Dispute


"Stup…"

Severus grabbed a book off the desk, hurling it at Harry's hand. He caught the wand as it ricocheted off the wall, shoving it in his pocket.

"No spells!" he hissed.

"I… I know plenty of wandless magic!"

"Use it and you'll bring the Ministry down on our heads. Is that what you want?"

"I want to know what the bloody hell you're doing in my room!"

"You expect answers, yet you attempt a spell that would've rendered me speechless?" Severus raised an eyebrow. "That hardly seems logical."

Harry opened and closed his mouth, his expression mutinous. Finally, he spoke, his voice trembling with… was that anger or fear?

"How did you get in here?"

"It doesn't matter. May I sit?"

"No."

Severus shrugged, dropping into the chair at Harry's desk.

"I would've preferred to avoid this little intrusion. Unfortunately…"

"Why did you do it?"

"What?"

"Why did you give him the poison?"

"Because I could not refuse."

"You could have," Harry said. "All you had to do was say no."

That wasn't exactly true, though this was hardly the time to explain the Unbreakable Vow. He sighed heavily instead, eyes narrowing as he looked at his son.

"And what would've happened if I'd done that?"

"I don't know, but…"

"You do know."

Harry shook his head, lips pressed into a tight line.

"Say it."

"Or what? You'll give me detention? Take House Points?"

"Say it."

"You can't even use magic," Harry said. "I don't have to do anything…"

"Perhaps not, though I'd still like you to answer my question. Please."

That last word caught Harry's attention. He gave Severus a peculiar look, hesitating before he spoke.

"The Death Eaters… I guess it would've been pretty bad."

"To say the least."

"Couldn't you have stopped them?"

"No."

"But they listened to you. When you told them to leave, they…"

"They obeyed because they believed I was on their side. If I'd revealed my true allegiance? They would've turned on me like a pack of vipers. Considering the position I was in, alone with a dying man who couldn't even lift his wand…"

"Why couldn't you save him?"

"However skilled I might be at dueling, there were too many…"

"No," Harry interrupted. "I mean, why was he dying in the first place? He said you did something to slow down the curse, then you gave him that potion… he was so strong when we left Hogwarts that night. I don't understand."

"As I've told you, there was only so much I could do."

"Bottle fame."

"Pardon?"

"You said you knew how to bottle fame, brew glory, even put a stopper in death."

"You remember…"

"I believed you. I didn't like you, but I believed you."

Severus stared at his son, struggling to wrap his mind around this new information. To think that Harry had been listening all those years, that he'd even put some measure of faith in him? He shook his head, swallowing hard before he spoke.

"I can brew the antidote to countless poisons, treat the nastiest curses, even remove them entirely if I act quickly enough. Regrettably, I was unable to do so in Dumbledore's case."

"Why?"

"He chose not to summon me in time."

"But why? If you knew you could help…"

"He knew," Severus said quietly, "yet he deliberately waited until it was too late. What does that tell you?"

"Are you saying he wanted to die?"

"He wanted to see You-Know-Who defeated. If he believed his death would assist in that effort…"

"What?! That doesn't make any sense! He was the strongest wizard alive, even Voldemort…"

"Do not use that name."

"Even You-Know-Who was afraid of him! How would it help anyone for him to just…"

This was yet another connection Severus shared with his son, though he hadn't fully realized it until now. Serving Dumbledore, expected to trust him without question only to be strung along with cryptic statements and half truths? He understood that frustration all too well.

Unfortunately, there was little he could do to alleviate it. This was neither the time or place for a full explanation.

"I'm afraid I cannot answer that question."

"Fine," Harry said. "Then answer the other one."

"Which one was that?"

"Why are you here?"

Severus hesitated, taking a deep breath. "I've come to help you."

"Help me? With what?"

"The task Dumbledore set out for you. From what I understand…"

It seemed Harry had learned a thing or two about Occlumency. Severus attempted to skim his thoughts, catching only the briefest flash of a Pensieve before the connection was broken.

"That's none of your business!"

"Very well," he said, deciding not to push the issue. "I'd still like to assist you however I can."

"I don't need your help."

"The protections on this house will disappear at the end of the month. You'll need somewhere to go."

"The Order will take care of it. Thanks."

"Harry…"

The first time he'd used his son's given name, he'd done it deliberately. This time it was automatic, so natural that the word had already left his mouth before he realized what he'd said. Harry's eyes widened, momentary shock followed by suspicion.

"I was at Hogwarts for six years, and you never called me that. Not once."

"I can explain."

"Oh yeah?" Harry shot back. "Go for it."

"Not here. I've arranged a safe house…"

"I'm not going anywhere."

"The sooner we move you…"

"The Order will move me."

"I am a member of the Order, or have you forgotten?"

"They don't even know you're here, do they? I bet if I sent my Patronus…"

"That will be difficult to do without your wand. In any case, this has nothing to do with them. What I need to explain is strictly between you and me."

"Then explain it!"

"It's not that simple. I need you to come…"

"You're trying to trap me! That's what this is really about, isn't it? Acting weird, pretending to be nice, using my name? I bet you were lying about Dumbledore, too!"

"Trap you?" Severus raised an eyebrow. "To what end?"

"Voldemort."

"Do not use his name!"

"Why not? If you're planning to hand me over to him anyway…"

"I'd rather cut out my own heart and serve it to him on a platter."

Severus spoke with such vehemence he took himself by surprise. He certainly wasn't prepared for Harry's reaction, a choking sound he immediately recognized as a sob.

"Why?"

"I have my reasons."

"What reasons?" Harry shouted. "Why are you being like this?!"

"I'll be happy to explain when…"

"What the bloody hell is going on in here?!"

A hulking man burst through the door, flooding the room with light as he flipped on the switch. Behind him stood a familiar figure, beady eyes scanning the room followed by a sharp gasp.

"Severus?!"

"Hello, Petunia."

"What are you doing in my house?!"

"Having a conversation with your nephew. If you'll be kind enough to shut the door…"

"Now just wait a damn minute…" The red faced man advanced a couple steps, only to stop when Petunia tugged on his arm. She whispered something in his ear… whatever it was, he made a quick retreat, pulling the door closed with a mumbled apology.

"Impressive. I didn't even need to take out my wand."

Severus turned around, frowning as he caught a glimpse of Harry under the light. Exhausted? That was an understatement. He looked like he hadn't slept since the night Dumbledore died.

"I didn't lie," he said quietly, "nor am I trying to trap you. I know you have no reason to believe me, but if you'll just…"

"I'm not going anywhere with you!"

Perhaps he should've pushed the issue. He was taking a risk by being here, after all, the danger increasing with every minute that passed. He couldn't bring himself to do it, however, sighing heavily as he studied the dark circles under Harry's eyes.

"In that case," he said as he rose from his chair, "I suppose there's nothing I can do but say good night."

"Bye."

"Oh, I'm not leaving. I intend to stay right here until you change your mind."

"That's never gonna happen."

"Yes, well…" He pulled Harry's wand out of his coat, setting it on the bedside table. "We'll see how you feel in the morning."


Harry didn't bother to open his eyes, yawning as he flipped onto his back. Weird dreams aside, he hadn't slept so well since…

"Good morning."

Was he still dreaming? He had to be. Snape showing up in his bedroom in the middle of the night, saying he wasn't going to leave until… that couldn't have happened. There were protections on the house, and besides…

He lost his train of thought, pulling the covers over his head as he drifted back to sleep.

The next time he awoke, he heard a different voice. Aunt Petunia? That made more sense, but who was she talking to? She sounded angry… well, angrier than usual.

"You're still here?"

"Coffee. Now."

"Do I look like a waitress?"

"Coffee," Snape repeated, "and something to eat for your nephew."

Harry sat up, rubbing his eyes as he reached for his glasses. He put them on, frowning as the blurry black figure came into focus. Snape was still sitting at the desk, sneering at Petunia who was giving him an equally poisonous look.

"Don't make me repeat myself."

Petunia muttered something under her breath, scowling at them both before she slammed the door behind her.

"You didn't answer her question."

"Pardon?" Snape said, turning his head toward Harry. He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes standing out like bruises against his pallid skin.

"You're still here. Why?"

"I'm not leaving until you agree to come with me."

"That's not gonna happen."

Snape glanced at the window, sighing heavily. "If you believe I have some ill intent…"

"What else am I supposed to think?"

"First, my very presence here should prove that I mean you no harm. There are still protections on this house, are there not?"

"I guess so."

"There's no guessing about it," Snape said. "Without your mother's blood protection, carried on by your aunt, we wouldn't be having this conversation. You would've been captured the minute…"

"So I can't be captured by an enemy," Harry interrupted. "Doesn't mean I couldn't be lured away by someone pretending to be on my side."

"Then why hasn't it happened already? If it was a simple matter of earning your trust…"

"I would've seen right through it."

"Even if one of your own friends had been Confunded?"

Harry nodded.

"You truly believe you're that perceptive."

"Yes."

"Perceptive," Snape said thoughtfully. "Remarkably so, and yet you had no idea that both Quirrel and Moody weren't who they claimed to be. You also didn't realize that one of your teachers was a werewolf, despite…"

"Are you trying to make me feel stupid?"

"I'm attempting to prove a point."

"Yeah? What's that?"

"You have blind spots just like anyone else. If it was possible to lure you out, there's a good chance someone would've managed it long before now."

"Dumbledore."

"Pardon?"

"You asked why it hadn't happened already," Harry said. "There's your answer."

"Ah, so you think it was Dumbledore who protected you all these years?"

"He dies, then you show up out of nowhere trying to get me to leave with you? It makes perfect sense! He must've been the one stopping…"

"An interesting theory," Snape said, "though personally, I think your mother deserves a little more credit."

Harry opened his mouth, only to close it as the door flew open. Petunia marched into the room, thrusting a mug at Snape before she slammed a plate on the bedside table.

"What the hell is that?"

"Breakfast."

Snape shook his head, staring at the dry toast and single slice of grapefruit. "Where's the rest of it?"

"Dudley is on a diet," Petunia said primly. "As such, we're all making an effort…"

"You deprive your nephew because your son has a weight problem?"

"How dare you…"

"Get him a proper breakfast."

Petunia left the room, closing the door with a bang. Snape stared after her, lips twitching, before he turned back to Harry.

"Now," he said. "Where were we?"

"We were talking about how I'm not coming with you."

"There are Death Eaters outside."

"What?" Harry said, his stomach suddenly churning with panic.

"Four of them," Snape said. "One behind the house, one in front, and one on each side."

"You are trying to trap me! I knew…"

"Don't be foolish! They don't even know I'm here. Of course, the longer I stay, the more I risk blowing my cover."

"Guess you better go then."

"Are you coming with me?"

"No."

"Are you aware that your stubbornness could easily get me killed?"

"Hey, you can leave anytime you want. I'm not stopping you."

"I've already told you that I cannot…"

Snape trailed off, scowling as Petunia made another appearance. She snatched the first plate off the table, replacing it with sausages and eggs along with a glass of orange juice.

"Better," he said, "though I could use another cup of coffee."

Petunia opened her mouth, only to clamp it shut when she noticed the wand resting in his lap. She made a quick retreat, returning a minute later with an entire pot of coffee.

"Anything else?"

"That'll do."

He waited for her to leave before he topped off his mug, smirking as he lifted it to his lips. He took a long sip, setting it back on the desk.

"You didn't have to do that."

"What?"

"The food," Harry said. "You didn't have to be so…"

"How long has she been starving you?"

"She doesn't starve me. She just…"

"Her husband and son are obese. You're unusually thin. Are you telling me that's merely a coincidence?"

"Could be genetics." Harry shrugged.

"Yes, well…" Snape hesitated, his expression peculiar. After a moment, he shook his head, taking another sip of coffee. "She's lucky I haven't done anything worse than insist you receive a proper meal."

"What do you care?"

"That's an interesting question. I'll be happy to answer it when…"

"I'm not coming with you."

"Even if it means risking my life?"

"How do I know I wouldn't be risking mine?"

Snape's patience was obviously wearing thin. He took a deep breath, eyes narrowing as he leaned forward in his chair.

"What will it take?" he said. "What do I have to do to convince you?"

"You'd have to promise…"

"Very well, I promise. I have no ill intentions, I mean you no harm, and I will not betray you. I swear it. I'll do whatever…"

"Will you take the Unbreakable Vow?"

"We have no witness."

"That's awfully convenient."

"Convenient?" Snape said, clearly exasperated now. "I'll take any bloody vow you want once we reach our destination!"

"So you're saying that someone else is there?"

"Yes."

"Who?"

"Lupin."

"Remus…" Harry couldn't help himself. He burst out laughing.

"This isn't a joke."

"You're telling me that Remus is part of… whatever this is you're trying to do?"

"That is precisely what I'm saying."

"But you hate him! You got him fired, remember? Why would he… why would you…"

"Because this is important. Far more important than personal grudges."

"I don't believe you."

"I expected that." Snape rose to his feet, pulling something out of his pocket. He tossed it at Harry, both of them watching as it landed on the bedspread.

"What's this?"

"Pick it up."

For a second, Harry worried that it might be cursed, though his curiosity won out. He examined the book, his eyes widening as he flipped open the cover. Inside was a sketch of Lupin, detailed to the point of being lifelike.

"Speak to him."

"Um, Remus?"

The penciled eyes shifted in his direction, familiar mouth curving into a smile.

"Hello, Harry."

"This can't be real."

"Which part are you having trouble with?"

"Snape… he showed up in my room last night. He wants to take me somewhere, but I don't trust him."

"Do as he asks," the sketch said. "He means you no harm."

"How do you know that?"

"You'll understand when you get here."

"Nice try." Harry slammed the book shut, glaring at Snape. "He sounds just like you."

"Ask him a question. Something I couldn't possibly know."

Harry hesitated, remembering the year Remus had taught at Hogwarts. Unfortunately, he'd had Occlumency lessons since then, which meant Snape had seen quite a few of those memories. Something more recent then? Yes, that was the only way to prove this was a trick.

"Okay," he said, opening the book again. "You still there?"

"Yes, Harry. I'm here."

"I need to ask you a couple questions. You know, just to prove it's really you."

"Go right ahead."

"Last summer at the Burrow when you came over for dinner…"

"Ah, yes." The sketch smiled. "Molly served roast beef and potatoes, as I recall."

"That could be a lucky guess. What did we have for dessert?"

"Chocolate cake."

Harry frowned. "Do you remember what you said when she brought it out?"

"One can't have too much chocolate these days."

"Right," he said slowly. "What happened then?"

"Well, I don't remember if it was Fred or George, but one of them accidentally turned the cake into green slime. Molly was livid."

"She was."

Remus nodded. "Any more questions?"

Harry could think of a few, but there was no point in asking. Instead, he turned to look at Snape, feeling like he'd just been hit by a Stunner.

"It's Remus."

"Yes."

"You weren't lying."

"No," Snape said. "Will you agree to come with me now?"

"Go with him, Harry. He won't hurt you."

Harry was still dubious, but he'd run out of reasons to argue. It didn't help that Remus was urging him on, flashing him an encouraging smile as he closed the book. He handed it back to Snape, sighing heavily.

"How? I mean, how are we supposed to do it without being seen?"

Snape produced a couple of vials, setting them on the bedside table.

"Polyjuice," he said. "From what I understand, you're quite familiar with it."

"Yeah."

He nodded. "As much as I'd like to avoid it, we'll need your aunt's assistance with the next step."

With that, he flung the door open, shouting for Petunia.

"What now?" she said, scowling as she entered the room.

"Hair."

"Excuse me?"

"I need a couple pieces of your hair. Your son's, too."

"For what? If you're planning to cast some nasty spell on us…"

"I wouldn't need hair for that. Now do as I say."

It was the same battle Harry had witnessed all morning, Petunia's dislike for Snape at war with obvious fear. Where did that come from? True, she wasn't fond of anyone with magical abilities, but this was different.

"You guys know each other."

"Unfortunately," Snape said.

"How?"

"Pack your things. I'll explain later."

Soon enough, all four of them were seated at the kitchen table. Dudley seemed bewildered, while his mother was seething with resentment. Meanwhile, Snape had never looked more determined, dropping a couple strands into each vial before he turned to Petunia.

"You don't have to like me," he said. "Merlin knows I'll never like you. But I need you to listen now. If you value your safety…"

"Are you threatening me?"

"Bloody hell…" He shook his head, nostrils flaring. "I'm trying to save your life!"

It took some effort to explain the situation, not helped by Petunia's constant grumblings. She didn't shut her mouth until he mentioned Voldemort, resentment abruptly replaced by fear.

"You're familiar with all this, I assume? The protections on the house…"

"Yes, yes, it was all in his letter."

Snape nodded. "Those protections will disappear at the end of the month. When that happens, you'll be sitting targets."

"Why?" Petunia said. "We don't have anything to do with…"

"He won't care."

"Is he… is he as bad as the Dementors?"

"Worse."

That was all Dudley needed to hear. He tugged on his mother's sleeve, face ghostly pale.

"We've got to go."

"What about our home, Duddykins? Your schooling, your father's job?"

"Mum, we can replace all those things. Only thing we can't replace is our lives."

"Your son is smarter than he looks," Snape said. "I suggest you listen to him."

Petunia wasn't difficult to win over. Not when Dudley was doing the persuading. A couple more weak protests and she relented, promising she'd convince Vernon to go along with their plan.

"He's at work, I assume?"

"Until five."

Snape nodded. "Is that your vehicle outside?"

"Yes."

"Does it function properly?"

"Of course it does! It's a brand new car!"

"Good. I'll need to drive it."

"You?!"

Snape looked faintly amused, his expression growing more serious as he turned his attention to Harry.

"The cloak," he said, "do you have it?"

"What cloak?"

"The one you spent six years trying to hide from me."

"How did you…"

Snape shook his head. "Not important. Is it here?"

"Um, yeah."

"Go get it."

Harry couldn't think of a reason to refuse. He headed upstairs, retrieving the cloak from his trunk.

"It's smaller than I expected." Snape frowned as he spread it out over the table. "We also can't be sure… here, Dursley. Put this on."

Dudley looked confused, but he did as he was told. His head and torso disappeared, though the lower half of his legs were still visible.

"Dudley?! What on earth have you done to him?"

"I'm fine, Mum," he said as he pulled off the cloak. "See?"

"So it does work," Snape said quietly. "Interesting."

"Yeah, but there's no way to enlarge it. I've already tried."

"Are you sure about that?" He took out his wand, muttering several incantations. The first couple didn't work, but the third one did, stretching the fabric until the size had nearly doubled.

"That's brilliant!"

"It's also temporary. We'll need to leave within the hour."

"All of us?" Petunia said.

Snape nodded. "I'd suggest you start packing your things."

"We're not coming back?"

"No, I'll be taking you to your husband. From there, you'll go straight to the place that's been designated for you."

"What place? It better not be a dump!"

"Better a dump than a grave."

That silenced Petunia. She got to her feet, grabbing a couple boxes from the closet. She stuffed the first one with linens, brushing the stray hair out of her face before she turned back to Snape.

"How is this supposed to work? You're going to use that thing to hide us?"

"Yes."

"What about you and Harry? You said that no one could see you leave."

"Exactly."

Snape plucked a vial off the table, downing it in one swallow. Harry knew what to expect, but it was still disconcerting to watch, a low groan transforming into a shrill whine as the transformation took place.

"Dear god!"

"Mum?!"

Two Petunias now inhabited the kitchen, though it wasn't difficult to tell them apart. One of them was smirking, yards of black fabric draped over her thin body like some odd, shapeless tent.

"I'll need something from your closet."

"My closet?" Petunia blinked, clearly struggling to overcome her shock. "Yes, well, I suppose it'll be the first time in your life you've ever worn decent clothes."

"I'll have to keep my eyes averted while I'm changing," Snape shot back. "Some things are too hideous to be seen."

"You're one to talk, you greasy…"

"Sir, please. Mum?"

What an odd scene this was, Snape and Petunia bickering in the Dursley's kitchen while Dudley attempted to play peacemaker. The Polyjuice only added to the absurdity, all the more so when Harry reached for the other vial.

"Go ahead and take it," Snape said. "We don't have much time."

He did as he was told, grimacing as his body reshaped itself into his cousin's. A few minutes later and he'd changed into Dudley's jeans and T-shirt, while Snape had been given Petunia's frumpiest flowered dress. He even carried a handbag, stashing Harry's miniaturized trunk inside along with the clothing they'd discarded.

"What about Hedwig?"

"Hedwig?"

"My owl."

"Ah," Snape said. "I'll take care of it."

He headed upstairs, appearing a few minutes later with an empty cage.

"What did you do with her?"

"She's already on the way to our destination."

Harry nodded. "Thanks. I mean…"

"How am I supposed to fit any of this into the car?" Petunia finished taping another box, reaching up to wipe her brow. "There's not much room in the boot."

"Do you have another handbag?" Snape said.

"Several. Why?"

"Bring me the biggest one.

Petunia did as instructed, retrieving an ugly brown bag from her bedroom. She tossed it at Snape, glaring at him as he inspected it more closely.

"We can fit 15, perhaps 20 boxes in this. About half of your furniture, too."

"Are you insane? You can't possibly…"

Snape smirked, tapping his wand on the kitchen table. It transformed immediately, shrinking down to the size of an apple.

"Unnatural," Petunia muttered, though she was obviously relieved. She dropped the table into the bag, gesturing at the chairs.

"Oh, did you want me to do the rest?"

"How else am I supposed to keep my things?"

"You told me you didn't need magic." Snape cocked an eyebrow. "'Just useless tricks', remember?"

"Don't be such a prat! You said we were in a hurry."

"We are," he said, "which means I probably shouldn't waste time on your possessions."

"Will you just…"

"Only if you give me something first."

Petunia narrowed her eyes. "What do you want?"

"Admit that magic isn't useless. Tell me there's some value in it, even for you."

She didn't want to say it. That was clear by the stubborn set of her jaw. But then she glanced at the shelves above Snape's head, her eyes lingering on the stainless steel cookware.

"Fine," she snapped. "I suppose it can help out in a pinch. Satisfied?"

"Not yet."

"What else do you want?"

"I want you to apologize."

"For what? I haven't done anything!"

"Exactly," Snape said. "You didn't do anything to protect your nephew from your husband's mistreatment. You didn't prevent that wretched woman, whoever she was, from setting her dogs on him. You…"

"You thought that was funny," Harry interrupted. "That day in your office… you laughed."

Snape shook his head, mouth twisting into a grimace. "That was my mistake. I've made many over the years, though I'm trying to make amends for them. I'd like to see your aunt do the same."

"She doesn't have to…"

"I'm sorry," Petunia said abruptly. "I suppose I could've been more…"

Dudley nodded. "I'm sorry, too."

"You, Dudders? What could you possibly have to be sorry for, my sweet boy?"

"Physical violence?" Snape suggested. "Dastardly pranks and cruel remarks? He also stole your nephew's food on numerous occasions, not to mention…"

Petunia's nostrils flared. "How dare you talk about my son that way?"

"Mum, stop. He's right."

"But Duddykins…"

Dudley turned to Harry, his face scarlet. "You saved my life."

"Not really. It was your soul the Dementors were after."

"Still…"

"How sweet you are, Dudley, saying thank you!"

Snape raised an eyebrow. "That's not what he said."

"It's good enough," Harry said. "Really. Can we go now?"

In the end, Snape did shrink the rest of the Dursleys' possessions. Petunia stashed them in her bag, the air suddenly filled with tension.

"We have to get this right," Snape said. "One thing goes wrong, and we're all dead. Do you understand?"

Petunia nodded, clinging to Dudley's arm.

"First, I'm going to cast a spell on you both. It will not harm you."

"What is it?"

"Disillusionment Charm."

"Ah, yes. I saw Lily do that a couple times. Turns you invisible, right?"

"Almost."

"But we have the cloak," Dudley said. "Won't that make us disappear?"

"This charm is merely for insurance. If any part of you accidentally slips out from under the cloak, you'll still have some protection."

"Got it."

"Fortunately, it's large enough to cover you both. I'll refresh the spell just be sure. I'll also cast a Silencing Charm, whatever it takes to make the two of you as undetectable as possible."

"All right," Petunia said, giving him a dubious look.

"This isn't complicated. We just need to get the two of you into the backseat without being seen. Of course, we'll need a plausible reason to open the door."

"I left my football back there," Dudley said. "Harry can pretend like he's grabbing that."

Snape nodded, casting the Disillusionment Charm. "Well then, I suppose we're ready."

"Sir?"

"Yes?"

"What if…" Harry hesitated, swallowing hard. "What if it doesn't work?"

"Then we'll have a fight on our hands. You have your wand, I trust?"

"Yes, sir."

"As for you two…" Petunia and Dudley weren't visible now, though Snape glanced in their general direction. "If anything goes wrong, get back in the house as quickly as possible. Lock yourselves inside and don't come out. Understand?"

"Yes."

"Good. Silencio!"

Snape tucked the wand in his handbag, looking impressively casual as he opened the front door. He stepped out onto the porch, glancing back over his shoulder.

"Coming, Duddykins?"

"Yeah, Mum."

"Walk slow," he muttered under his breath. "I can feel them watching."

Harry could feel it, too, chills skittering up his spine as they headed toward the car.

"Hey, Mum, have you seen my ball?"

"In the backseat."

"Oh, right." He forced himself to laugh, stomach churning as Snape fumbled with the keys.

"How do I…"

"Press the button!" he hissed.

"Which one?"

"Red."

He waited, nearly fainting with relief as he heard a clicking sound. Jerking the rear handle, he opened the door, grabbing the ball before he took a couple steps back. He stood there as casually as possible, one hand resting on the roof.

"Mum?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Can we stop for burgers after we're done at the shops?"

"Of course we can. Whatever my Duddykins wants."

Snape was far too good at this. Harry shook his head, resisting the urge to laugh as he searched for another reason to stall.

"Actually, you know what? I think I'd rather have pizza."

"That's fine, dear, though we need to get going. I'd like to finish up before your father gets home."

Clearly, he'd waited long enough. He slammed the door shut, climbing into the front seat with a shuddering sigh.

"Are you sure they…"

"I'm sure."

Snape was staring at the dashboard, his brow… well, Petunia's brow furrowed in concentration. He jammed the key into the ignition, muttering something that sounded like a prayer as he turned it clockwise. The engine roared to life, car jerking as he shifted into reverse.

"Have you ever driven before?"

"Of course."

"When?"

Snape hesitated, peering at the rearview mirror as he inched down the driveway.

"1976."

"1976?! That was over 20 years ago!"

"Yes, well…" He turned onto the street, both of them wincing as the passenger side window grazed the mailbox. "I strongly prefer magical travel."

"I can see why."

Snape smirked. "At least I haven't crashed us into a tree."

He stomped on the brakes, hurling Harry back in his seat as they screeched to a halt. Fishing in the handbag, he pulled out his wand, pointing it over his shoulder.

"I'll remove the Silencing Charm," he said, "though you'll need to stay under the cloak."

"20 years?!" Petunia screeched. "You're going to kill us!"

"Don't tempt me."

Another few blocks and they'd left Little Whinging behind, nothing surrounding them now but open countryside.

"Do you even know where you're going?"

"Yes," Snape said shortly. "Now let me focus."

Somehow, they made it to Grunnings without incident, all of them breathing a collective sigh of relief as they pulled into the parking lot. Granted, Snape knocked over an entire row of rubbish bins as he attempted to park, but by then, it didn't matter. Petunia and Dudley scrambled out of the car, dropping the cloak on the pavement.

"Wait," Snape said, picking up the cloak and handing it to Harry.

"For what?"

He reached in his pocket, pulling out a slip of parchment. "Go straight to this address. No delays, no detours."

Petunia frowned. "Vernon isn't going to like this."

"Then leave him behind. If you value your life, your son's life…"

"We'll convince him, Mum. Don't worry."

Snape nodded, leading them around to the back of the building before he removed the Disillusionment Charm.

"All right," he said to Harry. "Make it quick."

"What?"

"Your farewells."

With that, he strode away, leaving Harry to stare after him in consternation. Farewells? What was he supposed to…

"We'd better get inside," Petunia said, looking as uncomfortable as he felt.

"Probably a good idea."

Dudley stepped forward, fidgeting awkwardly. "You'll be all right?"

"I'll be fine."

Harry had no idea why his cousin was being so decent, but he wasn't going to complain. He accepted the hand that was offered, giving it a shake.

"See you, Harry."

He nodded. "Take care, Big D."

Petunia took a step backward, muttering something under her breath. Hastily, she turned away, taking Dudley's arm before she marched them both into the building.

"Finished?"

Harry jumped, glancing over his shoulder at Snape.

"Yeah."

"The Polyjuice will be wearing off soon. Let's go."

"How…"

"Take my arm."

He still felt uneasy, but he'd come too far to turn back now. Gripping the bony forearm, he closed his eyes as the world dissolved into a blur of flashing colors.