Severus sat reading his Potions journal on his armchair, coffee mug clenched firmly in his left hand. It was only the start of the second month of his godson's stay with him, and already Severus had to take calming draughts on two occasions and was suffering from a sharp headache currently. He would occasionally feel the dark mark etched onto his left hand burn lightly, but luckily he hadn't been summoned all summer. So far.

Draco was sitting cross-legged on the rug beside the fire place, facing away from his godfather, hunched over his Quidditch magazine. He was mentally creating a list of all the new moves and tips that had come out in this issue so that he could try them himself in the morning. Every summer he practised Quidditch moves with his father and mother, so that he could improve his performance in the following year's Quidditch season. This summer, however, the Dark Lord had assigned his parents some secret mission. He had also taken control of Malfoy Manor. In a bid to save Draco from the Dark Lord, Narcissa had requested Severus, Draco's third godparent, to keep Draco during the summer, since the other godparents were serving long terms in Azkaban.

While Severus was never free from the Dark Lord's summons, Severus's main job was still to spy on Dumbledore and report the Order's plans as they are made. This meant that his house, Princes Manor, was still unplottable and under the Fidelius charm, with Dumbledore as secret keeper. This also meant that he was saved from playing an active role in harassing and killing muggles and any destructive plans the Dark Lord came up with, in case his position as spy is compromised.

Draco missed his parents a lot, but he did enjoy spending time with his godfather. A competent brewer himself, Draco helped his godfather brew potions for the Dark Lord and Hogwarts almost every day during his stay. The remaining time was spent between flying, completing his summer assignments and playing Wizard's chess with his godfather. Draco was not allowed to communicate with his parents during the entire summer, but Severus did provide him with updates when he received any news. This was not an ideal summer vacation for Draco, as he loved spending time with his parents and he was always visiting or hosting his friends in the past, but he was content at Princes Manor.

Suddenly, a deep voice sounded from the fire. Draco looked up and almost screamed when he saw Albus Dumbledore's face in the fire. It was not that he wasn't used to communication using the floo network, he had grown up in a pure-blood wizarding family after all, but something about Dumbledore's crinkled face, filled with worry scared Draco. Severus rushed to the fire and spoke "Dumbledore, what is it?"

"Come to my office at once, Severus", ordered Dumbledore and then he was gone, as quickly as he came.

"Stay here Draco, I am locking the fireplace so no-one but myself can access it until I return." Severus drew his wand, altered the wards around the fireplace, took some floo powder in his non-wand hand, stepped into the fireplace and said firmly "Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts" and was gone.

"What has happened Albus? Has there been an attack?"

"I'm afraid so, Severus. Now listen to me very carefully. Two dementors attacked Harry and his cousin today at his aunt and uncle's house. Harry fought the dementors by conjuring his patronus, in an alleyway in a completely Muggle neighbourhood." At this, Dumbledore stopped and conjured two glasses and a bottle of firewhisky. The firewhisky poured itself into the two glasses and one glass levitated itself to Severus' outstretched hand.

"I see. I am not aware of the Dark Lord having made any advances with the Dementors, although I'm aware that they would only be too happy obey him. In any case, I would have thought that the blood wards would be strong enough to prevent the dementors from penetrating within," said Severus, with a relatively unconcerned expression.

"The blood wards protect Harry within a small radius of his place of residence. The dementors found Harry when he was taking a walk outside this radius," explained Dumbledore calmly.

"I don't see how this concerns me. Potter protected himself and you already know that I am trying my best to find out about such plans to attack the insolent brat at great personal risk. Surely you didn't summon me here to pass the blame for this attack onto me?" Severus was trying his best to remain calm.

"Of course I am not doing that Severus. Please don't think so little of me. I appreciate everything you do for the Order and to protect Harry, even though I know of your intense dislike for the boy. No, I requested your presence here to discuss a different matter that has arised due to the events of this evening." Dumbledore sighed and took a sip of his Firewhisky. "The Ministry tried to expel Harry for the underage magic he performed to save himself from the dementors, but I have managed to get him a hearing. His aunt and uncle are very unhappy about the danger they have been placed in. While Harry's cousin couldn't see the dementors, he could feel their presence and he fainted. The muggles have refused to provide Harry shelter in their home. As a result of this, the blood wards around their home have broken and I had to bring Harry with me to Hogwarts." Dumbledore finished his explanation with a sigh and mentally prepared himself to pass his decree to the potions master.

Severus took another sip of his Firewhisky and spoke calmly "That is unfortunate indeed. He is safe at Hogwarts though, and of course the Dark Lord would not risk taking him from under your nose, Albus. Even with your position in the Wizengamot removed, you still have a large influence in the Wizarding world Albus, I'm sure Potter will be cleared if the officials are aware that he has your support. I still cannot see my role in this."

"I will do my best to get Harry cleared, but the matter of urgent concern is Harry's guardianship. I have many matters to attend to this summer and I cannot be at Hogwarts protecting Harry all the time. I am also aware of his connection with Voldemort", Severus flinched but remained silent, "this connection worries me Severus and I think it would be better for Harry if I have as little contact as possible with him until we are able to find a solution. This leads me to why I have called you here. Harry needs a home and a guardian. Without Lily's blood protection, Harry will need the best protection if we are to save him from Voldemort. I cannot trust anyone but yourself with this task." Severus stared at Dumbledore, stunned. "This is my final decision, Severus. It is not a matter for discussion."

"I refuse. I refuse to stay with or speak to that spoilt brat any more than is necessary as my role as potions master and protector of his life. How dare you suggest such a thing Dumbledore? Make that werewolf or the dog keep him. I hate to say it but they are both reasonably competent wizards. He is James' son Dumbledore," Severus pleaded.

"Severus, I understand. I really do. But you know as well as I that Remus and Sirius do not know even a small fraction of the dark and powerful magic that you know. You have served Voldemort, in fact you are currently serving Voldemort. You know exactly what you are up against. He is also Lily's son." Dumbledore looked straight into Severus' eyes, and Severus immediately lowered his gaze, contemplating Dumbledore's words.

"How will I continue to spy for you? What if I am caught?" Dumbledore smiled, he was expecting Severus to put up more of a fight.

"You are the most accomplished Occlumens I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I have full confidence in your abilities."

"Perhaps you are forgetting, Draco is staying with me this summer. I may be a good Occlumens, but he is certainly not."

"I doubt Mr Malfoy will be legilimised. He is not of age, so Voldemort will see no need to do it. His parents do not invade his mind, and even so they will not be seeing him atleast until Christmas. I can alter the Fidelius charm on Princes Manor so that no one other than myself can disclose the names of its inhabitants, in addition to its locations, so Mr Malfoy will not be able to tell anyone even if he wants to. Please do this, Severus. Do it for Lily." Dumbledore felt guilty using Lily to control Severus, but he had no choice. Harry still had two summers in addition to this one before he became of age. He needed a powerful wizard like Severus to protect him.

"I will do it. However I must have the right to discipline him as I see fit. The boy has been regarded as a saviour all his life. He has obviously been pampered by his relatives and you have never punished him for his constant rule-breaking. He is exactly like his father. If I am to take responsibility for his life and well-being then I must also have the right to reprimand him." Severus hated what he had to do. He enjoyed spending time with his godson, but he had known Potter for four years now, and he was the splitting image of his despicable father. There was no chance that he would enjoy any part of the experience.

"Of course you may discipline him, as long as you do so fairly. What you seem to be forgetting is that the boy is a saviour and through his rule-breaking he stopped Voldemort from returning to power in his first year, saved Ginny Weasley's life by killing a Basilisk in his second year, saved an innocent man from a fate worse than death in his third year and faced Voldemort again at the end of this last year. You need to try to put aside your differences, Severus. You are his only hope."

Severus frowned, but then nodded slightly. "What are we going to tell the Ministry? It cannot become public knowledge that he is under my care." Severus had accepted his fate now.

"It will not. I will tell the Ministry that Harry is under Minerva's care. Minerva will become his legal guardian, as she is his head of house of course." Dumbledore had already told Minerva who had insisted on becoming Harry's guardian properly. She knew about Severus' hatred for the boy and couldn't bear the thought of him being the boy's permanent guardian. Only on Dumbledore's insistence had she agreed to the plan.

"Ah but Albus you are forgetting something. How will you persuade the famous fool?" Severus' face turned into a half hopeful and half triumphant expression.

"He will not have a choice in the matter. Now that you have agreed, I will summon the boy and we can tell him together."

hphphp

Harry sat in a chair at Dumbledore's desk, gazing intently into the wizard's deep blue eyes. Snape stood in the corner, not having met Harry's eyes since he walked into the office shortly after Dumbledore's message had reached him, commanding him to go to the office immediately.

"Harry," Dumbledore began, looking away from the fifteen year old, "as you are aware, the Dursleys are no longer your guardians. From what I understand, the incident today was not an isolated one, and they have been unhappy with your behaviour from the past several years. While I do not know the details, and I certainly do not blame you for today's incident, I was not able to persuade them to take you back, atleast without using my wand or other questionable means of persuasion." While Dumbledore didn't want to make Harry feel uncomfortable, he still wanted Harry to know that he was aware of his disrespect for the Dursleys and didn't condone it.

"But sir, I am always on my best behaviour during the summers. The only magic I have used there aside from tonight was either accidental, or was done by Dobby the house elf. The Dursleys think I'm a waste of space," Harry said, sadly, looking down at his hands. Snape sniggered, and was about to call Harry a liar, but Dumbledore glanced at him and continued speaking. "Harry that is a very disrespectful thing to say. The Dursleys took care of you for fifteen years. You should be more grateful to them, even though perhaps their accusations of you using magic are not your fault. Anyway, it is no matter now. We have had to come up with alternative arrangements for your guardianship – " but Harry cut him off.

"Sir, I have a godfather. Surely there should be no question about my guardianship," said Harry, sounding hopeful.

"Your godfather is a convicted murderer. He is not able to offer you the protection you need. Unfortunately this decision is not yours to make. I have already arranged a guardian for you," said Dumbledore sternly.

"But sir" started Harry, but then caught himself and said instead "who is it, sir?"

"Professor Snape will be your guardian, Harry."

"Snape!" exclaimed Harry, with a look of utter shock and disgust.

"Professor Snape, Harry," corrected Dumbledore.

"But sir, he's a death eater and he hates me," pleaded Harry, eyeing Snape who was now looking at Harry for the first time.

"He does not hate you. He has willingly agreed to become your guardian. Of course, he will not legally be your guardian. Minerva will be your legal guardian, but Professor Snape will be your actual guardian, for all intents and purposes. He will have the right to make decisions concerning you, and he will have the responsibility of providing you with a home, food and protection until you become of age." Dumbledore looked once more at Harry, who had surrendered.

"Okay, let's assume that he doesn't hate me. But he is a death eater isn't he? I saw his dark mark when I returned from the graveyard last year."

"That is not your concern at all Harry. That is between myself and Professor Snape. I forbid you from asking me or Professor Snape anything further regarding his loyalty to me or to Voldemort." Dumbledore did not want Harry to know anything more than was absolutely necessary due to the strange connection he shared with Voldemort.

"Potter," Snape spat, "you have fifteen minutes to bring your trunk and all your possessions to this office. We will then take the floo network to my home, where you will reside for the remainder of this summer. Any questions?" Snape used his well practised stare, which he frequently used on students when he dared them to say something untoward so he could assign detentions or remove points or do both.

"Will I be able to meet Sirius this summer?" asked Harry quietly, facing Dumbledore instead of Snape.

"I will make a decision regarding that at a later time," snarled Snape, with a triumphant look. Now he could threaten Potter with removing his right to meet his godfather. That should provide atleast a little leverage to make Potter's stay atleast somewhat tolerable.

Harry nodded and walked out of the office without saying anything else. He went straight to his dormitory.

"Well that was easier than expected," said Dumbledore.

"Indeed," replied Snape, biting back an insult.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review if you have any suggestions for improvement or any other comments.

Since this was a relatively short chapter to set the scene, the second chapter should be up by the end of this week. I will try to update regularly each week after that.