To Severus' infinite surprise, his Gryffindor guest did not renege on the work he had promised. By the time September 1st arrived, Severus' house looked completely different. His dim, flickering lights were much brightened after Potter spent a few hours one day in the attic, messing around with electrical wires Severus would never in a million years understand. His pipes no long groaned or whined, and he had appropriate water pressure, as promised. Even the exterior of his home looked so different from what it had been before this strange summer. More than the promised new paint, Potter had rehung or replaced the wood siding. He'd repaired the fallen rainspout; fixed the garage door so that it could actually open, and just for something to do in his final days before he was due to leave, had completely reorganized the things in the garage.

Severus could not decide if he was more impressed with Potter's dedication to his work, or the fact that all of this had been done without magic. He had never imagined, after returning to his childhood home, that the place could be anything but run-down and dilapidated. He had certainly never had the physical inclination to be able to perform the necessary repairs. He still couldn't figure out where Potter had gotten the energy for all of this.

He could, however, admit that the repairs had had a fine effect on the young man, almost as much as the effect they'd had on the house. Thanks to his tireless work in the garden, Potter's tan was restored to it's usual bronze; thanks to his climbing, clambering, and lifting, real muscle had begun to show on his too-small frame. And, of course, thanks to the exercise each task called for, the glow had returned to his impossibly green eyes (eyes, Severus had realized, that were actually a darker shade than Lily's had been).

But all things must end, or so the story goes. September 1st did arrive, and Potter finished packing away his new school things that very morning. By nine 'o' clock, they had left the house (following a hearty breakfast Potter had insisted on cooking), and were bumping along on the Knight Bus. They reached King's Cross by 9:05 precisely, and were among the first to pass through the barrier. Potter had been utterly silent the entire trip, and it occurred to Severus that he was as well. He didn't even know why he had come along. He could have easily put Potter on the bus and apparated from his home. But something had made him want to see the younger wizard safely onto the train.

Severus smirked. Perhaps he'd begun to learn from Potter's past history of attracting trouble. The last thing they needed was a repeat of Second Year.

"What's funny?"

Severus started invisibly. He turned his smirk on his companion as they stood before the Hogwarts Express. "I was thinking of the mishap that began your Second Year."

Potter chuckled. "Yeah, that was quite a mishap. You can thank Dobby and Ron for that hair-brained adventure."

Severus continued to smirk. "And of course you're not to blame."

"Oh no," Potter agreed, grinning. "You'd be amazed how many of my adventures happened because of someone else's bad idea. Ron was the one who wanted to take the car that year, believe it or not."

Severus turned to look upon the unoccupied train. "I believe it. You should find a compartment for yourself and your friends."

Potter nodded, also looking at the train. "Yeah." He turned to Severus and stuck out his hand. "Thanks, Professor, for everything this summer."

Severus couldn't stop a friendly smirk. "It was, surprisingly, my pleasure, Mister Potter." He looked at the extended hand and saw the house key he'd given the young man, waiting in the open palm. With deliberate movements that could leave no doubt, he folded Potter's fingers over the key, and inclined his head ever so slightly.

Potter grinned, shrugged, and pulled away, dragging his trunk towards the train after stuffing the key into his pocket. Severus waited until he saw the young man through the window of the nearest compartment before apparating on the spot. He landed in front of his home and paused. It looked entirely different now. His mother would have been amazed at the transformation Potter had put it through (again, without magic).

With a smile of satisfaction, Severus walked into his house, which was bright and clean. The transformation inside was almost as amazing as the out. Here, Potter had been forced to use some magic; mostly potions to get the aged, semi-permanent stains out of the furniture, carpets, and wood. He had then re-stained all of the hardwood by hand. He'd also repainted the peeling walls and ceilings, upstairs and down. Severus had been loathe to allow the younger wizard into his bedroom, but he was grateful for it now, as he awoke each morning to a cornflower blue that reminded him of his mother's eyes.

Severus finished packing his things and returned downstairs with his trunk to be sure nothing was forgotten. It was then that the emptiness of the house began to creep in on him. There was where Potter had whooped for joy upon getting a good 'grade' on his extra Potions assignment. And that chair was where Potter had spent each evening reading or studying after dinner. And there was the tea set Potter always made sure was ready and waiting in the afternoons for Severus, never mind how busy he was himself.

Severus felt drained as he recalled the pleasure he'd begun to feel this summer. He had never had a house guest for so long, and already he missed the company. Damn that confounding brat. With a sigh, Severus reminded himself that he had the entire upcoming term to get used to being alone again. Alone was, after all, for the best.

With a crack, Severus apparated from his empty home, ignoring the small cloud of depression that had settled over his heart. Damn that confounding Gryffindor.

-Break-

Severus arrived at the gates of Hogwarts, and a House Elf immediately appeared to take his things to the castle for him. He had just reached the steps of the school when Minerva came out to greet him.

"Oh, Severus, you must come quickly," She said.

Severus frowned. "What's happened?"

"Potter is missing," The animagus hissed, leading the way into the school.

Severus' frown deepened as he recalled seeing Potter get onto the Hogwarts Express less than an hour ago.

"What are you on about, woman?" Severus demanded, following her into the Entrance Hall.

Minerva nodded frantically, leading him up the Grand Staircase. "Yes, Severus," She said, as if that in any way answered his question. "We sent Remus to collect him from his relatives', since we were uncertain he would make it to the train on his own. But, when Remus arrived, Potter wasn't at the house, and his Uncle growled that he hadn't seen Potter since the third week of vacation and slammed the door in Remus' face. Remus even checked Harry's bedroom, and it was clear no one had been in there all summer. Albus is organizing a search party."

Severus smirked. "Foolish Gryffindor behavior."

Minerva froze in her stride and rounded on him. "Are you not concerned?" She demanded.

"Not in the least," Severus answered honestly.

Minerva gaped at him. "Why on Earth not?! I realize the two of you have never gotten on, but to be this dismissive…! Severus, you surprise me."

Severus continued to smirk as he walked past his colleague. "I am not concerned, Minerva, because I know precisely where Potter is. He is, at this moment, on the Hogwarts Express awaiting his friends."

"How could you know such a thing?" Minerva inquired exasperatedly as she caught up to him.

Severus gave her a sidelong glance. "I know, because that is where I left him. Potter spent the summer with me."

The look on the old cat's face was entirely worth the effort as she froze again. Severus fought down a chuckle as he continued down the corridor, though he did allow himself a small smile. It was good to know he could still put surprise on his former professor's face. He could only imagine the infuriatingly knowing look Albus would give him, as if he'd known all along when he couldn't possibly have.