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Chapter Text

The summer sun cast its golden rays over the desolate Privet Drive, where an abandoned little boy named Harry Potter spent his days in loneliness and neglect. For years, he had endured the mistreatment of the Dursleys, his only family, who made it abundantly clear that he was unwelcome in their lives. But on this particular day, everything changed.

His Aunt was clutching something that looks like a letter in her hand with her face red shouting "Vernon! Vernon! It's here! The wretched thing is here. I told you they would send it!". She was rushing out the house to Vernon who's carefully bringing out Dudley's many presents.

"What is it, Petunia? Let me see." Grabbing the letter with his meaty hands. As he reads the letter, his face gets sour and sour. He puffed and looked at Petunia "We'll have to do it then." He meaningfully lowered his voice.

"Yes, yes, do that, it's about time. We've put up with it for long enough." She huffed then helped him put the rest of the gifts inside.

Harry was cooking in the kitchen. He was grilling the steak that the Dursleys wanted; celebrating Dudley's Birthday. Being careful not to let it burn, he tried to ignore the rumbles his stomach makes when turning the steaks over. He heard Aunt Petunia slamming open the kitchen door.

"Boy! That's enough. I'll take over. You get out. Vernon is waiting outside." She grabbed the spatula from his hands and shoved him out the kitchen.

Harry was confused. Did he do something wrong? He made sure all his chores were done. He didn't make any noise in his cupboard at all last night. His mind played out each scenario as he walked outside.

When Vernon saw him, he told Harry to get in. It was just the two of them. Vernon drove in silence. Harry wanted to ask where they were going but he didn't want to risk getting his Uncle angrier than he already was, so he sat in silence, heart beating anxiously. He looked outside, he didn't recognise the place. There were driving for two hours already, it looked like another part of London he never knew. It looked like it was abandoned. Shops are more closed than they are open. Fewer people walking on the streets. Rubbish piling up in the alleyways. He didn’t now why they were here. But he wasn’t going to ask.

They stopped at a small grocery shop. Uncle Vernon fished out some cash and gruffly handed it to him saying "Get the groceries, Boy. Follow the list and don't think about stealing."

Harry grabbed the money that was pushed into his hands and quickly got out. It was a 20 and there's a list with the money. Milk, Bread and Biscuits. He went inside to buy them quickly. Once he was done, he went out expecting his Uncle to wait for him. There was no sign of him; he couldn't find Uncle Vernon.

He searched the parking lots. He searched the nearby park. In his pockets they were the changes but he doesn't dare to call his uncle. He didn’t even know their phone numbers. Giving up and exhausted, he didn’t get the chance to eat before the car ride, he sat near the door of the shop. The day got darker and he got more nervous. Where is Uncle Vernon?

Uncle Vernon couldn't have forgotten about him, right? He clenched his ever growling stomach looking outwards hoping. People came up to him asking what he was doing there but he lied and said that his Uncle was on the way but had to settle some business before picking him up. His heart clenched. He hoped so. By far this feeling of dread and trepidation of abandonment is feeling like the worst punishment yet. At least with physical punishments he knew when it would be over. Tears started to gather and he blinked them away.

It was night. There was no one out and about now. Occasionally, a drunkard would sluggishly pass by. He crouched himself, getting their attention would be bad. Harry didn’t notice one of them came up behind him. Grabbing the back of his neck lifting him up, a drunk man got into his face leering “What the fuck are you doing here, Boy!? Can’t you see I’m trying to walk here!?”

His breath was bad. Harry let go of the bag of groceries, raising them in front of him. “Um, I-I’m sorry. I’ll get out of your way, Sir.”

The man noticed the bag of groceries. He reached out with his other hand, taking it.
“See, that apology sounds empty. I’ll take this as compensation.”

Harry tried to grab it back. He can’t take them. When Uncle Vernon comes back, he needs to have them ready. Or he might be punished more than he was already. “You can’t. I need them, please, give it back.” He struggled to get out of the grip still holding him.

The man let go just to punch him in the face. Harry fell, shocked by what happened. The drunkard continued by stomping on his stomach, forcing the air out of Harry’s lungs. “I don’t give a fuck, Boy.” He laughed leaving with the bag.

Gripping his stomach, exhausted and weak, Harry only watched the man walking away with the bag. He felt a few tears slipping away. At least he still had some of the balance money. Maybe if he’ll get some of the groceries, Uncle wouldn’t punish him too hard. When is Uncle Vernon coming back?

Midnight came, and no one was there, he gave up. Grudgingly, he went to the alleyway besides the grocery shop. He found a flattened cardboard box, he curled up on it and tried to sleep. Maybe his uncle will come tomorrow? It was lucky for him that this summer was hot. He slept curled up hoping tomorrow he could go home.

He was wrong. By the third day, he started fishing out anything he could eat in the dumpster. By the fourteenth, he no longer waited at the grocery shop nor anywhere near. No matter how long Harry waited and no matter how far he walked. He never saw the Dursleys again.

Chapter Text

Professor Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, stood outside Number 4, Privet Drive, a worried expression etched upon his aged face. Professor McGonagall had come into his office panicked, alerting that she had not seen the boy for a week now. Not after the school letters were sent. He was shocked the blood protection did not alert him of Harry’s absence in the house.

Owls sent to Harry later could not find him. He had enlisted the help of the Ministry of Magic in a desperate search for the boy. They could not detect him. The Ministry's magic detecting and locating charms for minors only begins when they have their own wands. Any interrogation or interview with the Dursleys led to dead ends. Their constant scowling, denial and insistence that Harry had left on his own after everything they had sacrificed for his well-being was beginning to sound repetitive. Their findings at the residence were also discouraging. There were no signs of Harry living with the family. No pictures, no toys, no room; it was as if he had never lived there in the first place.

Unfortunately, by law they couldn't use magic to interrogate Muggles. The findings they had were theoretical and they could not press any charges without physical evidence of abuse. Every officer was on the lookout trying to locate the missing boy. They scouted the nearby area far and wide. How far could an eleven year old go?

Albus hoped by some miracle Harry would appear on his own.

When school finally started, Harry Potter did not arrive at the school as expected. Teachers waiting at the train station never saw him. Ministry officers patrolling the streets of Hogsmeade did not detect him. Albus, looking worse for wear, sighed, this is very concerning.

He had asked Professor Severus Snape to lend a hand in the search last week which Snape begrudgingly agreed muttering that the boy could have had a temper tantrum and was behaving like his father when ran away, obviously too spoiled to be at his relatives place. Albus did not tell him the things that were discovered in the Dursley’s residence, too exhausted with the on-going search.

After weeks of fruitless searching, Severus Snape, potions master appeared beside Dumbledore. "Headmaster," he said curtly, his black eyes infuriated. "I believe I've found him. He’s hours away from his relatives." Severus showed his memory to him. Dumbledore's eyes widened in shock as he saw a malnourished and terrified Harry crouching beside a dumpster eating what looked like a moldy pastry. But before the Ministry official who had accompanied Snape could approach, Harry's fear triggered his accidental magic. In an instant, Harry vanished, leaving behind only a cloud of dust and a bewildered Snape.

The memory ended. Severus looked at him accusingly. “The boy was not treated well by his relatives.”

It wasn’t a question. It felt like a doomed sentence to Dumbledore. He let out a breath, feeling tired, “No, he was not. My lack of judgment led me to believe Petunia would want to raise her nephew, if not with the utmost love but at least with care. It turns out this old man was wrong in many ways.”

Snape huffed and rushed out, angry at Petunia and her wretched overweight husband. Angry at Dumbledore for leaving the boy and never checking on him. Angry at himself believing the boy was his spoiled belligerent father. His heart clenched remembering the frightened look Harry gave him. It was the same look he had when he was young.

Determined not to lose sight of the boy again, Snape tirelessly searched the streets from the first sighting, hoping to find him again. Finally, after weeks of perseverance, he caught a glimpse of Harry, huddled in a dark alley, his emerald eyes wide with fright. Hands holding to a blanket he'd found.

"Harry," Snape called softly, taking slow and measured steps toward the trembling boy. "I won't hurt you. I'm here to help."

Harry's heart pounded in his chest as he pressed himself against the cold brick wall. Adults have always hurt him. Living in the streets for a few months had shown him that the adults who approached him either stole the food he had in his hands or beat him for ‘looking’ at them wrong. Then, appearing from nowhere, there’s this group of weird looking people who knew his name going around looking for him. What did they want? Were they out here looking to kidnap him? Were they Uncle Vernon’s friends? Did he do something wrong again?

His instincts screamed at him to run, to escape the clutches of yet another tormentor. But something in Snape's voice, the gentle timbre that resonated with a hint of understanding, made him pause.

Snape knelt down, maintaining a safe distance, and began to speak in a soothing voice. "You don't have to be afraid, Harry. I know what you've been through. But I promise you, I will protect you. You're not alone anymore."

Harry was quiet, contemplating. The officer accompanying Severus took it upon himself trying to grab him before he apparated. This spooked Harry and he scrambled back. That man tried to grab him! He was going to hurt him! He knew it! Adults lie and hurt him! His heart was beating loudly, he focused on that pinched feeling whenever he wants to teleport back to his lair.

Severus swore when he saw the sign Harry was going to disapparate, “No Harry, we’re not going to hurt you, wait-” And Harry was gone. Severus grumbled and growled at the officer, “You scared him! He was listening to me!”

The officer retreated, scared for his life and career. Severus rubbed his temple, feeling a headache coming.

Chapter Text

Harry was back at his ‘home’. It was an empty room in one of the abandoned buildings. He discovered his little gift back when he was at school and was glad that now he knows how to control it a bit. Strangely enough, no matter how hard he tried to pop back at Privet Drive, he couldn’t. Sometimes, he thought it might be because he was afraid the Dursleys didn't want him anymore. Deep down inside he knew even if he was abandoned here, at least he wasn't hurt.

Harry didn't want a visual confirmation of their hatred towards him. Sometimes, he made up an illusion with the Dursleys still looking for him, and it’s taking them time. They may have forgotten where they left him and are trying very hard to retrace their steps but Uncle Vernon does have a job and Aunt Petunia needs to get Dudley to school and cook his meals. They’re going to come back to get him soon. A little bit longer. He has been good.

He stashed any food he got from today’s dumpster diving and added his blanket on his makeshift bed. The room was a closet. Harry chose to be in it because felt safe in the windowless space. It was getting colder. He needed more jackets and blankets.

Harry ate the half piece of chocolate he found and sipped some water he got from a public tap. He thought about the man with the black hair and hooked nose. He felt like the man meant it. When he said he knew what he’s been through. Did he know about the Dursleys? Harry shook his head. No, he couldn’t have known what it’s like. Being hungry, exhausted, punished over and over again. But they’re his family. Maybe their love is different from other aunts and uncles. He doesn’t understand.

Harry fell asleep dreaming of Uncle Vernon leaving him again. He cried chasing him, pleading, what did he do wrong? Wanting to go back to his cupboard where his old toys were and his blankie. The ones he found just didn’t feel like his.

It was tomorrow, and he ate his last biscuit he fished out from the grocery shop’s dumpster. They were stale but still okay. He needed to find food again. After using the public toilet; the one in his ‘home’ didn’t have any water, he walked his usual routine to the dumpsters. He brought along his bag pack he found a week ago. The straps were torn but he tied them back together. The zip was broken but he found some tape to keep it closed with a small opening for him to put stuff in.

When he got to his usual dumpster, he warily looked around, making sure no one was there to steal from him again. He jumped and climbed in. He’s small but at least he can jump well. He started ripping the plastic bags, scavenging whatever he could find. Suddenly, he heard footsteps coming closer to where he was. He crouched down trying to hide in the dumpster.

Severus was patrolling again. He was not giving up. Then he heard it. From a dumpster near him. Rustling and tearing. But no one was outside the dumpster, meaning whoever was scavenging could be the child! Harry!

Severus carefully walked over to the dumpster. But he stopped once the noises stopped. Harry was still very much scared of adults. He remembered he just bought a sandwich from a delhi across the street for his lunch. He brought it out.

“Harry, is that you?” he asked. When no answer was heard, he got closer. “Harry?”

"My name is Severus Snape. I'm a professor at Hogwarts." Severus introduced himself. "Are you there, Harry?"

Once he got close enough, he could see a pair of wide green eyes, scared and wary. “I have a sandwich. I don’t mind sharing it with you. Would you like some?”

He unwrapped the wrappings. The sandwich had freshly grilled meat, with vegetables and cheese overflowing on its side. He showed it to Harry, letting the smell entice the boy. “It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you. Come and get out please, I’ll wait here, okay?”

Severus stepped back. Giving Harry space and hoping he wouldn’t run away again “I know what they did to you. Your Aunt and Uncle.” He heard a hitched gasp. “I will never let you go back there.”

A small whimper was heard and a pair of eyes and half a head was seen from the dumpster. They looked hurt. Snape realized he said something wrong. Then he remembered when the officers were investigating the resident, they found out that Harry lived in a cupboard. There was a little blanket that looked well loved and broken toys stored in a shoe box.

No matter how poorly Harry was treated he still loved the Dursleys. He wants to go back. Young Severus was like that as well. He went back no matter how much beatings his father gave him. But at least he had his mother. Harry has no one.

“I can bring you back to them, if that is your wish.” Severus negotiated “Number 4, Privet Drive. That is your home, right?”

Harry nodded, he knew where his home was. This man knew!

Severus smiled, “Then I promise to bring you there. Now, please, get out of the dumpster, Harry.”

Wary eyes stayed watching. Not moving. His hunger and exhaustion had pushed him to move, and the mere sight of food in Snape's hands overwhelmed him with a mixture of desperation and hope. Harry lifted his head and moved closer to the entrance. His stomach growled in anticipation.

It was slow. Finally, Harry decided to trust this man, just a little bit. Harry climbed out. He hesitantly walked over to the man. Eyes wide and apprehensive, looking for any signs of anger from him, getting ready to ‘pop’ if needed.

Severus Snape, his heart softened by the sight of the young boy's suffering, gently approached kneeling down and offered Harry the sandwich. "Here, Harry," he said softly. "Eat, my boy." Giving him the sandwich.

Harry hesitated for a moment, his wide eyes flickering between the sandwich and Snape. But hunger eventually won, and he reached out, accepting the nourishment that was offered to him. As he devoured the meal, Snape watched, his heart heavy with the knowledge of the pain this child had endured.

Harry devoured the sandwich. The sandwich tastes so good! Melting cheese, savory filling and filling bread! He couldn’t stop munching away, focusing on his first hearty meal in a long time. The man wasn’t moving from his spot. Harry didn’t like that he was quite close to him, but it’s okay, he guessed. The man hasn’t moved to snatch the sandwich away. Once the 6-inch sandwich was gone Harry wished he could have had more. But he wasn’t a greedy boy. He’s a good boy.

“When can I go back?” Harry asked green eyes looking questioningly at Severus.

Severus smiled, giving the boy some napkins to wipe his mouth and hands. “Anytime you want, Harry, but a lot of people are looking for you and they are very worried. Is it okay, if we meet them for a while? Just so they can see, you’re fine. Then, I promise, we’re going to your home.”

Harry looked at him apprehensively. Something about the man’s eyes compels Harry to believe, he’s telling the truth. He slowly reached out and grabbed the man’s hand. Yes, Harry believed the man was not going to hurt him. He nodded “Okay. But, I want to go back and get something.”

Severus was elated when Harry went to grab his hand. “Yea? Do you want me to come with you? I’ll help you bring them if it’s a lot.”

Harry nodded and before Severus caught on to what he just said, Harry willed himself and the man to ‘pop’ to his lair. Falling into a dark and dusty room with a groan, Severus wished he'd asked Harry if they could walk instead.

Chapter Text

Severus groaned and stood up in the small closet he was in. Dusting his robe he was squinting trying to look around. He saw Harry walking somewhere else, looking for something and decided to leave the boy alone while he walked out into the bigger bedroom with light shining through the windows. Disheartened, he looked back to Harry’s closet. Even when he was no longer with the Dursleys, he still only felt safe in such an enclosed space. Harry deserves better.

He took out his wand and casted a Patronus, “Headmaster, I have found the boy. I’m bringing him in. He’s just learning to trust me, it is advisable for us to meet quietly. Please inform Madam Pomfrey we are coming shortly.” And sent it on its way.

Harry walked up to him with a plastic bag in hand.

“I got it.” he smiled.

Curious, Severus asked, “What are you bringing, Harry? If they’re too old, maybe we can go out and buy new ones?”

Harry shook his head. “It’s okay. See they’re still okay.” He showed the contents of the plastic, a carton of milk, a packet of biscuits and bread. Severus reached in and grabbed them looking at the expiry dates. They’re weeks past due but their condition looks new. He can feel magic traces over them. Harry must have preserved them unconsciously, but why would he? It’s clear that he’s hungry, why not eat what he has now?

“Why do you have these Harry?”

“Umm..” Harry looked unsure “They’re groceries. Uncle Vernon will want them.”

Fury boiled inside Severus. He wanted to punch somebody. He wanted to hurt them. How could they? Raising a child to believe he was so worthless of food that he would go hungry when there’s perfectly good food here! Putting them back in the plastic bag, Severus took it from Harry, who was starting to panic.

“Harry, it’s alright, I’m not taking them from you. I’m helping you carry them.”

Harry looked back and forth from the plastic bag to him. Unsure, “B-but, um-.” Is he going to steal from Harry? Like that drunk man? Did he make another mistake believing him?

Severus soothes Harry, placing a warm hand on his shoulder. “I’m not stealing from you, Harry. I promise.”

Clutching his shirt, he gets nervous and anxious. This man is an adult. He’s not supposed to ask questions. He said he’s not stealing but Harry just wasn’t sure. He felt his heartbeat quickens.

Severus felt Harry’s nervousness, he eased the bag into Harry’s hands. “Harry, it’s alright, you can have them back. I was only trying to help you. I’m sorry if I frightened you.”

Harry blinked stranded tears looking at Severus. “Okay.” He can’t believe that an adult apologized to him. He was happy getting his stuff back.

“Can we go now?”

Severus looked around the small closet, with blankets and food wrappers here and there. At least the boy is not bringing back rubbish and rotting blankets. Nodding, “Yes, we can. Remember Harry, we’re going to get some people to check if you’re hurt first, okay? Just to make sure you’re healthy?”

Harry nodded, “Then straight home, right?”

Severus smiled, “Yes, I promise.” He held Harry close by the shoulders and apparated back to Hogwarts’ entrance.

They arrived without much turbulence. Harry was amazed that the man could ‘pop’ like he did. Maybe that was why Harry felt understanding coming from this man. Maybe he was a freak too in his family? He wanted to ask but he wasn’t supposed to ask questions.

Harry lifted his head and gasped. The castle looked majestic to Harry. Huge and old yet warm and welcoming. To Harry, it looked like it came from a fairy tale book he always saw when he was in Kindergarten during story time. With Severus’s hand on his shoulder they walked towards the Hospital Wing.

Harry couldn’t keep his head still. He was looking left and right, all the while keeping up with Severus’s steps. It was amazing! There were so many rooms and they’ve turned to another corridor from another corridor. Distantly he can hear children’s voices in the air. He swiveled his head trying to see where they were coming from. They walked down a hallway and to his left he saw them. Children around his age. Flying on broomsticks! He gasped again.

Severus couldn’t fight the small smile he had. “Welcome to Hogwarts, Harry, school for witches and wizards. Those are your classmates. They’re the same age as you are.”

Witches?

Wizards?

“You mean, I’m not a freak?” Harry asked, looking up at him. He couldn’t stop himself.

Severus stopped. He took several deep breaths trying to keep the rage rising in him. Severus slowly leaned down and looked Harry in the eyes. “You’re not a freak, Harry. You’re a brilliant and brave young wizard. One of the bravest I’ve ever known. I swear on my heart.”

Harry felt his chest warm up. He very seldom receives a compliment. Severus looked very sincere when he said it. He didn’t know how to respond other than giving a small nod.

Severus sighed knowingly, “Well, after we get you settled down, arrange your home arrangements and if you want to be enrolled here, I am available to help in any way.”

“You’re a teacher here?”

“Yes, I’m the Head teacher of Slytherin and the Potions Professor.”

Slytherin? Potions? Words that do not make sense to Harry were making his head spin. He went from an abandoned freak to being a wizard in a day.

Seeing Harry’s confused face, he comforted Harry, “We can talk all about it later. We’re here, Harry.” Severus opening the door to the Hospital Wing.

Unknowing to them, there was a commotion happening. Inside waiting for them were Headmaster Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, Minister Fudge along with Aurors and a few journalists.

“Harry! Professor Snape! So happy you’ve made it! Finally! Welcome back!” Minister Fudge boomed, walking to them with open arms and a smile too big for his face. Cameras started clicking, flashes of lights filled Harry’s vision and scratches of quills filled his hearing.

Harry was shocked, he wasn’t expecting this many people at one time. He gripped onto Severus’s cloak stopping his tracks, his eyes widened and his breath stilled. He saw the men dressed in all black. They were there! The men who kept looking for him, chasing him, trying to grab him at any chance! Why were they there? Is Severus going to leave him with them?

Severus was annoyed and frustrated. He glared at the Headmaster, who looked cross himself. Professor Dumbledore stopped Minister Fudge, holding from walking further by the shoulder.

“As I have said Minister, I don’t think Harry is ready to be welcomed yet. Legally, until investigations are done and concluded, I will be acting as Harry’s legal guardian. Now that you’ve visually confirmed that it is in fact, Harry Potter, please make your way to my office. We can discuss further, there.”

The minister frowned, not liking being seen as the bad guy. He turned back to Harry and smiled, “We, at the Ministry of Magic would like to welcome you back, Harry. Once you are well, we’ll hold an official announcement that you are back. Your disappearance has worried us greatly.”

Harry can only nod. Who was this person? Why are they taking pictures of him? Why would the Minister welcome him? Ministry of Magic? Magic is real? He wasn’t the only freak?

Questions keep filling his head and he feels himself panicking. He wants to go back. He’ll make it up to Severus later. He willed himself to ‘pop’ home. Harry closed his eyes, and concentrated on ‘popping’ back, but he couldn’t. His breath quickens when he realizes he couldn’t escape. He couldn’t. It feels like a trap.

Severus quickly knelt down to look into Harry’s eyes when he noticed the boy trying to apparate. He gently and firmly holds Harry’s shoulder. “Harry, listen to me, I need you to follow my breathing, please. Harry?”

The boy was not responding, his eyes were searching for escapes. He wasn’t paying Severus any attention.

“Harry, if you can, please, follow me. Breathe in.. Breathe out..” Severus breathed with his instructions “Come on, Harry, follow me, breathe in, yes that’s it.. Breathe out..”

Harry slowly followed Severus’s voice. He slowly calmed down. By the time he calmed down, he noticed the others were not there anymore. It was just Severus and another old nurse in the room. He wondered how the others went out so quickly without him noticing.

He lifted his head from Severus’s shoulder, he was embarrassed that he didn’t notice he was leaning onto him. What’s wrong with him? He’s not a baby. What happened? Why couldn’t he ‘pop’ away? He didn’t voice his questions. He was too tired.

“Harry, do you feel better now?”

Harry nodded but he could feel himself growing tired.

“M’okay, but, m’tired.” Harry mumbled.

“It’s alright, I’m going to put you in one of these beds alright, let’s give you some time to rest, then we’ll go home, okay?” Severus asked as he lifted Harry in his arms.

“Put him here, Severus, gently,” Madam Pomfrey ushered him to one of the beds. “Poor lad, he looks dead on his feet!”

By the time Severus laid him down, Harry was nearly asleep. “Promise?”

Severus smiled and assured him, “Yes, I promise. Go to sleep Harry, I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Harry nodded and fell asleep. Yet again placing his trust onto Severus.

Chapter Text

“Did you hear? Harry Potter’s been found!”

“He’s here in Hogwarts already, I reckon-”

“I think I saw Snape yesterday walking with somebody… Do you think that was-”

“No way! I bet that’s one of the first years. They had their flying lesson yesterday. Oi, first years, was somebody hurt yesterday?”

“I wonder what his scar looks like? Bet it’s wicked-”

“My mom said there’s an investigation going on about him being abused.”

“What? Harry Potter? Abused? I don’t think the Ministry would allow that.”

“Yeah, he’s Harry Potter! The Boy-Who-Lived! Why would they leave him alone?”

“No, no, my dad told me about it as well. My dad was a part of the team that was looking for him.”

“Oh, then it must be true! Oh, poor Harry…”

“Do you think we can see him in the Med-”

“-no, Professor Dumbledore will obviously won’t let us-”

“He would definitely be in Gryffindor, I mean his mom and dad was-”

The school buzzed with gossip. Severus resisted rolling his eyes. Children and gossip. Two of the things he mildly tolerated. Currently, with the exception of young Harry; who did not wake up after his panic attack yesterday. He waited the whole night and now he was having his breakfast in the Grand Hall. Madam Pomfrey had swiftly dismissed Severus, saying she does not need extra patients to take care of and a breakfast wouldn’t kill him. In a way, he supposes, she’s right. He did need to eat something warm, and not snacking besides Harry’s bed. He needs to get back though, as soon as possible, he promised Harry he would be there when he wakes up. Remembering how severe the panic attack was yesterday, he concluded Harry was not used to being around strangers. After hearing what the students were already gossiping about, Severus wonders if Harry would want to enroll somewhere else, somewhere peaceful and not have other children ogling him.

“-Severus, I say, Severus!”

He jolted out of his musings “Yes, Minerva?”

Professor McGonagall sighed, looking at him worryingly, “Did you get any rest at all yesterday? I know you’ve been with Harry the whole night, but please, do remember that you’re not that young. You need your rest as well.” She said while putting her hand on his shoulder.

“Well, there’s another thing I need to deliver,” Minerva continued after not getting a reply “Professor Dumbledore wishes to see you. After Harry is awake I reckon. He knows you’ve promised to be there with him when he wakes up.”

“Yes, he seems prone to panic attacks.” Severus replied solemnly “He had one, previously, when he thought I was stealing from him.”

“Stealing from him?”

"There was a bag of groceries—milk, bread, and other things. He had them with him. Everything was past its expiry date, but I suspect Harry’s been using magic to keep them looking fresh. Whether it’s accidental or intentional, his magic seems far stronger than that of an average boy."

Professor McGonagall slightly frowned. “But why did Harry keep them instead of eating them? He must have been starving!”

“I may not know the real reason, but from what I’ve gathered, he mentioned that the Dursleys would want them—once they decided he was worthy enough to come back home.”

“My word!” Professor McGonagall said with fury “I knew they weren’t the best muggles out there but I would have never expected this from Lily Potter’s sister!”

“Neither did I.” Severus responded solemnly. All these while, he thought Harry Potter would be spoiled to bone. Just like his rotten father. He was wrong and it left a bitter taste in his mouth.

“I’m going back, Minerva. Excuse me,” Severus said, standing up and gathering some essays he had decided to grade while waiting beside Harry. “I’ll pass word to the Headmaster as soon as Harry wakes up.”

“Very well, do keep up with your health, Severus. I don’t think Poppy would want an additional patient now.”

He nodded and gave a small smile, “Yes, she has made that very clear.”

—----

Ron was bewildered. It had just been him here. He hadn’t realized Madam Pomfrey had another patient. Now that he thought about it, he had heard voices at the other end of the Medical Wing. Still, he’d been too groggy after drinking Skele-Gro to pay attention. It was a Medical Wing, after all—people came and went.

He sighed as he flopped his head back on his bed. Being in the Medical Wing was nice and all but fixing a broken bone with magic takes a toll on the body. He’s tired and cranky, and he wasn’t even halfway through the semester. He’d have to take remedial classes for the ones he’s missing.

Neville timidly walked towards him, standing by his bed and looking glum. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for this to happen, Ron,” He apologized. “I didn’t mean for you to get hurt.”

“It’s fine, Nev. It wasn’t your fault—it was that git Malfoy. Sorry about your Remembrall. Guess I wasn’t the star flier, I thought I was…” he chuckled.

“Still, I feel bad. My gran already sent me another Remembrall.” Neville offered a small smile. “She told me to give you this one… you know, as a thank-you.”

Neville handed him a Remembrall, and Ron turned it over in his hand. He shook it and gave it a look, looking at the smoke turning green. “I guess I didn’t forget anything this time.” He joked, “Thanks Nev.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Ron expected Neville to turn back and walk towards the Great Hall—it’s still breakfast. Neville lingered, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for something. As if he was trying to see something beyond the empty beds. Ron raised an eyebrow.

“Nev? You’re not heading to breakfast?” Ron asked.

“Err.. I dunno if you've heard anything, since you were in Med Bay last night… But there’s a rumor going around. Harry Potter’s here! He came in yesterday! Have you seen him? Did you meet him?”

Ron blinked, startled. He was bewildered. It was just him here. He didn’t know Madam Pomfrey had another patient. He did hear people by the other end of the Medical Bay, but he didn’t think anything of it, he was still out of it after drinking Skele-Gro for his broken arm. It was a Medical Bay, people come and go.

“Not really, Neville,” He said. “I didn’t even know Madam Pomfrey had another patient. I was pretty out of it last night.”

“Ah, oh, right, sorry again, Ron.”

“Nah, it’s alright. What else did they say about Harry? Last time I heard there was a rumor about him running away because he was abused? Did you hear anything about that? Was it confirmed?”

“Hm, well, not really. Remember Hannah Abott? She said her mother in the Ministry confirmed it, but we’re all doubting it. I mean, how can they let a bunch of-”

Ahem.

Both boys jumped. Professor Snape stood behind them, his dark gaze cutting through the room like a knife.

“Mr. Longbottom,” Snape drawled, “breakfast is nearly over. I suggest you make haste before you’re late for class.” He’s had enough of gossip. He heard enough during breakfast and was not expecting Longbottom of all people to contribute to spreading such news. He has to speak to the Headmaster about this. Harry would not do well with being under every other students’ gaze.

Neville stammered out an apology before bolting out of the room.

Now it was just Ron and Professor Snape.

“Err, good morning, sir.”

“Yes, Mr Weasley, a good one for gossip, I presume.”

Ron shuddered. That response felt cold.

The professor didn’t wait for a response. He walked past Ron, to the other side of the Medical Bay, where he’d heard people last night. He’s heard Madam Pomfrey hinder other students who came by earlier from going there.

Intrigued, he’d opted to wait until the bat professor returned to his office. There’s no harm in confirming the rumor that Harry Potter was here, afterall.

He’d just dropped by to say ‘Hi’.

—

Severus was beside Harry. It looked like Harry was not waking up anytime soon. This greatly worried him, but Madam Pomfrey assured Harry was just catching up on long needed quality sleep.

Severus sighed, pulling out a stack of essays from his bag. He shuffled through them with a grimace, muttering something about "abysmal handwriting" as he settled in to work. He sighed, setting the parchment aside, when he heard movement. Green eyes blinked up at him groggily.

“Harry, you’re awake. How do you feel?” he asked, standing and getting closer.

“Umm, okay?” Harry stretched, wincing slightly but noticing he felt… better. The sores he got by sleeping on the thin blankets were mostly gone and the sleep was one of the best sleep he had in a while. Looking around, it was just him and Severus, but it did look a lot brighter. “Is it morning already?”

“Yes, it is, you’ve slept through the night.”

Harry nodded, unsure how to feel about that. It wasn’t often he had a proper night’s rest.

“Oh, good heavens! He’s awake! That’s good, that’s good!” Madam Pomfrey came bustling to their bed.

“How do you feel dear?” She asked Harry.

“Err, not sure but… I’m okay.” Harry shrugged. “Thank you, ma’am, for letting me sleep here.”

Madam Pomfrey tutted “Nothing to worry about dear. I’ve done what I could, but you’ll need these for the next few weeks.”

Putting down several vials of potions on the bedside table, she looked at Severus, “Severus, these are nutrition supplements taken after meals, Murtlap Essence for the bruises—apply it gently after bathing—and Calming Draughts for when Harry feels overwhelmed.”

“Right, thank you Madam.” Severua nodded. He packed away the leftover essays and stood up, “I’ll fetch something for you to eat, Harry. Are you alright by yourself for a moment?”

Harry nodded, he didn’t mind.

Severus gave a nod in acknowledgement and walked out while Madam Pomfrey said she’ll be back in her office and to shout if he needs anything. Harry stared at the potions Madam Pomfrey had left behind, frowning. One bottle, in particular, smelled sharply of licorice.

“You know, you can ask for raspberry-flavored ones.” A voice came from nearby. “Licorice is awful. Yuck.”

Harry flinched, looking up to see a red-haired boy grinning sheepishly.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I’m Ron—Ron Weasley.”

“Um, hi…”

“I hate licorice. It doesn’t taste good in my opinion. Mum usually gets raspberry ones for us in the winter. Much better. My brothers and I usually get colds in winter, you see.”

“Um…” Harry mumbled, not sure why this boy was talking to him “I don’t mind, I guess.”

“Oh yea, licorice is not a bad thing, just not my cup of tea.” Ron chuckled nervously. “Um, sorry for rambling, I’m just nervous I guess. You’re Harry Potter, aren’t you?”

“Uh, yeah. How did you—” Harry’s stomach sank slightly.

“Yes, I knew it! You’re bloody brilliant, you are!” Ron shuffled closer to Harry. “Can I see your scar? Not to be creepy or anything! I just… always wondered what it looked like.”

Harry hesitated, unsure why this boy was so interested in him. His hand instinctively moved to his fringe, debating whether to lift it. But something about Ron’s eager, genuine expression made him relent.

“Blimey…” Ron breathed. “Did it hurt?”

“I dunno. I don’t remember, maybe it did? I was a baby when the accident happened.”

“Accident? What do you mean?” Ron found that weird, his face twisting in confusion. Harry Potter was responsible for the downfall of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The scar was the only thing left of the fateful night of the Potter’s family demise. Harry is a hero because he killed the Dark Wizard and he was only a year old! Didn’t he know this?

“The car crash. It’s how my parents died. I got this scar from the accident.”

“What? Car crash? No, but—you don’t know? They didn’t—” Ron spluttered. He didn’t understand. Did Harry Potter really not know?

“Know what?” Harry asked curiously.

Ahem.

Ron jumped, making a mental note to stay more alert in the future—this couldn’t keep happening.

“It seems you’re well enough to loiter, Mr Weasley.” Severus walked in from behind Ron with a tray of food in hand and a disapproving look.

“Pro-Professor! Ah, yes, um, okay, see you later Harry!” He scurried away, knowing the professor was increasingly getting annoyed with him. Harry tilted his head curiously as Ron scurried away. He felt a strange mix of relief and unease.

Severus laid the tray on Harry’s lap. “Eat your lunch Harry. And drink this after.” He laid the nutrition supplement besides Harry’s lunch.

“Thank you, Severus.”

Harry was eating when he heard someone walking up to them.

“It’s good to see you well, Harry, my boy,” Professor Dumbledore smiled apologetically. “I apologize for yesterday’s incident. Things have gotten out of hand.”

“Um, okay,” Harry nodded. He looked ancient, Harry thought. With his snow white beard and pointy hat. He does look like Merlin, Harry mused.

“Harry, this is the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore.” Severus introduced.

With a half pastry in his mouth chewing, he nodded, his mouth too full to reply verbally.

Professor Dumbledore chuckled, “They do make one of the best chicken pie. May I borrow young Severus for a while?”

Harry nodded, agreeing to the deliciousness of the pie and to letting Severus leave for a moment. He found it strange. Other adults don’t normally talk this much with him.

“Very well, Severus, if I may, my office please.”

“I’ll be back, Harry, don’t forget to take the supplements after lunch.”

__

Severus was silent as they entered the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his eyes twinkling as he motioned for Severus to take a seat.

“Severus, I understand you have concerns regarding young Harry,” Dumbledore began, his voice calm, yet filled with a weight of unspoken understanding.

“Harry wishes to return to the Dursleys, Headmaster.” Severus starts. “I’ve promised him I would take him there, but I am beginning to question whether he should return to them at all. Seeing how he is faring psychologically and physically, those Dursleys are abusive. The boy is in no condition to endure their treatment any longer.”

Dumbledore’s expression grew more serious, his eyes darkening with concern. “Yes, that is what I need to discuss with you, Severus. The reason why Harry had to stay with the Dursleys was for their blood protection.”

“Protection?” Severus asked incredulously.

“Yes, when Lily Potter knew of her demise, she had placed an ancient magic on Harry.” Professor Dumbledore continued “The magic was designed to keep Harry safe as long as his blood relatives remained nearby. The power of that spell can only be maintained while Petunia is close.”

“You surely do not mean to leave him there, Headmaster? What good is protection if it comes at the cost of the child’s well-being? Harry is physically and emotionally damaged by their neglect.” Severus replied, his voice tinged with frustration.

“No, I would not send him back there, Severus,” he said calmly “but, there is another way to keep blood relations near.”

“Headmaster?” He asked, suspiciously.

Dumbledore’s gaze softened, but his voice remained steady. “I believe Harry has formed a bond with you, Severus. If we remove him from the environment he has found, it could break him. He needs someone he can trust, someone who can offer stability. I fear, Severus, that you are the only one who can give him that.”

Severus stiffened and stayed quiet, he had an inkling of what the next question would be.

“Would you adopt Harry, Severus?” The weight of Dumbledore’s words settled heavily on him.

“I don’t understand, why me? Surely there’s somebody else?”

“Somebody else?” Dumbledore asked, his gaze unwavering.

“Yes, the Weasleys? They’ve got a reputation for having and raising children! What about Lupin? He’s James’s friend! Surely I’m not the only choice? Or Minerva?”

Professor Dumbledore gave him a soft, reassuring smile. “I understand the prospect of having a child is difficult. I would give you some time until winter, Severus, to think about it. Harry is now in Hogwarts where he is safe. That is, until the holidays, we need to sort out his placement.”

Severus sighed out of relief. Until the holidays, he still had time.

“Now about the Dursleys. The muggle’s law enforcement has contacted me and the Minister. After doing some investigations, they are convicted of being neglectful to Harry’s well-being. The case of child abuse is now being processed as we speak. Poppy has sent me the pictures she has taken as well as the medical reports of Harry’s physical health. Harry would be under my guardianship as per James’s and Lily’s will until we find a suitable replacement. Vernon is now taken into custody while Petunia and Dudley are still at Privet Drive.” Professor Dumbledore continued as he looked intently at Severus.

“Good,” Severus nodded. “So, it will be just the two of them in their house?”

“Yes, I would advise you to bring something to appease them, Severus. You need to be civil enough with Petunia and ask her for her blood for the blood adoption to work.”

“I will. Is that all?”

“Yes, that is all. Please Severus, give some time to think about the blood adoption. I imagine you would be surprised by yourself.”

Severus contemplated. “I’ll think about it, thank you, Headmaster.” He walked away to return to Harry’s side.

—

Harry made up his mind, scrunching his face while he was forced to swallow the licorice flavoured potion. He didn’t like it. He was only bluffing when Ron asked. He thought he knew what the flavour was like.

He heard footsteps—it must be Severus! Harry was excited and nervous. He was going home.

“I see that you’ve finished your supplements. Good. Are you ready to head to Privet Drive? It's just after noon, I think we can make it there and return before dinner.”

Harry felt warm when the other complimented him on finishing his supplements. No one had cared as much. He nodded, getting out of bed and picking up his plastic bag of groceries.

Severus led Harry to his office in the dungeons. Harry felt the cold and shivered as he looked around. The dungeons were dim and the air was cold. Why are they there?

“Draught of Living Death.” Severus said and his door opened.

Living Death? Harry thought it sounded scary, maybe he could ask Severus later?

They walked to his fireplace. “Harry, this is called the Floo Network. It is a way to travel for wizards by calling out their destination’s name and stepping into the fire.”

Harry looked startled and scared—the fire was hot and it looked menacing. “Into the fire?”

“Yes, the fire wouldn’t hurt you, Harry. Here, first, grab a handful of sand,” Severus showed the cup of sand by the fireplace. He grabbed a handful of sand, showing Harry the fistful of sand.

“Then, shout ‘Privet Drive Number 4, Surrey’. Throw the sand into the fire, and then step into the flame. The next thing you'll know, you’re with the Dursleys already. Do you understand?”

Harry was scared. What is this? He doesn't want to this, it looked like it will hurt.

“Don’t worry Harry, we will do this together. Hogwarts’s Floo Network allows people with companions. Come here, yes, step into the fireplace.” Severus helped Harry step into the fireplace after stepping in first. He grabbed the boy’s shoulder tightly.

“Grab a hold of my arm Harry. Whatever you do, do not let go of my arm.” Severus said sternly. Harry did, his small hands wrapped tightly around Severus’s right arm. Severus nodded and shouted ‘Privet Drive Number 4, Surrey’, before throwing the handful of sand. Both of them were engulfed in flames.

The whoosh of the winds and the roar of the flames scared Harry, he closed his eyes but still held onto Severus, it all happened so fast. “We’re here, Harry, open your eyes.”

Slowly Harry opened his eyes. He was in the living room of his home, Privet Drive Number 4, Surrey. Everything looked pristine, like it has always been, even on the day he was abandoned. The next thing he knew, a screeching voice pierced the calm, “How dare you show your face! You ungrateful freak!”

Chapter Text

Petunia Dursley had always thought her unfortunate sister was a freak. The abnormal sister has magic, for goodness sake! She made things move, flowers bloom and other unnatural things. To Petunia; magic goes against the very nature of the world and it shouldn’t exist.

The same she thought of Harry. He shouldn’t have been dumped into her care. She had lived a normal life, with a well to do husband, a normal son and a pristine house. All that shattered when the old wizard, Dumbledore, left Harry at her doorsteps! Not even bothering to greet her. If her sister was so called loved by the witches and wizards around her, they would have stepped up and offered to raise the boy, but no. She was forced to raise him.

The audacity! All these years, she had to raise a son she didn’t even want. Her son Dudley was already a difficult baby to raise. Harry, on the other hand, had constant problems. Magical incidents creating chaos nearly everyday. One after another.
And because of that wretched boy; Petunia had lost her husband. Her reputation was tarnished and her perfect ‘normal’ family was ruined. She was outright furious. Years of raising that blasted boy only for the same boy to ruin her life.

Petunia had sent Dudley to school for an after school activity. She was going through her bank books and was trying to figure out which lawyer she would need for Vernon’s trial when she heard the crash. When that boy’s face showed up, she saw red.

“How dare you show your face! You ungrateful freak!” She shrieked as she marched up to them. The living room was covered in soot and this made her angrier. “Look at what you did?! Couldn’t even come normally could you, freaks?!”

Harry was frightened. He had never seen his Aunt this furious. Timidly, he hid behind Severus, clutching the bag of groceries and the older man’s cloak.

Severus scoffed and waved his wand. His magic instantly cleaned the room. “Hello, Tuney.”

“It’s Mrs Dursley to you!” Petunia shrilled. “Don’t think I didn’t hear what you did to my oh-so-dear sister. You stalked her, creep! And when she dumped you, you cowardly joined some dark wizard.”

Petunia then grabbed her phone and warned them. “Get out, now! Or I’ll call the police. Out!”

Severus got annoyed and flicked his wand. “Silencio.”

This freaked Petunia out. Her mouth opened and closed without a sound. Her eyes bulged and she shouted at them silently with her hands flailing threateningly.

Without paying much attention to her, Severus leaned down to Harry. He slowly got him to let go of his cloak. “Harry, grab your stuff, go on. Take your time, I’ll be right here. Talking with your Aunt.”

Trembling, still scared of his Aunt’s outburst, Harry nodded. Before walking away, he forced himself to look at his red faced Aunt and put down the plastic bag of groceries on the nearest table. “I-I’ve gotten the things you wanted me to get, Aunt Petunia.”

Harry saw his Aunt ignore him, she intentionally avoided looking at him. He felt his heart broken and he felt dejected. He was still not good enough. It was his fault, he thought, he should’ve waited for them to pick him up. Holding back his tears he ran to his cupboard under the stairs, and closed the door. Crying silently, Harry was curled up in the dark room. After a while, he got up and turned on the one dim light that he had. Seeing his room, he was a bit relieved, most of his stuff was still here.

Harry dropped onto his small bed and curled into his threadbare blanket. He let himself smile a bit. Happy to finally be reunited with his blanket. Slowly, with his blanket wrapped around his shoulder, Harry started packing his small possessions in his school bag.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Severus was furious. He waved to undo the silencing charm and before she could shout, he reproached her first. “Tuney, I don’t know what happened between you and Lily, but leave Harry out of it. You’ve done nothing but harm the boy. Now, I need your blood for—”

Petunia was furious! She cut through Severus’s chastise. “Harm the boy?! You have no right to tell me that. Where were you?! Where was anyone when he was a baby?!” Petunia shrieked. Her tirade got louder as she let out years of frustrations. “You should be grateful that I didn’t dump him in an orphanage! He’s alive and well, Severus. If anyone’s done harm, it’s you and your lot! You dumped him on me! And look what I’ve gotten after YEARS of taking care of him?! Vernon’s in jail! Dudley doesn’t have friends anymore! He’s being shunned! I can’t even show my face outside!”

Petunia couldn’t take it anymore. She slammed the account books on the table. “And he’s driving us to poverty. All because you and your kind abandoned him. Go to hell, Severus.” She walked briskly to her front door, gathered her keys and slammed the door shut.

Severus stood frozen, hearing her revved up the car’s engine and driving away. Harry whimpered. He heard his aunt’s outburst. His eyes were tearing up. He curled up in his blanket behind his door and cried.

Severus snapped out of it and knelt down beside Harry on the other side of the door. “Harry, it’s not your fault.”

“Y-yes it is!” Harry sobbed. “Why can’t I j-just be normal?!”

Severus slowly opened the cupboard’s door. He was disheartened when he saw the trembling sobbing boy curled up in a threadbare blanket. Carefully, Severus rubbed Harry’s back, consoling him. Harry let out a wail and lunged into Severus’s arms. He cried harder into the man’s chest. Hiccuping and sniffling uncontrollably.

“It’s not your fault, Harry. It’s ours; the adults’ faults. Shh, shh, please, it’s not your fault,” Severus consoled Harry as he rocked him, wishing he could do more than just console the boy. He then picked Harry up, along with his school bag full of his meager possessions and brought him back to Hogwarts through the floo. The boy in his arms stayed quiet, shivering with hiccups and sobs every now and then. His face hidden in Severus’s chest.

Severus tried to get Harry off of his chest but he would not budge. He could feel tears and snot wetting his robe. Severus sighed sadly and sat in his office chair with the boy in his arms. Leaving the school bag on the ground. He gently petted the boy’s hair, consoling him, until he felt Harry fall asleep on him.

Professor Dumbledore knocked before he walked in. He sighed looking at Severus who’s still holding Harry. “I see, it didn't go so well?”

Severus sighed and frowned at him. “No. It didn’t.”

Professor Dumbledore nodded forlornly. “Well, I think it’s best we try another time. I’ll see you and Harry tomorrow, and if he’s okay, let’s get him sorted into a House. I think new friends would be good for young Harry. Goodnight, Severus, I’ll see myself out.”

“Goodnight, Headmaster,” Severus replied as he brought the boy to his personal quarters. He tucked Harry in his guest’s room, wrapping the threadbare blanket around the boy. “Goodnight, Harry.”

—

Morning came, Severus and Harry were sitting in his personal dining room, having breakfast which the elves had brought in. Harry was abnormally quiet while he ate his breakfast. He had that dejected and blank look in his eyes. Severus was getting worried, not knowing the extent of Harry’s mental state.

“Harry?” Severus asked gently. “Harry, look at me.”

Harry’s eyes looked at Severus, his eyes were blank, it looked as if he had given up. Severus used Legilimens on the boy. The sudden sorrow he felt from Harry was overwhelming. He stopped and pulled his mind away.

“Harry, I’m here. I will always be here.” Severus said as he looked into the boy’s eyes.

It didn’t do anything.

—

Harry felt empty. He knew Severus was bringing him somewhere but he didn’t care. He felt numb. Like nothing mattered.

Harry felt someone nudging him to sit on a chair so he sat. He felt something was on his head. The thing was moving and he heard a voice in his head.

“Harry Potter? Oh my, poor boy. You are not well,” the wise voice said in his head.

“...Who are you?” Harry asked in his head hesitantly.

“I’m the Sorting Hat, my boy. I sort you into the Houses we have in Hogwarts. Gryffindor for the brave and courageous, Ravenclaw for the wise and curious, Hufflepuff for the loyal and dedicated, and Slytherin, for the ambitious and cunning.” the voice explained in his head.

“...I don’t care. I don’t belong anywhere.” Harry sighed dejectedly in his head.

“My boy, everyone belongs somewhere,” the voice consoled. “Yes, even you, is that what you want? To belong somewhere?”

The question lit up a small hope in Harry. “Yes, please,” his heart answered.

“Well then, if you’re sure — better be SLYTHERIN!”

The next thing Harry realized were gasps around him. Harry was finally mentally present enough to notice the change of environment. He was in Severus’s office again and there were people around him. There were Severus, Professor Dumbledore, two witches and another wizard. They looked at him with a mixture of shock and wonder.

Chapter Text

The professors left Harry alone in the room with Severus.

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Albus,” Professor McGonagall said as she looked at the headmaster worriedly. “Imagine all the reporters and journalists. He’ll be swarmed with them! The Boy-Who-Lived sorted in the same house as You-Know-Who? That’ll be in the news for weeks! I pity the boy, Albus.”

The old headmaster was quiet as he contemplated solemnly. The head teachers of each house, minus Severus, walked with him. Professor Sprout and Professor Flitwick walked slower at the back with worried faces.

“Albus, I think Minerva’s right, think about the boy. Maybe we should do a re-sorting? The hat could have made a false judgement on the first sorting.” Professor Sprout interjected.

Professor Flitwick nodded. “Yes, yes, a re-sorting is needed!”

Albus Dumbledore stopped in his tracks, stopping the other professors behind him. He turned towards them slowly. “You all know as much as I do, the Sorting Hat does not make a mistake. It was made by all four founders of Hogwarts. A sentient being, enchanted with their combined intelligence and if the Sorting Hat believes Harry will be the happiest in Slytherin, then so be it.” Albus smiled with a twinkle in his eye and bid goodnight to the professors before leaving.

—

Waking up in the guests’ room, Harry rubbed his eyes. Severus was there besides him, sleeping in an armchair. Harry tilted his head, has Severus slept there to be with him the whole night? He wondered, before stepping out of the bed. The moment his foot stepped on the floor, the wooden creak jolted Severus awake.

“Oh Harry! You’re awake, good. How are you feeling?”

Harry paused and contemplated. He didn’t feel like answering verbally, so he shrugged.

Severus sighed and nodded. “Well, that is to be expected. Come to the dining room, I’ll get us something to eat and we’ll talk about what’s going to happen now.” He got up and got Harry’s Slytherin’s uniform out and laid them on the bed. “Wash your face and change into these. We’ll talk later, okay?”

Harry ran his hand on the expensive uniform. He looked at the emblem in awe. A majestic snake woven onto the chest of the uniform. Turning to Severus, he nodded.

Severus patted the boy’s head before making his way to the dining room and called a house elf. The elf, Cindy, popped in and brought an easy breakfast. Oatmeal with berries in and cold milk. The elf popped away once everything was set. Severus heard Harry walking closer and turned to find the boy struggling with his green tie.

Severus’s lips quirk a small smile. “Come here,” Severus gestured for Harry to come closer. He fixed the boy’s tie and sat him on the table. Waiting for Harry to start eating breakfast, he began talking. “Harry, you are now officially enrolled here in Hogwarts. That emblem on your chest means you are sorted into Slytherin.”

Harry beamed, finally feeling like he could talk, “Your House? Right?”

Severus nodded, “Yes,” then he looked serious. “But, I want you to know, Slytherin hasn’t always been seen with a good light.”

“What do you mean?”

“There will be people judging you for being sorted into Slytherin, Harry. I need you to know, as Head of House, I’ll always keep your safety as priority. Whenever you feel like you cannot cope with the other’s poking and prodding, please come here to my office, is that understood?”

“Yes, okay…” Harry answered, wondering why he would need to be kept safe in a school? Aren’t schools meant to be safe? Remembering Aunt Petunia made him somber. He asked Severus with trepidation, “Severus… about Aunt Petunia… and Uncle Dursley… and Dudley… Do they not want me anymore? Am I… alone?” Harry didn’t dare look at Severus's face when asking. He kept his eye trained on his half eaten bowl of oatmeal.

Severus took some time to collect himself and answered as truthfully as he could. “Harry, no you’re not alone. I’m here. You might not know me, but..” Severus sighed and gently nudged Harry’s chin up, lifting his face. “I’m sorry things turned out this way with your Aunt, but believe me, I’m here. You’re not alone Harry.”

Tears brimming in his eyes Harry sobbed. “O-okay.”

Severus got up and half hugged the crying boy and wiped his tears. Once he saw Harry was okay, he looked at the clock. “Harry, it’s time for us to go, I’ll be walking with you to the Great Hall. Once you’re there, please sit where your House is. Sit with those who have the same emblem as yours.”

Harry nodded, “Yes, Severus…” wiping his tears away. His face felt hot, but he didn’t feel that sad anymore. Gripping Severus’s hand they walked towards the great hall.

Along the way, Harry noticed students whispering and pointing at him. He was conscious of his look and kept on adjusting his tie and gripping Severus’s hand tighter. Once they entered the Great Hall, there was a spur of noises. Whispering, shuffling and running, all getting louder as Harry walked with Severus towards Slytherin’s house.

“Oh my God! Slytherin! He’s in Slytherin!”

“There has to be a mistake. He can’t be in that house…”

“Why is he clinging to Professor Snape?”

“Is he forced to be there? His eyes looked red.”

Harry stopped and hid his face in Severus’s robe hiding. He didn’t understand why the other students were getting closer and talking about him.

Severus cleared his throat before giving a menacing glare and warned the other students. “Say anything further and it’s 50 points from your House and detention for creating disturbances in the Great Hall. I believe you’re all familiar with cleaning cauldrons? Whoever disturbs Mr Potter about his sorting, will be cleaning cauldrons until graduation!”

The students hushed and shuffled back to their respective House. Once the commotion was over, Severus ushered Harry towards the Slytherin’s table. He saw his godson, Draco Malfoy, who was watching Harry quietly, while Crabb and Goyle were eating beside him. “Draco, I believe you know who he is, watch him for me. Don’t let him out of your sight.”

Draco nodded, “Alright, professor.”

Trying to relieve Harry’s grip, Severus nudged him to face Draco. “Harry, this is Draco Malfoy, he’s your age and you’re both classmates. I want you to be with Draco at all times and learn how to be a Slytherin.”

Harry looked at Draco while still gripping Severus’s robe, scared of leaving Severus. Draco, after looking at Harry up and down, extended his hand. “Draco Malfoy, I’ll be guiding you Harry.”

Harry slowly shook his hand. Draco then pulled Harry into the seat beside him, making Harry let go of Severus’s robe. Seeing he was free Severus quickly walked to the professor’s table. Harry was spooked and wanted to follow him but Draco took his attention away by scooping food onto his plate. “Here, eat some of these, the egg tarts and bacon sandwich are good.”

The smell of hot food captured his attention. Quietly, he nibbled on his food, looking at his plate. Conscious of the other students still looking at him curiously.

Draco started with a joke, “Were you really sorted into Slytherin? Is this some kind of a joke?”

Harry ignored him, he felt the blond boy was mocking him. He looked around at the table with food. Silently wondering how much he could swipe and keep with him. He wondered if he could bring some to bed.

Draco implored again, “Do you have your school supplies already? How about your class schedule? Do you have your own copy? Have you been to our dormitory?”

Harry stayed quiet but he was considering asking Severus after eating. There was a lot left to know, he didn’t like being left in the dark.

Draco sighed, “You’re not very talkative are you?”

Harry finally looked at him and shrugged. His hands filled with warm pastries before turning to look at the mountain of food in front of him.

Draco grumbled, not used to being met with this much silence, watched the small boy with big green eyes eyeing the pastries. “You know you can eat as much as you want. They’re magicked to never run out. See?” He said as swiped a piece of bacon which was magically replaced with another bacon. Still warm and ready to eat.

Harry was in awe. He reached out to the egg tart and picked it up, and as expected, it was replaced instantly. Quietly, he put one in his robe’s pocket. When he was about to get another he heard a familiar voice in the Great Hall. It was the boy he met before! Ron! His eyes followed the voice and spotted the red haired boy, sitting in another house.

Draco, not in the mood to try to break the smaller boy’s silence, turned to talk to Blaise, “I’ve no idea why Professor Snape’s putting me in charge of him. You reckon he’s mute?”

Blaise finished his plate before answering Draco, “I think it’s because you’re his Godson and… because you have patience we all don’t.” Blaise then picked up his books to go to his class before turning to Draco, smirking, “By the way, your little friend has run away.”

Draco turned around quickly, “Harry? Damnit, how did he walk away so fast?” Draco huffed as he got up to find him.

Harry walked towards Ron. Ron was taller than he expected, but looking around, everyone was. When he finally reached Gryffindor's table everyone who was chatting got quiet.

“Hi, Ron.”

“Oh hey! Harry! What are you — Oh! You’re sorted already. Err, Slytherin?”

Harry nodded, happy to meet his friend, “Yes, Severus’s House, what house are you in?”

Ron was quiet before smiling reluctantly, realizing his friend didn’t know why everyone was gossiping about him being in the House of Snakes. He showed his House emblem, a proud lion. “I’m in Gryffindor.” Then Ron pointed to the neighboring tables, “That one, with the badger, that’s Hufflepuff, and the one with the eagle is Ravenclaw. Harry, why are you here? Why didn’t you sit with your House? Did they not get you a guide?”

Draco, who had finally found Harry talking with Ron, huffed, “Yes, Potter, why oh why did you decide to disappear and talk with him? Of all people. Weasel, the Boy-Who-Lived is under my care and I’ll be doing the briefing. Come on Potter, we’ve got to go back to our table. You don’t even have your class schedule yet. We need to talk to a prefect to get you your own.” Draco said, reaching out, taking Harry’s hand.

Harry pulled his hand away and frowned at Draco. “Don’t call him that, Ron is not a weasel.”

Annoyed Draco crossed his hands, “Oh now, you decided to talk? The Boy-Who-Lived has graced us with his voice. You need to choose better friends Potter, one with a good standing in society. Which Weasel is not a part of.”

Harry fumed. “I can choose my own friends, thanks.”

Ron smirked, “You heard that git?”

Hermione, tired of the boys' antics, butted in, “Boys, we need to get to class. Honestly Ron, Malfoy, this is Harry’s first day of school and you're not doing a very good job in guiding him.” Turning to Harry, she introduced herself, “I’m Hermione Granger. I’m in the same house as Ron, Gryffindor, nice to meet you Harry. I’ve read all about you.”

Harry shook her hand but was confused, “Read? About me?”

Draco scoffed and pulled Harry back to Slytherin’s table. “Potter, we need to get you your class schedule, Professor Snape is going to be breathing down my neck if we miss the first period.”

Looking back at Hermione and Ron, Harry waved goodbye. Pinning in his mind about how Hermione has read of him for later. The Great Hall was emptying, students bustling to get to the first period class.

—
Harry’s first class turned out to be Flying with the Gryffindors. He stood besides Draco and Blaise. Each of them telling him the basics of flying.

“Now, Potter, you need to stand on the side of the broom.” Draco said as he positioned Harry on the left of the broom.

“Hold out your right hand and say ‘Up’!” Blaise instructed lifting Harry’s hand.

“Up!”

The broom shot up into Harry’s hands. Draco and Blaise were surprised. “Hey Dray, you might have a competition now, Potter’s dad was a great Seeker.” Blaise said jokingly.

“Oh yea, let’s see you fly then, Potter,” Draco said feeling challenged as he mounted his broom, “Get your broom between your legs and kick off the ground. Balance yourself and gently maneuver your broom.”

Harry did just that, and in seconds he was flying next to Draco. Harry was grinning as he hovered near Blaise and Draco. After ensuring Madam Hooch wasn’t looking, Blaise took out a snitch. “You want to play a game, Potter? You versus Draco?”

“A game? What is it?”

“This is a Snitch, Potter,” Blaise said as it unfurled in his palm, “It’s small, quick and flies fast. Now, if you catch it, you’ll win the game. What do you say, Potter? Up for a game of catch?”

“Yea! Okay,” Harry agreed, he was already feeling comfortable on his broom. It followed his every tiny movement smoothly and it hovered gently. Surely a game of catch wouldn't be that hard.

Blaise smirked at Draco, “What do you say Dray? Up for a game? Surely you’re not worried?”

Frowning at Blaise, Draco scoffed, “Go on then, Blaise, you’ll be sorry.”

Blaise smirked and counted, “Get ready… go!” He said as he let the Snitch fly.