Four days after term had ended and Potter was already spoiling his summer holiday. Two of those days were spent being tortured by the Dark Lord until he was finally able to convince him of his commitment to him.

His body was still in the process of recovering from the large amount of Cruciatus Cruses it had endured over the course of those two days. His arms and legs still held a small tremble, but it was nowhere near the full blown twitching that he had done directly afterward. While he was more than capable of fending off such attacks, it wasn't a good idea to fight back against the Dark Lord. That would have made things much worse. And it seemed as if he had a constant headache that even his potions couldn't remedy.

But for right now he couldn't be bothered with his trivial problems. For now he needed to concentrate on locating Potter whom Mundungus seemed to have abandoned. He vowed when he saw that scoundrel he would throttle him good for interrupting his plans of potion making and lesson plans. And it seemed as if the rest of the Order were conveniently busy with missions of their own.

With his Polyjuice potion in full affect; Severus was able to walk down Little Whinging without raising suspicion with the Muggles. He did however feel uncomfortable with his billowing black robes. Muggle clothing, even as a child didn't suite him. It didn't help that the bloke he was impersonating was much larger than himself, and he first found that his balance was a bit off. And if someone were watching closely it would probably seem as if he were drunk. But he found his footing after a while; and like most things was able to pull it off quite gracefully. His one comfort was the wand that was tucked securely up his sleeve.

It wasn't long before night started to fall, and with a quick glance around he stepped into a nearby alley. His wand sliding easily from it's sheath and into his open hand. "Point Me: Harry Potter." He muttered as the wand spun easily in his palm. Once it stopped he returned it back to its' rightful spot and started towards the other end of the alley.

On the other side he spotted a play park that was occupied by a group of teenage boys. One of which was sitting absentmindedly on a swing, while the others surrounded him. Severus ducked himself back into the darkness of the alley as he watched the boys. His eye roaming his surroundings every few seconds, before snapping back to the group who now seemed to be arguing.

Severus was eager to get closer and hear what they were saying, but knew that it would be peculiar even to the usually oblivious teenagers. Suddenly the boy on the swing jumped from his seat, brandishing a long wooden stick at the larger of the boys. The others seemed to have laughed, while the portly boy fell quiet instantaneously.

But before he could blink the sky turned black, and the air thrashed against it's surroundings. The group scattered at the sudden turn of the conditions, leaving two of the group behind. He could clearly see Potter now. His head swiveling about as he looked up at the sky.

"Run! Dudley, run!" He shouted, his hand reaching out to grab hold of Dudley's shirt.

The two took off at a run; conveniently for Severus, in his direction. As they drew closer, the world turned cold as a group of at least a 100 Dementors swooped down on them.

"I don't need help from a filthy mudblood like you!" The pained look on Lily's face flashed before him. Then his mother and father screaming at each other from the kitchen as a young six year old Severus coward behind the door frame. But as quickly as they came he was able to push them out again. Happy thoughts. He told himself as images of Lily and himself in their secret spot in the park. Playing Poohsticks at the polluted river. Playing on the swings, and racing up and down the path. Their long talks of magic as Severus explained the ins and outs of the Wizarding World. And now the very same creatures that had frightened Lily as a child was now attacking her son.

His mind snapped back to the task at hand. His vow to protect Lily, his Lily's son was fast on his mind. As it always was these days. His onyx eyes watched as Potter fell, and the larger boy tripped over him as the Dementors lunged down at them.

Swiftly, his wand was in his hand and a silver doe erupted from its tip; toward the dark hooded figures that were making quick work of the boys. With his wand held high, he hastily made his way to them. The doe making a protective circle around them as it warded of the soul sucking monsters. He recast the Patronus again, banishing the last couple dozen of Dementors before he thought it safe to turn his attention back on Potter.

"Potter! Get up. Get your wand." With trembling hands he yanked the boy to his feet by his shirt.

"Who are you? Get away from me!" Potter held his wand high as he took a couple steps backward toward the other boy.

Severus gave an exasperated sigh and arched his brow. With a flick of his own wand; Potter's came flying into his outstretched hand. "Get him." He jerked his head toward the trembling boy who was wither about on the cold cement.

Harry's hands were clenched at his side. His face burning with humiliation at how easily he was disarmed. His head reeling with thoughts of how he was going to get out of this mess. The voice of the man seemed familiar, but he couldn't place it. Not that he had time to mull it over, either. First Dementors and now some wizard who had his only means of defense. He couldn't decipher if this man was friend or foe. Friend seemed like the obvious choice, as he had just rescued them from the Dementors. But perhaps it was a ploy, to gain his trust. The Dementors didn't happen onto Little Whinging on their own.

Harry eyed the man. His chestnut colored hair, black eyes and large build put him off. Physically Harry knew he didn't stand a chance against the man.

"I asked you who you are. I'm not doing anything without some answers." He bellowed, his face full of defiance. Cold black eyes found his, and a sneer that seemed all to familiar greeted him.

"You're hardly in the position to make demands Potter. However time is short and I will not sit out here in argue with you. Someone could be watching, or gathering more forces. We are to move you back to your Aunts. Then I must alert the Headmaster."

"P-Pro-Professor Snape?" Harry whispered urgently. His face full of doubt.

"Very good Potter." Snape sighed sarcastically; before tossing Harry's wand back to him. "Ten points from Gryffindor. Help me with him."

"Yes, Sir." He said as he and Snape hoisted the boy from the ground. Even though it went against his better judgment he continued on talking. "If you don't mind me asking what are you doing here? And why do you look…like that?"

"I do mind Potter." He spat as he lugged the boy down the road. "This is hardly the time and place to be discussing it. Until we are safely inside you are to keep your mouth shut. And if you find that task to difficult for your little brain to comprehend; I'll do it for you." He said a wave of his wand.