title: Summer Lessons
chapter 3: London
author: Raven Dancer

disclaimer: All characters property of JK Rowlings with the exceptions of the Drs. Barnes. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.




All right all right, you don't have to knock the door
down, Vernon Dursley positively snarled as he flung the flimsy wooden door opened. He'd expected the damned git would be wearing a dress like the old man had. He pulled up in silent shock.

This wizard... oh how that name made him nauseated... wore slacks. Black slacks over tooled black leather boots. A shirt so dark green it might as well be black. No annoying scruffy beard. His black hair neatly pulled back in a long tail.

If he didn't despise anything magic he would have thought this one came from old money. Dursely was hard pressed NOT to be civil.

Mr. Dursely, Snape nodded courteously.
I am Professor Snape. I believe that Headmaster
Dumbledore sent you a letter?

Yes, yes, quite right. I'm to release Potter to you, he drawled.

I trust I am not too early? Snape managed with detachment. He was, in fact, over an hour early. Black had been beside himself with excitement and dragged him out of bed at an ungodly hour. They'd hired a car and driven to Little Whinging. Lupin had to actually sit on Black to keep him in the car.

Yes, you are, Dursley said with as much annoyance as possible.

I could come back tomorrow... Snape replied in oily consideration watching the fat man's face react.

No, no. Take him now. Just be sure he gets all his things, Dursely stepped back waving Snape to the stairs.
Don't forget anything! I won't pay to ship it to that... that
institution he goes to.

I'm certain we'll find all his things Mr. Dursely, Snape managed a disgusted glance up the tackily papered stairwell.

You'll need this, Dursley commented with a smirk holding out a small ring of keys. Snape considered the keys then moved his eyes to meet Dursley's red-rimmed ones. Black fire burned into the muggle's eyes and he dropped his no longer haughty gaze.

I'd call you a bastard but that would be a kindness, Snape said dryly refusing the keys in the shaking hand. He turned on his heel and went upstairs, the poor excuse for a man completely forgotten.

It was unfortunately very easy to find the door to Potter's room as it was lined with locks. With an annoyed flip of his hand the locks and bolts shot open. He knocked twice.

he called out softly. There was a shuffling and a hesitation as the handle turned. A very confused face greeted him.

A very confused face with a very bruised eye.

Professor Snape? a tired voice asked. Snape stepped into the room and closed the door firmly. The young man was thin, the room dark as a piece of plywood had been firmly attached to the window. A single lamp cast a sickly yellow light.

How long, Snape asked looking about the room.

Week, maybe longer. Hedwig made too much noise and... Potter's voice drifted off as he shrugged. Snape sighed and opened his arms. The youth slid in and buried his face in the Potions Master's shoulder. He breathed in the scent of the wizard before turning his head slightly and allowing a few tears.

Would you... take care of my glasses and heal my face? I
don't want Sirius to get too angry, Potter asked softly.

Yes. I'll take care of you, Snape said gently running a hand over the trembling back. After a long moment of comfort Potter was encouraged to sit at the desk. With a minimum of magic the window was opened letting light and air in. A tea tray appeared with sugared bisquits.

Eat Harry. I'll get your things into your trunk, Snape said kindly.

There wasn't much, some clothing much too large as well as a few books from Hogwarts. The owl's cage was empty as Hedwig had been sent to the Weasley's. This was shrunk and put in the nearly empty trunk. He glanced at the boy as he slurped down tea.

He threw most of my things in the rubbish, Potter said almost apologetically.

I think we should go clothes shopping this afternoon. After
lunch and a bath perhaps? Snape suggested as he locked the trunk and shrunk it too, tucking it in his pocket. Harry nodded especially pleased with the thought of a bath.

Reaching out his right hand Snape carefully traced the bruising around Potter's eye. The tingling warmth felt good and the youth closed both eyes sighing into the touch. The warmth deepened as the older man surreptitiously scanned him. At least there were no other injuries save this one.

And this one was one more than he could tolerate. But he knew if he acted angry or took obvious retaliation it would upset Potter more. A well-placed spell as they left, one that would come to fruition a few days hence...

Snape asked. Opening his eyes with a true smile Harry reached across the desk and held out the bent frames. The glass of one eye piece broken in half.

Maybe two well-placed spells...

Another sweep of his hand and the glasses were repaired.

That is so cool, Harry murmured. Can you teach me
wandless magic?

Hmmm, I suppose I could. It's a matter of focus and you
certainly have enough magical power for it, Snape agreed easily. Potter looked up in surprise.

he asked.

Snape smiled. But I think I should ask the
Headmaster first. He might want a few words on the matter.

Just a few? Harry teased. It was good to see the smirk on the young man's face.

A mere thousand or so. Let's get going before your
godfather comes bursting in to save us, Snape commented lightly. Putting his glasses on Harry rose.

One more thing, Snape concentrated and cast one final spell. Harry's ripped clothing repaired and shrank slightly to fit him better. The smirk enlarged to a pleased smile.

Thank you Severus, Potter said. Leading the way out the door the youth walked down the stairs and past his sniveling uncle.

You'd better have everything boy! Anything left here will
be tossed out with the rubbish! Dursely threatened. Harry did not look at the man, simply pushed the front door open and continued to walk out. Snape stopped and glanced at the older man.

Everything has been taken care of... Mr. Dursely. Harry
will not be back, the Potions Master stated then moved after his charge.



By early afternoon even Harry thought his godfather was being ridiculous. He'd enjoyed the hugging and affection in the car as Snape drove them back to London and the hotel. He didn't mind the man's company as he bathed nor his fussing as he pulled on some borrowed clothing (Lupin's fit fairly well). Even Black's doting mother impersonation as they ate lunch was tolerated.

But what was warmly welcome initially soon lost a lot of appeal as the animagus dominated all conversation with Harry. Dominated all activities. Just plain dominated.

A little like Uncle Vernon except it was too nice.

They had taken the tube to Picadilly Circus and were shopping for clothing. Harry noted that Snape was paying for everything. As they wandered past a curio shop the younger wizard stopped to look at various miniature castles.

his lilt drew the Potions Master to him. A non committal was all the response he received.

I'd like to pay you back for the clothing, Harry began expecting to be denied. But it wasn't Snape who said anything.

Oh Harry, the greasy git's loaded. Let m pay! Black jumped between the two wizards pushing Snape aside.

Siri, I wasn't speaking to you! Harry retorted lightly and moved around to stand closer to Snape.

I appreciate all you done for me Severus. I don't mind
gifts and all, but this is a bit much, Harry continued.

If you wish... Snape began only to be once more pushed none-too-gently aside.

What the hell has Snape done for you? Black sneered derisively.
Made your life as miserable as that muggle uncle of yours!

Sirius, Harry is capable of making his own decisions, Lupin moved into the conversation.

And Severus hasn't made me miserable! He's been a good
friend especially since he doesn't have to put on an act
for Voldemort's gang! Harry protested. He didn't notice Snape moving away from them.

*This is not going to work,* Snape shook his head with a grim sigh. Black had been barely able to tolerate him with just Lupin. With Harry now a part of the group the animagus' misguided protective streak was on high. He watched a moment longer before stepping back into the fray.

Pulling out his wallet he thumbed through and pulled out his credit card and some cash. These he handed to Lupin.

Gentlemen, I am going to visit Professor Dumbledore, Snape said quietly. As a victorious smile brightened Black's face Harry latched onto his arm

But Severus, we haven't seen London together! the young man protested. Snape laid a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder.

You can see London with your godfather and Remus. I
much prefer some quiet, the Potions Master explained gently. He held up his hand to quell the protest.

You'll be out to the beach house in a week. Then we'll
have a month to talk and study, Snape reminded him.

That's a great idea Sev! Black said happily. His three companions shot slightly angry glances at him.

Lupin said firmly before turning his attention back to his art-loving friend,
are you sure? Sirius will calm down you know.

I know Remus. But this is his first time to be out and about
with Harry. You three will have a fine time and I can go
relax a bit before the brats' show up for tutoring, Snape explained. Lupin chuckled.

I'll just mention to Hermione and Ron you said that, Lupin promised.

You'll go straight to Albus, right? Harry suddenly asked.

Yes, to Albus. I'll send Dobby back to get my luggage later
this afternoon, Snape promised.

Well, don't let us keep you! Black said cheerfully.

Oh, shut up Sirius! Harry said sharply. He turned to his Potions professor and grabbed him in a tight hug.
Thanks Severus. For everything!

Of course Harry, Snape was slightly taken aback at the outburst of affection but he relaxed into the hug before stepping back.

There's an alley just back there, Black said helpfully. He received another set of glares.

Thank you Sirius. What would I ever do without your
assistance? Snape's words dripped with sarcasm. But he moved away from them and waved as he turned into the alley.



Harry had a much better afternoon although he missed Snape. His godfather happily explained all the nuances of English football although Lupin contradicted several of his more outlandish observances. They had sat in a sea of screaming fans as the game ended in a tie.

That in itself was amusing, listening to snatches of muggle conversation about who'd actually won. They pushed out into the streets beyond and joined the que in the subway to get back to their hotel.

The first thing Harry and Lupin noted was Dobby had not been out to pick up Snape's things.

Hey, didn't Severus say he'd send Dobby this afternoon? he asked.

He did. Maybe Dobby was busy, Lupin suggested.

Snape just forgot. I'll bet he has clothes at the beach house, Black waded in. Now that Snape was gone the animagus felt much better disposed towards him.

I'm sure he does, Lupin agreed. He has been there
before. He watched as Harry fussed with the Potions Master's things, tucking clothing and books into the suitcase.

Look, just leave that for Dobby, Black said. We'll go out
for dinner. I'll bet it'll be gone when we come back. Reluctantly Harry agreed. The three wizards cleaned up and left.