Disclaimer: I only own the plot from this story!!!
A/N: Well, so terribly sorry about the long wait for the update. I was on vacation over Christmas Break! Hope everyone had a good holiday and is going to have a Happy New Year!
Oh, and a special thanks to my beta Devonny Rose!
Harry Potter was currently sitting in a tree, hanging onto a branch next to him as if his very life depended upon it. Harry's life wasn't in any actual danger. His Aunt Marge's dog would probably only bite and scratch him a few times before getting bored. He wouldn't actually die. Still, Harry was in no hurry to allow the dog to do this to him if he could help it.
This led to his present situation of sitting in the tree, both dog and boy waiting for the other to make a wrong move. The dog, though, was hoping that Harry would fall, while Harry was hoping the dog would just go away so that he could crawl back into his cupboard. It was, after all, beginning to get rather chilly in the tree and he didn't have a coat on. Harry was beginning to contemplate just jumping out of the tree and making a break for it, when something odd happened.
Aunt Marge's dog appeared to be dead. One second it was looking hungrily at him, and the next it was just on the ground, completely still. Harry froze in panic. He was sure to be blamed. He was the last one with the dog and the dog was now dead. Slowly, Harry started to climb down the tree. He quickly had reached the ground and was crouching next to the unmoving dog. Harry prodded the animal, but there was no response.
"POTTER!" someone whispered right into his ear. Harry let out a strangled cry and jumped a few inches into the air. He looked over towards the voice next to him warily, only to be rewarded by two black eyes rolling towards the heavens in exasperation. Harry began whimpering.
"I – I'm so s-sorry! I didn't mean to kill it! Honest I didn't! It wasn't my fault, sir! Please! I wouldn't do that! Not even to Aunt Marge's dog! You gotta believe me, sir!" Harry had become almost hysterical in his ramblings.
"Mr. Potter! The dog is not dead! Merely sleeping! It's okay, you need to take a deep breath and calm down. Can you do that for me?" Mr. Snape now had his hands on Harry's shoulders and was looking directly into Harry's eyes. Harry didn't know why but he suddenly felt a sense of calm wash over him. He knew that Mr. Snape would never lie to him just to make him feel better. So, he did as he was told and felt like a weight was lifted off his chest as Mr. Snape helped him to calm down and breath normally.
Once he had finally achieved this, Mr. Snape asked him why he wasn't trying to get his family to help him. Harry, suddenly very embarrassed, looked down at the ground and mumbled something about how he didn't want to make a load of noise. This was partially true, at least. If the Dursley's heard him yelling in the yard he would be in a lot of trouble. Mr. Snape seemed satisfied with this answer and began to walk towards his home, leaving Harry behind him. Harry, however, had other ideas.
"Please, sir, could I come with you? Just for a little bit." Harry had caught his attention. Mr. Snape turned around and looked at the small boy. This was his downfall. If only he hadn't looked at the child's large, pleading eyes, he would have been able to tell the boy to go along on his merry way. Seeing as he made the fatal mistake, however, Mr. Snape conceded with a nod, and Harry began strolling down the street with him.
~*~
Severus opened the door to his home and let the small boy next to him into the house. Briefly, a thought of why the boy wasn't wearing a coat flashed through his mind. The thought was dismissed, however, when he decided that Harry was being just a typical boy and ignoring his elders in silly rules like wearing coats. He shut the door behind them and he and Potter walked towards the kitchen to have some tea and possibly some muffins. The boy looked like he could use some feeding up, anyways. What he was not counting on was a person being in the kitchen when they reached it.
Severus had to stop himself from groaning. Almost the last person he wanted to see him with Harry Potter was standing in front of him, twinkling those damn eyes of his. Severus briefly wondered how Albus Dumbledore got his eyes to do that. He supposed it didn't matter though. If the brats he taught ever saw him twinkling his eyes at them they might fall over dead. Come to think of it, that did not sound like too bad of an idea to Severus. The only problem was that it would ruin the reputation that he had built up over the years. Maybe he could memory charm them? Severus shook his head. He was rambling on in his head now.
While being lost in his thoughts on twinkling, Potter had seen Dumbledore and was looking at him curiously. Severus wondered what the kid was thinking about as he cocked his head at the older man.
"Mister, did you know you're wearing a dress?" Severus could feel the corners of his lips tug upwards involuntarily. He knew he wouldn't laugh. It was just so humorous. Severus doubted that anyone had ever told the great Albus Dumbledore that he looked like he was wearing a dress. True, Potter was practically a muggle at the moment, but it didn't make the situation any less amusing.
Dumbledore chuckled, "Ah, you are mistaken, my boy. I am wearing a robe. I believe there is quite a significant difference between the two." Potter just shrugged indicating that he didn't really understand nor care all that much over the differences between dresses and robes. Dumbledore didn't mind anyway, he was just as smiling as ever, it was rather disgusting, really.
The situation was completely ended, though, when Harry tugged on his sleeve and asked to use his bathroom. Once given permission, Harry walked off and Severus set a kettle on the stove to make some tea. Dumbledore sat at the table twinkling at him again. Didn't the man ever give up?
"I suppose this is not merely a social call, Albus?" Severus began. He might as well make the first move. If he didn't he might be offered one of those God forsaken lemon drops. Severus had made the mistake of actually taking one about a year ago. He didn't care to repeat the experience. It was his firm belief that Voldemort should just forget about using the Cruciatus Curse and give his victims lemon drops instead. It would be much more traumatic for the poor people. And to think, Dumbledore eats them regularly! Severus gave a barely perceptible involuntary shudder. If he ever saw another lemon drop it would be too soon for his tastes.
"As a matter of fact, Severus, I do have a different reason for coming today." Dumbledore began cheerily. "I have recently lost a member of the staff. One Nymphadora Tonks accidentally collided with a cauldron, in the process spilling a rather volatile potion on my previous potions master. I believe that the lacewings reacted badly with the eye of newt. Needless to say, I am in quite the bind for a new staff member. I would understand if you wished to stay here until the end of the school year, that was our previous agreement, after all, and you do seemed to have blended in well with the locals." Dumbledore finished with his twinkle going overtime at his last statement.
Severus had three reactions to what Dumbledore had just said. The first was the potion gone wrong. He would have to look out for this Tonks girl, he had a pretty good idea what had happened to the previous professor and he winced at the thought. His second reaction was one of excitement that he would finally be able to get away from these insufferable muggles. Finally, he felt a bit of anger and embarrassment at the insinuation that Dumbledore was making. He was simply once again proving himself the better man over Potter. Surely Potter would never consider helping his son, it was just one more attribute on a long list as to why he would forever be better than Potter. Not that he actually made a list or anything.
Luckily for him, he would never have to teach those insufferable muggle children ever again. All he had to do was put in his two weeks notice and then he would be free to go back to the wizarding world where his lifestyle would make sense and he wouldn't have to worry about little boys who couldn't handle even a small dog and seemed to attract trouble. Who was he to have to sit around in the muggle world to protect some runt that he didn't even like.
His thoughts were stopped short as the small form of Harry Potter strode into the room wearing a happy smile. Severus had to admit, though, the boy did tend to grow on him. But he had his own life to live. Potter could always find someone else to help him with bullies. It wasn't like he lived a horrible life. He lived with a perfectly normal muggle family who probably treated him like a king. Dumbledore wouldn't leave the boy with anything less in life.
Yes, Severus had made up his mind. He was going to take up the post of Potions Professor. Perhaps older children were more mature than the lot he was teaching now. He would finally get some well deserved peace. There was still some strange tug at the back of his mind. He certainly wished it would go away.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore was quite pleased with the way events had played out. So much that he knew his eyes would be twinkling. Yes, he knew that he had this strange ability. Those who knew him best informed him that it was incredibly annoying, and judging from the look on Severus' face, he agreed as well.
He couldn't help it, though, who would have thought that the bitter and cold man in front of him would have a soft spot for his rival's child. Strange how life works out in mysterious ways, always twisting and turning into some unknown path. He certainly never had even begun to imagine that this would play out that way. Nobody would ever think that. It was just one of those quirks of fate. That sounded good, he should remember that excuse, or explanation, yes, explanation was a good word.
Not that Albus couldn't see why Severus liked the child. He was quite simply, enchanting. It was almost enough for Albus to just take the boy to the wizarding world there and then. He was sure that Severus or Minerva would be willing to take him in. He couldn't do that, though. As much as he wanted to, he had to face reality. Harry was more safe at the Dursley's than he was anywhere else. Even Hogwarts. Besides, what he had told Minerva that night was true. He didn't want Harry's head turned by the idea of the Boy-Who-Lived. He would have to deal with that soon enough. The boy looked happy enough where he was, and Severus would have told him if anything was seriously wrong. Albus was sure that everything was working out for the best.
Now they just had to tell the boy that Severus would be leaving. Not to mention, explain to the boy that he would have to go back to the tree where the dog was. It wouldn't do for his relatives to blame him for any harm that came to the dog. That was a difficult bind, but Harry seemed a sensible sort of child and Albus didn't think it would take too much to get Harry to do as they asked. He watched, amused as Harry trotted back into the room.
"Ah, Harry, there you are. Would you like a lemon drop?" Albus began. Was it just his imagination, or did Severus just get even more pale than he usually was?
~*~
On Christmas day, Harry Potter snuck out of Number Four Privet Drive to go and see Mr. Snape one last time. He had to wait until his 'family' had opened their presents. Actually, he got some presents, too. So they were really just some of Dudley's old clothes, but he had told his Aunt and Uncle that he was grateful for them. He realized that he should be grateful for them. After all, he could have gone to an orphanage like his Uncle Vernon was always sputtering about whenever Harry was bad.
He pushed these thoughts out of his mind, though, as he reached Mr. Snape's door and rang the bell. He then waited patiently for an answer and was rewarded with Mr. Snape opening the door and glowering down at him.
"Yes, what is it, Mr. Potter?" he asked the child briskly, almost as if he didn't want to be anywhere near Harry at the moment. Harry seemed oblivious to this treatment, however, and just pulled out a package from behind his back. It was not really all that pleasant to look at, wrapped in the Sunday Comics and had random pieces of paper and tape jutting out in odd angles. Mr. Snape had no idea what to think of the odd gift and simply nodded and murmured a thank you.
Harry beamed in pride. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon always made fun of his presents before, Mr. Snape sure was a really nice guy to actually thank him for thank him for his gift. Harry then didn't really know what to say or do. Nobody had ever accepted a gift of his before. Besides, Mr. Snape was leaving soon. He wouldn't see him again because he had to do another job that was really important. The strange man in the dress had told him that. Harry understood, if he was Mr. Snape, he would go too.
"Um, Good bye, sir." Harry finally let out awkwardly. He then did something that shocked Mr. Snape. He quickly jerked forward and gave him a brief hug before running off towards the Dursley's. Aunt Petunia only let him go outside for a moment, he needed to help her set up the table for Christmas dinner.
Mr. Snape's only response to the hug was for him to yell after Harry, "Put on a coat!" Harry just kept running, he must have heard wrong, why would he need a coat? It wasn't even that cold out yet, when it snowed his aunt would allow him to wear one of Dudley's. Mr. Snape sure could be strange sometimes.
~*~
Severus looked at Harry's package strangely. He quite honestly didn't know what to do with it. Deciding to look at it later as he still had a lot of work to do to set his affairs straight, he tossed the gift lightly into a nearby box that held other items that he would be taking with him to Hogwarts. Severus then proceeded to force himself to forget all about Harry Potter and his bright emerald eyes that begged for him to be loved.
~~~~~
A/N: To all of you who are freaking out right now, this is not the last chapter! I plan on having one more and I believe it will be coming out next week! Thanks for reading! Please review!!!
To all my Reviewers (Those who reviewed twice got two responses, it was too hard to keep checking back for double reviews!):
Arafel2 – No problem!
Shezan – I know I set up Ms. Watson for a horrible time, but hey, she's the one who just left poor harry!!!
Anora – thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
SilverKnight7 – After the first adventure, Eustace will be in the story once more! I love him so much!
DxInsider – So very sorry, didn't mean to make you sob there! Now what would be the fun in me just saving him right away?
Barbara Kennedy – Glad you're glad I have Severus noticing! I had the same thing happen to me with the narnia books, luckily, my parents had an extra set!
Toria – So glad you like it!
Gina – Thanks so much for your vote of confidence!
Silv3rang3l – glad you like it! My chapters are much longer now than when I first started!!!
Velda – thanks for your review! Yeah, that is one thing I noticed about this, after going through the story there isn't a ton of sev-harry interaction, I still like the story though, maybe I'll go back and add some more later or something…
Susan – Haha, I completely agree with you! I believe sev is gonna have a major guilt trip next chapter!
Kristendotcom – Eustace didn't go to Hogwarts yet, he is gonna go next year, he is muggle born so he doesn't know about harry or potions yet!
RaistlinofMetallica – I kinda feel bad for Ms. Watson too but at the same time I think she is so weak to just ignore harry like that and leave him.
Kateri1 – The ministry!!! Yay, someone who didn't yell at me over how social services wouldn't do that!
Watcher Tale Neith – Yep, sev is beginning to see!
Azntgr01 – Yeah, but ms. Watson is
gone for good and I don't plan on her coming back! Sorry!
Darak – Sorry about all the confusion!
Chibi_neko – Haha! I think a lot of people had the same reaction as you!
Romm – I agree but I feel worse for Harry!
LittleEar BigEar's sis – No prob!
Kady Rilla Wholi – Yep, Eustace and Snape are so nice, well, at least in that chapter!
Awen – All in good time, only one more chapter!
Starr2 – I know, I can't imagine ever doing that, myself!
Gaina Katrea – Thanks! It's ok, I haven't been on in the past two weeks now! Vacations are fun though!
Del – I hope you understand what was going on now! Thanks for your review!
Badassgothicgirl – Yep, he is, well, at least he doesn't hate harry any more!
Tati1 – Thanks! I am so glad you like it! So sorry I made you cry!!!
Amber16 – Glad you liked it! Happy New Year! Vernon is such a jerk!
Phoenix Flight – Nope no way for severus to know! I am glad he doesn't hate Harry anymore!
EMR – Glad you liked it!
Azntgr01 – no prob!
Amber16 – Ok, remind me not to ever get on your bad side! Hehe.
Solaris Isa – So glad you liked it!
DxInsider – Now now, Harry didn't die in the books now did he? I'm sure he won't die in this story as well…well, almost sure…just kidding, just kidding!
Darak – don't worry about it! It is mostly my fault, I should have added that at the end of the chapter, it's all good now, though. I know, it was going in the direction that harry was going to be saved, but its like life, things don't always work out as planned! Ok, that is a depressing thought!
Lady Butterfly – So glad you like it! Yeah, this is getting a little depressing, maybe I should change this to an angst fic!
Lindiel Eryn – No, that was it. I know I didn't put reviews because I had only gotten a couple reviews for 10 before I added 11. I just needed to clear some things up because I kept getting the same review! Sorry for any confusion!
Bratty – sorry it was short, it actually was added just a day after 10 as a small blurb, not really a whole chapter!
Rachel A. Prongs – Yeah, Fudge is soooo infuriating!!!
Anora – glad you like it, yes, fudge does turn evil a lot, but I think that this is something that he would do!
Phoenix Flight – Glad you agree with me about fudge! Glad you like this!
SilverKnight7 – Yeah, fudge is a jerk, but I can see him doing something like this as well!
Selua – Sorry, I didn't really think of adding his thoughts about that, I more thought it was self evident that he was shocked!
Howlingwolf1 – Sorry about that! I know it kinda does, I blame hormones as I was a little upset at the time when people were kinda accusing me of not knowing what I was talking about. I really shouldn't have acted so hasty, but what is done is done!
GoddessMoonLady – Yeah, I too know why she did it and all, I am still upset with Ms. Watson, though, because I don't think that I would be able to do that. She has to live with her decision for the rest of her life, though.
Prd2bAmerican18 – Yep, fudge starts in early!
Starr2 – I feel bad for him too!
Sky – Ok, I am hurrying with the writing!
SilverDragonHawk – Yeah, I like that she likes the Dursleys, shows just how low and cruel she is.
Rarity88 – I'm glad that my writing has gotten you so angry at them! I mean, this is how they act anyway, but just thinking about how it would actually be to have to live like that is so sad!
JeanMarie – Thanks so much! I love to hear that this is one of people's favorite stories!
Cally – I know, I seriously had to stop myself from writing in at the end of the last chapter: "And then there was a freak thunder storm in which a single bolt of lighting came down and hit fudge. The End." I somehow don't think that would be very realistic, though.
Eva McGregor – Yeah, that same thing has happened to me before! Sev and fudge and all them can be so frustrating sometimes!
Madame Moony – Which one are ya gonna kill fudge in? I'd love to read it!
Samara-chan – I think that its gonna be a little half and half, like in this one, with the dress thing, but at the end it definitely gets sad again… yes, I do hate them as well, read Cally's reply a few up, as the same goes for you!
Simple Confusion – So glad you liked it! It means so much to me to hear you say that, ok, write it, whatever…
Gaina Katrea – Yeah, that one was kinda short, but luckily this one was long again!!!
Erisinia – Yes, I feel exactly the same way, especially after the fifth book. All I can say is that JKR is lucky I don't know where she lives, because she'd get an angry phone call from me!
Arafel2- This one is back to the normal length!
Tati1- Haha! Thanks so much for your er – heroism and definitely the support!
M'Lady – I know, snape is usually very perceptive, unfortunately, for him his anger, bitterness, and hatred, has blinded him.
Gina – Very sorry for the wait! I'm glad you thought it was obvious! Thanks!
HectateDeMort – Thanks, glad you like it!
Wather Tale Neith – Haha! Thanks! I want to kill them off too! You can read my dramatic death of Fudge in Cally's reply…its about ten or so replies up!
CassandraD – I want to so much!
UnseenWatcher – Yeah, I know, everyone hates fudge and wants to beat some sense into snape!
Janet – thanks!!!
Shezan – Sorry!!! I was on vacation!!!
Darcey – Here it is!!! Sorry for any wait!
Starangel2106 – I'm glad you like it! I hate stories where snape just hates harry one minute and loves him like a son the next!
Susan – Thanks a lot!!! I really hope this is up to your standards!
A/N: I think I already said this, but please review now!!!! Thanks!
