PB4

Disclaimer- making no money, just having fun with JKR's characters.

Chapter 4

Severus watched Albus twinkle and beam during another tedious staff meeting with distaste. Albus and Minerva were rather sickening in their pride that Harry Potter would be arriving in the coming year. Filius rolled his eyes on a regular basis; he'd adored Lily as well, of course, as she'd been a top student in Charms. Sprout was looking worried – and well she should since Albus could not be swayed in this lunacy about the Sorcerer's Stone.

Minerva and Albus kept eyeing him during meetings, waiting for an explosion of malice regarding 'the Potter spawn'. He'd remained stone-faced and indifferent to the subtle taunts from the Gryffindors. Severus could only assume they wanted hostility from him toward the Potter boy … for what?

He supposed that Albus didn't want Severus looking out for Harry other than to make sure he didn't get killed while at school. Keeping Severus' hatred of all things Potter well stoked would be a good way to do that.

Over the last few years several troubling things about Albus had attracted his attention. Once when a rather rich, very, very distant relative of the Potters had asked after Harry … obviously seeing if there was a way to adopt him into her family … Albus had whipped out an old letter from Petunia – one she'd written to see if she could accompany Lily to Hogwarts. The letter clearly showed the love Petunia felt for Lily and the anguish she felt at being separated from her.

There wasn't a dry eye in the room after the letter was read – except for Severus' of course. Albus had waxed poetical about how well Harry would be cared for by the woman who had written that letter … the many indulgences that he likely had lavished on him. Any time Harry was mentioned by anyone he would go on about his extravagant lifestyle … without ever actually saying the Harry was spoiled of course. If Severus hadn't known exactly how Harry lived he'd likely have developed a very real resentment over it.

It became obvious that Albus had no idea of exactly what went on at the Dursley household. Petunia did indulge the boys at times, but they had chores and were expected to behave like young gentlemen. Never once did Albus mention Petunia's illness. Of course it was possible that Albus didn't want everyone to know that Harry's main source of blood magic was dying … but still – he should have said something to Severus.

The letter from Harry about Petunia's death had left Severus on edge. He'd waited … and waited … and waited for Albus to mention it … surely they needed to transfer the blood wards to Dudley? Had Albus and Minerva done it themselves? Why didn't Albus mention it, though?

Then on spring break Albus and Minerva had cheerfully discussed at length during a staff meeting that the Dursley's and Harry were, perhaps, vacationing at the seaside – or maybe camping this year. Severus now noticed that they were careful to not perjure themselves. They 'speculated' about it all, but in such knowing tones that their listeners were sure that it was fact.

Never the less, they were going on about Harry's family – and Petunia - when Albus at least should be aware of the fact that she was dead. Severus had wondered and wavered, afraid of alerting Albus to the fact that he had been in contact with Harry and his family through the years. Severus had long since become a bit disillusioned by Albus. At best he was thinking only of a war that may or may not occur, or at worst he was using them all as chess pieces in a game that might not be in everyone's best interest.

Summer had arrived and Severus finally decided he needed to speak to Harry before the school year. The week after they'd put the noisy brats on the train he'd gone to Privet Drive – to find a new family living in the Dursley house.

Severus' mind had raced, trying to make sense of this. Had Albus spirited them away? Had Death Eaters done so … now that Petunia was gone? Another part of him cynically wondered if Albus had a clue as to anything that was going on here on Privet Drive. Severus knocked on a few doors, saying truthfully that he was a friend of the family and 'had lost track of them'.

The neighbors had tried to be helpful. He heard the sad tale of Petunia's death occuring just before Christmas. Severus had known that, though not in such detail … Harry had been brief in his letter. All any of them knew was that Vernon and the two boys had packed up and moved on spring break. No one – including the children - had heard from them since.

It had taken time, but Severus recalled that kids had to be in school or suffer the wrath of Child Services. Severus quickly questioned a secretary in the local school, applying a bit of legilimancy, and found where they had finished out the rest of the year – or at least the school that the boy's transcripts had been sent to.

Severus found that school and finally, with relief, got an address. He was dismayed to find himself in a shabby 'by the week' place. It seemed inhabited mostly by stable workers and some down on their luck types. No one appeared very dangerous to his eye, which helped him relax a bit. The owner / manager was helpful with further information after Severus slipped him some money.

Vernon and the boys had been working at the racetrack and they had moved on the Salisbury – presumably to the racetrack there. Severus had gone back to Hogwarts after that to consider his options. Now July was here and Severus needed to do something. Listening to Albus blather on about Petunia likely indulging Harry in a lavish holiday was intolerable when he knew that she was dead and the Dursleys and Harry had been forced to leave their home.

It wore hard on him that the family had struggled and he'd known nothing of it. The owner of the by the week place had said they were 'doin' okay' and that Vernon had been offered better work. Severus hoped that was true.

Severus finally came to a decision stood with an irritated scowl, interrupting more talk from Minerva about how 'cute' the street Harry lived on was. "I believe we've discussed everything of importance. I need to be off to my home on a 'not as cute street'. I likely will need to gather a bit of patience for the coming year."

As he swept from the room, out of the corner of his eye he noted a satisfied smile pass between Albus and Minerva. Severus was already packed and he dashed off a short note to send to Harry on the way out. He went to the owlery and noticed that the spotted owl belonging to Lily … and then Harry was there. He attached the note and told the owl. "Bring any reply to my home on Spinners End."

The owl hooted and took off quickly. Severus went home to fume about Albus and worry about Harry.

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Harry and Dudley ran to the stable early in the morning, as they did every morning these days. Draco joined them; it had taken time for him to come to terms with brushing out his own horse and saddling it. Dudley had been right though – the horses did respond better to those that took care of them. They had not been able to talk him into mucking out stalls – but Draco felt that neither of the other boys really missed it either.

They spent most days riding out on the trails – even into the New Forest preserve and taking a lunch with them. Draco had wanted to just summon an elf, but once in the preserve they could possibly be seen by muggles. They were always back soon after lunch and then 'exploring the muggle world for Draco and exploring the wizarding world for Harry and Dudley' with Narcissa.

Lucius and Narcissa took Harry and Dudley to some Quidditch games in France and Spain – making sure Harry had a hat pulled low over his forehead. In return Draco was introduced to soccer and soon was a rather rabid fan, though he was having a hard time picking out which team he wanted to back. Draco was becoming more at ease in the muggle world, though he left the talking to the others. Still, going to the horse races was still everyone's favorite – especially if Rusty was running.

Vernon was more at ease with his duties and they all were settling into the house. Their belongings from the storage shed were fetched and with the rest of the family pictures on the wall, they felt much more at home.

Harry and Dudley had gone to the local Pony Clubs, paid for by Marge before she'd been banished from their family. They weren't expert riders by any means, but they had the basics down. Now, with daily excursions they were becoming quite good. The Camargue horses were patient but fast and agile, so the two boys quickly learned to stay on no matter what. A stablehand that had some free time taught them how to fall correctly, as well – a talent as useful as how to stay on.

They watched thoroughbreds breezing around the small track that surrounded the pastures, wishing they were allowed to ride them. The trainer was a relative of the Malfoy's from the Camargue – one with no interest in any magical work – only wanting to work with the horses. Stablehands and the riders who worked out the horses there at the Manor stable were mostly older wizarding students who were earning money on their summers off. One or two were squibs or those with little magic who wanted to stay in the magical world in some capacity and had of love of horses.

One stable worker named Marin was assisting the trainer; he was a squib who knew that positions in the magical world for trainers were few and hoped to work in the muggle world but needed to learn the trade and learn to function in the muggle world. He'd become the boy's impromptu riding instructor and Dudley and Harry were giving him pointers on passing himself off as a muggle.

Marin had managed to get a driver's license, though Harry thought that someone must have cast a confundus on the tester for him to pass. Soon Marin was taking the boys to town for movies and lunch at unhealthy fast food places. Slowly both Marin and Draco got more comfortable in the muggle world, and Harry and Dudley learned more about the wizarding world.

Narcissa conducted a 'getting to know wizards' class in the evenings. She'd been surprised and uncertain when Dudley joined them, but Dudley had eagerly said that 'even if he couldn't really join in it, he loved to hear of it and very much enjoyed going to some events when he could'. She'd nodded, smiling, and hoped he never became jealous or resentful like some did.

At the beginning of July, just as the horses were being turned loose back into their pasture a familiar spotted owl winged its way to Harry's outstretched arm. Harry was glad to see Ditto – as they'd taken to calling the spotted owl. He'd hoped that Professor Snape would contact him, now that they were settled into the Malfoy Estate. It would have been embarrassing to have him visit before.

Harry took the letter and told the owl to wait at Harry's new home – waving toward the dower house. Dudley and Draco trailed behind him as he wandered toward the Malfoy house; both of them recognized the handwriting. Dudley was pleased to see Professor Snape reconnecting with them. Draco was mystified as to how his godfather knew Harry.

The three went to the sunroom where Narcissa usually conducted the 'lessons' along with serving afternoon tea. Harry was a bit wary. Aunt Petunia had always said to say nothing of Snape having known them – unless he told them to, as it might be dangerous for him for any of a dozen reasons.

Harry quickly opened the letter and read it swiftly.

Mr. Potter,

Where in bloody hell are you?

I expect and immediate answer – tell the

dratted bird to take the reply to Spinners End

Aggravatedly,

Professor Snape

Harry chuckled. He was still doing so when Narcissa entered. She recognized Severus' writing as well and stopped. Uncertain as to what it meant she swiftly went to Lucius' study and brought him in to speak to Harry.

Lucius glanced at the writing in the brief letter, verifying that it was from Severus and sat next to Narcissa on a couch.

"I see you are acquainted with a friend of mine …" Lucius began, hoping that indeed Severus was truly a friend. " … a Professor named Severus Snape?"

Harry hesitated a long moment. He could feel Lucius and Narcissa's intense interest in this, but couldn't tell if it was good or bad for Severus. He did know, from subtle – and sometimes not so subtle – comments that Lucius did not like Dumbledore and he must not be for Voldemort since he had welcomed Harry Potter and a pair of muggles into his estate. Harry knew that all this could be a well-organized plot, but he decided to leave it to Severus to sort out.

Harry nodded, "Yes, he was a friend of my mother's and he kept in touch with my Aunt as well." Harry kept it simple – Professor Snape could likely explain all that away if he needed to. Harry shoved the letter in his pocket. "Would it be okay if I answer it?"

Lucius waved Harry to his study, intending to ensure that Severus arrive immediately while Narcissa spoke rather absently to Draco and Dudley about the upcoming school year.

Lucius shoved parchment and a never – out quill at Harry. Harry sighed, but Snape had made Petunia have Harry practice with a quill and parchment that he sent her, so Harry was pretty good with it.

Dear Professor Snape,

Sorry I didn't let you know that Vernon, Dudley and I relocated

after Aunt Petunia died. Uncle Vernon found a very nice job here

on Malfoy Estates with relatives of mine. We have a magic house and

everything. Uncle Vernon can explain everything else when you visit.

Hope you can come over soon.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Harry knew that Lucius was reading the letter he wrote, even if it was up-side down. He didn't mind, it would save him the trouble of telling him what he'd written. Harry carefully rolled it up and Lucius called for his eagle owl to send off the letter.

"Severus and I went to school together, I was a few years ahead of him, but we were both in Slytherin together. He's Draco's godfather as a matter of fact." Lucius tried to give the information casually, but his mind was once again racing. Sending the letter by owl instead of showing Harry how to do a firecall gave Lucius and Narcissa precious time to figure out how this might work in their favor.

Lucius shooed Harry back to Narcissa and thought rapidly. Severus, of all people, knew that Lucius had absolutely not been imperioused by Voldemort. Lucius had never really been able to figure out where Severus' loyalties lay ... one reason Lucius greatly admired Severus. Someone who could hide their motives from Lucius was someone to be respected.

Now though, if Severus was helping harry Potter – and Dumbledore was unaware of it … well, there was perhaps a third side to the war. One that wasn't a fanatical blood purist madman or an ivory-tower white wizard who didn't recognize anything that wasn't his idea of correct. Severus knew grey areas and shadows and knew how to navigate them.

Lucius awaited the arrival of Severus' return owl with anticipation – sure enough Lucius' eagle owl returned with the reply, tail feathers smoking and a rather outraged look on his visage.

Harry apologized to Narcissa who nodded – also anxious to hear Severus' reply.

Harry,

THE MALFOYS?

Tell Lucius I will be there for dinner at seven and

both he Vernon had best have an explanation.

Yours,

Severus Snape

Harry laughed uncertainly. There were a lot of undercurrents he did not understand, but it was fun to watch Lucius' left eye twitch - it always did when Lucius was under a strain, it seemed. He hoped that Severus would let him know what was going on, Aunt Petunia had trusted him a great deal and he was always forthcoming with information whenever he had visited.

Harry handed the letter and watched Lucius put a hand to the corner of his left eye to make it stop twitching.

'Wonderful'. Lucius thought. Well he couldn't expect Severus to trust Lucius without a minor confrontation on issues … such as loyalties, expectations, plots regarding their future, etc.

Everything depended on whom Severus was loyal to … and Lucius well remembered Severus' suicidal plea to Voldemort to spare Lily Evans Potter. The fact that he had actually persuaded the Dark Lord to spare Lily if he could had been amazing.

Lucius sent a quick message to Vernon about the dinner with Severus that would be at Malfoy Manor, for 'everyone's convenience' … especially Lucius'. Plus he suspected that Severus would take the news better from Narcissa. The boys dressed up a bit and Narcissa donned a pretty gown that wasn't so dressy as to put Severus on edge. Lucius fought to keep from pacing while everyone waited in the sitting room. At last the floo sounded and a hostile looking Severus was shown in by a house elf.

The three boys leaped to greet the Professor and he held off his interrogation until he was done inspecting all three boys. Lucius bristled a bit as he recognized that Severus ran a diagnostic over Harry – likely looking for coercion spells. Lucius did not mind that he cast the spell, but it was aggravating to see the other wizard casting wandlessly and wordlessly with such casualness. Bloody Snape had alot more raw power than Lucius, which he usually didn't mind - unless Snape insisted on flaunting it this way.

Finally Severus sat on a sofa, the boys crowded around him chattering about the horses. Severus let them do so while he eyed the other three adults. Narcissa called for a glass of his favorite wine and sent over a tray of artichoke tartlets – also a favorite of his.

At last the boys wound down and Severus managed to get a sentence in.

"Imagine my surprise to find Harry and his family … here." Severus managed to say this quietly.

Lucius hesitated and Vernon jumped in. "Perhaps I should start …" Lucius nodded in agreement. "… I need to explain one thing – even before Petunia was ill, well we were living above our means. The mortgage was co-signed by Marge and larger than we should have taken … the two cars, even though Marge bought the one. She bought expensive vacations for us … but we still had to pay for the tours there and the expensive meals. We'd have been okay if disaster hadn't struck. And of course her treatments were covered and all … but I missed a great deal of work and once you fall behind on things … it's so difficult to catch up. When I sold the car and argued with Marge – she stopped giving me 'loans' to help cover things … then it really went downhill …"

Severus nodded in understanding … Lucius of course looked a bit mystified, but he nodded as well.

I missed so much work by the time she passed away – my job let me go. Vernon looked at Severus in apology. "I would have let you know all this … but I was afraid Dumbledore would snatch Harry away … Petunia said he had far too much interest in him."

"A wise woman …" Narcissa murmured.

Severus heard the undertone and filed that away. The pureblood princess was voicing approval of a muggle. Fond as he was of Narcissa, he also knew her weak points.

"At any rate … I was able to keep us together, though not in luxury by any means." Vernon said ruefully. "Then this opportunity with Mr Malfoy turned up and we found out that Mrs Malfoy is a relative of Harry's. I must say I was quite relieved … they can help Harry get about in the magical world … I know you have Dumbledore looking over your shoulder, so you might not be able to give him a hand as much as you would like."

Severus nodded slowly while Lucius stood near the fireplace mantle, leaning on it artfully and trying to keep his eye from twitching. Severus thought he should perhaps have taken a calming draught.

Narcissa stood and shook out her skirt, and announced dinner. They filed in and they boys did her proud – behaving very well, indeed – a few etiquette lessons had been added into the others. Not that Petunia hadn't done a good job on them, but some of the purebloods they might meet were very stringent in what they expected.

Lucius held her chair and she rang for the first course. Severus sat at her right and she proceeded to drop a few hints to him … Yes they no longer thought much of a certain 'Lord' … Lucius had heard there were billions of muggles - 'with a b' - and the aforementioned 'Lord' could not possibly deal with them all …

This was said with a smile at Vernon and Dudley, hoping they took no offense. They smiled in return, likely not realizing she spoke of Voldemort.

She continued as the main course arrived, with a smile now on Harry, who was at her left. "I was so very happy to meet my cousin and we were honored have he and his family join us on the Estate. We welcome them …"

Severus took that in and glanced at Lucius who was looking at him intently. So … they were disillusioned with Voldemort and Harry was their ticket out. Fine … he smirked quietly to himself, making Lucius twitch again. Dumbledore needed to be held in check where Harry was concerned. Severus could only do so much, so having a powerful family of purebloods out to protect themselves with Harry would be excellent.

"Well, Dumbledore certainly does not have Harry's best interests at heart." Severus said with a smile. "Any ideas on how to impede him?"

The others sat back in relief and Narcissa rang for the next course. Severus had accepted their defection from the Dark Lord's cause and was on their side in the matter of him staying at Malfoy Estate. Lucius felt the left eye relax and stop twitching. The details could be discussed later, of course. Meanwhile they happily told Severus the plots they'd already started – making the Potionsmaster snicker … Albus would have a fatal stroke – if they were lucky. He shared the Sorcerer's stone plot Dumbledore had in place, making a few jaws drop in astonishment.

Severus took Harry aside after an ultra-sweet desert that Severus swore he could feel raising his blood sugar to coma - inducing levels.

"Is everything really okay, Harry … no concerns at all? I can make other arrangements for you if there are …" Severus asked quietly.

Harry shook his head, "No, our only worry was for you … we weren't sure if contacting you would get you in trouble."

"Yes, it was wise of you to wait for me to contact you." Severus smiled. He appreciated their discretion – it would enable him to keep watch on Dumbledore – and able to hamstring any plans he might make.

Harry hugged him, to his surprise, but the boy was an affectionate sort, and he had missed Harry as well – there were so few children that didn't pale at the sight of him.

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Lucius looked up as another owl entered and dropped an envelope on a pile – Draco's pile this time. Lucius smiled. They had a bit of a contest going – it was tradition to wait until you received all your letters from the magical schools before opening all of them on July 31st – the schools had to make sure they were sent and received before then or the students wouldn't have time to accept and get their supplies.

It was now July 30th and Harry had 8 letters from various schools and Draco had 6. He'd told Draco privately that Harry would likely receive a lot more that him … everyone would want the Boy Who Lived to attend for the notoriety. He was rather impressed that Draco had gotten 6.

Screaming from a house-elf made him jump. "Bad bad giant is hurting Master Dursley sir! He be hexing Master Dudley! Master Harry Potter Sir is yelling bad language!" Lucius ran for the door, then decided to apparate, and found himself appearing into the middle of a scene of chaos.

Hagrid was bellowing something incomprehensible and Harry was screaming something profane … just before waving his left arm in a powerful arc and throwing the now stupefied half-giant through the wall and into the outside garden. Lucius was equally stunned – that had not been accidental magic, Harry had done wandless magic … wordless as well and had stunned a highly resistant half-giant. He immediately felt proud of himself for choosing to back the obviously powerful Harry.

Lucius turned to Dudley and Vernon and lost his smile. Dudley – sporting a pair of donkey ears – was weeping over his father. Vernon was collapsed on the floor, eyes glassy and clutching his chest. His pasty color and gasping breath boded ill for the outcome.

Mere minutes later Lucius had a herd of St Mungo's healers sweating over "Harry Potter's Uncle!" and "The cousin who gave Harry Potter blood protection!" Fudge and a frowning Amelia Bones were standing over the confused Hagrid – now known as a muggle baiter and possible killer – if Vernon died.

Amelia looked at Lucius, expecting an explanation. Lucius loftily said, "I arrived just as Harry's accidental magic hurled the attacker away …" Lucius squeezed Harry's shoulder in warning. "… I am sure that Mr Potter would be happy to fill you in on everything that occured…" Lucius knew that Amelia would have disbelieved most of what he said without Harry's corroboration anyway.

Amelia turned to Harry and Fudge smiled at the boy eagerly. Harry told an angrily anguished tale – the giant apparating in during lunch. Vernon trying to send him off – after all he'd broken in. Hagrid sneering at 'the muggle'. Dudley shouting and ending up with donkey ears. Harry trying to reason with the man, saying he'd gotten the letter – he simply hadn't opened it yet. Hagrid insisting that they were trying to keep him from Hogwarts …

It all had ended in tears, of course.

Lucius managed to look grave instead of gleefully triumphant. He'd overheard a healer say that Vernon would live, so he felt okay with the smugness.

Amelia frowned "Why haven't you opened the letter, Mr Potter?"

Lucius broke in at that. "It's a tradition of the Malfoy family to wait until the last school letter arrives and then open them all … Harry decided to participate – a bit of a contest between he and Draco, to see who got the most."

Harry felt a bit mean and looked at Fudge solemnly. "I'd intended to go to Hogwarts all along, but I have received a total of 8 letters …" He trailed off and looked at Hagrid's stunned form being portkeyed away with a bit of alarm. "… did Headmaster Dumbledore send him?" Harry managed an apprehensive query.

Lucius patted Harry's shoulder in comfort and murmured that he should go see his Uncle who had been moved to his bedroom. Harry scampered off; certain he'd gotten some payback. Fudge looked horrified that Harry might choose to leave Britain and go elswhere to receive schooling. Bones looked a little grim as well.

"I expect there will be an inquiry before the Wizengamot on Monday?" Lucius asked in harsh tones. "Muggles being hexed and frightened into heart seizures … breaking and entering with an illicit portkey – through my wards? Harry Potter was in danger…"

Both Fudge and Bones nodded emphatically and Lucius would have done a jig except Narcissa would yell. Perhaps he would do one later when alone.

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A/N – I'll explain the portkey during the 'Inquiry'. And yes, I finally had a day off and got this posted.