Severus had been up early that day, and now walked out of Dumbledore's office feeling immensely satisfied. He'd had a second almighty rant at the old coot, with all of the new information he had acquired. Dumbledore had given him the forms to transfer Harry's guardianship, so that could get swiftly underway. He also planned to go see Minerva in the next few days; she clearly needed some tips about how to act as head of one of the four houses.

"Harry's birthday is in a week." Dumbledore had told him, "The thirty first of the month. I will do my best to get these papers signed before then. If you were then to arrange for any visitors to see him on such a date, he could tell them about the circumstances."

Severus had given the headmaster a sharp look, and promised to return the papers the next morning. He also informed Dumbledore that he and Harry were leaving Hogwarts for the day, to do his school shopping, and they would be present for dinner in the Great Hall. When he returned to his quarters, the portrait door swung open to reveal Harry sitting on the sofa, waiting patiently for him, "Thank you for leaving me some breakfast." He said immediately, jumping up, "It was delicious."

Severus nodded, thinking of the hot English breakfast he had left Harry, "Did you eat it all? You don't feel ill do you?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I ate really slowly because I was reading the Daily Prophet. Who is Dolores Umbridge? She was featured in an article a few pages in."

"She is a ministry official with a liking for the colour pink." Severus went to vanish the plates but saw they were all on the edge of the sink, cleaned up, "Did you clean the dishes by hand?"

Harry shrugged, "You were taking ages, and you said it would be nice if I helped out around the quarters." He looked at Severus, as if wanting confirmation he hadn't done something wrong, "That is alright isn't it? I actually quite like cleaning, some forms of it, and cooking too. I find it relaxing. I find that it gives me time."

"Of course Harry, just remember you don't have to do it all the time, and you may use magic as well." Severus reminded, "Now, which would you prefer to do first, Diagon Alley or Muggle London?"

Harry thought for a minute before grinning, "Diagon Alley, please."

Severus rolled his eyes at the boy's enthusiasm, "Very well," He agreed, holding out his arm to gesture that they were leaving, "We will apparate outside the shops. I don't want to have to floo into that awful pub."

Harry nodded, walking in silence to the Hogwarts gates, and the apparition point. When he took Severus' arm, he stood waiting for the twisting feeling in his stomach as they apparated. Luckily, it wasn't as bad this time as the last, and they landed with a thud at the start of the busy shopping area. Harry grinned at all of the magical shops and goods, wondering where they would go first.

"We will work our way up the street," Severus told him, answering his unspoken question, "Then we will go for lunch in Muggle London before doing our shopping there. Does that seem reasonable?"

Harry nodded happily, following Severus into the first shop, which was Potage's Cauldron Shop, and then into Slug and Jiggers Apothecary, where the potions master picked up plenty of ingredients and equipment for the upcoming school year, and for his own experiments. He handed over a card to the shopkeeper, which he explained to Harry charged the bill to Hogwarts, and not his personal accounts.

"Put some of those items were for you, for your own experiments." Harry observed, frowning in misunderstanding, "Why are they charged to Hogwarts?"

"I am a Master of my craft." Severus told him, rather surprised that Harry was so observant in what happened around him, he hadn't realised it before, "That means I can conduct experiments and publish papers about my findings. If I do this successfully, Hogwarts gains credit due to my association with the school, and therefore they will sponsor and help me along."

They missed out Quality Quidditch Supplies, Eeylops Owl Emporium and the Magical Instruments shop, and went into Scribbulus Writing Instruments. Severus pointed out what Harry needed, and how much of it, but let Harry choose the specifics of what he got, including a dark blue organiser as well as his parchment, ink and quills.

When they went to the till, Severus paid with a different card, his own account now. The shopkeeper smiled at Severus, "Ah Professor Snape! It is wonderful to see you again. Would you like to pre-order your usual supply of organisers for the upcoming year of first year students?"

"Yes, thank you." Severus said shortly, "As usual, since we don't know the exact number of Slytherin first years that will be joining -"

"The amount and bill will be adjusted accordingly come the first of September, we are aware of your preferences, Professor Snape." The old shopkeeper nodded, his smile still in place, "An uncertain amount of organisers, most likely between eight and twelve. They will be changeable in colour to the owner's' own preference, and delivered by our House Elves to the Slytherin Common Room at Hogwarts, on the first of September."

Harry knew Severus was meticulous, but had never realised the full extent of it, and had to suppress a smile, "Yes, thank you." Severus repeated. He waved his wand at the items they had brought, explaining to Harry that they would be in his quarters now, and checked with the shopkeeper that he had Hogwarts account information to send the organiser bill to. They did, and so Severus and Harry left.

Next was Flourish and Blotts, for all of Harry's books for the upcoming year. Not only that, but Severus allowed Harry to pick a few books for his own personal reading, including a book on snakes and their relationships to parseltongues, and a slightly advanced defence book. Then they went to Madam Malkin's, because Harry had had a growth spurt, and Severus brought him some formal robes, some new robes for Hogwarts, and some gloves for Herbology. Harry brought some owl treats in Magical Menagerie, and Severus gave him some money to spend in Sugarplum's Sweets Shop. Their last stop was Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, where Severus brought some brass and silver scales, and a large supply of glass and crystal phials.

By this time, it was half past one, so they walked back down Diagon Alley, "Severus?" Harry said, as they continued walking. They hadn't seen any of Harry's friends in Gryffindor, or anyone recognisable from Hogwarts, but he supposed it was too early in the summer for most people to do their shopping. August had not even begun.

"Yes?"

"Do you have my Gringott's key on you? I would like to take some money out of my vault."

"May I ask why you would need money?"

Harry shrugged, "I won't get a chance to again, probably until Christmas. I have to buy people birthday presents, and Christmas presents nearer to the time."

"You can use the catalogues for that, as I did yesterday." Severus told him, "It will take the money straight out of your account. Is there any other reason why?"

Harry felt a little awkward, "I don't get any money at the Dursley's. Dudley got lots to go out and to spend on himself but I didn't. Even if I don't spend it, it is just nice to have it on me. It just feels good. It doesn't matter…"

Severus patted him on the shoulder, which Harry was surprised at, "Harry I have told you, you'll get an allowance. I did promise we would discuss it last night, but we didn't. I will make sure you have money on you."

Harry nodded, feeling better; he always found security in having money on him during the school year. They had reached the end of the street, and passed through the Leaky Cauldron. Severus' nose wrinkled as they edged past the dodgy pub goers.

"Is there anywhere you would particularly like to go for lunch?" Severus asked, as they emerged into Muggle London.

"Well I like - Wowh!" Harry startled as he turned to Severus, who had transformed his usual black robes into Muggle clothes. His hair was tied back with a green ribbon for one, pulled away from his face, making it look less sallow. He had on a simple deep green t-shirt, with brown jeans and brown boots.

"Yes?" Severus raised an eyebrow, smirking at Harry's surprise.

"It is strange seeing you in muggle clothing." Harry stated, making Severus snort, "I was saying that I don't mind where we go, I like anything. I suppose my favourite would be buffet food, like we have at Hogwarts where we can pick anything."

Severus nodded, and led him through the streets of London, until they appeared next to the restaurant, "Global Buffet". Severus opened the door for him, and Harry took in all the different smells.

"This is incredible." Harry said in awe, and proceeded to collect and eat a huge plate of food, including prawn toast, pizza, and some roasted potatoes. Severus went for a simpler meal, primarily Chinese food.

After eating, Severus paid and took him around Muggle London. Harry lost count of how many shops they entered and brought things in, and how many bags were secretly sent back to Hogwarts in back alleys, so the Muggles didn't see. He asked his Professor time and time again would he like some money towards it, but Severus refused, simply bringing out his credit card again. He brought Harry plenty of new clothes, as well as belts, shoes and socks, and personal hygiene products. They got Harry fitted for proper glasses, after making the attendant forget she had a previous appointment. Harry even had a haircut at a local barber shop, cutting down the ragged spikes of hair and styling it slightly. They brought some hair gel from the hairdresser so he could redo it himself.

Harry was in shock, and when they returned to the Hogwarts gates and made their way back to Severus' quarters, they saw his room was overflowing with bags. Severus helped him put everything away, charming the wardrobe so his clothes and shoes all fit in, and he extended the bookshelves too, to accommodate his new reading material. They had a talk while they worked, discussing Harry's allowance.

"How are you finding all of this, Harry?" Severus asked him, suddenly changing the topic of conversation, "I know it has only been a day, but I want to make sure you are coping. I understand it is a huge change for you, going from living with the Dursley's to living here at Hogwarts with me."

Harry smiled, "I like it, thank you Professor."

"You do?" Severus asked sceptically, skimming over the fact that Harry had addressed him as Professor, and not by his given name, and that he had thanked him once again.

"Well, I haven't experienced much yet, as you said it has only been a day. I mean, you have done all of this for me." He gestured to all of his new items, "And that is more than I have ever been given, so that is amazing. And you seem… different, nicer."

"I have realised the error of my ways, I will not treat you as I did in the past." Severus told him sternly, "You know that, yes? Nor do I, for a second, condone the behaviour used towards you by the Dursley's."

"I know that," Harry said, nodding, "It is smaller things as well, such as… Well, you keep telling me not to eat too much, and not too fast as well, and to take my potions on time."

Severus frowned, "If you are accusing me of being patronising, I am simply making sure you are aware of your limits, and that you do not make yourself ill."

"No, I'm not saying you are being patronising at all, I like you reminding me of my limits. That's my point, I should have been clearer." Harry smiled, looking up from where he was organising his desk, "No one ever has before. Hermione usually tells me I am too skinny, and compares how little I eat to the amount Ron inhales at each meal time, but no one has ever cared enough to really do anything, or help me to progress in my eating habits." He shrugged and scuffed his feet on the floor a little, "I guess, what I am saying is…"

"You've never had anyone worry about you." Severus finished for him, and Harry made a little side-ways smile that clearly said 'Oh well, doesn't matter'. Severus sighed, "We will discuss rules when we are done in here. I am afraid I will be setting stipulations to you being my ward."

Harry grinned, "Really?"

"Why do you look so pleased at the fact? Most teenagers hate rules. That is why I take particular emphasis in enforcing them."

Harry's grin vanished, "I suppose all I can remember is living with very strict guidelines and rules. I think of them as a safety net." He shrugged.

"You will never be hit by me." Severus said sternly, understanding the underlining meaning of Harry's 'safety net', and Harry nodded at his words, "Punishments would include cleaning cauldrons or lines, as if you had a detention. Or, as your guardian, I could ground you."

Harry gaped, "Ground me?"

Severus smirked, "I could deprive Gryffindor of its quidditch seeker, if I wanted."

"You wouldn't." Harry whispered, "That is sabotage!"

"You should have thought of that before you agreed to me being your guardian." Severus' eyes flickered with mirth, and he turned back to hanging the last of Harry's clothes up. When he has finished, and turned back, he saw Harry looked upset, "I was only jesting."

Harry let out a sigh of relief, "I couldn't quite tell." He said, laughing nervously, "You don't joke a lot, let's be honest. It is strange when you do, but nice."

"Don't go spreading it about the school," Severus scowled, "You'll ruin my reputation."

"No promises." Harry said, and then smirked, "Especially if you ground me, and deprive me of quidditch."

"Brat." Severus muttered, "I would not take advantage of being your guardian, I know that you have placed a certain amount of trust in me to take responsibility for you. I would not use that to gain anything for Slytherin house, or in order to lose anything for Gryffindor house. If you were to be grounded, or miss quidditch, it would only be for perfectly viable reasons. Understood?"

"Understood." Harry agreed, "So, do your Slytherin's know what is beneath that steely reputation of yours, or am I the only one?"

Severus resisted rolling his eyes at the boy's adamant cheek, "They are aware that my classroom persona is not all that I am perceived to be. I am extremely attentive when checking how my Slytherin's are, and if they have any problems, either within school or outside of Hogwarts, they know my door is open to them whenever they need me."

"You favour them heavily." Harry pointed out, and then swallowed nervously, "Sorry, I didn't mean to make a judgement on you. All I was saying is that, well, um -"

Severus sighed, "You are quite right, Harry, I do favour my own students. Not only because they are of Slytherin house, but because no other teacher will favour them. Slytherin students are tainted with the image of darkness and death eaters, and unfortunately it makes other teachers behaviour to them rather prejudiced, however unknowingly."

Harry frowned, "I haven't ever noticed it before."

"That is because, Mr Potter, you are not of Slytherin house, nor friends with anyone in it. My students can be treated very unfairly at times, and get points taken from them that they didn't deserve to have taken, or less points given when they deserved more."

"I suppose so." Harry said slowly, nodding. He looked around the room and beamed, "This all looks incredible. Thank you for it, all of it."

"Once again, you are welcome. It is five o'clock now, and dinner is being served at seven. Albus would like for us to join the other teachers in the Great Hall, just so we can explain the situation of you staying here for the rest of the summer holidays."

Harry picked up his book on defensive spells and followed Severus into the living room, "Do many of them know about… about the Dursley's?" He couldn't bear the thought of it being passed all over the school.

"Myself, Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey are the only ones who know the details of what happened at Privet Drive." Severus told him, "It will stay that way until there is someone you wish to tell. We will simply be telling other people that, because of he-who-shall-not-be-name's return, it was agreed that your former residence with muggles was proven inefficient to keep you safe at such dark times, and therefore you will be staying at Hogwarts for your own protection, under my guardianship. Is that agreeable?"

"It is, yes, thank you." Harry responded.

"Stop thanking me so much, child," Severus muttered irritably, perching himself on one sofa as Harry placed himself on the other, "You have no need to."

"If you say so." Harry said. He looked, slightly suspiciously, to the papers that Severus was shuffling about on his lap, but he knew better than to ask about someone's private documents. He opened his book to the first page, resting himself on the sofa's arm as he began to read.

Severus meanwhile, was trying to get the damned guardianship papers into the right order. Dumbledore had messed them up considerably. When he finally had them in the correct format, he summoned a muggle stapler and made sure they were sufficiently held together. He could not handle such unorganised yet important forms.

This section was not particularly long to fill out. With Harry's particular circumstances, and the Wizarding World being different to that of the muggle world (it was very common for Wizards to take on wards), the paperwork that filed oneself for guardianship was not at all lengthy. Dumbledore was referencing him, and he would have to visit the Dursley's to get them to sign for the transfer of Harry's care, but with the headmaster using his power within the ministry to make the process go as quickly as possible, it should be done within the week.

He saw the glance Harry had sent at the papers, before settling down to read, but chose not to comment. Harry would find out soon enough, and with any luck, he would have finished this before they went to dinner in a couple hours' time. While he worked, filling out deliriously easy answers such as names, birthdays and occupations, he pondered on what Harry had said earlier - how he liked rules and having people worry about him.

It saddened him, how Lily's son had been brought up. He had always assumed the boy was so… well, so like his late father. He saw now what a stupid assumption that had been. How could Harry be like someone he had never even met? Of course, the situation they were now in was not ideal. Harry was clearly grateful for all of the new clothes and furniture, but Severus knew there was more to being a parent than that, an adequate parent at least.

He sighed, rubbed a hand over his face and glanced at Harry, sitting opposite him, and then back down at the documents resting on his copy of "Advanced Ingredients for Every Potioneer".

You better forgive me for fifth year after this, Lils. Look what I have gotten myself into now.