After the news that Death Eaters would most likely seek out Potter's Uncle Potter spent most of the day trying to convince Snape to go and get him. For over an hour they argued back and forth. Snape argued why he couldn't and Potter arguing why he should go and get him. Snape however had enough and had sent the boy, begrudgingly down into his lab to clean stacks of cauldrons. Before doing so he had laid down strict rules about not messing up his lab, destroying any ingredients found on the shelves or going through any of his private possessions.
He was glad to finally be rid of Potter. During their arguing a sever headache had formed causing him to retreat to the depths of his study for some much needed silence. Upon opening the study he saw that the table was still laden with food and dishes from the previous night. Snape had half the mind to call Potter up and have him clean up the mess, but soon disregarded that thought. Calling the boy back up would just give Potter more time to argue with him. A flick of his wand made the plates and food vanish; another quick flick removed the smell of stale food from the room.
Three vials appeared on the table, all of which he hungrily grabbed for. A Calming Draught, Headache Potion and a Pain Reliever Potion were what he desperately needed. After consuming all three he relaxed into his chair as the potions took immediate affect. Sighing he closed his eyes. His mind drifted to the lacerations that covered his chest. It was far too late to put dittany on the wounds. Instead they would scar over. The gauze however still mystified him.
The rest of the day dragged on. Lunch was a dull affair. Petunia didn't emerge for the meal. He only could assume that she was in her appointed room crying. Her son was quiet, but ate his food with vigor. Potter ate, but his pestering kept on throughout the meal. Snape resorted to the Langlock jinx once again, before finishing his meal and returning to his office.
Dinner came around at which point Petunia had showed herself. Her eyes brimmed with tears and her face blotchy from all the crying. She picked at her food, but hardly ate anything. Potter got another dose of the Langlock jinx before Snape ordered him to do his homework.
That rest of the night passed easily enough. Another headache draught and a pain reliever potion put him at ease and he slept throughout the night.
The next morning and afternoon were uneventful. That night however there was a scheduled Order meeting. He was a bit hesitant about leaving Potter alone again, but again he gave both boys and Petunia strict rules about staying within the house and not to go meddling through his things.
His arrival at 12 Grimmauld Place was met with screeching from the portrait of Mrs. Black. The hall was packed with people as they made their way down to the dinning room for the meeting. Everyone seemed to disregard the portrait that still could be heard shrieking from the floor above.
The table filled rapidly, as Severus tried to sit at the far end of the table by himself. However he didn't have any luck. Soon he was in the company of Minerva McGonagall and the large frame of Hagrid. He wasn't overly pleased with the situation. He would have rather sat by himself, but it was better company then Sirius Black. Black along with the Werewolf arrived moments after everyone had seated themselves. They seemed to have quieted the portrait of Mrs. Black.
"More people tonight." Minerva said, as her eyes roamed the room.
"New recruits." He muttered as he took in the few new members. Three of which were obvious. Bill and Charlie Weasley and the other he knew as Nymphadora Tonks. He didn't have a chance to ponder the others as Minerva spoke again.
"Yes, I assumed as much Severus."
His eyes snapped to hers just in time to see her roll her eyes. He was about to retort, but stopped abruptly as Albus strolled in taking his seat at the head of the table. The room fell silent almost immediately.
"Good evening everyone." Albus started as several people muttered greetings in return. "We have a few new members tonight so we'll start by introducing them. Then we'll move on to other busy. Here we have Bill and Charlie Weasley who are clearly some of the children of Arthur and Molly. Nymphadora Tonks who just completed her Auror training." Albus gestured to the pink haired witch who gave a small wave and in the process toppled over the goblet in front of her.
"Oh sorry!" Tonks muttered, but was brushed off by Molly, who with a flick of her wand had the mess cleared up.
Albus however was smiling nonetheless and continued on. "Yes, well where was I…ah yes. Here we have Hestia Jones and Kingsley Shacklebolt who is a senior Auror and in charge of the search of Sirius Black."
"You're doing a good job mate. I read this morning that they think I'm hiding out in Tibet." Black spoke a grin on his face. Kingsley returned the smile with a little nod. Snape however couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"Now that we have introductions out of the way we can continue with more important matters. Kingsley, how are things within the Ministry?"
Severus listened as reports were given by several of the members. Kingsley reported Fudge was still convinced that Dumbledore was making up stories to try and take over his spot at the Ministry. But to Severus that seemed obvious to anyone who picked up the Daily Prophet. Lupin reported no change so far on the werewolf front. That wasn't surprising to anyone though, and if one were to ask Severus he would say that it was a lost cause. Finally it was his turn to speak. He wanted nothing more for this meeting to be done with so he could return to his house and make sure that Potter wasn't rifling through his things. He put that from his head though as he began to speak.
"The Dark Lord, called me a couple days ago. He knows that Potter and his relatives have been moved from their home. To say the least, he wasn't very pleased." Subconsciously his hand touched the wounds through his clothes.
"I can imagine not. On that front I do have some news for you to pass on to the Dursley's as well as Harry." Albus' hand went to his grey beard as he fiddled with it. His face suddenly somber. "The Dursley's house burnt to the ground several hours after we moved them. I'm sure we all knew who was behind it."
"Wait." Sirius broke in his blue eyes on the Headmaster. "Shouldn't Snape know that it was going to happen? He is after all suppose to be our spy."
"Severus had no reason to inform us that the Death Eaters would search and burn the home down. We should have expected it. It is their way after all. No one was inside, and no one was hurt. It is sad that the Dursley's lost all of their possessions and the place that they called home but they are safe and that's all that matter's at this point."
Several people nodded in agreement, but Severus ignored them and continued on. "I need to know what you want me to tell the Dark Lord. Where do you want me to say they are?"
"You can tell him that Harry's with us." Arthur said his head turning from Dumbledore to Snape.
"Thank you Arthur, but I don't think that is a good idea. Your family is enough of a target as is." Dumbledore stated his face blank as he thought.
"Really Albus, we don't mind." Molly said with a quick look at her husband who nodded in agreement. "We've been a target since Harry and Ron became friends. Besides we're here much of the time lately."
"Yes, but one day you would like to return back there. I would prefer if we come up with another place."
"You can say he is living with me." Lupin voiced from the far end of the table. His face looking tired and weary.
"As much as I would prefer we go that route your monthly transformations would be a problem." Dumbledore's voice was gentle as he spoke to the werewolf who nodded his head in understanding.
"What about your mother?" Black asked as he turned to look at the pink haired witch. "She was always my favorite cousin. Would it be so hard to believe that she's looking after my godson?" Black turned to look at Dumbledore as if seeking his approval.
"Our choices are greatly limited… It of course wouldn't hurt to ask them. I will write to them soon and have a chat with them. If they agree then that would be fantastic. Either way I will get in touch with you soon Severus so you'll have something to report back to Voldemort." Dumbledore rose to his feet, and looked around the room once more. "Is there anything else we need to go over?"
"Vernon Dursley," Snape started, looking into the Headmaster's eyes. "He left the other morning. I had to oblivate him, but Petunia and her son remain."
"I see…" Dumbledore gave a nod. "Severus I would like a private word with you. This meeting is concluded. I will be away for a while, but if I am needed you all know how to reach me, yes?" Dumbledore waited for many of them to nod their head yes, and others to nod in response.
Soon the room filled with chatter, and the shuffling of chairs. It wasn't long before the room was empty and quiet aside from the footsteps on the floor above and the screeching of Mrs. Black's portrait.
Severus made his way down the elongated room towards the Headmaster. They stood by the fire, neither speaking for what felt like several minutes.
"Your meeting with Voldemort. What exactly happened?" Dumbledore asked, though his attention never left the blaze.
Severus recounted what had happened the night Voldemort called him, and what transpired the following morning. "Headmaster, I tried to dissuade him from leaving. Even his son Dudley couldn't convince him to stay."
"I'm sure you did Severus. He made his choice… It's unfortunate that he didn't choose another path, but we can't hold him hostage. We're not Death Eaters."
Severus nodded and let out a sigh.
"How are things going otherwise Severus?"
"Fine Headmaster… I haven't got any work done. Petunia is hysterical. She hasn't stopped crying since her husband left. That boy, Dudley has been walking around bored out of his mind. Apparently he's quite fond of the television and doesn't know what to do without it. Potter… is Potter." Snape said as he adjusted his robes.
"Yes, I imagine Petunia is quite upset. What I meant was; how are you Severus? Remus told me that you didn't look well that night."
Severus felt the heat rise to his face, "I'm fine Headmaster. I've lived through worse."
Dumbledore's face was solemn again. "Yes, you have Severus, but you are well, yes?"
"Yes, Headmaster." Severus gave him one final nod, as Dumbledore placed his pale wrinkled hand on his shoulder.
"Good. I will be in contact soon. Have a good night Severus." Dumbledore's hand dropped from Severus' shoulders as the headmaster strode from the room.
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose before righting himself. He left the room, but when he opened the door a red-haired girl stood on the other side. "What is it Miss Weasley?" His words were harsh, but seemed to have no effect on her.
"Mum said that if you could spare a few minutes she'd like see you in the kitchen."
The young Weasley girl turned quickly back up the stairs. Severus rolled his eyes and trailed behind her. He didn't want to speak to anyone. He wanted to his house and finish whatever work he had to do.
When he wondered into the kitchen he spotted the Weasley clan (minus Percy), Lupin, Black and Tonks. He ignored the others and made his way toward the stove. "Did you need something Molly? I am quite busy."
"Oh yes, of course you are dear." Molly smiled, setting a giant pot to the side.
Snape however cringed at being called 'dear'.
"I was just curious how Harry's doing. He's had quite the distressing year, and with recent events I'm sure it's taking a toll on him. Poor thing…" She muttered, before getting several plates ready.
"Potter is fine. I have him busy with his school work." He shifted uncomfortably with the current conversation, but he should of figured this is what she wanted to talk about.
"You better not be torturing my godson!" Sirius called from the far end of the room.
"You should be thanking me for taking care of what are your responsibilities. Having Potter do his school work is not torturing. For once he might actually get good marks. I know gratitude isn't something you're overly familiar with, but-"
"Anyways," Molly interjected rather loudly. "You tell Harry that we'll be seeing him soon. Ron is taking care of Hedwig. She made it here just fine." She pulled out several Pyrex dishes and shoved them into Snape's hands.
"What is this?" He asked his arms loaded with the glass dishes leaning precariously against his chest.
"Just some food." She said briskly, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Molly, this is really unnecessary." He shifted his arms, trying to give the dishes back to her, but she held up her hands and took a step back.
"No, no! You take them. There is some stew, treacle tart and some cauldron cakes. Treacle tarts are Harry's favorite." She said as her eyes misted over.
Severus frowned, trying to understand why this was something to cry over. He realized then that it wasn't worth his time. Molly always seemed like an overly emotional witch. "Thank you." He turned to leave but was stopped suddenly by the youngest Weasley boy and the Granger girl. "What is it?" He snapped, his irritation hitting a new low. They both exchanged confused looks before Granger started to speak.
"Well you see sir… Since Harry can't owl us we thought that you could give him our letters. I mean he must be so lonely there. Having no one to talk too. Not that you're not no one sir…" She added hastily, a blush rising to her cheeks. "But he doesn't particularly care for his relatives…"
Severus rolled his eyes, before replying. "Granger you and Weasley will see Potter in a couple of weeks. I'm sure you can wait until then to talk to him." Before he could be interrupted again he left the room and headed down the hallway, but just when he thought he was off the hook the Werewolf caught up with him.
"Severus, how are your wounds?" Lupin asked with a look of concern.
"I'm fine Lupin, but the gauze was a bit much don't you think?" He barked, the heat of the dishes against his chest causing the wounds to burn. Lupin however didn't seem to be bothered by his rude nature.
"Gauze? I didn't put any gauze on you." Lupin looked puzzled as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Funny, because when I woke up that morning I was wrapped in it. Now if you don't mind I must be going." Severus moved past him toward the door.
"Severus, I didn't put any gauze on you. It must have been someone else. Here take these." Lupin placed the envelopes on top of on of the dishes and turned away before Severus could get another word in.
Severus frowned, before carefully opening the door and apparating on the other side of it. The familiar pull from behind his navel and a swirl of colors later he ended up on his stoop and walked inside the dimly lit living room.
Potter looked up from his book confused from the worn chair.
"Get out of my chair!" Severus snapped. "Make yourself useful and take these." He said as the boy came closer. He thrust the dishes into the boy's outstretched hands, before removing his own cloak and shoes. "Weasley and Granger sent a couple of letters along. If you lot think I'm going to be your owl let me tell you right now it wont be happening." His biting remarks didn't seem to have an effect on the boy. It made Severus start to think he was loosing his touch.
"You saw Ron and Hermione?" Harry asked, setting down the dishes on the counter.
"I believe that is what I just said. The food is from Mrs. Weasley. She wanted me to tell you that your owl arrived and young Mr. Weasley is taking care of him. She also said that in one of the dishes there is Treacle tart for you. I implore you to eat dinner first. Your letters can wait until later." He said as he watched the boy pick them up and look at them like they were a rare artifact. Dudley seemed to show up on the mere mention of food. He was about to sit down before Severus ordered him to get some plates.
Soon the table was set. They sat in silence while they ate, but it wasn't long before Potter started in on his endless questioning.
"How did you see Ron and Hermione?" He asked when Severus handed him a vial of potion.
"An Order meeting." He replied, but soon realized it was a bad idea. It had slipped his mind that the boy didn't know about the Order. Soon he was explaining to him what the Order did and who was involved. Potter was paying such close attention to his every word that he forgot about his food and the potion. Snape noted that he had never seen such attentiveness from the boy. Dudley however seemed much more fascinated with the food.
"You want to pass the salt there Severus?" The boy asked with a mouth full of food.
Harry's mouth hung open, his eyes wide.
"Excuse me? It is either Professor or Sir to you, understand?" His voice was menacing, but he in no way wanted the boy to think that they were on a first name basis.
"Yes, sir." Dudley muttered as he was passed the salt.
"Anyway," Harry started in after a few minutes of silence. "You saw Sirius? How is he? Did he ask about me? Does he know I'm here?"
"Yes I saw him. As for how he is… I suppose that's debatable. I think he needs to be institutionalized myself. He knows you're here. Not very happy about it either." He poured himself a glass of wine, before sipping at it. "You'll be seeing him and your friends in a couple of weeks I believe. Drink your potion Potter. No more talking. From either of you."
A/N: Sorry it kind of ends abruptly. I was going to continue and realized it was getting kind of long. Hopefully I'll have another update soon. This one seemed to take a while...