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8 September 1998

Monday.

It was nearly a week after the 'fiasco' in potions as Snape so kindly likes to put it as. By now, Harry and Draco had been fitted into some kind of routine. And also the others at the school too. Including Professors. There were some drastic changes that Draco and others noticed in Harry's little version.

Fortunately, Harry picked up Malfoy's grace and elegance. The way to walk, talk and behave. Not the sneer and the attitude though. That's the same as chirpy little Harry. Snape prays every day that it stays the same when Harry grows back to normal.

The best thing happened this previous week, Remus Lupin joined as 'Defense Against Dark Arts' professor at Hogwarts as there was a vacancy. He was absolutely ecstatic at the end of the tale and meeting 'baby' Harry according to him.

The best change according to Professor Snape was, tiny Harry was better than adult Harry in potions! To his utmost pleasure, 'note the sarcasm' Harry totally loves to learn and brew simple potions with first and second years when he needs to babysit him while Draco is off to Care of Magical Creatures and Divination.

One thing that didn't change is Harry's dislike towards Professor Treylawney. Her prediction of Harry's death every year, annoyed Harry to no avail. And with the recent development Malfoy freaked out particularly when she started about the dark future of Harry. Resulting detention with Professor McGonagall.

And that was how it was decided that Divination and Care of Magical Creatures was not suitable for under age toddlers. Sometimes in herbology too.

Harry loves to spend time in the library surrounded by books and knowledge as well as Draco much to Hermoine's glee. As Draco and Hermoine are always neck to neck in competition for first rank. If Hermione is the 'Most intelligent witch of her era', Draco is the 'Most intelligent wizard of his era.'

And due to this, the relationship between Draco and Hermoine too developed to civil one much to Ron's annoyance. Draco informed Snape about Harry's mental and physical health.

Snape was surprisingly furious and 'almost' blamed Dumbledore for it. Dumbledore profusely apologized and conveyed his regret for his ignorance. So as a result Snape was acting as Harry's personal Healer.

He was under many nutritional and healing potion treatments. And also from time to time check ups from Madam Promfrey the medi-witch of Hogwarts. And about Lupin, he was just ready to 'blow those filthy muggles away' literally.

Snape was truly not complaining or stopping him. Dumbledore succeeded in stopping him after much effort. And today was one such afternoon, where Snape was brewing 'Dreamless Sleep' potion with second years while Draco attended Care of Magical Creatures. "Look Uncle Sev. Hwarry brewed it right. Didn't he? Now, what to do?" Harry asked gleefully.

Snape looked up from his desk beside him towards the young Potter, busy in copying second years in brewing. By looking at the perfect transparent white concoction Snape's lip tilted up a bit. "Very good, my baby snake. Now you have to just add some diced salamander and a bit of pixie dust. And the transparent white will change to shimmering silver. Your potion will be brewed." Snape explained softly.

He didn't know when he picked up the nickname of 'baby snake' for Potter's spawn but now when he is mostly in emerald green silk shirts and trousers with his beautiful green eyes big and enhanced, it just suits him.

And it seemed like Harry didn't mind. He beamed at Snape and started to collect a diced salamander which was diced by Snape as it was too risky to bestow his baby snake with a knife. Harry stuck his tongue out in concentration and precisely added three pieces of the diced substance.

And then carefully added two pinches of pixie dust. And then gently giving it three anti-clockwise stirs the transparent white changed to shimmering silver. Snape's chest puffed with pride.

After Harry carefully put his concoction in a glass vial and cleared his table with a flick of his wand (thankfully, he figured out how to handle it at almost five again) by simple cleaning spell, Scourgify and then looked towards Snape expectantly. The Slytherin mannerisms of proper behavior and cleaning after themselves showing.

Snape proudly picked him up, now which was an easy habit to him and kissed his hair lightly. "Perfect." He muttered to Harry. Who grinned at Snape adorably. Snape was a man of few words. So he expressed it through his actions. And surprisingly, Harry understood him each and every time.

Snape turned towards his class and hissed "This is the specimen perfectly brewed by Mr.Potter at five. I expect at least half good of this concoction from you. Am I clear?" He asked in his cold, stern voice with tints of pride for his baby snake.

And at the end of the lesson, there were only a couple of decent brews. None 'Perfect ' according to his standards except Harry's Ofcourse.

And now, it was time for lunch. "Hungry baby snake?" Snape asked softly. Harry nodded adorably and hid his head in the crook of his neck while wrapping his arms around his 'Uncle Sev'. Snape's natural smell of vanilla with tints of recently brewed potion's scent was the most comforting for young Potter after Draco's Apple, Cider , Maghony Apple candles and Spicebomb perfume scent.

And that's how Snape started moving towards the Great Hall for lunch.

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As soon as Snape settled at the staff table, Lupin dropped beside him much to his annoyance. But Harry got excited looking at the said man. "Uncle Moony! Hwarry brewed 'Dreamless Swleep' today with Uncle sev." Harry bounced excitedly. "Really! That's the genius of you baby. I first brewed it when I was fourteen little one." Lupin answered in the same excited tone matching Harry's energy.

And Harry started telling the whole recipe of the potion. Lupin was not much interested in the potion recipe but listened to Harry's babble with rapt attention. And between him and Severus, they managed to make Harry eat his lunch. "Little one, next class of mine is with eighth year Slytherin and Gryffindor. Are you interested to join?" Lupin asked elated. Much to Snape's disdain keeping in mind his reckless Gryffindor ways.

But though Harry adapted Slytherin charms, manners and decorum, his inner adventurous Gryffindor never extinguished. "Yes Uncle Moony! My Dwaco join?" He asked. "Yes. We will meet 'your' Dwaco there." He answered, chuckling.

Snape gave him dirty glare for his not so innocent teasing. But who cares? Definitely not Lupin. After lunch, Lupin picked Harry up to his class.

Draco and some other eighth graders have skipped lunch today for taking some extra notes from the library much to Severus and Remus both's displeasure.

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As of now Harry was tucked under Draco's robes in DADA classroom, while feeding him some biscuits as he claimed 'My Dwaco missed lunch. He hungry.' and giving Draco nasty glare when he tries to say that he is not hungry.

Much to Remus's amusement.Other students were too enjoying ever so uptight Malfoy eating biscuits begrudgingly in middle of class against his Malfoy ethics from a merry five year old's hand. Lupin cleared his throat to gain full attention. "So today we will revise 'Patronus Charm'." He announced.

"So after closing your eyes, remember your happiest memory and say it loud and clear ; 'Expecto Patronum'." He further instructed. Harry took his wand out and heard with rapt attention. Draco rolled his eyes and gave a small smile at his antiques.

There were some foggy mists at first. But after some people who were previously 'DA' members taught by Harry were successful, people became more encouraged and tried to do the same. Hermoine's otter, Ron's small dog, Blaise's snake and Pansy's flamingo began to roll around the classroom.

The most surprising and amazing one was Neville's non-corporeal Patronus. Completely unexpected. Harry became giddy and tried it but just some mist came out of his wand. He became sad.

Lupin noticed it. But before he could go and comfort him, he saw Draco kissing his forehead and saying, "Harry, this is seventh year charm which you mastered in your third year. At just 13. Nothing is impossible for you my baby lion." And after hearing him Harry nodded.

He closed his eyes and thought of his happy memories. His time with Draco, Severus, Remus, Hermoine, Ron, Hagrid even Pansy and Blaise. And he shouted "EXPECTO PATRONUM" with all his might. Everyone was frozen on their spot to see the results.

And there came a beautiful Stag out of Harry's wand. As strong and clear as a real one. Running around Harry and Draco powerfully and majestically. All were gobsmacked to see literally the strongest patronus of at least a decade. "Prongs." Lupin muttered with a small smile. " As elegant and majestic as ever. Aren't you?" He whispered softly.

Harry looked at it amazed clapping his hands excitedly. Draco smiled serenely at him and whispered "I am proud of you." Again and again kissing Harry's hairs. Harry laughed and looked at Draco " Do yours too. Hwarry wanna see!" He said. Draco's patronus was a mystery. None of the people had yet seen it. So even Lupin was eager for it.

Draco smiled and closed his eyes. He recalled all his pleasant memories of him and Harry together. With Severus, Lupin, Blaise, Pansy even Ron and Hermoine in some of them with Harry.

His week of pure heaven. And whispered "Expecto Patronum". And as soon as he completed it, a ball of mist shot out of his wand and surrounded the Stag patronus of Harry.

As if to protect it. And slowly and elegantly it converted itself in a majestic Dragon. Proud Dragon. It was beautiful, how the stag circled him and Harry and the Dragon circled the Stag keeping their respective focuses safe.

Lupin was amazed at such a level of magic. While Harry's was strong, Draco's was elegant and intricate. Both so unique and rare. A memory worth sharing with 'Snivellus'. Remus though fondly. One hell of a year in progress indeed.

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