Tall, Dark, and Mysterious

Harry woke up slowly, blearily blinking away his sleepiness. He heard the doorbell ring again, twice in quick succession. Apparently whoever was at the door was getting impatient. He took a fast inventory of his injuries.

He had cuts on his right arm, his left leg, and his face-frighteningly near to his eyes. He didn't want to think about what would have happened if he had been cut an inch lower. His whole body felt like one big bruise. It felt like one of his ribs was broken, and his wrist definitely was. The doorbell rang a third time. Harry sighed.

He really didn't want to get up right now.

He groaned as he pushed himself up from his cot and stumbled past the dividing sheet in front of his cupboard to the front door. He took a moment to collect himself before answering it. When he opened the door, he saw the scariest looking person he had ever seen-other than Uncle Vernon, of course. He instinctively froze, met with that predatory gaze.

He watched as the face went under a series of changes. First contempt, then shock and an almost terrifying rage-and then a blank emotionless cold that was somehow worse than the anger.

Harry shivered.

The dark mysterious figure in the tailored black clothing took a hesitant step forward.

Harry flinched back involuntarily.

The man stopped his advance, and a thoughtful expression crossed his face, along with another pulse of that violent anger.

"Mr. Potter, I presume? I am Professor Severus Snape, teacher and head of Slytherin House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In your correspondence you asked Hogwarts to be explained to you. I am here to do so."

His eyes flicked over Harry, taking in his injuries and malnourishment.

"Perhaps we could discuss this over dinner?"

Harry hesitated.

"I don't think so…sir. I guess I must have slept the whole day away, and if I'm not here when my Aunt and Uncle get home-"

"You have my word that nothing will happen to you," coaxed the silken, edged voice of Professor Snape. "In fact, if I can help it, you will never be placed anywhere near those muggles ever again."

Harry looked at him, examining. He spent several minutes perusing his face and eyes before nodding slightly. His instincts said to trust this man. Harry usually listened to his instincts. They were always right. He took a measured step forward, then another. The dark man-Professor Snape-seemed to relax.

"All right."

The adult motioned towards the black car in Harry's driveway.

"You have a ferrari?" Came the excited exclamation from the suddenly gleeful boy. "That is so cool."

The professor's lips twitched slightly, fighting a smile, before he followed the boy into the car.

End Chapter 6

Was that okay? I'm not really sure about my Snape characterization-or my dialogue skills. If anyone has any advice for me, it would really be appreciated.

Thank you reveiwers! *hugs* Your opinions really help a lot.

I've got 6 votes for nice!Dumbledore and 3 votes for naughty!Dumbledore. I really can't pick. I love Dumbledore, but I've seen a lot of convincing fics-with a lot of convincing evidence-that make me think he's manipulative. *sighs*

Congrats to: Lady FoxFire, ER, Cynical Slytherin, and Crystarl-you were right! Snape is one of my favorite characters. I just had to include him.