Harry woke up the next morning feeling awful, sick, weak and especially stupid. It was worse than the first day he arrived. He didn't understand his aunt. Did Lily do something to her? Even, so how it was Harry's fault? He was sick of being hated for something he didn't chose. He had no idea what it was and didn't care. They chose to make him unhappy since day one. They weren't good people. They were awful, monsters. They pretend they were a good family but it was a lie. They were the worst. They had steal from him, treated him like a piece of crap. He felt anger through his veins... It was like a poison. He felt he could hurt them badly if given the chance. And he felt horrible for having such thoughts. He didn't want to get up. He felt safe that way, no one hurt him while he was in his bed under the blankets, all alone.

He heard footsteps coming and the door opens. He closed his eyes, trying to pretend he was asleep but it didn't fool his teacher.

"Potter, I know you are not asleep. You need to eat something, it's lunch time. I won't repeat myself."

The door closed. Harry sighed. He felt ashamed about yesterday, about crying in Snape's arms like he was trusty. Was he? Harry didn't know what to think. At that moment, he needed an adult to comfort. Snape did, more or less. He took him back, didn't yell at him or look at like he usually do. Maybe it was an improvement. Still Harry didn't know what to think about his teacher. Could he trust him? About protecting him from Sirius Black by letting him stay in his house, yes. Will he be here during the year if Harry needed someone? He wasn't sure. But Snape had saved him once right? During his first year from Quirell. Dumbledore had told him it was because Snape owned a debt towards James Potter, that's all. It meant he had some honor. But Harry was afraid, afraid of trust someone that would deceived him at some point. Adults couldn't be trust completely, right? Part of him wanted Snape to stay his hated teacher but an another one wished he could be a little more. Not much, just he will listen when Harry needs to talk since he had witnessed his weak side. He still had the impression something was crushing him. He cried again, feeling ashamed. Dumbledore and many people knew now. He just hoped it will never reach the ears of his comrades, he'll never ear the end of it, especially from Malefoy.

He get up with great difficulties, dressed himself and went down the kitchen. Snape was here, waiting for him, always dressed in black. He stared at him. Harry sit down and eat in silence. The meals always had been silent but this one was an unbearable one. Harry could feel the tension. When he was done, he was about to go back to his bedroom but Snape stoped him:

"Not so quick Potter."

Very slowly, Harry turned his head. Snape looked angry alright.

"Sit down."

So Harry did, feeling a little scared. He looked at his teacher. He seemed angry but as Harry did something wrong not with the expression of disgust Snape usually have.

"So care to explain why you ran out like an idiot knowing there is a murderer after you?

-I... I...don't know. I wasn't thinking.

-Obviously. What if Sirius Black found you before I did?

-I…. probably be dead by now….

-Good, your brain seems to work a little. I told you not to get out of the house!

-I needed to... go away I guess. I was so upset about what she told me. I knew they didn't like me but it was... too much hearing that."

Harry was looking at his feet. He felt he could put his head on Snape's shoulder but he restrain himself. He was still embarrassed that he carried him

"Look at me Potter.

-Yes sir...

-I understand you were upset. I guess anyone would have been, but you need to control yourself! To control your emotions! You were lucky Black wasn't around. To let his feeling dominate you will conduct to your doom."

Harry had no idea how he should react to that. But the least he could do was:

"Sir, thank you.

-…. You welcome."

They stayed silence for a while. Then Harry looked up to his teacher. As usual, it was hard to say what was on his mind. But it will be soon the time to go to Hogwarts, his true home.

Before he could say something, Dumbledore came in with McGonagall.

"Potter, she said. I hope you know how scared we were because of your behavior.

-I already lectured him Minerva.

-Good, don't you dare act like that back at school. I'm asking you if you feel upset to talk about it with me or another teacher or even Percy since he's Head Boy now."

Harry wasn't sure he will be able to talk about his feelings with Percy or another teacher. As far as he was concerned, it was enough.

"Was it true? Harry asked. What Umbridge said?

-Miss Umbridge Harry, answered Dumbledore. And yes, I'm afraid it's true. We didn't want to tell you that."

Harry wished he didn't, he wished someone would obliviate his memories of that conversation. Maybe Lockart felt better now?

"Can I go to my room?

-Alright Potter."

Harry ran through and lay on the bed. He felt better now. Hedwig sat beside him and he hugged her, she pushed her head against his.

"Thank you Hedwig, you are a true friend."

She bit his ear nicely, Harry chuckled. He felt sleepy, he'll feel better tomorrow, probably but still he felt cold….

"WHAT?"

Harry jumped. Was that Snape who screamed like that? He went out of the bedroom to listen what happened.

"Are you out of your mind? He's probably an accomplice of…

-Severus, trust my judgment, everything will be fine. I'm asking you to begin the potion's preparation.

-Does the ministry agree?

-Well, I won't deny it was hard to convince them…

-How surprising.

-Severus, Harry heard McGonagall, you're an adult now and you should be able to stay professional.

-I beg your pardon?

-You heard me, if you don't behave I shall take measures. After all, I was your teacher once.

-Are you serious?

-Yes I am.

-Fine, but if something goes wrong, don't say I didn't warn you. What are you doing here Potter?

-I heard you scream sir….

-I didn't, your ears are too delicate."

Dumbledore smiled while McGonagall raised her eyes.

"Let's just say Harry that Severus doesn't agree with the nomination with our new teacher of Defense against the dark arts.

-So you missed the job again?"

Harry regretted his words, for a moment he thought Snape was going to kill him. Or rather his eyes were saying the moment they will be alone, he'll make him sorry for saying that.

"Well, that's all, we'll see you at Hogwarts Harry."

And they went. Harry didn't dare to look Snape. At least it had made him forget about the Dursley for a while.

"Sorry sir, it's just everyone knows you want the job so….

-You are lucky the semester hasn't begun. Otherwise I would have taken 50 points from Gryffindor."

Harry knew he was able to do that so he just nodded. But he laughed.

"Why are you laughing?

-Sorry, it's just your reaction, and that professor McGonagall lectured you like you were a child.

-Glad I made you laugh, are you feeling better know?"

Harry didn't know what answer that. Yes a little, but still he felt cold and unsure especially towards Snape. Could he trust him? Will he be here for him like this summer or the moment school would began, he would be satisfied because he won't have to baby sit him?

Harry was afraid of the answer but decided to say:

"A little better sir.

-Fine go rest if you want.

-I rather do puzzles if you don't mind.

-I don't."

Harry settles himself and saw that his unfinished puzzle was still here, Snape didn't remove it. He wanted to ask. But then he thought. Why did Snape hate him? Because he looked like James Potter. But still Snape saved his life in his first year. Dumbledore said it was because James saved him once. So it means Snape had honor that was much more than the Dursley. He helped him with his homework, took him to the forest, while all he had to do was to feed him. So he felt he had to go through all the process when it came to have a child under his roof. Yes Snape had been kind to him in a way. And now that he knew all about him, he'll be more reliable. He actually had more fun with him than his family, how ironic.

Snape sat in his chair and read a book. All both in their activities and yet it wasn't weird at all. It was like a home almost….