It took me along time to write this chapter as it was very difficult for me to get the emotions and thoughts of Severus Snape to where they would be genuine. I'm still not altogether happy with the outcome.

If I have not responded to your review, I will get around to it. Each and every one is precious to me. I've just taken on a second job, so my time is scarce.

This is not beta'ed so don't be surprised if there are mistakes.

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As always, I own nothing.

Harry wasn't sure what he'd expected from Professor Snape's private quarters. Granted, the thought of how his Head of House rooms would look, hadn't crossed his mind at all. He glanced around discreetly, taking in the neat stacks of books and parchments on the large mahogany desk. Bookshelves filled to the brim lined three of the four walls. Although there were mountains of books on just about every available surface, everything looked neat and organized. Harry's next thought was that Hermione would love this place considering her appreciation of the written word.

There was very little in the way of portraits or decoration of any sort really. There was, however, a large old-looking tapestry hanging from the only wall without a case of reading material resting against it. Even while squinting Harry couldn't make out the design and turned his attention elsewhere. Off to one side he did see a small bench with potions ingredients and paraphernalia, correctly guessing that his Head of House brewed in his spare time.

Taking a place behind the massive desk, Professor Snape motioned with his hand for Harry to be seated in the chair across from him. Harry complied, while observing that there were several, what looked to be, picture frames spaced out on the desks' surface. They weren't turned Harry's way so he couldn't see their content, but it certainly made him curious.

The man in front of him with his fingers steepled, was giving Harry a particularly deep and disturbing… Gaze?… Glare? Um… yeah, he wasn't at all sure how the other man was staring at him, but the intensity of it had him squirming slightly in his chair.

"So," the baritone voice began. "The famous Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts at long last." Pausing dramatically, he added with, what even Harry could tell, was a great deal of sarcasm. "How exciting for us all."

Oookay, so it looked as if his Head of House was not a fan. Not that Harry was expecting fans because this whole Savior business was beyond ridiculous. When Neville had explained his so-called reputation, Harry had burst out laughing. Him, a hero? Famous? Books had been written about his supposed exploits? It was absolutely nutters! Even as he'd laughed, Hermione had explained, that yes, of course it was silly, but the majority of magical people would have high expectations and believe all of the dragon-shite that had been out there circulating for years.

Harry wasn't sure how he should answer Professor Snape's charge. Because that's what it was. Harry was being accused of something but of what, he didn't know. Giving a slight shrug, Harry ventured to say, "I don't know about everyone else, or what they think, sir but I am excited to be here."

Severus Snape missed very little and when the young boy before him shrugged, he noted how the over-sized dingy T-shirt had slipped off one shoulder, sliding down to the elbow. The boy's clavicle was visible, a deep well that spoke of malnutrition even as he could tell that the slight muscles of his forearm seemed strangely well-developed. So, starved but worked hard. Severus was familiar with that sort of thing, having had his own experiences, but had not been expecting it from The Boy Who Lived.

Out of the corner of his eye, Severus detected a slight shimmer of the environment. Of course Albus was up to his old tricks. It would be just like the doddering fool to have the Potter spawn followed and spied upon especially since his hope of ridding the world of the Dark Lord was now residing in the enemy camp of House Slytherin.

With a slight twitch of a finger, and a low murmuring incantation for the Muffliato spell, Severus encased them both in an impenetrable cocoon of silence. He had long since modified this spell so that even House-Elves couldn't penetrate its privacy. Elvin magic differed slightly from that of witches and wizards and he had adapted many spells and charms to exclude their unwanted presence.

Although now they would be unheard, there was nothing to stop the little spy from seeing their actions. That being the case, Severus added a silent Cave Inimicum. Only when he was certain that they could neither be seen or heard did Severus feel it prudent to continue conversing with Albus' burgeoning protegee.

Harry felt the magic as it was being done. It was an odd, though not unpleasant buzzing across his skin. He did wonder though why his Professor felt it necessary to employ magic in his personal office, but didn't question it. Hermione had told him about wand-less and non-verbal spell-casting, explaining the intricacies and difficulty in utilizing that sort of thing. Harry found himself feeling impressed at Professor Snape's display and the ease in which he accomplished it.

"Now that we are truly alone," Severus said, confusing Harry greatly, "I would like you to stand, Mister Potter."

To Severus' surprise the boy did not hesitate, obeying his Head of House promptly. He had been expecting belligerence, such as the boy's father had possessed because Merlin knew the child looked almost exactly like his Hogwarts nemesis. But, then, so much about the elder Potter's brat had not been living up to Severus' expectations. It was those eyes that did Severus in. Those emerald eyes so like his dear Lily's that were staring steadily into his own with genuine admiration and curiosity.

"You did wand-less and non-verbal magic!" The boy practically gushed.

Severus was taken off guard, although he kept it well hidden other than the arch of a dark brow. "And, how, pray tell did you know that?"

Then, he stumped Severus anew by stating matter-of-factly, "I felt it."

"You felt it," Severus questioned. Potter jumped slightly, when he rapped out harshly, "Explain!"

Stumbling over his words, Harry said, "Well… I …. It was something that…" Severus pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance. Sensing the Professor's exasperation, Harry went on to say more clearly, "I felt it skip along my skin. It was like a tingle and goosebumps all at the same time. It didn't hurt or anything." Shrugging, Harry tacked on, "Like I said, I could feel it."

Yet another surprise from the Boy Wonder. It was a rare talent indeed to be able to sense magic as it was being utilized. "How often do you sense when spell-casting is taking place?"

"Honestly, this was the first time, sir."

"Really," Professor Snape drawled in disbelief.

Nodding emphatically, Harry assured him. "Yes, sir, I swear it."

"Be careful, child!" Harry jumped again. "You came perilously close to making a magical vow!" Rolling his eyes heavenward, Severus exclaimed, "I am surrounded by dunderheads!"

"I didn't know," Harry admitted in a low tone. "I'm sorry, sir."

Sighing, Severus pulled his wand from the voluminous black robes he was wearing, saying, "Stand still and quietly. I am going to run a few diagnostic tests on you, it won't hurt but, as I have already said, stay silent and still."

Harry nodded.

Severus approached but the only thing on Potter which moved, were those disturbingly familiar emerald green orbs of his. Raising his wand, Severus began to cast various medical charms that he had researched and taught himself. He was horrified at what was revealed. Far from being the spoiled, entitled, useless arse-wipe he'd been expecting, he'd discovered a child reared much as he had been. Damn Albus Dumbledore! And damn himself for believing in the old fart so completely.

Lowering his wand, Severus said quietly, "You may be seated, Mister Potter."

After both had resumed their chairs, a sudden silence filled the room. It lengthened, and just as Harry was beginning to feel awkward and uncomfortable, Professor Snape spoke. "Tell me of your childhood."

Harry started in surprise. He hadn't been expecting to be asked such a question. "Well, uh… I live with my aunt and uncle."

Now it was Severus' turn to start in surprise. "Surely you are not speaking of Petunia Evans?"

Brow furrowed, Harry corrected quietly, "That's her unmarried name, its Petunia Dursley now." Screwing up his courage, he asked, "You know my aunt?"

Severus was in a state of shock. This boy had been living with that cow of a woman since Lily's death? How in Merlin's name had that happened? Surely Potter, as dim-witted as he was, would have made proper provisions concerning his son in case of any eventuality. Severus was certain that Lily would have made sure of it. Just as he was certain that she would have stipulated most firmly that her child not end up in her foul sister's care.

Instead of answering Harry's question, he asked another of his own. "How do they treat you, these Dursleys?" Harry hesitated. "Come now, boy," the older wizard rapped out stridently. "Answer my question."

Harry twisted his fingers together, nerves making them shake. Eyes downcast, Harry whispered, voice wobbling, "I… I... d...don't know w… what to say… s...sir."

Severus observed the dark, down-bent head, the shoulders hunched in on that small body and the white-knuckled gripping of the boy's hands and Severus felt compassion flare to life and found himself astonished at the feeling. By all rights, he should hate this boy. Had hated him with every ounce of his being with great plans on making his life at Hogwarts an ever-lasting hell. It was only right considering it was exactly what his dolt of a father and his equally heinous friends had done to him. Seeking vengeance on the spawn would be equally satisfying as if it were James Potter himself.

Yes, that is what he had thought. That was what he had planned. But, now as he observed this lost, little boy, Severus felt nothing but understanding and empathy. He too had been treated poorly by someone who should have loved and cared for him. Severus was quite familiar with Petunia's disdain for all things magical. Jealousy, of course because Lily was gifted with it, and she was not.

But, then, Lily had many gifts bestowed upon her. Great beauty, genuine kindness and a sharp intelligence, all of which Petunia had managed to side-step. There hadn't been one speck of grace to Lily's older sister whatsoever. Nothing. Petunia was aware of this and had endured with this lack with a good deal of equanimity. It was only with the advent of Lily's magic, that Petunia had allowed her true ugly nature to surface.

Many were the times that Lily had cried to him, come to him for comfort whenever she'd been hurt by her sister's cruel tongue. The older girl had taken to calling Lily a freak out of the hearing of their parents. The change in Petunia had made Lily feel guilty for a long time, and so, she had never gone to her mum or dad and told them of Petunia's despicable words and actions.

Before Lily, Severus had been friendless. Soulless, really. He'd been an empty shell until Lily arrived and brought joy and light, chasing away his darkness. He'd hated that Petunia had done every nasty thing possible to dim Lily's radiance. His hatred had reached its zenith the day Lily had cried out that she wished that magic had never found her. That all she wanted was to be normal, like Petunia.

Severus had stormed away in a rabid rage. He'd found Petunia in the garden in one of those hideous flowered dresses she tended to favor. He'd given her no time to defend herself, fisting a swath of her hair around his hand, he'd slapped her as hard as he could. She'd been too stunned to do or say anything. After the slap, he'd threatened her with every form of hex imaginable if she didn't apologize to Lily at once and never again utter derogatory drivel at her sister.

Oh, Petunia had blustered and protested, but it was obvious that Severus had terrified her with his threats. People feared that which they didn't understand. Petunia had apologized to her distraught sister, but it had been forced and therefore not as genuine as it should have been. Still, Lily had taken it at face value and with Severus' prompting, magic once again became magical in Lily's eyes. She'd been able to learn surprisingly fast and had devoured his book Hogwarts: A History, reading and re-reading to the extent that she could quote from its pages.

It was appalling beyond belief that her son had ended up in Petunia's care. As he looked once more at her child, he now noted that he was at least three inches shorter than most his age and a good 10-15 pounds lighter. That would need to be altered, and it was within his power to assist the young boy in that manner. Powerful nutrient potions would need to be utilized along with the re-setting of several, formerly broken bones. There had been damage to his liver and kidneys and several other body systems that would need work as well.

After several more minutes of inner contemplation, Severus said, "I grew up with your mother and I knew of Petunia having met her on several unpleasant occasions." The boy remained silent, staring at him with widened eyes. "I am Half-blood and we lived in the Muggle world quite close to the Evans'. The man who raised me – I will not call him father – for he had no love for magic nor for myself when I presented as magical. He had not known that my mother was a witch, and when she was forced to inform him due to my magical ability becoming apparent, he repudiated her along with myself."

"My aunt hates magic too." Harry explained, pain in his voice. "So does her husband. They don't even use my name. They call me 'boy' or 'freak.'"

Severus felt fury well up inside although he was not astounded at Petunia's attitude. "She did the same to your mother when her magic manifested. Petunia was riddled with jealousy and took every opportunity to hurt her younger sister by word and by deed. You're mother was an extraordinary child who grew into an extraordinary woman. I was proud to have called her my friend for many years."

Cocking his head to the side, Harry asked, "Did you know my father too?"

Severus could not prevent the sharpness in his tone as he wrapped out his answer. "Yes."

Sensing that this was not a great topic to pursue, Harry barreled on anyway because here was finally someone who had known his parents. Above all else, Harry craved knowledge of them both. "Sir, can you tell me how they died? What happened? I mean, I've heard stories and rumors but I expect they aren't true mostly since Hermione and Neville told me about the nonsense being written about me. So, I just wondered what's true and what's not and since you knew them…"

Professor Snape's expression remained placid, but there was a definitive tightening to his mouth and eyes. "The entire story," the older man began, "is best left to another time. I will say this, James Potter was betrayed by one of his closest friends, as was you mother."

And I shall never forgive myself, Severus supplied internally. He'd begged the Dark Lord to spare Lily and had selfishly admitted that the death of Potter and Potter Jr would not have been bothersome to him at all. In fact, Severus had welcomed the prospect of both their deaths. He would then have had Lily back with him, where she should have been all along. But, she hadn't survived; his Lily. She could have stepped aside, could have had a life… with him. Instead, she chose to protect that, that… spawn!

Severus had been bottling up this enmity for years, waiting to unleash it unreservedly on the lone survivor of that terrible night at Godrics Hollow. His animosity toward the boy had grown with each and every remembered humiliation he had experienced at the abominable hands of Potter and his Moronic Marauders. He had run them over and over again – viewing them repeatedly in his secret pensieve – anguish and ire mixing together in harmony until he had felt as if he might explode from all the emotional upheaval. Oh yes, his determination to make that brat pay, had been uppermost in his list of things to do this year.

But now, looking into Lily's eyes, Severus discovered an unforeseen reluctance to precede down the path he and others had set up for him to traverse. He had been a fool! A jealous, idiotic fool. How had he'd ever countenanced the idea that Lily would have ever forgiven him for his part in the deaths of her loved ones? Now, with those innocent eyes surveying him with a muted sorrow, Severus had realized that losing them would have destroyed her. Merlin knew that losing Lily had destroyed him.

Now, as he pondered the situation, he understood those thoughts and deeds would be far too easy to indulge in. Here before him – in the shape of Harry Potter – lay a possible redemption of sorts. Not complete and total redemption, for his acts and deeds went beyond such a thing. Still, perhaps he could salvage a portion of his soul by assisting this boy. For Lily. For her memory. Yes, for her.Perhaps someday, even for her son, based solely on his own merit. Yes, to hold this clearly vulnerable child accountable for his loathsome fathers past actions, would be wrong.

Decision now firmly in place, he promised himself to take this boy under his wing. Lily's child. For regardless of his likeness to the elder Potter, that is how Severus would think of this boy, discounting the patriarchal line completely. Sadly, the Potter name could not be ignored in its entirety. The name carried significance and the lad would one day have to take up his Lordship and all that it entailed. Only if he survived, of course, but Severus would do his best to see that he did. His love for Lily demanded it.

Glancing at one of the picture frames upon his desk, Severus asked quietly, "Would you like to see a photograph of your mother?"

Eagerness suffused his tiny face, green eyes widening as Harry leaned forward exclaiming excitedly. "Oh, yes, sir! Please!"

Pity for this young lad sprouted in Severus' heart. The feeling was a foreign one, yet he recognized it easily enough. Without a word, he turned the frame toward Harry, pushing it slightly in the boys' direction.

Harry scanned the moving photo avidly, taking in the pretty girl with long, flowing ruby-red hair sitting amongst a field of wild flowers. A small boy with shoulder length black hair turned in profile was smiling at her. Of course it was Professor Snape judging by the large, slightly hooked nose, but there was an air of charged happy energy in the picture missing in the man seated opposite him.

As Harry watched, his mother produced the head of a multi-colored flower in the palm of her hand. Grinning ecstatically at her success, she threw her arms around the child-Professor, who hugged her back enthusiastically with a wide grin of his own. They looked carefree, doing magic in that field, reveling in each other's companionship. It made Harry feel forlorn. He'd not had a friend like that growing up. Someone to share such things with. Bucking up, Harry reminded himself that those days were over! Now, he had not just one friend, but two!

Harry continued looking at the picture, taking in each last detail in the hope of remembering every last bit of the moving images. Finally, he stated, "You were friends with my Mum."

"Yes," Professor Snape answered back, voice catching slightly. "As I have said, she lived very near me and I happened upon her one day as she was showing Petunia some magic. It frightened your aunt and she took to calling your mother ugly names. They weren't what I would consider close, but there had been affection between them until Lily's magic appeared."

"She hates me," Harry mumbled, eyes riveted still to his mother's image. "My aunt, I mean."

Severus digested this information before stating somberly, "Unsurprising. Your aunt was a hateful creature. She took to calling your mother, a freak."

Harry's head snapped up. "That's what she calls me! That and 'boy,' She's never called me by my name. My uncle and cousin are the same."

"You should never have been placed with them," Severus bit out sharply, surprising Harry with his vehemence. "It's a travesty that needs rectified. Your mother would have been against such a thing."

"And... my father," Harry asked, noting the professor's change in demeanor. "Would he have been against it?"

Severus took a deep breath before answering as calmly as he could manage. "Undoubtedly, if Lily had informed him of her sister's meanness and spite."

He didn't want to speak of his father, Harry realized. It made his professor uncomfortable to do so, and Harry didn't want his Head of House to be uncomfortable so he left it at that by simply saying, "Okay."

Severus felt great relief that the lad had decided to leave the conversation on the elder Potter as is because he didn't think he could maintain correct decorum if this line of inquiry went on for much longer.

Severus stood and made his way to a cabinet near the lab work-bench. Grabbing three vials he approached Harry saying, "Take these and then return here before breakfast so that I can administer them to you again. We will do this twice a day until I deem it unnecessary to continue. Do you understand?"

Taking the first vial, Harry murmured, "Yes, sir." Then, he downed it without question, grimacing at the awful taste.

This stunned Severus as he was certain the youngster would have asked of their contents. He found Harry's faith in him slightly unnerving but pleasing. Still, he would need to teach the boy to not just drink or eat anything handed to him in the future. There were many not adverse in potioning or poisoning, and this child needed to be especially careful. Without hesitation, Harry did the same with the other two vials.

"I can feel them working," Harry said with a delighted smile.

Giving a small smile in return, Severus replied, "Good. Now this one," Severus said holding out a fourth vial. "This is to help you sleep. If I remember correctly, Mister Malfoy indicated that you were having difficulty in that area."

Swallowing the potion, Harry smacked his lips together saying, "That one didn't taste as bad."

"In all honesty, I could add flavoring to make most of the potions more palatable," Professor Snape admitted wryly. "I choose not too simply because if someone is enough of a dunderhead to need a healing draught or some such thing, then they deserve the terrible aftertaste."

Harry stared at him for a second before letting out a string of giggles. "You are evil, Professor Snape," Harry managed to get out.

Severus took the comment in the vein in which it was intended, saying with a smirk, "And, don't you forget it, Mister Potter. Now, off with you, child. It is well past your bedtime. Remember to come see me in the morning before breakfast."

"Yes, sir," Harry assured him, still grinning, holding out the gilded frame to his Professor.

Severus hesitated a moment, the words flying out of his mouth without thought, "Keep it, Mister Potter. I have others."

Severus Snape was not prepared for what happened next. In a split second, the boy rushed him, encircling his waist in a tight grip, raising his radiant face, eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Oh, thank you, sir! Thank you!"

Not used to being hugged, nor touched for that matter, not since his estrangement from Lily, Severus was unsure as to what his next move should be. He needn't have worried since Harry gave him one last squeeze before racing out of the door leaving behind him a dazed wizard indeed.

Anurag popped into the Headmaster's quarters as the old wizard was viewing great lengths of parchment, scratching away with his fancy quill. So, Anurag stood quietly by, waiting to be addressed. One did not interrupt the Headmaster whilst he was carrying out his important duties, and all the Elves knew that Headmaster Dumbledore was a wizard most important. Yes, he would wait like a good House-Elf.

Albus continued penning away on the parchments littering his desk. Blast it all! He detested a messy desk and he detested paperwork! He could have delegated this clutter to Minerva, for he hated to waste his valuable time on such mundane matters. Normally, he wouldn't hesitate to ask her, and she had always obliged him in the past. Still, he doubted she would assist him this time considering she was more than likely still quite angry with him.

Sighing, he thought, such things could not be helped. He would deal with her wrath as it would pass soon enough. Finally, Albus addressed the House-Elf, asking over the rim of his half-moon spectacles, "What news of Mister Potter?"

Straightening his shoulders, Anurag approached speaking respectfully and with a tad bit of awe that filled Albus with enormous pride. "I followed the Great Harry Potter at yous request."

"And…," Albus demanded impatiently, he still had a horde of business to get through and this dawdling Elf was an annoyance which he could have done without.

"The Great Harry Potter spoke only a littles. Mostly Lady Dagworth-Granger speaks with Younger Malfoy when theys get to Common Room."

"What was said?" Albus asked, worried about the girl and boy in question reaching an alliance of sorts. That would not do. Not do at all.

"She speaks of Houses getting alongs. That Blood not matters. The Great Harry Potter agrees while the Young Malfoy was surprised."

Quirking a grey-white brow, Albus thought that it wasn't any wonder since Draco Malfoy's father was a Death-eater no matter that he had claimed to be under the Imperious during the First War. Albus knew better. Much better.

"Interesting," Albus muttered. Perhaps this girl was on the Light side after-all. Even so, having the divided Houses here at Hogwarts served his purposes well enough. Peace between them would be disastrous to his plans.

That aside, Hermione Dagworth-Granger might actually become a positive influence on Harry if Albus could somehow manage to gain her support. The boy had seemed unusually taken by her in such a short time. Even though Sorted into the Den of Snakes, she spoke of the non-importance of Blood-status. And, Harry had agreed with her. That brought up another peculiar issue. Harry Potter – the boy destined for Gryffindor – had been placed in House Slytherin even though Albus had used a strong Confundus to assure he would end up with his Lions. It begged the urgent question of, how had that been achieved?!

He'd cajoled, ranted, raved, threatened and even begged that blasted Hat for the answer! But nothing worked, it had remained resolutely silent when grilled most stringently on the matter. Why, even his beloved Fawkes had turned her back to him in clear disapproval.

Obviously, no one else was as concerned with the Greater Good as he. Somehow he must trudge on alone if that be the case. Such was his lot in life, he supposed; to be ever wary of rising Dark Wizards and ensuring no such threat would ever affect the Wizarding World again. Yes, it was his heavy burden to bear, but bear it me must.

"Anything else?" Queried the Headmaster, taken to reviewing more parchments, eyes flying over the words, writing comments and suggestions of import where needed.

"Bat-Professor calls the Great Harry Potter to his rooms."

Albus' quill shook sharply, splashing several droplets of ink onto the once pristine page. Ruined! The entire three foot length of parchment… Ruined! He would have to start over and the hour was quite late.

Throwing the implement onto his desk, Albus glared at the Elf, demanding harshly, "What was said between them?!"

"I knows not, Headmaster," Anurag explained, voice quavering in fear.

The Elf didn't know?! Impossible! "You lie!" Albus accused, jumping to his feet with a quickness unheard of in one of his advanced years. The Elf shrunk back, trembling violently. "Explain to me how such a thing could have been accomplished!"

"I… I knows not, Master," Anurag managed to say, still shaking. "I coulds not see nor hears. Bat-Professor put up powerful wards, he dids. I swears, I be speaking the truth."

Damn that Severus! If there was a wizard alive able to deflect the magic of a House-Elf, it would be him! Gritting his teeth, Albus ordered, "Continue your surveillance of Harry Potter. Now, get out of my sight!"

Anurag obeyed immediately and quite happily. He had never seen Master in such a state! He had thought Master might even require him to punish himself for his failings! No Headmaster of the past, to his recollection, had ever required a Hogwarts Elf to punish themselves. Anurag would have to do much better in keeping an eye on the Great Harry Potter. Otherwise, he feared the consequences. Present Headmaster had almost seemed deranged.

I would appreciate, if you aren't happy with this story, whether it be Hermione's appearance or how I am portraying characters, that you move onto other stories instead of reviewing with ugliness. It isn't necessary. Thank you.