Warning: Deatheater violence, language,
Summary: How Harry comes and spends the summer with Professor Snape.
Don't own.
Godric's Hollow
Chapter 1 Deatheaters
Harry frowned. Hedwig had been clicking her beak all morning. He had given her fresh water, cleaned her cage, given her treats, and opened the window to let her out. But she was still going on about something. She looked quite frustrated, Harry was sure that if she could talk she would be yelling at him. He tried looking up owls in several books but there was nothing there that would account for such odd behavior. He knew that this had to be something mildly serious.
He was now waiting for the Dursley's to fall asleep so that he could sneak downstairs and get the phone to call Hermione. Perhaps in all her studies she had run across something of use. He tried earlier in the day sending Hedwig to Hermione with a note to ask if there was anything she had read about owls, which might be of use. Hedwig had refused to go.
Finally, he heard the snores from uncle Vernon and Dudley. He hurried downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed the cordless phone. The only place he could think to call from was outside. He didn't want the Dursley's to hear the conversation or the echo of his voice upstairs. Slipping out the side door, Harry stopped, the door still open "OH My". Now he knew why Hedwig had been so upset. She had been trying to warn him. The phone stilled clutched in his hand. He backed into the house and ran upstairs.
He slammed his bedroom door shut, hit the lights off. He threw himself to the floor, crawled to his trunk. Harry rummaged around in it for his wand and the invisibility cloak. He then crawled across the floor to the window and peaked out. The man stood there as if frozen, staring at the house. Harry new instantly who he was, a Deatheater. The black hooded cape, figure stood, there no face was visible, nor any movement. His breath caught in his chest. Could it be they had come for him?
Harry watched the stranger until the wee hours of the morning. The pains in his chest grew over the course of the night. Should he write to Sirius, his godfather or was Dumbledore a better choice. He wish he had Floo powder right about now, the time it would take to send Hedwig to them, he could be dead by the time they got to him.
Harry though of waking uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia, but what would they say. How would he explain this to them. Harry crawled back to his bed and leaned against it. His breath got short and he had small pains in his chest. His anxiety was mounting. It was nearly 4am; he could barely keep his eyes open. Yet his head was swimming with so many questions. Obviously this Deatheater had been there all day, that's what had Hedwig so upset. Was he going to attack the house or was he waiting for other Deatheaters to appear? Had he seen me, did he know that I lived here or was he just here to confirm Harry Potter actually lived in the house? Should I send Hedwig to Dumbledore or Sirius?
Harry sat there for a long time on the floor. His head hurt, not from the lighting bolt scar but from the shear thoughts that ran threw his mind. He pulled his pillow and blankets to the floor and lay down to rest still clutching his wand and the telephone.
*****
Beep, Beep, Beep, the seek on the phone had been activated. Harry woke with a start. He sat up the phone in his hand. He crawled to the window again; yes the man was still there Harry could see him plainly now. The phone beeped again "Mum, Harry's got it" Dudley yelled barging into Harry's room. Dudley snatched the phone out of Harry's hand "freak' he muttered and went downstairs. Harry crawled to his dresser and pulled on some clothes even thought it was quite hard to due while lying on the floor. But he couldn't take the chance of this Deatheaters seeing him threw the window. He tucked the wand in his belt loop and folded the invisible cloak under his shirt. Crawling to his bedroom door squeezed out and shut the door straightening up once in the hall.
Aunt petunia had been calling for Harry to come to breakfast for sometime. When he entered the kitchen he knew he had to tell his Aunt and Uncle what was going on. Least they could be in danger.
Harry cleared his throat. "Mmmm, Uncle Vernon, there is a man standing in front of the house, and I thought..." but at the mention of this Aunt Petunia got up and when to the window. She peaked out "OH, Vernon" she nodded franticly. Uncle Vernon got up bumping the table, spilling porridge everywhere, crossed to the window and had a look out for himself.
"Dudley go to your room and hide in the closet. NOW"
Dudley looked up in shock. "NOW" uncle Vernon yelled again. His aunt and uncle ran from the room. "Petunia, where did you put that number". Harry went into the living room "What's going on?"
Dudley waddled up to the stairs taking with him as much food as he could carry.
Uncle Vernon turned on Harry "You, if these people hurt Petunia or Dudley. I'll, I'll....".
Petunia ran in the living room.
"Here's the number Vern. I don't know why they just didn't keep you at that school after all the trouble you caused last year." Harry's shock showed on his face. "How did you know about last year?" His aunt explained how Dumbledore had sent them a letter every year of Harry's school progress. But this year it had contained the news of Voldemorts return and of Cedrics death. How the Headmaster Dumbledore had given them a special phone number to call if there were any problems.
Vernon slammed down the phone "Damn it no one answers. This is just great."
Petunia worried "What are suppose to do now"?
The knock at the door stopped the bickering in the Dursley house instantly. Uncle Vernon backed them into a corner. Everyone turned to look at the door; Harry pulled out his wand. The door fell open with an explosion, and remained hanging only by the bottom hinge.
Wormtail entered and scanned the area. He was followed by Voldemort. He stood tall and menacing, his black cape billowed behind him. His black hair shined, his eyes cold, evil lurking in their depths. Voldemorts presence made the house instantly seem small, even the Deatheaters that followed in surrounding Voldemort appeared larger than life. Malfoy, Knott, Crabb, Goyle, and so many more gathered in the yard. Severus Snape entered. Snape walked to the front of the Deatheaters and stood next to Voldemort. The smug look on his face, the evil look of hatred reserved only for Harry. He eyed Harry and then his Aunt and Uncle suspiciously. Harry's full concentration shifted from Voldemort to Snape. The staring contest began, neither waived. Harry's hatred of this man, was only pushed to the limit at this time.
He had questioned Dumbledore on this very thing just last year and here it was. This is where Snapes loyalty lies. Not to Dumbledore, not to Hogwarts, but to this "Lord" of Death, Evil, and Despair.
Harry was brought back to his surroundings when Uncle Vernon commanded everyone out of his house, "All wizards, out now". Harry wished that he would keep his mouth shut.
Voldemort looked at him, an evil smirk crossed his face. A soft chuckle escaped his mouth he pulled his hand from under is robe and wiggled his finger "CRUCIO" he whispered.
Uncle Vernon dropped to the floor instantly and began to twitch. Violent jerks, banging his head on the fireplace, blood oozed out of the corner of his mouth. The pain fell across his face. The screaming breaking the silence, that had fallen across the room. Petunia bent to go to her husband but stopped midway she looked frozen.
Harry looked at Voldemort his sneer was pure evil. Every one of the Deatheaters had the same evil grin. Snape looked positively happy. Harry held his wand he wanted to kill Voldemort. The anger he felt, the hatred of this man swelled inside of him. Harry yelled with all the force he could muster "AVADA KEDAVRA" The force that powered the rush of energy forward hit Voldemort, he went slightly pale and his eyes turned even blacker, if that was possible. Harry fell to his knees, Voldemort didn't waiver in his stance. But Lord Voldemorts hand shook for a second as he pulled his wand from his robe.
All the Deatheaters followed suit. Harry regained his composure quickly. Snape look at Lord Voldemort as if he was going to ask him something, yet stopped.
"Harry, Harry, Harry" Voldemort growled his name over and over again. He shook his head slightly. "Harry Potter". Voldemort leaned in as if to touch Harry's scar. Harry new if he touched it he was done for. He took a step back. Uncle Vernon was now sitting up holding his own head, whimpering. Voldemort stepped forward again, to touch the scar. The Deatheaters made as to hold Harry's arms, making as if to surround him. Harry ducked and ran down the hall toward the back door.
Harry only heard one spell muttered "IMPERIO". Harry fell to the floor, face down his wand out in front of him. He lay there as if frozen, trying to fight the over powering sensation that was coming over him. Harry knew that Voldemort was trying to beckon him to get up and come to him. When it appeared that he was not going to do so two arms lifted him and dragged him toward Voldemort, who was now smiling. Harry could not find his footing. His head fell limp against his chest. He was desperately trying to gather his thoughts. Snape held one arm, Macnair the other. Trying to stand before Voldemort wasn't going well, he could hear them talking to him and his Uncle saying something. But his mind just could not put the pieces together. He dipped slightly as Mcnair bent to pick up the invisibility cloak. Snape turned "ACCIO WAND" calling Harry's wand forward from the hall. Snape grabbed it in midair.
*******
The palms of Harry's hands were bleeding. He had a rip in the knee of his jeans. The cold cement felt good against his skin. He lay there for a while. Still dazed.
"Get up boy" Snape bellowed kicking him in the shin. "Remus" Snape yelled again. He could hear the clicking of Snapes boots on the stone floor. Where was he? Professor Lupin was there?
"Harry, come on sit up" he felt the tender touch pull him into the upright position.
His eyes tried to focus. Someone was forcing him to drink something cold. He swallowed.
His eyes focused and his head felt almost better, instantly. Lupin pulled him to his feet. He wasn't quite sure he understood.
Harry saw for the first time the small house, a tea table by the bay window. A small couch and television in the corner. The fire was already burning deeply. Harry could see right into the kitchen where Snape was standing in front of the refrigerator with the door open. Lupin steadied Harry taking him to a chair at the tea table.
Lupin returned to the kitchen to talk to Snape. Harry watched this with curiosity. Lupin making violent gestures with his hands while talking to Snape. Snape reached up and touched Lupin's cheek tenderly. Then let his hand fall and looked at the floor. The discussion looked bad. Lupin doing most of the talking and loud whispers. It did not appear nice. Harry just didn't care. He sat back in the chair, his muscles relaxing, closing his eyes.
Lupin came in carrying a tray with tea and some cakes. Setting it down on the table looking at Harry, his expression softened.
"I'm going up to take a nap Remus, freshen up some" Snape sneered at Harry "let me know when Dumbledore arrives". He swept up the stairs.
"Well, Harry exciting morning you're having here". Remus smiles. Plopping himself down in the other chair. Making up his tea.
Harry looked around. "I don't understand, how did I get here? My wand is a portkey?"
"No, not really. Severus made this powder and all he had to do was put the powder on his hand and touch anything. It would then turn into a portkey." Remus watched Harry closely. Harry leaned back and shut his eyes.
"Snape is a Deatheaters then or not," said Harry slowly.
"Dumbledore will explain when he arrives. Harry, perhaps you should take a nap. The second room has two beds you can share with Professor Snape."
Harry followed Lupin upstairs. On the second floor there were two bedrooms and a small bath. Harry followed Lupin to the further of the bedrooms. Snape was already there, he lay on one of the twin beds already asleep. He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt. His boots lay on the floor next to the bed. Remus picked up the robe from the 2nd bed and hung it up on the hook on the back of the door. "Come on Harry". Harry sat on the bed and took off his shoes. Then took off his belt and hesitated and slipped out of his jeans. His shirt was so baggy it hung like a nightshirt. In his T-shirt and boxers climbed into bed. Lupin covered him with a soft blanket.
"What about my Aunt and Uncle" said Harry. Lupin looked down "I don't know Harry, I'll have that answer for you when you wake."
Harry lay back and Lupin folded his clothes setting them on the truck at the end of the bed. "Get some rest Harry. I'll wake you when Dumbledore arrives".
"Professor Lupin," he turns to face Harry "will you stay a moment". Remus looked down at the child in the bed, he smiled slightly. "Sure Harry" Lupin sat down next to him and stroked his hair.
"It will be okay you know." Lupin whispered. Harry shut his eyes.
*****
Dreams are horrible things, can't control them. They won't stop violent, deathful things. Why won't they stop? People popping in and out of focus, the twisted images. The sadness in their eyes, pain in their voices. Why won't it stop?
Harry woke in the dark, something was wrong he could sense it right away. He could make out a dark shape crouching in the corner with their wand pulled. The shape didn't seem be paying him any attention. He leaned over for his glasses on the nightstand, stopped midway as he caught sight of the second dark shape standing by the door. His glasses now on he could see Remus Lupin next to him in the corner and Professor Snape by the door.
"What's going on" Harry sat up.
Lupin looked at him, "Harry" he whispered "get your shoes on and be quiet".
Then he heard it, the voices downstairs, shouting out in the yard.
"They're coming up the stairs. Are you going to be okay Remus? I have to get down there or I'll be in trouble, myself". Snape pulled up a dark hooded cape over his head.
"We should be Severus". Snape looked at them then disaparrated downstairs.
"What are we going to do? Where's Dumbledore?" Harry got off the bed and pulled his wand from his jacket pocket.
"What were going to do is climb out the window onto the rooftop. You're going to call for the broom that's on the back porch. Then you just go and don't worry about me. Head north, here's your invisibility cloak, put it on now."
The door banged open. Harry was already out on the roof. He had the cloak over him, he could hear the broom coming. Harry turn to Lupin to help him out the window. Spells and curses were being yelled. Lupin felt Harry pull his arm. "No Harry get on the broom and go".
Harry grabbed the broom "Remus, how will you go then"?
"I'll appariate away, Harry just go". Harry climbed on the broom and turned once more to look at Lupin. He was half in the window and half out. Lupin was yelling his own hexes. The Deatheaters on the ground were now sending up curses and hexes of their own. Lupin pushed Harry away, "Get on the broom, Harry" Lupin snarled at him. Lupin froze he stumbled back a few steps out fully on the roof. He reached a hand out for balance, which wasn't there. Harry came forward, Lupin felt his form and fell back taking the invisibility cloak with him. He was dead before he hit the ground.
As Harry became visible, it was as if time froze. The spells and curses had stopped. Everyone on the ground stared up at him. Harry looked around, Snape stuck his head out the window. Their eyes locked for a moment, "get him". He sent a hex. Harry felt the air rush past his head. Hexes started flying again. He jumped on his broom and took off for the woods. Spells followed, hexes missed.
*****
"Son of a Bitch", Snape pulled his head back in the window. He turned, Crabbe stood there, "What happened? How could you miss? He was right there". Crabbe came forward as if to attack. Voldemort put his hand up. Crabbe stopped.
Lord Voldemort hadn't spoken since he had entered the house. He had stood downstairs patiently while he sent people upstairs to search. He knew that Remus Lupin was in the house he could sense the werewolf. But Harry Potter something was blocking his senses on the boy. He was toying with killing everyone in the room, the Deatheaters had failed him so much lately. Failed to get Harry at his home, had failed to get more members, had failed to get a silk weed he was desiring. Snape had now failed twice, and why he was able to tip them off to Harry's whereabouts the first time. This last time it was getting to be too much. He needed Harry, he had plans for Harry. Only two more weeks to the full moon and it was on a Saturday the 14th, the day of Receiving. If the spell wasn't performed on that day the next one wasn't for 4 months. He really didn't want to wait.
"CRUCIO," Voldemort bellowed, He pointed his wand, and Snape fell to his knees. Everyone else ran from the room. Snape fell back, his head jerking violently. Banging his head on the windowsill. The pain ripped from his body, blood oozed from the wound on his head. His tongue bitten, the bones in his body burned with pain, and he blacked out.
******
Snape woke in his own vomit, on the floor of the upstairs bedroom at Lupin's home. The side of his face covered, as was his robes. His head pounded, body aching he pulled himself up. Leaning against the wall, his head in his hands. This was too much, the Deatheater mark on his arm was burning. It hurt but not as bad as his head. Snape was wallowing in his own self-hatred, when he knew what had woken him.
"Where's Harry, Severus"?
Snape looked up, Dumbledore stood before him. "Got away", Snape stood and dropped his robe from his body wiping his face off with it. Dumbledore looked questionably at Snape. Snape didn't meet his glaze, he was more concerned about himself. This curse had hurt and it was the 2nd time this week he had been hit with it. His jeans were filthy and his T-shirt was drenched with sweat, he just wanted to go home.
He made to leave the room, "Where's Harry, Severus"?
Snape turned and growled at the old man, facing him now, "I told you that he got away, on his broom".
"Lupin's dead" Dumbledore said sullenly.
Snape was down the steps before Dumbledore had finished, slamming the door in his wake. Dumbledore didn't really trust him he knew it. He was a Deatheater, yes he enjoyed it a little too much.
He paced in the living room, his rage building. Picking up the lamp and threw it through the bay window. Swearing, he ducked the glass that flew everywhere.
"Severus, really, is this necessary". Dumbledore stood on the stair landing.
"I know you don't trust me with Harry, But I... I..." He just wanted to go home. How could he convey that message to Dumbledore? He just didn't want to be part of this anymore. The good side, the wrong side, he just wanted it all to go away.
"I'll stay here wait to see if Harry returns, you go, clean up, rest"
"But I can't" lifting his shirtsleeve to show him the death mark that was burning bright. Severus Snape disapprated away.
******
Harry rode his broom north as instructed. But he just couldn't get the images from his mind. Remus Lupin falling from the roof. Landing on the cold ground. Dead. Then Snape sending a Hex at him. Was this for real? Who could he trust? Snape had to be on good side or else Lupin wouldn't have let him in the house. Lupin was good, right!
Not knowing where he was going, Harry decided to turn and head back to the house. Enough time had passed and know one had followed him. He sat in the treetops watching the house. There appeared to be no movement. Lupin's body was gone. All looked still. He wondered if it was a plot, for him to show himself.
He was lost in thought when Professor Dumbledore appeared on the back porch. Looking around Dumbledore's eyes rested on the spot in the trees where Harry happened to be. Harry jumped on the old broom, Hedwig trailing behind him, and landed next to Dumbledore.
"Ah, Harry there you are".
"Snapes a Deatheater" he said breathlessly.
"Yes Harry, I know. Come on inside were going back to Hogwarts. I've already sent for your things".
*****
Harry and Dumbledore arrived back at Hogwarts School via a portkey. Dobby was standing there in the fidgety manner of a house elf.
'eadmaster Dumbledore, ir', Dobby be taken arry Potter's things up to his room."
"Thank you Dobby, could you bring up a tray for Harry's dinner" the elf disappeared away.
Harry looked around curiously. He was in a part of Hogwarts he had never been before. It was a round room with a fireplace in the middle with chairs gathered around it on either side. The walls were lined with books and boxes. Above the fireplace chimneys were four portraits one on each side. Each painting faced a door that was constantly changing colors. The portraits waved at them just like all did in the wizarding world. The two women in the portraits blushed when Dumbledore waved back.
Harry looked at the doors two were yellow, one green and one black with gray and red mixed in. Dumbledore explained "There enchanted to show the mood of the occupant inside. Yellow for the two heads of houses that is away on business. Professor Sprout is green today, and Professor Snape who is...well..."
"Snape?"
"Professor Snape, Harry, looks like he's having the type of day you are" Dumbledore chuckled "You'll be spending the remainder of the summer with him, for your own safety of course."
"No please, what about Professor Sprout, can't I stay with her, or Hagrid what about him."
"Hagrids gone on business for me and Professor Sprout will be leaving soon to visit family." Dumbledore held up his hand "Harry it's safest for you here, in the main castle".
"Ron Weasly's, his father works for the Ministry of Magic, they can...."
"No, Harry here is where you will stay. No Forbidden Forest, no Hogesmeade, no where that is not Hogwarts. Always in the presence of Professor Snape." With that said Dumbledore touched the door as it melted away Snape became visible threw it.
They entered the small flat, it opened to a large sitting area, a sofa, tea table, and rows of books lined the walls. A large fireplace with three cauldrons boiling, this is where Snape stood stirring one of them.
"Ah, Severus, your back, how did things go?"
Snape grunted his reply and move to stir the next cauldron.
"What are you making it smells familiar?"
Snape grunted again, he began to throw ingredients into the cauldron.
"Yes well Harry, I'll leave you to get settled, rest up" Dumbledore clapped Harry on the back and turn to take his leave just as Dobby returned with a tray of food for Harry.
"Potter" Harry spun around to face Professor Snape. "A few rules, I unlike the other teachers expect them to be followed. No exceptions for 'Famous Harry Potter'."
Harry nodded reluctantly, this was definably going to be the worst summer ever. Snape started rambling off all his rules. Mostly it boiled down to don't touch any thing and don't speak unless spoken to. Pretty much the same as it was at the Dursely's.
He was sent upstairs with Dobby on his heels to his new bedroom. It was small, his trunk sat at the end of the four poster bed, with green drapes and silver tiebacks. Dobby set the dinner tray on the desk and pulled the drapes curtains closed. Harry eyed more books that lined the walls and boxes of every shape on the higher up selves.
"Arry Potter, its alrig't, you can come visit Dobby in the kitchens anytime". Dobby took his leave, as Hedwig arrived. She fluttered down to the desk and tore apart the roll on the tray. Harry climbed into bed, all he could think of at this moment is sleep. Sweet peaceful sleep.
