The Rescue
Chapter 1 The rescue
Once Dumbledore and Minerva vanished from the scene of No. 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, did a figure, casted in black cloak, emerged from the shadows of the house. After checking twice to make sure that the old man and the woman had certainly disappeared, the figure made his way over to the tiny bundle that was left on the doorstep of the house.
The figure sneered at the actions left by Minerva and Albus. Against the cold! Merlin's Beard, it's against the human nature! Speeding up unconsciously, his steps quicken until he's beside the bundle. Squatting down, he briefly touched the cheek of the infant in the basket placed by the steps of the house. Checking once again around for any signs of life, the figure decided to throw back the hood of his cloak.
Severus Snape studied the infant closely. He has black hair that reminds him of James alongside with the features of his face. Severus shook his head at the unpleasant memories that threaten to taunt him, and began to wonder. What about his eyes?
As if on cue, the baby's eyes opened, and Severus nearly gasped as he stared into the brilliant green orbs of the baby.
He's got Lily's eyes.
As he stared into the eyes of the boy, which reminds him so vividly the woman he loved, Severus was thrown back to the recent memories of his dreams a few hours ago…
~~~Flashback~~~ Flashback~~~ Flashback~~~
He was in the same park where he first met Lily in the swing when they were just turning eleven. To his surprise, Lily was there as well, in a flowing white dress, her red hair making it out as flames and his brilliant green eyes that always smile softly alongside with her mouth.
"Lily!" He exclaimed when he saw her.
Lily smiled at him brilliantly. "I need your help, Sev." She said softly.
Severus looked at her, concerned etched on his face. "What is it?"
Lily motioned with her hands. "It's about my son Harry, Severus." She said, a slight tone of agitation slipping into the lovely voice. "Albus has taken him to Petunia."
Severus heart lurched a bit. "Petunia? But she doesn't even care!" He exclaimed once more in vexation.
Lily placed a soothing hand on his arm. "I know, Sev. That's why I need your help." She urged. "I've written you as the guardian alongside with Alice once I've ceased. Now, since I've passed the Veil later than James, it means it was my will that is supposedly to go effective. And my will did mention about NOT giving Harry to Petunia EVER."
Severus nodded as he digested all the information. "Where is he to be found Lily?" He inquired softly.
"No. 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging. And Sev?" Lily softly said looking up at him. "You must hurry. I can only imagine what they'll do to him." She extended her hands.
Images flashed past before Severus eyes. The image of a little boy being shut in a cupboard under the stairs, wearing hand-me-down things from his cousin, punished with no meals for his littlest mistakes, and the similarly depressive images and so much, cause Severus heart to pain for the child."
He turned to Lily, who smiled wistfully at him. "Hurry Sev. It's only a few hours before daybreak. You must take him in." She gently said. "Take care Sev. I'll always love you."
Severus nodded, a lump forming in his throat. "As do I." He choked out.
Lily nodded and touch his arm once more. "Until then Sev." She smiled at him one last time in farewell before a brilliant white light engulf her.
Severus watched until the light slowly faded, leaving him behind all alone in the park that now appears desolate.
~~~Flashback~~~Flashback~~~Flashback~~~
A sound from Harry broke Severus reverie. Looking down, he saw the baby reaching out for him and cooing at the same time.
Gathering the baby in his arms, he noticed the letter attached with the cursive font from the Headmaster. Scowling, he shrank the letter before putting it in the pocket of his cloak. Taking the basket alongside, he glanced, one last time, in slight contempt towards the house where the Muggle relatives of Harry lived in. With a flash, he disapparated alongside with Harry towards the Manor he lives in.
~~~PageBreak~~~PageBreak~~~PageBreak~~~
Shutting the door to the Manor, Severus set down Harry on his bed in the bedroom, adding a few Charms with his wand that will prevent Harry from rolling of the bed in his sleep.
Pulling the letter from the pocket of his cloak he resized it and read the entire content.
Dear Petunia.
By the time this letter had reached you. Please be known that your beloved sister Lily, had ceased alongside with her husband James Potter. They have died heroically fighting the dark wizard which styles himself as Lord Voldemort. Hereby I extend my most sincere sorrow, grievance and condolences on the passing of your sister and your brother in law.
The baby which you had discovered on your doorstep, Petunia, is Lily's son Harry. He was the only one who had survived the Killing Curse Voldemort has imparted upon him. The curse rebounded and killed Voldemort, thus leaving the scar on Harry's forehead.
In her death Lily has evoked a protection in ancient magic as well as the Blood Ward. By Harry's blood, her blood runs along which will protect Harry from the dark wizard or any evil. The two protections will be validated if he resided in the same house with the person who shared Lily's blood, which, in that case will be you.
I delivered Harry to your doorsteps in the trust that you will protect and take good care of him until he is eleven, which is old enough for him to attend Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, the same school your sister had attended.
Once again, I extend my greatest sorrow and condolences over your loss. May your family prosper well.
Yours Truly.
Albus Dumbledore
By the time Severus read to the end. He was scowling in great contempt at the letter. "Petunia will not be feeling sorry at all for his sister." He dryly remarked to himself before setting the letter aside. Using a wood piece, he transfigured it with his wand into a cot beside his bed. Scooping Harry, who is now wide awake, he tried to put him down in the cot, but then Harry began to fuss, his eyes held distress.
Severus paused puzzled. Then recalled abruptly that Harry had watched his mother got killed in front of his eyes while he was trapped in a cot. Mentally chiding himself for being thoughtless, Severus laid him down on the great bed and vanish the cot with his wand at the same time.
Harry watched Severus with his brilliant green eyes in curiosity as Severus moved around the room, tidying up the things briefly before coming back to the bed.
Severus eyebrows rose at the child that was staring at him with open curiosity. Giving off a slight smile, his black eyes showing amusement and care, he reached over and stroked the forehead of Harry.
"Sleep now Harry." His voice, silken, low and hypnotic, washed over the child like gentle waves and he watch as the eyelids of the boy fluttered once, then closed, the movement of his chest showing him to be falling asleep.
Smiling a wistful smile, Severus planted a small kiss on the child's temple. "Sweet dreams, Harry." He whispered, before casting the charms to prevent Harry from rolling down the bed as well as a Monitor Charm to alert him when Harry wakes and went away from his bedroom, leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar.
I will take care of the paperwork tomorrow in the Minister. Severus Snape thought as he descended down to his potions lab to brew some potions in the night so as to calm his mind.
