Title: Harry Potter and the Summer From Hell

Author: Ladye Black

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: eventual slash

Pairing: Harry/Snape (eventually)

Feedback: Of course!

Archive: Ask please and let me know where

Disclaimer: I'd like to own Snape for my own reasons, but I don't. pouts

Notes: This is a transition chappie, which means it's a bit short. Also I'd like to thank Elizabeth for giving me a possible Latin meaning for Sev's middle name. She told me that if I'd spelled it "Celerius", it would mean 'faster'. So, thank you very much Elizabeth!

Chapter 5

"Ah! Severus! There you are!" Dumbledore said pleasantly as he picked up two objects from his desk. "These are your portkeys," he held up the objects for the other two to study them.

One of them was an old copy of some obscure Muggle fantasy book entitled Magic & Malice. The other was a keychain that featured a broom.

"Harry, this one is yours," Dumbledore handed him the broom keychain. "And, Severus, yours." Snape accepted the book. "All you must do is tap it with your wand and say 'Meadow Manor'."

"Um, sir, why have you given us two portkeys?" Harry asked.

"You'll have to carry your luggage with you the Muggle way; you won't be able to use magic. I thought it would be more prudent to give you each your own portkey." Dumbledore eyed Snape's knapsack and small suitcase with a small amount of disappointment.

"Severus, why don't you go first? I believe it will be easier that way." Snape frowned, but nodded anyway, slinging his knapsack over his shoulder and a foot over his suitcase. Taking out his wand, he tapped against his portkey, and uttered "Meadow Manor" before disappearing.

Dumbledore turned to the other person in his office. "Now, Harry, before you go, there are a few other things you should know."

"Um, like what, sir?"

"There are a few things I believe I should make clear to you."

"Oh."

Dumbledore's keen gaze studied the boy for a moment before he continued. "The spell relies mostly on Severus' interpretations. You may need to, ah, 'tweak' the spell so that you get a better reading from it."

"How would I do that?"

"When you get to Meadow Manor, and find some quiet time, simply concentrate on the spell's connection and feed it a few simple details of what you consider to be dangerous behavior," Dumbledore explained. "That should help give you more specific readings and keep Professor Snape safer."

Harry nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Okay."

"And now, you must go. Good luck, Harry," Dumbledore smiled at him, the twinkle in his eyes coming back in full force.

"Thank you, sir." After picking up his two suitcases, he tapped his wand against his portkey. "Meadow Manor," he said quietly, then disappeared from Dumbledore's office.

"Please take care of him," Dumbledore whispered into his empty office.

TBC...

Well, that's it. Remember it's just a transition chapter, the next one should be longer. Well, please review. Also, I own a book entitled Magic & Malice, it's very good.