Another chapter, yay! Okay this chapter contains a lot of dialogue. Also I made up the colors of the potions and made up two of my own. Its a magical world anything is possible.

Happy reading and enjoy!

Two weeks before school starts Harry met Rubeus Hagrid. The half giant told him how happy he was to help Harry get everything he needed for school. The other man also gushed about the school's Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. Harry didn't comment on anything.

They went to the bank first. He was in awe of the goblins and instantly showed them respect. In return the goblin Griphook handed the small key to Harry instead of Hagrid. Harry didn't miss the uncertain and conflicted look on the giant's face.

Next came Ollivander's. The old wand maker unnerved him with all his little comments when each wand didn't work. Hagrid had left him there and had yet to return. Almost a half hour later he finally got his wand and learned that it's brother gave him his scar. Harry thanked the man and left not caring about whether or not Hagrid would be back.

It wasn't hard to find the Apothecary. He instantly fell in love with the shop. Someone approached him when he was looking over the new potions book that was set up next to the supply of vials. He didn't look up until the person spoke.

"That book maybe a little advance for a first year." The soft deep voice spoke with a hint of amusement.

Harry looked and saw that the speaker was a tall man with long dark hair and equally dark eyes. He was also wearing long black robes.

"I know but its so interesting. Did you know that there is a potion that can let you hear people's thoughts?"

The man smirked. "Yes, I know. I'm good friends with the creator and was his tester. It took him years to get it to work right."

"Wow. Can you tell me what this Neuro-expansion potion is?"

"Of course. I know you are too young to know this but scientific studies had shown that everyone uses only a third of their brain. This potion will unlock that and allow the drinker to use all parts of their brain. It will allow you to remember everything you've read, seen or heard. You will also be able to store new information easily and use it. In short it will basically turn you into a genius with extremely good memory recall."

"It sounds really great but also really dangerous."

"Yes it does that's why there is no ingredients listed and the maker's name is pseudo."

"To be honest, sir, I may be eleven but I have to say that I'm tempted to want to use it. Is the potion temporary or permanent?"

"Permanent. Before drinking it you have to put a time spell on it in order for it to last years."

Harry looked around before asking his next question. He didn't want to cause any trouble for the man. "Are you the potion's maker?"

The man gave him a wide smile and there was a hint of pride in his eyes. "Yes I am. How did you come to that conclusion?"

"You answered my question. It wasn't in the book and like you said the ingredients weren't listed."

"Very observant. Now allow me to introduce myself. I'm Severus Snape, potions master and Hogwarts Potion's professor."

"Nice to meet you Professor. I'm Harry Potter."

"I know who you are Mr. Potter. You look a little bit like your father but you got your mother's eyes. Now tell me, was it hard to get away from Hagrid?"

"No, sir. He left me at Ollivander's and didn't come back. He acted like he was trying to hide something but wasn't doing a very good job of it."

Severus' brows furrowed in confusion. "Please explain."

"Well when we were at Gringott's he told one of the head goblins that he also had a letter from Dumbledore about a you-know-what in a vault you-know-where. He whispered it but made sure to say it loud enough for me to hear. After Griphook opened my vault he handed my key to me, Hagrid looked uncertain and conflicted about that. Then we went to the next vault, seven hundred and thirteen, and he got the only item inside. A small wrapped package. Hagrid put it in his pocket and told me not to say anything to anyone."

Snape figured this was the secret Dumbledore was trying hard to hide. Being a skilled Legilimen with the aide of the his friend's mind reading potion, Severus was able to get past the Headmaster's mental shields and learn a lot. For the past ten years he has spent a lot of time reading the old man's mind.

He found where Harry was and started writing Petunia those letters wanting to know how the boy was doing in the Muggle world. He also learned how manipulative and truly evil Dumbledore was. The man made the Dark Lord look like a choir boy. So Severus vowed to himself to make sure that Harry would never fall under Dumbledore's control. He didn't even care about what his Slytherins would think or say to their parents.

"Thank you for telling me, Harry. Now how did you and Hagrid get into Diagon?"

"We went through the Leaky Cauldron. He announced to everyone who I was and that made it hard to get out. Although I did get to meet Professor Quirrell. That man looks like he's afraid of his own shadow."

"He wasn't like that before. Harry do me a favor and avoid him as much as possible."

"I will, sir. Why did you want to meet me?"

"Because you and I have a lot to talk about, but we can't talk here. I will meet you at your aunt's house. Do not eat or drink anything Hagrid gives you and put your key somewhere safe."

"Okay, professor." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the key before handing it over to Severus. "I want you to hold on to it. I trust you professor."

Severus was a little uncertain. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. You can give it back when we're at aunt Petunia's."

"Alright Harry. Since we're here I'll help you get your potions supply."

"Professor, would it be alright if I get this book too?"

Severus gave a smile filled with pride. "Of course, Harry."

They spent ten minutes getting all of Harry's supply. Severus made sure that the boy had extras of everything. A mistake that all parents make and the school's governors overlook. It was like they wanted to make his job harder.

When they finished he took Harry to Flourish and Blotts. Hagrid still hadn't shown up and Severus was livid by the man's carelessness. They spent longer than necessary in the bookstore because Harry wanted to look at every book. In the end he let the boy buy twenty extra. Ten were from the following years and the others were books that people read after school is over. Those included the Wizarding World's full history, the children's story Tales of Beedle the Bard, and an Animagus book.

He also spotted two books, Potions and Charms, that are required reading when one chooses to become a master of those. Severus voiced his objections but that fell on deaf ears. Harry just smiled at him and said that he found the two subjects fasinating and wanted to know more about them. After that Severus gave up trying to understand the boy's mind. A part of him, the ego part, was extremely happy that the child was loving potions before he even started school. After purchasing the books he taught Harry the shrinking charm.

Harry was sad to leave the bookstore and before they left he put himself on the mailing list to receive books in the mail when they come out. He also grabbed a self-updating catalog so he could buy whatever book he wanted whenever he wanted. Harry loved reading, loved it ever since Aunt Petunia taught him to read. He got his first library card at five.

When they left the shop he was the first to spot Hagrid. With the feeling that Professor Snape didn't want the other man to see him or know that he knew who Harry was, he turned and warned him.

"Uh...Professor. I see Hagrid."

"Thank you Harry. Remember what I said. I'll see you at Petunia's."

Harry nodded and watched the man turn and head back into the store. The giant was by his side just as the door closed completely. There was a disappointed look on his face.

"Arry, I've been lookin' for you."

"Sorry, Hargrid, I finished with Ollivander's and when you didn't return I decide to continue getting my supply. I just need a pet, robes and a trunk."

"Right. Sorry about that. Speaking of pets, I got you a birthday present."

He pulled an owl cage out from behind his back. Harry was in awe by the snow white owl. He fell in love with it right away.

"Thank you Hagrid. Is it a boy or girl?"

"A girl. And you're welcome."

Harry took the owl and followed the giant to Madame Malkin's. Getting his robes went faster than he expected and he even met another first year. A boy named Draco Malfoy. The two talked for a bit and promised to meet on the train as Draco followed his mother out of the shop. He was grateful that Hagrid didn't see him talking to Draco because as the boy and his mother passed by the giant he caught the disgusted and feared look on his face.

He paid for his robes and finally got his trunk. His trunk was special. It had several hidden compartments and could only be opened with a password and his magical signature. Harry also bought a wand holster that was strapped to his wrist. With the shopping done, Hagrid took him back home.

They said their goodbyes and he was handed his ticket. Harry didn't want to touch it as he remember what Professor Snape had warned. So he tricked the giant into looking away and quickly whispered the Finite Incantatem. The ticket glowed and faded quickly. He took the ticket and thanked Hagrid when the giant looked at him again.

He waited until Hagrid was out of sight before going into the house. He put his trunk on the landing of the stairs and walked into the sitting room seeing Snape and aunt Petunia drinking tea. Harry smiled at them and carried his owl into the room.

"Look aunt Petunia. Isn't she pretty."

"She lovely, Harry. What's her name?"

"I don't know yet. I want it to mean something important."

Petunia smiled at her nephew. "I'm sure you'll pick the right name. Now sit and have some tea. Your professor told me he had a lot to tell you."

Harry made himself a cup and sat next to his aunt looking at Snape. He nodded for the man to start talking.

"Okay Harry what I have to say is important and I can't stress enough to know that you won't repeat any of it."

"You can trust me. I won't say anything to anyone. Your caution help me awhile ago when Hagrid handed over my ticket. I said that spell before touching it. I also had to trick Hagrid into looking away before I did."

"I'm proud of that Harry. Alright, listen closely. Headmaster Dumbledore is planning something and it involves you. I don't know what it is yet and I will find out. Anyways for the past ten years I've learned how manipulative and evil he truly is. Did Hagrid tell you about a man named Lord Voldemort?"

"No. Ms. Figgs did though. She told me about the war he started and how he was the one who killed my parents."

Severus nodded. "Good. I'll tell you the full story. Lord Voldemort was born Tom Riddle. He used to go to Hogwarts, after graduating he went further into the Dark Arts and therefore changed his name to Dark Lord Voldemort. As he grew into power he recuited followers called Death Eaters." He closed his eyes to gather his courage. "If I show you something will you promise not react until I explain." He looked at both of them and got nods.

He pulled the sleeve of his left arm up and showed them his Mark. "This is the Dark Mark. When I was seventeen I joined Volemort. I was stupid and naive."

"Why did you join?"

"The year before, your mother and I got into a huge fight. Your father and his friends were involved. You see they were my tormentors in schools. That year was the year James wore Lily down and finally got her to agree to be his girlfriend. Anyways, James and his friend Sirius were throwing hexes and taunts at me. Well it went to far when Sirius throw a spell to pull my pants down after James had levitated me into the air. Lily saw them do it and told them to stop.

"They did. When I stood and pulled my pants up I turned my anger on your mother. I told her I didn't need her defending me and called her a Mudblood. That is the most terrible thing to call someone. I regretted it as soon as my anger left me but your mother wouldn't hear my apologies. I'm sure Petunia told you that I was friends with Lily before we started school."

"Yeah. She told me the whole story. Did my mother ever forgive you?"

"I don't know. I spent all of that year and half of our seventh apologizing. Nothing seem to get through. I gave up and focused on my studies. I was heartbroken over the whole thing. In my moment of vulnerability, Lucius Malfoy and Theodore Nott Sr. were pressuring me to join the Dark Lord. I tried to resist but I wasn't in the right mind to put up much of a fight. In the end I joined."

"Are you still following him?"

"No, Harry. I left Voldemort the night before your parent's died. I overheard a prophecy about the two of you. A stupid mistake. I told him and in turned learned that he was going after you and your parents. I went to Dumbledore. Another stupid mistake. Dumbledore manipulated me. Had me agree to spy for him in return for his help to keep you three safe. Obviously he didn't try very hard. For all of it I am truly sorry."

"I forgive you. Not all of it was your fault. If anything the blame is on Dumbledore. If he was as powerful as Hagrid sprouted then he would have succeed in hiding my parents better."

"True. It also didn't help that their secret keeper gave up their location."

"What's a secret keeper?"

"A secret keeper is the only person besides the spell caster and the people hiding that know the location of the safe house. Albus was the spell caster he casted the Fidelius Charm. I recently learned that Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper instead of your godfather Sirius Black."

"Godfather? I have a godfather?" Harry was shocked by that.

"Yes you do. He was your father's best friend. Peter was too, as well as Remus Lupin. I don't know how it went from Sirius to Peter. That night some how some way after Voldemort disappeared, your godfather went after Peter. It was said that Black killed him and thirteen Muggles before the Aurors, the magical police, arrested him. He is currently in Azkaban, a prison in the middle of the ocean."

"Did he really kill all of them?"

"I don't know, Harry. He wasn't given a trial."

"Okay. So about Dumbledore. What do I have to expect from him?"

"I'm sorry to say this but he wants to control you. Your letter and ticket had charms on them. An obedience and loyalty charm. The Finite Incantatem is a spell to reverse those. He won't stop until he has complete control over you."

"Is there a way to stop him?" Petunia asked worriedly. She was now afraid to let her nephew go to Hogwarts.

"Don't worry Tunie. I came prepared to help Harry every way I can." He smiled at the woman reassuringly and pulled out a shrunken box. He waved his hand over the box to re-size it. "This box contains every potion to help Harry. First drink this one." He handed over a vial that contained a pink potion.

Harry took it and downed it. "What does it do?"

"It will remove any spells or potions that could be in your system." He answered and handed over the next potion. A vial with dark blue liquid inside. "This will prevent all potions from working if they are unwillingly taken."

"Will it reverse the ones you want me to drink?"

"No. You know that you are taking these. The potion works only if your food or drink has been dosed with something and you won't know which one. Now this one will stop minor hexes, spells and charms from working." He explained and handed Harry the clear blue potion.

"Are all potions this horrible tasting ?"

"Sometimes. These can't have added flavor. Now I have two potions that you can decide to take if you want to. You don't have to but I have a feeling you will." Severus gave Harry a smirk. Remembering their talk in the Apothecary.

"What are they?" He hoped they were the ones he read about.

Severus saw the boy's eyes light up with anticipation. "The mind reading and neuro-expansion."

"Really." Harry gave him a big smile. He can't believe that Snape was going to let him take those potions.

"Yes. Now I need to explain a little bit more about them. Listen closely. The mind reading only works for a year. You can block out everyone. If you focus on one person you will be able to hear only their thoughts. If you want to hear two or more at the same time just focus on a group. The potion will allow your mind to connect with theirs until you close them out. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now the neuro-expansion. I explained this one already, but do you have anymore questions?"

Harry thought about it and remembered their talk. "Will it be considered as cheating if I take it?"

"No. All you are doing is opening your mind to use your brain the way it should be used."

"Are there any side-effects?" Petunia asked.

"None that I could find. I've tested this potions for two years on four different people, myself included."

"Okay I'll take them."

"Wait, Harry." Petunia grabbed his arm. "Is there any side-effects to the mind reading?"

"I understand your worry, Petunia. And I assure you there is no side-effects. Does it help ease your mind if I told you that I, myself, had already taken it and have been using it for last ten years?"

Petunia looked at the man. She didn't see any signs that he was lying. "Alright. Go ahead and take them if you want to."

"Thank you, aunt Petunia."

Harry took both of them quickly. Just as quickly he could hear both adult's thoughts while he had a flood information flash through his mind.

"Close your eyes and focus. Compartmentalize all the information. It helps to make mental filing cabinets. Picture those and mentally put all that info into different files and then put them into the cabinets."

Harry did as the professor said. After awhile his mind was able to focus. Now he was able to hear thoughts more clearly.

"Okay, Harry, now find the links to me and Petunia. Picture a door and close it."

Again he did as he was told and seconds later his mind was clear and his thoughts were his own. He opened his eyes and smiling at them. He felt that he could do anything.

"Thank you, professor."

"You're welcome. How do you feel?"

"Like I can do anything."

Severus chuckled. "That's good to hear."

"So, Severus, how long will you be here?" Petunia asked.

"If its alright with you, I would like to stay until Harry goes to school. I want to make sure he is prepared."

Petunia nodded. "I'm okay with that. Will they know that you are gone? Lily mentioned once that teachers don't leave the school."

"We don't during the school year. Dumbledore might be put out that I'm not there but I could care less."

"Um...professor? What are the other potions for?"

"Healing potions. There are also some for pain, counter potions like the one I gave you and I have two more for you."

"What are they?" He was curious.

Severus handed over a potion in a light green color. "This potion will eliminate the underage tracker and magic trace the Ministry of Magic puts on all newborns. It records all accidental and underage magic until the witch or wizard is seventeen. The tracker allows the Ministry to keep tabs on where you are at anytime."

Again Harry didn't hesitate to drink the potion. Snape exchanged vials when he was done. The new one was purple.

"This one will open your magical core fully. Normally after you complete Hogwarts and come of age at seventeen, your core opens completely. Making casting easier. I, however, developed a potion to open it early. I was thirteen at the time and it took me until the end of the year to perfect it. No one knows about it."

"So why are you telling me?"

"Because you shown me that you have a love for the subject. I want to share that world with you, if you want."

Harry gave him a big toothy smile. "I would love that."

Severus returned the smile. Harry didn't hesitate to drink it. The boy began to glow in a gold and silver color. Harry gasped as he felt his magic expanded and wrap around him. After several minutes the glow dissipated and his magic settled.

Harry looked at Snape for instructions. He felt more powerful than he did a few minutes ago.

"Lets try this two ways. Take out your wand and point it at the empty vial. I want you to say Wingardium Leviosa. It will levitate the vial."

Harry did as he was told. He got the charm on the first try. He liked this one.

"Harry could do that at a year old. He floated his pacifier to him from across the room." Petunia smiled as she informed them.

Severus wasn't surprised by that. "Okay. Put the vial down and try it wordlessly and wandlessly."

Again Harry got it on the first try. The only difference was he didn't tell Snape that he just looked at the vial and imagine it levitating. He felt his magic both times he used it. It was a great feeling.

"Do you want to take a break or do you want to go through all your first year books?"

Harry remember that all his bags were still in his pockets. He pulled them out and set them on the floor. Without Snape's help, he re-sized all the bags.

"If you don't mind I would like to keep going."

"Good boy. Find your books."

Harry went through the bags and pulled out all the first year books. When he put them on the table, Aunt Petunia gathered up her tea set. She moved to take it into the kitchen.

"You boys behave and try not to ruin my sitting room. I'm going to be in the kitchen to start dinner."

They nodded at her and promised to keep the room in perfect shape. So for the next hour Harry completed his entire first year. Severus answered all of his questions. Petunia announced dinner and he listened to Harry tell his aunt everything he learned. He was amazed at how she just smiled and listened to the boy talk about magic.

"Aunt Petunia told me everything that happened between her and mum. She told me she let go of all the hate when she read the letter saying that mum and dad had been killed." Harry didn't mean to hear Severus' thought but felt the need to defend his aunt.

"I understand that more than anyone. Tunie, if you don't mind, what happened to your husband?" He watched both Harry and Petunia go stiff.

"Vernon is in prison and our son is with his father's sister."

"What happened?" He asked knowing he wasn't going to like the answer.

"When I found Harry on the front porch the next morning. I read the letter and cried. Vernon found me liked that and immediately told me to get rid of Harry. He knew about Lily. So I lied and told him that Harry was normal and Lily and James dropped him off here because he wouldn't be allowed to live in your world. Vernon took the lie. For the next couple of years I kept Harry out of his sight and hid any magic usage.

"When Harry was three he turned the telly's remote into a stuffed dog. Vernon saw it and became enraged. He grabbed Harry but I took him away and told him to run. My husband got madder and turn his anger on me. Just as he was about to slap me again, Harry got between us. He magically threw Vernon into the wall. The police came in minutes later and arrested him. Around age eight I came home early and found Dudley punching on Harry. That day I called my sister-in-law and told her to take Dudley and raise him.

"I may have acted like a bitch to Lily since she was eleven, but when I heard about her death something changed. I regreted everything. It sadden me that I lost my one chance to make things right between us. So I cried, held Harry and silently vowed to love and protect him the way Lily would." She finished and wiped away the tears that had escaped.

"I understand. I showed up just as soon as the Dark Lord disappeared. Lily and James were dead, Harry was crying and calling for her. I picked him up, dropped to the floor and cried as he did. I also vowed to protect him. Then there were people showing up. I kissed Harry's forehead put him back into his crib and left the ruin house."

Harry bowed his head to hide the tears that were falling from his eyes. The two people in this room was showing him that he was loved and would always be protected. There was a difference between them where his feelings were concerned. Petunia was like another mother to him. Where Severus on the other hand was something else. Something his eleven year old mind couldn't quite comprehend.

There was still one thing he wanted to know. So he quickly wiped the tears away and looked at Severus. "Why do you call aunt Petunia, Tunie?"

Both adults laughed. "Its something your mother would call her when she was younger."

"She thought it was better than Pet. Most people use 'pet' as an endearment and she didn't think it was appropriate to do so. So she got everyone to call me Tunie if they didn't want to say Petunia." She explained.

Harry nodded in understanding. The rest of dinner was in comfortable silence. Harry and Severus cleaned up afterwards and the three settled in the sitting room for the rest of the night. Each had a book in hand.

End note: The neuro-expansion potion came from the movie Limitless. One of my favorite Bradley Cooper movies.