This is a two-part chapter. This is the first, the second will come soon, I hope. Thanks again to my reviewers, and if you see spelling errors, PLEASE tell me! Other criticism is appreciated.
Severus stared off into the distance, transfixed. He had spent most of the night there, watching the stars while the wind tossed his hair about, his cloak whipping around him savagely.
He watched as the sun peeked over the horizon, the stars vanishing leaving a yellow orange hue. His thoughtful frown never lifted as the sun reached its' peak, warming his pale cheeks. His glittering black eyes stared blankly at the sky, his mind replaying the prophecy, every word, and expression engraved on his heart.
A flutter of wings brought him out of his reverie, and he scowled at the familiar screech owl that came bearing news from the Headmaster. The owl dropped the letter, screeching loudly before zooming out of sight. Snatching it out of the air before it had dropped an inch he opened it, scanning the contents before destroying it with a small spell. With a loud crack he was gone.
*~*~*~*~*
"Ah Severus, have a seat. Lemon Drop?" The Potions Master sat down, declining the sweet with a scowl. The headmaster shrugged and leaned back, lacing his fingers, the customary smile playing on his lips, and dancing in his eyes. "I trust you visited the Ministry yesterday?"
Nodding mechanically, Severus involuntarily tightened his grip on the arms of the chair.
"And…Harry?"
"Is my son" Severus' voice was husky, and slightly twinged with sadness.
Albus nodded, the flicker of sadness also in his eyes, before it dispersed once again. "I'm afraid I have some news about Harry, Severus"
"What?" he snapped, wishing this part of his life could be closed once again. Forgotten, once and for all. Forever, if he had anything to do with it.
"His relatives have left for a vacation, he will have to stay with you for the remainder of the summer"
"I could just as easily detach my arms" he replied evenly, his eyes flashing dangerously.
Ignoring the comment, the Headmaster continued, "He is already here, he will be able to leave in a few days. Lupin is in the Great Hall, I believe he wishes to speak with you."
"Splendid…" Snape muttered as he exited through the door, clearly hearing Albus' chuckles.
*~*~*~*~*
He sat at the Griffindor table; eyes glazed as he remembered all the times he had sat in the exact same spot, years before. His eyes flitted toward the door when his keen ears caught the sound of a rustle of cloth. Snape was giving him a slightly irritated look.
"You wanted to speak with me?"
"Yes"
"Well?"
"He's going to stay with you? Why?"
"It is none of your concern, Remus. If that is all?" he turned to leave, but a firm hand gripped his shoulder. Cocking his head, he glared at the other wizard. "What?" he snapped, irritated.
"He is not James, Severus. He's had a hard life, why give him another enemy?"
"Because Potter has no real enemies, Lupin. The Dark Lord?" he queried when Remus opened his mouth to protest, he snorted. "The Dark Lord can be destroyed, I however am an enemy that Potter can't touch. An enemy of the dark may be extinguished, Lupin, but an enemy whose loyalties are tied with the light must be endured."
"And the Dursley's, aren't they enough?"
Severus smirked, "The Dursely's? What threat do they pose?"
Remus winced. "You don't know, do you?" he asked quietly.
When the Potions Master gave him a quizzical look, Remus released his grip and took a step back, his eyes sad.
"Know what?" Snape asked, confused.
"Do you know why Harry is here, why you have to take him to your home?"
"His relatives have taken a va-"
"He is in the hospital wing, Severus" Remus interrupted.
"Why?" Snape asked, confused.
"Because of a family that posed no threat"