Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
A/N: This is a dream I had and couldn't get out of my head. Hope you guys like it as much as I did in my dream!
Severus had no idea what possessed him to buy #2 Privet Drive, right next door to an eight year old Potter brat. But he did. Obviously no one realized for at least a week, because of the fact that he used Lucius' house elves to move his things into the house. The first person to notice was the last person he ever expected to notice anything outside of his own personal needs. Harry Potter. But this wasn't a meeting with the brash, arrogant bully he thought the boy would be, this was a meeting with the scrawny, timid, scared victim that the boy really was.
Severus was taking a walk, wanting to get familiar with the area, when he heard heavy breathing, and childish shouts. He looked behind him to see a small boy running from four, in some cases, much larger boys. The smaller boy did not look like it was a game of fun. Said boy was starting to run past him, when he reached out and pulled him into his larger body. He then turned to snarl at the other boys.
"What do you think you're doing?" They all looked frightened, but the biggest one who resembled a pig puffed out his chest and spoke.
"We' re chasing the Freak." This made Severus even more angry than before.
"Then you can scram, because you won't be getting him anytime soon." He gave them a hard glare and a sneer, making them run in fear. It was only then that he looked down at the boy clinging to his shirt. Messy black hair and emerald green eyes greeted him, causing him to freeze. No, this couldn't be right... Potter should be doing the chasing! He was brought out of these thoughts by a small voice.
"Thank you for saving me, sir. I was afraid they would catch me soon." Severus wanted to sneer and shove him away, but then really got a good look at him. He looked like he was five, instead of the eight years old that he was, like he barely ate. His small hands were calloused, like a seasoned laborer, and his clothes were three times too big, making him look almost sickly. The boy was abused. The woman he thought of as a sister, Lily, her child was abused by her own sister and the woman's family. So instead Severus gave the boy a small smile.
"We wouldn't want that, would we?" Harry gave him a smile in return, shaking his head. Then the boy's eyebrows furrowed.
"You're the man who moved into #2, aren't you?" Severus was surprised.
"I wasn't aware that anyone knew that I was there." Harry smiled before tensing pulling away, and looking down, causing Severus' eyes to narrow. "How did you know that I moved in to #2?" Harry shook his head.
"You'll get mad and think I'm a freak too." He whispered. Severus sighed, kneeling down in front of the meek boy.
"I could never think you're a freak. I promise." This was definitely out of character for him, being so nice, but he knew he had to tread carefully with Harry. Who was still shaking his head. Severus stood again and takes the small hand hanging at the boys side, starting to gently pull him toward #2 Privet Drive. The boy followed without protest, even if he was a little scared. Once they reached the door, Harry watched as Severus pulled out a stick and waved it in an intricate pattern to disable his wards. He tugged the boy inside and led him to the couch. Harry hesitated for only a moment before sitting down.
"Now, my name is Severus Snape. And yours?" He knew of course, but he couldn't tell the boy that. It would make him ask questions. Ones he wasn't ready to answer. He was however ready to show the boy he was not alone, nor was he a freak.
"Harry. My name's Harry." Severus smiled. Harry was starting to trust him.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet another wizard in Little Whinging, Harry." Severus had to hold back a smirk at how well his not so accidental slip got the boy's attention.
"Wiz... Wizard? What, you mean, like magic?" Severus smiled, nodding his head. Harry looked confused then. "But Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia said there's no such thing as magic." Severus wasn't surprised. Petunia had always hated magic. It was making him wonder why he ever thought Harry was a pampered brat. He really was letting his hatred of James Potter get the better of him. That was not good. But back to the topic at hand.
"Your Aunt and Uncle are liars. Magic is real and you're a wizard. And when you're 11, you'll go to Hogwarts." Harry looked confused again.
"What's Hogwarts?" This was going to be a long day.
A/N: Romance will be slow burn since Harry is only 8. Now I can't say I'll be waiting till he's 17 though. I'm not that patient. Anyway, hope you liked the first chapter and that you' ll be back for more!:)