going to buy candy so early in the morning, she couldn't help but look forward to the day ahead as she heard Harry's giggles ahead of her.
In the candy shop, Harry was intrigued by what he saw around him. Despite his curiosity, he still refused to leave Albus's arms due to the earlier floo incidence. Thus, he spent the morning seeing the wizarding world in the safety and comfort of his grandpa's arms.
During lunch however, the boy agreed to walk for the rest of the afternoon while holding Minerva's hand. Minerva chuckled as she thought she heard a small sigh of relief from Albus.
"I may be older and wiser, Minerva, but by no means am I getting stronger," the man said with a wink as he heard Minerva's chuckle.
Just then, the Headmaster saw Lucius Malfoy enter the restaurant. Unfortunately, the trio was quickly spotted and was soon approached by the unwelcome visitor.
"Well, well, well. Isn't it a surprised seeing the power couple from Hogwarts here today," Lucius said with his typical sneer.
"Good afternoon, Lucius," Dumbledore replied politely but without the usual fondness and enthusiasm that he included with his usual greetings. "I needed some things from Diagon Alley and Professor McGonagall was kind enough to accompany me." He could see the forced smile on Minerva's face when she looked at Lucius to acknowledge his greeting.
"Why, I didn't know that you two had a child. I must question the appropriate of this relationship, Headmaster. There could be a possible conflict of interest with the running of the school if the Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress are so close together."
Dumbledore could already see Minerva turning red and ready to unleash her horrible Scottish temper. Before she could do so, however, he quickly interjected.
"That's enough, Lucius. I am very well aware of the rules, having written quite a few myself. Despite the wide range of authority the Board of Governors may have when it comes to the welfare of the school, one of which they do not have is the personal matters of its students and staff. Now, if you would be so kind as to allow me to spend the rest of this lovely day with my brother's grandson and Professor McGonagall, I would be happy to go over any of the school's rules with you with an appointment in my office."
Lucius Malfoy knew that despite Dumbledore's polite choice of words, the request was not one for permission but rather a demand for him to leave their company. Despite his fury at being ordered to leave, even Lucius Malfoy dare not openly disobey Dumbledore's requests.
"I will leave you to your company then, Albus. I shall see you soon."
"Good day, Lucius."
With only Harry left with a healthy appetite, the two professors kindly waited for the child to finish before leaving the restaurant. Walking out towards the crowded streets, Minerva could not help but voice some of her pent up anger.
"Honestly, the nerve of the man! Approaching you and making such accusations! And in front of a child! If you haven't spoke so quickly, I would have had scheduled a lesson myself with that horrible man to teach him some manners!"
"Now, now Minerva. No use worrying about spilled milk." In attempt to try to recover the mood of the trip, Dumbledore then quickly changed the subject and turned to Harry.
"How about the Quittich shop, Harry? From what I have heard, your father always made it a priority to visit the shop whenever he was here. You may be too young now but I dare speculate that you will make many requests to your grandmother to visit this shop in the coming years. Not that she will complain," the headmaster added, with the twinkle returning in his eye.
Before Minerva could dignify herself with a response, she felt Harry eagerly pulling her into the shop.
For the first time that day, Minerva had a hard time keeping Harry in sight. It seemed he had lost all the shyness and insecurities that he had earlier during the day and was moving quickly from aisle to aisle, eager to see every bright and shiny broom.
Seeing how there is only one door to the shop, Minerva decided to let the boy have his freedom for a moment while she remained close to the exit, insuring that Harry did not leave the store without her. Albus had left momentarily to purchase socks for himself and for Harry. He agreed to meet the two outside the shop when they were done. Meanwhile, Minerva was engaged in conversation with the owner of the shop, debating about the quittich house teams this year.
What no one had noticed was that a rat had slipped into the store before the door close and was now lurking in the dark corners of the store, very close to where Harry Potter was now playing with a toy snitch. In the darkness, the rat has transformed unnoticed into a man; a man with very important duties to carry out.
As the toy snitch was flying towards the corner, Harry ran after it, eager to grab the toy. Right before Harry came upon the dark corner however, the toy snitch suddenly changed directions and flew back towards the brightly lighted aisles. The child began to turn around to continue the chase but a noise from behind stopped him.
Glowing from the dark corner was a real golden snitch. Even from a distance, Harry could tell that this toy was a lot better than the pretend one that he had been chasing. The glow of the snitch seemed to call to him, and blindly, Harry walked towards the corner and the snitch.
All the precautions that the child had recited earlier were disregarded as the child's own curiosity and desire for adventure edged him on. The object in front of him was hypnotic, drawing the boy towards it. He just wanted to touch it, to hold it. Slowly, Harry approached the gold ball, allured by its brightness.
Just as he was a few feet away from his prize, Minerva called for him to leave the store. The sound of her voice broke through the trance that Harry had been drawn into.
Suddenly aware of the possible dangers ahead, Harry stopped and screamed out for his Gammy. It was then he felt someone grab one of his arms, pulling him towards the dark corner.
The boy's scream pierced through the small shop. In a flash, Minerva outdrew her wand and ran towards the boy's scream. Harry was struggling to push something away, but it was obvious that the force was too strong for the child. Minerva grabbed the child's other arm and casted a stunner into the corner. Before the spell could make contact, however, she heard a distinct POP and knew that the suspect had apparated away.
The sudden letting go of one of Harry's arm caused both him and Minerva to fall back. Shocked and stunned at what had just happened, Minerva was dumbstruck for a few moments before registering that the child was bawling and fiercely clinging onto her. She absent-minded picked him up and soothed and murmured words of comfort to the child. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew the boy was in a lot of trouble but she couldn't bring herself to think clearly, let alone telling him off at that point. Never before had the formidable Minerva McGonagall been shocked into silence.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw the shopkeeper searching futilely through the shop for the kidnapper. When she saw him reaching down to pick something up, Minerva instinctively shouted "NO! Don't touch it!" Only when the shopkeeper shifted did Minerva see that it was the snitch that must have been used to allure the child.
In times of danger and uncertainty, Minerva McGonagall resorted to what she did best; she suppressed all her feelings behind a wall and carried on with a firm and direct style. In an emotionless tone, she addressed the shopkeeper, "Albus Dumbledore is waiting for us outside the store. Can you please bring him in?"
Within seconds, Albus walked into the shop with his wand already drawn. Detecting no immediate danger to the shop, his eyes automatically focused themselves on the two dearest people in his life. Harry, Albus can tell, had once been screaming his lungs out but due to exhaustion, was now quietly sniffling into Minerva's robes. Meanwhile, like the warrior goddess she was named after, Minerva remained standing tall, her face expressionless but arms wrapped tightly and protectively over her charge. He could see the unshed tears in her eyes.
Albus Dumbledore felt rage at the perpetrator who had caused such a perfect day to end so wrongly.
As much as he wanted to hold the two in his arms and comfort them, he instead gently approached them and tenderly kissed each on the forehead. Softly he spoke to the pair, "Come my dears, we cannot linger here. Both of you require Poppy's attention and the Aurors are already on their way. Let us return to Hogwarts."
He hated to rush them away but he knew that Hogwarts is the safest place they can be at this point.
With a hand behind her back, he escorted the two towards the door. The woman never loosened her grip on the child, who was still held firmly against her chest. As she walked out the door, Albus could see the toddler, his head on her shoulder and his hands wrapped so tightly around her neck that Albus suspected his deputy was being slightly choked.
His large green eyes still filled with tears, Harry had already created a large wet patch on Minerva's shoulder where the drops had landed earlier. Albus forced a smile when he caught the child's gaze, but for the first time that he can remember, Harry did not return the smile.