Title: Harry Potter and the Summer From Hell

Author: Ladye Black

Warnings: Just a little ickiness, but not much, and Harry says a bad word

Disclaimer: Not mine, not ever, I thought you people knew that by now?

Notes: One reviewer asked me for the author of the book, Magic & Malice, it is written by Patricia C. Wrede.

Chapter 6

The moment Harry had popped into existence next to Professor Snape, he bent over and retched, traveling by Portkey always made him sick. He supposed he should have gotten over by now, considering how many times he'd been subjected to it, but each time was worst than the last.

Snape sneered down at the boy, slightly disgusted that the young man who was currently regurgitating his last meal because of traveling by Portkey was, in fact, the Savior of the Wizarding World. How pathetic if they really had only this to rely on. Perhaps Snape could teach the boy something useful, if he was receptive, that is.

"Are you done?" Snape enquired with false politeness when there was a long pause in the heaving.

"Please fuck off, Snape," Potter said in the same tone, except from the ground he currently kneeled upon.

Snape adopted a careless posture and tone. "I would, Potter, unfortunately, the place the Headmaster has deemed to send us is a magic-barren area. I could, perhaps, try to make a run for it, but our surroundings – which include a very nasty-looking forest – suggest that that may not be wise."

Harry, who was finally starting to feel less nauseous, decided to take a look at their surroundings. It did, indeed, include a 'very nasty-looking forest' that didn't look all that welcoming. There was also a rickety-looking two-story house, a stream about twenty feet from their right, and a very large, very beautiful, weeping willow only a few feet from the stream. The place looked pleasant enough, even if the house didn't look much sturdier than the Weasley home.

There was a small 'pop' to Harry's right, and he looked over to what looked like a map with a note attached. " Professor Snape, look, there's a note."

"What does it say?"

Picking up the note, Harry read:

Severus and Harry,

I have forgotten to send this map along with you. Since we do not know how long your stay at Meadow Manor will be, you may have to restock your supplies from time to time. I'm sure you have realized by now that you are in a magic-barren area and understand why I will not be able to send more supplies to you. The closest town, Gravlin, is almost 20 km from your present location. An 'automobile' is at the back of the house and should have enough 'fuel' to get you to that location. Please, enjoy your stay.

Signed,

Albus Dumbledore

P.S. Severus, don't forget to eat.

Harry grinned slightly at the last line. "He worries about you."

Snape frowned, "He's Albus Dumbledore, he worries about everyone." Snape studied the landscape for a few more moment, superstiously letting Harry regain his breath. "Well, Potter, ready to investigate our new," Snape sneered, "home?"

Harry stood and nodded. "Yeah, sure." And, together, they headed toward the house to inspect what would be their home for an indefinite amount of time.

"Y'know," Harry said as they walked towards the house. "Since we're going to be here a long time, I think we should make an effort to get along."

"Oh, really," Snape drawled.

"Yes," the younger man said determinedly. "I think it would be for the best all around, even if there are only two of us."

Snape had to give the boy credit, he was actually thinking like the adult he so wanted to be treated as. "All right," he said, surprising the boy.

"Really?!" Harry nearly winced as his voice squeaked in the middle of the word, his voice was still changing.

"Your idea has merit to it. Perhaps if we were to set up some ground rules after we've inspected the house? We could each choose a private space, set up a schedule for chores, discuss what abilities we have, things like that." They had nearly reached the small porch that led to the front door.

"You mean, have an actual conversation to decide who gets what room and who does what?" Harry clarified for himself.

Snape gave a facsimile of a smile. "Exactly."

Harry thought on it for a moment, then nodded. "All right," he said, opening the screen door. "After you," he offered, holding the door for his Professor.

Snape kept his surprise at the boy's thoughtfulness to himself. "Thank you," he said graciously, then stepped inside.

Harry paused a moment before stepping inside behind his Professor. I hope things can work out between us, he thought before entering his new home.

TBC…

Well, how was it? Okay? Gravlin, is pronounced GRAH-vlin. Short 'a' and 'i'. It is also a made-up place, as far as I know, it doesn't exist except for in my head. Next time we'll get to see the house and they should have their conversation.