Well hey! Welcome to chapter two, I received an AMAZING response to chapter one, you guys rule! There was a few questions and I will get round to replying to them once I've caught up with the three chapters!

Once again thanks to my amazing Beta Laux14 (even if she is distracting me as I write this :P)

Every thing is shit at the moment, everything balled up into one big pile of compressed crud, so i'm trying, but no promises on amazing chapters.

Warnings for this chapter:

Mentions of abuse and non con, but no actual abuse or non con scenes

3581 words this time, getting longer! :D

Number 4 Privet Drive was as quiet as it ever got. well, Harry mused, as quiet as American wipeout blasted full volume and the sound of Vernon and Dudley stuffing their fat faces could be. It was also one of the few moments Harry got a break, in between cooking and wiping up dinner. Usually he went and sat outside on the cold patio deck and watched the stars, enjoying the feeling of calm the wind gave him and making patterns out of everything he could see. Dreaming that he could see someone on the horizon, coming to get him, to save him.

But not now, the final few weeks with no hope of a friendly rescue had stolen every ounce of life left in Harry's sunken, dark eyes. His posture was slumped and submissive, his body language screaming defeat. Bruises littered the whole of his body along with numerous cuts and burns, to the extent that Harry had stopped even attempting to put bandages on them. He held himself stiffly due to two broken ribs and a further three fractured, and winced when his wrist moved. Harry wasn't sure but from the excruciating pain, he wouldn't be surprised if the bones were simply shattered. Torn and tatty clothes hung off his malnourished body, which didn't appear to have even a scrap of fat on it. Harry knew he was going to have to keep up a strong glamour this year. He just hoped it would be the last time he ever had to do so.

Standing in the door way to the living room, Harry chewed the nails of his good hand nervously, hoping he'd picked the right time to tell his family about the imminent arrival of his professor. Vernon wouldn't leave the T.V and he certainly wouldn't leave his food, besides, maybe they'd be so glad about not having to drive Harry to Kings Cross that they wouldn't mind the intrusion of another 'freak'.

Harry shook his head in disbelief, he had to be desperate if he was believing that tripe. Bracing himself as the commercial came on (he wasn't stupid enough to try with the actual program on), he slipped into the room with his head down and scurried to the corner quickly. Swallowing the nervous lump that had shot into his throat, he licked his lips and forced himself to speak.

"Uncle Vernon?" He tried, voice meek and scared. His uncle had been so unpredictable lately, who knew what would set him off this time? His uncle grunted and waved his fork in a circular motion, and deciding that was the most permission he was ever going to get, Harry ploughed ahead.

"My professor is coming to pick me up at nine tomorrow." He began to edge towards the door, in case mention of his school made Vernon throw something, mainly, that fork in his hand.

Vernon grunted and pointed the aforementioned fork at Harry, although his eyes never left the screen, Harry froze frightened, he'd only been kidding, he didn't really think his uncle would throw the fork! Not that he would care if he did though, just one more scar, right?

"Well then, what are you waiting for?" The fork dropped back to his food, an evident dismissal. Harry shuffled awkwardly on the spot, desperate to get out the room before he said something that made his uncle less tolerant of his presence, especially with such an easy dismissal. But he didn't understand, get on with what?

"Sir?" He asked, resisting the urge to flinch as he did so. Never ask questions, never ever, not if you want to leave the room unscathed. Vernon however appeared to either be ignoring Harry or not to have heard, as he didn't respond. Petunia on the other hand had heard perfectly and swung her head round to glare at him with contempt, as if regarding a piece of manky chewing gum stuck to the bottom of her expensive white high heels.

"Shower boy, then dishes and bed, we might put up with your disgusting stench but if your professor has been kind enough to collect you then you might as well do him the courtesy of being somewhat clean! And don't even think about using more than five minutes of hot water, I want a bath tonight!"

Instructions received he backed out of the door with a hasty "Yes ma'am!" and made a break for the stairs. A shower! Some life entered his eyes as he pondered the prospect of actual warm running water. Maybe things where going to be alright after all. He did leave this god-damn place tomorrow, and he didn't have to come back after -

Suddenly the front door slammed and Harry froze, halfway undressed, heavy footsteps sounded on the stairs and instinctively he yanked his trousers up, backing into the corner. His uncle appeared in the door way, leering.

"Dudley wanted ice-cream as a leaving treat, so Petty took him out. How would you like your leaving treat too my little slut?"

Harry shook and tried to curl in on himself, what had he been thinking? Of course things wouldn't get better.

Like he deserved that.

~~~~dmhp~~~~

With a muffled crack, Severus Snape stepped gracefully out of thin air onto the corner of Privet Drive, black robes swirling ominously and trademark scowl set firmly upon his face. Remembering that this was a muggle street he waved his wand down his clothes and watched as they melted into a black business suit. He tugged at the tie irritably, the Potter spawn better be ready to leave immediately, else there was going to be consequences. He wasn't dealing with this ridiculous garb any longer than he needed to. Setting off down the road he quickly checked his watch, 8:59, exactly on time, good. The brat didn't have any excuse for not being ready, unless he had planned to pack in the last 30 seconds before he was due.

Stepping up to the door Snape wondered if it was possible to deduct points and assign detentions before the term had begun, or if Dumbledore would say that that really was going to far. He grinned, didn't hurt to try it. Wiping the uncharacteristic smile off his face, he raised his potion stained hand and knocked. Well, it wouldn't do any good for the boy to think he was friendly in any way would it? The painted wood opened a crack and a podgy face peered nervously round. Snape sneered and the face jerked away, yelling.

"Daddy! Daddy it's the freaks professor!"

Snape frowned at the use of the word freak, vague memories of his own father coming back, but thought no more of it as the door was wrenched open to reveal a great whale of a man with a purpling face blocking the doorway. He peered round looking for any signs of his charge or luggage, but saw none. So the boy was too good to be waiting at the door for him then?

"Good morning, Mr Dursley I presume? I'm here to collect your nephew, you should have been informed of my arrival?"

Briefly Snape wondered what reaction Petunia would have if she saw him, but his musings were interrupted by the husband of the very woman he had been thinking of.

"Boy! Your Professor is here!"

Interest evidently lost now they'd yelled for the boy, the two grossly overweight men headed to the kitchen, presumably back to their breakfast if the ketchup stain on the younger's cheek had been anything to go by. He thought nothing of the fact Harry hadn't been at the table with them, he'd of eaten earlier so as to not keep his professor waiting.

Keen hearing catching the sound of cautious footsteps, Snape turned his attention to the stairs. Harry was walking slowly down them dressed in old messy clothes that looked two sizes two big, acting like a prisoner walking to his death. He snorted, now really, he may be the greasy bat of the dungeons but he wasn't going to eat the boy. Chew him up a bit maybe, but nothing drastic.

"Hurry up Potter" He drawled "No dawdling, we've a lot to fit in only one day"

However the words didn't have the desired affect on the boy, instead of jumping then rushing down the stairs, he instead barely reacted, only lifting his head and allowing defeated, resigned green eyes to meet annoyed black ones. The lack of anything remotely human in the boys eyes startled him for a moment, ringing alarm bells, but he pushed it aside. The boy had probably gone out with friends last night for a goodbye party and had stayed up late, maybe drunk. he was just feeling the after effects this morning was all.

"Mr Dursley?" Snape called once Harry had retrieved his trunk from the cupboard and come to stand by him "We're leaving now"

A grunt was his only response and with a sigh he turned and walked out the door, leaving Potter to shut the door after him, after striding a few feet down the street, he looked back only to realise that Harry was trailing behind, struggling with the heavy trunk, he rolled his eyes and stalked up to the boy.

"Really Potter, weeks of being spoiled by your relatives left you too week to carry your trunk just a few metres down the road? Pathetic" He snatched the trunk from the boys hands only to be met with a brief flash of annoyance in his eyes, it was gone in a second though and Harry flinched away, intimidated by the man's towering presence.

"Sorry sir."

Snape frowned, since when had Potter been meek? He'd insulted the boy and made reference to his fame, two things that usually gained a rise out of the boy. Instead he had apologised and flinched, perhaps he was sick? He examined the boy out of the corner of his eye as the walked down the street, his skin did seem pale and he was a bit skinny, maybe a trip to Madam Pomfrey at the end of the day was needed. It would be just his luck for the boy to catch something deadly under his care, after all.

Reaching the corner of the street where they were hidden from sight, he shrunk Potter's trunk and handed it to him, noticing the look of relief on his face as he slipped it in his pocket. For a moment Snape almost considered surprising the boy with the apparition, but then decided against it. In his current state the Potter spawn might throw up on him. He curled a lip in disgust at the thought.

"We need to Apparate Potter, I assume you're familiar with the process?"

Without a word Harry held out a scrawny arm, staring at his shoes as he had been almost the entire time he'd been with Snape, sensing he wasn't going to get a verbal reply he grabbed the proffered limb and spun.

Harry broke away the moment they landed, retching bent over double. If he'd had something in his stomach it'd probably of come up, but instead all he managed was to spit out some bile, coughing as he choked on it slightly. Unsure as to what to do, Snape simply stood there and offered an anti-nausea potion as the boy straightened out, he shook his head.

"I'll be alright sir, I just don't like apparating is all."

Snape snorted

"Well that much is apparent Potter"

He waited for the inevitable comeback or sneered reply, but nothing came. Harry had retreated back into his quite shell and was mentally cursing himself for letting the professor seeing him that weak. Snape stayed silent a moment longer in the hopes the silence would prompt something out of the boy, however when all he did was shuffle his feet, the professor decided enough time had been wasted.

"Keep up this time Potter"

Snape set off and noted with a flash of relief that his charge was actually keeping up this time, even if he was having to jog slightly to do so. Deciding it would do no good to wear the boy out this early on he slowed his pace slightly. It was barely noticeable, but at least Harry was now only walking. They climbed the grand steps up to the bank and entered past the unsettling gazes of two goblins on guard. Snape had always had respect for the creatures, but they put Harry on edge, probably something to do with the horror stories Hagrid had a habit of telling him about them. Handing his key to Griphook they headed to the vaults. However faced with the prospect of the cart Harry paused and turned to Snape, he opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it, unsure.

Snape however worked out the problem and wordlessly handed him the anti-nausea potion, which Harry downed with a grateful smile before giving the empty vial back to his professor. He shrugged it off, as he'd thought earlier, the last thing he wanted or needed was the boy puking on him.

The dizzying ride seemed to last an age, but due to the depth of the Prince vaults Snape was more than used to it. When the cart finally stopped Harry wasted no time in getting his money, the dark damp atmosphere reminding him of the cellar and beginning to cause unwanted images to flash through his mind. When he jumped back in the cart Snape noticed the tense shoulders and quickened breathing, but decided not to comment, instead adding it to the list of 'Strange things about Potter today'

A list that was quite worryingly, growing longer with every minute.

~~~dmhp~~~

Calmed by the crisp fresh atmosphere when they emerged from the bank, Harry relaxed somewhat, able to breathe now that he wasn't scared of his uncle appearing from round the corner. He set off after his professor, who had already started to walk towards the shops and thanked whatever deity that was listening for Snape having slowed his stride. Running made his ribs burn and throw out sparks of pain as they where jolted and so was definitely not top on his list of things to do. The intensity of the glamour he'd had to put up was draining on his magic and tiring him even more. Hopefully Snape wouldn't want to waste much time shopping and would drop him off at the castle soon, where he could hide and cancel the illusion for a bit. He grimaced and suppressed a yelp as someone bashed into his arm and his wrist complained. Oh this was so not fun.

Entering the book store Snape handed him his book list and wondered off to the potions section. Grateful for the moment of privacy Harry quickly gathered all the books he needed, allowing the pain to flash across his face now that he wasn't being watched. It was getting worse each time and checking the magically projected clock on the wall Harry realised the muggle pain killers he'd stolen were wearing off. Damn, how was he supposed to sneak another round of those with Snape around? He headed to the back of the store. He knew there was a good hidden alcove here with some brilliant fiction novels, he should be safe to take them here and if Snape came he had the legitimate excuse of wanting some more reading material. Quickly dry swallowing more of the tablets than was necessarily allowed, he took a moment to browse the shelves and pick a few books that took his fancy.

"Almost finished Mr Potter?"

The smooth drawl made Harry jump and he chastised himself for leaving his back to the entrance of the alcove, he knew better than that damn it! Composing himself as quickly as he could he turned to his professor

"Yes Professor, sorry for dawdling."

Snape frowned at him, something Harry noticed he'd been doing a lot of today, but didn't press the issue any further. Instead he turned with a dramatic swish of his robes, which had been transfigured back almost the moment they'd entered the alley, and called over his shoulder.

"It is of no bother Potter, I'll wait outside."

Harry blinked, and watched his professor leave, slightly dazed, that was - that was very unexpected, did he just say he didn't mind his time being wasted? Harry shook himself out of his reverie and grabbed one more book before hurrying to pay, it wouldn't do to spoil the man's sudden, if slightly confusing, good mood by keeping him waiting.

Arms laden with books he thanked the cashier and turned round without looking, bashing into someone and sending both of them and books alike crashing to the ground, dazed, he scrabbled for his glasses in the mess, groaning when he discovered they'd been crushed by a book.

"Well well well, if it isn't Mr Potter"

Harry recognised the voice as Malfoy senior and immediately panicked, he'd just knocked over a lord, one of the most powerful pure bloods, now he was in for it, he was going to be beaten ten ways from Sunday. Jamming his smashed glasses back on his face he desperately tried to locate and pick up the man's books, apologising as he did so. Lucius laughed and waved his wand, sending Harry's books into one pile and his into another.

"Now, there's no need for that, I'm sure can repay me in - other ways"

He slid a pale manicured finger under Harry's chin and pushed it upwards, forcing Harry to meet his eyes, Harry began to shake, he knew that look, he knew that tone of voice, he wasn't just going to be punished, he was going to be given the worst punishment possible. Willing his frozen body to move away he began to panic, not again, not now, not when he'd thought he was safe, not -

"Is there a problem here?"

Harry practically leapt away from the older aristocrat to his Professors side. Never in his life had he been more glad to see Snape. The sallow greasy haired man stared at him for a moment before wordlessly fixing his glasses and turning to Malfoy.

"I said, is there a problem here?"

Lucius was back on his feet now, belongings in arm and his cane, if a little too firmly, back in his grip. He smiled at them both, feigning innocence.

"Of course not Severus, I was just assuring young Harry here he had no need to apologise for bumping into me, it was after all, an accident."

"Well," said Snape, eyes flashing with warning, "I think he is reassured enough, and we will take our leave now."

Lucius nodded his head in assent.

"Why of course, it was nice to see you again Harry."

Summoning and shrinking his books for him, Snape lead a confused and slightly shaken Harry out the door. Harry didn't know what quite had just happened, had Snape protected him?

This day just got weirder and weirder.

~~~dmhp~~~

Severus furrowed his brow in confusion at the boy as they walked to a restaurant for an early lunch. Malfoy had done his usual trick of being slimy and was probably suggesting all sorts of inappropriate things, but that wasn't the odd bit. Potter's reaction however - he had been shaking, frozen by fear. That wasn't a normal response, something was going on here.

He continued to watch as Harry stared at the menu, for all intents and purposes he looked like he was reading in, but Severus knew he wasn't taking it in. He was still shaking slightly, barely noticeably, but slightly. In a rare show of concern he reached out across the table to lay a hand on the boys arm.

"Harry?"

Severus jumped as Harry flinched violently away from his hand, and although making no move to protect himself his face snapped up revealing frightened wide green eyes. Suddenly it all made sense to Snape.

The messy clothes, the resigned attitude, not being at the breakfast table, having nothing but bile to throw up, the over the top reaction to Malfoy, the meekness, the apologising, the flinching. Severus nearly smacked himself, after all he'd been through as a kid, and he hadn't noticed it now? Lily's eyes bore into him accusingly from the child's face across the table, he'd let her down, he'd let them both down. When he'd swore to protect Harry for her, it wasn't just Voldemort he should have seen as a threat.

"Harry" Snape said softly, making his body language as gentle as possible, whilst hoping no one affiliated with the dark lord was watching. If he was seen being nice to Harry, his spying days were over for sure.

"Harry, who hurt you?"

The boys eyes widened even further and then without warning he bolted. Snape leapt to his feet and chased after the boy with a curse. Today was not going as planned.