Harry Potter's New Life

1) The News

"Harry Potter, please follow me." Professor McGonagall summoned from the Gryffindor common room. "Professor Dumbledore would like to see you."

Harry followed McGonagall, head down, wondering what in the world he could have done. He couldn't think of anything besides playing a game of Exploding Snap at midnight. But that was a few weeks ago. He would have already been in trouble for that by now.

"In here, Potter." McGonagall held a door open for him and he walked in. He glanced around. Professor Dumbledore stood by a fireplace, a mixed expression on his face. He held a piece of paper in his hand. He nodded to Harry and exited with McGonagall to speak in privet. Only then did Harry see.

Sitting on a couch was Snape. He was glaring at Harry. He glared back.

"Er, Professor, why have I been called down?"

"How should I know Potter? I was just called down," Snape snapped just as Dumbledore walked in.

"Harry, do sit." Dumbledore motioned to the couch Snape was sitting on. Harry sat as close to the arm as possible and Snape did too. "I received a letter from Professor Lupin for you." He handed Harry the letter.

Dear Harry,

As you know, Sirius was your rightful godfather that your father gave you. But since he has passed away, we at the Order had to find you another godfather. I was next in line if something was to ever happen to Sirius, but I'm too dangerous, being what I am. Wormtail was next after me, but never in our dreams would you go to him.

This may come to as a shock to you. After him was Severus Snape. He is your rightful godfather. He must know this and you MUST live with him.

Moony.

Harry's mouth fell open and his eyes widened. He dropped the letter and jumped to his feet.

"Professor! This can't be right! I mean--I mean--"

"Headmaster! This is incorrect material! I will have nothing to do with this!" Snape said. He was tempted to strangle Harry right at that moment.

"It is completely correct, Severus. I was there helping Remus when all this happened. Minerva and I shall leave you alone to talk about it." And with that, he left and closed the door.

Harry threw himself onto the couch angrily. Snape was pacing around the room, muttering angrily. He destroyed things and then repaired them with a flick of his wand.

"I am not happy about this Potter!"

"You think it was my idea? Why would I want you as a godfather?" He took out his own wand and flicked it at a vase. It shattered and he repaired it. Then something made him think.

"Professor Dumbledore!" he called.

He walked in. "Yes?"

"We leave for the summer tomorrow afternoon. Can't I just stay with the Dursleys?"

"I'm afraid not. Voldemort is so strong now; we can't trust the blood in Petunia to protect you. We need a wizard to protect you. Don't worry, Severus will take you on the train to them so you can explain."

"But, Professor, why couldn't I stay with you? I mean, you're more powerful than Snape."

"I was not a choice in your father's will. You don't want to go against him, do you?"

"Well, no. But--"

"But nothing Harry."

"Headmaster, with all do respect, James never even asked if I would like to be Potter's godfather. What if I say 'no'?"

"I don't believe James ever thought that he would be gone, that Sirius would die, Lupin would be incapable, and that Wormtail would become a Voldemort follower. Think of those odds. And you can't say no."

Harry and Snape left. Harry trudged up the stairs to Gryffindor Tower. How was he going to tell Ron and Hermione?

"Harry! We were getting worried! See Herm, I told he wasn't going to get expelled. She thought you were getting expelled!" Ron was laughing.

"Ron, shut up. Harry, are you okay?"

"Why wouldn't he--oh."

"Remus wrote a letter."

"About what?" Hermione asked.

About my new godfather." He tossed Ron the letter. He read it with Hermione.

"Bloody hell! Snape? Snape! C'mon Harry, where's the real letter. And what brilliant charm did you use to copy Moony's handwriting?"

"Ron, he's not joking! This is serious!"

"He's kidding, aren't you? Aren't you?"

Harry shook hi head. "No. I have to stay with him all summer. Until I'm either old enough to live on my own, or if Voldemort or Snape dies. You know, the usual."

"So, you'll be staying where over the summer?"

"Here. But we will be going on the Hogwarts Express to go to the Dursleys'."

"So I guess our plan to crash your house is off?"

"Hm, Ron, you think?" Hermione snapped.

"Well, I was really looking forward to it! We were going to play Exploding Snap at midnight! And scare Dudley until he cried!"

Harry went to bed while Ron and Hermione still argued.

2) Hogwarts Express

"HARRY! WAKE UP!" He opened his eyes. Ron was shaking him. "Dang! Snape's here to see you."

"Are you serious?" Harry asked as he climbed out of bed and pulled on his clothing.

"Yeah. Says he has little time and told you to move it."

Knock. Knock. "Can I come in?" Hermione called.

"Yeah. You're going to get into trouble if you're seen in here." Ron told here.

"Snape sent me up to tell you to hurry up, or he'll take points from us for next year!"

Harry raced down the stairs and almost ran straight into Snape.

"Watch it, Potter! Now, I have a few things to tell you. You have special permission to use serious magic over the summer. That includes the unforgivables. Anything for means of defense against the Dark Lord only! All other magic can be used. And Potter, your shirt, it's inside out. Fix it before we get on the train."

Harry left most of his things in the dorm. He only brought Hedwig, his wand, and some clothing. He hopped onto the train with Ron and Hermione. They played some Exploding Snap, talked, and ate. As it turned out Fred and George's Joke Shop already had some candies for sale on the food trolley. They had gotten the last three on the cart. Screams could be heard throughout the entire train from those who ignored the label or didn't believe it. Dragon's Mouth.

"I have the best idea! Herm and I can get a ride from you and Snape! We can give Dudley these!"

"And what makes you think that Snape will give you a ride?" Snape's cold voice asked as he opened the door.

Hermione used her gentlest begging voice. "Please, Professor! It would keep Harry from annoying you."

Snape actually considered it. "Alright, just don't be loud and don't talk to me."

When the train stopped, Harry, Ron, and Hermione piled into the back of the Ministry car while Snape drove, looking carefully at the map. He snapped every once in a while at them when they talked too loud.

When they got there, Ron grinned sheepishly and whispered to Hermione.

"You give Dudley the Dragon's Mouths. That family doesn't trust me because last time, Fred and George gave him something."

"Got it."

"Petunia! The person with the boy is here!" Uncle Vernon called. "Oh, no! The boy brought back two of his people!"

"Don't let them in! Pretend we aren't home!"

And with that, the Dursleys cowered in the living room.