Chapter Four Things that make you go hmmm

That night Harry had the best sleep he could remember ever having. He had fallen asleep shortly after aunt Petunia came in with chocolate soy milk and vanilla soy biscuits. He apologized to Dudley, because he couldn't keep his eyes open. Dudley challenged him to another game for the following night. The events of the day played in his mind as he changed into his pajamas, but he didn't have long to dwell on the strange events. He fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Harry woke late the next morning. It was nearly 10:00 AM. He took a quick shower and dressed in some of his Dudley hand-me-downs. When he reached the bottom of the stairwell he heard his aunt talking to someone in the family room. He approached quietly and cautiously lest it was Aunt Marge having arrived a week early.

His aunt's voice carried into the hall. She seemed upset. "Yes, I understand. It's just-", she paused and Harry thought she might know he was in listening in. "Well, why he can't just stay here? You said that the spells you cast over the house keeps him safe."

What? Who was she talking to? Had Professor Snape returned? Harry couldn't contain his curiosity. He just had to see Snape in muggle clothes. He peeked into the door and saw a complete stranger sitting in his uncle's chair. And a very strange, stranger he was. He was wearing a plum suit, with a white shirt and a plum tie covered in gold stars. He had white hair and a beard to match that came down just above his collar. He wore half moon glasses just like- "Professor Dumbledore!" Harry blurted out excitedly. They both turned to face Harry. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled merrily and a grand smile lit up his face bringing the youthful look only he could pull off.

"Hello Harry.", Dumbledore said pleasantly as though he always sat in the Dursleys sitting room chatting with Aunt Petunia.

"H-Hello sir. What are you doing here? You know", Harry hesitated and whispered, "in the muggle world?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "I happened to be in the neighborhood and I thought I would drop by."

When he noticed Harry's confused look he explained further. "You have a fantastic sweet shop just down the road.", and he gave Harry a conspiratorial wink. Of course everyone that had ever attended Hogwarts knew Dumbledore loved muggle sweets.

Harry grinned. "Oh"

Dumbledore motioned for Harry to join them, and picked up a stack of books from the floor. Harry rushed to sit next to his aunt on the couch. "I received your letter last night and I sent Dobby to fetch your books this morning." He said.

"Oh, but-" Harry started.

"No need to worry Harry. Dobby took the liberty of billing them to your account. He also bought you some other essentials." He pointed to three large brown parcels on the floor next to him.

"Thank you Professor." Harry said taking the books from him.

"I'll go make us some tea." Aunt Petunia chirped and left the room hurriedly.

Harry scanned the books excitedly and then his face fell when he noted the one book he was most looking forward to was missing. "Professor, there isn't a defense against the dark arts book."

"Oh, well, the new teacher hasn't had time to choose an appropriate book yet, but-" H pulled two small books from the inside pocket of his coat, and handed Harry the bigger of the two. "this is one from my own library. You can return it when you come back to Hogwarts."

Harry inspected the small leather book. It was black with gold lettering. "Defense Against Dark Wizards" by Bella Merodus.

Harry's eyebrows shot up. Albus Dumbledore was lending him one of his books! "Wow. Thank you Professor. I will take very good care of this."

This book would prove most useful Harry thought.

"You're welcome." Dumbledore said with a sly grin. Before Harry could question him Dumbledore handed him the second book. "Another book on loan to you by your Potions Professor." This particular book looked green, but it was covered in so many different colored stains Harry couldn't really tell.

"You will need to return this book to me, Harry. Your Potions Professor left you a note inside."

Harry opened the book and pulled out a slip of blank paper. "It's blank." Harry stated the obvious.

Dumbledore blushed. "Yes, well, you see. I accidentally read your letter to Miss. Granger. Sorry about that. Hedwig didn't seem very pleased about it either. So-", he pulled his wand out and tapped the slip of paper, "Aperire- Severus felt he should hide this one from me."

Professor Snapes untidy scrawl suddenly filled the slip of paper.

Mr. Potter,
I will have you know that "diet potions" were outlawed in 1982 due to their highly addictive ingredients. On page 11 of this book you will find the "To Good Health" potion. It will not help with weight loss directly. It will help the boy's body adjust to the shock his system has taken and even everything out again. Thus, with his continued work, he will begin loosing weight again. This potion should be administered once every morning for seven days. One fluid ounce before breakfast. No more and no less!

SS

p.s If my book comes to any harm while under your care count on a month's detention with Filch. I understand he is looking for a student to help him remove all of the gum students have left all over the entirety of Hogwarts grounds.

Harry grinned. "Thank Professor Snape for me, and tell him I will take very good care of his book."

"Here we are." Aunt Petunia said cheerfully. She set down a tray holding her best china tea set.

"I wasn't sure how you liked your tea so I brought a bit of everything."

"Thank you very much Mrs. Dursley." Professor Dumbledore said.

They all sat drinking tea, eating croissants and talking about the pleasant weather they were having. Harry managed to gobble down two croissants before Dumbledore gave him the boot. "Harry, why don't you bring your things upstairs so your aunt and I can have a word."

"Yes, Harry. I will call you down in a bit. We will be going shopping this afternoon after we pick up Dudley."

"Sure." He said giving Dumbledore and his aunt a questioning look.

Harry gathered his things and walked very slowly up the stairs hoping to catch a bit of their conversation. To his dismay, they were careful to whisper.

When he reached his room he began opening the parcels Dumbledore had brought. Professor Snape had obviously given Dobby a list of ingredients, because there was a large box chock full of them. Harry didn't recognize most of them.

Inside the second parcel he found, two new quills, four bottles of ink and a ton of parchment. The last parcel was his favorite. Only Dumbledore would consider Chocolate Frogs, Jelly Slugs, Fizzing Whizbees, sherbet balls, Droobles Best Blowing Gum, and four blocks of Honeydukes best chocolate essential.

Harry grinned and helped himself to a bit of chocolate. While munching he began wondering what his aunt and Dumbledore were talking about.

***Thanks to all that have reviewed. I am happy to see you enjoy my story. I'm not sure Snapes POV will fit in this version of the story, but I am thinking of writing a version from all of the adults POV after this one. So, you will see it there. Please, any constructive criticism is welcome. I would like to better my writing skills. So fire away. It won't hurt my feelings.***