Forbidding Refuge

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the charaters in the Potterverse, they belong strictly to J.K. Rowling and affiliates.

AN: One of my reviews insinuated that my story was stolen from somewhere. I'm not sure where they got this idea from. If my story is similar to another, I'd like to know about it. If anyone knows, leave it in a review and I'll definitely look into it.

Chapter Three

Severus heard the door click shut quietly behind him. He sneered at the others still waiting in the hall. They would be lucky to even see the Lord. He grumbled silently about the task his Lord gave him. He would undoubtedly do exactly as his Lord asked, but he was no babysitter. Severus could not pretend to like children, and Harry made him feel…uncomfortable.

By the time he reached his quarters, Severus had to take a deep breath before entering. He pushed the heavy wooden door open and immediately knew something was amiss. Ronald, the boy Severus normally called on for errands, was hidden behind his sofa, obviously ducking the objects being thrown from the bathroom. Severus counted to ten before moving a step, knowing he would need all of his patience before dealing with the disaster.

Ronald turned and gave him a pleading look once Severus made his presence known by slamming the door shut. Severus caught a towel before it could hit him in the face, and crossed to the bathroom in angry strides, stepping over bath soaps as he went. His breath caught at the sight of the boy.

Harry was completely naked. His pale chest was heaving with anger and the bright green eyes were wide and bright with unshed tears. The dark hair stood completely on end. His whole body glistened from the water dripping from the flawless skin.

Gathering himself, Severus put on the most fearsome glare he could muster. “What is the meaning of this tantrum?” he asked in his deadliest voice. Harry crossed his arms stubbornly, and looked away.

“Sir?” the tentative voice spoke.

Severus turned to Ronald, who had peeked his head in the bathroom and was looking everywhere but the sullen Harry.

“I tried to help him get dressed,” Ronald explained, “he didn’t want to put the clothes on.”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath. “Harry,” he attempted to soften his voice, “you remember our discussion about clothes. You must wear them in public. The only appropriate time to be naked is in the bath itself.”

Harry’s lower lip quivered slightly, “I can’t,” he whispered. Severus had to strain his ears to hear. “They hurt, they’re hard.”

“Ronald,” Severus spoke, “go to your mother, and tell her I’ll need the softest clothes she can find. Something to fit Harry.”

Ronald looked befuddled but left immediately. Severus went to his room and pulled a silk blanket from the linen closet. As he returned to the bathroom, Harry stood at the window. He seemed more relaxed, obviously believing he had won a battle.

“Come here, Harry.” Severus commanded. The boy’s shoulders were tense as he moved toward Severus, but his motion was so fluid. It was apparent the boy had a natural grace about him. Once he was close, Severus wrapped the blanket around the boy.

Harry sighed with relief, and Severus understood. The boy’s skin was sensitive. It was part of the blood that ran through his veins, the creature blood. Severus led the boy out of the bathroom and sat him on the sofa.

“I am going to make tea,” Severus announced, “Will you control yourself until I finish?” Harry nodded, but did not say anything, and Severus went to make tea.


Harry watched from beneath hooded eyes as Severus left. He found the man to be very odd. One minute he was harsh, and the next very considerate. Harry rubbed his face into the silky fabric. He had not worn actual clothes in so long that he could not remember what they felt like. They hurt. Harry did not remember that, but it was obvious from the harsh shirt that Ron tried to force on him. It hurt his skin, but not the blanket. It was so soft and it smelled like Severus. It was a small comfort.

Harry wished there was a window so he could see outside. The bathroom had one. The grass was so green, and he saw trees in the distance. Harry longed to run, maybe climb one of the trees. He still did not know why he was here. Why had they let him out of his cell? Maybe Severus would let him run.

The man returned shortly carrying a tray. Two cups, a tea pot, and some cheese and crackers crowded the tray. Harry watched Severus poor tea into both cups. He added sugar and milk to one and passed it to him. Harry accepted the cup and sipped it cautiously. His eyes never left the man. He snatched a few crackers and stuffed them all in his mouth simultaneously.

Severus rolled his eyes, but Harry did not understand why. He sat up a little straighter when Severus cleared his throat, rubbing the fabric over his arms in a soothing manner.

“When Ronald returns,” Harry scrunched his nose up in disgust at the mention of Ron, the boy was too strange. “You will get dressed and we are going outside.”

Harry could barely contain his glee. Outside! His mind chanted it in a continuous mantra. He would even stomach the clothes.

“First,” Harry quickly focused his attention back on Severus, “I wanted to explain a few things. My Lord has released you from prison, but only he can explain the reasons to you. You will meet him, but I do not know when. He is going to find you a tutor. ”

Harry felt a bit puzzled by all this new information. At least he would no longer be in his prison, but at what price. His uncle taught him, from a very young age, that nothing came without a price. Harry learned the hard way, that if you wanted to live in relative comfort, it was a good idea to know what was expected of you. Until Harry knew what Lord Voldemort wanted him for, he would be cautious.


Severus decided the first topic the tutor should cover with Harry were table manners. He made a mental note to mention it to whomever Lord Voldemort decided upon. While at first it appeared the boy was taunting him, now Severus began to realize the quirky eating habits were bred from obviously learned behavior. It was apparent that Harry believed his food would be taken right out from underneath his hands. Severus found himself wondering if the prison made a habit of doing that, or if it stemmed from something else. Once the entire plate was empty, Severus mentally backed out of the murky waters of his curiosity. He knew that Harry could not or would not be able to answer all of his questions.

“Finished?” Severus asked snidely. Harry nodded his head cautiously.

The knock on the door was almost perfectly timed. Ronald poked his head in with a hesitant, “sir?”

Severus beckoned him. Ronald’s eyes, he noticed, never left the floor as he handed over the soft shirt and breeches. Harry sniffed the fabric and his nose scrunched a bit. He put them on anyway. Severus turned away as Harry dropped the soft blanket and he noticed the very red blush of Ronald’s cheeks.

Severus cleared his throat. “What other duties are you expected to do today?” he asked Ron.

“Uh,” Ron said,”just helping my mum with a few things.”

“Excellent, Harry needs a companion,” Severus explained,”He needs to socialize.”

Ron furrowed his brow slightly, as Severus instructed him to escort Harry outside and keep him busy and entertained until Severus came to check on them. Ron nodded then watched Severus give strict instructions for Harry not to leave Ron’s side. Harry pouted a little but nuzzled the hand that Severus set on his shoulder before following Ronald out the door.


Ron watched Harry out of the corner of his eye as he led him through the corridors. He was slightly wary of the other boy, but thankful to be let out of his chores for a seemingly easier task. How hard could it be to entertain the younger boy? He hoped Snape would make excuses to his mother. Knowing the type of man he was; Ron knew he needn’t worry. Snape just did not forget simple details. Ron wondered if he should try to make conversation with Harry. He had only heard him speak once, and it was only a few whispered words to Snape.

He was brought out of his musing as they neared a side door that exited the castle. A few guards were up ahead, one Ron knew. He was a friend of his older twin brothers. Lee Jordan noticed him and gave a friendly greeting as they approached. Ron felt more than saw Harry move closer to him. He grabbed Ron’s sleeve in a tight fisted grip and settled himself right behind the larger boy. Ron reasoned that the guards must make Harry nervous.

Being deliberately friendly and trying to ease Harry’s fears, Ron greeted Lee. Although he was slightly older than Ron, they were close to the same height. The black boy’s eyes crinkled as he gave Ron a carefree smile and introduced his fellows.

“Ron wants to join our Lord’s army when he’s old enough,” Lee explained to his comrades. Ron flushed slightly embarrassed. “Fred and George’s younger brother,” he continued. The other two guards looked slightly alarmed at this declaration and he resisted the urge to scowl. The whole family were not trouble makers. His twin brothers certainly made more than enough for the rest of them.

“Who’s this then?” Lee questioned next as he tried to lean around Ron for a better look at Harry.

Harry took a step back away from the other boy and Ron was forced to move with him from the grip still on his shirt. Ron realized exactly how nervous the other boy had become. He was breathing slightly faster and his expression was twisting into something fierce, the expression akin to some kind of cornered animal. Lee, he noticed, looked a bit puzzled and wary, and backed away slightly.

“It’s alright, Harry,” he soothed awkwardly; “Lee’s a friend.” Harry relaxed minutely and a wary expression replaced the feral one.

Turning back to the guards, Ron explained, “Snape made me a babysitter for the day.”

Lee chuckled slightly and looked Harry up and down. “Snape”, he commented lightly. Ron wondered exactly how fast this rumor would spread. He knew what Lee meant. It was very odd that Snape was in charge of any child. Snape brewed potions for the Lord, and his social habits were mostly non-existent. In fact, Ron knew that Snape rarely had visitors. The few who did dare to interrupt his solitude always left looking angry or close to tears even.

“Come on,” he muttered to Harry as he bid goodbye to Lee and the others. The other boy followed him out the door; his eyes never left the guards.


Harry closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, taking in all of the scents associated with being outside. They had exited the castle and entered a garden. It was larger than the vaguely remembered Dursley garden by a lot. He felt safer out in the open, it’s nature calmed him. He let out a contented sigh and turned his attentions to the plants surrounding him.

Harry felt his eyes soften at the vibrancy of color all around. After being surrounded by grey stone walls for so long, he had forgotten how bright everything could be. It was a feeling he would never again take for granted. There were more different types of flowers than Harry had ever dreamed. He recognized the roses like the ones in the Dursley garden, but all the others were completely unfamiliar. It made them all the more beautiful.

The scents were a bit overwhelming. Every one of the plants smelled sweet, but each was slightly different. It made it difficult to distinguish anything in particular, but that was alright with Harry. He wanted to smell each one to distinguish which belonged to what plant. He felt so happy at this moment.

“What do ya want ta do?” Ron’s slightly awkward question brought Harry’s attention back to him. The other boy was shuffling in place seemingly uncomfortable. Harry could not understand how Ron could ever feel like that with all this beauty surrounding them.

“Dunno,” he returned softly. Harry could see the surprise on Ron’s face as his head snapped up at the answer.

“So, you do speak,” Ron laughed slightly.

Harry assumed the question was rhetorical, so he did not reply. He returned his gaze to the plants surrounding them. They strolled leisurely through the garden. Ron followed dutifully behind Harry, and they fell silent.

The garden was set up like a maze. Two of the castle’s outer walls were on each side of him, but beyond opened into the grounds. Smooth brick made up the paths, with well kept rose bushes and hedges serving as dividers. They came upon several decoratively carved stone benches. Huge painted pots were dotted throughout the entire place. Each seemed to have a different type of snake painted on it. Harry did not think any two of the pots were the same.

The flowers were planted in the pots. Some times the plants were all the same color, or all the same flowers, but in different colors. He was curious if there was a pattern. Someone obviously took good care of them. Harry felt a sort of kinship with whoever did. Being sent to tend to the garden at the Dursleys had been a relief for him. Harry assumed that was also the reason he felt so calm here.

“How old are you?”

Harry jumped a bit at Ron’s abrupt question. He felt shy around the other boy. He had not really spoken to another person in so long. The guards never talked to him. Harry could not remember his relatives really speaking to him; unless it was ordering him to do chores. He shuddered a bit at the memories of his uncle screaming at him. He did not think that constituted as decent conversation.

“Fourteen.” When he answered, his voice sounded hesitant to his own ears. Ron, he saw, seemed astonished again, which slightly annoyed Harry.

“What is it?” Harry demanded a bit hoarsely, when Ron continued to look befuddled.

“Huh,” Ron cleared his throat awkwardly. “Just thought you were a bit younger, I’m sixteen.” He finished proudly and puffed out his chest a bit. Harry thought he looked silly. Harry turned away to hide a befuddled smile.

“So, why are you staying with Snape?” Ron asked as they continued through the winding paths of the garden. Harry shrugged, he did not know. “Well, where did you come from?”

Harry did not really know that either, but at least he could attempt to answer it. He took a deep breath. Ron was only curious, and probably trying to make conversation. “I lived with my aunt and uncle. I’m not sure what happened to my parents, but I know they’re dead. One day, some soldiers came and took me from my aunt’s house. I lived in the prison they brought me to until a week ago.”


By the end of his account, Harry began to regret saying anything. Ron looked completely horrified.

“You were in prison?” Ron asked aghast.

Harry only nodded.

“Why?”

Harry shrugged, he still was not sure. He vaguely remembered his uncle’s practically gleeful attitude the day they came and took him away. The first few weeks at the prison, he asked why to anyone that came by. He quit asking after a while.

“That’s horrible!”

Ron’s adamant proclamation made him feel slightly warm inside. Although Harry had come to accept it, and even doubted he would ever be let out; it still felt good to have someone sympathize about his fate.

Harry turned a small smile towards Ron. Maybe he was not so strange after all.

“I haven’t been here for very long, but I like it much better.” Harry explained. “Everything is so amazing here, and Severus is a lot better than the guards at the prison.”

Ron scrunched his nose up slightly at the mention of Snape. “I don’t know about Snape, but you’ll like it here. I’ve lived here my whole life with my family. My mum works in the kitchens and my dad does carpentry here. My brothers already work for our Lord. I’ve been helping out since I was ten, but I want to be a soldier one day.”

The longer Ron spoke, the more curious Harry became. “You have brothers?” he asked.

“Oh yeah, loads. Five older and a younger sister.”

Harry looked at Ron wide-eyed. He could not imagine having that many siblings. Although, he could not even imagine having parents, so it made even stranger.

Ron began to tick them off his fingers as he explained, “Bill works in banking. Charlie deals with all kinds of wild beasts in the kingdom. Percy’s gotten all stuck up since he started his job assisting to the scribes of our Lord. Fred and George are twins and they joined our Lord’s army. Mostly, they’ve been dealing with the real soldiers’ gear and stuff, but it’s still better than Percy. I’m next in the line, and I’ve got chores. I help Snape out a lot too. Then there’s Ginny. She works with mum in the kitchens. There’s a ton of us but we’re all real close.”

Harry felt slightly overwhelmed by the time Ron finished. “That’s a lot of family,” was the only thing he could think to say.

“Yeah, sometimes it gets a bit crowded at home.” Ron smiled as he said this.

“Ronald.” A stern voice called, “Harry.” Both boys turned towards the source of the voice. Severus Snape was walking toward them in his menacing stride.
“We’ll be returning now. Ron you’re finished today, but come again tomorrow to my quarters at four.” Severus commanded.

“See ya, Harry.” Ron waved goodbye and headed towards the castle.

Harry watched Ron leave returning Ron’s farewell with a small wave. “Follow me, Harry.”

As Harry followed behind Severus, he could not help but wonder what was in store for his future.

-----------
So, that's chapter three. Thank you to all my reviewers, yall have encouraged me beyond belief. It takes me a long time to write between work, school, and volleyball. Thank yall for being so incredibly patient towards me.