Three Weeks Ago

Severus was in his home at Spinner's End relaxing after he finished brewing another batch of potions for the upcoming school term. He wants to relish as much peace and quiet as possible before returning to his duties where he has to keep a constant watch on every student and make sure none of them blew up or poisoned themselves by accident. These last two years were just painful for him ever since the Weasley twins joined Hogwarts. Couple of pranksters and troublemakers that have forced him to drink concoctions to reduce his own headaches. He swore those two were the second coming of the Marauders, his nemesis from his school days. Yet no matter how much they are punished, they never learned from their mistakes.

"Just five more years of those two. Five more years." Severus repeated to himself as he read his book.

However, good things are never meant to last.

His fireplace lit up in green flames for a moment before Albus came through. Severus immediately stood up in response as the Headmaster appeared in his living room.

"Severus." Albus greeted, his eyes alert and panicked. Seeing that is never a good sign in the Potion Master's book.

"We have a problem. Harry Potter is gone."

This got his attention, "I thought he was hidden." He has not seen the boy since the night Voldemort killed Lily and James Potter, when he cradled the infant's mother's corpse in his arms. Seeing those innocent helpless green eyes watch him was unbearable for Severus. He could not stand to look upon the child of his love.

"I'll explain everything at Hogwarts." Albus said before they apparated to the school. They walked along the halls until they entered the room where they hold staff meetings. In this case, the members of the Order of the Phoenix were present. He took his seat at the circular table between Rubeus Hagrid and Minerva McGonagall. Alistair Moody and Remus Lupin were also in attendance.

"Remus." Severus acknowledged cordially.

"Severus." Remus nodded in response to his greeting.

Another who sat at the table, who was neither Muggle or Magic, was Arabella Fig the Squib assigned by the Order to watch over Harry at 4 Privet Drive. Being a neighbor living close to the Dursleys, she was able to keep Harry under surveillance. Whenever the Dursleys went on an outing, they'd leave Harry under her care to babysit. Every time, he was bored and miserable in her house. Had she not done that, the Dursleys would not let her babysit him. Though she hated herself for not doing more to help the boy who lived a miserable life with those Muggles, she knew it was the only way she can protect Harry Potter. She stared at the table with regret and shame as Albus sat across from her.

"Alright Arabella, tell us what happened." Albus requested gently as they watched the old woman.

Arabella swallowed before she spoke, "Harry Potter wasn't kidnapped, he ran away in the dead of night...with a little girl named Carrie White."

"White?" Minerva asked before pulling up a scroll with names of potential first years, she put on her glasses and scanned the list until she found it, "Carietta White, she's also on the list."

Arabella nodded, her face grim as she thought of that little girl, "Carrie White lived right next door to me. She and her mother had just moved in on the other side where their backyard fence separated them. A sweet girl, that one. Sweet and innocent. Forced to move constantly at her mother's whim." She held a small yet noticeable smile, "I'd often watch her play in her backyard practicing her magic on her toy lamb, she always made it dance around her as though living." He smile fell, "But every now and then, I'd hear screams from her house whenever her mother was home, hers and her Muggle mother. A cruel and unstable woman from the rare moments I've interacted with her at the dry cleaners."

"Can you get to the bloody point Arabella?" Moody demanded impatiently, receiving glares at his rude question.

Arabella sighed through her nose, "Almost every evening, Harry and Carrie would talk through the fence separating them. They would talk and talk, and laugh, and smile." She laughed softly as she remembered watching the children have their little secret rendezvous, "Carrie would also bring him food. There were times when Harry would not get enough to eat while at the Dursleys." Her smile vanished again when she spoke of the Muggles.

Minerva narrowed her eyes at Albus, as though to scream, 'I told you so!'

"Then one night, I saw Carrie float out of her window with a backpack. Then Harry slipped out of his house with his own. I followed after them, but I couldn't stop them in time before they climbed onto a bus and absconded from Little Whinging." Arabella bowed her head, "I am so sorry Albus."

Silence followed Arabella's explanation; it was basically a story of two unwanted children running away to escape their misery.

"You have nothing to apologize for Arabella. You still contacted me, that's all that matters." Albus said, feeling guilty and frightened for young Harry's well-being.

"Now that we know that the boy wasn't kidnapped, it's just a matter of figuring out where the devil he's at now." Moody said as his large eyes swiveled around the room.

"We won't find him in Little Whinging. Harry and Carrie would not want to stay where their families are." Remus stated as he tried to remain calm while worrying about his friend's only son.

"The lad could be anywhere at this moment. From what Professor McGonagall knows about the Muggles, they have not told Harry an inkling about his parents, or of the magical world." Hagrid stated, looking ready to bolt and look for the boy himself. As the man who brought baby Harry to Little Whinging, he feels responsible for his well-being.

"Yes, he could be. Which is why we must be discreet about this. It would only cause a panic if the Boy Who Lived is suddenly missing." Albus stated, "We must find them both. Contact every member in the surrounding towns and districts and tell them what has happened." He then turned to Severus, "Professor Snape, if you'd follow me." He got up from the table as he dismissed everyone.

Severus followed after the Headmaster to the office.

"What need do you have of me?" Severus asked in usual calm voice that can terrify anyone, but not Albus.

"I need you to come with me to 4 Privet Drive." Albus' answer caught Severus by surprise, "We need to talk to the Dursleys, see if they know where Harry would go to."

"And you couldn't have asked Minerva instead?" Severus drawled out, not understanding why he had to be dragged to the Muggles responsible for Harry's protection. While he's aware that the boy must be kept safe in the off chance should Voldemort return, he saw no reason why he should be directly involved in Potter's spawn's life besides being his teacher.

"She is very cross with me; you're my backup option in the area of intimidation. Plus, you have some history with Mrs. Dursley." Albus added, making the man look even more sour at the very mention of Petunia, Lily's older sister.

"Unfortunately, yes." Severus slowly said with contempt. He is not looking forward to speaking with that unpleasant acquaintance.

"Let's be off then."

Transport wasn't that difficult as Arabella gave them permission to use her fireplace to Floo into the Muggle neighborhood Harry grew up in. Severus could not have left that house fast enough as the smell of cabbages and cat hair clung to his robes. He actually felt a swell of pity for the boy who had to be babysat by the cat lady. He followed beside Albus after quickly changing into Muggle clothes to draw minimal attention.

They made it to 4 Privet Drive which Severus had to admit looks nice for a Muggle residence. Albus rang the doorbell and waited a few seconds before it opened to reveal a middle-aged woman with a familiar horse-face and apron.

"May I help you?" She politely asked, not recognizing either of them, Severus especially.

"Hello Mrs. Dursley, I am Professor Dumbledore-"

"No." Petunia cut him off rudely as she glared at both of them the second she heard his name and what it actually means.

"Mrs. Dursley-"

"That boy is no longer here. I don't know where he is or what that ungrateful child is doing. He's not our problem anymore." She furiously said before she went to close the door.

Severus quickly stopped it with his foot before it was half-way closed. "Actually, that's exactly what we came to discuss with you." The Potion Master said in a firm tone, "We can talk inside, or we can do it out here...very loud." He added, knowing how Petunia doesn't want to make a scene for the neighbors to talk about. How it would shame her perfectly normal image.

Petunia looked ready to scream at them to get out, but quickly composed herself as she allowed them entry begrudgingly, "Please, come in."

The two wizards entered and were assaulted by the smell of cleaning products that seem to permeate the entire house. Severus wrinkled his nose, it's like the residence was soaked in bleach thrice over.

Petunia closed the door quickly and lead them inside, "This way please."

Severus followed behind the Headmaster as something on his right caught his eye, the cupboard under the stairs had a latch on the door. He kept that observation to himself as he and Albus entered the sitting room where a man who looked more like a walrus sat in front of the television with his son who resembled a pig.

"Vernon, Dudley, we have guests." Petunia announced before she went over to shut off the television.

Dudley looked like he was about to throw a fit, but when he turned to the visitors, his face filled with fear upon seeing Severus in his dark muggle clothes.

"And who might you gents be?" Vernon asked as he stood up.

Petunia came to his side and whispered, "He's the man who left the boy with us."

Immediately, Vernon's face soured as he gave them a nasty look.

"Dudley, why don't you go upstairs and watch the telly?" Petunia suggested, wanting her son to not be present.

Dudley nodded as he slinked past the men, he looked up and saw Severus watching him menacingly. With a frightened whimper, the boy cowardly ran up the stairs to get away from the scary man's sight. By the time he got there, he looked down and saw the front of his trousers drenched. Red faced as tears streamed down his cheeks he ducked into his room to change out of his soiled clothes.

Back downstairs, tension filled the air before Albus addressed the issue, "I hope you'll forgive our untimely visit, but when I received word of Harry Potter's disappearance, I had to come. Can you tell us what happened?"

Severus watched the Dursleys shift under their gaze. He sees what Dumbledore was trying to do, he's testing them, wanting to draw out their reactions.

"The boy ran away, that's what he did." Vernon scoffed, "Ungrateful brat he is after all we did to put a roof over his head, clothes on his back, and food in his stomach." He angrily huffed as he paced around the room, "We may not have wanted that boy, but we did all we could to raise him. But he's a troublemaker, that one."

Severus noticed how no one in this house calls Harry by his name. He slid his eyes to Petunia who kept her face stone-cold and bitter as the topic of Harry Potter circled around.

"Is that so. Have you any clue on where he might be?" Albus asked as he gave Petunia a stern glare, "After all, the only way he can be safe is through you Petunia."

"I told you before I don't know where he went." Petunia strongly answered, "If he wants to live out on the street it's not our problem anymore."

"And what, pray tell, would cause the boy to run away from you?" Severus asked, slowly as he walked around the room, grousing the hideous decor and the pictures on the mantle, all with Vernon, Petunia and Dudley. But no Harry Potter. As though he doesn't exist.

"What other reason, he's ungrateful and lazy. Much like his drunk unemployed parents." Vernon said before he pointed a beefy finger at Albus, "I knew there was something wrong with the boy's parents the second I met them. Especially his mother, a 'special case' that one. She was quite foolish to marry some crackpot amateur magician who believes himself above everyone. It's only natural that boy becomes just as twisted as its parents."

Just then, the room became cold as Severus slowly turned and faced the sad excuse for a man. Everything in the room shook, causing the Muggles to look around in fright.

"Have care for how you speak Mr. Dursley." Severus said as he slowly walked over to Vernon, seemingly like a ghost, "I may not hold James Potter in the highest regard, but you should choose your words wisely the next time you want to speak ill of Lily." He spoke in a low and frightful voice as Vernon backed away and plopped onto the closest chair. He stared up at Severus as though he were the grim reaper.

Petunia's eyes widened when she got a better look at the other wizard. "No... Severus?" She gasped upon seeing her sister's childhood friend.

Severus turned to Petunia, but his dour facial expression hardly changed, "It has been a long time Petunia. I see the years have been...unkind as ever towards you." He snidely said, watching the horse-faced woman glare back at him.

"Why are you here?" Petunia demanded as she stared at the much taller man with disdain, something he recognizes all too well.

"I'm here to ascertain the reason for the disappearance of your sister's son." Severus moved away from the repugnant man and sneered, "Though considering how you failed the simple task of watching over one child, I can't say I'm surprised. A disappointment as a daughter, sister, and a mother. How sad. It's no wonder why you don't have magic." He felt a certain amount of joy at the look of hate in Petunia's eyes. He knew how this bitterness and jealousy over her sister's magical abilities made her want to have what she couldn't grasp.

Vernon shot to his feet and tried to get in Severus' face, "Now see here sir, you have no right to-" He was cut off by a withering glare from the man who stood a head taller than him despite being younger.

"I wasn't talking to you. Was I?" Severus stated, watching with a threatening look as Vernon stumbled back, suddenly feeling small under his gaze.

Severus took a deep breath to calm himself then turned back to Petunia, "Now answer me this Petunia, where does Harry Potter sleep?"

His question made the woman lose her color as her eyes quickly darted to the cupboard behind Snape. A major mistake on her part.

Severus whirled around and marched over to the little door with the latch. He quickly pulled the lock off and wrenched the door open wide open for all to see. Albus stepped beside Severus and turned on the lightbulb hanging above the small bed inside the cramped space within the cupboard. They both looked around the tiny bedroom and saw broken toys on the shelf along with books that have seen better days. But what drew their attention was the inside of the door, there were claw marks ranging in different sizes, but the final message left behind was carved in the middle along with dried blood. 'Burn in Hell.'

Severus slowly rose to his height, a look of fury hidden deep within his dark eyes.

"Severus-" Albus tried to keep him calm but was unable to stop him before he whirled around and marched straight up to Petunia's face as the woman shrank.

"Of all idiotic and malevolent things you could have done and you lock your sister's only son under the stairs?" Severus demanded, ready to throttle the Dursleys, and he wasn't even planning to use his wand. No, he'd settle this Muggle style.

"Severus, calm down!" Albus held his shoulder and arm to stop him from getting physical. He was aware of the man's temper whenever Lily is concerned, but he thought the Potion Master can keep himself under control.

"We never wanted him to begin with!" Vernon said as he stood beside his wife, "All he's done is bring us nothing but trouble!"

"So that gives you the right to lock him up instead?" Severus turned his glare to Petunia, "How long? Hours? Days? Did you also starve him?"

At Petunia's silence, he gave her a look of pure disgust, "Your sister died to protect her son. She'd have done the same for yours as well had the situation been different. You truly are the most revolting woman in existence."

Just as Petunia was about to make a very angry retort, a knock on the door stopped her. Severus turned to Albus in question, but the older wizard shook his head.

Petunia walked around them and towards the front door. When she opened, she saw a woman with greying red disheveled hair and a tired lined face.

"Can I help you?" Petunia said, trying to keep her composure as she didn't want anyone to know about the wizards in her house.

"Where is she?" The strange woman asked as she held the sleeve of her right hand.

"Who?"

"My daughter, Carrie." Her face twitched, "There's a boy in this house, she's been speaking to him. I know you have a son and he's with her." She said, looking on edge and frightening.

"Miss, there is no girl here, now leave my house." Petunia demanded, trying to maintain a civil front as the two women glared at each other.

"You're lying to me. I know there's a boy here trying to steal my Carrie. Now tell me where she is." The woman quietly and angrily demanded.

"There is no girl here. I ask again that you-" Petunia cut herself off when she felt something in her stomach. She looked down and saw a kitchen knife sticking into her body. She looked up at the furious woman who just stabbed her, eyes wide in fear and pain before the blade was wretched out of her body before she was violently shoved backwards onto the ground.

"Petunia?" Vernon went into the hall when he heard a thump. The second he saw his wife on the ground bleeding, he cried, "Petunia!"

The insane woman stepped over Petunia's body, clutching onto knife as she searched for her daughter. As the large man faced her, she stalked towards him with the knife raised. But before she could take her third step, something struck her in the back, causing her to drop her blade as it clattered on the ground. Her arms suddenly was bound to her sides and she became stiff as a board.

Severus had already apparated behind the woman to shoot the Body-Bind Curse. He put his wand away as Albus caught the bound woman and laid her down on the ground.

"Petunia!" Vernon ran around the paralyzed woman to get to his wife who clutched her stomach and whimpered in pain. Petunia let out a cry of pain as Vernon cradled her in his arms.

"Mummy!" Dudley appeared at the top of the stairs and rushed down when he saw his mother bleeding.

Severus turned to Albus, "Call an ambulance." Albus nodded before he went to the phone.

The Potion Master turned to see Petunia gasping as blood leaked from the corner of her mouth. Dudley rushed into the kitchen and grabbed a towel to stop his mother's bleeding. Severus knew the woman wouldn't make it in time for help to arrive. With a sigh, he shook his head for what he was about to do.

The wizard knelt beside the family and held his wand over Petunia's body.

"What are you doing?" Vernon demanded, panic on his face as he tried to stop his wife's bleeding.

"Be quiet." Severus said before he began a song-like incantation as his wand hovered over the wound, "Vulnera Sanentur...Vulnera Sanentur...Vulnera Sanentur." As he spoke the incantation, the blood that flowed out of Petunia's wound receded back into her body, the tear began to stitch itself back together and the pain lesson until it disappeared.

Severus pulled away once he was finished.

Vernon removed the towel and saw the wound completely vanish. He let out a breath of relief as Petunia wept from her near-death experience. Dudley fell into her arms and began to cry from the ordeal of witnessing her mother bleed.

Petunia held her son as she looked up at Severus, questions stormed in her eyes.

"Don't look at me like that." Severus stood up and stuffed his wand back into his sleeve, "Much as I detest your very existence. It is out of respect to your sister's memory that I keep you alive." He said, knowing Lily would never forgive him if he let her older sister die like this.

By the time the police arrived, the crazy woman was taken out on a stretcher after being hit with a sleep charm when she tried to lunge at Severus with the knife. Due to the head injury when Petunia was pushed onto the floor, she had to be taken to the hospital. As she passed by Severus on the gurney, she begrudgingly whispered, "Thank you."

Severus nodded as he watched the father and son get in their car and follow behind the ambulance.

The two wizards had already given the police their statements about the ordeal and stood outside while police tape surrounded the house.

"You concealed the cupboard." Severus stated to the Headmaster.

"Yes." Albus confirmed, arms behind his back as he stared at they stood outside the perimeter.

"You're planning on putting the boy back with them." This wasn't a question as he knew Albus wants the boy safe no matter how unpleasant the Dursleys are.

"The blood-magic is what protects Harry Potter from the dark forces. We can't risk him being anywhere else where unsavory followers will find him." Albus said, how much this kills him with the knowledge of the Dursley's mistreatment towards Harry. He hopes that after Severus' intervention, they'd feel more inclined to treat the boy properly.

Severus could sense where his mind was going and felt that same fury bubble up in him. Much as he dislikes Potter, he cannot let this stand knowing the legacy of Lily will suffer with these Muggles.

The next two weeks were spent searching for Harry Potter and Carrie.

It wasn't until they got reports from an old Squib in rural Middelton did they get a lead. Apparently, the Squib owns a junkyard, and he noticed how some of his trash vanish into thin air. After questioning by Auror Mad-Eye Moody and being shown pictures of Carrie and Harry, the old Squib pointed to the forest he remembered seeing two children enter.

Severus was present when Moody came to report what he found.

"Well, Moody?" Remus implored their comrade.

"They're in the forest at the edge of Middelton. I had to use a disillusionment charm on myself to not scare them." Moody said with a tired sigh after scrounging the forest for hours looking for those kids.

"How did they seem?" Albus asked, trying to maintain his composure.

"For one thing they live in a treehouse they spruced up with car parts and other stuff they nicked from the junkyard. Doesn't look half-bad. One man's trash is another man's treasure." Moody added with a slight grin before composing himself, "The kids are alive, they're happily frolicking in the woods climbing trees and cooking fish."

This brought multiple sighs of relief from all around them. "They're both okay." Minerva said, feeling some years return to her at the moment.

"There's something else you should all know." Moody began, catching their attention, "They're actively using their magic. Harry apparates at will while Carrie uses levitation. Both even know how to grow plants rather quickly with a single touch."

'Just like Lily.' Severus thought to himself as he remembered his childhood friend growing flowers in the palm of her hand.

"Well, they've certainly grown into their magic I see. Good thing too, as they will soon begin their first year together." Albus said in approval at the growth of two exceptional children.

"Albus, you're not still thinking of sending Potter back to the Muggles?" Minerva voiced her concerns, "They drove him away once, they locked him under the stairs for ten years." She reminded him as she set him with a glare that can make any grown man feel small.

But Albus has been exposed to that glare longer than anyone and remained unphased. "It has to be done. Petunia is Lily's only blood relative. Distasteful as her treatment is towards Harry, the blood protection is the only thing shielding him from unwanted foes."

"But what about Remus, surely he can serve as a guardian for Potter seeing how he knows his father and has enough skills to protect him." Minerva suggested as she gestured to Remus who looked to be in agreement.

"While he does possess the power to protect Harry." Albus admitted, though his face looked resigned, "His...condition will also put him in danger."

Remus knew what he was talking about and bowed his head. Though he wants to protect his friends' son, he feared his werewolf side will kill the boy, or worse, turn him into a monster like himself. He's not sure he can risk that.

"Albus-"

"My decision is final. Harry Potter must return to the Dursleys." Albus cut her off, knowing that despite the Dursley's cruel nature, they are what can keep the boy safe.

"Perhaps we should hold off on returning Potter to his relatives." Severus chimed in for the first time, catching everyone's attention, "Allistair has watched them for a short time, they seem to have adapted well outside of the Muggle world."

"Your point Severus?" Albus asked as he watched his fellow teacher with a curious gaze.

"It's quite simple, they will soon begin their first year at Hogwarts. The way I see it, Potter should be granted until the end of his first year before he has to return to the Dursleys. We leave him be in his little forest with Carrie White, then we inform him about the magical world and what he is." Severus explained his suggestion, knowing that this may be the only chance they have to protect the boy from the Dursleys. He owes it to Lily to keep her legacy safe from Petunia's disdain and hate.

"He brings up a good point Albus. If they are as small minded as you and Minerva say, then they will do everything in their power to stop Harry from coming to Hogwarts." Moody stated, having met his fair share of Muggles who hold a distaste towards anything magical.

"We can cast a fidelius charm around the forest. It's not blood protection, but it will keep those children safe from prying eyes should anyone go searching in there." Remus suggested, "We'll also watch over them under the disillusionment charm to stay hidden. From how those two grew up, neither of them will feel compelled to trust an adult just yet. We can keep them safe."

Albus actually liked that idea, which conflicts with what he originally planned.

"Albus," Minerva implored, "let Harry enjoy his summer before he begins his journey as a wizard. We owe him that much and more."

Albus was silent as he contemplated this alternative. He let out a long sigh after a while, "Very well then."

Those three words brought relief to the Phoenix members.

"But I'll need volunteers to keep them under surveillance, however many you can find, take shifts and cast the fidelius charm at once." Albus instructed, knowing he's been overruled by his organization out of concern for those children.

"But what about Carrie, where will she go after their school year? Her mother tried to kill Harry's aunt and she's already locked up in an insane asylum." Remus asked, knowing that a friendship borne from isolation and loneliness is very precious and should not be broken.

"We'll figure something out by then. For now, I say we adjourn for the rest of today." Albus said before he left the meeting.

Minerva sighed then turned to Severus, "Well done, Severus."

"This should buy us some time to figure out their living arrangements for every summer." Remus said, giving the man an appreciative nod.

"Everyone at this table agrees the Dursleys are out of the question." Moody stated as his eye swiveled at each member.

"I watched them before Hagrid brought the boy onto their porch, I warned Albus they were the worst sort of Muggles imaginable." Minerva said, still cross with Albus for placing that innocent child in the hands of those horrid people.

"I've known Petunia longer than anyone unfortunately, and the years have not made her any wiser or kinder. Still the same bitter and jealous little girl." Severus agreed with Minerva as he had personal experience with Petunia's nastiness.

"Given what happened with Carrie's mother and how Harry's involvement unintentionally put his aunt in the hospital, the Dursleys won't be any kinder to the boy." Remus stated, worried for his friends' son.

"Which is why we need to figure out Harry's living situation before the next summer. But this needs to be done before Albus suspects anything." Minerva said with a serious spark in her eyes.

"You're willing to go behind the Headmaster's back like this?" Moody asked as he watched the teacher.

"If it means protecting the boy from his relatives, then yes. Severus has already filled a report on Potter's living conditions. Now it's just a matter of transferring guardianship." Minerva stated as she glanced at the Potion Master.

"Dumbledore will be most displeased with this deception." Remus stated as he wove his fingers together.

"No, he will not. If the boy ran away once, he will do it again." Severus said as he thought of Lily, how brave she had been in her last moments when she protected her infant son from the Dark Lord.

"Question is, who among this table will watch the kids before summer ends?" Moody asked them.

All eyes turned to Severus.

"What?"

"Well, you are the one who came forward with this idea." Minerva stated with a knowing smile.

Severus clenched his jaw, "I. Am. Not. A. Babysitter."

"You also have more free time on your hands. Even with your brewing." Remus stated, earning a small glare from the dark man.

'Damn wolf has me there.' Severus thought bitterly, hating how he was cornered by one simple statement.

"We'll keep an eye on the kids while you get your place set up for them." Moody said before he finally left the table with Remus.

Once they were out of earshot, Severus sighed, "For Merlin's sake."

Minerva patted his arm to console him.

Each chosen member of the Order took shifts watching the two children while keeping themselves hidden. Each day they witnessed these children watch over each other, playing and exploring the forest under the protection of the witches and wizards. They witnessed them use their powers to climb trees and get a better view of the world around them, unknowing of the eyes around them.

While the wizards would sometimes become bored, little Carrie was gracious enough to sing to Harry and the forest, her gentle voice filled resonated through the air as she and her friend lounged in a cradle of tree branches. It truly was the sweetest most angelic sound they've ever heard, and it made this job worth it.

Severus, after much curiosity, took a shift, concealing himself from the children as he watched them. What he never expected was how they'd look.

Harry bore a resemblance too strong to James Potter, his bully and rival for Lily's attention. However, his eyes look like Lily's, gentle and kind. His demeanor also resembled Lily's, always so curious and wanting to explore. But what really threw him was how small he looked in clothes that were too big for him to wear, and resembled rags as opposed to the opulent James Potter. His mind went to Petunia's son, Dudley if he recalled, was a bit on the large side. 'Typical of that walking weed to not buy her sister's son appropriately sized clothes.' He bitterly thought as he remembered his own childhood, how he had to wear rags and hand-me-downs for most of his childhood.

His attention turned to Carrie White who spun elegantly under the sunlight that shone through the gap in the trees. She was singing softly, yet her voice carried through the forest like a siren as she danced with Harry Potter. Her laughter, her smile, and the way her hair glimmered in the sun. Severus had to stop himself from gasping, he could have sworn he saw Lily standing there. The little girl's strawberry-blonde hair could almost pass for red under certain lights. The sheer innocence on her face resembled Lily's so much it broke his heart into several pieces. It's as though she's been reincarnated into the body of that girl to remind him what he lost many years ago.

After that day, Severus hastened his preparations for the children who will be under his care. He also picked up some child-psychology books, all of them involving abuse and trauma. Given his own personal experience and how these children suffered their fair share of anguish since infancy, he knows he'll need all the help he can get. With Minerva's help, he got the guardianship papers underway rather quickly.

On the day he came to retrieve them, he was smacked into a tree. Really hard. Thus, turned into a game of hide and seek. He wasn't sure how long he searched before he did a reveal charm and found the children high up in the trees above him. The wind picked up as Harry tried very hard to calm Carrie down when she began to have a panic attack. When his hand slipped and fell, Carrie screamed in fright as she reached for him.

Severus caught the boy with the levitation charm, but his tiny body already made impact with several branches. Cursing under his breath, he gently levitated the child to the ground in front of him. The pack strapped to his back cushion his body, but his head was bleeding. He saw how one of his limbs caught on a branch and carefully pulled his pant leg up. His eyes widened when he saw a deep cut on his leg straight to the bone.

Carrie landed on the ground in a crouch, "Harry!" She panicked as she came to his side, completely forgetting her fear of the man. Her face was full of fear and guilt over seeing her friend in this state. "Oh God, what have I done? I'm so sorry." She cried in her panic as she shakingly touched his hand.

"Calm down, he's still alive. He shouldn't move just yet." Severus told her, but Carrie is far from calm as she looked up.

"Can you help him? Please?" Carrie asked, her worry for her friend outweighed her fear of the dark man.

Severus hovered his wand over the boy and whispered a healing spell, the wounds the boy sustained closed up before their eyes. Harry groaned in his unconscious state as the last cut sealed closed.

Carrie stared in astonishment, "He's okay."

"Mostly, but his leg has suffered a fracture. He needs to be taken to a safe place." Severus turned to Carrie, "Ms. White, if you want to help him, I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

Carrie glanced between Severus and Harry, though she still feared him, she can't let her friend suffer any more pain for her loss of control. Taking a deep breath, she summoned her courage and looked up at the dark man. "I will put my trust in you sir. Please, help him." She spoke in what she hoped was a strong voice, but to Severus, she sounded more like an innocent kitten.

Severus cradled the boy in one arm before holding his hand out to the girl. She stared at it for a moment before placing her tiny fingers in his.

A moment later, Severus apparated them out of the forest.

Carrie thought she was used to teleporting by now, but at such a large distance turned her stomach. She fell to her knees and clamped a hand to her mouth to stop herself from vomiting. She breathed in and out very slowly to calm herself. She tried to stand up, but her legs shook and made it impossible to maintain her balance.

"Easy child, take it slow." Severus, still holding Harry in his arms, knelt beside Carrie, his robe pooled around him.

After a few more moments of steady breathing, she carefully pushed herself back onto her feet and looked around. They were in a living room of someone's house, probably this man's home. It looked like it had just been cleaned, but the smell of books and strange herbal scents filled the air around them.

"Carrie White," Severus called her attention, making her look up at the man's almost expressionless eyes, "I need you to stay down here for a spell. Can I trust you not to touch anything while I attend to Harry Potter?"

Carrie nodded, knowing from his tone how he means business.

Severus rose to his height with his charge in his arms and carried him upstairs to bandage his leg and introduce drops of healing potions into his mouth.

Carrie was left alone in the living room. She stood there not knowing what to do or where she should be. She slowly wandered around the interior, shrugging off her backpack into a corner to not hinder anyone as she kept her hands to herself. Last thing she wants is to upset the man helping her friend. She approached the sliding glass door and saw a backyard, though it looked like it has hardly seen a person as weeds overtook the garden beds.

The creaking from the stairs pulled her attention away from the backyard as Severus came back down. He shed his robes, which she found made him less threatening.

"Ho-How is he?" Carrie stammered, not used to talking to other adults, let alone frightening tall men.

"He's stable, he just needs to sleep it off right now." Severus informed her as he strode into the living room.

Carrie nodded in understanding, "Thank you Mr..." "

"Severus Snape."

"...Mr. Snape. Um, sorry for...pushing you earlier. It wasn't very polite of me."

Severus fought a smile that wanted to crawl onto his face. This child was apologizing for protecting herself.

"That's quite alright. Given your...past experience, it was only natural for you to react as such." Severus said in the softest voice he could muster.

Carrie gave him a questioning look, "What do you mean?"

"I know what you and Potter have gone through with your families." Severus informed her, knowing this cannot be avoided.

Carrie swallowed as she looked down in shame, "I can't go back to Mama. She will kill me." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she spoke, her fear of her only parent evident.

Severus held up a hand to show he means no harm. "No one is taking you back to her." He said, watching as she looked up at him with surprise and hope.

"I won't have to?" Carrie asked, unable to believe what she just heard.

Severus nodded then gestured to the couch, "Take a seat, we have much to talk about."

Carrie glanced at the seat he pointed at then carefully sat down as Severus slowly sat in the armchair close to her. She scooted back as he came closer, her eyes never left him as she kept her guard up.

Severus kept his hands clasped in front of him, making sure they were within Carrie's sight while maintaining a respectful distance from the girl. The first thing he learned when reading the book on how to interact with abused children is to stay out of their space, no sudden moves, and to never raise your voice. Otherwise, it may set them off and cause them to panic. Given their first interaction, Carrie is anticipating the sign of an attack and will use her power to keep him at bay should she feel threatened.

"Carrie, when we went to visit your mother she attacked someone with a knife." Severus gently told her, watching how her eyes widened at the sudden information before he continued, "No one got too badly hurt thankfully. However, given your mother's...mental condition, she needed to be sent to a special care facility to treat her illness. This way she can't hurt herself or anyone else."

Carrie nodded slowly, her face filled with sadness and acceptance, "The demons in her head whispered their evil. What they made her do to that person; she'd have done to me had I stayed."

Severus nodded silently as the girl processed this information.

"She's like that because of me...because of what my father had committed against her." Carrie swallowed, "Had I not been conceived, she would never have been reminded of the attack every single day." Her voice cracked as she thought of her mother, how often she reminded her of how she was never supposed to exist, how she must carry her father's sin.

"Carrie, that wasn't your fault." Severus said as he leaned over slightly.

"Yes, it is. Bad things happen in my wake. And now," Her voice caught in her throat, "Harry...He tried to help me...But he got hurt because of me." She clenched her eyes shut as tears peaked at the corners, the guilt and fear over what she has done to her only friend festered within her.

Large hands touched hers, making her open her eyes to see Severus gently hold both of her delicate fingers in his. "Carrie, I want you to listen to me and listen well." He spoke in a voice that compelled others to hear him, "What happened in the forest was an accident. Your power reacted to your emotional state. It happens with every child who have just come into their unique abilities." Severus let out a short sigh and looked down for a moment, "If anyone should be at fault, it's me. I did not give you the best first impression at the river. In fact, I hardly give anyone the best first impression." He muttered the last part to himself.

Carrie sniffled as Severus pulled out a handkerchief and gave it to her. "Harry is your friend, he will understand once he wakes up."

"But what if I hurt him again." Carrie asked, her face held worry and fear as she wiped away her tears.

"You won't." Severus said as his face softened, "I'll help you control your gifts."

"How?"

Severus gave her a faint smile, "Let's just say I have...personal experience when discovering potential." He said as he waved his hand towards her backpack and called it to his hand.

Carrie's eyes widened, "You...You're different." She asked in astonishment and awe as Severus handed the pack to her.

"The problem with your mother is she is unable to understand how truly special you are. Your gift is something to be nurtured, not condemned. It's also the reason why I came to find you two." Severus told her as she stared back at him in shock.

"Really?"

"That's right. But I believe it's best I explain more when Mr. Potter awakens for you both to hear." Severus stood up and gestured to the stairs, "Come, I'll show you where you'll sleep."

Carrie followed after him up the stairs, wincing at the creaking and groaning of the steps. As she got to the top, she saw four doors in a hallway, two on her left, one at the end, and one on her right.

"First door on the left is where you will be sleeping." Severus opened the door to her bedroom that was plain save for the single bed, bedside table, desk, and wardrobe. "Harry is right next door to you. Bathroom is across the hall. My bedroom is at the end right there. I must express that you do not enter without my permission, even when I'm not here. Also, the door to the basement is off limits as it is my laboratory. When I'm down there I must not be disturbed unless there is an emergency." Severus faced her as she stood in the middle of the hallway as she listened to his instructions. "Do I make myself clear?"

Carrie nodded, "Thou shall not enter restricted dwellings lest I end up in the prayer closet as punishment."

Severus froze when he heard the last part. "Let me make one thing very clear to you young lady, no one in this house is to be locked in closets as punishment, not to pray for forgiveness or any other depravity your mother subjected you to." He said very strongly, making Carrie stare at him in surprise.

"I... I won't be locked in the closet?"

The hope and surprise in her voice twisted his insides. The way Carrie asked him reminded him just how innocent she truly is. How he wants nothing more than to storm over to the hospital and hit that wicked bitch with the Cruciatus Curse for tormenting her own child like this. He quickly Occulded his emotions before they took over his mind and made him do something irrational.

"No, Carrietta, that is not what shall happen in this house or anywhere for that matter. And I don't use physical punishments like hitting or anything that involves bodily harm." Severus explained to the surprised child before him. "While it is not official as of yet, you and Mr. Potter are hereby under my protection and guidance as neither of you will be forced to return to your relatives seeing how they are unfit to raise children with gifts."

Carrie stared unblinking before gently setting down her backpack.

Severus was taken by surprise when the little girl wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his stomach. "Thank you." She whispered, feeling herself begin to relax for the first time in his presence.

Though caught off guard by the sudden hug, he awkwardly returned it as he gently rubbed her back. Being this close did he realize just how small she is compared to other children her age. Her head reaches just below his ribcage, and she seems a bit skinnier under her clothes.

"Things are gonna be different from now on. No more closets or cupboards for either of you." Severus promised as Carrie took a step back, the relieved smile and joy in her large blue-green eyes reminded him too much of Lily.

"Thank you."

The corner of his mouth quirked up for a moment then vanished, "You should also freshen up in the bathroom."

Carrie picked up a piece of her shirt and took a whiff of it. She frowned deeply then looked up at Severus, "That bad?"

Severus gestured to the dresser, "Luckily there's some fresh clothes in the wardrobe. Hopefully I guessed your size correctly."

Carrie nodded in understanding, "I'll manage."

"Laundry basket is in the corner. Once you're done showering, bring down your dirty clothes." Severus said as Carrie set about the task of getting cleaned up.

Severus left her alone and went back downstairs to fix up something to eat for the girl.

The next five days were spent helping Carrie adjust to her new living spaces. The first couple of nights were difficult due to her magic getting triggered by nightmares of her mother coming after her. Thankfully after one drop of Calming Draught, Carrie's anxiety decreased.

When Severus entered Harry's room to give him a nutrition and Skele-gro potion, he was surprised to see the boy awake at last. When the matter with the Dursleys came up, Harry immediately went on the defensive and looked ready to fight with his bad leg. Seeing Lily's fearful gaze on James defiant face brought on emotions which he Occluded to center himself before assuring the boy he will not return to his relatives. It seemed to calm him down, but only to a certain degree.

It wasn't until Carrie showed up did Harry finally calm down before Severus explained what they really are and handed them their acceptance letters. The way their faces lit up at the idea of going to Hogwarts resembled Lily's.

So here he was making breakfast for his new charges he secretly took under his guardianship under Albus Dumbledore's nose. The old wizard will be most displeased when he finds out, but it is better than Lily coming back to haunt him should Harry be returned to the Dursleys.

As Severus levitated three trays of breakfast up the stairs, he heard the two children giggle amongst themselves. He entered and saw Harry and Carrie in good spirits as they read the fantasy book, making impressions of the characters. He smiled softly at how despite the cruelty fate dealt them, they were still able to retain their innocence. For a moment, he saw himself and Lily by the river staring up at the clouds, just enjoying a respite from his father and her sister.

The last two weeks he observed them, he noted how close and dependent they are of each other given their past and their limited interaction with people. Neither of them knew about the magical world until today. Though school term is only a month and a half away, he is determined to prepare them for the years ahead and give them a better life so they never make the same mistakes as he did.

He entered the room with the floating breakfast, their faces alight at his display of magic.

"Time to eat up you two. You both need to rebuild your strength and get your weight up." Severus said as he gently set the trays in their laps.

"Are we really that skinny?" Harry asked as he pulled his shirt up to check his flesh, he was certain he gained more weight while in the forest.

"We were worse back when we lived with our families. I used to sneak food to him in the evenings." Carrie told Severus before she took a bite of her eggs.

"Unfortunately, fish and berries can only do so much for you nutrition-wise." Severus stated, knowing how their diet in the woods only did so much. "While you are living here, I expect you both to eat three meals a day. If neither of you are feeling well, you tell me. As your guardian and provider, it is my job to make sure you are well taken care of and healthy. No arguments about who cares for who."

"We'll make an effort not to, sir." Carrie responded as Harry nodded, though hesitant about putting his trust in another adult.

"Harry?" Severus directed his attention to the boy when he didn't hear a verbal response.

"I'll try." Harry finally spoke, which was the best Severus was going to get.

"Good enough." Severus said, knowing he'll need to be extra patient with these children. If there's one thing he knows from personal experience is trust takes time to rebuild after years of abuse. He swears on Lily's memory to protect her son the way he should be protected, not in some half-assed manner like Albus. None of these children will ever see the inside of a closet or cupboard again.

Yeah, this took a little longer than planned. But I wanted to put in Severus Snape's POV because Harry and Carrie's upbringing is painfully similar to his own. I know in the book and movies he is strict as a teacher, but I wanted to give the kids a good relationship with him without his hardened teacher exterior getting in the way.

Dumbledore may have thought about the greater good, but that is still no excuse to purposely force a child to grow up in an unhealthy environment. Luckily, Harry has many people looking out for him.

Harry and Carrie are highly dependent on each other, which is no surprise as they are survivors. But don't worry, they'll still make friends in school.

Thank you to all who have subscribed and followed this story. I never expected so many to put this on their list in a short time. Comments down below encourage motivation.