"Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age."
-Colin Powell
11
Bad News
When Harry woke up it was close to eleven am, but he had needed the extra time to sleep since yesterday he had been awake a whole three hours more than usual. He dressed in simple Muggle clothes and opened the door to go downstairs when a tawny owl flew in, landing on his bed.
Unfolding the parchment, he saw scratchy handwriting and knew it was from Hagrid.
Harry,
I was happy to see you, don't get me wrong, but you should stay where you're supposed to. You can take a sigh of relief though because I'm not going to tell Professor Dumbledore. But if you go out again, I will. Every other wizard is in hiding, but Black is after you, and you're the only one outside. That's not wise, Harry. Please stay safe,
Hagrid
"I know, I know," Harry muttered to himself. He grabbed some parchment, the white quill, and the other necessary items to writing a letter.
Hagrid,
You have no idea how happy I was to see you! I haven't seen anyone, but Snape, for over two weeks. When Snape went out last night, I decided to get a Butterbeer to warm me up. I was being extra careful and I had my Invisibility Cloak on. Sorry if I upset you, Hagrid. Thank you for not telling Professor Dumbledore. I'll see you in September. (And don't worry about what's written on the letter, I have a special quill.)
Harry
Harry re-read the letter before tying it to the owl's leg. The bird flew off in the direction of Hogwarts, and he left the room, making his way downstairs.
Still in the sitting room asleep was Snape. He was almost exactly in the same position as he was hours ago, except for his head, which turned to rest on his own shoulder, and his legs, which were now out in the front of him.
Starving, Harry went straight to the kitchen. There wasn't a lot of food, but he managed to make himself a couple of scrambled eggs and got a glass of pumpkin juice. He put the plate and glass on the table and sat down. And then he heard Snape moan in his sleep.
There was no doubt in Harry's mind or anyone else's that he despised Snape with a deep, emotionally-tied loathing. But as Snape lay in the next room, he couldn't help but feel slight pity…really slight, as in miniscule. But he decided to make a mug of coffee for his professor anyway. There was no harm in doing so.
After pouring hot water into the instant coffee, since there wasn't a coffee-maker, Harry grabbed the handle of the mug and walked into the sitting room. He laid it down on the cocktail table with an intentional loud thud, so that Snape would wake, which he did, groaning slightly.
Harry stood there as Snape gathered himself. He rubbed his face and eyes with his hands and took a couple of deep breaths. Eventually, he realized Harry was standing there, and looked up at him oddly.
"I made you some coffee," Harry stated plainly.
"Oh…err…you didn't have to," Snape said unemotionally, not looking at him.
"I know, but…you're letting me stay here…" Harry trailed off awkwardly. He quickly walked back to the kitchen.
Before going in, Harry glanced back. Snape was leaning forward, his elbows on his thighs as he put his face in his hands. He could just make out the sound of the man sighing.
After Harry walked into the kitchen and ate his breakfast, he put the empty plate and glass in the sink and walked out of the kitchen to see Snape gone, as well as the mug. At least he had drunken the coffee. As he passed the lavatory upstairs, he heard Snape taking a shower. Harry chuckled to himself as he thought about how Snape's hair was always greasy no matter what. Did he just neglect his hair and never bother to wash it all? Or did he wash his hair with actual grease?
He walked into his room and shut the door, smiling slightly at the thought. But his laughter didn't mask the uneasiness in the pit of his stomach – he was worried about the Weasley's, and hoped a letter came soon.
--
Nevertheless, a letter didn't come until late the next day. Harry didn't know how long it took to get to Egypt and back, but he wasn't eating because he was so anxious. If the letter said that the Weasley's were going right back to the Burrow, he felt as if he would throw something, and a plate of food was sitting in front of him, untouched.
Snape, who was reading the Daily Prophet, sat across from him. Harry was holding his fork as he poked at his food, which had at one point been warm. As he prodded some cold rice, he heard a flutter of wings and looked up quickly.
Hedwig flew into the kitchen and landed on the table between him and Snape. Harry stood up to retrieve the letter. He read it as he stood.
Harry,
I don't know how you know, but we trust you and we're glad you told all of us. Molly has already made arrangements for us to stay at the Leaky Cauldron when we return. We'll be staying there for four to five days. Hopefully, when we get back I can come see how you're doing. I'll ask Dumbledore if I can bring Ron. By the way, Ron told me to say hi and that he hopes to see you soon and he'll tell you all about Egypt when he can. Thank you and stay safe,
Mr. Weasley and family
"Thank, Merlin," blurted Harry, contentedly, forgetting Snape was there. Hedwig was now eating his dinner.
A cold, spiteful voice from across Harry drawled, "Didn't I say no letters could be taken in or sent out?" Snape had refolded the newspaper, which was lying next to his plate.
"It's from Mr. Weasley," Harry assured, as if Snape would care, as if it justified the letter. "He was just telling me something."
"Let me see the letter, Potter," demanded Snape. His arm was extended with his palm facing up, waiting for the parchment to be placed upon it. But Harry knew that once he read it, he would ask what it is he warned them about and how he knew if he was supposed to be inside at all times.
"Err…" But Harry could think of nothing to do or say to stop Snape from seeing the letter. He placed it on Snape's palm.
There were a couple seconds of silence as Harry waited for the numerous questions that he knew were going to come his way, but they never did.
"There's nothing written here," Snape informed, slightly bewildered.
Harry sighed, noiselessly, in relief. Mr. Weasley must have used Ron's white quill, and he was glad he did. It was good thinking on Ron's part. "He must've used a special quill or ink because I can read it."
A smirk appeared on Snape's face as he said, "Good, then you can read it to me." He handed the parchment back to Harry.
As Harry took the parchment, he looked it over, trying to figure out what he could say that wouldn't make Snape ask questions. "Err…'Harry, Hopefully, when we get back I can see how you're doing. I'll ask Dumbledore if I can bring Ron. Stay safe, Mr. Weasley and family.' That's it."
It was obvious Snape knew he had lied or left out a part, which he had. His eyes were narrowed in suspicion, but he couldn't prove it. He couldn't read the letter, and Harry smirked as Snape's mouth turned into a thin line.
"No more letters, Potter. Anymore, and this place won't be safe any longer. And it would be such a shame if you died," Snape taunted with obvious sarcasm as he stood up and left.
Harry refolded the letter and placed it in his trouser pocket. He really hoped Mr. Weasley did come to visit with Ron. He hadn't seen either of them since the end of June, though he particularly wanted to see his friend.
As his thoughts wandered randomly, Harry wondered how much his friend had grown since the last time he had seen him. Ron seemed to have numerous growth spurts in short amounts of time. Though he doubted Draco or Hermione would have such drastic changes in their height or appearance, he wondered if they looked different as well. He hadn't seen them in a couple of weeks either. How much had his friends changed while he was locked away from the world?
Was Harry the only one who hadn't changed? But then again, maybe he had…just in a different aspect.
Harry knew he had changed less in looks and more in personality and behavior. He knew it was from staying with Snape, who only fought with him, and from Black, who was trying to kill him. The constant reminding from everyone to stay safe and stay inside was driving him mad. It only made him want to be outside more and be more reckless. He would rather go outside whenever he pleased and risk being caught by Black than be stuck indoors and constantly be told to be safe.
The only reason Harry obeyed the rules and stayed inside was because it was Dumbledore who had set them and it was Dumbledore who had placed him there. And he didn't want to go against his headmaster, not when he had done so much for him already. Harry knew ever since he had told Dumbledore about what he had seen in the Mirror of Erised in his first year that Dumbledore didn't completely trust him. So, he didn't want to give Dumbledore a reason not to.
Harry departed from his thoughts to see Hedwig still there. She had picked at some of his dinner. As he looked at her, she hooted and then flew away, probably into his room.
On the table, Harry noticed, lay the Daily Prophet, so he picked it up, curious. Was there anything about Sirius Black today?
Dark Disturbances Near Hogsmeade
If you've been to Hogsmeade in the past few days, you would have noticed, not only the posters for Sirius Black, but the posters warning that Dementors are to search the village. The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, tells us they will start patrolling the streets for Black on the 15th of August at sundown. "The Ministry is working tirelessly to find Sirius Black. That's the reason we've decided to have the Dementors patrolling. We all want Black to be found as soon as possible, so please be on the lookout," Fudge said, who did indeed look worn out from his work. A reporter asked Fudge why the searches were starting so late in the summer when Black had escaped in the middle of July, and the Minister replied with, "If I could've had the Dementor searches start before the 15th, I would've. But there were a lot of people to go through to get approval, despite the fact I'm the Minister. It was a long process." Fudge also told us that he advises those shopping and working in Hogsmeade to finish or close up their shops before the Dementors start their daily search. And we have just been informed that Dumbledore, by Fudge's persuasion, is now planning for Dementors to guard Hogwarts during the school year. Of course,they would want all students, like Harry Potter, as safe as possible within the well-known castle.
Harry already knew of the Dementors around Hogsmeade since he had been told two days ago by Madam Rosmerta. But he hadn't known about them patrolling Hogwarts. Would those creatures actually be inside the castle? Of course, Harry had never been around one before, but he knew they brought out someone's worst memories and he didn't want to be in the proximity of a creature like that. Were they going to be in the classrooms, in the Great Hall, and in the dormitories? If so, he would never be able to concentrate or eat or sleep. Harry sincerely hoped Dumbledore had told Fudge that they should stay outside where they belong.
--
Something was hitting the windowsill loudly. Harry picked up his head slightly to see rain beating against the half-open window. Water was splashing lightly into the room, but he was too lazy to get up and close the window, so he left it and fell back asleep.
Hours later, Harry awoke. The pouring rain had still not ceased to stop. He knew it was morning, but it was so dark outside it looked like night, giving the room a cave-like appearance. The floor below the window was wet and the walls were also slightly damp.
Harry turned on the lamp, grabbed his glasses, and walked over to close the window. With his sock-covered feet, he accidentally stepped on the wet carpet and moaned with discomfort. He closed the pane, but the sound of rain hitting the window only seemed to get louder. He rubbed his eyes as he walked to his trunk and got dressed. After he opened the door to his room, he saw that Snape's door was slightly ajar. He closed his door quietly and peered in from the hall. Harry had never seen Snape's room before.
Inside, on the wooden floor were numerous piles of large books, in addition to some clothes and cloaks. There was a wooden-framed bed covered in gray sheets with the headboard against the left wall. A desk to the right of the bed had even more books and papers upon it, as well as a small iron cauldron. An old wooden chair with a black cloak hanging over it was tucked lazily under the desk. There were a couple of shelves above the desk, upon which there was numerous vials filled with different colored potions. A window was opposite the door, but it was half-covered by a thick navy blue curtain.
Harry didn't see Snape inside, so he must be…
"What do you think you're doing?" a voice asked.
Harry straightened in posture, his eyes opening wide, as he turned quickly. He didn't know what to say. "I—I was just…"
Without saying another word, Snape moved past Harry, further opening the door to enter. He looked back at him and then closed the door in Harry's face.
Harry stared at the door for a few moments, hearing some movement on the other side. He moved to go down the stairs, walking over the third to last step. He wasn't very hungry, but he sat down at the kitchen table nonetheless. There was no newspaper, so Harry knew Snape hadn't gone to get one.
The calendar in his room said it was the 7th of August, and that meant he had been in Spinner's End for three weeks. Dumbledore told him seven days ago, he would try to find him another suitable place to stay, but Harry hadn't heard anything from him. He didn't want to stay here anymore. He was confined to this hell hole and wanted out.
Unexpectedly, there were three knocks at the door. Harry stood up, inching closer to stare intently at it. He didn't know who could be at the door, and though he doubted Black would knock before coming in to murder him, he still didn't want to turn the handle. As Harry stared, Snape Apparated in front of him, grabbed the handle, while smirking mockingly at his apprehension, and then opened the door.
Dumbledore stood there, getting rained on. Snape moved aside, and his headmaster walked in. The usual sparkle was in Dumbledore's crystal blue eyes, but he seemed somehow downhearted. He turned to look at Harry, who was now standing in the archway between the sitting room and the kitchen.
"I have something to tell you, Harry," Dumbledore muttered, none too happy. Harry didn't like the sound of that. His headmaster motioned for him to sit on the couch, which he did. Dumbledore sat in one of the armchairs, facing him. Snape stood to Harry's left, near the stairs.
Dumbledore announced, "It's my misfortune to tell you, Harry, that I couldn't find another refuge for you to stay at. There was no one who would take you in. I'm sure, had it been any other circumstance, anyone would love for you to stay with him or her. But considering you're being hunted down by Sirius Black, they would also be at risk, and no one wants to take that chance."
There was a quick glance at Snape, before Dumbledore turned back to Harry. "It seems Professor Snape is the only one up for the job. So you'll be staying here until September 1st."
Harry nodded grimly, though he would much rather punch the wall. He felt as if he had just been told that he was on death row, but would be dying sooner than expected.
"It's not the end of the world. I'm sure both of you will be just fine," assured Dumbledore, a small smile forming on his lips. He turned to Snape. "Severus, every so often go get some Butterbeer for yourself and Harry. It will make staying inside easier." Snape nodded slowly.
Dumbledore stood. "I'm sorry I cannot stay longer," he said, looking from Harry to Snape and back. "I don't know if you read the iDaily Prophet/i yesterday morning, but, in case you were wondering, there will indeed be Dementors at Hogwarts. Now I must set out to ensure they stay outside. Fudge seems to think they will be patrolling inside as well, roaming the corridors as they please. I cannot let that happen, so good day to you both."
His headmaster gave him a small nod and then Disapparated. Harry knew Snape was probably never going to get Butterbeers for either of them. He wasn't very hungry anymore, knowing he would have to stay with Snape for the rest of the summer. He went upstairs into his room, where he stayed to sulk for the rest of the day.
A/N: Oh no! Harry has to stay with Snape the whole summer! What ever will he do? Anyway, I'm sorry if Harry was a bit out of character.
Preview of Chapter 12—Break-In At The Burrow:
Ron and Mr. Weasley, while staying at the Leaky Cauldron, come to visit Harry at Spinner's End, but when the Weasley's go back to the Burrow all is not well…
