Severus sighed heavily. Change. That was not something he wanted to think about. Change meant complication. Complications that would impact too many aspects of his life and this bloody war. When the Dark Lord rose again he had obligations. How would having this child in his life. Any child for that matter, but more specifically this child. Affect his abilities as a spy? His role was crucial to winning this war. Some days Albus really didn't think. Or simply chose to ignore the complications he kept throwing at him. Did Albus really believe that he could hide the child's connection with him were one to develop? There were still Death Eater children in the school. Or was the old man that foolish? Severus pinched the bridge of his nose as a headache began to form. How had he gotten himself into this mess. Oh right Albus.
These thoughts were not helping him find a solution to the current problem. Neither were the dark thoughts of how he could have seen Potter as 'spoiled' when it was more then evident the child was anything but. Severus wasn't an idiot. He knew why he'd seen the child as a spoiled brat. He had seen what he expected to see. He had seen the physical resemblance to James and therefore dropped assumptions. Yes he still hated James. It burned like a fire inside him. He couldn't believe he'd let that cloud his judgement of a child. Then again he was only human. He didn't want the boy to know the extent of his promise to Lily. He really needed another train of though. This was getting him no where.
Letting the memories of that first month of summer wash over him again he tried to think. Figure out his next move. All the while seeking answers from memories.
Severus finished grading the last of the exams. Sighing heavily. This was perhaps the worst part of being a teacher. In his opinion anyways. Having to pass dunderheads who just barely manage to scrape by. Some of the answers on the written exam made him wince in absolute agony. What do these dunderheads even think? Well he'd never really liked children anyways. Rising from his desk he glared at the exams as if by doing so they would just vanish or better yet burst into flame. At least now he was done.
Striding out of his office leaving the stack to deal with later he slammed the door with a solid thud. Reset his wards to insure no one could enter his office. He strode off up the steps and out of the dungeon. A nice walk outside, where he was certain he could take some points off dunderheaded idiots for something. That would raise his mood immensely.
Stepping out into the bright sunshine made him wince as the light burned his sensitive eyes. After hours spent in the near darkness of his office where only the gentle flickering lights of candles illuminated his desk the bright sunlight was torture. Glaring intently at the group of giggling children sprawled on the grass. He strode towards them causing the group to fall instantly silent as he drew near. He smirked at this. Though his scowl intensified as his black eyes focused on Harry.
"Potter," he barked out. Causing the child to flinch back. Every eye turned to Harry and he looked like a dear caught in the headlights. "A word," Severus said and turned back to head inside to his office. It was too hot up here. He had no interest in being out in this much sunlight. He would patrol the school instead. After all he could see a few other teachers walking the grounds and chatting with some of the students. He wasn't needed outside.
"What did you do?" Hermione whispered as Harry rose. Severus could hear them, but he made no movement to slow down his pace as he neared the doors.
"Dunno," Harry said shakily.
"You better hurry, he didn't look pleased," Hermione added.
"It's Snape, when does he EVER look pleased about anything?" Ron asked loudly.
"Ron!" Hermione groused loudly.
"I'll see you guys later," Harry said miserably.
Severus spun around just as he reached the door. Impatiently waiting for the child to run and catch up before he resumed his trek back to his office. He could tell that his longer stride was causing the child to have to jog to keep up. That didn't cause him to slow down as he swept from the hall down the steps black robe billowing behind him.
Severus had time to settle himself into his seat behind his desk before an out of breath Potter walked through his door. He indicated the seat in front of his desk, "have a seat Potter," Severus drawled in the typical ice cold voice he usually used. He watched as the child hesitantly took a seat and looked down at the floor. Evidently too scared to meet his gaze.
"You will not be taking the train on Friday with everyone else," Severus began. Getting straight to the point. "You will meet me here at two pm. Do not be late Potter. I do not tolerate lateness."
"Yes sir, but..." Harry began and then trailed off. Severus sighed inwardly. Impatient and annoyed at the boy's lack of vocalization.
"Spit it out Potter I do not have all day to wait for you to decide to speak," Severus growled.
"Ho-How am I getting to Kings Cross?" Harry mumbled out. Barely audibly. Severus was glad he was well versed in listening intently or he'd have completely missed what the child asked.
"You won't be," Severus replied adding, "speak up Potter," when the child started to mumble even softer.
"... Why not sir?" Harry asked loud enough that Severus could actually catch his words now without having to strain to hear them.
"We are going to Floo from my private quarters to my Manor without needing to take the train. The house elves will bring your belongings here in the morning so I suggest you pack the night before and insure you have everything before going down to breakfast. Everything will be at the Manor when we leave at two," Severus explained. It was just simpler to tell the child then to have him ask more stupid questions that were trying his patience. A patience he didn't have.
"Yes sir," Harry said and looked up. It was evident he wanted to ask another question. Severus sighed.
"What is it Potter?" Severus asked. Wanting this to be over. He wanted to walk around a bit. Being caged in his office grading exams and now sitting here being asked ridiculous questions was starting to make him edgy.
"Can I write to Ron and Hermione over the holidays?" Harry asked as if this was the most important thing in the world. Severus narrowed his eyes on the child.
"Potter that has got to be the most idiotic question you have asked me yet. Of course you can write letters over the holidays. You have an owl don't you?" Severus snapped clearly annoyed at this train of random.
"Yes sir, but..." Harry said and trailed off again.
"Well then she can take your letters so what is the problem?" Severus demanded.
"I'mnotallowedtosendlettersinsummer," Harry babbled all in one breath and Severus was left wondering just what the mumbled nothing was.
"Potter, speak clearly!" Severus snapped, getting beyond annoyed now.
"Sorry sir," Harry responded.
"I don't want an apology. I want you to speak clearly and a level that is audible. Now repeat yourself," Severus demanded his tone stern and without room for arguments.
"I'm not allowed to send letters in summer," Harry said again resigned looking down at his hands.
"That's absurd. Of course you're allowed to write letters in the summer. Whoever said that is an idiot. Now any other problems I need to be aware of?" Severus demanded.
"No sir," Harry said shaking his head.
"Good, go back outside it's too nice a day to be inside," Severus said rising. Satisfied that the child rose as well and headed out without further incident. Sighing Severus shook his head. This was going to be a long summer. He couldn't figure this child out at all.
Severus regarded the child in his lap. He was still asleep. His head leaning against his shoulder. Curled up in his arms. Funny how things could go from complicated to simple in a heartbeat. It had all been so complicated at first. Now it was almost simple. Yet, it was not simple enough. Nothing about the situation was simple. Only his course of action was. What he'd learned. At first in little strange snippets like the letter question. Tonight he'd learned everything he needed to know. Even though that didn't make it any easier. He knew what he'd have to do. Even if he didn't like it.
More memories came quickly in flashes. The departure from school. The first day at the Manor. The silence of the second day. Unnatural silence. A child should not be so silent. It had been as if the boy were a ghost. Yet every time that Severus had checked on the boy those first few days he'd been working on his assignments or reading something that seemed so odd to Severus he didn't know what to make of it. For the first two weeks Severus had simply let the boy be. Now he began to wonder if he really should have.
Severus stepped out of the hidden door to his chambers ten minutes to two into his office. He grabbed up the stack of reports he had to finish writing during the next month before letters could be sent out with OWL and NEWT results to the students, his lesson plans, and his semester reports. Slipping the lot of papers into and open notebook caused them to shrink and become a part of the book until such time as he reversed the spell. Tucking the small book into his cloak pocket along with a handful of vials from his personal stash, in case he didn't have a chance to restock his home shelves, Severus opened the door to his office intent on heading to the grounds in search of Potter. He froze the moment the door opened fully and scowled at the sight before him.
Potter sat on the floor across from his office. Knees draw up to his chest. Eyes closed, a book seemingly forgotten about to fall from his loos grasp. Severus grabbed the book a moment before it hit the flour. The boy evidently coming awake at this blinked sluggishly. Severus turned the book in his hands. Quidditch Through The Ages the title read. Sighing he regarded the book a moment before looking at the boy.
"Potter why didn't you knock on my office door?" Severus asked.
"You said to be ready at two sir," Harry answered hesitantly. Sighing Severus ushered the drowsy child into his office.
"Do you have everything you need for the summer Potter? We will likely not return to Hogwarts until a month before term starts," Severus stated simply.
"Yes sir, my trunk was packed as requested last night. I double checked this morning," Harry said wondering why the man felt the need to ask if he had everything. No one had ever asked him that before.
"Excellent then let us be off. I presume you have used the Floo network before?" Severus asked the twelve year old boy.
"Y-yes sir, but I don't like it," the boy hastened to add.
"Why is that?" Severus asked. A little curious as the boy was backing away from him now.
"Well last time I ended up in Knockturn Alley," Harry stated to his feet.
"I see," Severus responded. That place would scare any child, and being there alone and unexpected even more so. "Come here Potter, we will Floo together to my Manor it is simpler anyways since you have never been there."
"Together sir?" Harry asked hesitantly. Not moving from where he'd backed up into the door.
"Yes Potter. I will pick you up and Floo us over to my Manor. All you have to do is hold on and close your eyes. It'll be over soon," Severus assured the frightened child.
"You can do that?" Harry asked wide eyed.
"Yes Potter, it is how most wizarding adults will take their smaller children until they are old enough to Floo alone. Seeing as you are clearly too frightened to Floo alone it would be unwise for you to do so. Who knows where you could end up and I do not have the patience or time to search every manor who's name could be remotely close to mine, therefore I will simply carry you through. It'll be faster, easier and hopefully alleviate your fears," Severus responded, his voice was mater of fact, though not cold as it usually was. He was trying to use a gentler tone knowing the boy was already frightened enough.
"O-okay," Harry replied. Part of him was relieved that he wouldn't have to Floo alone. Another part of him was angry that his professor was treating him like a child. Yet another part of himself was ashamed of his weakness and fears. And another small part was enjoying being treated almost kindly by the stern man who's touch was such a comfort to the young boy. Harry didn't know what to make of all the confusion. Ever since he had thrown himself at Snape in the Chamber of Secrets Harry had been confused about his overwhelming feelings and emotions that kept spinning around. Between the constant fear and uncertainty he didn't know what to make of any of this. Especially not when the man who made him feel safe was also the man who he was certain hated him.
Severus watched as the uncertain child walked up to him. Leaning down he picked up the far too light boy and resisted the urge to sigh in impatience. Grabbing the jar of Floo powder he threw a handful into the flames. Stepped into the fireplace and called out, "Spinner's End." The trip was quick and soon Severus was setting Harry down on the floor of his den. A large spacious room with far too many books covering every available surface except for two chairs, and a coffee table. Bookcases covered the walls from floor to ceiling. The sight was quite impressive to the boy as he looked around him. He wondered if he'd be allowed to touch the books. Many of them looked to be old and rare. What struck him though was the lack of personal artifacts in the house. It seemed so devoid of life. Like a library only in a house instead.
"This is the den, it's also where the Floo is located. Follow me this way and I'll show you to the rest of the house," Severus said as he walked towards a wall of books. "Most of the doors in the house are hidden and unless you know where they are it'll be hard to get out of certain rooms. This room is one of three that are like this. It is also out of bounds for you during the summer unless I am with you. The door leading out of the room that you can see over there," Severus said pointing towards the wooden door across from them, "leads to the front door." Severus placed his hand on the bookcase and it slid open, "I'll key you into the wards so your magical signature will also open the doors, since none of them will open by muggle means." Severus explained. As the door slid away a long stairway led upwards.
"The upper floors of the house have been enlarged by magic," Severus went on to say as he walked up the long stairwell. Harry hurried after him not wanting to be left behind. Severus was still speaking as he showed Harry to the upstairs rooms. "The living room is located at the end of the hall here, as is the bathroom through that door. The library is on your left here. The dinning room is right this way at the end of the hall," Severus showed him each room in turn. The living room looked much like the den except with a much smaller fireplace and two large couch around a much larger table. The library was insanely packed with books, or so Harry thought looking in the large room he couldn't figure out how it even fit in the house or where Severus could have gotten so many books. The dining room was large enough to house at least a dozen people comfortably. That surprised Harry.
Severus put his hand on the wall next to the dinning room and another door opened before Harry's eyes. Severus led the way up the stairs and stopped on the landing. Indicating four doors on their left, "those are guest rooms and the furthest leads down to my lab. Touch that door and it will burn you severely." After that cold warning spoken in a dangerously warning tone Severus turned to face the other side of the landing. "Down this way you'll find the bathroom here," He pointed at the second door. Then at the two doors next to it, "those are empty rooms used mostly for storing books that are either too sensitive or too dangerous to be in the library, den or living room. My bedroom is this one. Do not go in there unless I am in the room and you will ALWAYS knock first. This room here beside mine is yours. Your trunk is already in there. You may go unpack. I do hope you don't mind, but I will not decorate your room in Gryffindor colors. It is currently blue and green." After that Severus simply walked back down the stairs leaving a stunned Harry behind.
Severus laughed lightly at this memory. He almost felt bad for how cold he'd been towards the boy. Almost. It must have been quite terrifying being led around the house like that and then just left. To Severus it hadn't been much of an issue. There was plenty to do. However, what he'd not expected was the boy to stay in his room the whole time. Being afraid of leaving it. That still took him by storm when he though of it.
Severus sat at the kitchen table reading the Daily Prophet wondering when the child sharing his home would wake up. Maybe he should go and check on him. He couldn't remember if he'd told the boy where the kitchen was. Sighing he rose from his chair set the paper down and walked all the way past the kitchen doorway to the empty hallway. Pausing at what seemed like a dead end he pressed his hand casually agains the wall and walked up the double staircase, coming out of the wall at the very end of the hall next to his room. Walking to the next door he knocked lightly. A muffled noise told him it's occupant was awake.
"Potter are you decent? I'm coming in," Severus called out and waited a moment longer before pushing the door open and walking straight in without hesitation. He looked to the desk where the boy sat with a pencil in his mouth and what appeared to be a muggle notebook on the desk.
"Potter, do you want breakfast?" Severus asked. Confused by the boy.
"Yes sir," Harry replied taking the pencil out of his mouth. His eyes far too wide and his face chalk white.
"Well come on then, I'll show you how to find the kitchen. Unless I have guests coming for a dinner I don't eat in the dinning room," Severus responded. "I expect you to come to lunch at noon and dinner at five, at the table in the kitchen. You may eat breakfast any time you wish. If you insist on touching the stove at least make sure one of the house elves are in the room. Though I would prefer you ask them for breakfast."
Harry rose not saying a word and followed after Severus as he led the way downstairs. He was surprised that the house seemed so big inside when he was sure there was no way it could be this big outside. The inside space didn't mesh with a normal layout at all.
When they got downstairs a large buffet style breakfast was set up on the table. Toast, eggs (3 different kinds) bacon and sausages. Harry hesitated while Severus took his seat and started pilling food onto a plate for himself. He looked up noticing Harry had not sat down. One raised brow and the boy quickly took a seat. Still he did not take food for himself. This was odd.
"I will not serve you Potter. Take the food you want to eat. You're not at a formal dinner here," Severus said bluntly. The boy blushed crimson, but hastened to obey. This was indeed odd. Shrugging off the behaviour as unusual, but unworthy of comment Severus began eating. Contrary to popular belief Severus actually ate meals. He ate more then enough food, even though he sometimes forgot to eat for long periods of time. His wire thin frame and lean build were more the result of overworking and too little sleep along with a fast metabolism then malnourishment.
The rest of the meal was passed in silence. Severus couldn't fail to notice the hesitancy with which the boy had taken his first plate. As if he expected Severus to take it away. It was odd, but Severus passed it up to nervousness and let it be. Instead he watched as the boy seemed to realize something and instead of hesitating more began to eat in earnest. Satisfied he returned to reading the paper while he ate.
"Sir," Harry asked hesitantly.
"Yes Potter?" Severus inquired.
"Am I allowed in the library?" Harry asked hesitantly.
"Yes Potter," Severus replied easily. Wondering what kind of dumb question that was.
"Thank you sir," Harry replied before going back to eating.
"There are only two places you are not allowed in Potter. The den and my private lab. The den because it is the access point to this house and therefore would be unsafe for you. The lab because it is a dangerous place and not suited to children. Everywhere else in the house is open to you. Though why you would need to go into the guest rooms I cannot fathom. As for the two storage rooms. They are locked and even your friend Granger couldn't break through the wards," Severus stated calmly making sure the boy understood this. He waited a moment then inquired, "any further questions?"
"No sir," Harry replied too softly. Severus lowered the paper and glowered at the boy. Seeing that there was not a trace of mischief in his body language or face he relaxed back to reading.
"May I be excused sir," Harry asked a few moments later.
"Have you eaten your fill?" Severus asked. Lowering the paper to find the boy's plate empty. Satisfied at least he'd eaten a full plate of food.
"Yes sir," Harry replied.
"Then yes you may be excused," Severus answered. Returning once more to his paper and coffee. Severus didn't mention to the boy the wards he had in place on the manor that would tell him exactly what the boy was up to at any given time. He didn't see the need for that. After all it was his home. Severus heard the boy's echoing footsteps to the door, but he didn't hear the pounding up the stairs he expected to hear. That was odd. He'd expected noise from children. Not silence. Or near silence. The boy wasn't silent, but he was not as loud as the other children. Interesting.
Hours later Severus had gone to the library to find the boy leaning over an essay, a series of books lay sprawled over the desk. At least the child didn't have to be bullied into doing his summer assignments. Though that sat strangely with Severus. If the boy had so much dedication to his homework how was it that his first year assignment had ended up looking as though the boy had spent literally half an hour on it if that. This was indeed odd.
"Potter," he said softly, so as not to scare the child with his entrance. The boy looked over at him. "If you need help with your assignments or wish me to look them over bring them down to dinner with you."
"Yes sir, thank you," Harry said smiling somewhat uncertainly. Severus nodded and left going down into his lab.
Severus cursed silently as he realized it was now almost dinner time and he'd completely forgotten about lunch. He hoped that Potter had called a house elf for lunch. Finishing with the potion he was working on he poured it into a vial and set it aside to cool. He quickly cleaned up the lab and cauldron he'd been using with magic. Gave his robes a quick cleaning spell and headed to the sink to wash his hands before heading upstairs.
He made his way to the library and sure enough found the boy reading a book with his essay spread out on the table in front of him.
"It's time for dinner Potter," Severus stated simply and didn't wait to see if the boy followed him to the kitchen were a small feast was set up. He smiled as he settled himself down and started making his plate. "Which assignments did you finish today?" Severus asked.
"I only started Transfiguration sir. We had an essay and two assignment sheets. I have both assignment sheets done and most of the essay written. Your library has a lot of very useful text on almost every subject imaginable. Tif helped me find the Transfiguration section. I hope that's ok?" Harry said as he settled down to eat. Still slightly hesitant in taking food for himself.
"Yes, the house elves know where I keep everything. So long as you return the books when you are finished with them that's fine," Severus stated simply. He knew he didn't have to worry about his more dangerous and dark texts falling into the boy's hands, they would simply vanish if the boy tried to lift them up. One of his more ingenious spells. He would find them in his bedroom neatly stacked on his desk, so he would know instantly what the boy had tried to read. He was trying to be civil with his guest. Which was harder then it appeared for the unsocial man. The rest of dinner passed in silence as Severus wasn't known to make conversation and it was clear the boy was still too shy to talk openly with him. Not that it bothered Severus he enjoyed the quiet.
The next days had been just like this one. Severus mussed. That the boy had been so quiet and intent on his assignments had been something that had both impressed and irritated Severus. Irritated because the boy had not shown this dedication in last summer's homework or really much homework he received from the boy. Impressed because the boy was not bothering him as he had expected the attention seeking child to do. Not that that was fair as the child was far too shy to seek attention. He was not what Severus had first imagined.
Severus regarded the child in his arms with curious eyes. So much about him was different to what he had expected. What surprises would tomorrow bring, he had to wonder.