It was the 31st of July and every witch and wizard knew what that meant. Harry Potter had just turned eleven. As letters went out to the magical children of Britain, the whole community held its breath. Harry Potter was going to Hogwarts. Parents whispered, children gossiped. Hogwarts was the only place where no one spoke of the boy. The teachers knew they should treat him as they would treat any other student, but still there was a tension and excitement in the air. No one knew where the boy had been living, no one knew what he had been up to. After years of speculation they would find out.

The only person not excited was Severus Snape, who didn't know what he was going to do with the boy he was going to be supposed to teach. He was afraid Harry would take after his father and be an arrogant brat. It seemed almost certain that would be the case and with Severus's hate of annoying kids, he knew he would grow to despise him. Unfortunately, his role in Lily's death made him feel that he had a certain obligation towards the boy. To guide him, to make sure he reached his full potential. If the kid was anything like James then Severus knew he wouldn't be able to stand him.

Having nothing to do, Severus lounged about in Hogwarts all day, complaining about the Ministry and the new schooling decrees while he counted the days till the (possible) bane of his life and reminder of his guilt would sit in his classroom. His colleagues mostly left him alone, not wanting to be on the receiving end of his foul mood.

One day Minerva had enough and, seeing how tense he was, decided that he should do something useful instead of moping about. She practically ordered him to help her and send out the letters that would inform the magical children that they were accepted into Hogwarts. The letters were all charmed of course, they weren't written by hand, one by one. All he had to do was help Minerva make sure the enchantments were correct and in place and help send them off.

He would often look back on this moment - it was the start of a new chapter. It was when everything changed. It was by chance, really, that when he grabbed a random letter from the table of unsent correspondence he was met with the name of the boy he'd been dreading.

Mr H. Potter

The Cupboard under the Stairs,

4 Privet Drive,

Little Whinging

SURREY

Severus's heart sank. The cupboard under the stairs? It can't be. But... Damn. "Minerva?" Severus asked steadily, "Who is assigned to the Potter boy? I assume you are to pick him up from his relatives?"

"Oh, no. Albus says his aunt and uncle will be able to explain everything just fine. I do understand though, that Hagrid has been quite eager to see Harry and might be paying him a little visit." Severus hesitated. Maybe the letter was mistaken? He exhaled. No. He had to check. Never mind it was his duty to Lily, it was his duty as a teacher.

"Would you mind telling Hagrid that I'd prefer to meet with Mr Potter first? I'd like to deliver his letter." If she was surprised, she hid it well.

"Are you sure it's wise? I know you that you mean well Severus, but many children seem to irritate you. And with Harry being James's son..." She trailed off.

"I'm certain. It will do me and the boy good, I promise." He answered curtly. She seemed to shrug.

"I'll speak with Hagrid." She told him. Severus pocketed the letter and swiftly exited the room. He left the grounds as quick as he could, hoping he wouldn't bump into Dumbledore on the way out. As soon as he was away from the castle he apparated away to his house. He changed into muggle clothes and slumped down on his couch. He sipped his coffee as he pondered over the situation. Dumbledore must have checked in on the boy regularly, right? He would't place him in the care of muggle without making sure the boy was all right. Wouldn't he? Both he and Severus knew Petunia hated everything magical and Dumbledore was no fool. Was this possible? How was this possible?

Well, Severus had no choice, he had to go there and see it for himself. Without getting up, Severus apparated away and stumbled as he arrived at Privet Drive. He cursed under his breath. He really should find the time to practice apparation. It was getting dark but he didn't really care if he woke anyone as he knocked on the door to number 4. A large man with a walrus moustache opened it. Severus identified him as Vernon Dursley, Petunia's husband.

"Who are you and what are you doing at this time of the day, banging, waking decent people up?" The man all but yelled at him.

"I'm an old friend of Petunia's." Severus said and, not waiting for an invite, entered the house. "Hello Tunny." He said with fake cheer when entered the living room and saw her on the couch. The woman had changed since he last saw her, but he would recognise her anywhere. She instantly froze up and the wizard smirked. "Hello."

"What is the meaning of this?" Vernon hollered.

"Get out!" Petunia shrieked. "Get out freak!" For a moment Severus had a feeling of deja vu. He was reminded of the countless times he heard that shrill voice shouting at him when he was a child. Ah, the good old days.

"I really don't have the patience for this." He said and took out his wand. "Petrificus Totalus. Silencio. Right. Now where is the kid?" He looked around and saw a pudgy face stick out from behind one of the doors on the first floor. There was a look of absolute terror on it. Severus despised Vernon and Petunia, but this was just a kid. Probably the worst kid the world has seen but still. He sighed. "I'm not gonna hurt you. What's your name?"

"Dudley." The boy stammered.

"Dudley. Your parents will be okay. Now, tell me where Harry is and go to sleep. In the morning everything will be back to normal."

"Harry's in the cupboard." The door was slammed shut. Severus sighed. He hoped the letter was wrong, but there was no use in denying it now. He slowly approached the cupboard door and gently knocked.

"Anyone home? Harry?" He waited a moment and turned the knob, wincing as his eyes strayed to the multiple locks. "I'm not going to hurt you. Can I come in?" The door slid open and he saw a small face looking at him from the dark. "My name is Severus Snape. I have a letter for you." He handed him the letter and patiently waited as Harry opened and read it. "Want to come out and talk?"

The boy got up and hesitantly followed Severus into the living room. His eyes widened when he saw Petunia and Vernon.

"Who are you? What did you do with them?"

"I'm a wizard. I just cast a couple spells on them. Don't worry, they'll be fine by morning."

"A wizard?" Harry asked, glancing down at the letter. "Like, as in magic?" Severus couldn't help but chuckle slightly.

"Yes, magic. And you are also a wizard, Harry." The boy's eyes widened.

"A wizard? No I'm not. I'm just Harry. There must be a mistake." Interesting. The boy seemed to believe in magic and wizards. He just thought he wasn't capable of being part of that world. How wrong he was.

"Haven't you ever done something strange? Unusual?" The boy hesitated. "You are invited to a school where you can explore magic and learn to wield it. What do you say?"

"I'd like that, sir."

The older wizard thought for a moment. It was pretty late. Too late to go to Diagon Alley. But he couldn't just leave this kid here for t he night.

"You have to buy supplies. It's too late now, but the quicker you get them the better. I feel that your aunt and uncle won't approve, so how would you like to come with me today and go to the magical market first thing tomorrow morning? After that you could stay at my place till school starts. That okay with you?" He couldn't make the kid do anything he didn't want to do, but he sure hoped the boy would agree.

"I'd very much like that." Harry said and smiled shyly.

"Excellent. Get your things and meet me outside the house." The boy scampered away and Severus turned to the petrified Dursleys. Their eyeballs followed him as he headed towards the door. "You won't be seeing Harry for some time. But when he comes back, I will be watching you. In about two hours the spells will wear off. I hope you sleep well." He turned away and saw Harry coming of of the cupboard. He had a small bag in his hands. "Ready Harry?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Good. Hold my arm and breath in. This might feel a bit weird."

They apparated away.