One Last Hope

Torch-Slight spoilers for Deathly Hallows

When Harry awoke he noticed he was covered in something. Sitting up, that something fell down to his waist. He saw it to be some kind of black cloak. Harry folded this cloak and placed it beside him before sitting up. That was when he realised he was not alone. A man sat next to him, reading a large book, his hooked nose inches from the page. Harry knew it was rude to interupt someone whilst they were reading (he had found this out the hard way), so he stayed silent until the man noticed him. This did not take long however, because the hook-nosed man looked up soon after Harry had awoken. He stared at him for a few moments, and indistinguishable look in his black eyes. Harry began to feel uncomfortable under the man's gaze.

"My name is Severus Snape, I was a friend of your mothers," The man said.

"My mum?" Harry asked, before realising he had asked a question (something banned in his home), and flinched, preparing to be hit.

Snape stared at the boy, shocked, but wondering why the child was behaving in this way. After a moment, when Harry realised he was not about to be hit, he opened his eyes.

"Yes, your mother, Lily," Snape said, answering the boys question.

Harry sat there, rubbing the back of his hair bashfully as the greasy-haired man stared at him.

"What was she like?" He asked timidly.

"You mean they never told you?!" Severus asked, once again shocked as Harry shook his head. "Well, she had red hair and your green eyes," He paused for a moment as if reminiscing. "She was very kind and stuck up for those who didn't deserve it. But she looked behind their background at the real them."

Harry was quiet for a second before. "What about my dad?"

"I do not know of your father," Snape said, a little too quickly.

That was when Harry noticed his arm no longer hurt. He gasped and stuck it out in front of him, examining it. The burn had disappeared. He looked up at Snape, his eyes wide and his mouth in a small 'o'.

"I promised I would take care of you." Snape said quietly, and Harry knew he could ask no more questions on the topic, although he continued to stare at his healed arm in awe. When he was sure, his arm would not start hurting again he surveyed the man, noticing what he was wearing for the first time.

"Why are you wearing a dress?" He asked, not scrutinising him, but questioning.

Snape however, blushed all the same. Instead of answering Harry's innocent question, he shot one back of his own.

"What is on your foot?" He sneered.

Now it was Harry's turn to blush. Dudley's too big shoes had been given to him, and he had had to shove more of his old socks at the bottom so he could walk at all. But now he only wore one shoe, having lost the other when he had tripped the first time. He groaned, knowing he was in for another beating when he got home for losing the shoe. That was when Snape held out his(or Dudley's) shoe. He gasped, a grin on his face, as he took the shoe from Severus and place it on his foot.

"No wonder you kept falling over with these huge things on your feet." Snape said. They sat in silence for a moment before, "And it's a robe, not a dress."

Harry smiled slightly, before realising he had to leave immediately, or fear being beaten anyway for not getting home in time. He stood up to leave and Snape joined him.

"I have to go now," Harry said. "Thank you for all your help."

He made to walk out of the forest alone, but Snape followed him.

"I do not mean to be rude sir," Harry began, "But my Aunt and Uncle have banned me from talking to other people." He hung his head in shame. "I am a freak."

Snape looked at the boy, once again in shock. They continued to walk towards Privet Drive. When they got there they stopped.

"Sir," Harry began worriedly.

"Keep going, I wish to meet these Muggles." Snape said, his voice dripping with anger.

Harry had no choice but to keep going, not even noticing the 'muggle' slip, too busy worrying what his relatives would say when he brought this strange man to the house.

When they reached Number 4 Privet Drive, Harry entered cautiously, and beckoned Severus forward. When they crossed to the living room, Vernon exploded.

"Who do you think you are boy, bringing more freaks like you into this house!" He yelled, face turning purple.

"I would prefer it if you did not refer to me or Potter as freak!" Snape said, his eyes flashing dangerously.

Fear laced itself upon Vernon's features. He appeared speechless for a moment before...

"How dare you threaten me you...you...you freak!" He exploded.

Snape whipped out his wand and held it to Vernon's fat, purple face.

"You will no longer beat the boy, he will be given three meals a day and not be starved, your son will not bully him and he will not be your own personal slave." Snape said in a low, dangerous tone. "Have I made myself clear?"

Vernon gave a small nod, his small piggy eyes wide.

"If I find out otherwise," Snape continued. "Then I will personally make sure you all suffer."

And with that said Snape turned on his heel out the door. Harry, surprised at his dark savior's sudden departure, followed him across the perfect lawn to the street. Severus turned on his heel determinedly, took out his wand again and pointed it in Harry's face. Harry yelped.

"Obliviate!"

The dark knight was then gone in a swish of his cloak whilst a dazed Harry turned back towards the house.