Author's note. Some of you may feel that Severus is being very OC when it comes to Harry but remember Harry is just a lonely little boy who got lost and even Severus wouldn't start having a go at him. In the book, Severus had basically already decided that Harry would be a brat just like his father and never gave him a proper chance. In my story he gets to see Harry for who he is before knowing he is the boy who lived. The first impression we get of people is usually the one we stick with and Severus already decided Harry was a nice little boy so he isn't going to be mean to him.
The next update won't be until next week as I'm going away for the weekend, feel free to leave me suggestions in the mean time.
Enjoy and please review.
Severus quietly made his way downstairs and into the living room. Once there he sat down heavily on the sofa and rubbed his face. It was almost too much to take in. How could Petunia have allowed her sister's child to be looked after by someone who had lost him so easily? Now Harry Potter was his responsibility.
"Damn it" he thought. "I can't even contact Albus or Minerva. Dumbledore is at a Headmaster's and Headmistresses conference in Paris and Minerva is in the Swiss Alps on holiday. At least they're both in Europe but I can't contact them by Floo. I'll have to send a pair of International owls to them."
Having decided this, Severus stood up, retrieved his hooded cloak and prepared to leave. The boy would sleep soundly; Severus had added a few spoonfuls of sleeping draught to the boy's coco. And after casting protective charms around the house, he disapparated. With loud crack, he apparated into the village of Hogsmede. It was much lighter this far north and the skies were clear of the storm over Severus house. Severus headed straight for the Post Office which stayed open quite late on the summer, as there were many travellers this time of year.
Ten minutes later two International owls were winging their way south to Europe. Severus had urged both Albus and Minerva to get in touch as soon as possible. In case the owls were intercepted, Severus had only stated that a situation had arisen which required their immediate attention. Severus paused outside the Post Office.
"Now where did Petunia and her husband Dursley live? I don't know if that's were Harry's aunt and cousin are staying but it is worth checking. Hmm, ah yes, number four, Privet Drive, Surrey. That is where Harry lives."
With another loud crack Severus diapparated to the Dursley's address. The house was dark when he arrived in the quiet street but he still decided to go in. It wasn't difficult to break in; a simple freezing charm took care of the burglar alarms. Lighting his wand, he padded softly upstairs to check no-one was in bed. It was still very early but hurt to be sure. But there was no-one in the first bed room, that must be Petunia's and her husband's. The second room he tired was also empty and Severus guessed it was the guest bedroom judging by how empty of personal possessions. The third bedroom was full of toys and pictures of a large blond boy who must be Harry's cousin. There was clearly no-one, but Severus himself, in the house.
"But while I'm here I might as well pick up a few of the boy's clothes to take with me for him to wear tomorrow."
So Severus entered the fourth and last bedroom, which was also full of toys. But something was wrong. All the toys were either old or broken. The bed looked like it had never been used, there wasn't even a duvet. He checked the wardrobe, no clothes. Severus was very confused. This wasn't the wrong house; he'd seen a few pictures of Petunia. So why did it seem that only three people lived here, where were Harry's things.
"Accio Harry Potter's jumper." He called as he stepped onto the landing. He heard a very soft thump from somewhere below. He peered over the banister, it sounded as though the jumper was locked up. He called the spell again.
"Accio Harry Potter's shoes."
This time a pair of shoes banged their way out from the cupboard under the stairs and flew up to him. He caught them, frowning down at the open cupboard door. He padded down the stairs and around to the cupboard door and thrust his lit wand inside. He froze at the sight that met his eyes. Inside the dusty cramped space were a bed and some shelves on which some old clothes were piled. And on the bed was a piece of paper. Severus picked it up. It was a crayoned picture of a smiling boy with glasses, black hair and a scar who was holding hands with two adult figures. The picture was signed Harry Potter, age seven. The two adult figures were labelled mum and dad.
But it was sadly clear that Harry had no idea what his parents looked like. The dad figure had black hair like Harry, but the mum figure was wearing glasses. Though ironically Harry did have Lily's eyes, she had never needed glasses. Severus carefully laid the picture back down on the bed. He hadn't given much thought to "the boy who lived" during the last few years. But he would never have believed the boy lived like this, sleeping under the stairs and wearing old clothes. Callously abandoned. Severus had hugged Harry because Lily had always needed one when she was upset even though he found it difficult to show such affection to anyone. And Harry had seemed so grateful as though he was unused to such things. Something would have to be done.
Harry awoke in semi-darkness. He could still hear rain falling outside and for a moment didn't know where he was. And then he remembered. He was in Professor Snape's house. Harry had always been taught to address people by their title so he didn't think of the professor as mister. It was very warm in bed but Harry needed the bathroom. So reluctantly he climbed out of the covers and crawled to the edge of the bed where he got off. He gently opened the bedroom door and quietly made his way to the bathroom.
After he had finished, Harry suddenly realised he was very thirsty, and so he carefully made his way down the slightly rickety steps. At the bottom was a blank wall, but was a lever which he pulled and the wall in front of him swung open. Harry stepped through and carefully pushed the bookcase door back in place. He was just crossing the sitting room, when a voice spoke from the sofa.
"Child, why are you up so early?"
Harry spun round startled. Professor Snape was lying on the sofa watching him. Harry wondered if he had been there all night. It was a lot lighter in this room, so Harry figured it must be just after dawn.
"I was thirsty, sir"
"Help yourself to water, then" said Severus closing his eyes."
"Would you like me to make you breakfast, sir" asked Harry.
"Thank you for the offer, but I'm fine" replied Severus without opening his eyes.
Harry continued on his way to the kitchen and once inside pushed a chair against the sink so he could get a drink. Just as he was finishing his drink, an owl suddenly flew in from the open window and dropped a newspaper on the table. The owl swooped once round the room, gave a loud hoot and flew back out into the garden and away. Harry gave a cry of surprise and delight at the sight. He couldn't believe that had just happened. But then he saw the newspaper.
Author's note. How is Severus going to explain about the Owl and paper? Find out in the next chapter.
