Title: Harry Potter and the Summer From Hell

Author: Ladye Black

Warnings: Um, nothing really...

Disclaimer: I wish. –pout-

Notes: Sorry, everyone, I've been really lazy, ne? Anyway, last time I posted I didn't notice it, but…this fic is over a year old! That's right! Amazing, huh? Thanks to all of you that have stuck with me, and to those who are reading this for the first time. Have fun!

Chapter 17

As soon as the car stopped at their temporary home, Snape stumbled out of the car. "I never want to ride in that thing again." Harry shrugged at the statement, "It seemed fine to me."

Snape sneered at him, "It would." Turning sharply away from Potter and the death-trap-in-disguise, Snape made his way into the house, and ultimately, his room. Five minutes later, he reappeared downstairs in his usual robes.

"Did you set everything out?" he asked when he entered the kitchen.

"Yeah, it's right on the counter there."

"Ah." And Snape set about cooking a delicious meal.

Almost an hour later everything was, and a knock was heard at their front door. Harry went to answer it, leaving Snape to take care of the final preparations.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, please, come in," Snape heard from where he put the final touches to their dinner in the kitchen.

"Thank you, Harry; it's good to see you looking well. Severus isn't giving you too hard of a time, I trust?" Snape snorted softly to himself.

"Not at all," Harry replied cheerily. "In fact, I think we're getting along quite well, all things considered." Severus almost laughed at that one. The only reason they were getting along was because they had both resigned themselves to the force of will that was Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts, and whatever other titles that went along with the old man's name.

"I'm glad to hear that, Harry. Tell me," here, Severus had to strain to hear as the Headmaster had lowered his voice. "How is he?"

For a long moment, Harry didn't reply, and Snape held his breath. "Pretty well, I think. There've been a few minor incidents, but nothing too self-destructive."

"I'm not sure whether to be glad or worried." Severus could hear the frown in the old man's voice. "He's either doing better than I ever expected, or planning something, and usually it's the latter."

"Well, why don't you see him yourself?"

"That, my boy, is an excellent idea."

A moment later, the door to the kitchen swung open. "Hello, Severus."

Snape inclined his head respectively. "Headmaster."

Dumbledore frowned at him, though his eyes still twinkled. "Come now, my boy, there is no need to stand on ceremony. It's been too long since I have last seen you." The old man stepped closer to Severus and pulled him into a tight hug.

Tentatively, Snape returned it, not really trusting the embrace. Over the other man's shoulder, he saw Harry frown, as if sensing his discomfort.

"Headmaster, would you like to sit down? Lunch is ready."

"Ah, yes, thank you," he said as he released Snape. "I do believe I could partake of this wonderful smelling meal."

Harry smiled at him. "Professor Snape made it."

"Really? Then I know I shall enjoy it. Severus is a wonderful cook, as it has been my pleasure to witness." The old man sat down carefully, his age showing in the slow, careful movements that had not been there a year ago.

Harry and Severus also sat, and for awhile, the three of them talked only of mundane things. It was pleasant, or at least, as pleasant as things got between three people who had a bit of history with each other. There was a slight tension in the air, but it was ignored in favor of keeping things pleasant amongst them.

Soon, however, plates were cleaned of their last bite and everyone was too full from the good food.

"Ah," Dumbledore sighed in pleasure. "I think I should make better effort to come over more often. That was delicious, Severus."

"Thank you, Albus."

Albus smiled benignly. "Now, before I forget, I have some gifts for you." Reaching into his robe, he pulled out a small box and set it on the floor. "Any minute now…" Harry watched in slight surprise as the box grew bigger. Wasn't that magic? They weren't supposed to be able to do anything like that here.

Snape, seeing the look on Harry's face, answered his unspoken question. "It was timed; the magic was already infused in it, allowing it to enlarge."

'Oh,' Harry's mind whispered to himself. That made sense…maybe…well, to someone who knew about this sort of thing it would, Harry was sure. He really needed to learn more magic-theory. Maybe Snape wouldn't mind giving him some lessons in that area of study. Then Harry cringed inwardly as he thought of it; extra time with Snape? Spent willingly? He really was losing his mind.

"Now, I think you'll find most of the things I brought of the useful sort." Slowly, Dumbledore unpacked the box, pulling out some much needed supplies along with a good many books and writing instruments.

"I thought I'd better give you something to do, since you will be staying here for the rest of the summer. I also brought you, Harry, material to study for your final year at Hogwarts."

"Thank you, Headmaster."

"You are most welcome, my dear boy." Dumbledore twinkled at the look of semi-disgusted resignation that Harry failed to hide completely. "And Severus, most of the books came from your library. I made sure to add a few of your favorites."

"Thank you, Albus. You are most kind."

Dumbledore stood from his seat on the chair. "Well, my primary purpose fro coming here is over. I should probably get back soon, or Minerva will worry."

"Just a moment, Albus, there is something I want to ask you about."

"Yes, my dear boy?"

Snape took a deep breath and steeled himself. "What spell did you have Potter cast?"

TBC…

Um, well, at least I got this out while it's still June…right?