Severus Snape was talking to Minerva McGonagall when the school owl flew in. It was a little over a month before the brats would be back at school. Minerva took the letter then gasped as she caught sight of the address. Severus looked at her sharply. She handed him the white envelope while she read the letter. The envelope said:
From Harry James Potter, #4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, The Cupboard Under The Stairs.
He looked back up to see Minerva shaking with anger. She handed him the letter. His own face darkened somewhat. Harry Hunting? No money? Locked up for weeks? What on Merlin's earth was going on? Albus had assured him that Potter was loved and spoiled.
" Perhaps I should go and check out the situation. If anything else he can get his school supplies.", Severus found himself volunteering. Minerva just nodded. Snape left immediately. He would get to the bottom of this.
Meanwhile Harry was in his cupboard looking in a little mirror that he had. Apparently the bindings had effected his appearance somewhat. His hair, while still black, was no longer untidy. It hung straight to his shoulders and now had auburn highlights. He was now more of a perfect blend of his father and mother, instead of a miniature copy of his father with his mother's eyes. They too, while still green, were now more forest than emerald. He also didn't need his glasses anymore, a real plus. He was still small though. Hopefully he could get some nutrient potions and maybe a growth potion, so he could at least be the same size as everyone else.
He heard a knock on the door. Petunia answered it. " What can I do for...Snape. What are you doing here?", she squeaked. " I've come to see Mr. Potter, Tuney. He is to start Hogwarts this year after all.", Snape said. Harry was floored. Why Snape? He quickly made sure his shields were in place. " He's not here. He will not be going to that freaky place.", she snarled. " He will and I know he is here because I can sense his magic. Step aside.", Snape snapped. Harry heard footsteps approach his cupboard. For a moment he was taken back to another time when Vernon had gotten really drunk. It had happened when he was older, but the memory still haunted him.
Snape paused. He could feel the fear coming from within the cupboard. He bent down and slowly opened the door. Potter looked at him fearfully for a moment before curiosity took over. Snape made sure his hands were visible.
" Mr. Potter my name is Professor Severus Snape. I am Head of Slytherin and Potions Master of Hogwarts. I came to answer the questions you sent in and to take you to get your things. I was also a friend... of your mother Lily.", he spoke softly and clearly. He watched as Potter's dark green eyes lit up at the mention of his mother.
" Was that her name? What did she look like? Was she nice? Did she do well in school? Did you know my father too? What was his name? Did they really die in a car crash?", Potter asked in rapid succession like this might be the last time he got to ask questions. Snape raised a hand and Potter immediately was quiet. He saw a blush rise on his pale skin. " I'm sorry sir.", Harry mumbled.
" Why don't you come out and we can talk on the way to get your things?", Snape suggested. Potter nodded shyly before coming out. Snape's heart sank a little. Potter looked to be 8 or 9 not almost 11. Also he had been prepared to hate the miniature version of James on sight, but Potter looked more like a combination of both parents. He did notice that the lightning shaped scar was barely visible. Snape took Potter's hand and led him outside. He led them just past the wards and apparated.
They appeared in front of Snape's house. " This is my house. We are here so you can get cleaned up before going to Diagon Alley. That's the place where we can get all your school supplies.", he told Potter. Potter just nodded in acceptance as he was led inside and into a bathroom. " There will be some fresh clothes waiting for you when you are done.", Snape said before closing the door.
Harry couldn't believe what was happening. One real look into his home life and Snape was a different person. He shook his head, stripped, and got into the shower. He washed quickly, but thoroughly. When he was done he saw a pair of black socks, black silk boxers, black pants and of course a black dress shirt all shrunk down to his size. There was even a pair of black dragon hide boots shrunk for him. He put the clothes on and looked in the mirror. He looked even smaller now, but the clothes fit well. He dried his hair, combed it, then tied it back. Wow. He looked sophisticated. An emerald green robe completed the look.
He stepped out into the hallway. " Professor?", he called out tentatively. " In the kitchen.", Snape called out. Harry found him sitting down. Snape looked up as he approached. " You look very nice in green.", Snape complimented. Harry blushed. He really liked the outfit. " Thank you so much Professor. This is the first time I've ever gotten clothes that fit.", Harry said. He saw Snape's expression darken.
" Have a seat Harry. There are some things you need to know before we go, but first I want you to take these two potions. One is a growth potion. It will make your body grow to the appropriate height you should be. The next is an advanced nutrient potion. It will get you close to the correct weight. The clothes will change with you.", Snape explained. Harry took the potions without hesitation. He gripped the table hard as pain spread throughout his body. Before he could pass out the pain stopped.
Harry took deep breaths to control his rapid heartbeat. " Much better Mr. Potter.", Snape said. Harry nodded in agreement. He felt wonderful. Snape then began to explain everything. How Snape had told Voldemort a portion of a prophecy that spiraled into him coming after Harry. How Lily and James died. How he was a spy for the light. Everything. At the end Snape looked at him with trepidation.