It's My Life
About two weeks had passed since Harry moved into Potter Manor, and he loved every bit of having his own place. But in reality, any place away from the Dursley's was good enough for him. And anywhere that Albus Dumbledore couldn't control him was fine too. Harry got himself settled before the weekend was over, not that he had much to really unpack. It was mainly clothes from the shopping with Narcissa and Draco. That first day back on the 11th had been nice to call a truce with Draco, and they agreed to work on getting to know one another in hopes of developing a friendship. Needless to say, Draco's parents and Severus were completely surprised by the calling of a truce that they'd returned to the manor from a less than pleasant visit with the dark lord. Harry had the group stay for dinner, then the Malfoy's went home after Harry got the fireplaces in his house unlocked, and reset their passwords; Harry did give that to the Malfoy's and they connected their fireplaces before the night was over. Harry also let Sirius and Remus know of the change when the man called later that night. Harry gave Severus a tour of the grounds, and the man picked the bedroom he'd use while there. Harry took the master bedroom on the second floor, and had already used magic to make it more his style since there was no need for two closets, nor two bathrooms.
Severus took the room next to Harry's, being the next largest at Harry's insistence that the man was doing him a favor by taking him in and letting him live at his family home, so the least Harry could do was give him the next biggest suite. Severus agreed, and Harry told him it was right next to the elevator down into the massive potions lab. Now, it was rare to see any kind of joy on the man's face, but when Harry revealed the lab to Severus; there was a shift in the room's energy and a smile tugging at Severus's lips. Harry told him to help himself since the potions master would indefinitely use it more than Harry would. Severus thanked Harry for the use of the room, and promised to keep it well maintained. Severus had combined his potions lab from Spinner's End into the one at Potter Manor, but kept things separated as far as ingredients went. There was a work space, storage area, and then two rooms of ingredients; rare and normal ones. Severus also found a place to put all his, instead of combining the collections. There was a bar downstairs, and a small kitchen area too; Severus could say he was truly impressed with Harry's new home. The two ate their meals together, usually in silence and it was awkward. Breakfast was at 8:00 am, lunch at 1 pm, and dinner at 6:00 pm.
Severus did get his fireplace at Spinner's End connected to Potter Manor, and set up the charm so that if anyone went to Spinner's End, Severus would know and could go there to handle whatever was needed. Severus also used a room in the basement where the lab was to make up his library from his house. When Harry and Severus were settled, the two sat down to talk and Severus lay down the rules of being under his guardianship, but went easy on Harry because they were living under Harry's roof. Harry had to set two times aside during the day to work on his homework, since there were always summer assignments to complete before returning to Hogwarts the next year. Harry had to eat all three meals every day, and he was allowed three snacks between breakfast and lunch, also lunch and dinner, then also dinner to bed. Right now, Severus had said Harry could stay up as late as he wanted, as long as he was up in time for his meals, that included if Harry felt like napping during the day; Severus mentioned there would be set bedtimes during the school year, which was a given since there was curfews in place. Harry didn't have to do chores because the elves made it clear the master wasn't to do such work and they were happy to. On top of all that, Harry still needed to respect Severus and never lie. Severus mentioned that if Harry went against his rules without a good reason as to why; there would be punishments.
Narcissa requested from Harry that Severus maintain his godfather duties to Draco on date nights, or when Voldemort came to Malfoy Manor, which of course was fine with Harry; he wouldn't take something like that away. Sirius checked in every few days, and Remus was usually with him too. Harry didn't care; he was just happy to be comfortable in something he could call his own. Harry was still taking potions to reverse damage done by the Dursley's, that was another request from Severus, and also a workout routine needed to be implemented because Severus felt Harry needed to come into his body where he should be for fifteen years old. Harry didn't really argue it; they were simple and very do-able requests. Severus told Harry that he would call him Harry when they inside Potter Manor, and in turn, Harry was permitted to call Severus by his first name, or use Sev, like Draco did. Today was the 30th of August and Harry had spent the last few days preparing his trunk to return to Hogwarts for fifth year; he was half and half on being excited for such.
Right now, Harry was finishing his packing and closing the trunk when his sitting room fireplace began to ding, which meant he had a floo call. Harry went over into the room stood before the fireplace to see Severus's face there.
"Hi, Severus. What's up?" Harry inquired.
"I'm sure it has escaped your notice that it is beyond 6:00 pm and you are not present at the table for supper. I believe one of my expectations was that you eat each meal." Severus informed.
"I haven't forgotten, sir. I was just finishing my packing for tomorrow. Don't want to waste time in the morning. I was on my way now." Harry replied. "But I'll take whatever punishment you set for my tardiness." He replied.
"You were doing what I first told you to do, so I will not punish you." Severus stated.
"I'm on my way down now," Harry informed before walking away from the fireplace and heading to the elevator to go down to the main level. Harry walked out when the door opened and he headed for the small dining area where Severus was waiting with dinner on the table.
"Your packing is completed? I don't think I need to tell you that anything you leave behind will remain here until the holidays. Can't risk Dumbledore finding out." Severus stated.
"I have all I need until Christmas, sir," Harry replied calmly. "What's the plan tomorrow?"
"I'll drop you off at the Dursley's via floo for 9:30 am and they will drive you to King's Cross so you may pass the barrier to the train. I'm told the Weasley's and the Granger's will be meeting you there." Severus informed. "Now, a question for you. Are you telling your friends of the developments?"
"I know I could trust them with the secret, but eventually…Dumbledore might catch onto something going on and I don't think they can handle him in interrogation." Harry remarked.
"At the same time, you do not wish to break their trust by keeping such am imperative secret from them?" Severus offered as Harry nodded. "Well, I cannot tell you what to do-,"
"But you're my guardian and I'm asking what you would do, in this situation?" Harry remarked.
"In your position, I would tell them the truth because in all reality, Harry…Dumbledore has no power over you with me as your guardian. Temporary as it stands, it will end up permanent. And if not…When Sirius is cleared, you will end up with him. Or he with you, not sure how living arrangements would go." Severus mentioned. "However, a word of both caution and advice. If you feel that telling your friends would endanger them, or leave them bait for Dumbledore to manipulate for information on you…Say nothing. Follow your intuition. Also, and this is most important…If Dumbledore does discover things…And tries anything, Mr. Potter…I fully expect you to tell me right away. I don't care what it is, if anything feels off to you about being in that man's presence, you will tell me as soon as you're able. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir," Harry replied. "May I ask why you think he'd do something to me?"
"He might not, but I know that Dumbledore is a man of mystery and always has something up his sleeve when things don't go his way…" Severus said firmly.
"So then if anything happens, you want me to come to you right away?" Harry asked. Severus nodded. "What about at night? Dumbledore has pulled me into his office after dinner before…"
"Be discreet, but still come to right to me, Harry." Severus said. "I am your guardian, it is my duty to protect you. It always has been and even if not in my immediate care like this now; it always will be. Do you understand?" Harry nodded to the man. "I will show you my quarters when you arrive tomorrow. Also, that telling me things extends to if anything happens. Not just Dumbledore. Anyone or anything, you tell me."
"I can't go to Professor McGonagall?" Harry asked.
"She's quite woven into Dumbledore's web, Harry. Right now, no…I wouldn't go to her. I believe she'd relay things to Dumbledore, which can be used against you." Severus said.
"Alright," Harry replied.
"Now, there will be rules at school…And I've just given you one of them, to tell me anything that goes on pertaining to your safety. If you feel you're in danger, I want you to tell me. If someone gives you a hard time or threatens you, tell me. Likewise, you may also come to me for help with assignments. I do not desire to see you fail, so my duty as a teacher and your guardian is to ensure you do not." Severus informed calmly. "Other rules are to stay in your dorm during curfew," Harry went to say something, but Severus put up a hand to stop him. "Unless it is an emergency in such case…You have permission to use the cloak to sneak out and come to my quarters." Harry nodded, as he was about to ask leaving for emergencies. "Those emergencies are for extremely sick, or danger," He added.
"Okay. What other rules?" Harry asked while they ate.
"You will complete your assignments. You will still eat all three meals, and the nutrient potions. I will be giving you a spelled vial that refills automatically tomorrow, I expect it taken in the morning and at night. I advise taking it before you leave your bed, so no one sees. I know it's just a nutrient potion, but if we're to keep certain parties in the dark; secrecy of some things will need to be maintained." Severus explained. "Now, at school…You may only call me Severus or Sev while with me and we're alone. Rest assured that my quarters and classroom are under silencing charms, so anything said within those walls will be kept only in there. Among other things, we'll need to keep up the relationship we've had where we appear to dislike each other. However…I give my word to be less hard on you in class. You're a brilliant mind, Potter, and if my attitude towards you is hindering your ability to focus or believe in yourself; I will step back and only scold if you do something stupid."
"I appreciate that, sir…" Harry replied gently. "Though I know you do not hate me, it's nice to hear."
"You admitted some time back when all this began that you like potions and my behavior got in the way of you reaching full potential. I'd like to see what happens if I am not in your way." Severus remarked.
"I promise to do my best." Harry said.
"And if you need help, I am here. I can assign fake detentions to tutor you. Or you can work with Draco, I know not every mistake in your potions is your fault…Doing well depends on competent partners…" He drawled, clearly referring to Hermione and Ron.
"We'll see, but I'd like to try my hand on my own first…" Harry admitted.
"I can accept that." Severus responded, respecting and admiring the decision.
"Are there more rules?" Harry questioned.
"I believe I covered them all…" Severus paused. "Ah, one more thing. Not a rule, but more of a backup…If you're unable to get to my office for any reason, or need to contact me right away," Severus grabbed something that was in his robes and he gave it to Harry. "This is a two-way object, and I have the other. Mine is transfigured into a bracelet worn under my clothes so it can't be seen." He said as Harry took the necklace to look over it. "It was your mothers…" He went on. "They acted as friendship bracelets for us…I took hers when she passed away and used it to make the vow to her and your father that I would always protect you. Now, it's charmed to connect to mine. If you should ever find yourself in a situation that you can't handle, or can't talk to call for help…All you have to do is touch the gem and say my name in your head. It will send a signal to mine that you need my help and I will be able to find you immediately. Do not use it lightly or for anything foolish…" He warned.
"Thank you, Severus…" Harry slipped the necklace over his head and tucked it under his shirt.
"You're welcome." Severus said. "Also, there is another thing I've thought of…Your lordship rings. What do you plan to do with them at school? Show them off or keep them hidden?"
"To keep Dumbledore and anyone else in the dark…I suppose hiding would be best, just haven't figured out how to do that."
"May I suggest a glamour charm? Just something to put over them and make it appear that your hands remain bare." Severus offered. "You would be able to see through it, and those accomplished in Legilimency. I don't want you taking them off, Harry; they aren't just a symbol of you being a lord to two houses…They offer protection of wide variety. Such as…Against spells, potions and poisons. Lucius told me about it a couple days back," He informed. "Your rings will let you know when there is trouble around, but the only person who will see or feel it is you. I don't know how yours would react to you, but Lucius assured me that you'd be well protected from quite a bit. But do not ever make it obvious that you're looking at them. Quick glances or in private…"
"Yes, sir," Harry replied. "Is this everything?" He asked, not to be rude but wanting to ensure he remembered everything.
"Other than minding your sleep, yes. I know you sometimes can't and for that…I will expect you to tell me so I can give your something to help. I've got sleeping draughts I can send to you. Also, quidditch…I will be refereeing the games with Hooch. I don't think we need a repeat of first, second, or third years. You have a knack for danger finding you everywhere." Severus said.
"To be fair, you just said it finds me…" Harry chuckled.
"I suppose I did." Severus agreed.
"So you know that I don't actually go looking for trouble then…" Harry looked at him.
"Yes, I do…But it doesn't help when you engage the problem that found you. That's what these measures are being put into place for. Between the necklace and your rings, you should be safe from most threats that would go undetected." Severus sighed. "As I told you…Report everything to me. No matter how little, Harry. I can't protect you effectively if I don't know anything." He said.
"You have my word, Professor," Harry nodded. "Oh, and you can place that glamour you were talking about. It's the best idea…Mine had been to add them to the necklace, but since taking them off would be bad," He shrugged.
"I'll place it tomorrow morning." Severus said. "I will be at the station to guide the students to Hogwarts this year, so I will see you when you deboard the train. Remember, when I see you then-,"
"There's nothing different, but it's only for show?" Harry replied.
"Very good." Severus said. "Now, eat up."
Harry went back to eating his dinner while Severus ate his. Afterwards, Harry double checked all his things were ready to return to school until about the third week in December for the holidays. Harry took his shower, and got dressed for bed; then decided to read for a bit until he was tired enough to fall asleep comfortably. The entire time he read, his mind was on what this year would bring and if he should tell his friends the big secret. Harry decided he wouldn't for now, not until he knew how the year would go and Harry could usually determine how that would go based on who the defense against the dark arts teacher would be. The only good one was Remus, or probably Severus. Harry finally gave into sleep around 10:30 pm. Tomorrow was back to school to start his fifth year of Hogwarts.