Disclaimer: You think that I own Harry Potter? (laughs)

"blah" - normal talk

'blah' - thoughts

Chapter 2

A group of people arrived at the school gates. One of them, a woman, carried a sleeping child. Quickly they walked towards the castle in front of them. Ten minutes later they were in the headmaster's office. Albus Dumbledore sat in his chair while Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid sat in front of his desk, Minerva still holding the child.

Suddenly, the door burst open and Severus Snape entered the office. Albus looked at him.

"Albus! Voldemort is attacking the Potters!" he yelled.

Albus adopted a sad look.

"I know my boy." He whispered.

"It already happened, hadn't it?" Severus asked just as quietly.

"Yes" Albus answered.

At that moment Harry woke up. He looked at the other people in the office who hadn't paid any attention to him. He noticed that no one except Snape noticed that he has woken. Harry stared at Severus and suddenly he giggled. Severus looked so funny. His clothes and hair were dirty and he looked like he got out of a street fight.

Everybody concentrated on him. He ducked his head in embarrassment. After that everybody turned back to the meeting.

"Well… Voldemort has vanished and little Harry is the only one who survived." Albus said.

All those present cheered for that.

Harry closed his eyes so it would seem like he is asleep while he carefully listened to their discussion.

"Now, what will we do about Harry?" Albus questioned.

"We should give him to someone to raise him. Perhaps Weasleys?" Hagrid suggested. (I won't even try to write his speech!)

"I think he should live here. Besides, the Weasleys already have children of their own." Minerva said.

"Severus, what do you think?" Albus said.

"I think Minerva is right. We should keep him here. If he goes to some family he could end spoiled rotten and we don't want that. Also, I don't believe that the Dark Lord is completely gone. My mark has just faded. It did not vanished. I think he will return someday and he will go for Potter. If Potter stays here we can prepare him for that early on." Severus said.

"You're right, Severus. Voldemort is not dead. He will come back. It's settled then! Harry will stay here." Albus said.

"But who will he stay with?" Minerva asked.

"Well, he can't stay with me. I'm too old. He needs a father figure. Hagrid doesn't live in the castle. And Minerva is too old as well. So it leaves Severus. Severus, do you mind if Harry stays with you?" Albus asked.

Harry's eyes widened. He hated even the thought of staying with Snape. But then, if he had a choice between staying with Snape or Dumbledore, he would chose Snape any day. Headmaster had lied to him too many times and to his knowledge Snape has always told him the truth. So maybe it wouldn't be too bad. With that he turned his attention back to the meeting.

"Yes, I mind. I don't know anything about children. I am NOT a father material. I SIMPLY CAN'T TAKE CARE OF HARRY POTTER! This is James Potter's son. I hate him and he hated me. Potter would roll in his grave if he knew that a filthy Death Eater like me would raise his son. And what should I do with him while I have classes? I don't even know where to begin. For Merlin's sake, I HATE CHLDREN!" Severus ranted.

"Now, now Severus. Everything will be fine. He can stay with a member of staff while you teach. I think that there is nearly always someone free, and if not I can watch him for you. You will do just fine." Albus soothed him.

"Fine, Albus. But you owe me!" Severus agreed tiredly. He knew arguing with the headmaster was useless.

"Splendid. You will have to go shop for his things tomorrow. His were destroyed." Albus said.

"OK. Do I have to take him right now?" Severus asked.

"No, he will spend the night in the Hospital Wing so Madam Pomfrey can make sure he is healthy, and from tomorrow he will stay with you. You can pick him up at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning." Albus said.

"If that is all, I will go back to my quarters to rest." Severus said.

"Of course, my boy. Sleep well!

Severus exited the office with one thought on his mind.

'How will I ever be able to do this?'

A/N: Well, people! That's all for now. Thanks to all of those who reviewed and to my beta, Sudden Dream!

QUESTION: Should I change Harry's name or leave it as it is?

Angela