Disclaimar:Not even if pigs could fly would I own it.

Four Chapters! In almost 24 hours. I think thats a personal record. Anways thanks for the reviews. They really made my day. Also, would someone please tell me what it means if someone puts you or your story on their alert list? Is that good or bad?Thanks!

Chapter 6

Harry was once again awoken by the sound of something outside his door. Only this time it was the sound of someone unlocking it.

Harry groaned, knowing it was his uncle. After Snape had left he had hardly gotten two hours of sleep before he once again was awoken by a nightmare. It was a long time after that he was calm enough to fall back into blissful nothingness.

"I'm up," he said as his uncle started banging on his door.

"Hurry up you lazy boy! My breakfast should already be on the table! You have twenty minutes. And you better not burn it! Everything has to be perfect for our guest!"

Harry moaned as he got up. He was still sore from yesterday's chores. Throwing on his cleanest pair of rags his relatives called clothes, he made his way to the kitchen.

Getting out the bacon and eggs he started breakfast. While they were cooking he set the table for four and started some water for tea and coffee. Not five minutes later did his Professor stalk in. Harry gulped, knowing he had probably heard the entire exchange between him and his uncle.

"'Lo Professor." Harry greeted the man.

"Potter." Severus nodded in response. He frowned as he watched Harry work. It was as if he had been doing it his entire life.

'He probably has.'

His frown only deepened when he saw there was only four places set.

"Mister Potter, will someone not be attending this meal?"

"Um...I have something to do."

"And so I may assume you have eaten before hand, yes?"

Harry knew he couldn't lie. He blushed crimson and looked at his feet.

"I'm not hungry." He mumbled.

"Right. And might I ask what is so impor…"

All off a sudden they both smelled something burning. Harry turned to see the bacon, which was now burned black. He looked up; fearful emerald eyes met onyx. He cringed as he heard his uncle coming down the hall. Hurriedly he set the food on the table. Then he walked back to the stove to tend to water.

Severus gave the man and wife a fake smile as they walked in. There son, waddling in behind them.

"Good morning Mister Snape." Vernon greeted the man. "I do hope you slept well and that the boy has given you no trouble. Please take a seat and dig in."

The group, minus Harry, sat down and began eating. Harry held his breath as Dudley took a bite of his food.

"Dad! Harry burned the bacon!" Harry flinched.

"Boy! What did I tell you? Mister Snape I am terribly sorry. Rest assured that this should not go unpunished. The boy really should pay more attention to what he's doing."

Severus nodded but frowned at what the man said.

"Boy bring me some water for my tea! Now!" Harry's uncle barked.

Harry carefully picked up the steaming china teapot. Unfortunately fate was not on his side today. As he passed his cousin, Dudley stuck out his foot and tripped him. Harry and the teapot crashed onto the floor, splashing him with boiling hot water and smashing the pot. He hastily got to his feet all color gone from his face. His uncle was livid.

Severus knew this was not good. Especially when Harry didn't seam to realize he was burnt and bleeding badly. Instead he began apologizing profusely and picking up the pieces of china, managing to nick himself quite a few more times. Seeing the purple man before him Severus knew he needed to step in.

"Sir. Before you go ahead and distribute your own punishments, might I offer one? I was planning on spending the day today with an old family friend. I do believe you know her, Mrs.Figg. Anyways, she's getting on in age and I'm sure she needs some help around the house. With all her cats, and things I'm sure he will be working well into the night."

Vernon seemed to be contemplating this idea.

'Well, if I do this I don't get to punish the boy myself. But, he would be out of the way. Plus he hates the woman (that's what he thinks ;).'

"All right. That sounds like a fine punishment. You make sure he behaves and works hard. Any misbehavior gets reported straight back to me. I'll take care of it."

Severus nodded.

"We'll leave as soon is breakfast is over and this mess is taken care of."

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