Harry sat dumbfounded as Snape exited the room. The front door banging shut as he exited. What the hell just happened? He ran a hand through his mop of black hair, looking at the pile of food in front of him. While the food looked and smelt delicious, he no longer felt hungry.

Harry exited the study as quietly as possible. The Dursley's were talking eagerly to one another. They seemed to take pleasure in the fact that Snape had left. Harry however felt unprotected. Perhaps it was because he was alone with the Dursleys. Despite his hate for the potions Professor the man did, in his own way stick up for him on several occasions.

Harry cautiously took to the steps. He did not want to alter his relatives to his presence. He stopped every few steps as the old wood groaned under his weight. Nevertheless, the people in the kitchen did not seem to notice. Harry took comfort in the room he shared with his cousin. Even though he had spent hours in Snape's study alone, he had focused on his studies. Now he had the chance to reflect on the past twenty-four hours when Snape first showed up in Little Whinging.

So much had happened since then. He had fallen victim to a Dementor attack then saved by his hated Professor. He still was not sure why the Professor was in Little Whinging to begin with, but he was grateful. Though he was sure, he could have fended off the Dementors without such help. Then there was Snape and Aunt Petunia… What an oddity that was. All the things that were reveal about Snape and his mother's side of the family had been a bit much. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought that the Professor that despised him so much had any connection at all with his muggle relatives. That Snape had even been friends with his muggleborn mother.

Harry sighed, resting comfortably on his transfigured bed. Despite the early hour, he could feel his eyes dropping. His head lay against the plush pillow and soon he found himself in a fitful sleep.

Stonewalls enclosed the large room. Darkness plagued the space. The only light illuminated from the ornate fireplace and the moon that shone through one of the exposed windows. Footsteps echoed from the far end of the room as a tall shadowy figured entered.

"Severus, it's about time you showed yourself." A rasping voice came from an armchair by the hearth. The man raised to his feet swiftly his red eyes taking in the figure before him.

"I'm sorry my Lord. That old fool held me up." A rough voice replied, though his head bowed to the floor.

"Yes, well earlier I was informed that the wards around Potter's home had fallen. You see Severus; I find this news to be shocking." Red eyes studied the confused face of the other man. "The home was thoroughly searched, but Lucius and Avery didn't find anything of any use to me. Lucius reported that the house looked as if it were left in hurry, as many possessions remained. So tell me Severus, just where is Potter?" The Dark Lord roared as he took a step closer.

"My Lord, I was not aware that Potter had been moved." The voice was calm yet held a tinge of uncertainty. "Dumbledore did not say anything about moving him. Nothing like this was planned within the Or-" He stopped as a wand pointed at his throat.

"Severus, I do not tolerate lying." The menacing voice came as the wooden rod pressed into the flesh of the other man.

"My Lord, I would never lie to you. My allegiance is to you and you only." Black eyes locked with the crimson ones for what seemed like several minutes. "I will do whatever I must to find out where that boy is."

Voldemort moved the wand from Severus' neck leaving a scorched circle at the base of the man's neck. "You better Severus. You wouldn't want to disappoint me again." Long white fingers clutched around the base of the wand as if tempting the man to push him further. "I always believed you were loyal to me."

"My services are always yours, My Lord." Severus responded with a bow of his head.

"Very well, I would hate to think that my disposal of that filthy mud-blood girl would discourage you." Voldemort turned facing the fireplace.

"I understand completely My Lord." Snape stated, as the Dark Lord turned away. Glad for the few seconds he had to regain his composure. "You did what needed to be done."

"While I do not regret removing that filth from our world; her death for the sake of that boy has been a hindrance to my plans for some time. However, now that matter is cleared up Potter will be at my mercy soon enough." A victorious sneer fell upon the man's face as he turned back to his servant. "You will report to me as soon as you find the location of Potter. Do not make me wait long Severus. If I find your services inadequate…well I'm sure I don't need to tell you what will become of you." Voldemort said as he raised his wand.

A jet of red light erupted from the tip, hitting Severus directly in the chest. He dropped to stone cold floor, his limbs withdrawing closer to his body. His muscles felt as if they were being set ablaze, and his head felt like it was open. He writhed about the floor; bloodcurdling shrieks erupted from his lips.

The torture continued for what felt like hours, but finally it ended. Severus stood on trembling legs as he looked upon his Master.

"Severus, if you don't report the information I need your fate will be much worse."
Before Snape had a chance to respond, another spell knocked him on his feet. His robes and flesh slashed as blood spilled over his robes.

"Leave. Don't return until you have the information I seek."

Harry woke with a start. His body was drenched in sweat; the angered faces of his relatives greeted him. His Uncle's hands shook him forcefully.

"About time you got up boy! No one can get any sleep around here with you thrashing and muttering about."

Spittle fell onto Harry's face as he pushed himself out of bed and away from his Uncle. "Where's Snape?" He demanded running out into the hall. "Well where is he?" He asked, as he looked down the hall at Snape's clothes doors. "He came back, right?" He turned to his relatives who were still irate.

"I don't know where the freak is! I'm just glad he's not -"

Harry didn't have a chance to hear what else his uncle was saying. A bang erupted from the streets outside. Quickly, his wand was in his hand as he thudded down the stairs. The front door opened and a bloody Snape emerged. Snape's body was shaking uncontrollably as he took a few rickety steps toward the sofa. Snape's hand reached out to clutch the back of the couch leaving a bloody handprint on the back of it. He started falling forward, as Harry rushed to his side. He warped his arm around Snape's middle; heaving him around the sofa.

The commotion had stirred the Dursley's curiosity as the thundered down the stairs. Petunia's screams filled the room as she saw the blood. Harry however was less concerned with his relatives. Snape's eyes continued to roll backwards, and the only sound that he made was a gurgling noise as blood spilled over his lips.

"Sir?" A panicked stricken Harry asked as his hands moved towards the wounds on the man's chest. Harry's hands trembled as he held his hands over the woods, blood spewing over his fingers. "Sir, what am I suppose to do?" He asked loudly hoping that Snape would tell him what to do.

Snape however was having a hard time staying conscious. Every time his eyes flicked open, he'd start gurgling again. "U..pin." He would say again and again. His words were garbled, and Harry just sat wide-eyed looking at him.

"What? Sir, what am I suppose to do?" He inquired again, as Snape's face paled considerably.

"Lu-pin!" Snape gasped, as he fell back into unconsciousness.
Harry sat confused as blood continued to pour out of his Professor. Lupin? Why would Snape need Remus? How would I even get a hold of him? He thought of Hedwig, but he was with the Weasley's. He had no idea how to use a Patronus to send a message. The Floo couldn't be an option for two reasons. One being he didn't know where Snape kept the magical powder, and two being he had no idea the name of Lupin's home. If the man even had a home.

The situation started to turn from bad to worse as Snape's breathing became more haggard. "Dobby!" Harry shouted and second later there was a 'pop' just inside the door.

The arrival of the house-elf caused more chaos to breakout. Aunt Petunia's screams hit an all knew high, and Vernon looked like he was about to tackle the bug-eyed creature.

"Harry Potter, sir! Dobby has come like yous be asking!" Spotting the three people in the corner Dobby took a few steps towards them. "Harry Potter is a great wizard. Harry Potter freed Dobby!"

"It talks!" Dudley muttered, as he looked horrified at his cousin.

"Dobby, now isn't the time! I need you to find Remus Lupin. Can you do that? It's an emergency. Please!" Harry cried out, his hands still pressed tight over the Professor's wounds even though it wasn't doing anything.

"Oh yes! Dobby be happy to do what ever Harry Potter wants. Dobby is indebt to-"

"Dobby, please just go!" He pleaded as the house-elf popped from room. "Why are you all just standing there?" Harry shouted, his eyes snapping on them.

"I'm not touching any freakish things if I don't have too." Petunia uttered crossing her arms over her chest after calming herself. However, her face was still pale at the sight of the blood.

"You people are appalling! This man is bleeding to death and you're just standing there. Help me!" Harry barked at them. Dudley was the only one of them who took a step forward.

"What do you want me to do?" He asked, as he timidly took a few steps closer.

"No, Dudley! You don't know what's happened to him. Stay away from that man." Vernon shouted as he reached for his son. Dudley however was quick to move from the man's outstretched arms.

"Look in the cupboards in the kitchen. See if you can find some vials labeled Blood-Replenishing Potion. I don't know how many I'll need but get whatever there is." He said, as Dudley hurried into the kitchen, as his relatives were still trying to talk him out of helping.

Harry picked up his wand in his bloody hands as he looked down at the large lacerations. He didn't know what to do. He could only hope that Dobby would turn up soon. Moments like these Harry wished he knew healing spells. At least then, he would be of some use. As much as he hated the man, he didn't want Snape to die, because he was inept when it came to healing magic.

Before Dudley returned another pop sounded in the room. Harry looked up to see Lupin rushing towards him; Dobby stood near the armrest of the sofa his eyes wide at the site of all the blood.

"Harry, come on. You need to move. You're in my way." Lupin's voice was gentle, but his face showed concern as he looked down at the bloodied Snape.

Harry stumbled out of the way, standing behind the kneeling Lupin. Within seconds, Lupin had his wand out; muttering words in Latin as the wounds slowly started to close.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I didn't know what to do." Harry muttered, running a bloody hand through his hair. "I just-"

"You did fine Harry." Lupin said when Dudley entered the room, holding three vials of potions.

"These are all I found." Dudley muttered, handing the vials to Harry while his eyes gave Lupin a once over.

"Here Professor, Blood-Replenishing Potion." Harry removed the stopper before handing it to the man.

"Yes, yes very good." He tilted Snape's head back, pouring the crimson liquid slowly down his throat. "In an hour you should give him another. He should be fine by morning. When he wakes he should take a Calming Drought." Lupin sighed, waving his wand around the Snape's chest as the blood slowly began to vanish, leaving only dark stains on his skin. "Seems as if a meeting didn't go to well." Lupin muttered as Harry stared at him.
"How did he get here?"

"I-I think he apparated."

"In that condition? No wonder he's exhausted." Lupin shook his head and turned to Harry. "I should be going."

"You're leaving?" Harry frowned at the thought of being alone to take care of a wounded Snape.

"I'm quite busy. I would stay if I thought he were in critical condition, but now that the wounds are sealed and he has a Blood-Replenishing Potion in him I think he'll be fine. I would suggest that you take some Dr Ubbly's Wound-Cleaning solution to these cuts while he's asleep." Lupin said as he surveyed Snape. "I must be going. Harry I will be seeing you in a couple weeks time. If I'm needed, you know how to find me." Lupin put a hand on Harry's shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze before rushing out the door.

Harry ran a confused hand over his face; forgetting that it was still drenched in blood. "Thank you Dobby." He said, noticing the house-elf again.

"Oh yes Harry Potter, Sir. Dobby is always wanting to help Harry Potter."

"You're very generous. You should probably get back to the school now." Harry flopped down in the nearest chair when Dobby left. The Dursley's still stood around looking confused. "Thanks Dudley…"

Dudley just nodded and moved away from the couch sitting on the stairs.

"Well what happened to him? If he can't protect himself, then how is he to protect us?" Vernon demanded; his sausage fingers tighten into fist.

Harry jumped up from his seat. "You know nothing of what goes on in my world. You don't know what the people who did this to him are like. They're sadistic and psychopathic. They will stop at nothing to get what they want. He's lucky he even made it back here!" He yelled gesturing to the still body that lay on the sofa.

Petunia humphed, before heading back up the stairs. Her nose stuck high in the air. Vernon followed her leaving Harry and Dudley staring at each other. "Is he going to be alright?" Dudley muttered his eyes turning to look at the Snape.

"Remus said he'd be fine. So I assume that he will be. He wouldn't have left otherwise." Harry said as he made his way through to the kitchen. Turning on the hot water faucet, he emerged his bloodied hands under the warm liquid, watching as it swirled down the drain. He scrubbed his hands, face until they were red, and void of blood. Turning he saw Dudley standing in the doorway. "What?"

"What was that thing? That weird little short thing…"

"That would be Dobby. He's a house-elf. He's a bit…attached to me." Harry muttered, drying his hands and face on a nearby towel.

"That much is obvious. I thought he was about ready to hump your leg." Dudley smirked, making his way to the table.

"Shut up. He's a good...elf." Harry said awkwardly as he leant against the counter. He wished his cousin would just leave him be. He needed time to think about what had just happened. Dudley however seemed to find that it was now a good time to bond with him.

"Calm down, I was just joking."

"Yeah, it's a good time to joke around." Harry frowned at the larger boy who stood to his feet.

"Whatever, I'm going to bed."

Dudley turned and left. Leaving Harry relieved that he now had time to himself. He made his way back to the living room, sitting in the empty chair. Snape's breathing had steadied. Harry noticed that Snape's body was shaking slightly. A Calming Draught seemed like it would be a good idea for the man, but Lupin said to wait to morning. Seeing, as he didn't know if the potions would react badly if mixed together, Harry decided against it.

The red gashes across the man's chest had closed nicely. Though they still were red and looked sore. Harry returned to the kitchen looking through the cupboards finding several vials of Wound-Cleaning Solution. He couldn't tell if they were Dr Ubbly's mix or something Snape had concocted. With further searching he came across and old First Aid kit that had several layers of dust covering the lid. Upon opening it, the container seemed intact and had all the necessities.

With the supplies in hand, he made his way back toward the living room as he knelt along the side of the couch. He carefully opened the bottle of Would-Cleaning Solution, remembering how painful it was to have it administered. Harry wondered if the stinging sensation would wake the Professor. And if it did, Snape would be sure to make him pay.

Harry decided to take the risk, slowly pouring the purple liquid over the first gash. The wound started to smoke and hiss. Snape's face contorted in pain, but he didn't wake. Soon the smoking stopped, and Harry felt it safe to continue cleaning the rest of the gashes.

Once Harry believed that the wounds were thoroughly clean, he opened the first aid kit and found the roll of gauze. He looked down at the gauze and then back at the clothed Snape. Did he dare try to remove the man's shirt? How would it look if Snape woke to find Harry undressing him? Picking up his wand, he pointed it at the Professor's shirt. "Evanesco," he muttered as the shirt vanished. He started to unroll the gauze and realized it wouldn't be enough to wrap around the Professor's midsection several times. "With his wand, he muttered Geminio a few times as the rolls duplicated themselves. He knew the quality of the duplicated items wouldn't be the best, but for the time being they would do.

Hesitantly he started wrapping the gauze around the Professor. He delicately shifted the man so he wouldn't wake him. Several minutes later and a few strands of tape later Harry finished and settled himself across from the man. Staring fixedly on the slow rising and falling of the man's chest. The Dark Mark on the Snape's arm was slowly waning to a dull auburn color.

Harry's head fell into his hands and he sighed. The dream was real. He had dreamt of Snape's torture and it had come true. What did it mean and why was he able to see it? These were questions that he needed answers too. Harry wished Remus had stayed. Then he could ask him why it had happened. Dumbledore would be the obvious person to ask, but aside from Dobby he didn't know how to get reach the Headmaster. It was to late too be bothering him anyways.

Irritated Harry leant against the back of the chair the scenes playing repeatedly in the mind. Voldemort and Snape had talked of his mother. Anger built up inside of him when they used the word mud-blood. In all fairness, Snape didn't utter word, and it didn't shock him that Voldemort would use such a vile word. It angered him more that it was directed at his mother.

For hours he sat and mulled it over in his mind, until light poured through the front windows. His eyes stung from the lack of sleep, as he groggily removed himself from the chair. Stumbling towards the vacant kitchen rummaging through the cupboards and refrigerator for some breakfast.

Breakfast had just begun cooking; an assortment of eggy bread, eggs, sausage and bacon sizzled in the hot frying pans when the Dursley's made their way down into the kitchen.

A/N: I am no way happy with this chapter. There are so many things that bother me about it. I might 'revise' it later, but it just wasn't turning out to be everything I want it to be. I know Dobby is a bit far fetch, but I really didn't see any other options. Anyways hopefully you enjoy it, and if you don't I'm sure you'll let me know =]

A big freakin thank you to all of you who have put me on your Alert lists and who review. It means so much!