Farewell, Home
Snape was annoyed. He was being summoned to the headmasters office privately, for unknown reasons. What did Albus Dumbledore have to say to Severus Snape so urgently? He was about to find out.
He said the password to Dumbledores office door, it opened with a small creak.
He walked in, his long, dark cape fluttering behind him, crossing his hands and putting on the questioning face, he said with an implying of annoyance–"What is it that you called me for, headmaster?"
The last words were spit out with a voice any first-year student would have frozen on spot with. But this was Albus he was talking to, the old man was quite used to Severus's tone when annoyed, which was almost always.
Dumbledores usually sparkling eyes have lost the twinkle today, he had them cast downwards, not looking Severus in the eyes. The man always loved to look him in the eyes and try to read his mind, but the headmaster only saw the memories Snape wanted him to see, but those more... intimate and vulnerable memories were never disclosed... even if Snape only started using Occlumency in his sixth year.
Snapes expression didn't change, he just had a very amazing thought. If Dumbledore could see all of his memories–his dad, his mom, the marauders... why didn't he stop them? Why didn't he do something?
But deep down he knew that Dumbledore couldn't be trusted... with Slytherins at least. He would move mountains for his favourite Gryffindors if they went through something similar.
After a prolonged silence, Dumbledore finally spoke–"Severus, there's been a situation and once more I'm in need of your assistance." Snape wanted to sigh and roll his eyes, but instead he asked–"What kind of situation?" Severus had no idea then just how much asking that question would dig his grave. But he'd know eventually.
Dumbledore got up from the chair and started walking slowly around the room, then he stopped there, his back turned to Severus and said–"This situation concerns Harry potter..." Bloody hell. Snape wanted to hex himself for ever uttering a question. Quriousity killed the potions master, they say.
Snape knew Dumbledore wouldn't just let him get out of this room now that he had Snape wrapped up in his strings. He sighed. "Why exactly do you want to chat with me about James Potters offspring?" Dumbledore turned around to face Snape.
Unlike his usual chuckle to the remark he made never happened. And now Severus was really concerned about this situation. Dumbledore gestured to a chair, Snape sat down and waited for the inevitable, long chat he was about to have.
Dumbledore started: "Today, the ministry informed us of a tragic case regarding Harry's relatives." Snape waited again. "The muggle police believes that Petunia Evans Dursley, who was abused by her husband, Vernon Dursley stabbed her husband to death and in the midst of all this she pushed off her son, Dudley down the stairs, which disabled him..."
For a moment Snapes mind was blank, he couldn't comprehend the information he just got. Harry potters family was gone... He was now officially relative-less now. Then he snapped out of it. "So... since his uncle is dead, aunt will either be sent in prison or locked up in an asylum, now he has nowhere to go and live. Wait a minute. What. Did you just say?"
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, Snape continued–"You said Petunia was abused by Vernon Dursley... Is that true?" Dumbledore gave a confirming nod. Snape pinched the bridge of his nose. "Is that all you wanted to say or do you have more things to 'chat' about?"
"No, actually. There's more to this." And Merlin, Snape was tired, he just wanted to go to his chambers, lay in his bed and finally sleep without a care in the world. He sighed like a very stressed man.
"The muggles didn't find young Harry in the house, it seems like he ran away." Dumbledore finished. Snape wanted to smirk, but he held it in and said with a serious expression–"Is that your golden boy, Albus?"
Dumbledore smiled this time, then the atmosphere in the room changed again, the serious air wasn't leaving, it was only getting worse. "But that's what the muggles think."
Snape raised an eyebrow. "You don't mean that he"–"I don't mean it Severus, I know it..."
Snapes eyes widened. "He did this?" Dumbledore shook his head. "We don't know for sure, Severus, but there are traces of wandless magic in the house." Snapes chest tightened, he felt... guilty for not taking better care of Lillys son... her son. What am I even thinking? I never gave him any attention... I thought he would be okay.
Snape swallowed the guilt down and said. "So? What do you need my help for, Albus?" Dumbledores eyes got their twinkle back and he said–"You'll go find Harry Potter and bring him to live in your house." Snapes mouth hung agape, he was stunned. What did he just get himself into? Salazar, have mercy on him. Snape wanted to dig a hole somewhere and bury himself there. "Albus, you can't be serious, he can't live with me."
"Why not, Severus?" Lord, he wanted a drink. Why is he the one who's always getting dragged into something? Now he had to find a missing child, James Potters child in fact and babysit him, just delightful. "Alright. Tell me what I should do then. Where do I start."
Albus wrily smirked. "Ah. That my boy, you'll figure out yourself. I've told you everything. The rest is up to you."
Oh. Ofcourse he'd be the one getting beckoned to the headmasters office, he's always been the one to do all of the old man's dirty work, in this case retrieving Harry Potter from Morgana knows where.
James is probably rolling in his grave. His son will have to stay and live with none other than Snivellus.
Albus winked at Severus and wished him luck. Before Snape walked out the office Dumbledore said–"Take care of young Harry, Severus." He finally left Dumbledores office, but with a whole new baggage to carry, well... find it first and then drag it.
He sighed once more. I'll experience my hair graying at this point. After making sure he had his potion bag and a wand at hand he proceeded to apparate near Number Four, Privet Drive. He cast a human finding charm and said "Harry James Potter." He was quite surprised to see the trail led right there, to the playground.
This was intriguing, couldn't the boy just find shelter with one of his neighbours? He could explain his circumstances to them and stay there. Why didn't he do that? He was a spoilt brat, no wonder. He didn't even bother calling for a help of his neighbours when something so horrible took place in his house.
Right, how could the great golden boy stay in a house of a poor neighbour where he wouldn't be served like the rich brat he was?
Yes, that's how Snape would've thought about this in the past. This was James's son after all. However, what he saw with his eyes was a different story. The boy sitting on the swing, looked so small. Severus's expectations of what he was going to see were washed away in a split second.
The boy was so tiny, Snape thought he was looking at a 5 year old instead of a 10 year old boy. His clothes were ragged and oversized, there were clotted blood stains on the giant shirt and Severus wanted to ask whose blood it was... But it obviously belonged to the boy.
Harry Potter looked so otherworldly at that moment. Like he didn't belong to this world, the world that should've offered this child help, instead he was in this condition, sitting alone in a park, looking like a mess.
Severus slowly approached him and sat down on the swing next to the one Harry was sitting on. A minute went by, nobody spoke, until Severus broke the silence. "Hallo, Harry Potter." And the boy looked up from the spot he was staring at and gave Snape a look of both caution and inquisitiveness.
Snape gave him a minute after he was convinced that the kid wouldn't leave. He took a breath. "My name is Severus Snape, I'm a teacher of potions at Hogwarts, a school of witchcrafts and wizardry. I know you haven't gotten your letter yet, but I'll tell you this, you'll be a student there to study various subjects about magic."
At that sentence the boys eyes lit up with what Snape could tell was pure fascination, then the boy schooled this expression and nodded.
Harry looked like he was about to say something, instead he coughed. And he sounded like he hadn't drunk water for days. Severus acted immediately, he grabbed a vial of hydrating potion and offered it to the small looking figure on the swing.
After observing the drink in front of him he warily reached out, he grabbed the vial and sniffed it. He must've made sure that the drink was safe, because instantly gulped it down. Severus then figured, Harry must've been really thirsty, because the potion was very sour. Snape increasingly concerned the more he watched the youth.
"...Thank you." Snape heard a tiny voice of gratitude. Snapes heart ached for this lad, he thanked him for a common act of compassion. He wanted to sweep the boy off his feet and carry him away from all the dangers of the world.
The child handed him the empty vile and spoke again–"You're not going to interrogate me?" Snape raised an eyebrow, but shook his head in protest. "You need rest first, some food wouldn't hurt either." And he saw the boy look at him in confusion again, before masking it–and does he do that a lot, Snape can tell this young man is very good at controlling his facial expressions.
"Sir, did you arrive here just to tell me that?" Snape looked at the tiny kid before saying–"No. I'm also here to offer you a place to stay. And it's not optional, since the headmaster of the school–might I underline that he also happens to be your legal guardian–he gave me the right to let you live at my place."
Harry smiles before saying–"Okay, I'll stay with you... In one condition." Snape sighed. Ofcourse he'd demand something in return, Potters. "What is it, Potter?" Harry's mouth twitched, as if he was holding in a laugh, then he said. "I want basic knowledge of magic before I go to Hogwards."
Loki was aware of the fact that even if he did try to hide somewhere, stay with the neighbours or in go to a different country, he'd have no way of actually hiding. Besides, he wanted to know if there really were sorcerers out there. So he looked around a bit and decided to occupy the swing seat.
Then he felt a presence nearby suddenly appear out of nowhere and he couldn't hold in the feeling of triumf when he finally got the confirmation of a sorcerer. There's difference in our magic. He remembered. Now he just had to wait for the magic user to come to him.
Then he saw the figure getting closer to him: a man dressed in all black, a grown-out dark hair, he was pale and looked like he was in his 40s. But who knew how long this sorcerer could live? Maybe he was a hundred years old and Loki just couldn't see it there.
He looked down to the ground and grabbed his hands to the ropes of the swing to appear like a poor, defenseless child who had seen some traumatic things. He didn't need to do anything else, he looked bad enough for just about anyone to take pity on him and let their guard down.
He gave some concealed glances towards the man and noticed the way he was studying him, shocked, as if he expected to see someone different. But Loki knew Harry had never met this man in his life before, because he couldn't find anything in his memories, so this man must've made up some things about Harry's appearance and ended up wrong.
Then he sat down on the swing next to his and greeted Harry, which he didn't return, because his throat was dry and he desperately needed water. Then the man introduced himself and what he said after really made Loki hopeful–he was going to attend a magic school. After Loki noticed that he might've given away his emotions, he quickly concealed his demeanor and nodded his head to the professor in understanding.
I don't sence a lie in his words, but this is not the only thing he's here for, is he? He wanted to speak, but instead he coughed out. That really made him feel ashamed. He didn't even look up to see the man before he saw some kind of vial enter his line of sight. He scanned it for any poisons and sniffed it in case, when he didn't find anything offensive he took it. Sour. But he still drank it anyway, because he was too thirsty.
And he tried talking again this time succeeding–"thank you." Then he handed Snape the now hollow vial. But there was still something bugging Loki. Right, the man had something else to inform him about. So he asked–"You're not going to interrogate me?" Loki saw the way the man looked sort of offended at that question.
His answer–"You need rest first, some food wouldn't hurt either." Loki was shocked to say the least, he thought he knew adults, but it turns out he was completely wrong. This man, despite his looks, was very warm-hearted. From the very start he hadn't felt him voice any lies, that was unusual for him–in a good way.
He still hadn't figured out the other reason of the professor, so he asked. "Sir, did you arrive here just to tell me that?" He waited–"No. I'm also here to offer you a place to stay. And it's not optional, since the headmaster of the school–might I underline that he also happens to be your legal guardian–he gave me the right to let you live at my place."
Hah. So the schools headmaster is Harry's legal guardian? Then why did he leave him there? He refrained from asking the teacher about those questions, because he could tell, this man was loyal to that headmaster of his. Instead he smiled and said–"Okay, I'll stay with you... In one condition." He heard the man sigh, he wanted to chuckle–he's so dramatic–but the man seemed to be easily offended, so he stopped that urge. "What is it, Potter?" Loki really wanted to laugh right now, his lips twitched, but he said–"I want basic knowledge of magic before I go to Hogwards."
He looked into the mans eyes with pleading eyes. Snape couldn't refuse when asked like that, he agreed easily with a "Okay Potter... I'll teach you." Loki felt so victorious right now, so he smirked like he would if he were in his past body. Snapes eyebrow flickered.
"Where to now, professor?" Harry said and Snape sighed with relief. "Potter, hold onto me, I'll be apparating us." Loki wanted to ask him what "apparation" meant, but it was probably a spell of teleportation, that much he could tell.
He grabbed the big palm of the tall man and felt himself being shrunk and then released, it was an unpleasant feeling, but he's felt worse, so his face probably looked unfazed.
Harry straightened up and let go of Snapes hand. And yeah, he noticed the shocked look on the dark-haired man's face when he just walked towards the door. Was he perhaps awed by the fact that this poor child could stand that bone-crushing feeling? This was nothing new to Harry Potter, Loki knew...
Looking around, he stood in front of a gate which was leading to a giant mansion. On top of the gate in capital letters there was a word "Prince" engraved, Loki hummed, must be a family surname.
He heard Snapes feet move against the ground as he walked his way forward. The potions master even looked back to check if Harry was following, so Harry tried to catch up, it is hard moving with such short legs. They reached the mansion, the doors opened when Snape stepped close, so Harry followed his lead and they headed inside.
The moment they stepped in, Snape told Harry that he would give him a healing potion and a potion against malnourishment. He told Harry that once he showered, he'd have to apply the healing potion on the bruises. He probably didn't want to leave the boy uncomfortable or scared by applying it on him.
Harry had to admit, the place was huge, it was very clean and organized, something Loki hadn't expected from this man. He heard the teacher clear his throat. "Your room is upstairs. When you turn to the right there's a door there, that's your room. The bathroom is both upstairs and downstairs. Both are to the left, both are white painted doors. The kitchen is right there." Snape pointed to the right side of the first floor.
"The living room is straight ehead, it's big in size. Eating hours are 9 in the morning, 3 in the afternoon and 8 in the evening." Snape exhaled and looked at the clock, which is hung in the living room, it's 6:30. "Right now you can go to the bathroom, clean yourself and wear something else."
Harry blinked and tilted his head. "But I only have these kind of clothes." He gestured to his oversized clothes with bloodstains on them. Snape felt a pang of guilt after the boy told him that, so he sighed and answered. "I'll buy you clothes while you shower, don't fret." Harry smiled and said–"Okay then, thanks. I'll get going now, sir." And he went upstairs with enthusiasm.
Snape apparated to Diagon Alley and bought some clothes for Harry Potter. He also got a hair tie, Potters hair was a bit long, so it must get in the way when he's doing something.
He remembered that there was no food in the fridge, so he also got some ingredients to make some soup with. He also secretly peered at the sweets section.He sighed to himself. This is it,. I've gone insane. I'm buying sweets for Harry Potter.
He apparated back and walked up the stairs to hear the droplets of water coming from the bathroom. He knocked, letting the kid know he was there before opening the door and hanging the set of casual clothes on the holders. Then closed the door and went downstairs.
Snape started making the soup, meanwhile there were some small footsteps heard from the second floor, Potter was walking down the stairs with the new outfit, a green shirt and a pair of dark shorts.
Snape finished cooking when the clock went off, just a reminder of a mealtime. He waved his wand to pour the soup into the bowls, they floated to the table and gently landed. He sat down and noticed the small figure howering next to a seat.
Snape looked at him and noticed that his hair was wet and the droplets of water were dripping on the kitchen floor. "You'll catch a cold like that." With a swing of his wand the water dissipated from Harry's hair and it puffed up.
A smirk tugged at the edges of his lips when he caught those green eyes staring at him in surprise, curiousity and fascination. But the boy quickly put on one of his masks.
Then Severus noticed that Potters face finally showed, it wasn't dirty anymore. He felt bewildered, Potter looked nothing like James, except for the dark hair... His facial features reminded him more of Lily than James. And the eyes, he has his mother's eyes, Severus thought. They're like beautiful gems that glow no matter what befalls their owner.
After Severus had stopped studying the boys face, he noticed that Potter was still standing there, unmoving. "Potter, do you perhaps not like soup? Or are you allergic to any ingredients in it?" The boy shook his head. Snape lifted one eyebrow, "then what is it?" The youngling fidgetted before whispering, "I have your permission to sit down and eat with you, sir?"
Snape felt his heart squeeze with guilt."Sit down and help yourself with the food, Potter, no need to ask me, it's basic knowledge. Besides, I made plenty." Potter sat down without a second wasted and after looking at it cautiously and sniffing it, the boy took the spoon and started eating.
Snape wanted to know just how long the boy had starved, but it was clear as day that he hadn't eaten well in years. Now he was grateful for the death of his muggle uncle. At the same time he was relieved Potter had eaten the soup.
If someone had told Severus that he would be having Harry Potter as his guest, spending the rest of the summer in the prince manor and eating the soup he made, he'd either laugh and hex the delusional person, or give him a potion to fix their head.
When Snape left he immediately started showering. It was warm, so warm, he's never felt such comforting heat of water before, it was... nice.
Loki chuckled to himself. Ofcourse he knew what warm water felt like, it was just this body... the owner of this body who hadn't ever been treated as a wanted family member. Never had he experienced actual encouragement from a relative.
He washed as fast as he could, dried his body, dressed in the clothes that man had bought for him and walked out the bathroom. Then he roamed the second floor for a bit, then he heard a loud sound of a clock. He searched for it and looked at the time. Right, it's mealtime. Then he started making his way to the stairs.
Then he sniffed something pleasant in the air. What's that smell? His legs moved and his mind followed. He found himself walking downstairs. Peering through the kitchen, he gulped as he saw a big amount of soup being made by the professor. He was very hungry. He hadn't taken a bite for days, he desired to.
Silently, he entered the kitchen, positioning himself by a chair but hesitating to take a seat. He knew why that was. Harry's family members never let him sit near the diner. He dare not sit down without permission.
His curiousity was piqued as Snape waved the stick to pour the strange liquidy food in the vessel, the dishes floated over to the table and gently touched down.
"You'll catch a cold like that." He he heard the professor say. And his hair, which he hadn't noticed was Still wet, dried. Loki saw the man wave his stick before it did. He stared at Snape with awe before remembering who he was and snapping out of it.
He still couldn't sit down, the body wouldn't budge. For Norns sake, sit down. He looked at the man and waited. He just couldn't do it without his permission. Then Snape finally noticed the standing figure. "Potter, do you perhaps not like soup? Or are you allergic to any ingredients in it?" Harry disapproved non-verbally and Snape raised an eyebrow, "then what is it?"
Loki didn't want to reveal his weaknesses, but this wasn't him anymore, it was Harry Potter, a vulnerable child, so he tried, "I have your permission to sit down and eat with you, sir?" Harry saw as the man's face in front of him softened.
He wanted to describe to him just how worried he looked at that moment, even guilty, for what Harry had no idea. Then the professor continued, "sit down and help yourself with the food, Potter, no need to ask me, it's basic knowledge. Besides, I made plenty."
He didn't even say thank you before he landed on the chair. He spent a moment inspecting for any life-threatening poisons, when he didn't find anything he proceeded with devouring the meal entirely. He finished in matter of minutes.
He inhaled. "Thank you for the food." He looked up to see the Severus's face, who had also finished eating after Harry and was currently looking at him with a raised eyebrow. He really likes doing that, doesn't he?
"You don't wish to eat the dessert?" Loki had always had a sweet tooth, scanning the kitchen for any signs of the sweets, he didn't notice Snapes grin and disappointment grew in his heart as he found nothing around.
Severus cleared his throat and Harry looked back at him with mistrust in his gaze and Loki noticed as the end of the man's lips tilted. Severus flicked his wand, the table was rid of the dishes on and it was all replaced with all sorts of sweets. Harry's eyes widened and he looked at the chocolate then at Snape as if asking if he permitted it. The teacher nodded and Harry started eating. Every bite he took, he felt like he was in heaven.
Meanwhile Severus had his arms crossed and a smile on his face as he saw the boy finally acting his age. He knew that the youth was lost to sweets and not in his right mind with happiness right now, but he wanted for this act of trust to remain.
Harry only ate chocolate and cookies, but in large numbers. He finally got tired of eating and sighed in exhaustion. "I'm full." He said. Snape nodded and said, "rest now, Potter. When you wake up tomorrow you can go to the living room, there are a lot of books about magic there. There's sections and you can easily find a section of books for starters.
Harry found himself imagining it, learning about magic all over again, but this time he'd be using a stick. He smiled, "thank you for everything, sir. You're very nice, I appreciate it." Severus's mouth hung agape. Never in his life had he heard such words coming out from a person's mouth.
The only compliments he'd ever gotten were either from Lily, being kind from nature telling him he was cute; from pretentious suck-ups around him congratulating him for his position as the youngest potion master, even though they didn't mean it and from death eaters telling him he did good on a mission for a half-blood.
"No need for gratitude, Potter. It's only natural to give you the basic living environment any kid out there gets. It's nothing to thank me over, I'm just doing what any sane person would do." Harry smirked at him. Aaw, look at the shy man, he's such a dad... oh, I don't even know what that feels like, but it's not like that matters, I used to see others explain those dad situations.
Harry gave a glance at the clock, it was 11:00 o'clock. "I see." Snape also noticed Harry having a little peek and followed the object he directed it to and said. "It's bed-time for kids now, get ready for bed and sleep, Potter."
Harry smirked. "You're right. I'll get going to my bedroom then, sir. If you'll excuse me." Harry stood up went upstairs, he heard Snape mention that he had bought him everything he needed, so he just walked to the right and found his designated location.
He grabbed the door handle, it opened quietly, without any noise, he stepped in and closed it. At first the room looked blank, like a spotless white sheet, then it suddenly started changing, new things just... appeared.
Now it had grey walls with little golden decorations here and there, there was a green bed in the corner of the room, next to it was a small table with a golden lamp on it and space for placing books, there even appeared a large mirror and a closet in the room. A black clock with golden arrows hung up on the wall next to the bed.
He already loved this room, it was his. Then he walked up to the bed and sat down. Not too soft and not too hard, just how I like it. He found a dark green pajama materializing out of nowhere and landing on the bed.
He was pretty impressed by this magical room. Was it initially like that or did the professor charm it to do all this?
No. Loki felt an ancient magic involved in its creation, it must've been made by a master magician.
He dressed in those pajamas, went to the bathroom and saw an unopened and unused toothbrush, he brushed his teeth. After he took care of other side quests, he went back to his room and slipped into the green covers.
After that, the lights he hadn't noticed were on turned off and he drifted off to sleep.
Loki woke up feeling refreshed, as if he had slept for decades. He didn't have any dreams, which was a nice thing because whenever he did have the rare moment of dreaming, most of them ended up being nightmares instead.
He lazed around in the bed, not wanting to get up when the clock started ringing. So, if this room responded to his hearts desires, that meant he wanted to get up, why is that?
He looked up from the covers with unfocused, a newly awakened gaze and he lost all desire to stay in bed. It was 8:30, so in half an hour he'd have to be in the kitchen or else... he wouldn't get food? He didn't know what would happen for sure, but he didn't want to test that theory, so he got up, looking around he sighed.
Magic swirled around him and the new clothes he got the day before replaced the dark-green pajamas of the room. He walked out of the room with a slow pace to not startle the man who's probably downstairs, preparing food or doing whatever he does in summer.
Opening the door to the second floors bathroom, quickly locking it, he took care of things there and got out feeling fresh and clean. When he moved downstairs to the kitchen he found Snape standing in front of the stove, making scrambled eggs and sausage, without using a magical stick this time.
Sniffing the air made his mouth water and his stomach rumbled. That's when Snape turned around, "good morning, Potter. You must be very hungry." He smiled before turning back to the job at hand.
"Good morning, sir. The smell is so good it made me want to eat." He walked up to the chair and sat. "I slept very well. What about you, sir?" Snape turned to him as he put the plate full of sausage and eggs in front of Harry. Later adding a plate full of the food for himself too.
"I slept well, Potter." Liar. Loki felt the lie in his gut, he was the God of lies for a reason, detecting lies was a second nature to him by now. "What did you dream about?" Harry spoke with full intention of getting the truth out of the man.
"I dreamt of an old friend of mine, unfortunately she passed years ago, so it wasn't really pleasant... but it was a positive dream. I haven't had that kind of sleep in a long time." Harry nodded. So that's how it was. Snape didn't lie this time. Loki felt relieved.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked, sir." Severus smirked, "it's okay, Potter, you're curious, I can understand that." Harry dropped the subject and said, "So, are there a lot of books in the living room?" He asked. Loki wanted to read every last one of those books about magic. He also didn't want to go to a school of magic without knowing anything.
Snape nodded and grabbed the huge mug of black coffee and took a sip. "Yes, indeed, Potter. The Prince library is full of books about magic of every subject." Loki picked that up right away. "Hm? What do you mean 'every subject'?"
"You'll be learning multiple subjects." Severus started. "The first year classes include: transfiguration, charms, history of magic, astronomy, herbology, flying lessons, defence against the dark arts and potions."
So, unlike in his previous boring life, where the Aesir only taught magic to females and even that had to be healing magic, this world was radically different.
Now Loki was excited, all these subjects waiting for him at that school. He grinned, "cool. You teach potions, right sir?"
"Yes, I do, Potter. Do you think it'll be boring?" Harry smirked, "no, professor. I was just curious. Would you tell me more about Hogwarts?" Snape hummed, "firstly eat." Harry almost forgot about what he came here for, he started eating and so did Snape. Harry finally succeeded, Severus was just there, reading a book, waiting for him, so he could clean the table again. He did so with that stick and headed to the living room, gesturing for Harry to follow.
Snape put the book down on the large table there. "Hogwarts is said to be the safest place, where help will always be provided to those who ask for it, in my opinion that is a load of bullshit." Loki was surprised that the man had used such words, he'd never have expected such a thing, but now he was more intent on finding out more about this school.
"What makes you say that, professor?" Snape looked him in the eyes before answering. "Personal experiences there made me think otherwise." He inhaled and breathed out.
"At Hogwarts students are divided into different 'houses', there are 4 of them: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin." He paused.
"If you get sorted into Hufflepuff, then you're loyal, patient and you play fair. If you get sorted into Ravenclaw you value intelligence, knowledge, planning ahead, and wit. If you get sorted into Gryffindor, then you're a blockhead who values bravery and never planning ehead before getting yourself into a bad situation. If you get sorted into Slytherin, then you're cunning, ambitious, resourceful, you're exceptionally hard-working."
Harry took the information in, Snape seemed to not like Gryffindors so much, he wondered why. "Professor, are you slytherin?" Snape almost flinched at that, how did the boy know?
Harry chuckled, "relax, you went into more details about it and you were pretty neutral to the other houses, well except Gryffindor, which you dislike for some reason." Snape smirked, "you're an intelligent boy, I think you'll be sorted Into Ravenclaw." Harry shook his head with a smile. "No, I fear you're incorrect, sir."
Some questions arised inside Snape, but he didn't say them out loud. "Alright then, Potter. Today you can go and explore the library of the house. Yes this living room does have quite a few books, but not that much. You'll find it straight ehead, you won't be able to miss it, it's very large." Harry was about to sprint there before Severus added, "and tomorrow we'll be going to gringotts to take out your gallons to buy you some school materials and some proper clothing."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "gringotts? Is it a sort of bank? And gallons? Is it a currency? We'll go shopping?" Snape couldn't hold in the chuckle, this kid was smart, he answered his own questions with questions. "Yes, Potter, everything you just said is correct, so be ready for tomorrow."
Harry smiled, "Alright, I'll take my leave then." And he went straight ehead, after some time he finally reached it. His eyes shot up, Snape wasn't lying, he wasn't exaggerating either, this library had so many books, Harry wouldn't be able to finish all this in the summer. His mouth was dry and his eyes were searching for the beginners books.
He found the section and after long hours of sitting on the floor, reading, he heard the clock again. So it must be meal time again. 3:00. He felt stiff all over and stretched out. Before leaving, he noticed that there has been a table with a chair right there, and he could've just read the book there.
He sighed and went up to the desk, placing the begginers books there and leaving for bathroom. After washing his hands, he went to the kitchen and saw Severus who had his arms crossed and the table set. There was meat, cooked potatoes and sauce.
Harry silently sat down in his seat and gave the man a polite smile. "I'm back. The books are amazing, sir. I've never seen such a library before."—"glad to hear you liked it, Potter."
"So, that stick you used was a wand. I got inquisitive and found a book about them. Your wand was crafted from mountains and a triple core: a phoenix tailfeather and the heartstrings of a Romanian ridgeback and a kelpie. I did research about those creatures too. This is a rather powerful wand, I presume."
Snape was amazed at the boys ability to analyze. "Excellent observation, Potter. No one had ever pointed that out in such details before, except for the wand expert ollivander."
Harry nodded before looking down at his plate. He looked at Snape, who nodded in confirmation and the two of them ate in silence.
The rest of the day went the same, Harry spent most of his time in the library, reading. After another meal and a trip to the bathroom to take a shower and brush his teeth, he went to his room. It was nearly 11:00.
When he sat on the bed and was about to lay down to sleep, he noticed that the second book he started reading in the library had appeared on his bookstand.
Loki grabbed the pillow and placed it against the wall, he himself leaned on the soft thing and held the book in his hands to continue where he left off. Five hours later, he closed the begginers book after finishing it. He was full with new knowledge of this world's magic and exhausted.
Opening his tired eyes to view which hour it was... 4:00 a.m. Sighing, he placed the book on the bookstand it disappeared right away. He grabbed the pillow positioned against the wall and put it back on the bed. He settled in comfortably and closed his eyes.
After waking up at the sound of that alarm and doing his morning routine, he went to the kitchen, ate a light morning meal and drank tea with the professor. As he was told in advance, Snape "apparated" them both in front of a gringotts place. The moment they entered the bank, he noticed the lined up tables and the tired goblins working on paperwork in front of their personal desks.
When they stopped in front of a higher desk than Harry himself and another goblin sitting in front of that giant table, Snape cleared his throat. "Mister Harry Potter wishes to make a withdrawal." The goblin fixed his glasses, looked down with an annoyed expression and asked, "and does mister Harry Potter have his key?" Snape sighed, "no, but you can use his blood, can't you?"
The goblin nodded, "certainly, I can." He said, opened the drawers, pulled out a needle and sprayed a sterilizer on it, he handed it to Severus before it was given to Harry. A small voice was heard from below the table."Where do I need to drip it?" He asked while looking the goblin in the eye.
The goblin grabbed a piece of parchment and handed it to the boy. Not hesitating, he stuck the needle into his index finger, put pressure on it and the blood dripped down on the parchment. The piece of parchment was passed to the goblin again, he used an incantation and the blood was gone.
Instead, some titles and Harry's name appeared on it. The goblin said, "interesting" before giving it back to Harry. The boy started reading:
Name:Harry Potter; ?
Parents: James Potter; Lily Evans;
Race: human; ?
Gender: male; ?
Age:10; ?
Titles: The boy who lived; the chosen one; ?
Vault keys: The Potter vault key; the Black vault key; the slytherin vault keys.
Harry stared at the parchment and knew exactly what followed after the question marks, looks like magic here knew that he had a different name, race, age, gender, titles and yet, it couldn't really point out the truth either. So, Harry decided to act confused, he raised the parchment. "Excuse me, I think there's been a mistake here, what's with all the question marks?"
Snape took a look. His eyes widened with shock, the black vault key made more sence, since Black was Potters godfather, but the slytherin vault key? He wanted to know how... but how would he find out if the child was more confused than he was?
Besides that, he's never heard of an error in the goblins magic before. "Has this ever happened before?" He asked. The goblin shook his head, "no..." he looked at the boy before sighing, "I must be getting rusty, sitting on the chair all the time, couldn't even do my expertise."
Snape nodded. "May we pass now?" The goblin agreed, told them to sit down with a transport. Said, "vault 687." He walked them to the vault and opened it with a key he conjured up. Harry gaped with surprise as he saw all the gold coins and some books eating dust in the vault.
Apparantly Harry's parents were rich and he hadn't known. Severus noticed the boys reaction and felt himself relating to him. That was how he reacted when he got his first salary at the age of 14. Before he could realize it he had his hand rested on top of Potters shoulder.
Harry looked up to see Snapes determined face, they walked in, Snape looked at the goblin to say, "Can I use a spell to clean this mess up?" He gestured to the dirty Vault. The goblin answered, "yes." So after a wave of Snapes wand, the dust and the spider-webs disappeared, the money and the books were now more organized than before.
Snape seemed pleased with his work, after discussing with Potter just how much it would take for them to get the school things, Get Harry his familliar and the clothes, they agreed on the price and Harry turned to the goblin. "I want to withdraw 5000 galleons."–"ofcourse."
They exited gringotts and went shopping. First they bought books, quills and parchments for Harry, it all costed 300 galleons, moving forward they went to the pet shop. Snape was offering Harry to get an owl, that it would be more beneficial for him. Harry agreed, but he quietly whispered, "Why don't I see any snakes around? I'd like one, they're friendly."
"Getting a snake... they're friendly" Snape thought he heard wrong, but then he glanced at the boy, who was now looking at him with expectation. "Potter, you can speak to snakes?" Harry raised an eyebrow. "Yes... can't you?" Snape shook his head. "No, Potter. And it would be better for you if you didn't mention that particular skill to anyone else." Especially Dumbledore.
Ofcourse Loki could put two and two together, that meant that people who spoke to snakes, even between magicians, were seen in the bad light or were rare, maybe a mix of both. "Understood, but you'll tell me why later, won't you, sir?" Snape sighed, "fine, let's get this over with first. You'll buy an owl here and a different type of pet elsewhere, I know a place." Harry smirked.
He bought a white owl, it costed 1000 galleons. Harry named it Hedwig, she was very cute. Harry let her fly off, he didn't want to restrict it's freedom.
Snape took Harry to a different shop. It was way more quiet than the first one. Harry's looked around and smiled. There were so many snakes in this place. The urge to speak with then was huge, but then Severus would have his head... so he stayed silent.
The professor nudged him. When Harry looked into his eyes, he could understand what he was saying, "hurry up and choose, Potter. We don't have all day." Harry stopped himself from laughing out loud.
He looked around, but the more he did that, the more he wanted to buy every snake. Then one snake caught his eye. It was small, had dark scales, very unnoticeable unless you focused on what you were seeing. The snake had green eyes.
Harry even asked the merchant about it. His response, "don't bother yourself with that snake, it just got here. It doesn't get along with other snakes, it's disobedient. The serpent doesn't even have poison, it is a magical reptile, however."
Harry desired to buy it even more now, "how much?" The man sighed, "kid, look..."–"how. Much?" The man surrendered and answered his question, "2500 galleons." The boy huffed, "why?" The seller stared at him with shock. "Because I remember you telling me just how bad buying this snake would be like. Yet it has the same price any other good snake here does. Explain."
Harry could tell the man was thinking hard before answering. "Because there's no other shop in here that sells snakes anymore." Harry smirked, "and? What if I went ehead and told everyone about it? What would come of your buseness then? So now... strain your brain a bit and think. Why should I give you so much for such an unwanted snake?" By the time he finished talking the man was trembling with widened eyes. "O-okay, 2000 galleons, just don't do that, please."
Harry grinned and tapped his small hand against the mans back, he could reach higher, so he settled with that. "Good." The man gave the boy the small snake with shaking hands. Harry gave the man 2000 galleons. Harry got some food for the snake.
Harry looked at the seller. "See? Being cooperative can be the only way sometimes. Remember that our next meeting."
The merchant looked even more horrified right now, "the next time?" He muttered to himself as the boy was taking his leave. He looked around and saw no one, so he hissed out to talk to his newly acquired python, "Hallo, my name is Harry Potter. Do you have a name, little snake?" The snake looked into Harry's eyes, "I don't have a name, master Harry."
Harry nodded. The snake wrapped around Harry's wrist and rested its head against his palm. Harry hissed, "that man told me you didn't get along with other snakes, why is that?" –"compared to them, no one wanted me, I was small and didn't have poison, so they picked on me."
Harry pat the small things head with his finger, "I can understand... I was also like that, but now I live with a kind man." The snake rubbed its face against Harry's hand, Harry smiled, "you're a girl, right?" The serpent agreed, Harry patted it more, "your name will be, Beauty from now on." The snake slithered very slowly around Harry's wrist and said, "I like it, master Harry."
Snape has been waiting for Potter. After a while, he finally saw the boy walking towards him with a smile plastered on his face as he patted the dark snake wrapped around his wrist and the huge bag of snake food in his other hand. "Let''s take our leave now, Potter."
The boy grabbed Severus's hand. The man apparated them to the prince mansion. Despite Severus's attempt not to waste time, it was 6:00. "Time really does fly when you're out shopping, doesn't it?" Potter asked. Snape sighed, "when I go shopping, it takes me 15 minutes." Potter rolled his eyes, "well that's because you don't need to buy everything.
Severus sighed. What would arguing with a child do? He refrained from it. Instead, he watched as Potter talked with the snake with his hissing tone that sent cold shivers down his spine. It reminded him too much of the dark lord.
Snape walked up to Harry and told him, "I'll explain to you just why any magician who hears you speak perseltongue will be wary of you and think of you as a dark wizard."
A dark wizard? What an interesting title. "By a 'dark wizard' are you reffering to evil magicians?" Snape nodded, "yes, Potter." He continued–"I'll start from the very beginning."
"There was once a wizard, a very powerful one. People thought of him as a savior, they even rooted for him to be the next minister. However, he chose the path of a dark wizard. He became the dark lord." Harry listened with interest as Snape continued, "he gave promises to a lot of magicians and they followed him blindly, he gave them marks on their wrist so that they could never dare disobey him, or else they would be found and murdered."
Silence again. "He wanted the world to be filled only with pure-blood magicians, no muggles or muggle-borns and no half-bloods, even thought he himself was a half-blood."
Snape looked out of the window. "He decided that eradicating them would be the best choice. A lot of pure-bloods joined him, some out of loyalty, some out of fear of defying him. Those who joined him and got the mark are called death eaters."
Harry stared at the man. "One day he heard of a prophesy." Snape looked the boy in the eyes and said, "may I show you?" Harry nodded and Snape used a spell Harry couldn't catch the name of. Then, he saw darkness.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..."
Harry breathed out as the memory stopped. "So... what happened next?" Snape looked down. "The dark lord had two families in mind who defined him three times and had a baby incoming, one of those families... was your family, Potter."
Harry's eyes widened, he didn't see this coming. "He... murdered my parents?" Severus couldn't hide the hurt on his face anymore, he just told Harry "yes" quietly. Harry Inhaled sharply and exhaled, "Alright, continue." Snape nodded.
"When he got there, he killed your father James Potter first." Harry looked at the man who gritted that name out, as if it hurt him to say. He must've hated that James guy. "Next... he pointed his wand at the infant inside the pram, but..." Snape took a deep breath, "your mother stood in his way and defended you."
Harry watched as the professors eyes were filled with the pain of those memories, he got up, stood next to the sitting figure and put his hand against his back. The man looked up to meet his gaze with both confusion and gratitude. He gestured for Harry to sit back down.
"The dark lord gave her a choice to get out of the way, but she didn't budge, so he killed her." Severus closed his eyes and clenched his fists. "Then, the dark lord unleashed the killing curse at the baby boy. But the child didn't die. For some reason, the dark lord was defeated and the baby lived, but he got a lightning scar on his forehead."
Harry's hand went up to touch the scar on his forehead and gulped. "So... that's why I said 'the boy who lived' in the parchment." Severus nodded. "You're the only person who had ever survived the killing curse, Potter." That was a lot of information.
The silence was broken by the alarm clock. It was meal-time. They both went to the kitchen, Harry was hissing with the snake while walking behind Snape. Next Severus heard, "Professor, Beauty can understand human language, she says all snakes do." He said with a smile on his face. Snape stood in the kitchen and decided to boil the dumplings he had bought the other day.
After a few minutes they ate, Harry fed Beauty. Meanwhile, Severus drank coffee and read a book. Later, they went to sleep in their bedrooms.
Harry let Beauty sleep in his bed, it was very nice, he loved the serpent. "Goodnight, Beauty."–"goodnight, master Harry." Harry was tired with the python calling him "master, so he said, "just Harry." Beauty slithered close to Harry's face, rubbing her face against his cheek. "Goodnight, Harry."
That night Severus dreamt of Lily. Her crying face as she thanked him for helping her son. He woke up crying the next day, but he felt a weight lifting from his shoulders.
Severus Snape, Harry Potter, Beauty and from times Hedwig–who was mortal enemies with Beauty, spent the rest of the summer together peacefully. Although Harry never let the owl try to hurt his prized snake. Severus made potions, in the meantime Harry read a lot of books about magic and discovered some fascinating facts.
The days ended in the blink of an eye. Now it was the last day of summer. Snape and Harry would be going to Hogwarts the following day. Harry got very attached to this mansion he now called home, he was however excited.
Finally that fateful day arrived. Harry and Snape got ready, packed their stuff, Harry hid Beauty in his large pocket, Snape made it for him in advance. Snape looked around to see if anyone was watching, no one was paying attention, so he decided to risk it all.
Harry's eyes widened as Severus's long arms wrapped around his small frame. He quickly returned the hug with much more force. Harry didn't want to part ways with the man. He was like the father he never had. Harry heard Snape say, "have a safe trip, Potter" before the man unwrapped the boy and directed him to the students compartments.
Harry called after his potions professor before he disappeared from his eyesight, "see you at Hogwarts, professor."
Now was going to be the start of a big journey for Harry Potter and the people closest to him, what will happen next?