Harry Potter's New Life

6) Dark Day

Harry woke up to find a note on the table next to his glasses.

Harry,

I have gone to the Ministry to help identify Lucius's body with the Malfoys. Severus has been in a very ill state. Let us just say that he's been twitchy this morning. Just remember this word, Crucio. I know you've already learned it but just remember it.

Dumbledore

Harry looked up. Why would Dumbledore have told him to remember that curse? And why in the world would Snape be acting twitchy? He shook his worries off and went down for breakfast.

"Huh," Harry yawned. "Morning. What's for breakfast?"

Snape looked up. He had dark circles under his eyes as if he'd been awake all night. He kept shaking his head every five seconds and his hands shook.

"Cereal."

Harry grabbed a bowl and watched Snape while he ate. His eyes were beginning to grow dark. He shook his head again and pulled at his hair.

"Er, professor, are you okay?"

"Potter, run! He's coming!"

"Coming? Who's coming?"

"Damn Potter! He's coming! Go!"

Harry ran to the top of the steps and leaned over the landing. Vernon was walking into the kitchen.

"No! Uncle Vernon! Don't go in there!"

Harry ran to his room and grabbed his wand. He dashed down the stairs right when Vernon flew from the room, dazed. He heard Petunia and Dudley scream and ran into it. He saw Snape holding his wand pointed at Petunia, who cowered against the wall.

"Avada--" he began to say.

"Crucio!" Harry screamed. Snape fell to the ground, shrieking in rage and pain. And then, somehow, he reversed it. Harry fell down, helpless. Snape once again advanced on Petunia, and almost uttered the whole curse--

It happened so fast. With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore lifted the curse from Harry. Then, Harry hit Snape with the stunning spell. His spell was so full of rage that Wormtail was stunned through Snape's eyes.

Dumbledore put his hand to Harry's forehead and quickly jerked it back. He rubbed his burning hand. Harry didn't know it, but he had become so angry, his scar began to sear as if Voldemort was right beside him. He wanted Voldemort dead as much as he wanted Harry dead. The scar had two fuels now in which to make it burn.

It took a while for Snape to fully recover. Dumbledore explained to them both what had happened and Snape looked at Harry with a new light in his eye-- pride and gratitude.

7) Walking and Talking

"Harry, hurry. We only have a few hours and I need you to come now!" Dumbledore ordered.

Harry quickly dashed out of the house and joined Snape and Dumbledore on the driveway in the cover of darkness. He followed them down the street, trying to catch what the professors were mumbling to each other.

When they finally got to the park, Dumbledore and Snape walked up to a tabby cat and stared expectantly at it. It stared right past them and looked at Harry.

"P-Professor McGonagall?" Harry asked, amazed. The cat changed right before his eyes into a witch.

"Minerva," Dumbledore acknowledged.

"Albus, Severus, Harry. How are you?"

"I'm good," Harry answered.

"Eh-hem! Is it safe to come out now?" a voice asked from behind the trees.

"Yes," McGonagall said.

A great, lumbering figure emerged. "Harry!"

"Hagrid!"

"Enough!" Snape ordered. "We must get down to business."

"Yes, of course professor," Hagrid said, throwing a glance at Harry.

"Harry, we must tell you of a great responsibility we have bestowed to you. You are now officially employed to Hogwarts staff!" Dumbledore said.

"As what?"

"Defense against the Dark Arts professor," Snape mumbled.

"A professor! But I'm too young! How will I control a whole class? They won't respect me! How will I prepare a lesson? How..."

"Potter! Professor Snape and I will help you put together lesson plans and keep the classes under control. And we will make sure you can pass all of your other courses, I'll give you a time turner," McGonagall cut in. "Now, these two have to go to a Ministry discussion and we," Dumbledore flicked his wrist and Harry's things were summoned to him. "will go back to Hogwarts on the train. Come along Mr. Potter."

Harry watched Dumbledore wave to them from the window and they all waved back. Then, when no one but Harry was looking, Snape raised his hand and threw a quick smile. Not one of his fake ones, but a true genuine smile. It was small, but it was there.