Snape

Severus had to admit – in the privacy of his own thoughts – that he was surprised by how quiet Potter had been about his exploits in Salazar's chamber. He had expected the boy to boast more, to be eager to show off his prowess and daring in the rescue of the youngest Weasley: the opposite had been true. The Boy Who Lived had been quite diffident about his experiences, and had stayed very close to Severus' side. The Potions Master's lecture about obedience and good behaviour had been taken to heart; Potter hadn't so much as stirred without prior permission.

The Chamber had been fascinating. His Head of House had left behind a veritable treasure trove for his descendents, something that Severus took great pleasure in plundering. Inside the statue had been a small library of very rare and unique books. He was certain that three of them were actually written in Parseltongue, which made them more precious than the whole of Hogwarts restricted section. It had long been debated if the language of snakes was one that could be recorded and incanted in, and now Severus alone had actual proof that it was. Potter would have to translate it, of course, but that was only a small blot on an otherwise valuable find.

Like the current Head of House, Salazar had been a Potions Master as well as a Master of Spell craft, and so half of the unique library was devoted to Potions, some of which had been thought lost to time, and others which had been eradicated by misguided 'light' wizards, intent on preserving the purity of the society they lived in by eradicating any questionable influence. It was the habit of his kind to purge their knowledge, usually in reaction to someone grossly misusing a spell or potion, which had the unfortunate effect that many useful and necessary spells or potions had been lost.

When his retrieval mission ended, he had to carry Potter out of the Chamber; the boy was so deeply asleep. Albus' phoenix would not allow him to wake the boy, and when they'd emerged from the girl's toilet on the third floor he'd had the misfortune to run across Poppy. She was horrified that the boy had yet again strained his magic, that he was visiting 'that beastly damp place' and that Severus had enlisted his help in dissecting 'that wretched thing'. In very short order, he was treated to yet another care and feeding lecture, one that this time included access to sunshine and healthy exercise. He was to take his charge outside for a portion of every day and see to it that he engaged in some form of recreation. Potter slept through the entire diatribe, and Severus was only too pleased to plunk the brat on his bed and leave him to it.

The next morning he sent a short note to be included on Potter's breakfast tray, and met his charge in the foyer of the castle precisely at eight. Potter was dressed properly in a light brown set of robes and held the Muggle rags under one arm as instructed. Severus nodded in rare approval and led the boy outside, down the steps and off to the side of the gamekeepers hut, directing him with a sharp gesture to put the clothes on the ground.

"Have these items any sentimental value, Potter?" Severus asked curiously, and the boy looked up at him, his green eyes so clear that it was difficult to resist using Legilimency on him. Severus knew that Potter was aware of his abilities, because the boy sometimes avoided eye contact, but this time there was not even a minimal attempt to keep the Potions Master out.

"No sir," Potter sighed, slight loathing tingeing his thoughts, "They're just clothes."

"Very well," Snape nodded and set fire to them, taking satisfaction in knowing that the boy would be better dressed from now on, at his insistence. The rags had been a severe affront to his guardianship, and Severus suspected that the bond formed by holding Potter's protections was growing in strength. He had hated watching the boy move about dressed that way, and satisfaction that he had provided far better clothes and accruements for the child was swelling in his chest. Potter was wearing his watch today as well, something he hadn't done in the Chamber. When questioned, the boy had admitted that he didn't want to risk damaging it, which at least showed he appreciated the value of the gift.

"You are never to return to the Muggles again, Potter, no matter what the situation is," Severus instructed, watching his charge watch the small fire, "If I am, for whatever reason, unable to fulfil my duties as your Guardian, you will seek shelter at the school. Your Head of House has agreed to take over my duties to you should I ever be rendered incapable of performing them."

"Yes sir," Harry looked up, smoke swirling across his eyes. Severus nodded and led the way back into the castle.

As Poppy had threatened to get the Ward Holder of Hogwarts, interfering old coot that he was, to bar Severus entry to the dungeons for the remainder of the holiday, Severus had set up a temporary workspace on the ground floor in a little used classroom. This particular room was too small for inter-house classes and too drafty in winter for lessons to take place, but in summer it caught a fair amount of light and had the added advantage of the windows overlooking a small, disused courtyard. Small in the Hogwarts sense, that is, which meant it was large enough for a three hundred year old oak tree to grow in and still have room for grass and beds of flowers mixed with weeds in it. Potter was nimble, and could climb in and out of the window to gain access to the yard or Severus' workroom, which meant that Severus could supervise the boy while he was outside without having to leave his work.

Salazar's books were already here, as well as a number of Severus' private reference books, and eventually he would set up a laboratory for his own use. Potter would also be brewing this summer, as part of his continued education, as well as studying the third year texts that Severus had procured from the school library. His Ward would improve his overall grades this year or Severus would know the reason why.

"Have a seat, Potter," Severus pointed to the small table that was to be the boys desk, "I will explain what you will be doing for the rest of your summer."

Potter sat down, reluctance dragging at his shoulders and Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It wasn't as if he was about to sentence the boy to weeks of misery and starvation, for Merlin's sake. Severus perched on the edge of his own, much larger, desk and folded his arms sharply, determined that Potter would accept his course of study for the summer with good manners at least, if not good grace.

He had to admit that Potter bore the lecture well enough, not once complaining or protesting. At mention of his substandard marks the boy at least had the grace to look faintly ashamed and give a slight nod, acknowledging that he had been doing less than he was capable of. Severus hated waste, and the waste of a mind was an especially irritating thing.

"Am I understood, Potter?" Severus asked at the end of the lecture, and Potter nodded at once, adding his voice to the affirmation quietly. Severus wasn't sure he trusted the capitulation, but decided to give the boy enough rope to hang himself with, as it were. He set the first task, reading and notes in charms and transfiguration, and then went to his own desk. Potter opened his book at once, organised parchment and quill and then lapsed into relative stillness, reading and jotting notes as directed.

Severus settled into his own research with the hesitation of a man waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The week passed with surprising peace. Potter maintained a fairly quiet, studious presence. Although Severus checked at random intervals, he had yet to catch the boy doing anything other than reading laboriously and taking succinct notes. When the boy became restless, he was sent out into the courtyard for some exercise. Severus had given Potter strict instructions that he was not to leave the courtyard except by the windows that opened into the workroom, and not to exceed the height of the roof. Potter didn't have his broom, but Severus was well aware of the child's ability to come up with something unexpected, an expectation which was substantiated when Potter started to climb the tree.

As he never went higher than the roofline, and so technically did not leave the courtyard Severus chose the better part of valour and let it be.

Saturday loomed and Severus set up his laboratory. He set the boy to preparing basic ingredients for brewing, and started on one of the potions variants he'd found in Salazar's books. Potter would brew the standard potion used today, which was well within his skill level, while Severus attempted the more technically demanding variant. He wanted to test them both to determine why the variant had gone out of standard use. If he discovered that it was because of laziness on the brewers part he would be quite… irked.

Potter brewed perfectly. Severus of course kept one eye on the child at all times, but without the distraction of House rivalries and House sabotage, not that Severus would admit to seeing such a thing in his lessons, the boy was a better brewer than expected. He worked precisely enough and didn't waste much. Severus would of course see to it that some of his bad brewing habits were curbed, once this experiment was over.

With two cauldrons worth of test material, Severus dismissed Potter for the rest of the day, and Sunday as well. He tended not to work on the Sabbath if it could be avoided, and instructed his Ward that the boy might leave off from his studies for that day only, provided he engaged in another constructive task. Potter nodded warily and left the room, leaving the Potions Master to test and compare to his hearts content.

0o0o0o0

"Ah, Severus," Albus announced himself with his usual aplomb, and Severus bit down on the sigh that wanted to gust forth. His evening had been going so well, a glass of red wine, a professional journal and no fidgeting ward in the background…

"I know that as the Keeper of Wards in this castle you can unlock any door when needed, but really Albus, would it hurt to knock?" Severus glared at his employer, who sat down uninvited and completely unperturbed.

"It may do, I could skin a knuckle, or get a splinter," the old coot twinkled at him, smoothing his beard complacently. Severus bit down on the retort that he wanted to make and laid the journal in his lap, face up and open to make it clear that he had merely suspended his reading, not given it up.

"You wanted something?" he prompted, his tone only barely on the correct side of polite. Not that his guest was in any way discomforted by it.

"I was wondering how you were planning to procure Harry's school supplies," Albus twinkled at him again, as if he knew precisely how irritating he was being.

"I was planning to send Dizzy for them," Severus replied coolly, "Once I had reviewed and approved his subject choices."

"Approved? You don't feel that Harry should choose his own path?" there was a hint of warning to Albus' voice, and Severus smirked at his employer.

"I would prefer the boy to have a full load of useful subjects," he replied in his deepest tone, "Unexpected or not, the boy is now under my guidance, and his performance will reflect on me. I have a reputation to uphold."

"I'm well aware of your reputation, Severus," there was a double edged blade if he'd ever heard one, and something that the elderly mage opposite him rarely alluded to, "However I am sure you know that Harry will resent any interference with his studies. He wishes to remain with his friends after all."

"I have no intention of depriving him of their company," Severus waved a languid hand, "And he will of course see them at meals and in the evening."

"Harry's friends are vital to his well being, Severus," Albus chided, "I am sure you remember your own school days… but enough of that..."

Severus glared at the man in front of him, knowing full well that the Headmaster was alluding to his own status as an outcast in his House, mainly because of his poverty. If they'd also known he was a half-blood…

"… I have had a letter from Molly Weasley, requesting that Harry be allowed to come with her family to Diagon Alley for the annual school shopping trip. She has written at great length about the supervision she and Arthur will offer Harry, as well as the safety of the Alley. I have taken the liberty of writing back, saying that Harry will meet them in the Alley with one of our professors."

"Thank you, Albus," Severus said with heavy sarcasm, "I've been meaning to attend to the school potions stores."

"Well then, that's settled," Albus beamed, as if he hadn't backed Snape into a corner at wand point, "Here are the details of the meeting, and I do hope you enjoy your day, Severus. I believe Miss Granger will be there too."

Severus took the proffered slip of parchment numbly and waited for a good five minutes before airing his opinion of interfering employers. He wouldn't put it past the old coot to have lingered at the door.

0o0o0o0

Potter met Severus in the foyer on the morning of their enforced excursion, an excited gleam in his eyes. He was immaculately dressed in a dark blue set, the crisp white shirt a startling contrast. Already the clothes were influencing the boy's posture for the better, though Severus had come to realise that nothing could be done about the hair. The watch chain gleamed dully in the morning light, and the boy's boots were cleaner than Severus had expected.

"Put this on," he instructed, saying nothing of his approval of the boy's appearance, as it wasn't his way, "It's a port key. Should an emergency arise you will be brought back to your rooms at the castle. In that case, you will remain within them until I say otherwise, unless you are in need of medical treatment."

"Yes sir," Potter put a hand out obediently to take the small amulet from Severus, "Thank you."

Severus nodded in acknowledgement and watched as Potter examined the amulet curiously. It was made of newly forged steel; all the better to hold the transport and protection spells Severus had spent several nights weaving into the intricate design. The chain was very fine, though strong, and the amulet itself was a snake, twisted into an intricate Celtic knot, a never ending loop. The chain had no clasp but was long enough for Potter to put over his head easily, tucking it under his shirt to warm against his skin. Once he'd resettled his collar, the brat put his hands together in front of him and raised his face to look Severus in the eye.

"Sir, I know that Diagon Alley isn't secure enough to have a proper conversation," the boy was developing some cunning, prefacing his predictable request with that statement, "But when they get to Hogwarts, may I tell Hermione and Ron about your guardianship of me, and the summer?"

Severus tilted his head in approval for the way the request was worded, concise and appropriately respectful without whining or begging. The brat had put some thought into this.

"You may tell them here only in your rooms or my presence," Severus agreed, "I suppose it is inevitable they will enquire about your summer. You are not to tell anyone else, under any circumstances."

"Thank you," Potter looked relieved and Severus nodded once more before turning and heading for the castle doors. He was a little surprised that Potter would want to admit that he was under the guardianship of a disliked teacher, but supposed that Potter's sense of Gryffindor fairness would push him to acknowledge the situation to his closest friends.

"Come, Potter, or we'll be late," he instructed, "You are to remain with me at all times, is that understood? If you wander out of my reach at any time I will send you straight back to the castle."

"Yes sir," Potter replied, and broke into a jog to keep up with him. Severus slowed down after a moment, not wanting to earn a scolding from Molly Weasley about making Potter run. They walked down to Hogsmede and into the Three Broomsticks, where Snape paid for the Floo. The castle's Floo was shut down for maintenance today, which made him uneasy. Floo to Hogwarts would have been another escape route for the boy, should one become necessary. He pushed Potter into the fire with him, and kept one hand firmly on the boys arm as they spun past sundry hearths. The Leaky Cauldron spun into sight and Severus stepped out gratefully, tugging a dizzy Potter with him. He cleaned the soot off with a spell, and then frowned and leaned down to the boy's ear.

"Are you carrying your wand?" he murmured, and Potter nodded, looking startled, "Do not use it."

The brat looked faintly insulted, but said nothing, ducking his head to regain control of his temper. Severus had become familiar with this habit, and it pleased him to see that the pest was at least attempting to exercise some self control. He spotted Arthur Weasley watching from a corner of the dining room and steered Potter over in that direction. Sure enough, the rest of the Weasley brood were in attendance and Potter was swallowed up in a crowd of redheads, with Granger's shrill voice piping above them.

"Severus," Arthur held his hand out, and Severus shook it politely, "Good of you to bring the lad along."

"The Headmaster felt it was for the best," Severus made it clear that the granting of this treat for Potter had nothing to do with him. Arthur smiled, as if he'd said something amusing, and turned to watch as his wife smoothed the brat's hair and asked how he was. Weasley and Granger were hovering close, and it occurred to Severus that his instruction for Potter to stay in his reach also meant that the rest of the Trio were to spend the day with him as well.

As if suddenly realising that his guardians arms weren't long enough to span the dining room, Potter looked around and blushed, retreating to Severus' side. Weasley and Granger followed as if attached by a string, and Severus bit back a sigh of resignation.

"Sorry sir," Potter looked anxious and Severus nodded once in acknowledgement. Weasley and Granger both looked uncomfortable, which was excellent as far as he was concerned. If they could reign themselves in long enough to get this visit done without irritating him or endangering his wards life he might even consider taking a few points less in their first lesson this year.

Eventually Arthur and Molly got their brood organised and they all headed for the Alley. Molly had a lot of experience getting a large group of children organised with their school supplies, so Severus allowed her to direct their shopping, though he took Potter with him to the Apothecary while the rest of the crowd were buying school robes. His Ward was made useful fetching and carrying, which he did without complaint and more importantly without dropping anything. Severus was dismayed to note that the small group of idly curious witches and wizards that had been discreetly following them took the opportunity to stand close to the window and observe Potter's every move. His ward was aware of them, but made no effort to engage any of them in eye contact or conversation; just as well too, Severus knew that Albus would entirely disapprove of him hexing the so called 'Potter watchers', a ridiculous group of idlers who would do better to pay attention to their own lives instead of Potters'. It was appalling the way they treated Potter as if the boy was a rare bird to be tracked and examined in his daily habits. As his ward spent so much of his time in school, Diagon Alley was almost the only place the idiots could indulge in their 'hobby'.

There were Wanted posters up all over the Alley, and Sirius Black snarled and lunged madly in them, fighting the hands and restraints at the edge of the pictures. Severus noted that the Trio avoided looking at the posters, and didn't bring the escapee up. They also avoided asking Potter about his summer after the first query in Severus' earshot garnered the response 'not here' and a glance in his direction. He backed his ward up with a silent glare and Weasley glared back before Granger elbowed him.

They had almost finished their shopping when a cry went up, further down the Alley. Several voices were raised in chorus, and people either began pushing towards them or pushing away from them, a situation that threatened to separate Severus from his charge.

"Black! It's Sirius Black!"

Three people charged between Severus and the children and he snarled at them before activating the port key that Potter had draped over his head only this morning. There was a shriek and Severus turned in time to see Weasley and Granger disappear along with his ward.

"Marvellous," Severus snarled under his breath and waded over towards the rest of the Weasley brood.

0o0o0o0

It turned out that 'Sirius Black' was in fact a once reputable pureblood who had become addicted to several of the more potent potions ingredients available in a small shop just off Diagon Alley. Severus had no time for the weak minded fools that turned to narcotic agents to alleviate the sad reality of their lives, and very nearly hexed the hapless twit for causing him to send his ward where he would be unsupervised with his two best friends. Once he had assured Molly Weasley that the Golden Trio were safe, that he would personally escort her son and her sons female friend to the Burrow and that no, he didn't think Miss Granger would feel better if her latest acquisition – a ginger fluffy thing with the improbable name of Crookshanks – was at her side, he was free to leave.

Unencumbered by the cat demon, and still carrying Potters school supplies in his pockets, Severus apparated back to Hogsmede and strode along the path that would return him to the school. This would be a test of sorts for the boy, as he was once more returned to his audience, and his partners in crime. Would Potter remain locked behind the safe wards of his room, or would he be persuaded to disobey Severus and wander the castle foolishly? If the former, then Severus would have to admit that the brat had at least learned to obey him, if the latter then his wrath would be so great that the boy would turn to Filch for a rest cure.

Hogwarts herself knew that he was to be admitted to Potter's rooms without password, though he did have to flare his magic against the door to be recognised. He mounted the steps silently, and when he reached the landing he could hear the voices of the three teens his port key had transported. He was pleased that Potter had not given into temptation, and paused a moment to listen to the discussion within.

"… a lot better than normal, anyway," Granger was saying lightly, "And you said you'd done all your homework?"

"You bet," Potter sounded amused, "In the first two weeks. Then we went down to the Chamber and worked there for a few days."

"Yuk," Weasley uttered, "That Basilisk must have ronked."

"Professor Snape had a couple of cloths that we tied over our faces to neutralise the smell," Potter replied, "And he repaired the passage where Lockhart made your wand explode, Ron, so we didn't have to crawl through it."

"You know, Slytherin is rumoured to have left all sorts of things in that Chamber of his… did you do any exploring, Harry?" Granger sounded eager, and Severus smirked, knowing that he'd cleaned that place of all its secrets. There was nothing left down there for the Know-It-All to find, but he made a mental note to warn Potter off taking jaunts with his friends in term-time.

"The Professor found everything there was to find… some journals and books and stuff. He's been going through them and brewing stuff he finds in there," Potter sounded as if he was grinning, "He even makes me brew… or prepare ingredients."

"Rotten luck," Weasley sighed, "I mean, with the Quidditch pitch right here and everything, you could be practicing and getting ahead for the next season."

"I think it would be fascinating," Granger sounded very prim, and Severus smirked. She was well known for her drive to know everything, and even Filius had been taken aback by some of her questions. He'd heard a rumour that she'd put down for every elective there was, and he didn't pity Minerva the task of pinning the young witch down and making her choose properly.

"So… you're all right, then, Harry?" Weasley asked hesitantly, "I mean, he treats you ok?"

Severus stood very still, curious to hear exactly what Potter thought of his treatment this summer. Certainly he hadn't been feted and cosseted, allowed to loll about uselessly or spend all day on his broom. Severus could imagine that the strictures placed on the boy's movements and leisure time would have him harbouring some hefty resentment, and now they would come to light no matter how the boy acted in his presence.

"Yeah Ron, Professor Snape treats me ok," Potter replied ungrammatically, "He's given me a great room and clothes to wear that actually fit. He even gave me a Wizarding watch. Any task I get comes with a reasonable deadline, and like I said he lets me go out into that courtyard near his workspace. He's been a fair guardian."

So the boy had explained the guardianship he was now living under. It was interesting that his adjective of choice was 'fair' – it showed that the guiding light of the Muggles had been unfairness in their dealings with the boy.

"Yes, but you have to climb in and out of a window!" Granger protested and the boys behind the door heaved an identical sigh.

"Hermione, that's half the fun!" they told her in chorus and all three burst out laughing. Severus sneered at Gryffindors idea of fun and pushed the door open without warning. Granger was seated in the armchair and Weasley was on the couch-come-bed with Potter. All three looked up when he entered and stopped laughing.

"Sir, was it really Sirius Black?" Potter asked eagerly, "Did they catch him?"

"It was not him – they mistook another wizard for him," Severus replied, "Weasley, your family are returning home. I am to escort you and Miss Granger there."

"Yes sir," Weasley gave Potter a glum look and shifted closer to the dark haired boy for a moment. Potter looked equally glum, but mustered up a smile for his friends. Severus made a mental note to lay in some texts about physical maturity and intimate relations for the time that the two of them finally realised where their leanings were.

"I'll see you when school starts," Potter was hugging Granger, "It's only another few weeks."

"Will you be on the train?" Weasley looked hopefully at Severus and then seemed to change his mind. Good thing too, because Severus had no intention of letting his charge go down to London only to return straight to the castle.

"What would be the point? He's already here," Granger pointed out; when Potter didn't do anything other than shrug in reply. Severus emptied his pockets and returned the shopping to its correct size.

"Potter, put these away while I'm gone," he instructed his ward. Potter nodded obediently, and thumped Weasley on the shoulder casually as the teen gathered Granger's elbow in his hand and escorted her to the door.

"See you when term starts," Potter called after his friends, and turned to his task. Severus nodded once in approval and followed the teens down to the foyer.

"Need I remind you not to discuss your friend's location?" Severus droned when they reached the school doors.

"We won't," Granger looked indignant, but he had no patience for her self inflated idea of her own competency. This was Potter's life she was risking, and Severus wouldn't have it said he'd been lax in protecting the boy.

"Thank you for protecting him, sir," Weasley sounded subdued, "And for being his guardian."

Severus huffed at the boy and chivvied the teens along. As if he needed their approval for his actions!

0o0o0o0