Chapter 8

"Part of what I do and what I want to do is I want to bring art into the everyday life. If you can take ordinary just walking in the street and you're confronted by something that might change your day - it might inspire you."

Kenny Scharf

The next morning Harry was roused by Bipo.

"Master Harry Potter, Sir, you have to wake up!" As Harry finally opened his eyes, the little elf smiled.

"Breakfast is ready in half an hour, Master Harry Potter." Harry thanked the elf, and slowly stood up to get dressed in the unknown clothes on the chair; he brushed his teeth and went downstairs towards the kitchen. Snape was already seated at the table, on which stood a bowl of steaming porridge and toast, and was reading the Daily Prophet. Harry hesitated slightly before he stepped into the room.

"Good morning, Professor" he murmured quietly and sat down opposite Snape, who just nodded at him. Hesitantly he reached for the bowl of porridge and a slice of toast, which lead to a slight twitching of the corner of his mouth. Harry quickly turned away and noticed that he was getting red.

He was embarrassed as hell about the thing that happened yesterday evening, still he had thought about Snape's words and he did came to the conclusion that maybe he was right. After all he had never lied to him before, so why should he start now?

While he silently ate his breakfast and thought about it, Snape continued to read his newspaper and drink his coffee. Harry was wondering if he thought about what had happened or if he was just absorbed in his newspaper. Noticing that the man didn't eat breakfast he wondered if he had already eaten. Slightly shaking his head he saw that Snape had nearly reached the end of the newspaper and made a decision. If he didn't thank the man for what happened now, he wouldn't ever again. As he pushed away the bowl in front of him Snape looked up and Harry tried to hold his gaze.

"Um, Professor?" he asked hesitantly. The man arched one eyebrow questioningly and the boy tried to find the words to convey his gratefulness, but he didn't.

"Thank you!" in the end that was the words that left his mouth, but those two words conveyed all the emotions and thankfulness he felt. Snape's features grew a bit softer and the corners of his mouth twitched suspiciously.

"It was nothing, Harry" The black haired boy noticed the use of his first name and after a moment of surprise a splitting smile appeared on his face. Not that Snape would ever say it, but this reaction was worth swallowing his pride.

Still smiling Harry put his bowl in the sink. Snape had used his first name! Of course he had done so yesterday evening, but that was due to the situation. He didn't expect that the older man would continue to call him Harry. To be honest he wasn't all that sure why he was so happy about it, he didn't even like Snape. In the next moment he noticed his mistake; he didn't like the Snape at Hogwarts, but the Snape he got to know during the last days he did like, in a way.

"I have to brew a few potions for Madame Pomfrey, if you should need anything or something happens I'm in the lab", those words brought him out of his thoughts. He turned towards Snape and nodded to show that he had understood. Snape too nodded at him and disappeared the next moment. Harry decided to go back to the library to look for more spells and courses.

Now that Voldemort was back and everyone knew about it he had to prepare himself. He owed it to his parents. His friends, Cedric, Sirius and the wizarding world in general. If he would have put an effort in learning Occlumency, he could have saved Sirius. If he would have learned it, it wouldn't even have come this far. It was his own fault. Even though he had to admit that Snape didn't make it easy for him. He too remembered the memories he had seen in the pensive. His father hadn't been better than Dudley and his gang and in pained him to know that Sirius had just as much fun. Whether he wanted to admit it or not, he could understand that Snape didn't like him. He did look like James after all. Maybe Snape had known his mother too? It seemed like they all had been in the same year. Maybe one day he would be able to ask Snape.

Pushing all thoughts away he looked for more books he could use. After some time he had found two and walked towards the desk he had worked yesterday, he had left the parchment, ink and quill there, and started working on the books. Totally absorbed in his work he didn't notice as a few hours later Snape entered the library. He slowly moved towards the boy and came to stand behind him.

"I didn't know you were interested in books", he smirked as Harry flinched and turned around.

"I didn't hear you, Professor!" Snape now stood beside him and had looked at the parchment.

"That much was obvious. After all I am a spy, besides it wouldn't be half as much fun to look for students after curfew if they could hear me." Harry could vividly imagine how Snape walked through the corridors, smiling and rubbing his hands in anticipation. With that picture in mind he couldn't hold back his laughter and even Snape looked slightly amused.

"Originally I came to tell you that lunch is ready." Harry looked up, surprised.

"It's already that late?" The man arched his eyebrow.

"Obviously." Still smiling Harry put back the books and reached for the parchment to bring it to the room he stayed in. He told Snape what he was about to do, who nodded and went to go to the kitchen. Harry followed a few moments later. It smelled delicious and he had the suspicion that lunch was another soup. He walked into the kitchen and sat on his usual place opposite Snape. On the table stood a bowl of chicken broth and a vial with some yellowish liquid, which he recognised as the nutrient potion he had to take. Obediently he emptied the vial while Snape served himself a bit of broth. The potion definitely tasted vile! In hopes that the tasted vanished quickly he took some broth himself and a slice of bread. Both men ate silently. The silence wasn't uncomfortable, still Harry broke it due to his curiosity.

"Professor?" Said person looked up. "Does every wizarding family have a Manor?" Snape seemed to be surprised about the question but answered nonetheless.

"Most of the older wizarding families have if their ancestors reach back at least a few hundred years. It always belongs to the head of the family and most families have got more than one. However, today the tradition is barely continued." As surprised as Snape had been about the question, Harry was surprised that his question was answered without any amused or taunting comment.

"Do the Weasley's have one?" The man opposite him seemed to think about it before he answered.

"The Weasley's are one of the oldest wizarding families. The Manor should belong to Mr. Weasley's cousin", he then seemed to look Harry over. "Is there a reason for the question?" Harry just shrugged.

"I don't know much about the wizarding world, especially things like that or etiquettes", after a moment's hesitation he continued. "I always thought it wouldn't be much different than the Muggle ones, which was obviously wrong."

"If you want me to I can teach you some of the basic etiquettes", offered Snape, which Harry accepted gratefully. The Professor nodded and put his bowl in the sink.

"Do you know how you want to spend your afternoon?"

"I thought I would take a look around the park", he muttered while he too put his bowl in the sink.

"A bit of sun and fresh air would do you some good", he agreed and Harry nodded in agreement. As he made his way towards the living room he was stopped by Snape's voice:

"And Harry? Try to stay on the path. Next to the park starts the forest, which is full of magical creatures. The shields around the Manor hold them back, but if you cross them you won't have any protection. "Harry turned around again and grinned at him:

"Don't worry, Professor, I won't cause any trouble. As if I'd ever do that!" As Harry made his way through the kitchen towards the living room Snape couldn't supress a small smile. Harry heard his voice muttering something about trolls, basilisks and students, who didn't pay attention to rules. Harry grinned. Who would have thought that Snape actually had a sense of humour?

The living groom was a semi-circle just as the library was and the walls mostly consisted of huge windows. On the left side was a fireplace, which was framed by bookcases. In front of it stood a dark brown leather couch, which looked really comfortable. On the right side were more bookcases and a desk. On the left side of the book cases, in front of the windows stood a grand piano, which made Harry wonder if Snape could play or if it was just something a former Snape had used. As he made his way outside he gazed over the huge park. He thought he could see the pavilion he had seen from the balcony and decided to walk towards it. On his way he encountered different kinds of flowerbeds, which all seemed to be in perfect shape. Did Snape care for them or Bipo or maybe both? They seemed to be a mix out of magical and non-magical plants. He followed the path and after a few minutes he had reached the pavilion. He looked at it and had to hold his breath.

On the outside and on the inside of the pavilion grew red roses and it was surrounded by a bed of lilies. What caught his eye immediately were the sings of use. Two of the pillars were decorated with drawings definitely made by children. Laughing Harry imagined that quite a few were Snape's. His eyes wandered towards the ceiling, which made him gasp. The ceiling was covered by a beautiful painting. It was framed by roses while a sky drew circles towards the middle of the ceiling, where the sun was placed. It was unbelievingly realistic and the clouds, birds and petals seemed to move in a slight breeze. Harry sat down on the bank and leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment.

All in all he was glad that he had ended up with Snape. Thinking about the possibility that the Weasleys had found out everything made him uncomfortable. It wasn't that he was ungrateful; he just couldn't imagine that Mrs. Weasley or the others would understand that he needed some room and time for himself. Further they wouldn't have been able to help him with Voldemort's intrusion. He loved the Weasleys, they were like a family to him, but sometimes they were a bit much to take. His thoughts wandered to the night Snape had helped him. As he finally registered that Snape knew everything, every last bit he had tried to hide, his stomach protested and he willed the thoughts away. He didn't want to think about it, but his thoughts came to rest on yesterday evening.

It was embarrassing but also good to know how Snape would react to such situations. Instead of yelling or ignoring him, he had tried to sooth him, had taken it seriously and even tried to convince him that the Dursleys had been wrong. Most of all he was surprised by the use of his given name, but he had been happy about it in a strange way. Maybe that meant that he and Snape could start anew? After all he acted differently than the Snape in Hogwarts and maybe he would continue to act this way. It was highly unlikely, but Harry still did hope that they wouldn't go back to how things had been. Snape seemed to be a good man. Of course he had a difficult character and a dangerous temper, but in private he didn't seem so threatening, more than anything he mostly was relaxed. He didn't talk much, but he wasn't reclusive. Potions seemed to take up a great deal of his time and if the number of books in the manor was any indication, books did too. Bipo seemed to be content with him and was treated in a good way. He wasn't too sure if his professor ate on a regular basis though, after all he didn't eat much during mealtimes. Maybe he did eat snacks while working? Harry wasn't too sure about that either, but maybe he would get to know the reason during his stay at the Manor. Still, there was one thing he knew, he did not know why though, he was concerned about the man. Was he ill? Or was it the consequence of an illness?

After a bit of worrying, Harry continued his walk through the park. Checking the time he had noticed that it was nearing 8pm and that dinner would be served soon. Back at the manor he washed his hands and made his way to the kitchen. Snape was already there and nodded at him while Harry sat down. Clearing his throat he asked:

"I think we can try some more solid food if you feel up to it?" Harry nodded excitedly and the food appeared on the table: Mashed potatoes and cooked vegetables with butter.

After Snape had served himself he did the same and started eating slowly, savouring the taste and being glad to finally have some solid food. He did admit, however, that he wouldn't have been able to stomach it the last days. As Snape spoke again he looked up, surprised.

"Did you spend the whole afternoon outside?" There was no reproach in his voice, just a slight hint of curiosity.

"Yes, Sir. I didn't think that the park was that huge!"

"I hope you didn't have trouble finding your way?" Harry shook his head.

"I didn't. I just followed the path towards the pavilion and took the same path back."

"Which of the pavilions did you chose?" He stared at Snape with huge eyes.

"There's more than one?"

"Obviously", was the dry answer, which made him smile.

"I chose the white one, the one you can see from the balcony", he answered the question. "The painting on the ceiling is really beautiful, it looks like it's real!" The man opposite him smirked slightly and nodded in agreement.

"My mother thought a white pavilion was to boring and decided to paint it many years ago." Wondrous green eyes met black ones.

"Your mother really is talented!" Breaking the connection Snape finished his dinner before answering:

"Was. She died many years ago."

"Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't want to-", but Snape gently cut him off.

"It's been many years ago, Harry. There's no need to apologize." The boy hesitated and collected all his Gryffindor bravery to ask about Snape's ominous sister. It would fit the subject and he had been relaxed about the death of his mother, so it was likely that he would react the same way about his sister.

"Sir?" Snape motioned for him to continue, what he did after a moment's hesitation. "Do you have a sister?"

Harry realised his mistake instantly. Snape tensed up immediately and as he looked at him he had to swallow. His face was passive, neutral, but in his eyes lay coolness. What was even more alarming was the pain deep in his eyes. Calmly, which Harry found even more scary than yelling, Snape said a single word:

"Out!" He felt the magic that emanated from him and quickly left the kitchen, walking to his room.

Apparently Snape's sister was a sensible subject, which he wouldn't bring up again if he could help it. Lying on the bed he starred out of the window besides the bed and watched the sun go down. Would Snape hate him again in the morning? Would he make his life a living hell again? Or would he just ignore him? Harry sighted and closed his eyes. No matter what Snape did, it couldn't be worse than the Dursleys. Still he had hoped that the relationship between them would get better. He wanted Snape to like him, god knows why. He just knew that it was important to him.

Snape still sat in the kitchen, elbows on the table and head in hands. Why did the boy have to ask about Amalia? He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. He didn't want to think about Amalia and what happened again. He had to distract himself. To think about it simply hurt too much. A few potions and he should have a grip on himself and his emotions again. No sooner said than done. About five hours and three potions later he stepped out of his lab, and made his way upstairs to his room. Before he went to bed, he soundlessly opened the door to Harry's room. Not because he was concerned, but because it was a natural thing to do, wasn't it? The room was dark and he could make out the figure on the bed. He just turned around to leave the room as he heard a whimper. He stepped beside the bed and murmured a soft limos. The boy lay perfectly still, but his face was dripping with sweat. Again he whimpered silently.

Snape conjured a wet flannel and gently dapped his forehead, but the boy flinched away

"No, please", he muttered frightened. "Please, Uncle Vernon, I didn't' do anything!" Sighing slightly he sat down beside the small figure and softly shook his shoulder.

"Harry, wake up." As he didn't received a reaction he tried again, this time a bit harder. Harry woke up and flinched back instantly.

"Uncle Vernon, please…" he bagged and curled into a ball.

"Harry, you're safe", Snape whispered soothingly and took his hands in his own.

"Harry, look at me!" Slowly green eyes opened and blinked at him.

"Professor Snape?"

"That's right. Harry." Harry let out a breath of relief and slowly sat up. Without thinking about it, Snape had pulled him into his chest and wrapped his arms around him. The thin body trembled and he felt tears straining his robes. He softly cradled Harry's head against his shoulder and caressed his hair while muttering soothing words.

It wasn't because he had felt a deep pain where his heart should be as he had seen the boy this scared and vulnerable. It was because he didn't have this kind of comfort and therefore was the living evidence what happened with those people. The inkling that it maybe was more than that, he simply ignored.

*hides behind laptop* I'm terribly sorry that it took me so long to translate the chapter. I honestly have the motivation to do it; I just haven't got the time!

A huge thank you for all the lovely reviews!

gothangelp3

Thank you very much! I tend to be dissatisfied with my writing, but I guess everyone is somehow. However, I'm glad that you liked it and I was really really happy about your lovely compliment!