Eye of the Storm

Chapter 4 Dudley Meets a Professor

The sun was already rising by the time everything was cleaned up at the muggles house. Ministry representatives erased memories of the previous night and got rid of the dark mark before anyone could question what it was. Remus, Tonks, and Moody gave their reports and a small article was printed about it, Fudge didn't want people to over react.

Back at headquarters Remus was upset that Harry still wasn't found, Tonks insisted that everyone should get some sleep, Mad-eye was testing the water for poison, and Dumbledore was reading the Daily Prophet as calm as could be.

After hearing Moody's explaination of what happened the night before, Dumbledore was a little agitated with the minister of magic. Reading the article again he knew it would just be a matter of time until Fudge did anything about it.

Muggles Found Outside Home

Around four a.m. ministry officals were called to a muggle residence to perform a memory charm. The dark mark was seen over the house but no sign of any death eaters were found. Minister of magic, Cornelius Fudge is looking for eye-witnesses.

"They're trying to bury this!" Remus said throwing down his copy, "looking for eye-witnesses? Who does he expect to find? A talking spider! And where the hell is Harry!"

"Please calm yourself Remus, I have confidence that Severus will find Harry soon if he hasn't already." Dumbledore said calmly and walked into the kitchen where Kingsley was making breakfast.

"Does that guy ever sleep?" Tonks asked between yawns.

"I doubt it," Remus said and slowly walked in the kitchen to get some coffee. He wouldn't sleep until he knew Harry was safe, and that was seeing him with his own eyes.

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"Potter?"

Snape was walking down the alley towards Harry when he woke up.

"Professor?"

"Good you're awake, lets go." He said quickly and started to walk in the direction he came. Harry got up and followed him.

"Sir, where are we going?"

"To get your things."

Harry flinched slightly, that means he will have to go back to the Dursleys. Taking the facts that it was only five in the morning and that he was kicked out the night before, somehow Harry didn't think they would be too happy to see him.

"But sir it's too early, my aunt and uncle won't be awake yet."

"Then they'll just have to get up a little earlier then usual."

Snape's tone was anything but friendly, it was just as cold and distent then ever. Harry was glad he had gotten used to his potions professor during the school year, if not he would probably have run away from him at first sight.

The walk back to Privet Drive took a lot longer then the walk from. Snape rationalized that it was probably because he was tired, he had very unpleasent company, and now he would end up speaking to grumpy muggles. 'This is not going to be a pleasent day.' He thought to himself as they truned down the street toward number four.

Harry was feeling sick to his stomach again as he and Snape turned down the road toward his aunt and uncle's house. It was still dark inside and there was no movement what so ever. Harry thought about what his uncle might do, then he realized he couldn't do anything, Snape was with him. 'Oh, that's comforting,' Harry thought to himself as Snape rang the door bell.

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"Good morning Miss Clion, I assume you slept well?"

"Oh yes Dumbledore and thank you."

Other members looked at Pende skepticaly but turned back to whatever they were doing. Remus, eyes puffy and getting quite a headache turned to the newest member.

"My name is Remus Lupin."

"Pende Clion."

"So you wanted to join us did you? It's not very easy or fun for that matter. I hope you realize the danger your putting yourself into." Remus said then took another drink of his coffee.

"Oh yes, Dumbledore told me what to expect and how to prepare. I just hope I can prove myself useful," she said sincerely and looked at the clock. "Oh my! Dumbledore, you don't mind if I go and gather a few things do you? I didn't realize I would be staying more than a day."

"Of cource me dear, but speak of this place to no one. If the death eaters found out the results would be deadly." He said in a warning tone.

"Don't worry, I won't say a word."

After saying goodby to Remus she left and headed down the street.

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Severus rang the doorbell four times before a fat young boy, or what he thought was a boy, answered the door.

"What?"

His tone made Snape glare at the boy.

"I am here to get Potter's stuff," he said and walked in, Harry at his heels.

"Why do you want Ha-, you're a ....a...well one of them aren't you?"

When his teacher didn't answer Harry did for him.

"Yes Dudley he's a wizard. He's also a professor at my school."

Dudley looked terrified and ran up the stairs holding his backside as much as he could.

"Where are your things Potter?"

Harry jumped, almost forgetting Snape was standing right next to him.

"Under the stairs sir. The door is locked."

Turning the knob he looked at Harry. "Really? I hadn't noticed." He said sarcastically, his tone never changing. But before he could do so much as whisper 'Alohamora' a rather fat man came down the stairs followed by a woman and Dudley.

"You! Back again are you boy? Think we'll just take you back do you? I told you not to come back." The man shouted at Harry, not noticing the other wizard. His wife however, did.

"Vernon."

"You and your kind were never any good! Dumping you on our doorstep and assuming that we'll take good care of you they left. Never did have much sence that lot."

"Vernon."

"What Petunia?" He yelled and looked at where she was pointing.

Snape was standing behind Harry giving him the death stare. He didn't appreciate it when muggles bad mouthed the wizarding community. If he really wanted to he could think of a few good hexes that would only get him a good talking to, but he was enjoying this much better. Vernon Dursley looked him very briefly in the eye before averting his gaze back to Harry. Vernon's entire head seemed to go green, then white.

Harry couldn't let the opportunity pass. "Uncle Vernon this is my Potions Professor Severus Snape."

While Harry was busy talking Snape unlocked the door with a spell and easily pulling out Harry's trunk turned back to Vernon who was now red in the face.

"I will be taking Harry for the rest of the summer, he will be returned to you at the end of the next school year."

Somehow Harry's uncle found enough courage to speak.

"If you take the boy you can keep him. We don't want him back."

Snape stared at the Dursleys for a while and pulled out his wand. Suddenly Petunia screamed, Vernon ran to the phone and Harry was trying very hard not to laugh. The last time Dudley had a run-in with a wizard he only got a pig tail, now he got the whole treatment. He was a pig.

Snape's expression remained passive before waving his wand and turning Dudley back to normal.

"Come on Potter," He said and Harry walked out the door. Shutting the door the two walked walked behind Mrs. Figg's house.

"Um Professor?"

Snape rolled his eyes and looked at him, "Where are we going?"

"You'll find out soon enough." He said and grabbed Harry's shoulder. They vanished.

TBC

Thanks to all my reviewers!

The next chapter Harry goes to headquarters and meets a very tired Remus Lupin.