AN: Hi! Been a long time since I've posted anything here, so my apologies if my writing skills are a bit rusty. I am terrible with updating regularly, so I also apologize for that in advance. But this is a fic I find very fun to write, so I will continue it.
Also, English is not my native language so please excuse any grammar faults.
The characters are not mine, I just borrow them from J.K. Rowling because I don't have her creativity or talent:))))))))
Hope you enjoy the fic!
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Snape stared at the old man in shock. Had he heard right? No, it wasn't possible. Dumbledore would never ask this of him. Take the position as potions professor at Hogwarts, yes. Stay a death eater and risk his life spying on The Dark Lord, yes. But this, no. Dear merlin, please no.
Of course, he didn't voice any of these thoughts aloud, nor show any sign of being affected by the Headmaster's words, other than a neutral expression, a raise of the brow and in the calmest voice he managed;
"Excuse me?"
Dumbledore, who had expected this reaction, asked the question again.
"I want Harry to live with you for the summer, Severus."
So he hadn't heard wrong, Dumbledore was really asking this of him. Severus couldn't help but snort at the ridiculousness of it all.
"No", Severus stated easily.
"Severus, please, I-"
"-No, absolutely not! I will not have my summer vacation, the only time during the year I am able to relax without being surrounded by dunderheaded students, ruined by having to look after Prince Potter!" Snape spat the name, disgust dripping from his voice.
"I understand I ask much, however-"
"No, Headmaster! This time you ask too much, there is absolutely no way that I will accept-"
"The Dursleys have been killed." The Headmaster finally said, his voice now stern and the twinkle in his eyes gone. This shut Severus up quickly, the only reaction was his eyes widening. When Dumbledore saw that Severus was finally listening, he continued.
"Because Petunia Dursley and Harry share the same blood, the blood wards have protected Harry from Voldemort and his followers for years. Not anymore. Petunia Dursley has vanished. She was last spotted at the grocery shop, but she never returned back home. A few hours after her disappearance, the blood wards on Privet Drive fell, meaning that…"
"Petunia Dursley died", Severus finished, resting his head in one hand thoughtfully, letting his hair cover his face like black curtains. Dumbledore tiredly nodded.
"After the wards fell, finding the house became an easy task for Voldemort." Severus flinched but did not interrupt. "They located the house, and when all they found was Harry's remaining relatives, they burned the house to the ground. Sadly, no one survived." Dumbledore grew silent and solemn by the end of his tirade, feeling as old as his age.
"Harry needs to be protected. He needs to be safe. I can't send him to the Burrow, because it would be too obvious. Grimmauld place is inappropriate seeing that I don't want Harry to be involved with the order. I, and every other person whom I trust enough to put Harry in their care, except for you, are unable to look after him. Severus, I no longer ask you as the Headmaster, but as an old friend in need. Please"
"I am sorry about Potter's relatives, but I truly cannot do this for you, Headmaster. I stand by what I've said, no." As Dumbledore took in Snape's words, he sighed heavily.
"I must admit I didn't have much faith in convincing you, Severus. Actually, I expected this." At this, Severus felt a pang of shame stab him, and cursed the old man for making him feel such foolish emotions. Well, that was until Dumbledore continued;
"Despite Harry being Lily's son, I had a suspicion the venom between you and Harry was too strong."
Snape had to breathe heavily through his nose several times in order to keep his posture, but his next words revealed that the headmaster's words had affected him, when his voice was quiet, but slightly shaking.
"She has nothing to do with this." Dumbledore studied the professor sadly.
"She has everything to do with this, Severus. Her protection of Harry is now gone, and the only thing keeping Harry safe is his friends, companions, even you. Especially you. You vowed to protect Lily's son, and that vow has never been needed as much as now."
Severus was scowling, muttering dark comments under his breath, but if his anger was directed towards the Headmaster, the Potter brat, or himself, he could not tell.
"Fine", he hissed, clenching and unclenching his fists. Dumbledore raised a curious and hopeful brow, a twinkle in his eye shining bright.
"Fine what?" he asked, watching the potions master, who was now taking deep calming breaths, carefully.
"I will babysit the damn boy for the summer", Snape managed to mutter, dragging his hands through his hair in defeat. Dumbledore, to Snape's irritation, did not seem surprised at all.
"Thank you, Severus." Severus abruptly stood up, and turned his heel as he stormed for the door. The words I am very proud of you, my boy just reached his ears, before he slammed the door shut behind him. Damn that old coot, damn the Potter brat, and dear Merlin help me survive this summer, thought Severus.
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Soooo, first chapter's up. Reviews are loved and extremely appreciated:)))
Hope you liked it.
