Finding Home by silverstargirl
Summary: Harry, having learned of his uncle's plans to step up the abuse against him, decides to run away. At the same time, Severus Snape, having been dispatched to ensure he is safe, discovers that Harry is abused and decides to kidnap him.
Categories: Teacher Snape > Trusted Mentor Snape, Parental Snape > Guardian Snape Main Characters: .Snape and Harry (required), Dudley, Dumbledore, Other, Petunia, Vernon
Snape Flavour: Overly-protective Snape, Snape is Secretive
Genres: Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort
Media Type: None
Tags: Child fic, Evil!Albus, Runaway
Takes Place: 0 - Pre Hogwarts (before Harry is 11)
Warnings: Abusive Dursleys, Character Death, Out of Character, Violence
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 13 Completed: No Word count: 27873 Read: 83599 Published: 26 Dec 2009 Updated: 13 Apr 2014
Chapter Ten by silverstargirl
Author's Notes:
At long last here is Chapter 10. I hope that you enjoy it.

Severus watched breathlessly as the spell began its work. When red letters began to appear above the parchment, he found himself leaning forward to read them better. To his shock, the words spelled out, 'Identity, Unknown.' “Impossible!,” he exclaimed. He was floored that the spell, which was known for its reliability, had failed. A look of fierce determination appeared on his face, as he began to plan his next move.

Unbeknownst to Severus, the figures in the portrait above the fireplace began to stir, awakened by the use of magic by a human within the walls of the house. “Welcome to our home,” one of the little girls in the portrait said softly.

Severus nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a soft, unfamiliar voice come from behind his location. He swung around sharply, his wand at the ready. “Who is there?,” he demanded, harshly.

“I am Lisbon. Who might you be and how is it you are here?,” the girl replied, calmly.

Severus' eyes fell upon the portrait, which was now fully active, and relaxed slightly. “I am Severus Snape. I am not sure how it is that my house elf found this house. I was attempting to discover who added it to my list of residences, but my spell failed.”

One of the men in the portrait smirked. “That is not surprising, particularly if it was the family's magic that brought you here. However, what I find odd is this; usually, when someone from our line enters the property's boundaries, everything is fully awakened immediately. That did not happen this time and I have to wonder why.”

“I am most certainly not of the Slytherin line,” Severus said in a low tone. “I am descended from Ravenclaw.”

The man tilted his head to the side. “As far as I know, the Ravenclaw and Slytherin lines have never crossed. How interesting! It is also interesting that you are aware of which family this home belongs to.”

Salazar smiled and said, “That is easily explained by me, Stefan. One of my portraits guards his rooms at Hogwarts.”

“Ah, that makes sense then. He merely recognized you, father.” The man said with a nod.

“It does not, however, explain how this residence appeared upon my list of properties.” Severus said, frowning.

“True enough. Has anything...out of the ordinary happened recently in your life, Severus?” Salazar inquired.

“Harry,” Severus breathed. “Perhaps it has something to do with him.”

“Who is this Harry?” Salazar said gently. He saw the worry in the Potion Master's eyes.

“Harry Potter is the child of my best friend, Lily Evans and her husband, James Potter. They were murdered a little over 8 years ago, leaving their son an orphan. He was sent to and raised by his mother's sister, Petunia Dursley. Unfortunately, Petunia, who is a muggle, abhors everything to do with magic and subsequently has treated him abominably.” Severus said, torn between sadness and anger. “However, that doesn't explain how Harry might be related to your line. It is well known that the Potters are descended from Gryffindor. Lily was a muggleborn.”

“You are veru correct in your assertion about the Potter line. The question is then, is which line the Evans come from. Are you certain that this Petunia is a muggle or might she be a squib instead?” Stefan interjected.

“Petunia was tested when her younger sister was found to be a witch. She showed no signs of magical blood at all and all squibs have a touch of magic in their blood.” Severus said with a frown. “I have often wondered if one of the Evans girls might have been adopted, but never thought to actually ask. Merlin knows that they did not resemble each other in the slightest. I suppose that I could do some research into the genealogy of their family.”

“What do you mean they looked nothing alike?,” said Lisbon.

Severus turned and looked at the girl. “Lily had dark auburn hair and emerald green eyes. She was incredibly beautiful. Her face was heart-shaped face and she was tall and rather curvaceous with a bright, engaging personality. Petunia, on the other hand, has a medium shade of blonde hair, pale blue eyes and a rather long, plain face. She is stick thin and of average height with few curves. She tends to be very judgmental and snobbish. Now that I think of it, neither girl looked anything like their parents either. Both Rose and Richard Evans were slim and tall with very dark hair. Perhaps they were both adopted.”

“There is one way to determine if young Harry is of the Slytherin line. Bring him here and we will know immediately.” Salazar said with confidence.

“Normally, I would wish to do further investigation before taking such a risk, but I do not have the luxury of time right now. I will bring Harry here before nightfall.” Severus said. “I must remove him from that neighborhood before he is found by his relatives. His protection and safety is of utmost importance.”

“You seem quite worried about the child. Is there more to this story than you have told us?” Salazar inquired.

“There is, but it will have to wait until I return. I must go and ensure that Harry is still safely hidden from those people. I will speak with you once I have returned.” His fears of not finding a safe haven for him and his child mostly alleviated, Severus called to Dassy and bid her to return him to the Figg residence.


“Pet, I am off to work,” Vernon said gruffly.

Petunia forced a smile and gave her husband a kiss upon his cheek. “Have a good day at work, dear.”

“I plan to, Pet. Here is the list for the boy. Make sure that he completes it before I return.”

Petunia took the list and inwardly winced at it's length. There was no way that she could complete it on her own. She needed the boy back and fast. “I will do my best, Vernon, but you know how lazy the freak is.”

“If he gives you any cheek today, just tell me when I return. I will deal with him, then.” Vernon said as he lumbered to the door.

Petunia watched as her husband climbed into his car and drove away. She waved at him until he was out of sight, as was her usual routine. Lord knew she didn't wish to give Vernon any reason to suspect that there was something wrong.

“Mum, it's too early to go out and see my friends. I'm gonna go back to bed,” Dudley whined.

Petunia carefully hid her annoyance at her child's tone of voice and smiled at him conjolingly. She was actually beginning to wonder if coddling her son so much was actually a good idea, but knew that a sudden change in behavior would only cause problems at this time. “Go right ahead. Diddums, Mummy needs to go out and do some shopping. I will be back before lunch and will wake you then, if you haven't already done so yourself. Will that be alright?”

“'kay, Mum. Have a nice shopping trip.” Dudley smirked at the idea of having no supervision. He wondered when the freak would get back. This would be an excellent opportunity to 'play' with him. It had been a while since he had had a decent Harry Hunt.

Seeing the devious look that crossed her son's face, Petunia realized that she had best make sure that he didn't get in trouble. The neighbors were beginning to act doubtful to her loud assertions that it was Harry that caused problems and she certainly didn't want her child labeled as the wrong sort. “Dudley?”

“Yes, Mum?” Dudley said with an overly innocent expression on his face.

“Do not leave the house until I get back. Do you understand me?” Petunia said, firmly.

“But, Mummy! What if I wake up and get bored?” Dudley sniveled, thinking that his mother would cave, like she often did. Though, now that he thought of it, that was usually only when his dad was around.

“Then you may play your video games or watch the telly. Mummy, will be very upset with you if you aren't at home and behaving when she gets back. I am going to go over to Ms. Figgs' house and have her keep an eye out for you, so don't try any tricks.”

Dudley scowled at his mother, but knew that there was little point in arguing with her when she got like this. His father might indulge his every want, but his mum had a will of iron when she wanted to. “Oh, alright! But I want a present,” he demanded.

“Fine, if you behave you will be allowed to pick out a new game, which I will pick up tomorrow.” Petunia said, barely suppressing a snarl. She hated to overindulge him, yet again, but knew that if she didn't Dudley would tell his father. She was perfectly aware of what would happen if her husband learned that she hadn't given in to his child's every demand. She would do almost anything to prevent having her husband's wrath come down on her, even if it made her sick to her stomach at times. She gave her son a kiss on the forehead and watched him make his way back up the stairs before turning and leaving the house. Petunia quickly made her way across the street to Mrs. Figgs' house intent on getting her to keep an eagle's eye out for her son.


Arabella puttered around the house, trying not to think about Severus taking little Harry away. She knew that it was for the best and that Severus would take excellent care of Harry, but she would miss the boy's presence in her life. She hadn't realized until now just how much happier she was when the boy was near.

“Mrs. Figg? Is something wrong? You seem a bit sad.” Harry said in a soft, worried voice.

“Oh, Harry! I'm not exactly sad, but I am going to miss you so much.” Arabella explained, “You have brightened up my life so much in the short time I have known you and while I know that you will be happy with Severus, my heart breaks a little knowing that I might never again see you.”

Harry hugged her tight and whispered, “I love you, Mrs. Figg, and I'll miss you, too.”

To be continued...
End Notes:
Life being what it is, I haven't had much time to focus on my writing. I hope to do better in the future. I hope that you enjoyed the chapter.


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