Only a House

Sorry for the extremely long wait in updating. This chapter caused me untold amounts of anguish to write, and I had to battle a severe case of writer's block before I could do it. Believe it or not, I do have this story completely outlined, but it's proving to be more difficult to write than I had anticipated, so again, my apologies for the long wait.

Aragon-san--My undying gratitude goes out to you for pointing out a vital typo! I was completely floored that I had overlooked that, especially given the number of times I had proofed before posting. Thank you SO very much! As for your question about the chapter titles...I will be posting a short Author's Note chapter at the conclusion which will answer your question about where the titles came from, and why I titled each chapter as I did.

Goofball, Snarkywitch--I hope you continue to enjoy the story. Thank you for reviewing!

Darkless Vasion--(my fellow angst whore!) Here's a bit more for you. Enjoy!

Belladonnacordial--I LOVE your name! Thank you so very much for your kind and encouraging words. They were incredibly helpful in getting me over the writer's block, and very inspiring.

To dear SickPuppy--This couldn't have happened without you! Your help is above and beyond.

And a huge thanks to everyone who has stuck with me thus far, especially all who took the time to hit that little button labelled "review". Cheers!

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One Has Learnt To Be Lonely


One stony faced Auror accompanied Severus back to St. Mungo's where he gathered up the pitifully small amount of belongings he had, and then was checked by Smethwyk, who ensured he was ready to be released from the hospital, and ready to begin his punishment.


The Healer informed Severus and the Auror that he had already sent a supply of the various potions Severus still required ahead to Shacklebolt's office so that they would be waiting for him when Severus arrived at his destination. Severus nodded curtly, not exactly eager to leave the hospital and begin his sentence, but uncomfortable in the building. Smethwyk checked the wound on Severus' neck, again, replaced the bandaging and said, "I needn't tell you about wound care," then left when Severus scowled and told him no, he needn't.

In order that he wouldn't know where exactly he was being taken, (it seemed that the Auror believed he would be set upon immediately by revenge filled Death Eaters) Severus was to arrive at his new destination by side-along apparition, in the company of an extremely large and grim Auror.

Kingsley Shacklebolt was already there along with Potter and a squad of Aurors who were busily warding the house and grounds. Kingsley and the boy were deep in conversation when Severus was almost pushed through the door, but the lad only gave him the most cursory of glances before wandering away when Kingsley turned to Severus.

"I can only stay a moment, Severus," Kingsley said, glancing about the house to ensure everything was as it should be, "but I wanted to be here when you arrived. It's house arrest, but I've seen to it you'll be as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. Your guard will explain all of the rules and so forth."

Severus nodded his understanding and said simply, "Again, thank you for all you've done."

"I wish it weren't being done at all," Kingsley said apologetically. "Your personal belongings, with the exception of any potion making equipment or other contraband, have been removed from Hogwarts and sent here. The rest has been sent to your home in Spinner's End, which has been warded against intruders. It'll be waiting for you when you are released in one year's time. Your wand will be returned to you then."

Severus nodded and thanked the big man once again.

One of the Aurors approached to tell Kingsley they were finished warding and securing the house and grounds, and Kingsley turned back to Severus. "Very well. I'll take my leave then. Your guard will show you around the house and the boundaries of the grounds. Take care, Severus," nodded to his crew and they left.

Severus watched them go, sighed, and then turned around to peruse his prison. He was standing in a rather cozy living room with an enormous fireplace, comfortable looking furniture, and two walls lined with bookcases filled with books. Deciding it would be prudent to avoid touching anything until his guard appeared, Severus walked over to the bookcases. He was scanning the titles on the spines of the books when a noise behind him alerted him to another's presence.


He turned around and found himself being observed by a pair of bright emerald green eyes.

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Severus and Harry remained staring at one another for several moments before Severus cocked an eyebrow and asked, "Forgotten something, Mr. Potter?"

"No, Sir," the boy answered immediately, as if Severus were still his teacher. As if Severus were a person of stature, and not a criminal.

That was, apparently, all he was going to say however, and Severus couldn't help the annoyance that he felt, although he quelled it. He wished the boy would just say what he had to say and be done with it. He would at least then know once and for all what was going on behind those tormenting eyes.

"Do you wish to speak to me? If so, please do so, and then be kind enough to send my guard to me so that I may begin my incarceration in peace," Severus said rather pointedly. Let the boy hate him, he thought, let him have his say. Severus could take it. He waited, unconsciously bracing himself for an outburst of vitriol.

The boy only frowned a bit, glanced out the window a moment and took a deep breath. "I am your guard," he said.

There was a very long moment of silence.

Whatever Severus had been preparing himself for, it hadn't been that. On the heels of his surprise, his first thought was that perhaps Kingsley was punishing the boy after all. He was momentarily at a loss for words, and wondered if he was allowed to contact Shacklebolt. Surely this was a rather harsh punishment, to lock the boy up with the man he hated most for an entire year? The boy had, after all, ultimately given up the memories.

He was aware the youth was watching him warily, and he felt an inexplicable jolt of ire surge through him. This certainly was poetic justice then. The boy would have plenty of time to tell Severus just exactly how much he hated him in the coming year. He felt his face contort into it's usual scowl and saw the wariness in the boy's face melt away into a scowl of his own. "I see," he said quietly.

Harry cleared his throat uncomfortably and said, "I need to explain some things to you. About your being here. Erm....the doors and windows are warded against you opening them. You are allowed outside, but I have to open the door for you, and I'll accompany you whenever you're out. The grounds have warded boundaries, and if you try to cross them, you'll be stunned, the Auror office will be alerted, and you'll be taken to Azkaban for the remainder of your sentence. You aren't allowed to use magic of any kind, for anything. The house and grounds are warded to detect any use of magic other than mine, including wandless and non-verbal spells, so even if you try, you won't get very far. My wand is spelled and warded to recognise my magical signature only, and won't perform for anyone else, so if you try knocking me out or anything to get my wand, it won't work for you. We're connected to the Floo Network, but only I can activate it, and even if you somehow managed to do it yourself, it only leads to the Auror office, so you won't get very far there either. The floos in the bedrooms aren't connected to the network, only this one is, and I have to make a daily report by fire call. If I don't, someone from the Auror office will come check on me, so...you know, even if you stabbed me with a knife or something...."

"I do not intend on murdering you too, Mr. Potter," Severus said grimly, feeling a bit hurt inside that the boy obviously thought he hated him that much.

"I just meant that it wouldn't do you any good," Harry replied, "it's part of my job to inform you of all this. It doesn't mean I think you'd do it." The man still obviously hated him, and Harry didn't blame him for it.

For an awkward minute or so they remained staring at one another, until Severus broke the silence clearing his throat. "Healer Smethwyk informed me the potions I require had been sent ahead?"

"They're in the kitchen," the boy said, nodding towards it, "each dosage will be flooed in. I have to watch you take them."

Severus couldn't help the scowl that spread over his face, saying sourly, "You may inform your superior that there is nothing suicidal about healing and replenishing potions," and strode towards the kitchen, hearing the boy come after him. After swallowing down each one whilst staring pointedly at the boy he said, "I wish to lie down. I trust I am allowed to do so in private."

The boy nodded and said, "Your room is upstairs. I'll show you,"

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Alone in his room, Severus suddenly felt very drained. He lay down on the bed, aware of how tensely he had been holding himself. The news that the boy was to be his guard for the span of his sentence had been surprise enough, but waiting for the boy to finally address what Severus knew he must be feeling and thinking was akin to standing beneath the sword of Damocles.

He paced restlessly, unnerved by Harry's calm demeanor. It had been impossible for him to detect anything behind those piercing green eyes. He was left wondering exactly how this year would progress. how long would it be before Harry told Severus exactly what he thought of him?

It unsettled him more than he cared to admit.


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Hope you all enjoyed. If you did, let me know, and even if you didn't, still let me know! :D