Chapter 8

"I imagine that you are not that hungry, after all that cake, but you should still eat something small," Snape was saying. "It isn't good to skip meals."

Harry barely heard him. His eyes were trying to look everywhere at once and not succeeding very well. They were standing in a large foyer on what looked like a marble floor, decorated with the Prince crest and an intricate pattern. It was surrounded by wood floors in a rich tone, and the walls were hung with paintings and tapestries on nearly every surface. However, what caught Harry's attention the most was a sweeping staircase big enough for Uncle Vernon's car to drive down if such a thing were possible. The tread was the same rich wood as most of the ground floor, but there was a dark blue runner.

Suddenly realizing Snape was talking to him, Harry turned back to face his new guardian. Snape was standing next to Harry's trunk and giving him a look that could best be described as amusement. Relieved that his new guardian wasn't angry, Harry gave him a sheepish shrug.

"A proper tour will wait until tomorrow, I think," Snape told him. "It's not that late, but you've had a busy day, and with the day you had yesterday, an early night would do you a world of good."

Without waiting for Harry's reply, Snape said, "Mimsy!"

A diminutive female house elf popped into view, dressed in a neatly pressed uniform with a Prince crest with a white lace-lined cap on her head. She produced a slight bow to Snape and then turned her bright, clearly curious eyes to Harry.

"Mimsy," Snape said with an affection that Harry had never heard in his voice, "this is Harry, my heir."

"Master Harry," Mimsy greeted, bowing to Harry with not quite as much vigor, but at least as much flair as she'd used with Snape.

"Once he has a bedroom, you can put his trunk there," Snape told her.

"Of course, Master Severus," Mimsy said, bowing out.

"Let's choose a room for you," Snape said to Harry, heading up the stairs. "Your room will be on the first floor. Most of the bedrooms are on that floor. There is also a small sitting room. The ground floor has the parlor, kitchen, dining room, library, and my study. The basement is my lab, and you are not to go there without my presence and my permission."

"Of course, Sir," Harry answered, mostly in response to Snape's pointed look, but also to the fact that it was obvious.

Not only did he have no desire to step foot inside a Potions lab without being required to, but he also knew that a person would have to be suicidal to go into Snape's lab without permission. He didn't need to be told that. It would likely be too soon that Snape forced him in there anyway.

They had reached the first floor. Harry was surprised at how open and bright it was, even at night. In contrast to Grimmauld Place, there was nothing gloomy or Dark about this house. The hallways were wide, and there were candelabras and torches lining them that mimicked modern lighting so well that it was barely noticeable that there was no electricity in the house. The doors they passed were open, and they seemed to be all similar bedrooms. Snape led him to one at the end of the hall.

"You may choose any room you like, of course," Snape told him as Harry followed him into the room. "I thought you might like this one, though. It has a good view in the daytime. There is a corner window with a window seat, and the west side looks out onto a pond. There's also a tree outside the window that Hedwig would like."

Harry looked around the room and tried to contain his emotions. Two or more of Dudley's bedrooms could have fit inside this room. There was a large four-poster bed with a deep blue duvet, but it wasn't the most dominant element of the room. Despite its size, the room was somehow cozy. Harry walked over to the window seat, looking out the lead paned glass to the moonlit grounds outside. He felt safe here.

"I like this room, Sir," Harry said, trying to sound as grateful as he felt without choking on the emotions that were welling up inside him.

"Then it is yours," Snape said simply. "I will send Mimsy up with your trunk and return to Grimmauld for Hedwig. I will be back soon. Will you be all right?"

"Of course, Sir," Harry assured him.

Snape nodded and left. Harry half expected him to Apparate, but the wards must have prevented it here as with at Grimmauld Place. They hadn't Apparated in either, he remembered. They had not used the Floo either. It was less convenient, but he figured it was safer.

Thinking of Floo made Harry realize there was a fireplace in the room. He decided it must be just for warmth. The room was incredible in every sense of the world. There was a large wardrobe over against one wall and two cozy armchairs with a table in between them next to a bookshelf. Another wall had a desk with a comfortable chair and a smaller bookshelf. Harry smiled. He had never had a decent place to do his homework before in the summer.

There was a pop from behind him, and Harry turned around to see his trunk had appeared at the foot of his bed. Mimsy had not appeared with it. Harry walked over to the trunk and opened the lid. There on top were his gifts from the Heir Ritual. He reached down and removed the mirror from his godfather.

"Sirius," he said softly, filled with indescribable mixed emotions once again.

"Harry?"

Harry almost dropped the mirror in surprise when he saw his godfather's face and heard his voice. He rushed over to the window seat and curled up in it, staring into the mirror. Relief coursed through him.

"Hi," he said in a soft voice.

"Hey, Pup," Sirius said. "How are ya?"

"I'm okay," Harry said. "I didn't mean to contact you. I just picked up the mirror, and I was thinking about you. I said your name, and you were there!"

"That's how it works, basically!" Sirius said. "I didn't get a chance to teach it to you. You must have really wanted to talk to me."

"I guess it's just … being here, it's a lot," Harry tried to explain.

"It's okay, Harry," Sirius said. "You know I told you it's okay, right?"

"I know, but I guess I worry that you'll be mad at me or feel bad," Harry admitted. "And sometimes I get mad at you."

"It's okay, Harry," Sirius said. "I'm not mad at you, and I understand why you're sometimes mad at me. Neither of us has to be, okay. We will move on. You are doing what you have to do, being there. I am not the one who can train you. I wish I could, but I can't."

"I know," Harry sighed.

"We'll talk later, okay, Pup? I'm sure things will work out alright."

"Yeah. Okay. Bye, Sirius."

"Bye, Pup."

Harry took the mirror and tried to decide what to do with it. He didn't want to risk breaking it, so he put it on top of his desk. Then he went over to his trunk and started taking some of his other gifts out since they were all on top of the rest of his things. He didn't have much—he'd never had much. He put the books in his bookcase, and he'd just finished hanging up his clothes when he heard a tap at the window.

"Hedwig!"

Harry ran to the window and opened it. Hedwig nuzzled him and perched herself on the sill. Harry went back to his trunk and rummaged around until he found an almost empty box of owl treats. He was going to have to see if he could somehow get Snape to take him shopping. He looked through the trunk for his Gringotts key. He had hidden it very carefully in case his relatives ever overcame their fear of magic and searched his trunk. It was inside a pair of socks in the toe, a smelly old pair of trainers.

Once he emerged from his trunk, Harry tried to decide where to hide his key now. He looked to the wardrobe. Maybe he didn't need to hide the key from Snape, but instinct was kicking in.

"What are you doing, Harry?"

Whipping his head around, Harry realized that he must look very guilty. He looked warily at Snape. He didn't want to tell him about the key. Every survival instinct he had was kicking up inside him, willing him not to let Snape take it.

"Just unpacking," Harry said in a voice that he tried to make sound casual, but which came out strained.

"Just unpacking?" Snape repeated.

"Yes, Sir."

"Then why do you look like I just caught you with your hand in the cookie jar?" Snape asked.

Since Harry had been raised by Muggles, he was familiar with the saying. He was surprised that Snape was, though. He looked at the man and then looked down. His hands were behind his back. He wished he had stuck the key in his pocket or left it in the shoe.

"Shall I ask you to turn out your pockets," Snape asked, "or better yet, show me what is your hands?"

"Please, Sir," Harry pleaded.

"Harry," Snape said sternly. "If you show it to me now, you will not be in trouble for defiance, and we will talk about it. If you have something you shouldn't have, you wouldn't have gotten in trouble for it anyway. Not yet, at least. We will be discussing all that. If you have something you don't want me to know about, I am afraid you're going to have to get over that. There can't be secrets between us."

Harry narrowed his eyes at Snape. He had a fair few things he didn't want Snape to know about. Snape had already taken his cloak. The Marauder's Map was tucked inside his fourth-year defense book, and he was not going to let Snape find it, whatever the man said.

"This is your last chance, Harry," Snape said. "If you don't show it to me now, there will be a consequence."

Harry considered asking what the consequence would be, but he decided it wasn't worth it. That would likely anger Snape, who would punish him and take the key anyway. There was no way out.

With a sigh, Harry handed it over.

"This is what you didn't want me to see?" Snape asked in disbelief. "Why?"

"I don't want you to take it from me, Sir," Harry said quietly.

"Why do you think I would?"

Shrugging, Harry stared at his feet. Snape's reaction was not what he expected. The man seemed more puzzled than annoyed, but Harry wasn't fooled. He was pretty sure he was still in trouble.

Snape nodded. "I see."

He handed the key back to Harry, who took it carefully with some measure of disbelief. Looking down at the object that had caused all the trouble, Harry wanted to disappear. He wasn't sure what to do now.

"Sir?" Harry asked tentatively.

"You do need to find a safe place to put that," Snape said slowly. "I do not want you to lose it. Then again, I imagine you have had charge of it since you were eleven?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Well, then, I trust you with it," Snape said. "But you won't be needing it."

"What?" Harry asked, genuinely confused and a little afraid. "Why?"

"I will be providing you with everything you need until you get a job and do it yourself," Snape said firmly. "You never should have been touching that money. You certainly should not have been shopping for yourself for school supplies and clothes, as I imagine you have done."

"Well," Harry said, "Mrs. Weasley sometimes did it for me."

"With your funds?"

"Yes, Sir," Harry said, still bewildered. "Why? What is wrong with that?"

"I do not want to get into it, Harry," Snape said, suddenly sounding very tired. "Partly because anything else I say on this matter will upset you, and partly because I do not have all of the facts. Suffice it to say, I will be investigating the matter."

Harry nodded, deciding he didn't want to talk more about this either at the moment. He suddenly felt very heavy. The events of the last two days were catching up with him.

Snape waved his hand, and an intricately carved wooden box appeared. He handed it to Harry. Harry opened it. It was empty.

"You can keep the key in there and put it on the top shelf of your wardrobe," Snape said. "I will teach you how to ward the box so that only you can remove it and open it. You can put anything you like in there."

"Thank you, Sir!"

"You're welcome, Harry," Snape said. "And in the future, please try to remember that I am not your enemy," he paused, "any longer."

Harry smiled a little at that. It was hard to learn to trust adults, especially when he was not used to thinking of Snape as on the same side. He nodded to let Snape know he had gotten the message.

"Let's head downstairs," Snape said, "we'll have a light supper, and then you can turn in for the night."

Although Harry followed Snape downstairs, he was not looking forward to trying to sleep and didn't feel hungry at all. When they arrived downstairs, Harry expected Snape to go to some elaborate dining room, but instead, they went to a breakfast room off the kitchen where Snape tapped the table to make two bowls of soup and a plate of rolls appear. There was also a pitcher of pumpkin juice and for Harry and coffee for Snape.

The meal was mostly silent. Neither felt like talking. Harry didn't feel unnerved, but he did feel exhausted. He ate a little soup, and then Snape sent him upstairs when he was staring at the bowl more than eating. Harry went upstairs, changed in the same pajamas Snape had given him and got into the luxurious bed.

If Snape came to check on him later, Harry didn't know it. When he woke up the next morning, he didn't even remember falling asleep the night before. It surprised him more than a little. He couldn't remember the last time he had slept through a whole night without nightmares. There might never have been a time.

The night before, Harry had barely paid any attention to the bathroom attached to his room. He'd never had a room with a bath. He'd never had a room of his own. The bathroom was large, with a bath and a shower. The tub looked large enough to lay down in and soak. It was an older clawfoot model but in good shape. Everything in the house was positively antique but looked new. The house elves took good care of the house and the furnishings and fixtures, Harry guess.

The tub looked great, and Harry couldn't resist taking a bath. He rarely got to do that. There was never time at Hogwarts and no tub like this anyway. The Dursleys were always shouting at him to hurry up and grousing at him about wasting hot water. This tub filled with water almost the minute he looked at it, and it was just the right temperature.

"I love magic," Harry whispered to himself.

After taking his time with the bath, he went to get dressed and saw clothes on his bed. Snape had provided him with brown trousers and a gray button-down shirt. They probably weren't clothes he would have chosen, but then again, he'd never chosen his own clothes, so it hardly mattered to him. When he picked them up, he saw new pants and socks under them. Snape had thought of everything, which embarrassed him a little. He wondered if Snape had just assumed all his clothes were rubbish or had actually checked.

Harry went downstairs to find Snape in the same room where they had eaten the night before, with a newspaper and a cup of coffee. Harry grimaced at the paper. He didn't want to see more stories about who he was, barmy or a liar.

"Good morning, Harry," Snape said mildly. "I see you slept well."

"Yes, Sir," Harry said, suddenly wondering if the comment was a rebuke about taking too long. "Am I late?"

"As I did not tell you a time to be at breakfast, how can you be late?" Snape asked, putting the paper down.

"Uh, right," Harry said.

As he had done the night before, Snape tapped the table, and food appeared. The plate in front of Harry had eggs, kippers, bacon, and three kinds of fruit. He stared at it in disbelief edging to horror. He wouldn't have been able to eat all of that food at Hogwarts, and he certainly couldn't do so after weeks of the Dursleys' starvation rations.

"I don't expect you to eat all of it," Snape intoned. "Eat a little of each food group. Some protein, some fruit."

Relieved, Harry nodded. He still didn't like the idea of wasting food but wasn't about to argue with Snape so early in the morning after sleeping so well. It didn't seem worth it for once.

"The house elves will find something to do with the leftovers," Snape told him, taking a bite of his own meal.

"How many do you have, Sir?"

"There are six," Snape said, "but they don't all work in the house. There is also a human caretaker. You will meet him later. His name is Mr. Gibbon. He is a wizard, although he's not much of one. He's near to a Squib, but he can defend himself if need be. He raises goats. As long as you don't harass his precious goats, you two should get along fine."

"He lives in the house?" Harry asked, suddenly nervous about the unknown quantity of another male in the house.

"No, he lives in his own home, about a half-mile from here," Snape said. "You will likely not interact with him much. He is a mild-mannered soul, Harry. If he does trouble you, let me know immediately."

"Okay," Harry said, feeling a bit like a baby for being nervous.

"I understand," Snape said. "I did not want to spring that on you, but I also did not want you to meet him by accident and be surprised. As for the house elves, you may ask any of them for something if you need it. They are not your servants, but I do not expect you to treat them that way. I know you better. They are all freed." He nodded in reaction to Harry's surprise. "Yes, I realize it's unusual. I did that when my grandfather died. I didn't do it out of malice, and I made sure they knew it. They all remain here of their free will, and they aren't paid, but they have all their needs met. I am sure if your friend Miss Granger heard the story, she would pester me for days for the details. It's complicated. I will tell you sometime. I was an angry young man and resented all of the trappings of Pureblood society. However, even I could not deny the value of this house. It's unplottable and has positively astonishing wards. My grandfather became more and more paranoid towards the end of his life. There is even a system of secret tunnels under the manor. I will tell you more about that later."

"Tunnels!" Harry cried.

"Yes, I knew that would get your attention," Snape said wryly. "You do not want to know the consequences if I find you down there."

"Yes, Sir," Harry said quickly. "But you'll show me, right?"

"Harry," Snape said sternly. "Those tunnels are warded. At some point in your training, I will show you how to use them, but you are not there yet. You won't go in there without me. Understood?"

"Yes, Sir," Harry agreed, feeling a little deflated. The tunnels sounded fantastic.

"I mean it, young man. If I find you down there, you will have trouble sitting down after it!" Snape snapped.

"All right, I get it," Harry said with a grin.

"You will," Snape grumbled.

"Any other cool stuff here?" Harry asked, unable to help himself.

"Harry, I am not sure you are listening to me at all," Snape said in frustration.

"Okay, okay," Harry said, a little more sincerely. "I'm sorry."

Snape gave him a stern look. "Well, I suppose it's natural for you to be curious. That's one of the reasons I told you not to go looking around. This house is much safer than Black's, but there are a few things. Most of them are in the basement and the third floor. Stay out of both unless you are looking for me or looking for trouble," Snape said.

"I never look for trouble," Harry said.

"Right, and Albus Dumbledore hates sweets," Snape groused.

"I don't look for it. I just find it," Harry clarified.

"We shall have to prepare you for when you find it," Snape said, "and you and I will discuss not going to look for it."

Harry raised his eyebrows. He wasn't sure how Snape was going to keep trouble out of Harry's life. So far, he was already in quite a bit of it.

"Yes, well, I suppose let's try not to attract any more since you already have enough," Snape clarified.

"First things first," Snape said. "You need to go shopping."

"That's the first thing?" Harry asked.

"I take my responsibility as guardian seriously," Snape said. "Also, that key is staying in the box."

Harry gave Snape an incredulous look. So far, he didn't like where this was going. He had barely opened his mouth to start objecting when Snape stopped him.

"Before you say what you are about to say, let me tell you something," Snape stated with a firm look. "This is non-negotiable. There will be plenty of things I am going to do with you, to you, and for you that you are not going to like. I am going to make you do things you do not like. You will have a choice in some things, but you will not have a choice in many things.

"And before you argue with me, I am not going to give you the standard adult excuses that I am the adult, and you are the child, or that I am doing it for your own good. Both will be true in some cases. I have more experience than you and know more than you do in many cases. That is why I am the one giving the orders, and you are following them. You have the option at any point to refuse to train, but you will still be my ward, and certain things will really not be in your control even then."

"Are you even going to tell me why?" Harry asked.

"I am imaging you mean that in a more general sense?" Snape asked. "Am I going to demand immediate, absolute obedience from you? Sometimes, in some situations, yes. There are dangerous situations, Harry, where I will tell you to do something, and you had damn well better do it, or you could get yourself killed. Or me. Or both of us. Or someone else.

Harry nodded. This wasn't about not wanting to go shopping anymore. The situation with Snape was complicated because the lines were blurred. He wasn't a son, and he wasn't a soldier. He was something in between. Sometimes, though, he just wanted to be one or the other. At the moment, he just wanted to avoid going shopping with Snape.

"You're taking me shopping?" Harry said, in close to a wine, as if they hadn't just been discussing absolute obedience in life and death scenarios. "For what?"

"I will answer the second question first," Snape said. "Whatever you need. Some things you can get from a catalog, and you don't need to go anywhere. You don't even need to go anywhere to get clothing. We can have a tailor come …"

He stopped because Harry was so horrified by that idea that the expression on his face must have clearly said so. He felt his cheeks redden with embarrassment at being so transparent. Really, this got worse and worse.

"If you don't like that idea, then you must go shopping," Snape said as if it were the simplest thing in the world. "However, you do not need to go with me if the thought makes you want to run and hide."

"Hey, I never said …" Harry started to say.

"It is written all over your face that this is bothering you," Snape said. "I know you have a … hang-up with money. We will have to deal with that in your mind healing sessions …"

"My what?" Harry demanded.

"We'll talk about that later," Snape deferred. "It's understandable with your past. At any rate, you can choose who takes you."

"Who?" Harry asked.

"A responsible adult. You will need to go in disguise," Snape explained. "Polyjuice won't work, for obvious reasons, but there are charms to change your hair color and eye color, and we can use a little muggle make-up to conceal the scar. It will work if no one looks too carefully."

"Sirius can't take me," Harry said.

"I said a responsible adult, Harry," Snape reminded him.

"Hey, I thought you too made up?" Harry laughed.

"That doesn't change his basic character," Snape said. "He is a fugitive at any rate. Be serious. Choose someone else. Mrs. Weasley?"

"Ugh," Harry slumped down in his chair.

"She's taken you before. You said so!"

"Snape!"

"Do not whine; you are making this worse than it seems. Keep it up, and I will take you," Snape threatened.

"Okay," Harry said. "Remus?

"That seems like a fine choice," Snape agreed. He knows the Muggle areas well."

"How about Fred and George?"

"Weasley? I asked you to be serious, Harry," Snape grimaced.

"I am! They're brilliant at defense, and they're seventeen," Harry insisted.

"Are you trying to get into trouble?" Snape demanded.

"No!" Harry said. "Please, Snape!"

He must have sounded sincere, and he was. Snape actually seemed to be considering it, which surprised Harry to no end. Fred and George seemed much less embarrassing than any of the other options.

"If," Snape said, stopping when Harry brightened, "If you bring someone else along to temper their … enthusiasm, you may bring the Weasley twins."

"Brilliant!" Harry said, almost jumping out of his chair with gratitude. "Wait, who?"

"I do not know; that is your problem," Snape reminded him.

Harry thought carefully. "Ginny?"

"Miss Weasley? I suppose she has a good head on her shoulders. You may bring her," Snape agreed with a nod.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of plastic. Harry recognized it. It was a Muggle credit card. He gaped at Snape.

"I imagine that you will want to shop at some Muggle stores. You can sign for anything in Diagon Alley because you are my heir. Just keep in mind that you will have to explain the receipts when you return home," He gave Harry a pointed look.

"Yes, Sir," Harry nodded. "I sign my own name?"

"Yes," Snape nodded, and Harry was glad it was not a dumb question. The cashiers will not see the signature, and it is only your magic that is being recognized."

"Okay," Harry said, relieved.

"You do not have to limit yourself to clothes, Harry," Snape told him. "Get yourself some books or something to entertain yourself while you there. Also, be sure to treat your friends to a lunch out. Insist on paying. Maybe eat in Muggle London. They might enjoy it. Lupin will know where to go."

"Thanks, Sir," Harry said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. "Um, how much …"

"Oh, don't you worry, young man," Snape said. "I'm giving you a list."

"A list?" Harry said in disbelief.

"Yes," Snape said. "I provide my Slytherins with a list for the school year. I have simply modified it a bit. You do not need to worry about school robes right now. We can get you those later. As for your books…"

"No!"

"No need to worry there either," Snape said. "I have already ordered them."

"But Snape, it's summer!" Harry reasoned.

"True, and a good time to prepare," Snape said.

Harry's shoulders slumped in resignation, but he decided that was a battle for another day. He was living with a teacher, after all. He should have expected something like this.

"Let's go to my study, and Floo call Lupin," Snape said, waving Harry along.

"Wait, you are connected?" Harry asked.

"For calls only, at this time," Snape said.

They walked through a parlor, which had more comfortable looking furniture than Harry would have expected, into the library. The library stopped Harry in his tracks. It was huge, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on every wall except the back wall, which was all windows leading out to the grounds. Harry was so distracted by the books that he almost missed the windows. When he saw them, he couldn't help but walk over. The grounds were a gorgeous expanse of rolling green hills.

"Wow," Harry said, barely breathing.

"Yes," Snape agreed. "I rather like this view.

There were two chairs in front of the wall of windows. Harry could tell that it was a great place to read or just sit. It was nothing short of stunning.

"Come," Snape said after a few minutes.

Reluctantly, Harry pulled himself away from the view. His mind was whirring. It looked like there were no neighbors anywhere.

"Snape," he said suddenly. "Where do the wards stop? Can I FLY out there?"

He knew that he had said it a little loudly, basically a shout. It was a shout. He didn't care. He hadn't been on his broom in ages, and the thought of flying out there consumed him like a fire.

"Yes, I imagine so," Snape said mildly.

"When?" Harry was almost afraid to ask.

"Hmm," Snape looked at him with a sparkle in his coal-black eyes. "As a reward for good behavior?"

"Sna-ape!" Harry couldn't help it, that came out in a whine.

"Hmm, you hardly sound like a young man almost fifteen," Snape said in what to Harry sounded more like teasing than scolding.

Snape walked over to a large fireplace and threw in some Floo powder. Harry watched him and then looked around the room. More bookcases, and a large desk of more dark wood. This office was cozier than Snape's at school, and there were no jars of creepy dead things. Harry figured they were all downstairs.

"Yes, Severus," Remus's head popped into view.

"Harry has a favor to ask," Snape told the head, raising his eyebrow to Harry.

Harry glared at Snape for putting him on the spot. He hated talking by Floo call. "Hi, Remus. Snape is making me go shopping … uh, "Harry stopped as Snape cleared his throat behind him. "I mean generously letting me go shopping. He said I could have anyone take me, and if you …"

"Of course, Harry," Remus said warmly. "When would you like to go?"

"Today, if you can," Harry said. "I don't really; I mean … Snape doesn't like my clothes. He wants me to go to Diagon Alley and Muggle London."

"Not a problem, Harry," Remus said easily. "My schedule is free. Would you like to bring a friend?"

Harry was reminded why he had liked Remus so much in his third year. He'd been angry at the man lately, but he was making up for it quickly. He seemed to know what Harry needed now, at least.

"Yes, Sir," Harry said. "Snape said I can bring Fred, George, and Ginny. If that's okay with you."

He added that last part in a hurry when he realized Remus might not want to haul four teenagers around London. It suddenly seemed like a lot, especially considering that two of those four were known for making trouble. Harry hoped he didn't regret this decision.

"Well …" Remus paused. "I have to ask Molly about that. Just a moment, Harry."

Harry looked up at Snape, feeling nervous. He started to think that maybe he should have just agreed to the tailer. Maybe going with Snape wouldn't have been that bad. Neither of those options sounded better than this one, though.

"Harry," Remus's head returned after a few minutes, "everything is set."

"Really?" Harry asked, surprised but relieved.

"Will Severus Apparate you here then?"

Harry looked at Snape, who nodded. "Yeah, he said he would."

"Okay, we'll be waiting."

After Remus's head disappeared, Harry looked at Snape. "Are you sure this is okay, Sir?"

"It was my idea, wasn't it?"

"Well, yeah?"

"Just keep yourself out of trouble."

Harry considered who was going and wondered if that was even possible as Snape walked up to him and rapped him three times on the head with his wand before Harry had any time to wonder what he was doing. Then Snape produced a jar of something that smelled oddly floral and began smearing it on Harry's forehead.

"This should hold for the day," Snape said. "Don't touch it! I'm not done yet."

"It's itchy!" Harry complained.

"It will stop itching when it dries," Snape assured him. "It's Muggle make-up. Nothing magical will work on that."

"How do you know?" Harry asked.

"We've tried it before," Snape said darkly.

Harry decided not to ask how or when. He'd rather not know, and it made sense. If the scar could be covered by anything magical or Muggle by any length of time, someone would have done it by now for sure. He looked expectantly at Snape.

"Can I see?" Harry asked.

With a small smile, Snape waved his hand and produced a small hand-held mirror. He held it up to Harry, who gaped at his reflection. The boy looking back at him had almost shoulder-length curly blond hair and hazel eyes. He was Harry's height and build, but his skin was a darker color, basically tanned. He was a good-looking bloke.

"Can I stay this way?" Harry joked. "No one would know me!"

"Unfortunately, it is temporary," Snape told him. "Disguises have a limited shelf life."

Snape steered Harry out the front door. "The wards here extend to the treeline," he said, pointing to trees so far out Harry could barely see them. It is strongly warded, and no Muggle knows the house is here. Wizards cannot find it unless they are told by the Secret Keeper. You are safe here, as long as you follow the rules."

Harry got the message and nodded. "Yes, Sir."

Snape gave Harry a firm nod and held out his elbow. Harry took it and was immediately whisked away. He was starting to get used to Apparition, at least.

"When are you going to teach me that?" Harry asked.

"When you turn seventeen," Snape said.

"Oh, come on, Snape," Harry begged. "What better way to keep me safe than teach me to disappear on demand?"

"It's not quite that simple," Snape replied, tapping on the knocker.

"The law?" Harry asked as they went inside.

"Yes, but that's hardly my primary concern," Snape told him. "We will discuss it."

"Well …" Harry had been about to argue. "Wait, we will?"

He didn't get a chance to ask further questions because he was suddenly accosted by two red-haired dynamos. "Harry!" one said, "You saved us!"

"We owe you," the other agreed.

"For getting us out of here," his twin added.

Harry sometimes tried to tell them apart, but when they talked in turns simultaneously like this, he didn't bother. He grinned at their enthusiasm and the grimace on Snape's face. This was going to be great.

"I will leave you to it," Snape said, heading back out the door.

The twins ignored him. At least they were wearing different colored shirts. Harry saw that Ginny and Remus were coming down the stairs. Ginny was wearing slim Muggle-style jeans and a long white t-shirt with the Weird Sisters on the front. Harry thought she looked very nice, but he felt telling her would be weird.

"Ready, Harry?" Remus asked.

"Yeah," Harry said. "Snape gave me money to take everyone out to lunch. "Thanks for doing this."

"Not a problem, Harry," Remus said good-naturedly. "I don't mind getting out, even if it is for guard duty. Fred, you can go first to Diagon Alley as we discussed."

"Aye, Aye," Fred said, saluting playfully and going out the door.

"George will follow," Remus said to Harry and the other teens. "I will then Apparate with Ginny, and come back for you, Harry."

Soon, they were all in Diagon Alley without incident. Harry had no idea what to do. He was relieved that he didn't have to go through the indignity of the experience with Snape, but he still had a long embarrassing list to shop for.

"All right, Harry," Ginny said. "Where to?"

Harry chewed on his lower lip. "I have a list."

"Okay?" She pressed.

"It's mostly clothes. Snape seems to think mine are … not suitable," Harry said, feeling his cheeks redden.

"Yeah, he's a picky one," Ginny agreed. "So, Gladrags?"

"Right you are," Fred said. "Let's go."

Harry was glad he could finally tell them apart since they were wearing different clothing and had identified each other back at the house. They all went into the store, which was much larger on the inside than on the outside, of course. Harry had never been shopping in a Muggle department store, but he imagined it might look similar, without the floating displays and sparkles.

Remus left, walking quickly but looking as if he was just in a hurry while shopping. Harry looked after him in surprise.

"He's just doing a quick sweep of the store," George whispered in Harry's ear.

The group wandered through the aisles. Harry had never been to the store, but Ginny seemed to know where she was going. She grabbed a t-shirt and held it up to Harry critically. He jumped back without thinking.

"Hey!" He cried.

"I'm just seeing how it looks," she told him. "Don't be a baby. I doubt you know your size. Would you rather have a clerk come do it?"

He shook his head half-frantically. On the other hand, having Ginny act like his mother was just embarrassing. He saw Fred smirk.

"Just let her," he advised. "She's more efficient than Mum. She'll have you in and out in an hour."

Harry resigned to his fate and let her bring some shirts over and hold them up to his face. She mumbled something about a tan that he didn't catch, and he grimaced. He was paler than this normally, but maybe he would get more tanned this summer.

"Go try this on," she ordered, handing him a shirt.

Deciding it was better to agree, he took the shirt and walked in the direction she was pointing. There was a small room with a curtain. He walked behind the curtain and closed it. There was a floor-to-ceiling mirror inside. He unbuttoned his shirt and put the t-shirt on.

"Looks perfect," the mirror informed him. "The color is good for you. Turn around a bit."

Harry grimaced at the mirror. He didn't tell it he was wearing a disguise, but he did turn around.

"All of our clothing has stretching and shrining charms," the mirror reminded Harry. "What are you, twelve."

"I'm almost fifteen!" Harry protested.

"My, my," the mirror tutted. "Touchy one, aren't you? Well, you can grow!"

"Okay, thanks," Harry muttered, taking the shirt off carefully and then putting his own on.

"Psst," the mirror said. "Here are your measurements."

"Thanks," Harry said again, taking a strip of parchment from a compartment under the mirror. He was glad to get out of the dressing room.

Harry walked quickly back to Ginny, who, to his chagrin, was checking a wrack of trousers. "Oh, there you are," she said. "Did you get your measurements?"

"Yeah," Harry thrust the parchment slip at her. "That mirror was really cheeky!"

"They're all like that," Ginny said dismissively. "I 'spect they're bored." She reviewed the paper and began going through the racks. "Any preferences?"

"Not really," Harry told her. "I need pants for training, the list says. Like sport?"

"Yeah," Ginny nodded. "Check over there." She motioned to a rack.

"Ginny," Harry said in a low voice, "Where are Fred and George?"

"Oh, they went off ages ago," she said absently, "apothecary, I think."

"Does Remus know?" Harry hissed.

"I don't think so!" Ginny gave him a look. "Don't worry, they'll be back. They needed supplies."

"Okay," Harry said. "I just don't want them to get into trouble."

"They won't," Ginny assured him.

"But if Snape finds out," Harry started to say.

"He won't," Ginny said confidently. "Don't worry, those two are experts. They never get caught."

Harry went to look at the cargo pants. They had pockets in the sides and seemed like they'd be rugged. He chose a few different colors in the size the mirror had indicated. He also got some in shorter lengths for hot days. He brought them to Ginny and realized she had nothing in her hands or anywhere nearby.

"What do I do with them?" he asked.

"Oh, right," she said. "Why send them to your bin with this. She tapped on each of them with a small marker that had a number eight on it. "They'll keep them 'till you're ready to pay. Here's one for you."

"Brilliant," Harry noted.

It was a sound system. Snape's list was ridiculous. He wanted Harry to get too much of everything, but Harry didn't want to come back without any of it and cause a row. He refused to have Ginny help him pick out pants, so he hurriedly went to choose those himself, grabbing a pile and sending them to his bin in relief. She caught up to him when he was staring at what seemed to be a dozen different kinds of socks in confusion, though.

"You need athletic socks," she said with authority, "and some just everyday wool socks. And lighter ones, since it's summer."

Soon enough, she was handing him pairs of socks in different colors, primarily black and white. At one point, she playfully tossed him a pair that were yellow and white striped where the stripes were blinking off and on. Harry decided to get those too, just to see what Snape said.

"You'll need running shoes, hiking boots, and new trainers," Ginny added.

Harry groaned. This day was never-ending. He had to admit that he had often admired Dudley's expensive running shoes. His cousin had never been running a day in his life unless chasing Harry counted. He rarely even did that anymore. He'd just let his quicker friends catch Harry and then bring him back so they could all pummel him together. Harry realized that would never happen again and felt a small smile cross his face.

"Those feel good, then?" Ginny asked, thinking that it was about the shoes Harry was trying on.

"Yeah, Gin, these are great," Harry said, looking up at her. "You've been amazing. Thank you, really, for this. I didn't want to do any of it."

"I know, Harry," Ginny said, helping him send the shoes to the bin and handing him a pair of gray canvas trainers. "It's pretty obvious no one's ever done anything for you, and you've never done anything for yourself." No, don't be embarrassed. "It's about time."

Harry looked down, aware that he'd blushed. Even though Ginny was a year younger than he was, she had been mothering him this entire time. She really reminded him of Mrs. Weasley in some ways, but in others, the two were nothing alike. Ginny was incredible, Harry realized. He was lucky to have her as a friend. He wouldn't have felt comfortable doing this with anyone else. Hermione wouldn't have been as practical, and Ron wouldn't have known where to start. Ginny's businesslike attitude had kept him focused.

"I think about three pairs of those unless you'd like something else," Ginny was saying.

"What?" Harry asked, surprised.

"Snape says three causal trainers and running shoes," Ginny said, putting the list under Harry's nose.

"You're kidding," Harry said.

Ginny shrugged. "Are your feet growing?"

"I don't know!"

"Well, if they do, these will grow out a little," Ginny told him, handing him a pair of white and a pair of black shoes in the same size. Do you like these?"

"Sure," Harry said in awe.

He'd had these shoes before, but they were usually at least two sizes too big and full of holes. He had no idea what it would be like to have them fit him comfortably. Harry felt both grateful for and confounded by Snape's generosity.

"The twins are back," Ginny said in a low voice, nodding her head up slightly to the left.

Fred and George came sauntering over with a handful of beanies. George pulled one down over Harry's head and put the rest playfully in his arms. Harry looked at them appraisingly.

"Sometimes, Muggle makeup just won't do," Fred whispered.

"Good idea," Harry mused.

"Yep," Ginny said, sending all of the hats to the bin, including the one on Harry's head.

"Hey!" Harry yelped.

Ginny giggled. "Let's go check out. What do you two have planned?"

"Lunch, then maybe you can lose us for a little?"

"For what?" Harry asked.

"Do you want to know?" George asked.

"No," Harry said.

Harry felt self-conscious walking up to the cashier. He realized when he got there that he had no idea what to do. Harry looked at Ginny pleadingly.

"Account Number Eight, please," she said clearly.

"Number eight," a bored cashier said, coming to the desk. "Coin or charge?"

"Charge," Harry said.

The cashier pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill and handed it to Harry, who tried not to show his concern about the amount of the receipt. Anything too expensive could be returned, he hoped. After all, it had been Snape's list. He signed and put the quill down. As soon as he did, his signature vanished. The cashier tapped his wand on the parchment, and it doubled. He handed one to Harry.

"Thank you for shopping at Gladrags," he said in the same bored voice. "Your purchases will be sent to the address on file within the hour."

Relieved that it was mostly over, Harry turned and walked out. Ginny gave him a smile and then reached out and gave his hand a squeeze. Harry smiled back and was a little surprised to get a small jolt when she touched him. He never really had felt that way before.

If Fred or George noticed, they said nothing. Harry and the others walked out of the store and headed into a now much more crowded Diagon Alley. Harry noticed that Remus and both twins kept their eyes moving. Harry was next to Ginny, the twins walked ahead of them, and Remus walked behind.

"Where do you want to eat?" Remus asked in his usually genial voice as if they were out for a stroll and not security conscious at all.

"I don't know," Harry said. "We could go to eat in Muggle London, but I don't think I need to do any shopping there anymore."

"Oh, definitely," Fred said. "We've eaten at the Leaky Cauldon loads of times."

"Muggle London!" George agreed.

"What do you think, Ginny?" Harry asked.

"That sounds good," Ginny said.

"It's unanimous," Remus confirmed. "Very well, I know a place a couple of blocks out."

They walked easily until Remus led them inside the restaurant, which turned out to be a small Muggle counter diner. Harry had never eaten in one before, but he wasn't picky. The twins ordered hamburgers and chips with milkshakes, so they either knew the type of food or had been to a similar place before. Ginny got the same thing with a cheeseburger. That sounded good to Harry, so he ordered the same. So did Remus.

"Do you think Remus minds chaperoning a good of teenagers?" Harry asked once they had their food, and the four of them were seated. Remus was sitting on his own a few tables away but looked perfectly content.

"Nah," Fred said, popping a chip in his mouth. "I think he's as happy to get out of the Headquarters as any of the rest of us."

"That bad, huh?" Harry asked.

"Ugh," George agreed. "What is that saying the Muggles have? House fever?"

"Cabin fever? Yeah," Harry nodded. "I can see that. Why are you even there?"

The twins exchanged glances. "It's safer," Fred said with a shrug. "The war, you know."

"They are targeting the Burrow?" Harry asked, his heart sinking. He had known this but didn't want to hear it.

"I think it's more complicated than that," George said, "but no one tells us anything. Mum wants us there to help set up Order headquarters. It's not because of you that we'd be targeted, Harry. Mum and Dad were in the order before you were even alive."

"You're really going to try to tell me you are just there to clean?" Harry said incredulously.

"Something like that," George said with a grimace. "Look, it takes a lot of time and energy, and people going back and forth, to get a war effort started. Headquarters is very busy right now."

"Snape's been there a lot?" Harry asked.

"He has," George said. "But you should ask him about that. He's not going to stop being in the Order because he's training you. His role is just … different now."

"Yeah, no kidding," Fred said. "No less dangerous."

"Hah!" Harry tossed a chip at Fred.

Ginny shook her head at her brother. "You three shouldn't talk about this here. Anyone could hear you. What about a silencing spell?"

Harry looked down sheepishly. She was right. Snape would skin him alive if he knew that they were discussing Order business out in the open, even in Muggle London.

"Okay, let's talk about something else," Fred said. "Who are you seeing, Ginny?"

Ginny turned as red as a tomato. "No one! Not that it's any of your business."

"Are you all finished?"

They looked up to see Remus standing over them. Harry nodded, and the others all stood up and grabbed their trays of food, so Harry did too. They took them to a trash bin and then walked back through the Leaky Cauldron to Diagon Alley.

"Where to now?" Remus asked.

"Um, well, I guess I need to get something to entertain myself," Harry said sheepishly.

"Quality Quidditch Supplies!" Fred and George said simultaneously.

Ginny rolled her eyes but didn't disagree. Remus did the same thing he had done in the previous store, but this one was much smaller, and it took him no time at all to walk through it. He stayed by the door, pretending to look at a new broom.

"How can I play Quidditch by myself?" Harry asked.

"You can buy books on moves and training equipment?" Ginny suggested.

They perused the store, and within a half-hour, Harry had three books and a set of training balls. He didn't think Snape would object to any of it. Fred and George were on the Quidditch team, and they were all for the training balls, one of which was a special snitch. Harry agreed that it couldn't hurt his game. If he had friends over, it could be fun if they brought their brooms to play with this set.

"Distract Remus," George whispered to Harry when he was just about to pay for his selections. "Fred and I need to go make some purchases."

"Here?" Harry asked.

"No, in Knockturn Alley."

Harry's stomach churned. He had been expecting something like this. He looked at Fred and George, trying desperately to think of a way to tell them it was not a good idea.

"I want to go with you," was what he said instead.

"What?" Ginny hissed.

"I've been there before," Harry reminded her.

"By accident!" Ginny said, glaring at him. "I thought you said you didn't want to get in trouble. What is Snape going to say to this?"

"I thought you said he won't find out," Harry said.

"He probably won't," Ginny said, "but the more people involved …"

Her voice trailed off. She did have a point. Harry looked to Fred and George.

"Why do you need to go there?" he asked.

"We need supplies," Fred said, "that you can only get there. We've been getting them from … an Order member. But the fee he charges is diabolical. It really cuts into our margins. We need to cut out the middleman."

"Okay, do you have an idea?" Harry asked.

"For you?" George asked, his voice getting higher on the end of the question. "Sheesh, you like to live dangerously."

"No problem," Ginny said. "Follow my lead. Just remember, if we get caught, it's your arse."

"I'm sure it will be," Harry heard Fred mutter.

Ignoring them, Harry went to the cashier and followed the same procedure as for. The bill was much lower this time than before, but then again, he wasn't buying much. He was relieved to get out of the store.

"Remus," Ginny was saying excitedly, "Harry is just the best, guess what he is doing?"

"I can only imagine," Remus said wryly. Either Ginny was overplaying it, and Remus was already suspicious, or Harry's imagination was getting the best of him from guilt.

"As a thank you for helping him so much today, he's agreed to buy me new dress robes!" Ginny cried, almost a screech.

Remus looked at Harry for confirmation, and Harry nodded, looking down to avoid showing his embarrassment. As a cover story, this one was pretty good. It was believable, and this was going to take forever.

"Well, yeah. She's going to need them now that she's getting old enough to go to formal balls," he explained.

Fred and George were grinning and the whole scene, adding a degree of authenticity that Harry was grateful for even if it did make him want to punch them. He rubbed his hand over the back of his hair, surprised that it wasn't his hair. He'd forgotten for a moment about the disguise.

"Um, I guess this will take a while if you all want to go for coffee," he said sheepishly.

"Oh, no, Little Brother," George said, "we wouldn't miss this."

The whole troupe marched to Madame Malkin's with Ginny grinning ear to ear. Harry was happy that they had a cover story but still not entirely sure what the plan was. The twins seemed happy enough to go along. Since this store was mainly a showroom with dressing areas in the back, it took no time for Remus to check it out and station himself by the entrance.

Ginny raced over to the clerk and began gushing about new dress robes and spouting on and on about colors. Harry could barely follow what she was saying, and he wasn't sure the clerk could either. Ginny was doing a perfect imitation of a ball-happy clotheshorse. Then again, Harry realized she was a girl, so maybe she was that excited. On the other hand, Harry was going to have to explain to Snape the purchase of a set of girl's dress robes and expensive ones by the sound of it.

"Who's going to help you choose fabrics?"

The clerk looked around the room at the five of them. It was probably not typical for a girl to bring an entourage this big. Harry looked at Remus, who shrugged.

"We'll all go, I guess," Ginny said.

The clerk looked surprised but said nothing. She led them into a room full of more types of fabric than Harry had ever seen, in more colors than he knew existed. Ginny's eyes were sparkling. Even though this was a ruse, he was glad to make her that happy.

"These are arranged by style, and the pricier ones are on that end," the clerk said, pursing her lips. "What is your budget?"

"I'm paying for it," Harry said. "It's a gift. Well, my uncle's paying for it. He didn't give me a budget today."

The clerk's eyes lit up at that, and her attitude completely changed. "Well," she purred. "Let me show you some fabrics that work well with your coloring, my dear."

Fred winked at George, and they began to look at some of the more ostentatious fabrics and suggest them to Ginny. Harry soon found it impossible to keep from laughing. Ginny had given up on the subterfuge and was taking the process seriously, and she glared at her brothers.

"That's enough," Harry whispered. "What's Step Two?"

George nodded. "Ma'am, I can tell that we are bothering my sister. Is there a way that my friend can sign ahead of time, and then we can go get ice cream or something?"

"Of course," the clerk said in relief. She went to get a parchment on a board and then brought it to Harry, who signed it. She handed him a copy. It said, 'dress robe, female' with the amount blank."

"That will populate when we are done with the selection and sizing," she said coolly.

Harry thought her attitude was a little rude since he wasn't really playing around, but he nodded. "Thank you," he said. He put it in his pocket with the other one. "She can tell you the address to send it to?"

"Oh no," Ginny called from across the room. "I'm taking it with me today!"

"Very well," the clerk said.

"Is there a back door to this place?" George asked.

"There," the clerk said, waving him off by pointing to a door in the left corner.

"Excellent," George said.

"Let's go," Fred agreed.

Harry was having doubts about this plan by this point, but he was in too deep. He didn't want Fred and George to think that he was afraid of Snape. He wasn't; at least it wasn't that simple. He was more worried about messing up so soon.

Yet, he followed Fred and George out the back door and down a narrow alley. They seemed to know exactly where they were going. Soon, they were in a side street that led to Knockturn Alley.

"Which shop is it?" Harry asked.

"It's just up ahead," George assured him.

Harry looked around him. This place somehow looked more depressing and creepy than ever before. It occurred to him that two seventh years might not be the best guards against Death Eaters, should it come to that. This was a horrible idea. He had been wrong when he said he didn't go looking for trouble. Harry did like an adventure. He was beginning to think he had enough drama in his life without seeking it out. This place made him really nervous.

"Hey guys," Harry said. "Maybe we should go back."

"Hey, we're almost there," Fred said.

They went down further, and the street got darker. Harry gulped when he saw the twins were headed for the one shop he'd hoped to avoid—Borgin and Burkes. He didn't know what they needed there, but it couldn't possible by good.

"Are you two kidding me?" Harry's voice came out almost in a squeak. "We can't go in there! I can't!"

"Shush," Fred told him, "You're in disguise. So are we."

His voice sounded different. Fred and George had done something to disguise themselves, probably one of their edibles since Harry didn't think it was Polyjiuce. He hadn't seen them do it since he was lagging behind them. Harry gulped but followed them in. Fred grabbed him and pushed him in front while they walked through the dark and dingy store.

"It's in the back," he whispered.

"Great," Harry said in a choking voice.

The twins took likely ten minutes to go through the potions ingredients in the back of the store, but it seemed like an eternity to Harry. He stayed behind them when George paid, and then Fred still had a hand clamped on his shoulder when they walked outside. Harry couldn't help letting out a breath that was between a sigh and a gasp of relief.

"I can't believe we did that," he whispered.

"We still have to get back," Fred reminded him. At least he thought it was Fred. It was hard to tell with the disguise.

Harry began to get less tense as they walked back to Diagon Alley. By the time they were at Madam Malkin's back door again, he was feeling almost giddy with relief. He leaned against the wall of the shop, breathing in and out.

"I can't believe we got away with that," he cried.

"Are you so sure of that?"

Harry cringed. He didn't need to look behind him to know who had said that. Even though the voice was disguised, the tone was all Snape.