Warnings: This story is Slash of the HP/SS variety. If you do not like Slash, don't read this. Language may also be a factor.

Author's Note: Basically cannon. In all probability, it'll be cannon from book four and then I'll start making stuff up.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, and the plot is a convoluted version of a Batman: The Animated Series episode. All places and characters belong to JK Rowling and the WB and various publishers. No money is being made off this piece of fiction.

Adredaline

Severus Snape was having a particularly nasty day. This was not unusual for him, as he was often having a nasty day, but this one was a masterpiece in the genre of "I should have stayed in bed" days. And, as these types of days tended, it began with a call from the Headmaster.

Early this morning, at about quarter past seven (and just as Severus was on his way out) the fire in his hearth roared quickly to life. He didn't even have to turn around to know that his employer wanted a word, but all the same he let the voice query, "Severus? If I might have a word directly after breakfast?" and faced his doom.

"Of course, Headmaster." He even managed to bite back the sigh. "May I inquire as to the intent of this 'word' you would have?" Perhaps he really shouldn't have made that 3rd year cry the other day, but for Merlin's sake, she was a blithering idiot! And was it his fault that they never paid him any mind? The bunch of blasted dunderheads—

Dumbledore's chuckle cut him off, and his reply was full of mirth as he said, "Now, now Severus. You act like I'm about to chastise you! No. There is a bit of a conundrum," he admitted, the twinkle in his eye dimming a bit as he continued, "but I'm sure that its something you are capable of handling. We'll discuss it in due time, of course. Now, you be sure to eat heartily, and I'll speak to you soon," and with that, he faded out of the fire.

With a curl of his lip and a swirl of his robes, Severus was out in the corridor like a great bat. How serious was this little perplexity? Certainly it was not too pressing; the headmaster had allowed him his breakfast. Maybe it was a simple potion…?

Not quite smothering the sigh that bubbled up this time, Severus spared a nod to Minerva—the only other person at the staff table at this hour in the summer—and proceeded to hurry through a piece of toast and a cup of black coffee before running off like a lap-dog to the more benevolent of his masters.

"Please have a seat," offered the headmaster (along with a dish of candy, declined as always). "We have something of relative importance to discuss. I'm afraid you won't like this much, my boy," he added with a look that clear said 'I expect you to do this anyway.'

"I'm sure I'll do what I can, Headmaster," was the wary reply. He hated being provoked into promising to do an unknown task!

"It seems that Harry Potter's aunt, ever jealous of her sister's power, was goaded into poisoning him with an unknown draught by a Death Eater," he explained exasperatedly. "The boy appears to be normal most of the time, but it seems that he flies into a blind terror at presently unidentified provocations. He wrote to me in a panic after his uncle's sister paid a visit. Taunted him about his parents, I believe. It was strange, really… Harry generally doesn't become afraid…"he trailed off, blue eyes watching Severus, calculating.

During this explanation, Severus had gone quite pale with anger and worry. How dare that stupid muggle risk all that they had worked for?! And Lilly's own sister… He was beside himself with fury. Then the anxiety kicked in. Surely he could reverse this? Potter was a loose cannon without being scared witless, but without any of his minuscule senses… Then he realized what it would entail. He would have to monitor Potter for a while to discover which potion had been administered, and possibly even invent a damn cure for it!

The headmaster continued, saying "I realize that this is quite the imposition, but I think it would be best to move the boy to your quarters until you can find a cure." Severus half-rose in protest, but he merely held up a hand. "Surely, my boy, you can look past your personal feelings on the matter and see the truth in my words? He will have to be monitored closely." Severus nodded in defeat. "Good then. He's on his way, Alastor went to pick him up."

Great. Just bloody great. He would now be dorm mates with the Boy-Who-Lived, Gryffindor's poster boy and James Potter's son for the summer.

"And Severus? Do try to be a bit sensitive. He's a bit more fragile than previously, as you can imagine."

He must have been a right bastard in his past life.

Author's Note: This is my first fanfiction, so please review!
If I'm utter crap and should go live in a cave, please let me know.
If you somehow want more? Hell! Feel free to tell me that too.