AN:*Sigh* I managed to get this chapter done on time. I honestly didn't think I would then we got a snow day! (I just wish I didn't have to drive home in the middle of the snowstorm last night. It turned an hour drive into a two hour one) Anyways, the point is I had plenty of time to finish this up. So here it is. Enjoy!

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Thankfully, the rest of the term passed without any more dangerous excitement, unless you count Neville's' cauldron exploding in class. It was a shock when the students received news that Professor Dumbledore was suspended from his job while the Board of Governers launched an investigation. All the gryffindors grumbled at the news. They were all angry that a great wizard like Dumbledore would be accused of negligence. Personally, Harry thought that if Dumbledore really didn't do anything wrong than there shouldn't be a problem.

Harry could hardly believe that he was packing up his things to go to his new home with Snape. Although Snape still insisted that it wasn't really a home. Harry kept asking the man what he meant but the only reply he would receive was, "You'll understand when you see it." Harry wondered if it was messy or something. After all, Snape hadn't been at the school the entire term and he didn't have a house elf to clean while he was gone. As excited as Harry was to see Spinner's End, he was a little sad to leave Hogwarts. The school had become a kind of home for him these last few months. He would miss sleeping in a room with other boys and seeing his friends every day. He was certain he would be seeing a lot of Draco but he would miss Ron and Hermione. Ron had suggested that Harry come stay with him and his family for a while but Harry didn't want to impose. He would have to ask Snape if he could visit from time to time.

Harry finished packing the last of his books into his suitcase and looked around for one last time to see if he had missed anything. Finding nothing he zipped up his suitcase and dragged it out of the boy dormitories. Ron and Hermione were waiting for him at the entrance of the Gryffindor dorms. Harry had promised to walk them to the train even though he wasn't going to leave on it. Harry dropped his suitcase off at Snape's private rooms and then followed after his friends. At the train station the three friends promised to write to each other over the summer holidays and said their last goodbyes. Harry also waved to Neville and Dean when he saw them get on. Draco gave him a quick hug and told him that he would see him later. Harry smiled and waved one last time before turning back to the school.

Snape was busy packing the last of his own items into his briefcase which was considerably smaller than Harry's. It was a black leather briefcase that looked like it belonged to a businessman instead of a sarcastic potions professor. He explained that he had put an extension charm on it so he wouldn't have his hands full with a bulky suitcase. Harry didn't really pay much attention to it. He was much more interested in Snape's clothes. He was wearing formal black pants with a white button-up shirt which was mostly covered by a black jacket. He really did look like a business man. It was weird seeing Snape in anything but his wizarding robes. Snape seemed to notice Harry staring at him and smirked. Harry felt his face redden from embarrassment and quickly averted his eyes.

"I suppose I look a little odd to you wearing a muggle suit," Snape guessed. Harry shook his head.

"No Professor. You look nice. It's just that I've never seen you wear those kinds of clothes before," he explained quickly.

"Harry, we're going to be living together. While during the school term I would prefer you call me professor or Snape, now we're going to my house you are free to call me by my first name," Snape said packing the last of his items. Harry's eyes widened.

"Severus?"

"Yes. You can call me that or Sev as Lucius often does but if you call me Sevvy I will smack you in the head," he warned.

Harry laughed but nodded that he understood.

"Sna-Severus. Why are you wearing a muggle suit?"

"Because we will be apparating to Spinner's end. I have a barrier around my house so that no one can apparate to the inside and I disconnect my fireplace from the floo network while I'm at the school so that means we will have to apparate to an alleyway near the house and walk to it. Both muggles and wizards live on the street so I have to wear muggle clothing so I don't attract unwanted attention," Severus explained.

"I've never heard of a place where wizards and muggles live together," Harry mused.

"There are a few. On the outside all the houses look like an average muggle home, but on the inside of the wizards house it'll look very different. Usually there'll be a charm on it to make the inside of the house bigger than what it looks like on the outside but I'm afraid that is not the case for my house," Severus said closing his brief case. "Okay are you ready to go?"

Harry nodded and the two headed off to the edge of Hogwarts' boundaries where they could apparate. Once there Severus turned to Harry.

"Okay. Hold on to your suitcase. We don't want it falling mid-flight," he instructed. Harry tightened his grip in the handle. Severus pulled Harry into a tight embrace. The sudden action shocked him. "Now take in a deep breath and hold it," Severus whispered in Harry's ear. Harry did as he was told then suddenly his body felt as if it was being pulled and pushed through a small tube. It wasn't painful but it was definitely different from anything he had experienced before. He had his eyes shut so tight he didn't notice that they had arrived at their destination.

"Was it that bad," Severus asked.

Harry opened his eyes and shook his head.

"No. I'm fine."

Severus led him through the neighborhood. Harry couldn't help but feel a little frightened by the place. If he had to use a word to describe it he would use dead. There was no one outside and the buildings looked rundown. Even the sun didn't show itself. There were only gray clouds in the sky. Harry made sure to stay close to Severus. If vampires were real, this was probably where they lived. They finally stopped at a clearing. Harry looked to see a house that sat next to a dirty looking lake. In the distance Harry noticed an old mill that looked like it was abandoned. This house was probably the most stable he had seen in the village. It wasn't a mansion but it wasn't small either. It has made out of grey stone with black shingles. There was a small fence surrounding an area that Harry assumed used to be a garden but was now overgrown with weeds. Geez, all this place needs is a dead tree in the background and it would be perfect, Harry thought sarcastically.

"As I said it's not really a home," Severus said as he walked to the door. "I'm afraid the inside isn't much better but I asked Lucius to send over a few house elves to clean it up and prepare your room."

"Thank you."

Severus opened the door and ushered Harry into his new home. Harry looked around the hallway. It was barren and lifeless. There were no pictures or any unnecessary furniture to decorate the place. Severus took him on a tour through the house. There was a living room that had a couch and two sitting chairs that were placed around a coffee table. Again there were no decorations on the walls. Next was the kitchen that was fully stocked with everything needed for making meals. It seemed to have a little more life to it. There was a small room that only contained a table for eating meals. The table and chairs were plain and simple. He was then shown the library, which greatly contrasted the rest of the house. There was a large fireplace on the far wall with a lounge chair sitting in front of it. The walls were basically just book shelves that were packed full. There were a few end tables placed strategically around the room. There was an antique rug on the floor that tied the room together. It was a cozy room and Harry could tell this was where Severus spent most of his time.

"I'll add a second chair in here for you if you want to read in here. I'll probably have to move things around but I'm sure it can be done," Severus commented.

"You like this room don't you?"

Severus smirked.

"What gave it away? The fact that it's the only room I've shown you that I actually bothered to furnish?"

"Why did you buy a house like this? It doesn't have any life in it," Harry asked. He only realized what he said afterwards. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I shouldn't have said anything."

Severus had a distant look in his eye. Harry felt his heart clench. The look on the man's face was so pained it hurt him to see it.

"That's fine Harry. It's a logical question. The truth is that this is my childhood home. I inherited it after both of my parents passed away. Honestly I've been going back and forth about whether I should just give up and live here or burn the place to the ground," Severus said with a sigh. Harry stared at him with a confused expression. He blinked a few times and the pained expression went away. "Enough of that. I'll show you your new bedroom. It's small compared to most but I can guarantee it'll be bigger than your old one."

"It's okay. I'm just happy to have my own room," Harry said trailing after Severus. Severus looked back at him and smiled. He opened a door at the end of the hallway and stepped aside so Harry could walk in.

It was wonderful. There was a single bed with red blankets and a fluffy looking pillow. The walls were also a warm red color. There was a large black carpet that covered the floor. Harry walked in and looked around. He saw a large wardrobe on the opposite side of the bed and there was even a desk with a chair where Harry could work on projects. It wasn't as large as the room Harry stayed in at Mr. Malfoys place but it wasn't as small as Severus made it sound. This room, like the library, had life to it. It wasn't as depressing and grey as the rest of the house.

"I'll leave you to get settled. My room is just across the hall. If you need any help unpacking or in come and get me," Severus said before turning to leave.

Severus left Harry by himself to himself. He really didn't have a lot to unpack. The only possessions he had were his school things. He was probably going to have to buy new clothes if he didn't want to be wearing his Gryffindor uniform all summer. Harry noticed an empty frame on his desk. He smiled as he pulled out the album Severus had given him for Christmas. He picked out the picture of his parents holding him as a baby and put it in the frame. He placed the picture on the end table next to his bed. He then placed the album on his desk. Harry pulled out his uniform and went to his wardrobe. He was shocked when he opened it to find that it already had clothes in it. He pulled out some of the shirts. They were his size and they all looked somewhat expensive. Harry nibbled his lower lip. Did Severus buy these for him? Harry hoped the man hadn't spent a lot of money on him. He had already done so much for him. Harry couldn't help but feel a little guilty. He was going to have to think of someway to repay the man. Harry finished putting his things away and shoved his empty suitcase under his bed. He laid down on his bed. He felt all his energy drain away. He looked around his new room and smiled. It may not be a normal house, but it was still nice. He felt his eyelids droop a little. Perhaps he'll take a small nap.

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Severus finished unpacking the last of his things. He should probably think of buying more furnisher to make this place more 'homey'. He saw Harry's shocked face when he gave him the tour of his house. This was probably not what the boy wanted for a home. It wasn't really a home. The truth was that Severus would normally go straight to Lucius' manor after term ended and stay there the entire summer but with Narcissa that would just cause problems. Severus looked over at his mothers' old clock, one of the few things he had left of her that wasn't taken away by debt collectors after his father died. He should probably make dinner. Severus walked over to Harry's room and knocked on the door. Not getting an answer he opened it and saw Harry curled up on his bed. Severus smiled. He seemed like he was settling despite everything. Harry started to stir and rubbed his eyes.

"You must be pretty helpless if that amount of unpacking wore you out," Severus chuckled.

"I didn't get a lot of sleep last night," Harry defended sitting up.

"Sure. Anyways, is the room to your liking," Severus asked.

Harry grinned at him and stood up.

"Yes it's great. I've never had a room I could actually stand up in. Unless you count the dorm but that wasn't really my room."

"That's good to hear. I was wondering if you wanted anything in particular for dinner. I was about to go to the kitchen to make something," Severus explained.

"Oh, no. I don't have any preferences. Um, I can make the food. I cooked all the time at my relatives' house," Harry offered. He looked a little troubled.

"You don't have to do all those chores anymore. If you want to help me cook you're more than welcome to," Severus said as he started to walk towards the kitchen.

"Ok," Harry said trailing after him.

The two ended cooking a homemade chicken noodle soup and then sat down at the small table and ate. Severus explained to Harry that Lucius seemed to have come up with a plan to divorce his wife so they may end up staying at the manor for a while. Harry seemed happy to hear this so Severus guessed he must have heard about the wretched woman from Draco. Harry asked him about the clothes that were already in his wardrobe and Severus explained that Lucius had recently had to go shopping for clothes for Draco and had bought stuff for Harry while he was at it. Lucius had figured the boy was going to need some. Harry went to bed a little early that night but Severus guessed the excitement of moving in must have tired him out. Severus walked through his house. Normally he would fall into a state of depression just by being here. It was hard not to think of his childhood when he was here. Everywhere he looked in the house was another place he had been hurt. He could see the place Severus had collapsed after his father broke a bottle over his head. In the hallway was where his father had punched him in the face and broken his nose. It never did quite heal right. In the kitchen was where he overheard his father smack his mom and ran in to help her which resulted in one of the worst beatings of his life. Severus hated this place, but still he lived here. He wanted to stay close to the place where he had lived with his mother. She had been a kind and caring woman. She wasn't the prettiest woman but Severus never thought she was ugly. She had been his only comfort during his childhood until he met Lily. He had often wondered how a woman like her ended up with a bastard like his father. In the end she died before she could tell him.

It was strange that he didn't feel sad this time. Was it because he wasn't alone? That must be it. Severus looked at the boys' door. That had been his old room. It was the one place Severus had never been hurt. It was the one innocent room in the house. It was only fitting that he give it to Harry. Severus let out a sigh and went into his parents' old bedroom that had become his. It had been a long day. After he got his pajama pants on he fell into his bed, he had bought himself a new one and thrown out his parents old one. There was no way he would sleep on that. It didn't take long for Severus to pass out completely.

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It was turning out to be the best summer Harry ever had. He didn't have to do any excessive chores and he was feed regularly. He was also able to go to a nearby park as often as he wanted. Severus went with him the first few times to make sure Harry didn't get lost. They spent hours in the library reading and talking. Harry loved Severus' books. They all looked old and they were nothing like the ones in the Hogwarts library. Severus explained that most of his books were very rare which made Harry more than a little self-conscious when he handled them. They would both take turns cooking and cleaning up after meals. Harry enjoyed cooking for Severus. Unlike his relatives he wasn't demanding him to 'hurry up' and if Harry made a mistake he would just teach him the correct way to prepare a dish. It seemed being a potions master also made you a master cook. Harry wrote letters to Ron and Hermione every other day. They sounded like they were having fun. He was a little concerned when Draco didn't answer his letters and had asked Severus about it.

"Things are probably very tense over there. I'm sure everything's fine. He's probably waiting until things calm down to send anything," Severus assured but Harry could see he was worried as well.

Before they knew it, it had been two weeks. Everything was peaceful but slightly boring. Harry was contemplating asking Severus if they could take a trip to Diagon alley or something but he didn't want to sound demanding.

It was a clichéd stormy night when something finally happened. Both Harry and Severus were sitting in the library reading. Harry wasn't really paying attention to his book. Instead he was listening to the thunder. He looked out the window and watched the lighting. He remembered being so scared of thunderstorms when he was younger but after his uncle forced him to sit outside in the middle of one, they now seemed to remind him that things could always be worse. At least he was dry.

"You like watching storms," Severus asked looking up from his own book. Harry shrugged.

"I think they're cool looking. I used to hate nights like this," Harry answered.

"Actually it's early in the afternoon. The clouds just make it seem like it's nighttime," Severus pointed out. Harry looked up at the clock. It was only four o'clock?! Jeez, this day was moving slow. The two occupants went silent again and listened to the raging storm. They had barely noticed the little 'pop' in the hallway.

"Master Snape?! Master Snape?!"

Both Severus and Harry jumped up at the sound of the desperate voice. They ran to the hallway to see Dobby running towards them He clutched at Severus' leg.

"What is it? What happened," Severus demanded.

"Master needs help. Please come. Master Potter shouldn't come but Master needs Master Snape," the elf cried. Severus turned to Harry.

"You stay here. I'll get you as soon as I'm sure everything's safe. Stay by the fireplace in case I floo back. If I'm not back by your bedtime don't wait up," he ordered. Harry nodded not wanting to get in his way. Severus grabbed the small elf's hand and they both disappeared with a pop.

Harry paced by the fireplace wringing his hands. What had happened? Was Mr. Malfoy hurt? Draco? Did this have anything to do with Mr. Malfoys plan to divorce his wife? Merlin, it had only been ten minutes and Harry was already losing his mind. He heard another 'pop' and he immediately ran to the source of the sound. He stopped dead. It was Draco with Dobby. Draco looked at him. He had bandage on his neck and his hair was a mess. His clothes were slightly singed and he looked like he had been through hell. Draco looked at Harry and immediately burst into tears. Harry ran up and wrapped his friend in a tight embrace.

"Draco it's okay. What happened? Where's your dad and Severus?"

Harry couldn't make out what Draco was saying through his sobs. The boys lost balance and fell to the ground. Harry still kept his arms around Draco. He looked over at Dobby in silent questioning.

"Master wanted the young master out of the manor. Master says it might not be safe. Dobby orders were to take young master to Master Severus' house until everything's safe.

"That…that woman," Draco started when he had calmed down a little. "She tried to kill us."

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AN: Heehee. I can just imagine how many of you are secretly cussing me out for ending it like that. In the next chapter Lucius has a flash back of what happened and Harry consoles Draco.