Harry sat up, he had thought he had sensed another's presence. Frowning whilst making sure he had no traces of the tears on his face that had come regardless of how forbidden they happened to be, he strode over to the door and opened it. Finding nobody there he closed it properly. In just a few hours it would be time for lunch, well Snape could stuff his lunch elsewhere! He thought bitterly. I have no desire to eat and quite frankly I am sick of the way he treats me! He thought indignantly. He settled himself on his bed and quickly fell asleep, forgetting to at least attempt to clear his mind. Soon he was caught in the throes of yet another nightmare. Thankfully though, upon waking he discovered that he seemed to have not made any noise. That was one conversation he didn't want to have with the annoyingly watchful man. He looked for his wand and muttered quietly "Lumos!" at once his wand tip lit with a bright light and he had to blink a few times before the distortion left his sleep - cladded eyes. He noted it was 2am whilst his stomach rumbled suddenly. He got out of bed and made toward his desk in the corner. Quietly so as to not to wake Snape or the house – elf Poppy, he grabbed two separate parchments and began writing notes. To Ron he wrote:
Sorry, Ron.
I appreciate you trying to comfort me. I guess I just lost it before, it hasn't exactly been a bundle of laughs for me lately. I'm OK, give my best to Hermione and the other Weasley's. I missed you guys. Having nobody to talk to has been hell. The Bat has been his usual pleasant self as you guessed, but at least I get proper meals now. Where are you guys anyway? Write back soon, I think I may go mad here! Please don't say anything to Sirius about Him if you happen to hear from him, you know how he gets. I don't think it wise to mention by name who I am discussing in case the owls are intercepted, it may be best if you guys do the same. All my best,
Harry.
Reading it through a few times just to double check that it couldn't possibly reveal too much information about his location or who he was with if it happened to be intercepted, deciding quickly that it was acceptable in his eyes at least, he sealed it tightly. Next he ground out another note to Sirius. He missed the man quite badly.
Hey Sirius,
how are you and Buckbeak doing? Things are pretty quiet here, I am catching up on different subjects though! My school work that was given to us at the start of the holidays is already completed, never thought I'd ever say that! Give my best to Beaky, hope you are well,
Harry.
There that should do it, he thought satisfied. Calling softly to Hedwig, she fluttered down from her open cage and landed on his shoulder softly but not before giving him a quick clip across the face with her wing for being ignored for so long. She watched him with solemn eyes as she waited patiently for her owners' next instruction. Harry stroked her gently muttering words of apology. "Sorry girl, you know I love you, but I've just had other things on my mind lately." he stated. She hooted quietly, and Harry took this to be an understanding. Back at the Dursley's she was the only living thing that didn't look at him with pure loathing or accusation within her eyes. "Take these straight to Ron and Sirius, Don't stop for anything or anyone unless you need to, it may not be as safe for you right now as it was before." He whispered softly, feeding her a couple of owl treats and stroking her snowy – white neck as he spoke. She hooted in acceptance and nibbled his finger affectionately before flying off with the two letters attached to her leg. Please Hurry Back, Harry thought sadly as he watched her journey begin. Soon, too soon she was out of sight and Harry sighed to himself sadly, she was indeed the only thing here too that didn't hate him strongly, he thought sadly.
Snape was still brewing in his lab, he heard the siren alert him that somebody had been walking around his house. Had the boy not been residing in it with him, he would have instantly gone to investigate as it was he simply ignored it. He would know if there was anything wrong after all. Calling to his house – elf, he asked her to go up to the boy and check on him subtly, offer him any refreshments he may require and then to ensure he was safely back in his bed. He warned her to be discreet to which she squeaked in reply quickly "Of course Master Severus, Poppy is doing anything Master is wishing!" She stood practically jumping with excitement, it was no secret she had come to favour the boy much like everyone else in the blasted world. Grumbling to himself as he thought of this, he said "See that you do." as he gave her a firm nod of approval for her to leave his presence. "But I must ask you to return here and report to me exactly what it is the boy is doing at this hour." he added.
With a squeal of joy and nodding her answer in return, she quickly popped out of the potions lab and into Harry's room. "Is master Potter having trouble sleeping sir?" she enquired, eyes full of adoration.
"No, Poppy, but please call me Harry." he said quickly, the house -elf's obvious love for him making him blush. He loved the house - elf dearly, but it reminded him of Dobby all over again and he didn't need another house – elf attempting to save his life again, did he? After a few moments of the house elf bouncing on the the balls of her feet, he asked the only thing on his mind at the moment. "Poppy... I wonder... May I please have a drink and a sandwich? It doesn't have to be anything special... I guess I'm just hungry..." he trailed off, assessing the little creature's reaction.
"Of course Master Harry, Sir! That is what having a house elf is being for Sir!" and with a snap of her fingers, a plate of chicken and stuffing sandwiches appeared magically at Harry's desk.
"Thanks, Poppy!" he replied happily, he gave her a big smile before grabbing one and eating it gratefully.
"No problem, Master Harry, but Poppy is wondering... what is young master doing out of bed so late?" she asked lightly, whilst sneakily taking in his appearance ready to report back to her first master of the house.
"I couldn't sleep anymore so I wrote two letters to Ron and Sirius," Harry answered truthfully and then elaborated when he saw the little elf's eyes widen suddenly. "I didn't give anything away about our location though or who I'm staying with, I know there's the danger that Hedwig could be intercepted" he finished quickly, eager to ease the creature's concern – filled eyes.
Poppy relaxed visibly immediately, a smile gracing her face as she realised there was no danger to them or the young boy. "Master Harry is most bright to think of such things Sir, Master Harry's familiar Hedwig is very bright also, Sir. Young master should be proud!" she squeaked.
Harry muttered his thanks again, blushing as he did so. "I'm going to bed now Poppy, Thanks for the food and the company." he gave her a real smile that actually touched his eyes for a brief moment before handing her the plate and jumping back into bed. He had learnt rather quickly that it was pointless trying to take care of his own plate after first arriving at Snape Manor. He chuckled silently at the thought before rolling over and falling asleep again. He didn't even stay awake long enough to hear the small * pop * that indicated Poppy leaving his rooms.
Poppy quickly arrived back in her first Master's company, as he gave her a sharp look with his eyebrow raised in question, she quickly ground out her answers. "Master Harry is safe and well Sir, he is not doing anything that is wrong Sir. He is sending letters to his friends but is thinking of the dangers that may surround his owl so he is making sure there is nothing that can be scrutinised too closely Sir". She finished off happily.
With a nod of approval, he sent the house – elf along her way, uttering a small but honest amount of praise. The house – elf beamed and left quickly, retiring to her own quarters. Snape stopped stirring and decided to go to bed himself, it was now 3am and he had to be up early to get through yet another day that was consisted with the blasted - boy - who- lived- to – drive – him – crazy. Yawning as he ascended the stairs, he settled himself down for a small amount of sleep. He had never needed much anyway. He had his father to thank for that, he thought darkly to himself before rolling over and subconsciously bringing his defensive walls up.