…."You are the one the Order has chosen to keep watch."
"WHAT?" Snape couldn't keep the anger from his tone "WHY SHOULD I, SEVERUS SNAPE, HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PRECIOUS GOLDEN BOY?"
"Please calm down Severus," said Dumbledore tiredly. "He's Lilly's son too"
Chapter 2: Keeping Watch
Severus had thought about that sentence for the rest of the night… "He's Lilly's son too" Dumbledore said... As much as I miss her, I really don't need to watch the brat all summer. What could happen? Possibly a little argument between him and his cousin, on no, Potter could get his little feelings hurt. Snape smirked. There's a thought: Severus Snape rescues Harry Potter from sadness over break. He shook his head laughing, that one was too ridiculous. The clock struck three and Snape decided to get some sleep before he had to go babysit Potter.
Harry didn't sleep, the nightmares of Sirius dying combined with Vernon beating him kept him tossing and turning. He got up and walked back to his trunk, sighing in relief when he saw his knife. He'd only gotten to enjoy the sweet combination of agony and pleasure it brought twice. He wanted it again. He made a long slice down his arm from his hand to his elbow. The blood poured from the wound, he watched, fascinated, as it dripped down his fingers, making a web of blood on his hands. It splattered on the floor, each drip was a reassuring plink. Harry smiled as he brought the blade down once more. Some of the bruises had faded and he could see some of the scars on his back. He grimaced. At least I can cut a straight line. He smirked at that.
Harry put his knife away again with a sigh. I have no one. Ron and Hermione don't notice the glamours, but maybe they're just not looking. Why should they? They know I hate it here but I never tell them exactly why. Maybe all this is my fault. If Dumbledore even suspected this is the treatment I get when I'm here – no. He HAS to know. Has he never sent anyone to make sure this was a good place for me to be? Harry shook his head. Dammit Harry, of course he would have checked up on you. You're the one who left your glamours up. Whatever, I'm fine.
He sat on his trunk and before he knew it he dozed off…
"FREAK! FREAK!" Vernon shouted and began banging on Harry's door.
SHIT! Harry thought as he pulled on dark jeans with a hole in the left knee, and a threadbare gray shirt. "I'm coming uncle!" Harry said just loud enough to be heard over the pounding. As he walked out of the door, Vernon slapped him, knocking him sideways. He staggered, and turned to face his uncle. Vernon handed him a list.
"Just get them done" He sneered as he stormed down the stairs and out the door.
Harry started work. Most of the chores were outside, not helping the minor sunburn he got from mowing the lawn the day before.
Severus arrived on Privet Drive not long after 8am. A large round man was leaving the house, his face purple. Maybe he'll explode, at least that would be entertaining Snape mused. He settled himself in a tree near enough to the house that he had cover but could still see the yard clearly. Severus watched as Harry ran out of the house and began weeding the garden at a brisk pace. Why the hell would Potter race to do bloody yard work? He'd never hurry like that to potions. Then again, potions isn't exactly Mr. Potter's strong suite. Maybe the brat just has a soft spot for his garden. He shrugged and kept watching.
2pm. If not for Snape's cooling spell, he would have fainted from the heat. 110 degrees is no time to be outside. Yet Potter was still out there, weeding, watering the garden, and painting the fence. Severus found this odd but paid it little attention. He did, however, notice that Potter was moving slowly and his skin was burned from the hours in the sun. He also noticed that the only time he ever took a drink was from the hose, but always made sure no one was watching.
The sun had just started setting when a car pulled up. Snape recognized this to be the car of the man who'd left earlier. That must be the uncle, Vernon I believe Dumbledore said he's called. Vernon walked around to the side of the house where Harry was painting the fence. Harry cringed. Why the hell would he cringe—Vernon started yelling something Snape couldn't decipher. Harry turned quickly and ran into the house with Vernon stomping after.
Harry ran inside and up to his room. Get ready to go out to dinner my ass. They're not going to take me anyway. Harry was pissed. He grabbed for his knife and sliced the skin over his ribcage. These bled less, but ached when he moved. He liked it. They reminded him that he could still feel. He felt the beatings, but aside from that he was just an empty shell.
Harry heard Vernon tramping up the steps. He quickly stowed his knife and changed into the nicest clothes he had, a ripped green dress shirt and black pants. There was nothing actually wrong with the pants, Dudley just "outgrew" them.
Vernon threw open Harry's door and punched him in the ribs, right where Harry's fresh cuts were. There was a sickening snap as one of his ribs cracked. He held back a moan and his uncle hit again, lower, Harry's hip. He collapsed on the floor as pain shot through his back and leg.
"Be downstairs in five minutes, boy. Not a word to anyone at the restaurant or you will regret being alive" Vernon muttered.
As if I didn't regret it every day. Harry thought as he pulled himself off the floor. He went downstairs, got in the car and went to dinner. He was rewarded with their dinner scraps which included: an edge of burnt steak, a piece of broccoli, and some corn. Harry ate it all, trying to savour every bite.
Back at home Harry went straight to bed, limping due to his hip. I think it's just dislocated Harry thought as he collapsed in his bed. Seconds later, he passed out.
Snape watched the family pile into the car and noted Harry was limping. He found this peculiar and decided to investigate.
After they left, Snape climbed out of the tree and went to the back door. A quick Alohomora and he was in. The muggle home looked like that of any other. Snape wandered around, opening various cabinets and storage units, curious as to what he might find. He opened the cupboard under the stairs and found an old blanket, some toy soldiers, and boxes. He went upstairs and opened the door to Harry's room. A smell of rotting flesh hit him and he gagged. What…? Snape looked around. He saw the broken mirror and walked closer, he slipped on something. When he looked down at his feet the sight disgusted him. Blood. Dried on the surface, but still wet beneath. He shuddered. Severus knew he needed to leave—he was running out of time. He made his way down the stairs and out the back door just as the car pulled up.
Harry staggered awkwardly and tiredly away from the vehicle. Snape watched intently as Harry limped through the door and disappeared from sight.
Snape shook his head. This is going to be harder than I thought.
A moment later, his dark mark burned. He's angry. And calling me. What now?! Severus thought as he left to meet Voldemort.
He inclined his head, "My Lord".
A/N What do you think?
