Family

New Family

Chapter 1: New Family

Severus Snape had no idea who or what had set off his wards in the middle of the night, but he wasn't happy about it. He went out and aimed his wand at a figure moving almost hesitantly towards the house.

            "Stop! Who are you?"

            "Professor?"

            He blinked and lowered his wand.

            "Potter?"

            Harry Potter never thought he'd be happy to see his potions teacher.

            "Lumos," Snape intoned.

            He went to the boy and stared in horror. The fifteen year old boy was battered, bruised, and bloodied.

            "Merlin. What the devil happened to you, Potter?"

            He coughed rather wetly, getting weaker.

            "Uncle Vernon."

            Snape found he could no longer hate the boy.

            "I had to get away, sir."

            "I understand. Come, lets get you inside."

            He looped a supportive arm around the boy, took the cage with his owl, and helped the limping boy into the house. Once inside Harry took his things out of his pocket then collapsed into the potions master's arms.

            "Potter!"

            When Harry awoke it was morning. He blinked in the light then realized he was laying a large bed with black sheets. He felt better as well. His wounds had been treated and bandaged. He looked around and spotted Snape asleep in the nearby armchair.

            "Professor?"

            He jerked awake and looked at the boy.

            "Ah, you're awake."

            He stood and stretched before going over to the bed.

            "How do you feel, Potter?"

            "Much better."

            He nodded.

            "Hungry?"

            Harry hesitated, but his stomach chose to then growl loudly. He blushed as Snape smirked.

            "I'll take that as a yes. I'll be back."

            True to his word, the potions master soon returned. He carried a plate of eggs, toast, and bacon in one hand, and a glass of milk in the other. He set then on the nightstand and helped Harry sit up.

            "Eat up, Potter."

            He didn't need to be told twice. The food was delicious, and Harry tore into it.

            "Potter, slow down. You're eating like a starving man."

            "Might as well be," he ground out.

            Snape blinked and sat on the edge of the bed.

            "Didn't they feed you?"