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Chapter Four

July 1992, Privet Drive

Harry walked back into his new room. He had hardly any possessions at all in this room. His few clothes were thrown into the large wardrobe. Hedwig was locked in her cage on the desk, and any other of his possessions that were of any worth were locked away in the cupboard under the stairs.

Harry looked out of the window expectantly. He had not received a single letter from any of his friends since he had gotten back, although they had promised they would write. Harry figured Ron would probably be at his home with all his brothers and sister, enjoying the quiet family life. And Hermione would probably be on holiday somewhere with her parents. Family and parents. There was an ache in Harry's stomach as he thought of it.

July 1972, Spinner's End

Severus walked back into his room. He had hardly any possessions at all. His few clothes were piled neatly in the wardrobe in the corner. He didn't have many other things, just his school things and robes. His parents hardly ever bought him anything, let alone anything new, so all his clothes and things were second hand. And he had no toys or anything. The most he had was a worn out football he had found in the park. This happened to be his favourite toy.

Severus looked out of the window expectantly. He had not received a single letter from anyone since he had gotten back. Lily had promised she would write, but she hadn't yet. Being a Gryffindor had gotten to her head. She'd probably be on holiday somewhere with her family. Family. There was an ache in Severus' stomach as he thought of it.

July 1995, Spinner's End

Harry went down the narrow staircase to find Snape sitting in the armchair, a book in his hand. Harry cleared his throat to make his presence known. Snape looked up, took in Harry's appearance and looked back down at the book again.

"What time do you call this?" He asked not looking up from the book.

Harry looked at his watch, it was eleven o'clock. "Eleven", Harry said.

"Don't get smart with me Potter", Snape said coldly. He snapped his book shut and put it down on the table. "If you are to live with me, you must live by my rules". Harry rolled his eyes, he was used to this sort of behaviour towards him. "You will wake up at nine o'clock every morning, or you won't get any breakfast. Is that clear?"

Harry sighed quietly. "Yes sir".

"Good", Snape said getting up. "Follow me". He walked into the kitchen and Harry followed. "What kind of breakfast do you usually have?"

Harry looked at him confused. "Whatever Aunt Petunia gave me really".

Snape looked annoyed. Nothing new there. "What do you prefer? Eggs? Toast? Cereal? What?"

"Erm, whatever you have is fine", Harry said. He didn't want Snape to have to go out his way.

Snape looked sceptical. After a few moments however, he looked annoyed again. He moved to the cupboards and pulled out a box of cereal. "Here you go". He then left the kitchen. Harry walked up to it and picked up the box. Cheerios. He had never been given Cheerios, he had usually had to sneak some. Harry was only allowed the boring cereals. He poured himself the cereal and some milk and walked back into the sitting room.

Snape was reading the same book again. Harry went and sat down on the sofa in front of him. He gulped down his cereal. He was always so hungry.

"Do you have any money?" Snape asked abruptly.

Harry looked up. "I have galleons, yeah".

"No, Muggle money".

"Oh, no", Harry said. "Why?"

"Thought so", Snape said. "You need new clothes. Those clothes of yours are really starting to irritate me".

"Oh ok", Harry didn't know what else to say so he ate the rest of his cereal and set down his bowl.

"We can go shopping for some later", Snape said, annoyance evident in his voice. "Or you would you rather go alone".

"I'll go alone", Harry said at once. He wasn't a child.

Snape did not look disappointed. "Fine. I'll give you money and you can go into Manchester town and buy clothes and anything else you need".

"Ok", Harry said smiling at the thought of leaving this depressing house for a couple of hours.

Snape left the room through the door to the stairs and returned after Harry had washed and put his dishes away.

"Here you go", Snape handed Harry a pile of notes. It looked to be quite a lot of money. "What if you get lost?" Snape smirked a little at this.

"I won't", Harry said quickly. "I'm pretty good with directions and finding my way and stuff".

"Hmm", Snape seemed sceptical, but he let Harry go all the same. But not before he had given him a magical compass, which was more like Sat Nav then an actual compass.

July 1995, Lowry Centre, Manchester

Harry looked around. He had gotten the clothes Snape had told him to, which was quite a lot. But luckily, the shop offered a delivery service so he didn't have to carry the bags around. He was now stood in front of Red Cinema. The cinema owned by Manchester United Football Club. He wanted to go in, to watch a film, 'Jumanji' sounded good. But he didn't want to take advantage of Snape like that, he had trusted him with all this money.

Harry turned around and looked out of the window. He could see it, across the canal, the bronze statue of Sir Matt Busby shining in the middle. The front side was completely covered in glass, with the red words saying 'Manchester United Football Club' on it. Harry gaped. It truly was beautiful. He had only ever seen it on TV before.

"Look mum, there it is!" Harry turned to see a girl, who looked no more then five years old. She had long curly brown hair and bright blue eyes. She was wearing a Manchester United shirt.

"Yes I see", a woman who was obviously the little girl's mother said. She also had long curly brown hair, but her eyes were a dark grey. She was also wearing a United shirt. "You know part of the stadium was rebuilt in – careful!" The little girl had climbed on the banister in front. Her mum grabbed her by the waist. The girl looked resentful, but got off the banister all the same.

"Mum, are we going to watch Jumanji?" The girl had a distinct Mancunian [A/N Slang, meaning from Manchester] accent, as did her mother.

"Yeah, if you really want to watch that", her mother answered. "There's other films-"

"No! I want to watch Jumanji!"

"Okay, okay". The woman grabbed the girl's hand and made to steer her towards the cinema, but the little girl stopped in her tracks, staring at Harry.

The woman looked at Harry too now, confused. She smiled apologetically at him and pulled on her daughter's arm.

"Mum, it's Harry Potter!" The little girl spoke in barely a whisper, eyes wide.

The woman looked startled.

So they were witches. Harry thought it best to just introduce himself. After all he was pretty used to this kind of reaction.

"Hi", Harry said gingerly.

"Hi", the woman said, walking up to him, the little girl at her heels. "Alyssa Moriarty", she held out her hand, he took it.

"I'm Izzy!" The little girl said excitedly. Harry laughed.

"I'm Harry… Obviously".

July 1995, Spinner's End

"Did you get lost?" Snape sounded, dare he believe it, somewhat amused.

"No", Harry answered defensively. "I went exploring, a bit".

Snape narrowed his eyes. "Exploring? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for you?"

"Erm…" Was all Harry could say.

"Erm? Is that all you have to say in your defence?" Snape got up from his armchair and faced Harry.

"I didn't do anything stupid", Harry said.

"I'm sure you didn't", Snape said sarcastically. Harry didn't say anything, so Snape spoke again. "Why aren't you wearing the new clothes?"

Harry looked down. He hadn't thought of changing. "I'll go change now", Harry said irritably and went up the narrow staircase.

***

Harry changed into a blue t-shirt and jeans and sat down on the bed. Looking around the room, he noticed the old trunk in the corner.

Harry got up off the bed and attempted to open the trunk. The lid was heavier then he had thought. He gave it one big tug and it lifted open. Inside was a large assortment of things. Old books, quills, empty ink bottles, a really old and battered Gobstones set and piles upon piles of letters. Harry picked up the nearest letter and read.

Severus,

I'm well, how are you?

I'm looking forward to going back to Hogwarts too. Can't wait.

The weathers not too good is it? Dad keeps trying to take us out claiming the weather will get better. But I am sure it won't. It rains non-stop here after all.

How are things with your parents? I'm not sure if you can come round, my sister won't be too nice about it. I'll ask my parents all the same though.

Lily

Harry stared at the letter. Lily? Harry's mum? Writing to Snape? What the hell?

***

"Professor?" Harry said to Snape over dinner the next day.

"Hmm?" Snape said not looking up from the notes he was writing.

"Did you know my mum?" Harry asked tentatively.

"Why?" Snape looked up now.

"I just thought, you know, you knew, and hated my dad, you might…" Harry broke off, waiting for the answer.

"Yes I did", Snape said shortly, going back to his paper.

"Did you know her well?"

Snape looked up again, confused. "Why?"

"Just curious", Harry said in a voice he hoped sounded casual.

"I knew her, yes", Snape said. Harry sighed, how was he supposed to figure anything out if Snape didn't answer the questions properly.

"Did you know any other Lily?" Harry tried again. Snape narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Harry, but shook his head to say 'no'.

Interesting…