Fairytale Of Home by Livia Ethelind
Summary: Thanks to James' sacrifice, Lord Voldemort is defeated. Lily barely survives and is rescued by Severus. Years later Harry struggles to live side by side with his hateful and unforgiving stepfather in a very troubled household. Unbeknownst to both much greater challenges lie ahead.
Categories: Teacher Snape > Professor Snape, Parental Snape > Stepfather Snape Main Characters: .Snape and Harry (required), Lily, Original Character
Snape Flavour: Snape is Angry, Snape Comforts, Snape is Controlling, Snape is Cruel, Snape is Depressed, Snape is Mean, Snape is Stern
Genres: Action/Adventure, Angst, Drama, Family, Tragedy
Media Type: None
Tags: Alternate Universe, Amnesia, Child fic
Takes Place: 0 - Before Harry is born, 0 - Pre Hogwarts (before Harry is 11), 1st summer before Hogwarts, 1st Year
Warnings: Character Death, Physical Punishment Spanking, Neglect, Profanity, Romance/Het, Violence
Challenges: None
Series: None
Chapters: 13 Completed: Yes Word count: 45833 Read: 69718 Published: 11 Sep 2016 Updated: 03 May 2017
The Old Curious Shop by Livia Ethelind
Author's Notes:
Harry learns something on a trip to Diagon Alley
”But surely,” Lily trailed off as Harry entered the dining room. ”Harry... Why don't you sit down?” she said calmly and turned her attention back to Snape. Harry kept his head down as he made his way to his chair. Things had not improved since he'd almost blown up his stepfather. This time Lily couldn't be kept from hearing about it since the boom had been quite loud. Even she had told Harry off – something she rarely ever did, although she did it in a resigned manner, sighing throughout. This was something in rather sharp contrast to Snape's approach. None the less, Harry had been miserable. His mother was disappointed in him, Snape had been furious and was still on edge and the worst part was that Harry actually felt they were right to be. He hadn't wanted to blow holes in the wall or even hurt his stepfather – even if he was the biggest jerk around. He'd just wanted to scare him off. He'd never spoken like that before – with that strange look in his eyes. Harry had hated his stepfather for years but never had any reason to fear him actually throwing him into a well or something like that. This time he'd seen something, not entirely that, but something in his eyes... Although, Harry had to admit he had a feeling it wasn't really directed at him. It annoyed him that both Lily and Snape hadn't mentioned the fact that Snape almost got hurt even once. They'd only spoken about how Harry could have been hurt. He didn't like it when Snape showed any kind of concern for Harry's wellbeing – even if it was only for Lily's sake. He'd still not entirely given up on his plan but nearly blowing Snape to bits didn't seem to have done it and Harry wasn't sure how he was going to outdo that without burning the house down.

”Harry!” Lily's voice snapped him back to the present. ”Harry, I asked you a question.”

”Oh, sorry mum!” replied Harry.

”Have you seen any owls around?” Lily repeated. Harry shook his head. ”Severus, are you sure? Can't you check again?”

”Minerva already assured me she sent one off. The pen hardly makes mistakes. It'll arrive at some point. Besides I got the requirements list from her today so we needn't postpone the trip,” Snape replied calmly, having completely ignored Harry throughout the meal.

”It should be here by now,” said Lily quietly. ”I've wanted to celebrate this with Harry for a long time.”

”So I still have to go to Hogwarts even if the letter doesn't come?” Harry suddenly said. ”You don't need it for entry?”

”Obviously,” replied Snape, narrowing his eyes. ”How you didn't realize that is beyond me.” Harry instantly regretted his question. The way Snape was looking at him...

”I'd just really like him to get it,” said Lily quietly. ”It's not like the owls to get lost.” Harry looked down and finished his meal in silence, knowing full well that Snape's gaze was upon him.

June gave way to July and Harry found himself hiding in his tree a lot. The day after his unfortunate question Aoife and Binn had 'cleaned' his room. They moved all the furniture and Binn scrubbed everything. Aoife was quiet and brooding the whole time and Harry knew perfectly well she was doing it on orders from a higher place. They didn't find anything of course. Harry had apologized to Lily for the incident on numerous occasions by now but she still appeared withdrawn whenever he saw her and he couldn't understand why. Snape seemed to be watching him constantly either himself or through the eyes of others and it was getting on Harry's nerves. As he walked up the staircase he was met by Lizette going down. The door to the Summer Room was open and Harry couldn't resist the chance to go in. Lily was seated at her desk, drawing.

”Mum?” said Harry carefully. Lily didn't move at first. ”Mum!” He repeated.

”Huh?” said Lily as her pen stopped. Harry walked over by her side. She appeared to be drawing a large black dog. ”What are you drawing?” asked Harry.

”Oh, nothing. I don't know,” replied Lily with some confusion and continued her drawing. Harry was used to this. Sometimes Lily could be like this though it didn't mean he liked it one bit. ”Mum,” Harry continued slowly. ”About the letter. The Hogwarts letter...”

”We'll go to the lake,” mumbled Lily as she stared straight ahead. ”You always liked it there.”

”Mum, what do you mean?” replied Harry nervously. ”Hmm,” said Lily as she bent her head and darkened the dog's paw. That was when he noticed the other drawings on her desk. Most were the same black dog and one seemed to be a moon. ”Can I have that?” said Harry and pointed to the dog she was drawing. Lily looked at it but didn't say anything. Harry reached out and picked it up. It was rather beautiful. It was clearly a large dog but it looked friendly. His mother picked up the green color and seeming began making green lines on a blank piece of paper.

”Mum,” Harry tried again as he touched her shoulder. She froze momentarily before she quickly turned her head and stared at him. She looked surprised to see him.Then she brought both her hands to her temples.

”Harry? I'm so sorry... I thought...” she replied just she looked back down at the drawing she was making and she instantly began shaking.

”Lily?” called Snape from the doorway. He paused momentarily and then ran to her as Harry edged towards the door. ”It happened again, Sev,” Lily cried into her husbands arms. ”I saw it. I don't want to remember...” she sniffed.

”You don't have to,” Snape assured her. ”It's over.”

A few day later the family was getting ready to leave for London. Snape had argued that they might just as easily get most of the things listed in Dublin but Lily was adamant that Harry also purchased his wand at Ollivander's. Speaking of Lily, she had been in bed for the most part and both Lizette and Snape had advised her not to go but she insisted she wasn't going to miss shopping for Hogwarts with Harry. He had been ready since 6 AM since Aoife thought it would be a great idea to wake him up at five with the message that it was already eight o'clock and he was going to miss breakfast. He stood in the parlor, where the only fireplace connected to the floo-network – that he knew of, was located. The wall looked at good as new. It had been swiftly repaired by magic. Yet, Harry couldn't stop looking at it. He was returned from his thoughts by a creaking from the doorstep. He turned to see Snape entering. The man walked over to him and clamped both hands down on his shoulders. He then seemed to consider the confused boy for a moment before he lowered his face and spoke:

”I want to make a few things very clear. When we go out today you will be on your very best behavior. Your mother is looking forward to this outing and you will not be permitted to sabotage it. Is that clear?

”Yes, sir,” replied Harry. Snape nodded and released him. Harry hadn't exactly been planning to do anything of the sort. He hadn't been looking forward to it either. Normally he'd relish the thought of going out since it was a rare occasion to go further than Athlea. In fact he'd never been anywhere that was all magic.

There was quite a discussion apparently about whether or not Lizette was coming along. Lily and Snape both said no for completely different reasons but Lizette insisted on it. Eventually she wheeled Lily into the fireplace and they disappeared together in a burst of green flames. Someone had caved although Harry couldn't be sure who. He went next with Snape who placed a hand on his shoulder and snapped: ”The Leaky Cauldron, London!” Harry had seen floo travel a lot. It was how Snape got to work after all. But he'd only tried it a few times as a very small child and honestly couldn't really remember what it felt like. Therefore he forgot to close his mouth and stumbled out of a different fireplace, coughing loudly. He'd probably have fallen if Snape hadn't held him upright.

”Ugh!” he coughed as he spotted his mother and rushed to her. They appeared to be in an inn. The lighting was dim and the room was packed with people. The scent of different types of food were in the air and the ceiling creaked, revealing people on the 1st floor. However it didn't take long for the merry chatter to subside as the guests spotted the new arrivals.

”Is that...?” he heard a red-nosed witch whisper. ”Not seen her for years. I can't believe she...” it came from somewhere in the corner. ”But the boy, Artemius! The boy! Can it be...?”

”This way,” sneered Snape as he rather quickly steered Harry towards the backdoor. Harry had half a mind to protest. Some many of the people were looking at him and he wanted to know why. They didn't seem unfriendly. Lily and Lizette followed them into a yard where Snape seemed to randomly tap a wall. Harry had seen a lot of magic but nothing could possibly prepare him for the sight when the wall disappeared and Diagon Alley came into view. It was colorful and cosy. It was packed with people and positively pulsating with energy. There were children. So many children. And Harry bet they were all magical. It was more magical people in one place than he'd ever met in his entire life.

”First things, first!” said Lily cheerfully. ”The books!” Harry couldn't help but fall behind repeatedly as he took in everything. He didn't necessarily notice that some people were watching him. Lizette was rolling Lily along so she might have her hands free and Snape walked at Lily's side like a big black raven. Harry couldn't help but notice that Lily got easily through the crowd because people naturally swept aside the moment they spotted Snape. He didn't know if they actually knew him or if they just didn't want to mess with him.

Going to the bookstore turned out to be a lot less interesting than one might imagine. Harry wanted to look at the titles of some of the more exciting books – books that soared, shone or emitted multicolored smoke. But every time he strayed, his mother either called him over with excitement to show him yet another textbook or Snape would appear within his field of vision with a disapproving look. The man clearly couldn't stand being here and wanted to finish as quickly as possible and leave. The adults then momentarily left him unattended in a store selling robes because Lily and Lizette was chatting with another mother they had just met about the excitement of a child leaving for school and Snape had gone off to get the supplies Harry would need for potions since he refused to wait at Madam Malkin's for Harry to be fitted.

”Going to Hogwarts too?” said a voice next to him. Harry looked to his side to find another boy there. He was blond and also wearing robes ready for fitting.

”Uhm, yeah. I guess,” replied Harry, not really wanting to talk about it.

”You guess?” smirked the other boy. ”Have you gotten your wand yet? I've just gotten mine!”

”No, not yet,” replied Harry as politely as he could while one of the witches employed there put a pin in his sleeve.

”I heard Harry Potter is going this year,” noted the other boy.

”Huh?” said Harry, surprised to hear his own name.

”Harry Potter? The famous Potter?” said the blond boy with a surprised look. ”Not too sharp, are you? Hardly Ravenclaw material,” he said with a smirk. Harry couldn't tell if it was really meant as an insult or if the other boy was teasing but he didn't really care.

”I don't really care about Ravenclaw,” he replied sullenly, not wanting to think about houses.

”Heh! Neither do I!” huffed the other boy. ”Now, Slytherin is the only house worth being in. Oh, no way! There he is!”

”What?”

”Professor Snape, you idiot! He's head of Slytherin. My father used to know him but he stopped seeing him because he married... Well... No, it's really him! Father pointed him out to me before. What is he doing here?”

Knowing that he was bound to be called for by his mother at some point Harry was grateful when he was called to the counter by another witch. The robes had been paid for so Harry got the package and slipped outside the store as quickly as he could. He was terribly confused. All those people who stared. The famous Potter? But sure there were other people named Harry Potter. It was hardly an unusual name. Still, Harry couldn't stop thinking about it as he walked at his mother's side. ”Now we're just missing the wand and 'an owl, cat or toad',” said Lily happily as she read from the list Snape had given her.

”He doesn't need a pet,” muttered Snape. But Harry had other ideas.

”Mum, please! Can we go look at pets?” It didn't matter that he was planning to get expelled or preferably never attend but Harry had always wanted a pet. He hadn't been allowed to, partly because Snape didn't like them and thought it would disturb Lily (Harry having asked for a dog) but also because Aoife had pitched a fit about how filthy it would be. Lily had gone along with them but clearly she was willing to consider letting him have one at school and Harry was sure that once he had it, it would be his and he could take it home too. What should he get? A cat maybe? Lizette took Lily into the pet store. Snape was not looking particularly pleased. The screeching of the animals could be heard throughout the crowded rooms. A calico cat hissed loudly at Harry as he neared its cage.

”How about this?” said Lily as she reached out and petted a beautiful grey cat that purred at her touch.

”I want to look a bit!” smiled Harry and made his way through the crowd and further into the store. He found himself quickly in the reptile department as he came face to face with some kind of lizard crawling down the wall. He stepped backwards in an attempt not to get crushed by a few older kids eager to get to a giant glowing lizard-like creature that swam around an aquarium. He walked backwards into a terrarium. ”Oh, sorry,” he said automatically to the occupant before realizing that he was an idiot and he was talking to a snake.

”It'z alrightz,” said the snake, which was rather large and looked a bit like a python.

Harry stared at the animal without blinking. ”Did you? Did you just talk to me?”

”You talkedz to me firzt!” replied the snake, sounding rather offended. ”And you disturbed my cage.”

”Sorry,” mumbled Harry who was still in shock. They had talking snakes here? Who'd have thought that! Then he noticed that one of the logs in there seemed to indeed have fallen over.

”I'm zure you wouldn't mind but... It'z rather torturouz to sit here all day looking at them and never getz to taste one!” said the snake and nodded straight ahead. Harry turned to see a large cage at the other end of the room containing large rats. Well, it was the least he could do right? He nodded to the snake and went to the cage. Opening it up was not a problem. No adults where really watching him. Getting a rat was more trouble. He finally got hold of a bit fat one and closed the cage but it wiggled as he walked with it and suddenly it slipped through his fingers and shot across the floor. It ended up sitting on the floor just in front of Lily. For a moment Harry thought she'd start yelling at him or something. He was after all standing there like an idiot and was very clearly where the rat had come from. People shot away from the rat and a few small girls screamed. Lily's eyes were so blank as if she saw something else. Then to everyone's surprise she grabbed the armrests of her chair and lunged herself out of it and at the rat, landing on the floor. The rat was momentarily in her grasp but quickly escaped. Lily started crying as Snape and Lizette rushed to her with other customers who helped her back up. Harry didn't understand it. She'd had that same reaction with the drawing and Harry didn't know what was happening. Lily kept apologizing over and over and saying she didn't know what had come over her. Harry rushed to her but Lizette pushed him away claiming that he'd 'done enough already'. It was too much and before Harry knew it he'd bolted out the door and was heading down the street. He ran and he ran until he didn't know where he'd gone. The houses had changed. They were less well kept and the street was narrow here. Harry twirled with tears still in his eyes. He didn't recognize anything.

”Are you lost?” said a bald man behind him. He smiled eerily with yellow crooked teeth. ”Oh, poor baby!” said a young incredibly pale and thin woman almost sarcastically. ”What's your name?” said the bald man as the woman took Harry's hand. ”N-No! I'm n-not lost!” replied Harry. ”I need to go... here!” he said as he pulled himself free and ran through the nearest shop door for safety.

”Out! I don't want your kind in here! Out I say!” screeched an old, long nosed man as Harry entered.

”Oh, calm yerself down, Mr Kranz, 'e aint done no harm!” said what Harry could only describe as the largest man he'd ever seen. The man had to stay slightly bent over so as to not bang his head on the ceiling. He had a long bushy beard and wore a big coat. The store itself was dark and full of plants that seemed to relish the darkness. ”What are ye doing here?” said the large man gently.

”I got lost,” Harry admitted. He didn't know why. Something about the man made him feel safe.

”He came to steal my Poplar seeds!” hissed the old man.

”Don't ye worry yerself,” said the giant man. ”I'll take ye back. Ye don't want to hang around Knockturn Alley alone. The name is Hagrid by the way. Rubeus Hagrid. Groundskeeper at Hogwarts!” he said seemingly beaming with pride.

”Really?” Asked Harry as they left the store. ”I'm supposed to go there in September.”

”Ah! And what's your name then?” nodded Hagrid.

”Harry Potter,” Harry replied quietly.

Harry Potter? Harry? What on earth are ye doing here by yerself then? A boy like you what is famous and all can get in huge trouble here!”

”What do you mean famous? I heard someone else say that today? I don't know who this other Harry Potter is but it's not me. I'm just Harry,” he replied.

”Not as I look at ye. Ye look just like James. Spitting image. 'Cept the eyes. I reckon ye have yer mother's eyes.”

”You knew my father?” Harry asked with wide eyes.

”Of course I did. Personally!” said Hagrid once again beaming with pride. ”But mind ye there aint a person alive in Britain who doesn't know 'is name or yours!”

”I don't understand? I never did anything special!” argued Harry.

The giant man looked shocked. ”Anything special? Didn't yer mother tell ye? Or Professor Snape?”

”She doesn't like to talk about dad,” Harry said quietly, not bothering to explain Snape's silence.

”I can't believe it! The greatest wizard alive and 'e doesn't even know it!” mumbled Hagrid.

”What do you mean?” Harry asked as they neared the end of the alley.

”Not 'ere,” mumbled the giant man and ushered Harry into what looked like a small tavern. ”Best not speak in the street. I'll buy ye a butterbeer,” nodded Hagrid. Harry should be terrified. He was alone with a stranger. It was the oldest rule in the book, broken.

”Harry?” said Hagrid as he sat down at a table in the corner of the dim tavern. ”Have yer mother seriously never told ye that ye defeated you-know-who?”
The End.
End Notes:
For those who wondered: I freaked out because I was being harrassed by people from another site, one of these people somehow got my personal email at which point I freaked out because I didn't know how they did it and was scared of their persistence. I didn't want these kind of people to come here and bother this community. I'm sorry you had to deal with my panic. Thank you all!


This story archived at http://www.potionsandsnitches.org/fanfiction/viewstory.php?sid=3358