AN: Back to Harry in this chapter! Woohoo! As always, thanks for the support and I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 17- A Plot on the Level of Salazar Slytherin

Severus awoke with renewed anxiety that wasn't helped by his five hours of sleep. He wanted to see Harry so badly but now that the interrogation was over Severus knew he had no valid excuse. Minerva, Tucker, and Albus needed to think of a plan to get the boy back fast, which wasn't an encouraging thought because they were a group of the two biggest Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff Severus had ever seen and Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were notoriously bad at scheming.

Severus arrived at work ten minutes early to find that nearly every other auror had taken his idea and were already there. They all seemed anxious and pressed, the joy of the news of Harry's freeing of charge having worn off. The shades were down in Madame Bone's office hiding the meeting that was still going on between Bones, Fudge, and a public relations specialist at the Ministry that hadn't stopped all night.

Hushed conversation bubbled through the otherwise silent room as everyone waited with growing impatience to hear the news of what was going to happen next. Severus, who had never been the most patient man, was about to explode by the time the door opened exactly 12 minutes later and out stepped an exhausted looking Madame Bones. "The press will be notified in five," she addressed the room. "I need to speak with Severus; the rest of you can return to your previous assignments and will be filled in on this case later."

All the people who hadn't originally been put on the Potter case sighed and dragged their feet back to their respective offices. Severus was ushered into Madame Bone's office where the other two members were waiting. The public relations specialist took over instantly, prepping them for their talk to the press (which included lots of pepper ups for everyone involved).

Bones lectured Severus on what he had to say- he was supposed to illustrate the memory for the public. He didn't have to include all the gory details, but enough to get the majority to feel sympathetic for the boy.

Before Severus could properly mentally prepare he was dragged away to the entrance of the Ministry. Fudge, Bones, and Severus stood behind the closed double door for a moment and then with a nod to each other the door was thrown open and they faced the mob of reporters. Immediately shouted questions filled the air and cameras snapped furiously as quills scribbled down everything on long flowing parchments. They stepped forward.

Minerva, Tucker, and Albus had somehow ended up back in Severus's living room. They had attempted to wait in Tucker's new kitchen but eventually watching the dragons fly around the yellow wallpaper (Tucker had remade the wallpaper because Harry had liked it) had gotten old. There was something about Severus's home- maybe that they all had so many good memories there- that made it the only place to wait in.

The mood was much lighter than the day before, with quiet banter filtering back and forth between the three members, but it was still hard to be clueless as to what was going on.

The news finally arrived at 9:15 sharp with a flurry of owls as they had all gotten memberships to multiple newspapers. Roughly put-together papers were dropped all over the floor and coins were thrown haphazardly at the owls who hooted angrily at their customers before flying away.

They all grabbed the first newspaper they could get their hands on (Tucker being momentarily confused when he picked up one that looked to be in a different language that turned out to be the Quibbler) and started reading. One story dominated the headlines: the story of the boy who lived having his charges erased. Pictures of the boy sobbing into Severus at the interrogation table and Fudge, Bones, and Severus giving their speeches were scattered through the news.

It told the three eager readers nothing they hadn't been told from Severus (except for the horrific details of the memory he had pulled free) but seeing it written out and official filled them with relief. The details of the next steps for the boy, however, were still uncertain according to the news.

Minerva, Albus, and Tucker all shared relieved smiles and then got straight to work on their plan. For a group of Gryffindors and a Hufflepuff, they believed they were quite effective at constructing a plan that even Salazar Slytherin would have been jealous of. They could hardly wait for Severus to get home so they could start the first step in Mission Take Back Harry.

Harry didn't hear any of the news locked in his cell. He had woken up at three in the morning to his own screams piercing the air and hadn't been able to fall back asleep since. Exhaustion, hunger, and the loss of magic from the day before left him so drained that all he could do was lie on his thin cot and stare up at the blank ceiling above him. Harry was scared and he was sad and he missed Severus and Albus and Tucker and Minerva but despite the inner turmoil no tears fell. He was too tired to cry.

A tray of food was pushed through his door a few hours after he awoke. Hunger gnawed in Harry's stomach but he didn't get up, keeping his gaze fixed on the ceiling. Someone came in and begged him to eat. Harry didn't even look over and the tray was taken away.

Harry missed Severus. Clearly Severus didn't feel the same way because he hadn't even bothered to come and check in on Harry. Harry's magic flared angrily at that thought, suddenly lashing out and filling the room. It found itself trapped quite quickly and after a moment of probing Harry realized that the walls around him repelled magic. No matter how hard he pushed, his magic wouldn't break the barrier.

As soon as the sudden rage faded the crushing exhaustion flooded back through Harry and he was too weak to keep his magic pushed out. It rushed back to him but there was so little of it that it didn't make Harry feel any better. Harry closed his eyes, praying for sleep to take him, but the memory instantly hijacked his thoughts and his eyes popped back open. Sleep was not an option. Better to stare at the ceiling and wait for… wait for something- Harry was too tired to care anymore.

The ceiling was a much better alternative to the Dursleys so that's where Harry's gaze remained for over an hour before the door opened and a familiar magic blew over him. Harry didn't look over as Severus entered silently. He felt dark eyes on him but Harry kept his gaze fixed on the ceiling, feeling like he was going to throw up, or maybe pass out.

Severus's gut wrenched as he saw the empty eyes staring blankly up at the ceiling. Harry didn't even look at him, although Severus knew that he had sensed his presence. Severus was at a loss of what to do; when Madame Bones had ordered him in here saying the boy had become unresponsive he hadn't been expecting this. He took another step towards Harry and felt his magic flare up dangerously. Severus froze, swallowing heavily.

"Look at me," he ordered. Harry didn't move, nothing in his manner suggested he had even heard Severus. "Please."

The green eyes met his and they broke Severus's heart. They were filled with so much pain, so much fear. "You need to eat something," Severus said softly. When Harry gave a small nod he summoned in the plate that he had specifically ordered containing all of Harry's favorite foods (when questioned about this knowledge he'd told the other aurors he had learned it during the interrogation when he used legilimency on the boy, which they seemed to accept despite how flimsy the reason was.)

He steadily approached Harry, ignoring the fear prickling inside him as the surrounding air trembled with power. He settled down on the bed next to Harry, who still stubbornly lay staring up at the ceiling. "Eating is an act best performed sitting up," Severus prompted gently and earned a sharp glare from Harry. At least he was responding.

Harry sat unsteadily, his hands trembling as he pushed himself up. Severus didn't comment on the way Harry favored his right hand ever so slightly, as if the pain was still there. He placed the plate in Harry's lap, watching with growing hope as Harry gave a weak smile when he got a good look at what Severus had brought him.

Severus and Harry sat in silence as Harry slowly ate his way through the plate. "It's not as good as yours," Harry whispered in between one bite and Severus smiled at the boy. To hell with the people watching, it's not like he cared much for his job anyway.

Harry quietly placed his plate on the ground and turned to face Severus. His eyes looked a little lighter but Severus noticed the nearly black circles under them. He frowned, "How much sleep did you get last night?"

Harry deflected his gaze again and shrugged non-committedly, "A couple of hours."

Severus snorted at the obvious lie, "Nightmares?"

Harry nodded and Severus sighed. He got up and for a second panic ran through Harry and his magic flared violently. Severus looked back, alarmed, until he saw the look in Harry's eyes and realized what he was thinking. "I will be back in a second, don't worry."

Harry's magic receded a little, "You promise?"

Severus nodded, "I promise," and felt the power drain out of the air around him. He stepped out and was met with the wide- eyed looks of the guards outside who had clearly been snooping. "You, go get a dreamless sleep potion," he snapped at the one who looked the most surprised.

The poor guard sputtered, looking like he had tasted something sour. He seemed to snap out of it as he rapidly spun around and took off down the hallway, running as if his very life depended on getting that potion. Severus rolled his eyes and turned to the other guards with one eyebrow raised that dared them to say anything about what they had just seen. They all had enough self-preservation to stay quiet.

Severus brought the potion back into the cell, watching as Harry deflated in relief when he saw him. Severus went to sit beside him again and handed him the pale orange potion. "This will put you to sleep for a few hours and prevent you from having dreams." Severus almost added "just like the one I give you at home" but his tired brain stopped him just in time.

Harry held it in his hand for a moment, staring at it with an expression Severus couldn't read. "What is it Harry?"

The emerald eyes looked years younger as they met Severus and a quiet question slipped out of Harry's lips, "Will you be here when I wake up?"

Severus could barely answer Harry, who was looking at him with a look of entirely unguarded hope in his eyes. He was too young for this, too innocent. "I'll do my best," Severus lied through his teeth, looking away so he didn't have to see the crushing disappointment on Harry's face. A thought occurred to him, "Harry, will you look at me for a second?"

Harry made eye contact and Severus silently slid into his mind. I promise you Harry, I will get you out of here, as soon as I can no matter what it takes you will come back home.

Harry's heart ached at the word "home." Him and Mr. Snape's home. It already felt more like a home then number 4 Privet Drive ever had, but Harry knew he could never go back there. I can't go back there, it's not safe.

What's not safe? Severus sounded confused. I assure you Harry; I will protect you from any danger.

Harry shook his head slightly. It's not safe for you. I can't- I can't control my magic. It's only a matter of time before it flares up and… Harry trailed up as the images of the torn bodies staring lifelessly up at him filled his mind. You'll only end up like my relatives, or the aurors, or Mr. Tuck.

Severus was even more confused. What happened to Mr. Tuck? Rebuilding his house took no time at all, he is perfectly fine now.

Now Harry was the one that was confused. He's not dead?

Of course not you silly child! He's a full grown wizard; he was able to easily escape your burst of accidental magic. Tucker didn't even get a scratch from it.

It was only one person, one victim that had been spared but somehow it filled Harry with hope. He hadn't killed his teacher, the kind and brave man who had become more of a friend than a mentor over time. He felt tears filling his eyes, this time tears of pure relief and happiness. Then his thoughts turned more serious. Still, I am dangerous. I can't control my anger, I've tried so hard and I can't.

Harry I promise you, no matter how bad it gets or how hard it becomes for you to control your emotions you will get through it. We will get through it, because I am not leaving you, no matter what. The sooner you get that through your dunderhead brain, the better, because as I said before I will not hesitate to magically attach you to my side until you learn how a family is truly supposed to act.

Severus's thoughts were full of adamant sincerity and another emotion that was unfamiliar to Harry- could this be love? If it was, Harry decided that he never wanted to lose it because it filled him with a feeling of warmth and safety that made him feel like he belonged for once in his life. He wasn't just a freak that no one cared about; he was a cherished boy who had made his own family who loved him just as much as any real one.

Harry forgot all about his cover story. He threw his arms around Severus and hugged him tightly, burying his face into his black robes. Through choked sobs he inhaled the scent that he had grown to accustom with a feeling of safety and home. The mixture of mint and various odd smelling ingredients from the lab that was just totally Mr. Snape.

Severus didn't exactly forget about his cover, he just decided that he didn't care as he pulled the raven haired boy close to him, feeling his robes being soaked in tears yet again but not caring. He rubbed circles on Harry's back until gradually, Harry's hiccupping sobs slowly started to fade and the boy quieted before him. He felt the rise and fall of Harry's chest even out as he sunk into sleep.

Finally, once Severus was certain his movements wouldn't wake the sleeping child; he gently laid him down on the bed, smoothing his unruly hair from his now peaceful face. He drew the covers up and tucked them around the boy. Transferring the sleeping potion straight into his stomach with a quick wave of his wand he whispered, "Good night Harry," and pressed his lips against Harry's forehead lightly.

Severus straightened up and let out a deep sigh. He walked out of the room and straight past the astonished guards, not stopping until he reached the Auror Department. In the meeting office Madame Bones was addressing the other aurors, most likely filling them in on the press conference that morning. Severus felt no need to be filled in on what he had lived through so he just kept walking to his office, collapsing into his desk chair. Maybe if he just closed his eyes for a little while he would be able to focus better…

Severus awoke disoriented and greatly disgruntled a few hours later to the feel of someone watching him. He jerked awake, his neck snapping painfully as his head shot up to see an amused Madame Bones watching him. "What time is it?" Severus mumbled, honestly past the point of being embarrassed in front of her (she had already caught him off guard too many times; it was too late to save his reputation).

"3'o clock. You've been asleep for three hours," Bones told him with an odd fondness in her voice.

"Why didn't you wake me?" Severus grumbled, suddenly feeling much more awake. He had so much he needed to do and so little time to do it before Harry was taken away for good.

"It looked like you needed the sleep, and besides after what you did for Harry you deserved a nap."

Severus froze. "What I did for Harry?" he repeated, reluctant to add any more to the question as to not incriminate himself.

"I was told by the guards that you were quite sweet with the boy. I had no idea that you were good with kids; you are just full of surprises Severus. Maybe your good friend Jonathan Tucker helped teach you?" Bones gave him a mischievous smile that made him wish she had never woken him up.

"There. Is. Nothing. Between. Me. And. That. Blithering. Idiot." Severus snarled, shooting the dirtiest look he could manage at Bones who just chuckled again. Severus was tempted to obliviate all the memories she had of him since they had met to regain the wary dislike of him she'd began with, but he decided that obliviating the head of the Auror Department would probably be frowned upon. And it would certainly not help his case with Harry, which snapped Severus back into action.

"Am I needed for anything else today?" he asked, forgetting to make his tone rude.

Bones narrowed his eyes, "I suppose not, why?"

"I have some personal matters to attend to that are better to be dealt with sooner rather than later."

Severus should have known the reason behind Bone's wicked grin. "Do these personal matters have anything to do with say, the one and only Jonathan Tucker?" She sang the last part gleefully, enjoying every bit of torture she was inflicting on Severus. The sadistic maniac.

"If you mention that one more time…" Severus trailed off remembering he was talking to his boss here who was known for rapid mood swings, especially in the middle of a stressful and sleep- depriving case. Instead he just glared at Bones to silently let her know exactly how painful it would be for her.

Madame Bones grinned. "Get out of here." She waited until Severus was halfway out of the office before shouting, "And tell your new boyfriend I said hi!"

Severus's face looked like he had been hexed with a color changing spell it turned so red as he walked past the aurors who had turned to stare at him with the loud outburst. Severus managed to mutter something that sounded like "Goodnight," before disappearing into the lift.

Severus wasn't exactly expecting to have guests in his living room when he returned so when he exited the fireplace and registered three figures sitting there he acted quickly. A small duel ensued between the confused guests before Tucker realized who had arrived and threw an invisible force field impermeable to magic between the wizards.

The spells bounced off and exploded various things in Severus's living room. Tucker removed the barrier when he saw Severus's eyes focus into a dark glare that he shot at the three of them. "Do you three not have anything better to do with your time than wait in my living room?" Severus snarled in an annoyed tone and then went to sit in his armchair.

When the room stayed silent for a few seconds Severus narrowed his eyes, "I assume you are here for a reason?"

"Ah yes!" Dumbledore exclaimed, the twinkling rushing back into his eyes. The others suddenly looked just as enthusiastic which made Snape a little nervous. "We have constructed a plan to get Harry back to you," Albus said proudly, puffing out his chest.

"A rather brilliant plan," Minerva added.

"Sure to work," inputted Tucker as they all stared at Severus excitedly.

"Well?" Severus inquired, doubting that their plan was of any use. He had devised his own plan anyway, one that wasn't exactly foolproof but would likely get the job done.

They all started talking at once and trailed off, laughing at each other. Severus was ready to throw them out of his house and move to a different country when they finally decided on Tucker as a spokesperson (as the plan had been mostly his idea- maybe he had some Slytherin in him yet).

"First I am going to apparate into the ministry and kidnap Harry." Severus nearly stopped the plan there but wanted to add to his proof the Gryffindors and the Hufflepuff truly were dunderheads.

"Then I will keep him hidden at my house for a week, letting the press go wild. Then you will sweep in and save the day and be stuck in a nine day siege in my house where I will keep all other aurors out and you will blow up things to make it appear as if it was quite a duel."

"Throughout this time, you will protect Harry and form a bond that is unmistakable to the public when you finally subdue me and triumphantly strut out of the house as the savoir of the boy who lived. I will be put into a holding cell which I will promptly escape from and return to one of my safe houses where the Ministry will never be able to find me. Your story will be broadcasted through the news and Harry will act so adorably attached to you that people will be begging for you to gain guardianship of him. And we'll all live happily ever after."

Severus half expected for his three companions to burst out laughing and admit that the whole plan had been a joke. When they didn't he took a deep breath, calming himself. "How long did this plan take you to construct?"

Albus and Tucker looked suddenly unsure of their ingenious plot and Minerva just rolled her eyes and hissed at them, "I told you it was a terrible plan."

"It took us over three hours," Dumbledore admitted sheepishly, "But that was only because someone kept disapproving of every step we invented." He shot a look at Minerva.

"Trust me Severus, that plan was a huge improvement to some of their earlier ones, which included using glamours to convince people you were James come back from the dead," Minerva told Severus, returning the look Albus had given her.

Severus sighed, bloody Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. "Well, as entertaining as that plan was, I think my plan is a tad bit more practical. All we have to do is get a court hearing on the placement of Harry. I will testify as an expert witness on the abuse he suffered and innocently suggest that perhaps the boy should be asked where he wishes to go. I also may bring up my own past experiences with abuse to let the jury know that I know ways to overcome it. If that doesn't work, then I'll admit the entire truth and call Tucker in as a witness because he apparently doesn't care if he becomes wanted for kidnapping so a mere harboring a fugitive charge shouldn't bother him."

Minerva nodded, "That sounds like our best option."

Albus grumbled, "That's not a very fun way of doing things," but ultimately agreed.

Tucker refused to speak to Severus because he had, as Tucker put it, threatened to get him arrested but told Minerva and Albus that he thought it was a good plan.

So it was decided. They ate a slopped together dinner at Severus's place and discussed the finer details of the plan. They found no reason to wait so it was decided that Severus would suggest the hearing the following day.

Once again, as they all settled into bed that night they felt doubt gnawing in their hearts. Each of them agreed to themselves that they would do whatever it takes to get Harry back. After all, their makeshift family wasn't complete without the beloved boy who had brought it together.