Chapter Six.
Sorry it has taken so long folks. I hit a mental block and a pile of doubt about whether I could keep this to the same standard. Thanks to all those who have waited patiently.
Severus emerged gracefully from a rather plain fireplace within what looked to be a study. A large, mahogany desk stood to one side; only an ink pot, quill and a few sheets of cream coloured parchment adorning it's surface. A vast Chinese rug broke up the monotony of the oak floor, whilst the occasional landscape painting added interest to the otherwise bland, pale green walls. Overall, the room was very Spartan, there being little evidence that anyone had used it in a great many years.
Adjusting the boy in his arms, Severus strode across the room, coming to an abrupt halt as the large oak door to which he was headed, swung open, admitting a small, strange looking creature, known to those of Wizarding blood, as a house elf. Appearing somewhat panic stricken and shocked, it quickly recovered itself and bowed deeply, it's squeaky voice reverberating through the room, resonating through the silence.
'Master, Sir, I wasn't expecting you. All isn't ready yet, Sir. Oh, I is a bad elf, Sir.',
The Potions Master rolled his eyes, apparently irritated by the elf's high pitched voice, and responded brusquely, a sharp edge to his voice as he continued towards the now open door.
'Mr Potter here and myself will be staying in the West Wing...I trust the rooms there are in a habitable condition?'
The House Elf hurried after the retreating back of his master as they progressed into a vast entrance hall, cold and uninviting as the Hogwarts Dungeons, their hurried footsteps echoing off the dark grey stone walls.
'Yes Master, Minky has done all rooms in the West Wing. Will Mr potter be needing anything Sir?'
Pausing at the base of a sweeping stone staircase, the Professor once more adjusted his load before carefully making his way upwards. Either side of him were gleaming mahogany banisters, but as with the entrance hall and the study, there was no sign of any embellishment nor of any warmth. Just as Severus did not endorse elaborate wandwork, he did not endorse dwellings filled with pretty, yet useless trinkets and baubles. Gritting his teeth against the strain of carrying a lightweight, yet cumbersome teenage body up such a vast incline, he snapped his response to the House Elf's question,
'Mr Potter will not be needing anything besides a good night's sleep'.
Severus was almost tempted to add 'and a good walloping', but refrained from doing so. His arms ached atrociously and he could feel the beginnings of a headache setting in, no doubt from the prospect of having to deal with an obnoxious Potter for the remainder of the Summer Holidays. Albus could not have been in his right mind, nor Lupin for that matter, if both thought he would be able to resolve the torments in the boy's addled brain. Contrary to popular belief, Severus neither hated the boy nor wished any harm upon him. He simply refused to condone the repeated incidences of Potter being absolved of all guilt for his actions. No matter which way he looked at it, the child took his vaunted position for granted, as had his father before him, and being one who had had to battle for any recognition of his abilities, Severus could not help but resent this. Also, being a spy was a dangerous game. Potter was The Dark Lord's enemy, and that in turn made him the enemy of any of his Death Eaters and their offspring. To be seen showing anything other than dislike for the boy would raise questions that would place both his life, and the lives of all at Hogwarts in more danger than they were already in.
Reaching the top of the staircase, Severus turned left down a wide corridor, passing numerous doors, identical to the one leading from his study. There were a few narrow passages leading off to the left along this corridor and it was down one of these that the dark man headed, the light from the few lit torches casting eerie shadows on the age weathered stone. Reaching a door at the very end on the right hand side, he manoeuvred the child in his arms and freed a hand, turning the handle and pushing in with his foot.
The room beyond was quite large in size, being about the same dimensions as the average dormitory at Hogwarts. However, it lacked the warmth, being as cold and as bland as the rest of the Manor House. A four poster bed stood to the left, whilst to the right was a large desk and chair. There was a fireplace, which was unlit, and an upright armchair stood before this, looking as though it had rarely been touched, let alone sat in. A small door set in the right hand wall presumably led to a bathroom. Other than these basic items, the room was bare. The stone floors had no soft covering to protect unwary feet from the biting chill, and the walls were devoid of colour and decoration.
Striding over to the bed, Severus roughly deposited Harry on top of the dark red blankets, neither bothering to cover the teen up, nor to remove his shoes. He was quite astonished that the boy was still unconscious, considering the change of scene, but what could he expect? The foolish brat had clearly not eaten nor slept in some time...things which would need to be rectified in the forthcoming weeks, no matter the tactics that needed to be used.
With one last glare at the teenager, he turned around and swept out of the door, closing it behind him and casting a locking charm. He was damned if he would allow the boy full run of his home, considering the havoc he always managed to create at the school. Striding back down the passageway, he sneered as Minky came trotting along from the far end, wringing her gnarled hands in worry as she squeaked incoherently,
'Master, I never question your wisdom, but is it wise to lock Mr Harry Potter in his room ? What if something bad happens?'
Severus directed a cold stare at the small creature, before responding in an equally cold tone,
'Mr Potter is too accustomed to being allowed to run rampant wherever he goes. It will not be the case here. It is about time he learnt the meaning of rules, and until I am sure he understands my rules, he will be locked in his room. I will be staying in my own quarters, which as you are well aware, are near enough that I will be able to act quickly should there be any problems'.
The small creature continued wringing it's hands, it's bulbous eyes wide with concern, but seemingly accepting its position of helplessness in this situation, it bowed low, before scurrying off back from whence it came.
Sighing heavily, Severus continued to the main corridor and entered a chamber almost directly opposite the passageway. This room was not only larger than the one Harry now inhabited, but also less bland. A few Wizarding portraits, presumably of long dead relatives adorned the walls, several large, deep green hued rugs covered the cold floors and shelves lines with books filled one side of the chamber. Two well worn armchairs sat before an already blazing fire and many torches lined the walls, almost making the space seem homely...but not quite.
It was a world away from the icy cold, dark and uninviting room Harry awoke to find himself in some three hours later.
