Chapter 16

It did not take the teens long to eat, and they decided to join Harry while he packed. Harry wasn't sure if it would upset Snape for the others to be in the room he had been sharing with the man, but really didn't want to be alone. He could tell that Hermione and Ron really wanted to talk to him. He began to regret how he had been treating them the last few days. While he rushed around the room to pack his things, He said, "Hermione, you don't have to be afraid to talk to me. I won't bite your head off."

Hermione said, "I know, Harry. It's just..."

Harry said, "I know I haven't been very nice lately. I'm sorry for pushing you all away. I just had to sort some things out."

Ron said, "It's okay, mate. We've just been worried about you."

Harry said, "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

Hermione said, "You know why Professor Snape is making you leave so soon, don't you?"

Harry said, "Were you listening to what Fudge said today?"

Ron said, "Yeah, he said something about wanting to put you under ministry protection."

Hermione added, "Which means he is trying to control you."

Harry said, "Yeah, that's right 'Mione. One of the promises that Snape made to me when he became my guardian was that he would protect me from the ministry. He's trying to get me back to the manor so Fudge can't find me."

Hermione said, "I thought so."

Harry didn't really know what else to say. He felt like there was an invisible wall between him and everyone else. He still hadn't told anyone about the prophecy. He was afraid that it would put them in more danger if they knew. He was considering what to say to Ron and Hermione next when Snape walked into the room.

Severus looked at Harry and said, "Have you finished packing?" Harry nodded, and Snape shrunk his bag and put in his robes. "Say goodbye to your friends and meet me in the kitchen."

After the man left Hermione said, "He wasn't mean!"

Harry just smiled at his friend and said, "Well, I better get going before he gets into a bad mood. Don't worry, I'm sure it won't be too long before you guys get to join me."

Harry laughed and Ron's horrified look, and left the room. Once he was in the kitchen, Severus said, "Fudge is looking for you. He is going to try and remove you from my care. We must leave immediately. I am going to place a glamour charm on you, and then we will walk outside and apparate."

Harry said, "But I don't know how to apparate yet."

"I realize that. It is possible for two people to apparate together, Harry. You will just have to trust me."

Harry nodded, and then stood still as Severus placed the charm on him to disguise his looks. Severus held out a mirror, and Harry looked at himself. It was strange. He now had shoulder length dirty blonde hair, with bangs that covered his scar. His eyes had been charmed, and were now brown instead of green. It probably wouldn't fool people who already knew him, but a stranger wouldn't look at him twice. Severus had also changed the color of his robes.

Severus led Harry outside, down the street, and into an alleyway. He directed Harry to a corner where they would not be noticed. Severus said, "Come here and hold my arm firmly."

"Now just relax, Harry. I am going to apparate us both home now."

Harry wondered why Snape placed his hand on top of his, but suddenly everything went black and felt like he was being pressed strongly from all sides. Harry couldn't breathe for what seemed like forever and then he realized that his feet had hit the ground. He took some deep shuddering breaths for a few moments, before saying, "I don't think I like apparition very much."

Snape chuckled and said, "It gets better with practice." Harry finally opened his eyes and saw the ruins that he actually knew were his home. Snape muttered an incantation and the manor came into view. Harry followed his guardian inside and into the parlor.

Snape turned to Harry, removed the charms and then said, "Would you like some tea?"

"Sure."

Snape snapped his fingers, and Fico appeared immediately, and shortly thereafter brought tea. Harry sat down and Snape said, "What's bothering you, Harry?"

"What's going to happen when it's time to go back to school?"

"What do you mean?"

"I know that Fudge can't find me while I'm here, but once I go back to school, what's to keep him from trying to take guardianship away from you?"

"I am hoping that by that time, Fudge will have been ousted from office. However there are several options available to you. First, we can leave things as they are. I will have Dumbledore provide you with an emergency portkey that will transport you here in cases of emergency. Unfortunately, if Fudge is after you that will mean that you would be unable to attend school. In that case, I would arrange for some order members to stay with you and tutor you so you will not fall behind."

"The second option is for you to apprentice yourself to another wizard. Your lack of proficiency in potions would prevent me from allowing you to be my apprentice. The ministry will not allow Lupin to take an apprentice. I'm sure you would prefer to apprentice in the field of Defense of the Dark Arts, and the only person available at Hogwarts with the required knowledge is Professor Dumbledore."

"The third option is for you to be adopted. I have researched my family tree and have found the Alania Prince referred to in your family tree is indeed related to me. There is a bonding spell that may be performed that will in essence bind me to you as a parent. The spell was developed long ago, so that orphaned children could be adopted by family members. There is nothing the ministry could do to change it. You could also continue to research your family history to see if there is someone else you would rather have adopt you."

Harry sat in shock. Snape was willing to adopt him? He offered it as the last option, but he offered it nonetheless. And Harry didn't like the first two options at all. He didn't want to be stuck here in the manor just because of Fudge. And he didn't want Dumbledore to be in control of him either. He knew he had other wizarding relatives now, but he didn't want to go to strangers.

Harry said, "What's the difference between guardianship and adoption?"

Severus replied, "The bonding spell is ancient magic. While Fudge can appeal to the ministry to overturn guardianship, there is nothing he can do to undo a bonding spell. The importance of family is so great in the wizarding world that there would be uproar if he were to even try. The spell itself only works for members of the child's biological family."

"When do I have to decide?"

"You have until the end of the summer, unless Fudge is ousted out of office. Even then, the best way for you to be protected from the ministry will be to either become an apprentice or allow a member of your family to adopt you. I would suggest that you sit down and list the pros and cons of each of your options."

"Is that an assignment?"

"No," said Snape, "merely a very strong suggestion. Is there anything else you would like to ask?"

"No, not really."

"Then I have one question I must ask you. Are you thinking of harming yourself today?"

Harry blushed. "Nossir," he muttered.

Snape pulled out Harry's bag, setting it on the floor before enlarging it. "Then you may go to your room if you wish."

Harry nodded and left the room.

When he reached his room he was suprised to see a new door across from the door to his suite. He entered his sitting room, but then was shocked when he entered his room. The house had obviously rearranged itself again as Harry's room had enlarged to fit two more beds and wardrobes, He supposed the door across the hall was going to be the suite for Mrs. Weasley and the girls.

Harry took a few moments to make sure Calypso and Hedwig were alright before deciding to try and sit down and take Snape's suggestion about writing the pros and cons of his options. He decided to use the dream journal he had received from Snape. He didn't really think the man would mind. But as he started to make the list he realized he knew nothing about apprenticeship in the wizarding world.

He picked up his journal and headed for the library. When he got there, he was suprised to see Snape sitting at one of the tables, surrounded by tomes. The last time he had entered the library, Fico had shown him how to use Snape's filing system. You simply went to a book in the middle of the room and wrote the name of the subject you wished to find books about.

Harry really didn't want to interrupt whatever Snape was doing, so he quietly walked over to find the tomes he needed. Soon he was sitting at a table surrounded by books, although not nearly as many as the potions professor had. He had to look through several of them before finding what he needed. Before long he became engrossed in a book about the intricacies of wizarding apprenticeships.

It must have been several hours later when Harry heard the sirens announcing someone was outside the wards. Snape rose from the table he was working at and said, "Go to your room until I have determined whether it is friend or foe outside."

Harry reluctantly rose, closing the journal he had been taking notes in. He left the books on the table, but then Snape said, "You may take the one you were reading with you, Potter."

Harry nodded, and picked up the tome before heading for his room


Severus headed to the front of the manor to find out who their guests were. Being extra cautious, he had reset the wards once he and Potter had arrived so that not even Lupin could enter without his knowledge.
Snape was livid. He pointed at the verly large child cowering by the wall. "What is the meaning of this?" he sneered, pointing to the unwanted muggle child.

Dumbledore looked completely unruffled by the glare he was receiving from Severus. He said, "Mr. Dursley has been refusing to follow the rules set up at the safe house for his security. Because of this, the safe house was compromised, and we have had to move the Dursleys and Grangers to another location. I was hoping that he could stay here for a few weeks. I'm sure that after a week or two here, he will be more than happy to follow the rules set for him."

Severus said, "In other words, you feel the boy needs some discipline, and you want me to administer it."

"Severus, you deal with some of the most troubled boys we have, and very successfully at that. I'm quite sure you can help Mr. Dursley see the error of his ways."

"And what am I supposed to do with him while the rest of the students are having lessons?"

Dumbledore reached into his robes and pulled out a package, which he enlarged. "It appears Mr. Dursley is not doing well in his subjects at his school. These books are tutorials in those subjects."

Remus walked over and perused the books Dumbledore had enlarged. "I can tutor him in these subjects, Severus."

Severus sighed and said, "Very well, I will do this headmaster if and only if I may have a free hand in determining how to discipline the boy."

Albus' eyes twinkled. "I trust your judgment, Severus. I would like to speak to the students before leaving, if I may." Severus inclined his head and moved to the edge of the parlor they had all met in. He took a moment to call Fico to retrieve Potter.

Professor Dumbledore stood and faced the teens. "With the exception of Mr. Dursley you are all here because there have been threats made against your lives for your actions in June. As there are many wards here and no one knows Severus owns this house, this is the safest place for you to be. Mrs. Weasley and Professor Lupin will be staying as well, to help chaperone you. It is in all your best interests to stay here. This means that for the duration of the summer Professor Snape, Professor Lupin, and Mrs. Weasley will be acting as your guardians. I suggest you listen to them. Severus, was there anything you would like to say?"

Snape walked to the front of the room and stood in his most menacing stance while Dumbledore left the room. At the same time Harry appeared, The potions master pointed at the only empty chair in the room. Harry walked over and sat in the chair openly staring at Dudley. He had no earthly idea what his cousin was doing here.

His attention was drawn back to Snape when he heard him say, "I will not having you run amuck in my manor, so you will all follow the schedule I have already set for Mr. Potter. You will have classes nearly everyday. Mondays will be set aside for Ancient Runes and Arithmancy. It will be the only day you will be expected to study the entire day. It is also the day you will each be seeing Ms. Goldman. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons you will receive potions lessons, and Wednesday and Friday afternoons will be set aside for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Saturday afternoons we will all meet to discuss wizarding culture. Tuesday through Friday mornings you will be expected to complete the homework you are given. Your evenings will be free unless you have chosen to disobey the rules, in which case you will be assisting me in my lab. I suggest you follow the rules. You will not like the consequences if you do not. How many of you have completed your summer homework?"

Only Hermione, Luna, and Harry raised their hands. "Very well. Tomorrow morning I suggest you complete it. Everyone will bring their completed work down to be graded at lunchtime. As you have two fully qualified instructors present, there is absolutely no reason why each and every one you should be turning in less than outstanding work. Breakfast will be served in your sitting rooms. You will be in your sitting rooms by 10 p.m. each evening, no exceptions. Lunch and Dinner will be served in the dining room and everyone is expected to be present. Do not enter my lab without my express permission."

Snape turned to Hermione and said, "Miss Granger, you will turn in your homework this evening for me to grade. As I am sure you are completely caught up with your work I wish for you to assist those students who are in need. However I will abide no copying of homework in my home. In addition, since I have no doubt that your Potions Owl was Outstanding, I wish for you to partner with Mr. Longbottom during the upcoming potions lessons. Do not do his work for him, but don't allow him to blow my lab up either."

Snape then focused his attention on the other two girls in the room. "You will be joining the sixth year students in reviewing fifth year potions. I suggest you avail yourself of Miss Granger if you are having difficulty." The two girls nodded their understanding.

Snape then said, "The manor was prepared for six children. However, now that we have seven, other arrangements will have to be made."

He turned to Remus and said, "The girls suite is directly across from yours. Why don't you show them to their room. In the meantime, I will determine who will be rooming in the suite with you now."

Once Remus and the girls had left the room, Severus turned to survey the remaining occupants. Potter looked confused, while Longbottom looked terrified. The Weasley boy had the same open glare on his face from earlier. The muggle child was still standing next to the wall glowering. No matter what his three students might be thinking, Severus was quite sure they would not openly defy him. The muggle, however was an unknown. Deciding to deal with him first, Severus turned to face him and said, "Come have a seat, Mr. Dursley."

Dudley just folded his arms over his chest and glared at Snape.

Snape sighed, took out his wand, pointed it at Dudley, and said, "Imperio."

The boys looked on in shock as Severus directed Dudley to sit in a chair before removing the spell. Severus said, "You didn't like that, did you, Mr. Dursley?"

Dudley looked up, his face a mixture of shock and fear, and shook his head. Snape continued, "You will quickly learn that it is best to follow the orders I give. I promise you, if you do not, you will not like the consequences. You may feel free to ask any of the students here about the consequences of disobedience. I assure you they will make it quite clear that it is preferable to obey me. Do you understand?"

Dudley didn't answer, but just kept staring at Severus in horror.

Severus looked exasperated and said, "Have you forgotten how to speak boy?"

From across the room a timid voice said, "Professor..."

Severus turned to face Neville and said, "What is it Mister Longbottom?"

Neville looked petrified. But he took big breath and said, "He can't speak, Professor. He was saying awful things and Professor Dumbledore put a silencing charm on him."

Severus chuckled, and turned back to face Dudley. "I think I will leave the charm on for the rest of the evening, perhaps it will teach you a lesson. But as the question I asked you only requires a yes or no answer, you should still be able to answer it. Do you understand what I told you earlier?"

Dudley nodded, and Snape continued, "Good."

He then looked at the remaining boys. "As I have no desire to rearrange the house again, one of you will have to join me in my suite. Do I have a volunteer, or must I choose for you?"

Harry looked at Ron and Neville. They both seemed horrified at the thought of being close to the 'greasy git'. Harry wasn't thrilled at the idea, but he knew he could deal with it better than the others. With that in mind, he said, "I'll do it, professor."

Snape said, "Very well. Go and begin packing your things. I will send a house elf to help you."

Ron got up and said, "I'll help you, too."

"Take Mr. Dursley with you," ordered Snape

Harry nodded his acceptance, going over to the chair the muggle boy was sitting in and said, "C'mon Dudley." The boy glared at Potter, but swift order from Severus had the child up out of the chair following the other the two boys. Neville turned to follow them, but Snape said, "You have not been dismissed, Mr. Longbottom."

Neville looked absolutely terrified of the thought of being alone with Snape, but turned to face him obediently. Severus said, "It is my understanding that you excel in herbology. Is this true?"

"Yes, professor."

"Then follow me," ordered Snape as he swept swiftly from the room. He led the boy through several winding corriders to the greenhouse. "As I will undoubtably be too busy to deal with this," he said, his hand pointing to the many plants in the greenhouse, "I wish for you to take this duty. These plants are necessary for many of the potions I make, and must be tended carefully. If you do this, I will excuse you from Monday's lessons."

He leveled a hard look at Neville and said, "Are you capable of doing this?"

"Yes, professor," said Neville excitedly.

"Very well. I expect to find these plants perfectly tended each and every time I come here."

"Yes, professor."

Snape called Fico again and ordered him to show the boy to his room, as well as making sure that Potter was receiving adequate assistance in preparing to move his things. After everyone had left, he headed to his room, hoping to get a moment's peace before having to deal with anything else.