Severus muttered darkly as he made his way up Privet Drive, subconsciously checking each house for a number four. He stared at the correct house for a moment before making his way up the walk. Why did that stupid potter boy always have to make things difficult? Why couldn't he just board the train like all the other magical brats that went to Hogwarts? And last of all, why did Albus have to send him to retrieve potter? He was sure that Lupin would have been more than happy to go. Severus shook his head, dismissing the thought from his mind. He had long ago given up trying to fathom the way the headmasters mind worked.
He knocked on the door and got more and more irritated as the second went by. He rolled his eyes and knocked a second time, this time a little louder than the first. Finally, right as Severus was about to turn around and give up the door opened, revealing a very skinny, horse faced woman. She spoke before Severus could even open his mouth.
"Do come in." Severus was shocked to say the least, but followed that lady inside. He was led through what looked like a living room and into a kitchen where Harry was sitting eating diner with the two remaining Dursleys.
"Hello Professor Snape" Harry said quietly. Snape gawked at him in confusion for a moment. Since when was the potter boy polite? Recovering his cool quickly he spoke.
"I have come to collect you potter. Go grab your things." He waited for a few seconds and still the boy did nothing, staring quietly at his hands as though he hadn't heard Snape. He was causing Severus to get irritated. "Go get your things! I don't have all night you know." Harry gasped slightly, but he did say something, albeit quietly.
"I think I would rather stay here professor, if that is alright with you." Severus looked at him skeptically,
"Yes, and I am Santa Clause. I have heard you complaining about those awful relatives of yours, there is no way you would want to stay here." He rolled his eyes. "Dumbledore sent me to get you, and that is what I plan on doing, now move!" The anger and annoyance that Severus was feeling was showing clearly on his face, but Harry still made no movement to get up. Snape sighed exasperatedly and began to walk towards Harry when the boy's voice stopped him.
"No professor, please, I would really rather remain here." Snape was confused, from what he could see, potter was not smiling. In fact, he made no indication what so ever of this being a joke. What was going on?
"Much as I would love for you not to return to Hogwarts," Snape sneered, "I am on strict orders to return back as soon as possible, with you, so please go get your stuff!" Harry still sat there staring at his hands; he hadn't looked up once for as long as Snape had been there. Was he embarrassed about not wanting to go back to school? Snape would have to think about it later, right now, he just wanted to get going. "Fine!" Snape through up his hands in annoyance, "if I have to physically move you, I will." Snape once again started towards Harry, and Harry's voice once again stopped him.
"Please sir, just leave." Snape stood quietly for a moment before continuing in an obviously restrained voice,
"Potter-"
"Please," he repeated, "please sir, just leave." His voice was so quiet, so controlled, yet Severus could hear how desperate he sounded. It was obvious that it was costing him a lot to say this, and who was the Slytherin not to agree to get rid of his least favorite student? He would just tell the headmaster that the potter boy wished to remain at the Dursleys. What was wrong with that? Students had a right to choose whether or not they wished to attend Hogwarts, and after all, he was just another student. With his mind made up and a quick "Fine!" for good measure, Severus apparated to just outside the Hogwarts grounds where he walked slowly up to the castle.
A/N – the chapters will get longer after this, I promise, in fact, this is the shortest chapter I have ever written, but it was a good place to stop, R/R, thanx!
-Lizzie