A/N I got bored, here's the second chapter already. I just finished the 8th.
Harry was having a fun Summer, at least now that he was away from his relatives. He had 3 meals a day, no chores to do, and could buy whatever he wanted. Already he had been to the Bookstore multiple times in the last 3 days, buying whatever books had interested him. He even bought a few for Hermione and some books on Quidditch strategy and Chess for Ron. After searching the Alley yesterday, he even bought a new trunk to fit all the books. It was a great surprise to learn about the magic chests with expansions and secret compartments. It was like being a spy from all the moves Dudely used to watch while he cleaned the living room.
"How's the ice cream, Mr. Potter?" The boy looked up from his sweet treat and grinned at the old man that ran the Ice Cream shop.
"It's great, Mr. Fortescue! It's the best I've ever had!" Currently, he had a Banana Chocolate Swirl with rainbow sprinkles and some kind of color-changing syrup that was chocolate when brown, strawberry when red, and even more colors. He especially loved the caramel color. It was so nice on such a clear sunny day, such a rarity in the UK.
"I'm glad to hear it, my boy; if there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to ask." As the man walked away, Harry couldn't imagine how the summer could get any better. There was absolutely nothing that could ruin it. After finishing up the delicious ice cream, he threw a few coins on the counter. He waved at the old man as he ran out of the parlor, ignoring the man as he called back about overpaying for the sweet treat. With a pep in his step, he dashed back to the Cauldron to get a head start on his summer assignments. As he ran up the stairs, he missed Tom shouting out for him at the bar and flew into his room with gusto.
It was really a great summer.
Someone began slamming on his door.
He stared at the door.
The banging grew louder.
"Potter!" a muffled voice shouted through the wood.
Harry pulled out his wand and slinked to the door in worry, wondering who it could be. It definitely didn't sound like Tom. He slowly reached towards the doorknob as the banging reached a crescendo. With a tight grip and a prayer, he yanked the door open and jabbed his wand forward. His face became masked in horror as lightning struck outside, thunder loud enough to shake the very walls of the cauldron. Standing before him was his greatest enemy.
"Potter."
Severus Snape stood in the doorway, face colored puce in his anger. Rain began coming down like a blanket as his pet owl Hedwig flew back into the room from the open window.
"Pr-pr-pr-professor." He squeaked out in fright.
"Did you not hear me earlier boy, running around this establishment as if you owned it, tracking in mud. You're just like your father boy.
Boy. Boy. Boy. Boy. Why did people always have to use that word when addressing him. He shivered as the greasy-haired man continued on his tirade.
"Now Mr. Snape-" Tom spoke up, trying to save the young man.
"-Unbelievable! Not a sense of manners-" Continued on nearly frothing at the mouth.
"What are you doing here, Professor?" Harry tried to keep the fear out of his voice.
"Interrupting me are you, boy?" Harry began to pray for some kind of miracle as the man looked to gain a second wind.
"Mr. Potter." Tom began before the yelling could start again, "It seems you are required at Hogwarts. As the Ministry paid for your room in advance for the rest of the summer, in your name might I add, the reset of the money shall be reimbursed to you. You might want to start packing before the Headmaster comes up. He'll be downstairs waiting for you."
Harry watched as the usually kind old man practically shoved the purple Snape out of the doorway and around the corner out of sight. The only thing he could think of was- "What just happened?"
Deciding there was only one course of action, he slowly walked down the stairs of the pub and looked around the crowded room. He spotted Snape and the Headmaster at the end of the bar talking to Tom and someone else. He snuck over and pulled on the Bearded man's sparkling robe.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, are you ready to go?"
"What's going on sir?"
"Must you question everything your superiors tell you, boy?"
Harry stared at the man in defiance, "When I see a superior I'll let you know, Snape."
"You-"
"Severus." The old man said in warning, "Now Mr. Potter, due to you leaving your relative's home, it has been deemed necessary for you to come to Hogwarts for some time, hopefully no more than a week. If necessary; however, then you may stay all summer. We know the Minister gave the ok to stay in the Cauldron, however it will be much safer for you at the school."
"What do you mean safer? Did something happen?"
"Perhaps this is better discussed at Hogwarts, my boy." The Headmaster waved his hand in a silent dismissal. While Harry hated being kept in the dark, he decided to bow his head this once and return to his room to start packing, he'd find out sooner or later, and if the headmaster didn't tell him, then he was sure he could weasel it out of Hagrid.
As he began throwing his items into his new trunk, he began wondering if this had something to do with Sirius Black. "Nah," he said aloud, "My luck isn't that bad."
He finished packing in record time thanks to his expanded compartments, and after one last look under the bed and inside the bathroom, he grabbed Hedwig's cage and sent her off to Hogwarts, making sure she knew to mind the rain.
"Headmaster!" He shouted as he got to the bar, "I'm ready to go."
"Have you already sent your majestic familiar ahead, Harry?" The man motioned to the empty cage.
"Yes sir, she knows the way better than I do."
"A trusty familiar to have, Mr. Potter. She reminds me very much of Fawkes." He began ushering the boy over to the fireplace, "Now then. I know you've used the Floo once before, but I wanted to make sure you were comfortable using it after last year's incident."
That caused Harry to blush deeply at that comment, "You know about that sir?"
The man's eyes twinkled as he smiled down at the brunette, "Of course, we both know how Hagrid is at keeping secrets. He is truly a great man, but his habits make him not the best confidant to keep."
"Well after the first year I definitely know what you mean sir."
"I'm sure you do my boy, now, when you enter the Floo, make sure to clearly state, Hogwarts – Headmaster's Office. Severus shall go first, followed by you, and then I shall bring up the rear. Do be careful I'm sure you remember the fragile trinkets I have in my office."
With a nod, the Headmaster motioned for the Potion's Master to step in, and as he disappeared into the green flames, Harry took a deep breath and followed closely after.