Severus was drawn from his thoughts once more as another memory invaded his mind. Severus sighed this particular memory was not his fondest moment. Oh he always knew how manipulative Albus was, but being backed into a corner had never sat well with Severus. It certainly never ended with him keeping his temper he mused wryly.

Severus sat bold upright. His hand automatically grabbing the wand that was under his pillow. His eyes wide and searching. He scanned the room. Ready to hex whatever dared disturb his rest. His many years as a spy had heightened his senses. Making it almost impossible for him to sleep a whole night without waking at the slightest sound or shift. Probably the only thing that staved off the worse of his paranoia was his almost OCD tendencies towards organization. Nothing left out of place. One of the very qualities that made him a master at potions.

His eyes landed on the small elf that stood awkwardly at in his doorway. Wide eyes staring at him in horror. His eyes narrowed at it. "What do you want?" He demanded rather rudely.

"Master Dumbledore asks that you see him in his office Master Snape sir," the little creature babbled out. Wringing its hands in front of it. It was clearly scared of his reaction. He sighed. Lowered his wand and fell back against the bed.

"Tell the Headmaster that I shall be up to see him in fifteen minutes," Severus instructed the elf knowing it had been told to wait for his answer. "There is no need to punish yourself for waking me or intruding," Severus added bluntly. He had forbidden the house elves from waking him or entering his chambers without prior permission during the night. He didn't want the creature to punish itself for disobeying him while it had been sent here by the headmaster.

"Thank you Master Snape sir, Misty is most pleased to help Master Snape sir. Is Master Snape requiring anything sir?" The elf beamed at him.

"No thank you Misty you may go," Severus responded and the elf popped out of his room. Sighing Severus pushed himself up out of his bed and quickly changed from his pyjamas and into his regular black robes. Sighing in frustration and annoyance at being woken so early? late? He didn't even know what time it really was. He didn't care enough to look at this point. He'd already been up far later then he'd have wanted to be after spending so many nights in the hospital wing.

Making his way to his living room he pulled on his shoes and headed to the fireplace. Too damn tired to be bothered with stairs and a long walk. No if Albus wanted him up at this ungodly hour then he'd have to deal with having him floo to his office. Grabbing the ornate box that held the floo powder he took a small handful and returned the box to it's place. Tossing the floo powder in he called out "Headmaster's Office," and stepped into the fire. In moments he was gracefully stepping out into the Headmaster's office and dusting off his robes.

"Ah Severus, my boy, good morning!" Albus called cheerfully. "Care for a lemon drop?"

"No I do not," Severus stated scathingly. His tone clearly said: I hardly think this early in the morning is time for lemon drop.

"Do take a seat my boy," Albus said waving his hand to the seat across his desk. Severus walked over and sank gracefully into the seat letting the black fabric of his robes pool around him. Tucking them over his legs. "Would you care of some tea?" Albus asked once he was settled.

"That would be acceptable," Severus stated. "No sugar," he added hastily. To keep Albus from making the tea any sweater then it already was. Taking the offered cup with a brief tank you. "What can I do for you headmaster?" Severus asked to get down to business. He was not in the mood to deal with any of this.

"We have a bit of a problem, dear boy," Albus began.

"And what exactly pray tell is this problem Headmaster?" Severus asked clearly annoyed.

"It would seem that Harry has taken a liking to you Severus," Albus said. Clearly trying to lead up to something.

"Forgive me headmaster, but it is early, I am tired and have much to do today, would you mind getting to the point?" Severus snapped out. He was not about to dance around whatever it was Albus wanted at all. Severus was not keen on mornings of any kind. Those with little to no sleep were his least favourite and tended to make him exceedingly grumpy.

"I need you to take Harry in for the summer," Albus finally said after a long pause in which Severus simply glared at him.

"No, absolutely not!" Severus barked out. There was no way he would take in the Potter brat. Regardless of the fact that he had been forced to spend his nights in the hospital wing because the child wouldn't calm enough to sleep until he was there. Why the boy suddenly felt the need to have him around both annoyed and surprised Severus. Albus had already coaxed him into allowing this much. Tomorrow was the start of exams and there was no way he wanted to be thinking about this while he had a week worth of exams to administer to dunderheads.

"Severus, the boy trusts you. Poppy has already informed me that the only time he is calm is when you are there. He feel safe in your presence. Tomorrow he is returning to his dormitory. He has again begged me to allow him to remain at Hogwarts for the summer. I cannot allow this Severus, you and I both know he would not be safe here. The only option is for you to take him in. The boy cannot return to his relatives while he is still this fragile. Poppy is concerned for his mental health. He is emotionally unstable right now, something happened down in that Chamber that we are not aware of Severus and I need you to help him overcome this," Albus explained.

"I am the worst choice for this Albus, you cannot possibly think this would help the boy!?" Severus stated slightly questioning.

"It is my only other option Severus. There is something not right with his request to remain here. It isn't simply that he loves magic as I first assumed. There's something else going on, you need to get to the bottom of this. You are the only one who can," Albus stated.

"I hardly think I am Albus," Severus responded darkly.

"Severus you are the closest thing to family he has outside of his aunt and uncle. You were Lily's closest friend. She trusted you. Do this for her," Albus used the one card he loathed to pull against Severus. The pained look on Severus's face and the hardening of his feature told Albus he'd pulled perhaps the worst card he had against Severus. That edge of anger tinged his eyes. He glared openly at Albus. Albus flinched slightly. Knowing he'd just made a mistake that might well cost him, but it had to be done.

"Fine," Severus spat the word in such a dangerously low voice that it took Albus a moment to realize that Severus's jaw was clenched tightly shut as if he were about to curse Albus.

"Severus?" Albus asked. Concern suddenly filtering into his tone. It was not the reaction that Albus had expected. Seeing the raw anger that sparked even harder in Severus's eyes. The tightening of his whole body and that infinite depth of loss and pain that etched his normally neutral features. Albus almost thought he saw tears misting the cold man's eyes.

"How. Dare. You." Severus rasped out each word. Bitting and angry. His glare intensified as emotions rose hard in his chest. His whole body responding to the overwhelming anger at being so openly manipulated. At having his love for Lily so blindly used against him.

"Severus?" Albus said alarmed at the cold angry accusation. He really didn't know what he had said that had made the other man so angry. He knew using Lily against Severus was not a wise move. It was a very cold move.

"You. Dare. To use her against me. To tell me that I must do this. After everything I have already done. That you would demand this without giving me a choice. Do you even care? Of course not. Of course you don't care what I want. You never have. Why should you start now. Fine. You want me to take your precious golden boy with me this summer, I will. Do not make the mistake to assume I will so easily be manipulated in future Albus," Severus growled rising to his feet. Leaning heavily against the desk. His features twisted with rage.

"Severus, calm down, my boy," Albus asked softly, "I did not mean it this way. Please sit down and calm yourself." This time Albus knew without out doubt if he did not regain the situation, he would loose Severus's trust and friendship. He had made a terrible mistake with his words and now he could see he had been wrong in his assumptions once again.

"I will not be patronized Albus!" Severus angrily replied. His emotions were out of control. He knew that the moment Albus had dared to force him to take the boy using Lily. Thoughts of Lily always brought about far too many powerful emotions. His love that overpowered everything. His guilt at being the cause of her death. His pain at her loss. His anger at his inability to keep her safe. His sadness at having lost her. So many other emotions wheeling up inside him. Until he couldn't control them at all. She was his greatest weakness and his greatest strength. Albus should know never to use her name against him like that. The fact that he did not, hurt Severus on such a deep level he didn't even want to consider it. Slamming his fist down on Albus's desk he growled, "Why? Have I not proven to be loyal. Why do you constantly feel the need to humiliate me thus Albus? To remind me of what my mistakes have cost! Have I not paid enough for those? Do I not still pay that cost? WHY?!" Severus ranted angrily.

"Severus, please you need to calm down," Albus responded. "Have a sip of tea, my boy. Sit down and think for a moment." Albus was getting concerned. He'd only seen Severus give into his emotions on a few other occasions. The man was almost as stable as a mountain when it came to everything else.

Severus lowered himself back into his seat. Breathing heavily. His anger and frustration mixing with outrage and shame. He knew he was acting childishly and out of control. The problem was he couldn't understand why Albus would do that to him. To bring her up like that was a cruel blow. Severus took the tea cup he'd slammed down in his anger on Albus's desk and sipped it slowly. His eyes closed as he mentally regrouped his emotions. Pushing everything down behind strong shields of Occlumency. Years of Occluding his mind made this easy and efficient. Until the last of his emotions dulled and slowly faded away leaving behind the cold hard man once more. Devoid of all emotion and with his mask back in place. Severus stared at Albus with cold eyes and the expression in those eyes told Albus that Severus felt betrayed by his words. Now he owed the man an explanation and definitely and apology.

"Severus, I am sorry for what I said. I did not mean it cruelly. Nor did I mean to imply you were not upholding your promise. I fear I may have made a grave error in placing the boy with Petunia," Albus admitted. Severus only nodded. "I will have to go and have a word with Petunia and Vernon regarding Harry, and I wish for him to be no where near them until I am certain that there is not something else going on. The boy needs someone to assure him he is safe. Whatever transpired in that chamber shattered his belief at his own safety. I fear allowing him to face Voldemort," At this Severus jerked horribly as a sharp pain slashed through the faded dark mark, "was not the wisest decision I could have made."

"He's twelve years old Albus, he should not be facing the Dark Lord at this time! Surely you could not believe a twelve year old boy would be up to this?" Severus demanded outraged.

"I believed he had a right to," Albus responded, "as you are well aware he is the only one capable of destroying the Dark Lord." Albus did not fail to note that Severus all but ignored his apology. Nor did he doubt that it would be a while before Severus again relaxed in his presence. He knew his friend would be on edge around him for some time, but eventually he would forgive him. The only question was, was this time one too many for Severus? Albus did not like this line of thinking in the least.

"I don't care what that prophesy says Albus. He's just a boy, enough of this. If I agree to take him in this stops now. He is not going to be put through this every year. It is time he is kept away from the war like the other children. I will not shelter him all summer just to have him racing off next year to get himself killed!" Severus ranted in a cold annoyed tone. Severus could not understand how Albus could use a child to win a war. Did his golden boy mean so little to him after all. The thoughts spinning in his mind were all so confusing. There was concern, fear, a strange protectiveness he did not understand and anger. The anger was what he latched onto. He understood that emotion and it was stable. He let it be the force that drove his words.

"You are right my boy, but I fear the child will be in danger regardless," Albus responded.

"That does not mean he needs to risk his life more then absolutely necessary!" Severus argued. They had had this same argument at the end of the first year. Where he had assured Albus of his thoughts on this matter. "If the boy continues to put his life at risk you are making it almost impossible for me to protect him!"

"I know my boy, I know," Albus reassured.

"No Albus I don't think you do. You will not be sending this boy to face this war anymore until he is of age or so help me I will get involved!" Severus growled.

"You are right my boy," Albus admitted again after a long silence.

"You keep saying that," Severus observed dryly.

"That I do," Albus responded with a wide beaming smile.

"You are purposefully attempting to annoy me?" Severus asked with narrowed eyes.

"No, my dear boy, I am attempting to lighten the mood," Albus observed. Before eating a lemon drop. Which made Severus shudder.

"Shall we dispense with this pointless conversation then?" Severus asked clearly annoyed.

"If you wish to, I must ask though, will you take the boy?" Albus inquired.

"Yes," Severus responded deadpan. He added in a venomous tone, "under these conditions. The boy is not to be used or sent into another confrontation with the Dark Lord or his Death Eaters, Supporters or any other force. He is not to be trained for battle, his preparation in defence will be handled by me alone. He is not to be used in some harebrained scheme. He will be allowed to lead as normal a childhood as I can provide for him. Is that clear?"

"Yes Severus dear boy I think that I can accept those terms," Albus said sadly. He knew that Severus was right to demand this. Yet, he did not feel guilt at allowing the child a chance to face the man who had tried to kill him. His firm beliefs that Harry was the only one who could kill Voldemort prevent anything else, but he had to wonder, was he hurting Harry unnecessarily. Was it really for the greater good to push the boy like this. Looking at Severus's cold and angry eyes he knew that it was not. Maybe Severus was right. He would have to think on this more. He continued softly after a long silence, "then that is all. I will make the arrangements and speak to Harry today, good day Severus," Albus said dismissing him. Severus nodded and rose bidding the headmaster a good day before heading down to his dungeons.

Severus found himself fighting the urge to laugh. The old man was such an absurdly irritating and weird man. Most of the time Severus didn't know if he was insane or not. He was clearly not normal in any ways. It infuriated him how easily the man had manipulated him. Of course it had been clear that he would have to agree to take the boy. What surprised him, was the boy's reaction to being informed of this. He had expected the boy to be displeased. They hated each other after all. Or so everyone thought. Though Severus didn't hate the boy. He hated the boy's father and attitude. The boy himself was just a child. Severus couldn't hate a child. It simply was not in him to do so.

Sighing Severus stilled his movements. Letting his hand fall down to rest on the boy's shoulder. Still holding the child close to him. He had long since stretched out his legs in front of himself into a more comfortable position. He had briefly considered returning the boy to his bed, but figured it wouldn't do any harm to allow the child this comfort. After all it would be all too soon that the child would wake and feel embarrassed to be in his arms.

Severus contemplated the next week of exams. He had rarely seen the boy the rest of that week. Except for his potion exams. It had been right at the end of the written exam when he had collected all of the papers and told them they could leave. The boy had stayed in his seat. Thinking over this made the memory rise up.

Severus had just looked up from the stack of exams he had been stacking properly when he noticed Harry was still sitting at his desk. One raised eyebrow at the child brought the boy forwards to his desk. The boy looked scared almost terrified. That confused Severus as he arched another brow at the child. Wondering if the child would actually say anything or just stare at his feet.

"I... um wanted to... um thank you..." Harry said seeming scared of speaking his words not as fluid as they usually were. Severus looked at the boy. Harry was moving from foot to foot. His hands tangling up in the loose robes of his school uniform. His teeth bitting absentmindedly into his bottom lip. He looked so small. This was unusual behaviour and it worried Severus.

"It is hardly necessary to thank me for an exam Potter," Severus said sarcastically. Wondering what the boy was on about.

"I don't mean that sir," Harry said with a small smile. "I meant for allowing me to stay with you this summer." His hands stilling as he finally looked up at Severus with large eyes. It was clear the sarcasm had helped calm the child. Why that was, was anyone's guess. Severus didn't think on it long. Relieved the child had not started to cry. That was something he had no idea how to deal with and definitely not something he needed.

"Think nothing of it. Now off you go before your friends wonder if I've dissected you into potion ingredients," Severus said wryly. Harry gave an odd giggle before running off. Severus sighed. What an odd child, he thought watching the small second year scurry away. Usually his dry retorts terrified children. Not make them giggle. How strangely odd.

Severus chuckled at his own memory. He still couldn't figure out how the boy could go from hating him to openly liking him. It was indeed strange, but then children were rather strange beings. Or it could be that even his presence was preferable to the Dersleys. Now that thought was wholly unsettling. Just what in Merlins name was going on here. Not for the first time Severus wanted to Legilimens the child and find out just what had happened to the boy. Everything he had first thought of had been wholly wrong about the boy.

Severus couldn't simply turn off his Legilimency, he was a natural at it. It was to him as easy as breathing. This is what gave him the uncanny ability to tell when a student lied. That combined with his ability to read the body language and facial expressions of others gave him advantages that often left others thinking he could read their minds. He could, but he usually didn't as it wasn't strictly legal to do so. To actively enter a mind required the use of his skills, not his latent ability. To simply see more then others did was his latent ability. It was strange that he'd not seen through the boy's masks. Then he realized, he'd not wanted to. It had been comfortable. Now everything was shifting far to quickly for the man to be comfortable. Change was always hard for Severus.

Gazing at the small form in his lap he wondered if he was the best person for this task. Was he truly cut out for this? There was so much that needed to be seen to. Organized. Even in a month he had not succeeded in doing much of it. Too many things didn't add up. Too many things were not falling into place. What he'd learned this night about the boy had shocked, appalled and angered him. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he would not allow the boy to return to his so called relatives. He would make that point known to Albus. The boy needed a new guardian. The blood wards were clearly not protecting him from what lay inside that house, knowing all too well the damage that abuse did to children. He had walked down that path and he would not allow another child do to so. There were three things he knew for a fact: He would have to take responsibility of the child, at least for now. He would need to speak with Lucius at some point. He needed to know the full extent of the damage done to the boy. Change was coming. Regardless of if he wanted it or not.

Ika: Thank you for your review it is greatly appreciated. I do have a bad habit of run on sentences and large paragraphs. I apologize for that. I am trying hard to make the sentences shorter and the paragraphs not so large, though it is a struggle. As for Minerva. There are a few things that are influencing this. Minerva is angry at Albus for allowing Harry to go down into the chamber. She has known Severus for a long time both as a colleague and as a student under her, so she knows all too well his grudge against the Mauranders and how he treated Harry during Harry's first year. Minerva is also a very protective head of house.

As for Severus addressing Harry on why he called him PA I don't really know what you mean. If you could explain that I'd be happy to comment on it.

Godiva9: Thank you for your review that means a lot to me. I am very glad you are enjoying it and that you are looking forwards to more. There will be a lot more to come!