Story Warnings: Abusive!Dursleys, noncon!, manipulative!Dumbledore, smart!Harry

Prologue: The Plan

"Ssssseverussss," the Dark Lord hissed, a hint of pleasure in his voice as he considered his loyal spy and potions master in the predawn light.

"Yes, my Lord?" the man in question replied, kneeling and kissing the hem of his Master's robes.

"I have a very important mission for you. You have proven your loyalty beyond a doubt, now that that idiot Dumbledore is dead. Therefore, I have entrusted this secret mission to you, to eliminate the only leader left to the Light. Not that he's much of a leader, anyway, more of a mascot, but still…Will you consent to this mission?" It was not a request.

"Of course, my Lord. Anything for you," was the murmured response.

"Good. Now, I have discovered one of the secrets of the wards around Potter's home. No wizard with the intent to kill or harm him can cross them. However, if someone on the inside begins to destroy the wards, they will fall. Your task is to make it past these wards, gain the brat's trust so that he does not suspect you, and then dismantle the wards so that I can get to him."

"But my Lord, there is no way Potter will ever trust me. He knows that it was I who killed his precious Dumbledore and is more likely to kill me than to allow me into his 'domain'. Spoiled brat that he is, I doubt he allows anyone he merely dislikes near him, much less a man he hates."

"Ah, yes, well that is where my genius comes into play…"

"My Lord, the plan is indeed flawless, not that your brilliance would ever suggest anything less…"

"That's right, Severus. Now, stand here." Voldemort pointed to a spot several meters away. The man obeyed instantly, although beneath his calm exterior, his mind was working furiously. What can I do to counter this spell? Damn that Potter, always getting into trouble -- that spoiled, pampered little prince thinks he can endanger the lives of everyone around him just because he's the 'Chosen One'!

Voldemort waited until the Potions Master had turned to face him before suddenly slashing his wand through the air. The clearing where they had been standing filled instantly with an amber light as the man crumpled to the ground, moaning in agony. Voldemort watched for a moment, a sadistic grin on his face, before touching his wand to his left arm and summoning the rest of his followers. When he was finished, he turned back towards the lump on the ground that had been Severus Snape as he heard the telltale pops of his apparating followers.

"My friendssss," he greeted them as they formed a circle around him. "How nice to ssssee you."

The small boy groaned as he attempted to move, but an unfamiliar voice immediately cried out "Stupefy!" and a red light slammed into his chest as he sunk into unconsciousness.

Meanwhile, on Privet Drive a teenage boy moaned softly as he wiped tears from his eyes. Stupid nightmares, he thought scathingly as he attempted to block the memories from his mind. No matter how hard he tried, though, he couldn't keep the images of the fight at the Ministry at bay.

Sirius, falling through the veil.

Dumbledore, killed by a flash of green light coming from the wand of a certain Potions Master.

His friends, attempting to duel Death Eaters with far superior skills.

The wounded, lying in the Hospital Wing after the battle.

All his fault.

Merlin, he thought despondently. Why am I such an idiot? I should have realized it was nothing more than a trick…and now they're dead. Dumbledore, Sirius, Cedric, Mum and Dad…how many more will it take before—

He bit his bottom lip sharply to keep himself from thinking anymore.

Might as well get up and start breakfast. If I do it now, maybe I can sneak some before Aunt Petunia notices.

He slipped out of the room on silent feet, just in time to avoid hearing the sharp pop of an apparating wizard arriving on the property, not realizing that his life was about to change drastically. Again.