Chapter two: The rescue
Snape was always amazed and slightly intimidated by the incredible power his mentor possessed. With the wards around the school, no wizard should have been capable of apparating from school grounds, but yet here they stood on a quiet street in the middle of an upper class urban neighborhood.
Both wizards quickly hid behind some bushes and began to look around the house at #4 Privet Drive. Snape wasn't sure what he had expected to find but a quiet peaceful place wasn't one of them. Severus started to become very angry. He was finally rid of all the annoying little brats and looking forward to a nice, child free summer working on his favorite potions and research and instead was now standing behind a bush being soaked to the skin for what was probably just a joke. Snape knew that Potter was a selfish child who was used to breaking rules and having the world cater to his every whim, but honestly what had he been hoping to gain from this gag? Certainly the boy would know that Severus was the only one likely to still be at the school. All of the other instructors had families to go visit during the holidays and Dumbledore was being kept busy finding supporters in the fight against Voldemort. Surely, the boy who lived didn't intend for Snape to show up on his door step. Snape knew that he was the most hated teacher at Hogwarts so he was confident in the knowledge that he was the last person Potter would want to see, So why the prank then, he wondered to himself?
Seeing that there was no signs of immediate danger, Severus decided that the direct approach was best and stepped out from behind their hiding place and strode to the front door. He was aware of the fact that Dumbledore followed him and could sense the glare that was being aimed at the back of his head. He knew that the headmaster would be unhappy with him for not discussing a plan with him first before acting but he was tired, wet, and irritated and was not about to stay miserable for a boy that he hated with every fiber of his being, especially if said boy wasn't really in any danger. There was no evidence of intruders and no aura of strong magic. It was apparent that this was not an attack by death eaters or by Voldemort himself, which is what they both had feared.
Before Snape could knock on the door his wrist was caught in a strong grip. He looked to his side and swallowed at the look he was being given. The look promised that his behavior was only being excused for the moment but that they would definitely be readdressing this issue at a later date. Great, Snape moaned to himself, just what he needed. Dumbledore would probably rank this action as putting himself in unnecessary danger. The headmaster was difficult to anger but Snape had learned the hard way that the fastest way to make Dumbledore angry with him was to put him self at risk when other options were available. Granted, there probably was a safer way of handling the situation rather than marching up to the front door, but Snape honestly didn't think there was any danger. Snape gave an imperceptible nod signaling that the message was received. Sometimes his relationship with Albus confused him. During some situations they were headmaster and teacher, during others they were more like friends, and sometimes they were more like father and son. Severus knew that this was probably due to the few years that Albus was his temporary guardian. Most of the time it gave him a warm contented feeling to realize that Albus loved him and treated him like he was his child but at other times it was frustrating. He was thirty three and felt like he didn't need someone fussing over him. He was an adult and if he wanted to take chances, spend time alone, or not eat for the day, that was his prerogative, but Dumbledore seemed to disagree. Snape knew that if it were another of the headmaster's instructors he would not interfere. Snape also did not understand why the headmaster continued to care about him. Severus had been over the age of eighteen for fifteen years now so had not been the legal responsibility of Dumbledore for a long time. He knew that he was a snarly, reclusive, pain in the ass and that nobody else liked him. Sure some of it was an act so that the children in his house would not be suspicious, but for the most part it was just who he was. So while everyone else disliked him, why did Dumbledore still care?
Snape snapped out of his reverie and realized that he had been lost in thought with his hand still half raised as if to knock. He then growled low in his throat at the amused look he saw on Albus's face. To hide his growing discomfiture he sharply banged on the door. He had knocked at least six times before the door was yanked open. In the doorway stood a very fat boy with blonde hair and pudgy cheeks, who looked about the same age as Potter. Snape and Dumbledore shared a shocked and confused expression, when rather then the boy asking what they wanted, he ran from the room screaming and holding one hand to his bottom and the other over his mouth. Before either wizard could question this bizarre behavior any further they heard heavy footsteps coming from down the hall. Seconds later a very large man with a purple face approached. "What in bloody hell is going on?" the large man bellowed. Severus noticed that the man's eyes widened and if all possible his face became even more purple. "Oh no. No way.We do not allow the likes of you into our home!" The man had shouted and then moved to slam the door. Before the man, whom Snape guessed was Potter's uncle Vernon, could get the door closed he shoved his way in. He was loosing patience and was really getting irritated with the strange behavior from these muggles.
Snape was just about to deliver a biting comment when he was cutoff by Dumbledore. "We are here to see Harry Potter." Dumbledore stated in a calm voice, hoping to regain control of the situation. Instead of becoming an even darker shade of purple, the color completely drained from Vernon's face. "I.I..erm.There is nobody here by that name" Vernon stammered out while shifting nervously from foot to foot.
Dumbledore, who was now suspicious began to look around the inside of the house and replied "Don't be ridiculous. I left the boy at your door step almost fifteen years ago myself. Quit lying and tell me where I can find the boy now!" Dumbledore demanded leaving no room for argument. Vernon, who by this time noticed both wizards had their wands out, began to nervously step back and slowly pointed up the stairs.
Without another word, Dumbledore and Snape all but ran up the stairs. Albus was the first one to notice the door at the end of the hallway with a padlock on the outside. Obviously it was intended to keep someone in rather than keeping people out. With growing apprehension, Dumbledore approached the door and called out "Alahomora" (sorry, I don't have the book available so I don't know if that is even remotely close to the right word) and slowly pushed open the door. The sight that greeted the headmaster was worse than he could ever imagine. Harry was lying on his bed in a pool of his own blood. Every inch of his body that was visible was covered in bruises or cuts. The blood seemed to be coming from a deep gash on Harry's head. That and the bloody splatter on the wall made it clear that the injury was due to Harry's head being bashed against the wall. Dumbledore then noticed the bloody trail on the floor and ending in a pool of blood that clearly showed that even with his head seriously injured and bleeding the beating had not stopped. Apparently, the boy had been dragged away from the wall and had lain on the floor while someone had continued to hurt him. Dumbledore's eyes then followed the smear of blood up the blanket to where Harry currently laid. Somehow, the boy had found the will to climb up onto the bed where he finally lost his battle with consciousness.
Snape, who had entered the room right behind the headmaster took in the scene and quickly arrived at the same conclusion as Dumbledore. Horrified and also wondering who could have caused so much damage, Severus slowly turned and noticed that Vernon had followed them upstairs and now stood nervously by the door with a horse faced woman and his rotund son trying to hide behind him. Snape then noticed that Vernon's knuckles were scraped and bruised and quickly realized that this was the monster responsible for the brutal attack. Snape took a step back and his breath came in short pants as he was thrown into a flashback of a different time, with a different monster. Before he could get too lost in his memories he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder bringing him back to the present. A rage began to build. It was an anger stronger than he had ever experienced in his life before. He wasn't sure if it was directed at this man or at his past or a combination of the two.
The room began to shake and old broken toys were becoming projectiles thrown at the family now huddling, whimpering in fear. A soft moan coming from the bed acted like a splash of ice cold water dousing a flame. Snape then turned away from the Dursleys and approached the boy on the bed. Noticing the pale clammy skin he realized that Potter did not have too much longer. With a gentleness that even surprised himself, he gathered the boy into his arms and turned to find Dumbledore at his side. The headmaster turned and leveled a look at the Dursleys that spoke of vengeance before turning back to Snape. His eyes softened and filled with concern before he reached out and the three apparated.
A/N: Geez, I seem to keep ending chapters with people apparating. Sorry, it just seemed like a good place to stop.
Also, sheepish grin I try proof reading these myself before posting but I seem to miss all of the embarrassing mistakes until after I post. Sorry about that. I hope it doesn't distract too much from the story.
I have also noticed that when I posted the last chapter it didn't look anything like how I had it glares at computer I had all of these nice breaks and stuff signaling changes in POV and stuff but I noticed not only are they missing but that how I have it spaced is different.
I had a hard time getting this chapter right. I'm not particularly happy with it but I can't seem to get it to work out like I have it in my head..but hopefully it is not too bad.
Also bouncing up and down in delight I want to thank everyone who reviewed. I was shocked to find so many kind comments waiting for me !!!! All of you are wonderful.thank you thank you. blushes Sorry, I just truly expected either no comments or at least reviews telling me not to quit my day job hehehe. It is encouraging to have people telling me that they like what I have done so far. Since my response to reviews is sooooo lengthy..would people prefer me to just post them seperatley right after I post the new chapter or leave it at the end of each chapter? Please tell me what is preferred.
Skeletor: Yeah!!! You were my very first review. Thank you. And you are right.poor Severus never does seem to catch a break. Anna Taure: Thank you! Yes, I am partial to stories that show an interaction between Dumbledore and Snape. ( have also become addicted to Snape/Harry stories). Desertwren: Thank you. I am glad you like it. Snape isn't too much younger than in most stories (only two years), it actually comes into play later in the story. It will explain some things. Hmmm..as far as being sure if I want it as a response to the challenge rather than a Snape/Harry fic.well, to be honest I am not a huge fan of slash. No..don't get me wrong, I have read a few and have enjoyed them, but I guess I am more addicted to the father son relationship type stories. Not sure why, but that seems to be where my addiction lies. Maybe later, and after I have read a few more slash stories I may decide to try one. t.a.g: blushes I knew Hedwig was female. I don't know why I referred to her as a him (I even said her earlier in the story) go figure. Anyway.thank you for pointing that out to me. I will be more careful in the future. Lady Foxfire: Thank you. I will try to be a little original, but to be honest I haven't read that many Snape as Harry's father stories (although I am currently trying to remedy that). Hope I don't disappoint you. Becb: Thank you.and don't worry, there will be lots of Harry soon. Littletiger: oops..I don't know why I have a tendency to make names possessive. slaps forehead Ok.your right, Rowling probably didn't have Snape become a death eater to become a spy.but since she didn't come out and specifically say that wasn't the case frantically searches brain to make sure that is accurate.comes up blank I took the liberty of making it so for my purposes. Don't worry.it won't be the only reason why. Thank you so much for taking the time to point out the errors for me. Since I don't have a beta reader, I appreciate all of the help I can get! Xikum: Yikes.the pressure. I will try my best to be as original as I can gulp I know it will be similar but hopefully different enough. Glad you enjoyed it so far. Setsuri: looks around nervously Again, I will try really hard to be original enough. (fears she just bit off more than she can chew.starts to chant, be original.be original). Saavik: Thank you for all of your kind comments and help on where to find the information regarding the challenge. Sure, I wouldn't mind looking at your stories, honored that you would ask my opinion but I don't know how much help I will be. As you can tell, grammar is not my strong point (ok.and as some of you have pointed out..neither is attention to detail hehehe) I also have to forewarn you that I don't have a whole lot of experience reading slash (at least I think yours was slash right? But I will give it a try and give you whatever opinion I have. Hope it helps.
Lee Lee Potter, Saimhe, Kateri, Minerva-Severus-Dumbledor, Pip, Lei Dumbledore, Elektra Joradees Gamblin, and Sethanon Snape crosses fingers I hope I didn't forget anyone.thank you for taking the time to let me know you liked the story and encourage me!
Yikes..I just realized that my response to reviews is longer than the chapter itself. sheepish grin Sorry, just got a little excited about the feedback!!! Hope this second chapter doesn't disappoint anyone! off to go work on ch.3 oh..and.erm..any reviews on this chapter would be greatly appreciated.
Snape was always amazed and slightly intimidated by the incredible power his mentor possessed. With the wards around the school, no wizard should have been capable of apparating from school grounds, but yet here they stood on a quiet street in the middle of an upper class urban neighborhood.
Both wizards quickly hid behind some bushes and began to look around the house at #4 Privet Drive. Snape wasn't sure what he had expected to find but a quiet peaceful place wasn't one of them. Severus started to become very angry. He was finally rid of all the annoying little brats and looking forward to a nice, child free summer working on his favorite potions and research and instead was now standing behind a bush being soaked to the skin for what was probably just a joke. Snape knew that Potter was a selfish child who was used to breaking rules and having the world cater to his every whim, but honestly what had he been hoping to gain from this gag? Certainly the boy would know that Severus was the only one likely to still be at the school. All of the other instructors had families to go visit during the holidays and Dumbledore was being kept busy finding supporters in the fight against Voldemort. Surely, the boy who lived didn't intend for Snape to show up on his door step. Snape knew that he was the most hated teacher at Hogwarts so he was confident in the knowledge that he was the last person Potter would want to see, So why the prank then, he wondered to himself?
Seeing that there was no signs of immediate danger, Severus decided that the direct approach was best and stepped out from behind their hiding place and strode to the front door. He was aware of the fact that Dumbledore followed him and could sense the glare that was being aimed at the back of his head. He knew that the headmaster would be unhappy with him for not discussing a plan with him first before acting but he was tired, wet, and irritated and was not about to stay miserable for a boy that he hated with every fiber of his being, especially if said boy wasn't really in any danger. There was no evidence of intruders and no aura of strong magic. It was apparent that this was not an attack by death eaters or by Voldemort himself, which is what they both had feared.
Before Snape could knock on the door his wrist was caught in a strong grip. He looked to his side and swallowed at the look he was being given. The look promised that his behavior was only being excused for the moment but that they would definitely be readdressing this issue at a later date. Great, Snape moaned to himself, just what he needed. Dumbledore would probably rank this action as putting himself in unnecessary danger. The headmaster was difficult to anger but Snape had learned the hard way that the fastest way to make Dumbledore angry with him was to put him self at risk when other options were available. Granted, there probably was a safer way of handling the situation rather than marching up to the front door, but Snape honestly didn't think there was any danger. Snape gave an imperceptible nod signaling that the message was received. Sometimes his relationship with Albus confused him. During some situations they were headmaster and teacher, during others they were more like friends, and sometimes they were more like father and son. Severus knew that this was probably due to the few years that Albus was his temporary guardian. Most of the time it gave him a warm contented feeling to realize that Albus loved him and treated him like he was his child but at other times it was frustrating. He was thirty three and felt like he didn't need someone fussing over him. He was an adult and if he wanted to take chances, spend time alone, or not eat for the day, that was his prerogative, but Dumbledore seemed to disagree. Snape knew that if it were another of the headmaster's instructors he would not interfere. Snape also did not understand why the headmaster continued to care about him. Severus had been over the age of eighteen for fifteen years now so had not been the legal responsibility of Dumbledore for a long time. He knew that he was a snarly, reclusive, pain in the ass and that nobody else liked him. Sure some of it was an act so that the children in his house would not be suspicious, but for the most part it was just who he was. So while everyone else disliked him, why did Dumbledore still care?
Snape snapped out of his reverie and realized that he had been lost in thought with his hand still half raised as if to knock. He then growled low in his throat at the amused look he saw on Albus's face. To hide his growing discomfiture he sharply banged on the door. He had knocked at least six times before the door was yanked open. In the doorway stood a very fat boy with blonde hair and pudgy cheeks, who looked about the same age as Potter. Snape and Dumbledore shared a shocked and confused expression, when rather then the boy asking what they wanted, he ran from the room screaming and holding one hand to his bottom and the other over his mouth. Before either wizard could question this bizarre behavior any further they heard heavy footsteps coming from down the hall. Seconds later a very large man with a purple face approached. "What in bloody hell is going on?" the large man bellowed. Severus noticed that the man's eyes widened and if all possible his face became even more purple. "Oh no. No way.We do not allow the likes of you into our home!" The man had shouted and then moved to slam the door. Before the man, whom Snape guessed was Potter's uncle Vernon, could get the door closed he shoved his way in. He was loosing patience and was really getting irritated with the strange behavior from these muggles.
Snape was just about to deliver a biting comment when he was cutoff by Dumbledore. "We are here to see Harry Potter." Dumbledore stated in a calm voice, hoping to regain control of the situation. Instead of becoming an even darker shade of purple, the color completely drained from Vernon's face. "I.I..erm.There is nobody here by that name" Vernon stammered out while shifting nervously from foot to foot.
Dumbledore, who was now suspicious began to look around the inside of the house and replied "Don't be ridiculous. I left the boy at your door step almost fifteen years ago myself. Quit lying and tell me where I can find the boy now!" Dumbledore demanded leaving no room for argument. Vernon, who by this time noticed both wizards had their wands out, began to nervously step back and slowly pointed up the stairs.
Without another word, Dumbledore and Snape all but ran up the stairs. Albus was the first one to notice the door at the end of the hallway with a padlock on the outside. Obviously it was intended to keep someone in rather than keeping people out. With growing apprehension, Dumbledore approached the door and called out "Alahomora" (sorry, I don't have the book available so I don't know if that is even remotely close to the right word) and slowly pushed open the door. The sight that greeted the headmaster was worse than he could ever imagine. Harry was lying on his bed in a pool of his own blood. Every inch of his body that was visible was covered in bruises or cuts. The blood seemed to be coming from a deep gash on Harry's head. That and the bloody splatter on the wall made it clear that the injury was due to Harry's head being bashed against the wall. Dumbledore then noticed the bloody trail on the floor and ending in a pool of blood that clearly showed that even with his head seriously injured and bleeding the beating had not stopped. Apparently, the boy had been dragged away from the wall and had lain on the floor while someone had continued to hurt him. Dumbledore's eyes then followed the smear of blood up the blanket to where Harry currently laid. Somehow, the boy had found the will to climb up onto the bed where he finally lost his battle with consciousness.
Snape, who had entered the room right behind the headmaster took in the scene and quickly arrived at the same conclusion as Dumbledore. Horrified and also wondering who could have caused so much damage, Severus slowly turned and noticed that Vernon had followed them upstairs and now stood nervously by the door with a horse faced woman and his rotund son trying to hide behind him. Snape then noticed that Vernon's knuckles were scraped and bruised and quickly realized that this was the monster responsible for the brutal attack. Snape took a step back and his breath came in short pants as he was thrown into a flashback of a different time, with a different monster. Before he could get too lost in his memories he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder bringing him back to the present. A rage began to build. It was an anger stronger than he had ever experienced in his life before. He wasn't sure if it was directed at this man or at his past or a combination of the two.
The room began to shake and old broken toys were becoming projectiles thrown at the family now huddling, whimpering in fear. A soft moan coming from the bed acted like a splash of ice cold water dousing a flame. Snape then turned away from the Dursleys and approached the boy on the bed. Noticing the pale clammy skin he realized that Potter did not have too much longer. With a gentleness that even surprised himself, he gathered the boy into his arms and turned to find Dumbledore at his side. The headmaster turned and leveled a look at the Dursleys that spoke of vengeance before turning back to Snape. His eyes softened and filled with concern before he reached out and the three apparated.
A/N: Geez, I seem to keep ending chapters with people apparating. Sorry, it just seemed like a good place to stop.
Also, sheepish grin I try proof reading these myself before posting but I seem to miss all of the embarrassing mistakes until after I post. Sorry about that. I hope it doesn't distract too much from the story.
I have also noticed that when I posted the last chapter it didn't look anything like how I had it glares at computer I had all of these nice breaks and stuff signaling changes in POV and stuff but I noticed not only are they missing but that how I have it spaced is different.
I had a hard time getting this chapter right. I'm not particularly happy with it but I can't seem to get it to work out like I have it in my head..but hopefully it is not too bad.
Also bouncing up and down in delight I want to thank everyone who reviewed. I was shocked to find so many kind comments waiting for me !!!! All of you are wonderful.thank you thank you. blushes Sorry, I just truly expected either no comments or at least reviews telling me not to quit my day job hehehe. It is encouraging to have people telling me that they like what I have done so far. Since my response to reviews is sooooo lengthy..would people prefer me to just post them seperatley right after I post the new chapter or leave it at the end of each chapter? Please tell me what is preferred.
Skeletor: Yeah!!! You were my very first review. Thank you. And you are right.poor Severus never does seem to catch a break. Anna Taure: Thank you! Yes, I am partial to stories that show an interaction between Dumbledore and Snape. ( have also become addicted to Snape/Harry stories). Desertwren: Thank you. I am glad you like it. Snape isn't too much younger than in most stories (only two years), it actually comes into play later in the story. It will explain some things. Hmmm..as far as being sure if I want it as a response to the challenge rather than a Snape/Harry fic.well, to be honest I am not a huge fan of slash. No..don't get me wrong, I have read a few and have enjoyed them, but I guess I am more addicted to the father son relationship type stories. Not sure why, but that seems to be where my addiction lies. Maybe later, and after I have read a few more slash stories I may decide to try one. t.a.g: blushes I knew Hedwig was female. I don't know why I referred to her as a him (I even said her earlier in the story) go figure. Anyway.thank you for pointing that out to me. I will be more careful in the future. Lady Foxfire: Thank you. I will try to be a little original, but to be honest I haven't read that many Snape as Harry's father stories (although I am currently trying to remedy that). Hope I don't disappoint you. Becb: Thank you.and don't worry, there will be lots of Harry soon. Littletiger: oops..I don't know why I have a tendency to make names possessive. slaps forehead Ok.your right, Rowling probably didn't have Snape become a death eater to become a spy.but since she didn't come out and specifically say that wasn't the case frantically searches brain to make sure that is accurate.comes up blank I took the liberty of making it so for my purposes. Don't worry.it won't be the only reason why. Thank you so much for taking the time to point out the errors for me. Since I don't have a beta reader, I appreciate all of the help I can get! Xikum: Yikes.the pressure. I will try my best to be as original as I can gulp I know it will be similar but hopefully different enough. Glad you enjoyed it so far. Setsuri: looks around nervously Again, I will try really hard to be original enough. (fears she just bit off more than she can chew.starts to chant, be original.be original). Saavik: Thank you for all of your kind comments and help on where to find the information regarding the challenge. Sure, I wouldn't mind looking at your stories, honored that you would ask my opinion but I don't know how much help I will be. As you can tell, grammar is not my strong point (ok.and as some of you have pointed out..neither is attention to detail hehehe) I also have to forewarn you that I don't have a whole lot of experience reading slash (at least I think yours was slash right? But I will give it a try and give you whatever opinion I have. Hope it helps.
Lee Lee Potter, Saimhe, Kateri, Minerva-Severus-Dumbledor, Pip, Lei Dumbledore, Elektra Joradees Gamblin, and Sethanon Snape crosses fingers I hope I didn't forget anyone.thank you for taking the time to let me know you liked the story and encourage me!
Yikes..I just realized that my response to reviews is longer than the chapter itself. sheepish grin Sorry, just got a little excited about the feedback!!! Hope this second chapter doesn't disappoint anyone! off to go work on ch.3 oh..and.erm..any reviews on this chapter would be greatly appreciated.
