As Harry was well above the age of being need to be spoon fed his food, Severus thought it would be best to allow him to wait a bit, just until his hand returned to normal before serving lunch. This also influenced what he prepared for lunch, and settled on peanut butter and jam sandwiches once more, as well as apple slices and crackers.

Harry, to the Potions' master's surprise, simply alternated between using his writing hand and his other hand. He didn't complain, didn't say much of anything, except to thank Severus when he hovered the food in front of him.

Was eating in silence something that was a regular occurrence at the Dursleys' residence? Or, Severus wondered darkly, was Harry even permitted to eat with the rest of his family? Did his aunt or uncle simply toss a plate of food into his cupboard, then proceed to lock it again? The thought was so painful that it made it difficult for Severus to swallow his own food.

Well, he might as well ask. Merlin knew, he and Albus had encountered Harry while locked in the cupboard. There was no hiding from that fact. Yes, Severus had promised Harry he wouldn't be locked in the wardrobe, but he had to know the extent to which Harry had been confined to the closet at Number 4, Privet Drive.

He waited until the plates were cleared.

"Harry," he began, "I must ask you something concerning what saw yesterday."

"Yes, sir?" the boy answered, looking up at him.

Severus paused. He'd never expected to have such a conversation with the child of James Potter, but it had to be done. Besides, it was still possible that there had been a reasonable explanation for the boy's imprisonment-although, at this point, he very much doubted it.

"When Albus and I found you, you had been locked in your cupboard. I know that you'd been locked in," Severus added, quickly, "because Albus had to use magic to open the door. Moreover, there was no way it could have been locked from the inside, so I know that you did not lock yourself in." He drew in a breath. "Harry, do you know why your relatives locked you in?"

Harry looked down at his now empty plate, then up at Severus. "I-I got into trouble at school."

Severus nodded, keeping his face free of visible anger, even though he could not imagine what in the world a seven year old would do to merit being locked up in a closet, much less for very nearly a full day.

"What sort of trouble did you find yourself in?" he asked, instead, using great effort to keep his tone gentle.

"It was the last day of school before holidays," Harry began, "and D-Dudley and his friends were chasing me, to celebrate. T-that was bad enough, sir, but I heard him say that when he caught me, he'd put my head in the toilet again." Harry paused. "Has anyone ever done that to you, sir? It's awful." He swallowed, hard. "S-so, sir, I-I was trying to run away, and then, suddenly, I was on the roof of the school. I don't know how it happened, I promise! One moment, I was running, and the next, I was sitting on one of the chimneys. I-I reckon that one of the teachers saw me, and they had to-to bring people up to the roof, t-to bring me down. Everyone was really, really angry. The headmistress wrote a very angry letter to my my aunt and uncle, and, as punishment, they locked me in my cupboard."

Accidental magic, Severus realized. Harry must have been truly terrified, to have it take him not only away from the bullies, but place him on the roof.

"That was very wrong of them, Harry," Severus said, softly. "It was very wrong of your cousin and his friends to chase you, and even more wrong for your aunt and uncle to punish you, instead of them. Especially to lock you up overnight. I-I'm very sorry that this happened to you."

Harry looked again at his plate. Then, he looked up again. "Sir?" When Severus nodded, Harry continued. "Strange things like that would happen to me sometimes. Then, my aunt and uncle would get mad."

"Can you describe what sort of, as you say, 'strange things,' would happen to you, as far as you remember them?" Severus queried. At the boy's hesitation, he added, quickly, "I promise that I will not punish you for anything divulge-that you tell me."

It was a rather rash thing to say, but judging by the punishment Harry had received simply by running away from a gang of bullies, Severus found it necessary. Besides, in all likelihood, any "offenses" concerning accidental magic Harry had committed would have been punished, and in the same vein. No, it was necessary to reassure him that telling Severus about it would not result in further punishment.

Harry took a deep breath, looked again at the plate, and then at Severus. He nodded. "Once, my aunt cut off almost all of my hair, and it grew back the next day. Last month, she was trying to make me wear one of Dudley's old sweaters. It was really, really ugly. But it kept shrinking." He smiled, slightly. "She didn't punish me for that. Said it must've shrunk in the wash. But I don't think it did. I-I don't remember anything else, sir. Maybe I will, later."

"That's not necessary, Harry. What you told me is sufficient-fine-for the time being. As I said, I will not punish you for anything you told me," he reassured him. "Now, I wish to speak to you further, and I believe that we would be more comfortable on the couch, if you're agreeable?"

Harry nodded, and they both rose, then walked over to the couch in the sitting room. Severus sat first, then patted the place next to him. Once Harry was by his side, Severus carefully put an arm around his shoulders.

"Those events you described, Harry, the things that happened that you can't explain, that no one can explain? They're called bursts of accidental magic. You are a wizard, which you remember, as we told you yesterday?" When Harry nodded, Severus continued. Thoughts of Lily came to mind, of him having explained her being a witch to her, of him serving as a guide in those early days. "You're very young, only seven. You can't control your magic. But when a witch or wizard experiences strong emotions, their magic-I suppose you could say that it rather escapes from them. When your cousin and his fellow bullies were chasing you, your magic made it so that they couldn't catch you. When your aunt chopped off your hair, the humiliation you felt caused it to grow back. Likewise, with the hideous sweater she wanted you to wear. These things do not make you strange, or a freak," he added, recalling the term Petunia used towards Lily, and thinking that she might very well use the same one towards her nephew. "Rather, they make you very special. After you turn eleven, you will go to school, and you will receive training to control your magic, and to develop it. As it is right now, you can not do any standard spells, like I and the headmaster and most adult witches and wizards can. But you will be able to, after some schooling."

Harry looked troubled. "If I did all of that, sir, could it be that I killed my aunt and uncle? Without realizing it?"

It was highly improbable, but not impossible. Nevertheless, Severus shook his head, and held the child a bit closer to him. "No, Harry. It wasn't accidental magic. Carbon monoxide occurs from a gas leak. I expect that your relatives neglected some home inspection repair, or perhaps, the work on the house was shoddy. You had nothing to do with their deaths."

Harry relaxed against Severus. "Okay," he whispered. "Thank you. I-I didn't want to have killed them. Even if I didn't mean to."

"That's because you're a good child," Severus praised. "Even if they were terrible guardians."

Inwardly, he thought that Harry might be a better child than most. Certainly, better than him. How many times had he fantasized about taking his own father's life, after all the abuse he had put himself and his mother through?

"I promised you before, Harry, and I must reiterate it now. I will never, never lock you up." Still keeping an arm around the boy, he turned his stance enough so that he was looking straight at the boy. "Nor will I hit you, or use any sort of physical punishment. If you disobey, I might assign you chores, or withhold dessert from you, but I will never lock you up. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes, sir." Harry nodded. "I-I promise I'll try really, really hard to be good."

Severus hugged him. He could hardly stop himself. "I have no doubt you will."

After a moment, they separated. Harry looked up at Severus. "Sir? Can I ask you a question about accidental magic?"

"You may," he answered, wondering what the boy still wanted to know.

"My magic saved me, didn't it? It kept the gas from killing me?" When Severus began to nod, Harry rushed onward. "But, then, why couldn't I get out of the cupboard? I tried, sir. I really tried."

Severus nodded, mostly to himself. "Accidental magic isn't predictable, Harry. It's not like when you will learn to cast a spell, when you are older." At Harry's nod of understanding, he went on. "Accidental magic occurs when there's a strong desire, but it also serves as a means of protection. Your magic, untrained at this point, must have set in when the gas leak began. Unlike your relatives, who had no magic, yours kept you alive. But," he added, lest Harry could interrupt, "once you were out of immediate danger, it went dormant. That is to say, it didn't stop working, but it stopped being noticeable. Had the headmaster and I not arrived for another day or so, I have little doubt that it would have begun again, because you would have been very dehydrated, and extremely hungry. It would have kept you alive, in short, when there was a clear risk of your dying without it. Do you understand?"

"I think so. I stayed locked in because my magic didn't know to let me out?" Harry guessed.

Severus frowned, just a bit. "I believe that it wasn't strong enough to do both at once. Not at the same time."

Harry chewed on his lip, thinking it over. "Well, I reckon it doesn't really matter, as I'm still alive."

"Yes." Severus put an arm around Harry's shoulders once more. "Thank goodness for that."

Harry looked normal enough to go out in public, Severus thought, but he'd need to perform a Disguising Charm on his clothes, lest they draw unwanted attention from muggles. While some witches or wizards would simply change into muggle clothes, Severus was loathe to wear button down shirts and trousers, finding them restrictive and (if he had to be entirely honest with himself) made him rather look like his long-dead father.

Ordinarily, Severus Apparated into Hogsmeade for the weekly task of purchasing fresh food. He quickly dismissed this idea. First, he was loathe to force Harry to be at risk of throwing up his breakfast and lunch, for the child was still very new to this form of magical travel. His mind would adapt, over time, but there was no need to force him to endure Apparition twice in as many days.

Then, of course, there was the risk of him being recognized. Severus could perform a Disillusionment Charm on the boy, but a skilled witch or wizard could see through them. It was the last thing Severus needed-well, one of the last things.

Fortunately, there was a muggle grocery shop, and surrounding shops, within walking distance of his house. If he could entreat Harry to carry a small bag or two, they could manage without difficulty. He'd also need to ensure that the boy remained by his side at all times. Children tended to run off, and surrounded by new things, Harry might succumb to such temptation. He'd be very clear in telling Harry that he was to remain by his side at all times, as long as they were out of the house.

As it turned out, he needn't have wasted his breath.

"Yes, sir. Aunt Petunia told me and Dudley the same thing, when she took us to the shops," he said, almost cheerfully.

"It will be a bit of a walk," Severus warned him, "but if you're tired afterwards, you may take a nap."

"Yes, sir," Harry agreed.

So, they were off. Harry reached for Severus's hand as soon as they were out of doors, with he took, feeling oddly touched by the gesture. He was aware that Harry trusted him, or appeared to, but this movement also implied that he liked him.

Don't be ridiculous, Severus told himself. He simply wants to avoid getting into trouble for not obeying.

All the same, it was rather nice, walking beside the small child, holding his hand. A feeling that he could only describe as "protective" came over him. He knew it was his job to keep the boy safe for the duration of their time together, but he hadn't expected to feel almost fond of the boy.

Almost.

Severus was not one to make shopping lists, as he always knew exactly how much food he had on hand, and how much he would need to last until the next trip. He kept reserves of foods that did not require Cooling Charms, of course, but things like milk and cheese and eggs and meats comprised a great portion of his diet when he was at home. Besides, with the school term having ended so recently, he hadn't had time to make a proper trip to replenish his supplies.

He'd need to purchase at least twice as much as usual, given that the Potter boy was going to be living with him. The cost didn't concern him-Hogwarts didn't pay enormous sums, but it was more than enough to support a family, and Severus had lived by himself since being hired. Most of his weekly salary of 250 galleons went unspent. His house was inherited, and upon his mother's death, he'd discovered that she'd left him what she'd considered to be a small amount of money-1000 galleons-that she'd manage to save over the years. Far from the Potter fortune Harry would inherit, but the thought of her scrimping and saving all of these years meant a great deal to him.

Most of Severus's earnings went directly to his vault at Gringotts, and a smaller amount in a muggle bank, which provided interest. He did, however, keep a liberal supply of muggle money on hand. The exchange rate rather favored British currency, with one galleon (an amount that even pampered Draco Malfoy would consider to be quiet sufficient pocket money for a week) trading for five British pounds. And that, of course, was the highest magical unit of currency. He strove to keep at least 1000 pounds on hand, in various note sizes, the bulk of which was in a muggle safe surrounded by various protective charms under his bed.

Not that anyone who managed to break in would be deterred by such charms, as his deemed his home to be almost impenetrable. But one could hardly be too cautious.

With seventy-five pounds in his robes' pockets, more than sufficient for a week's worth of groceries, Severus felt well equipped for the task at hand.

They walked in silence, Harry keeping up without complaint, until they reached the entrance to the shop.

"Do not forget to remain by my side at all times, Harry," he told the boy, sternly, yet not coldly. "Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Harry answered, with all the sincerity the subject required.

Severus gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder, selected a shopping trolley, and they headed inside.

Harry did not seem in awe or overwhelmed by the vast selection of items, but then again, he'd been shopping before. Severus could easily imagine the scene, enhanced by the selection of foods they'd scavenged from the house. Based on the size of her husband, and her son's spoiled nature, sweets and snacks had likely filled at least half the cart. Well, Severus was not about to waste his pounds in such a way-although, he quickly amended, Harry hadn't been the recipient of such spoiling, as indicated by his only having ice cream once in his life.

If the boy behaved himself, Severus decided, he could select a treat from the sweets area.

His behavior was, indeed, well beyond reproach. Far from simply standing by Severus's side as he selected foods, he offered to fill the cart.

"Go ahead, then," Severus answered, rather nonplussed.

He was further taken aback when Harry did so with ease, making sure to not simply pile one thing on top of another, but place everything how it ought to be. He knew without being told, for instance, not to put anything heavy on top of eggs. He also took items out and put them back in again in order to keep the milk upright. Such fastidious behavior he might expect from someone such as himself ten years ago, but not from a child.

"Is that all right, sir?" Harry asked, when he saw Severus staring. "It's how Aunt Petunia taught me. B-but I can do it over, if it's not right."

"No, Harry, you did very well." Severus forced a smile. "I'm just surprised that you knew how."

"Oh." Harry shrugged. "Well, it was that or be kept in my cupboard while she was out and couldn't find someone to babysit."

Severus nodded, grateful for his ability to keep control of his emotions. So, the boy-the child-was locked up not merely for punishment, but when he was to be kept out of the way.

"Well, you did quite well. I'm very pleased, and I'll be grateful for your help when we go shopping in the future," Severus told him. "And, as I told you before, you will never be locked up."

Harry gave him a smile. "Thank you, sir."

Severus was more than happy to announce that Harry deserved his own treat, in addition to a few containers of ice cream and two boxes of assorted biscuits he'd added to his trolley. He steered his cart to the sweets area, still holding onto Harry's hand, and told him to choose his preference.

Harry stared. "Really, sir? Anything I want?"

"You may select one of any item, yes," Severus answered. "Go ahead."

The child approached the bounty of sweets with something resembling awe, and finally selected the smallest chocolate bar he could find. "I'd like this, sir."

Severus glanced at the chocolate bar, and shook his head. Harry's face fell, but before he could object, Severus spoke up.

"It's too small, Harry." He took the chocolate from his hand, then placed it back with the others. Then, he selected one that was more than twice the size. "It costs less, you see, if you buy the larger one. Now," he added, quickly, "you can't eat the whole thing at once. You'll get a stomachache. Believe me, I know," he said, with a slight chuckle, "but you may have half today, if you finish your dinner, and the other half at some future point during the week that we determine together."

Harry threw his arms around Severus. "Thank you, sir!" he cried.

Severus hugged the child back, feeling the now familiar pang. It seemed intent to remain with him for the duration of his care for the child.

After Severus paid for the groceries, he immediately saw his error. He'd intended to visit the library to see if there was any word regarding the carbon monoxide poisoning, but with his groceries on hand, he didn't particularly fancy dragging himself or Harry around while he investigated. Such a trip would have to wait until the following day.

There was, however, a small bookshop next to the grocery shop, and Severus had more than twenty pounds remaining. In light of the fact that it would be a few days before any library books from Madam Pince arrived, and with the impossibility of securing a library card under his current address, he decided it would be practical to stop by and select a few books for Harry.

It is a small thing to do, after all, given he's in my care and needs appropriate literature, he thought.

So, in they went.

"Eleven year old students are the youngest year I teach," Severus explained, "and I admit I don't know very much about reading levels for boys your age. Therefore, Harry, I'm leaving it to you to select books that interest you, and that will neither be too easy, nor too difficult."

"To buy?" Harry asked, eyebrows raised.

"Indeed."

"B-but you already bought me chocolate, sir," Harry protested.

"I'm aware of that." Severus smiled, in spite of himself. "But a boy your age should have interesting books to read, as well as sweets to eat. I did write to the librarian at Hogwarts to send me children's books, to borrow, but until then, you need not wait. Besides," he went on, "these will be yours to keep, so they should be ones you very much enjoy."

Harry nodded, understanding the significance of his task. "Yes, sir."

"Pick five books, for the time being," Severus instructed. "If you see others that you very much like, though, I may allow you to add them. It is only," he continued, then stopped. He had a feeling that the Dursleys were the type to complain about the cost of raising a second child, and he would not echo this sentiment in front of Harry. "It is only that you may first think you like something, but later decide that you don't," he finished, rather awkwardly.

But if Harry saw anything incongruous with the statement, he said nothing except, "Yes, sir."

Severus performed a Cooling Charm on the grocery bag containing the items which needed it, then took Harry's hand and they entered the shop.

It was not terribly busy, so he was able to ask where the children's books were kept.

"He's seven, eight next month," Severus explained. "I'm afraid I don't know very much about what boys his age like to read."

"Oh, not to worry!" the middle aged woman replied, all smiles. "Many fathers come here with their sons and daughters and have the same question."

Severus opened his mouth to object to being called the boy's father, but realized that this would only lead to uncomfortable questions. He could not claim to be any immediate member of his family, and he knew better than to tell a stranger that he was in charge of a famed orphan of the wizarding world until the headmaster could find a more suitable replacement.

Harry, to his credit, said nothing. Perhaps, he was used to being taken for the son of Petunia and Vernon Dursley. They, he was certain, would be quick to dispute such a claim.

"Thank you," Severus replied, instead, and followed the woman to the "children's department," as she called it.

"Enjoy!" she beamed. "And do let me know if you have any other questions."

Severus and Harry looked through several books before finding ones that piqued Harry's interest. One, a book he recalled Lily had enjoyed, was called, "Tom's Midnight Garden." It was a bit advanced for Harry at this point, but Severus could read it out loud to him before bed. There were several other books by a writer Severus vaguely remembered called Roald Dahl, including a promising one called, "Matilda." They also selected the first two books in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series by C.S. Lewis. By the end, they had ten books, but upon looking at the prices, Severus knew that he would easily be able to pay for them.

Which he did-and had some pounds and change besides. Harry looked at them as though they were treasures.

"Thank you, sir," he said. "I've never had my own books before."

"Well, now you do," he answered, with a chuckle.

Because, really, if he didn't laugh, he might cry.

Harry might not have been beaten the way he'd been, but that made him no less neglected. Severus still wasn't certain about his ability to care for him, even in the short term, and he hoped that whoever the headmaster selected would understand the temerity of the situation they would find themselves.

Severus thought that he would recommend Harry see a Mind Healer, as well as a traditional one, when that time came.

Author's note:

The shopping chapter was initially separate, but the one before felt rather short. As a result, you get two in one. :)

The events Harry referred to had no years associated with them, at least, as of the paperback edition. So, I felt comfortable including them here. Accidental magic usually begins before age six, and bullies exist at all ages, especially when encouraged by their parents.

I tried to do some research regarding popular children's books in the 1980's in Great Britain. Ended up going with ones I remembered reading, and who were British authors. I figured Dahl was around the reading level that Harry was at (Severus isn't going to be reading aloud to him at this point), and if it is a bit above his reading level, he would just read the books more slowly.

As Severus points out, the exchange rate from wizard currency to muggle currency definitely favors the muggle. I know inflation has taken place from the mid 90's, but Ron's face lighting up when Hermione passes around the fake galleon coins in book five, and then commenting that he's essentially never had a galleon to spend, suggests that the purchasing power would be more like a 50 or 100 pound note. The Weasleys are poor, yes, but five pounds is not an insurmountable amount. Besides, it's the highest unit of currency, and gold at that. I know JKR has pointed out that she's not good with math, and there are instances of that, but in this case, the muggle currency comes out ahead.