The most exciting and frightening time in a parent or guardian's life is the day their child learns to walk. Harry was not new to the walking game. Before his parents' death Harry had already started toddling while holding on to nearby chairs and tables. For a while, after they were gone, he had stopped progressing, refusing to even crawl, and depended on Minerva to carry him where he wanted to go. Still at 3 months since his parents' death he had greatly surpassed his previous walking ability.
This is something we could see clearly as Harry ran past a group of Hufflepuffs on their way back to the common room from visiting the library. Harry was dressed in only a diaper, a left sock and a baby romper that was hanging off his right arm. He was in the process of pulling said romper all the way off as he toddled down the hallway. The Hufflepuffs looked on in shock. How did little Harry make it all the way down to their common room?
A sixth year prefect stepped up to follow after the babe before he got too far.
"H-hey! Hey Harry!" She asked after the boy.
Hearing his name Harry turned toward the prefect after finally removing his romper and throwing the item of clothing down with relish.
"Wha'?" He asked
The prefect picked up the shirt and crouched down to his level.
"How did you get down here? Are you okay?"
"I fine! I jus' go to wall and you here!" He exclaimed, smiling up at the girl.
Confused she smiled back, "that's great Harry. What are you doing down here?"
"I no go bed! I play!" He shouted in excitement.
The prefect heard several 'awws' behind her. Looking back she shooed the boys and girls behind her on to their common room. She leaned forward and picked up the squirming baby. She hugged him close and said,
"I'm glad you wanted to come play with us but I'm sure Professor would like to play too. How about I take you back to your rooms?"
To Harry she might as have well have destroyed all the ice cream in the world.
"Nooo!" He screamed as he struggled even more.
As the prefect tightened her hold to keep Harry in her arms realizing it was going to be a long walk to the Gryffindor tower.
A/n:
McGonagall was leading a frantic search in the Gryffindor commons and the surrounding area. She was happy to see Harry with the prefect, though exasperated by his lack of clothing.
Harry was trying to communicate that he went through a wall and ended up in the Hufflepuff corridor. as he gets settled more with McGonagall he rebels more, plus he's on his way to the terrible twos.