Happy Christmas, everyone! I hope everyone had a good holiday.

"I'll grab Harry; would you like to come for tea?" Remus said as he gathered a sleeping Harry into his arms. It was the morning after the full moon and Harry had managed to stay awake long enough to put his clothes on but had fallen asleep probably seconds later.

"What's up, Moony? You look like you've got something to say," Sirius asked, watching his best friend who had been acting weird all night.

"Severus and I are getting married and we've adopted Harry," Remus said suddenly but Sirius didn't look surprised or angry. He simply nodded and grinned.

"Remus! You can't announce adopting 'the boy who lived' in a Great Hall fall of people and not expect it to travel. I heard about that already in the Daily Prophet!" Sirius laughed. But Sirius figured it was going to happen anyway. With the way Severus and Remus looked at each other, it was a surprise it took so long for them to tie the knot. Besides, Harry needed a loving family and to feel wanted. The adoption might be a great thing for the child.

Remus frowned, he'd read the article and he should have realised that Sirus would already know but the child's fame within the wizarding world had slipped his mind. To Remus, Harry wasn't 'the boy who lived', Harry was just Harry to him. Harry was just a five-year-old with a passion for potions that almost rivalled Severus'.

"I didn't know you ready the Daily Prophet but I suppose people would talk as well," Remus laughed as Sirius nodded.

"Yes, I'm full of surprises," Sirus laughed as he made his was out of the Shrieking Shack. "Besides, reading the Daily Prophet gives me something to do besides refold my clothes and organise my kitchen."

Harry spent the next day relaxing with Severus while the man made advanced potions. Harry wasn't allowed to help with this one because the ingredients were too volatile for Harry's five-year-old hands. Harry watched with amazement as Severus handled the ingredients carefully and placed them into the cauldron. Harry couldn't wait for the day when he'd be able to handle those ingredients.

"Tomorrow, the first and second-years will have potions. Are you okay with having two classes tomorrow?" Severus asked, not wanting to wear the child out. Harry never complained when he was tired and you often didn't know until the child fell asleep.

"I'll be fine. I can't wait to see Duncan and Dave and tomorrow, we're making liquid light with the first-years," Harry said, excited to make the glowing potion. He'd be able to leave the potion beside his bed to help him sleep instead of the muggle nightlight which had died a few nights ago.

"If you're sure Harry but you need to tell me if you get tired," Severus insisted, knowing he was wasting his time. But with any luck, he'd learn Harry's cues and be able to tell when the child was on the verge of collapsing.

Class with the second years was uneventful, Harry was glad to work with Duncan and Dave on his potion and they were thrilled when Harry told them tips on how to make the potion better. By the time the second-years were gone and the first years had arrived, Harry was in a really good mood. Severus got the class to work right away while he prepared a test for his NEWT classes.

By the time the first half of class was over, Harry and several Slytherins had finished their liquid light potions and were doing various tasks.

When Severus called for a break, most of the students filed quickly out of the room. Harry made his way over to Severus squirming with an uncomfortable look on his face.

"I need to use the loo," he said, causing Severus to nod. Severus always insisted that Harry let him know before he left the classroom so he could know where he would be at all times.

Harry made his way to the toilet and did what he had to. When he approached the sink, he saw Jace Smith standing there, glaring angrily at Harry.

"You're the one that got my brother expelled," Jace said in an angry tone. When Harry paled and stepped back, the boy smirked but held up his hands to show he meant no harm.

"I'm not going to touch you. Unlike my brother, I have no wish to be expelled but that doesn't mean I don't have plans for you," Jace said smirking at Harry. "But don't worry, you won't be hurt... physically."

With that, Jace turned around and left the bathroom. Harry pulled himself together, washed his hands and went back to the potions lab. By the time potions was done, Harry had completed a liquid light potion and liquid ice potion. Harry was very proud of his work and couldn't wait to show Remus. Harry didn't want to think about what Jace had said earlier about having plans for him.

Severus looked up from his copy of the Daily Prophet and set the paper down.

"Do you want to go to the library, Harry?" Severus asked. "There is something I want to start teaching you and I think you're old enough now."

Harry frowned but followed Severus out of the potions lab. He wondered when his father wanted to teach him but didn't say anything.

The library was full of books and students. Harry always loved being in the library with the rest of the students; he loved seeing the books they were reading for their classes and often made a mental list of books he wanted to read eventually. Harry couldn't wait until he was old enough to get his own wand so he could practice the spells in the books.

Severus guided Harry to a section on different muggle skills and practices. When Harry raised an eyebrow, Severus simply went to the shelf and pulled out a single book and placed it in Harry's hands.

"Karate?" Harry asked, frowning at the title. He wasn't sure what it meant but the kid on the cover of the book looked like he was kicking another kid in the stomach. Severus nodded and gave Harry a serious look. Why was Severus giving Harry a book about fighting? Fighting wasn't allowed, was it?

"Yes, Harry! I think it's time you learn to defend yourself. With what happened last year and with Paul's brother glaring at you the way he does, I think now is as good a time as ever."