“Are you going to get in trouble for helping me?”  He finally manages to whisper.

“We took some extra precautions with your situation.  We attempted to cover all aspects of the situation so that the Headmaster will be unable to find a way to put you back with your worthless relatives,” Snape said, sneering again as he mentioned Harry’s only living family.

A sob catches in his throat.

“The headmaster doesn’t care about me,” He sniffles.

“He does, but not in a way that would help you escape your despicable relatives.”

“Then he doesn’t care at all!”  He suddenly shouts.

And just as suddenly, he remembers that there are others in the room, watching them.

“Sorry,” He whispers, returning his eyes to the large warm hand that is still bracketing his own.

“It is expected that you should be angry.  What has happened to you is unjust,” Snape explains in a patient voice.

Harry nods rapidly, ignoring the tears that are slowly seeping out of his eyes.  He blinks them away, but more keep coming.