A letter from the past by Swamygliders

The following morning, Harry awoke in the hospital to the sound of loud snoring. He gradually opened his eyes and searched for his glasses on the nightstand. After finally locating them, he put them on and glanced over at the source of the snoring. He spotted the same shadowy figure that had been present when he drifted off to sleep, except now he was sitting in a recliner with a thick quilt covering him.

Last night, Harry had overheard some students talking about how odd it was to see the "dungeon bat" sleeping like that in the infirmary. They had made a few more unkind remarks about him before the nurse arrived to treat their minor spell accident and scolded them for disrespecting a Professor.

This incident left Harry wondering about the true nature of the dark figure. Although the man had been incredibly kind to him over the past few days and had been his savior, Harry couldn't help but wonder if his kindness was genuine. Was it possible that the man was just pretending and would soon reveal his true intentions and betray Harry?

Pushing aside those thoughts, Harry felt the urge to relieve himself as the pressure in his bladder grew stronger. Fortunately, he was feeling much better than the day before as the spells had almost finished their healing magic. He effortlessly slipped out of bed and, out of habit, proceeded to neatly make the bed he had just slept in before walking towards the bathroom. It was then that he realized it was still dark outside and he wondered what time it really was.

As Harry stood in front of the bathroom mirror, his mind was a swirl of thoughts and emotions. He gazed at his reflection, his hands wet from the warm water flowing from the faucet. Mentally preparing himself for the day ahead.

With a deep breath, Harry couldn't help but wonder what his new dormitory and fellow students might be like. He had never had the opportunity to make friends before, and he hoped that this new chapter of his life would bring positive experiences. However, he couldn't help but worry that he might be treated the same way that his cruel cousin Dudley and his friends had treated him. He shook his head, trying to banish those negative thoughts from his mind.

Harry's thoughts then turned to Dudley, wondering where he was and if he was okay. Despite the bullying and abuse he had suffered at his cousin's hands, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of concern for his future. Perhaps it was his innate kindness and empathy, or maybe it was simply the fact that Dudley was the only family he had left. Either way, Harry couldn't shake the feeling that something bad might happen to his cousin. He hoped that Dudley was safe and happy, wherever he might be.

Harry let out a contented sigh as he stood in front of the bathroom mirror. He splashed cool water against his face, washing away the grime and sweat that had accumulated during his days of being bedridden. It had been a long time since he had been allowed to freshen up like this, and he relished in the feeling of cleanliness.

After patting his face dry with a towel, Harry lifted his shirt to examine his injuries. To his amazement, all of the bruising had disappeared, and there was only a slight ache where his broken bones had once been. It was a miracle. The thought of magical healing amazed him, and he couldn't help but think that he could get used to this kind of magic if he were allowed to stay.

As Harry adjusted his shirt, there was a sudden and urgent knocking on the door, startling him. He made his way over to the entrance, his heart pounding with fear and anticipation. He opened the door tentatively to see a stern-looking professor glaring back at him.

"Mr. Potter?" the voice on the other side asked, its tone heavy with authority.

Harry peered out to see a stern-looking professor staring back at him. "Yes, sir?" he replied, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Severus Snape's shoulders visibly relaxed upon seeing Harry in the bathroom, relieved that the boy was safe and sound. Despite looking disheveled, he tried to put on a small smile to avoid worrying the young wizard. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for the typically stoic and unapproachable potions master.

When Severus had woken up and noticed Harry's bed empty and made, he had panicked, thinking that something might have happened to him. He was relieved that he had the sense to check the bathroom before searching the castle. He looked Harry up and down to ensure that everything was as it should be, and he relaxed further when he saw the slightly tousled wet hair, evidence that the boy had just freshened up.

Trying to hide his earlier concern, he asked, "Would you like to go down to the Great Hall for breakfast or eat here?" His voice was calm and collected, but there was a hint of kindness. "I spoke with Madam Pomfrey last night, and she agreed that you could go as long as you return here to rest a little more before Professor McGonagall takes you to get your supplies."

"I think I would like to go to the Great Hall, sir," Harry said, his curiosity piqued and his excitement, but also nervousness, growing at the prospect of meeting some other students. But then, he looked down at his pajamas and realized he didn't have any other clothes to wear.

The Professor observed Harry's eyes wandering over the pajamas he was currently wearing and realized his predicament. Without a word, Severus summoned the clothes that Minerva had provided for him to wear that day. Although the house elves had selected a decent outfit for Harry from the lost and found, Severus was certain that Harry would be happier in his own clothes.

Severus nodded in acknowledgement as he handed the bundle of clothes to Harry, giving him the gift of privacy by quietly closing the door behind him. Harry's eyes widened in amazement as he carefully examined the clothes, marveling at how soft the fabric felt against his skin. He couldn't believe that he had never owned such luxurious clothing before. Even though they were secondhand, Harry didn't mind at all, as he had never received anything new in his life.

Gently unfolding the clothes, Harry was pleasantly surprised to find that they might actually fit him well, a welcomed change from his usual baggy and ill-fitting attire. He took his time dressing, savoring the feel of the soft material against his skin. Once he was fully dressed, Harry stepped out of the bathroom, his old pajamas neatly folded in his hands.

To his surprise, he found that Severus had transformed the recliner back into a straight back chair and had cleaned up a bit himself. Harry walked over to the bed and gestured to his pajamas, asking politely, "Where should I put these, sir?"

Severus motioned towards the end of the bed. "You can place them there, and the house elves will take care of cleaning them."

Following Severus's instructions, Harry placed the clothes at the foot of the bed. He couldn't shake off the unusual feeling of having someone else clean his clothes for him. Previously, he had always washed his clothes by hand using the hose outside. His Aunt's fancy washer and dryer were off-limits to "freaks" like him unless he was washing their clothes.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Harry perched onto the edge of the bed. "Is it still early?"

Severus checked the time and nodded. "Yes, it's currently 5:32 in the morning. Do you typically wake up early?"

Harry confirmed. "Yes, I always make breakfast for my relatives. By the way, do you know what happened to them? Dudley?"

Severus let out a quiet breath as he confirmed the current situation of Harry's relatives, "The Dursleys are presently in the custody of the Aurores. They are being held until a legal case can be established in the Muggle world. Your uncle tried to flee after he was freed from the ceiling, which led to their classification as a flight risk."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Your cousin, however, has been placed in a reputable boarding school where he will receive an education that instills values such as respect for others - something that your aunt and uncle clearly lack."

Harry's interest was piqued when he heard the term "Muggle" and he asked for clarification. "Muggle is a word used to describe non-magical individuals," Severus explained. "The Aurores, on the other hand, are the magical equivalent of the police force. They are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order within the wizarding community."

"Harry nodded, recalling, "You mentioned that you could teach me how to use an owl to write to Dudley, didn't you?"

Severus agreed, "Yes, I can certainly teach you how to use an owl to correspond with Dudley."

"However," he continued, "let's focus on getting you settled into school and your classes first. Once that's taken care of, I'll be happy to show you how to use an owl. Is that acceptable to you?"

Harry nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Sir."

Harry's expression was apologetic as he spoke to Severus, "I'm sorry if I disturbed your sleep, Sir. I didn't mean to. If you want, you can go to your room."

Severus offered Harry a small smile and reassured him, "Don't worry about it. Breakfast is served from six o'clock onwards. Would you like me to accompany you to the Great Hall?"

"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate it," Harry replied gratefully.

"Very well," replied Severus, rising from his seat and gesturing for Harry to come with him. He escorted Harry out of the hospital wing and began guiding him through the corridors and down the stairs. Along the way, Severus pointed out various classrooms and the locations of teachers' offices.

Harry listened attentively and tried to commit the information to memory. He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he walked through the castle. It was all so different from the cramped little cupboard under the stairs that he used to call home.

As they turned the corner, Harry and Severus came across a group of students making their way towards the Great Hall.

"Good morning, Professor Snape," one of the students said politely. Then, as they noticed Harry, they whispered among themselves, "Who's that with him? Is that Harry Potter? It can't be!"

Harry's discomfort and awkwardness grew as he heard their whispers. He didn't want to be the subject of gossip or speculation, especially not on his first day.

Sensing Harry's unease, Severus gave him a reassuring nod. "Don't worry about them, Mr. Potter. The students here are just curious. They'll get used to seeing you around soon enough."

Harry nodded, but he wasn't entirely convinced. He knew from experience how cruel children could be. He just hoped that he could find a place where he belonged in this new environment.

"How did they know my name?" he asked, turning to Severus. He couldn't imagine how the other students would know who he was.

Severus Snape stood motionless as he gazed down at the young boy before him. No one had informed him about his history and how his parents, Lily, had died, and he wasn't entirely sure how to proceed. He cleared his throat, hoping to mask any awkwardness that might have been apparent.

"Well," he said in a low, measured voice, "in the wizarding world, you're quite the celebrity, Mr. Potter."

The boy's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why?"

Severus hesitated for a moment, considering how best to explain the situation. After a moment, he decided it was not his place to reveal the truth. "I don't believe I am the best person to tell you that information. Perhaps you should speak to your head of house about it later. She will be better equipped to explain the matter to you."

"Oh," Harry responded, his mind racing with a million different thoughts and questions. What did Severus mean by calling him a celebrity? Was it something to do with his parents? Was it because of how his parents had died?

Severus paused outside the doors of the Great Hall, his expression pensive as he considered his words carefully. He knew he had to be careful with what he said next - Harry was new to the wizarding world, and he didn't want to overwhelm the boy with too much information at once.

"Harry, it would be in your best interest to keep a certain distance from me. I say this not to hurt you, but rather to protect you from the judgment of others. I have a certain reputation among the students, particularly those in your house, and I don't want them to treat you poorly for being associated with me. You must understand that our houses are rivals, and some might view your friendship with me as a betrayal."

Harry's eyes fell to the floor as he absorbed Severus' words. "I understand, Professor," he murmured softly, reaching for the doors to the Great Hall. However, before he could open them, Severus placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.

"Harry, you misunderstand me," Severus said in a gentle but firm tone. "You are not a burden, and I am always here to support you. But given the circumstances, it may be wise to keep a low profile for the time being."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "If you ever need my help or advice, don't hesitate to come to me. You can always find me in my office, or you can send me a message through one of the house elves. I promise to do everything in my power to assist you."

Harry looked up at Severus, feeling grateful for his words, but still feeling confused. "Thank you, Sir. I appreciate it."

Severus gave Harry a small smile. "You're most welcome, Mr. Potter. The Gryffindor table is located on the left-hand side. I encourage you to have a balanced meal, and I'll be keeping a watchful eye on you." He then opened the doors to the Great Hall and gestured for Harry to enter before him.

Severus lingered for a moment, observing as Harry made his way towards the Gryffindor table. Once he was sure that Harry had settled in, Severus strode into the Great Hall with his robes billowing behind him. He headed to the front of the hall, where the professors sat at their table. The early hour meant that only a few students and professors were present, which was a relief to him.

As he sat down at the table, Severus cast a brief glance towards Harry, who was engrossed in his breakfast. He silently hoped that Harry would be able to navigate his way through the challenges that lay ahead, and that he would never have to experience the full force of the dangers that lurked in the world and possibility within the walls of Hogwarts. He had thoughts of a particular three headed dog on the third floor.

Harry sat at the table, feeling a tad self-conscious despite his growing appetite. As he filled his plate with eggs, bacon, and toast, he began to relax a bit. However, he couldn't shake off the unease that had settled in him after his conversation with his professor. He didn't want to cause any trouble, but at the same time, he didn't want to lose the person who had saved his life. He was also puzzled by Severus' comment about his reputation and couldn't help but wonder about the other students and what they had said in the hospital wing the night before.

As Harry finished his breakfast, more students began to stream into the hall, and the peaceful ambiance quickly gave way to a lively and bustling one. A boy with red hair and a voracious appetite settled down beside him and introduced himself as Ron. Harry couldn't help but be fascinated by his his insatiable hunger. Across from them, a girl with brown curly hair voiced her objections to Ron's messy habits, but despite the bickering, Harry felt a small, warm sense of belonging beginning to form within him. For some inexplicable reason, he was starting to feel like he belonged at Hogwarts.

Harry began to ponder if Hogwarts was indeed his rightful place. He hoped that he had the magical abilities to prove it. Although he still worried that he might not, the pleasant exchange with Ron and Hermione was making him feel more at ease.

Ron inquired about Harry's absence from the feast on the first night and where he had been all day, but Harry was skilled at diversion. He informed Ron that his letter had been delayed, and since he was raised by non-magical guardians, they didn't know how to contact the school. Harry thought he had managed to dodge the question smoothly, but Hermione, the curly-haired girl sitting opposite him, seemed to see through his lie, although she didn't comment on it. Harry recognized the look she was giving him.

Ron readily accepted Harry's excuse and went on to introduce him to his large family. Harry was impressed by the sheer number of siblings Ron had and couldn't help but feel envious. He had always been alone in the world.

As the students started to get up to head to their first class of the day, Harry timidly inquired if Ron knew how to get to the hospital wing. Ron shrugged and admitted that he wasn't yet familiar with the castle layout, but he pointed out his brother Pursey and requested him to guide Harry. "Pursey can show you the way. Are you okay, mate?" Ron asked with concern etched on his face.

Harry nodded. "Yes, I'm just starting to feel a headache, and I hear there is a potion for that."

Ron nodded and called out to his brother Pursey, asking him to lead Harry to the hospital wing. As they walked through the corridors, Pursey asked Harry about his background and why he had missed the first night's feast. Harry repeated his excuse about the delayed letter and living with muggles who didn't know how to contact the school. Pursey seemed to accept his explanation, and they chatted about Hogwarts until they reached the hospital wing.

Pursey left him at the door, and Harry entered the hospital wing to find the same bed he had slept in the night before. However, he noticed that the pajamas he had left there were gone and in their place was a clean pair. Harry was amazed even if it was something so small.

Taking a deep breath, Harry sat down on the edge of the bed and realized that this was the first moment he had been truly alone since arriving in the magical world. He closed his eyes and leaned back on the pillows, trying to process everything that had happened so far, but his mind kept coming back to Severus' advice to distance himself. After a few moments, he opened his eyes and reached for the book he had taken from the Dursleys. Opening it, he took out the letter and read it over two more times before carefully folding it and tucking it back into its safe spot.

Lying there on the hospital bed, Harry's mind wandered to his mother's association with Professor Snape. How could he have gone from being her close companion to being subjected to ridicule by students? And how he did become famous? Lost in contemplation, Harry dozed off lightly.

The sound of the nurse entering the ward brought Harry back to consciousness. She made some disapproving noises as she checked up on him, but eventually lifted the remaining spells. During the examination, Harry kept his eyes shut, desiring to be left alone with his musings.

However, his solitude was interrupted when he felt the bed shift as the nurse sat down next to him and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I can tell that something is troubling you and that you are awake. Maybe I can help you through your troubles?" she offered kindly.

Harry opened his eyes, but avoided meeting the nurse's gaze. "Professor Snape told me to keep my distance from him. He said that his reputation might have a negative effect on me with the other students. But I don't understand what he meant," Harry explained, turning his gaze to the nurse who let out a weary sigh and smiled sympathetically.

"You see, your professor is a complicated man. Most folks see things in black and white, but he's more of a gray area. He's a good person, despite what others may say, and I think he was just trying to look out for you when he advised you to keep some distance."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "Protect me? How could his reputation harm me?"

The nurse hesitated for a moment before answering. "Professor Snape has a reputation for being a strict and demanding teacher, and some students perceive him as unfriendly or even cruel. Regrettably, this has caused some students to show him disrespect. It's possible that if they see you spending too much time with him, they might direct their dislike towards you as well."

Harry nodded slowly, trying to process what he had just heard. "But he's my teacher, and he's helped me a lot already. I don't want to distance myself from him."

The nurse gave him a sympathetic smile. "I understand, Harry. And I'm sure Professor Snape does too. But sometimes, in order to protect the people we care about, we have to make difficult choices."

Harry sighed, feeling a mix of confusion and gratitude towards Professor Snape. "Thanks for explaining it to me, Madam Pomfrey."

She patted his shoulder gently. "Anytime, Harry. Now, get some rest. Professor Mcgonagall will be here around noon to fetch you to get your school supplies."

Harry fell into a fitful sleep, feeling conflicted about Professor Snape. When he woke up a few hours later, he found someone gently shaking his shoulder. He opened his eyes and saw that it was Professor McGonagall. Harry hadn't planned on sleeping for so long, so his glasses were still on his face and askew from sleeping in them. He adjusted them and sat up as McGonagall withdrew her hand.

"I'm sorry to wake you, Mr. Potter, but we need to get to Hogsmeade soon so we have enough time to get your supplies before dinner. We can stop to grab some lunch while we're there."

Harry nodded and swung his legs off the bed. As he stood up, he stretched his arms and yawned. "Yes, of course. I'm ready whenever you are, Professor."

The Professor gave a small nod and smiled at Harry. "I wanted to let you know that I spoke with Professor Dumbledore about your accounts. Your parents left you a vault of your own to cover your schooling. However, your Aunt was listed as the custodian of the account, and it is currently undergoing legal processes to transfer ownership to you. Until then, the account is inaccessible. But don't worry, as I mentioned before, the school has a fund and will cover this outing."

Harry nodded and cast his eyes downward to his shoes. "Don't worry, Professor. I'll make sure to pay it back."

Minerva gently lifted Harry's chin with two fingers so that he was looking directly into her eyes. "Harry, there's no need for you to repay the school. I understand that you've been worried about money, but I want to reassure you that once the legal processes are resolved, you'll have complete access to your account. Your parents didn't leave you without means. In fact, quite the opposite."

Harry looked at her quizzically, "What do you mean, ma'am?"

Minerva smiled kindly at Harry. "Your parents left you a significant inheritance, Harry. So, don't worry about all of this. It will be sorted out soon."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. He had no idea that his parents had left him anything, let alone a sizable inheritance. "Wow, I had no idea," he said, still processing the information.

"Yes, well, your parents were very well off," Minerva said. "And they wanted to make sure that you would always be taken care of, no matter what happened to them."

A lump formed in Harry's throat. It was difficult for him to picture his parents, having only heard tidbits about them and read his mother's letter. The realization that they had planned for his future even after their passing was both heartwarming and overwhelming.

Initially, she intended to inform him about the other vaults he could access once he became of age, which his relatives had not been able to interfere with. However, observing his growing anxiety, she chose to postpone that discussion. Furthermore, she refrained from disclosing the extent of money that his relatives had embezzled from him throughout the years. It was going to be paid back slowly over time anyway.

Harry spoke in a quiet tone, "Is that the reason for my fame?"

Minerva's expression turned solemn as she replied, "No, Harry. Your fame comes from surviving an attack by the most feared dark wizard of our time, The Dark Lord." She paused and took a steading breath, "He killed your parents but for some reason, when he turned to do the same to you he was unable to. You are known as the 'Boy Who Lived'."

Harry asked, lost in thought, "So they didn't die in a car crash?"

"No, Harry," Minerva said gently, "Your parents were murdered. Your parents died protecting you from He Who Must Not Be Named. "

Harry sat in silence, trying to process all the information. He felt a wave of sadness wash over him as he imagined his parents' last moments. He wondered what they were like, what they would have thought of him, and what kind of life they would have wanted for him. He was also angry at his relatives for lying for him for all those years.

Minerva patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Harry, know that your parents loved you very much and wanted the best for you."

He then looked up at his professor, "Thank you for telling me."

Minerva gave Harry a small sad smile and pointed to the few items on the bedside table. "Is this what you brought with you?"

He nodded and she waved her wand and they vanished. "I just sent them to your dorm, don't worry about them. They'll be safely on your bed when we return."

Harry nodded and she patted his shoulder gently, "Come on now, let's get going! Do you like fish and chips?"

As they walked together, Harry shook his head. "I don't know. I've never had them before."

Minerva nodded in understanding. "Well, we'll have to change that. The Three Broomsticks serves some mighty fine fish and chips."

As they strolled into the village, the two chatted about small things. Minerva couldn't help but notice that Harry seemed to be relaxing as they walked, and she was glad to see him feeling more at ease.

Upon arriving at the village, Harry took in all the new sights and sounds around him, fascinated by the wizarding world's unique charm. Minerva accompanied him to various shops, ensuring he acquired the necessary textbooks and school supplies. After finishing the bulk of their shopping, they headed to the Three Broomsticks.

Once they were seated, Minerva ordered fish and chips for each of them along with two butterbeers. Harry savored the taste of the butterbeer, enjoying the sweet and creamy flavor. He looked around the pub, noticing the various witches and wizards enjoying their meals and drinks. It felt surreal to be in a place like this, surrounded by magic and wonder.

Minerva noticed his wonderment and smiled. "It's quite a different experience from the muggle world, isn't it?"

Harry nodded, taking another sip of his butterbeer. "Yeah, it's amazing. I never imagined there could be so much magic in the world."

Minerva chuckled. "And there's still so much more to discover, Harry. The wizarding world is full of surprises and mysteries."

Harry was grateful for Professor McGonagall's suggestion of fish and chips as it quickly became his new favorite meal. As they finished their food, Minerva paid the bill and led Harry to the clothing store. She instructed him to choose ten new casual outfits while she arranged for someone to measure him for his school uniform and robes.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the variety of clothing options, Harry nervously kept an eye on the price tags and picked out the least expensive outfits. He didn't want to be a burden on the school with any additional expenses. However, as he continued browsing, he couldn't help but notice how much nicer and more comfortable the more expensive clothes looked and felt. Shopping was a new experience for Harry, as he had never had the opportunity to choose his own clothing before.

Upon returning to Harry's side, Minerva was filled with a sense of sadness as she saw the limited selection of clothes he had chosen. She understood that he needed sturdier and warmer attire, especially with the colder months approaching at Hogwarts. Drawing from her experience of working with children in similar situations, she realized how overwhelming it could be to shop for oneself and regretted not helping Harry from the start. With skillful guidance, Minerva helped Harry choose higher quality clothing that would provide both comfort and warmth. To spare him the stress of the costs, she discreetly hid some of the price tags.

Once Harry had selected ten more suitable outfits, Minerva brought the pile of clothes to the counter and led him to the fitting station. A female employee swiftly measured him and placed an order for his new school uniform and robes which would arrive in his dorm in a few days.

Realizing they had forgotten about shoes and boots, Minerva guided him to the corner of the store that held footwear. She assisted him in selecting a pair of durable shoes and a nice set of winter boots that would keep his feet warm and dry.

Harry was surprised at how comfortable the new shoes felt on his feet. He had never owned shoes that fit him properly before. He was grateful for Minerva's help in choosing everything and for her kindness in making sure he had everything he needed for school.

After everything was chosen, Minerva went to the counter and settled the bill. Once finished, she waved her wand and sent all the new items to Harry's dorm room to join his books and school supplies. Turning to Harry with a smile, she finally took notice of his glasses.

"When was the last time you had your eyes checked?" she asked casually.

Harry shrugged. "Checked? My aunt gave me these one day. A teacher had been complaining that I couldn't see the board."

Minerva hummed thoughtfully before leading Harry to one last store, the optometrist's. "Let's see if they have a walk-in appointment. If not, I'll schedule something for you."

Harry nodded and followed his professor into the office. They were greeted with a smiling woman behind a desk who beckoned them over. The two adults talked for a few minutes while Harry looked around at all the different glasses on the wall.

Minerva noticed Harry's hesitation and encouraged him to try on a few pairs to see if there was anything he liked. They had a few minutes before they could see the doctor, so Harry went over to the kids section and looked at all the different options. He was amazed by the variety of glasses available, but he felt nervous about trying them on, worried that he might break something.

Soon the doctor called them back with a smile and seated Harry in a chair so she could test his vision. The doctor asked Harry to read the letters on the chart in front of him. Harry squinted and struggled to read the smallest letters at the bottom of the chart. The doctor made a few notes on a clipboard and then had Harry try on different lenses to see which ones improved his vision.

Finally, the doctor settled on a prescription and gave Harry a sample pair of glasses to try on. Harry put them on and blinked a few times, amazed at how clear everything looked. He could see details he had never noticed before, like the individual leaves on a nearby plant.

With a smile on her face, Minerva was glad to see Harry finally receiving the attention he deserved. She escorted him back to the waiting room and assisted him in choosing a stylish pair of dark blue glasses. Afterwards, she scheduled an appointment for Harry to pick up his new glasses and have them properly fitted in a few days. They left the store together and made their way back to Hogwarts.

As they neared the castle gates, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Professor McGonagall. He had never experienced such kindness before, especially from a teacher. He looked down at his new shoes and felt a sense of comfort that he had never felt before. They fit him perfectly and felt so much better than the worn-out shoes he had been wearing for years.

Feeling a surge of courage, Harry looked up at his professor and said, "Thank you so much, Professor. I don't know how to repay you for everything you've done for me."

McGonagall's expression softened, and she placed a hand on his shoulder. "As I said earlier you don't need to repay me nor the school, Harry. It's my duty as your teacher and as the Head of your House to ensure your well-being. I'm just glad I could help."

Harry nodded and allowed Professor McGonagall to guide him through the gates and into Hogwarts. Along the way, she talked animatedly about the courses he would be taking the next day and the professors he would meet. Harry listened attentively, eager to learn more about his new school.

As they arrived at the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall turned to him and instructed him to eat well before joining his classmates in the dormitory afterwards. She assured him that she would check on him later to ensure that he was comfortably settled in.

Just as he was taking in his surroundings, the professor turned to him and spoke, "Harry, make sure you eat well before heading to the dormitory. It's a long night ahead, and you need your energy." Harry nodded, feeling grateful for the advice.

He scanned the room and saw the same two students who had sat with him at breakfast that morning. They waved to him, beckoning him over to their table. As Harry walked over, he felt relieved to see friendly faces.

As the three students enjoyed their meal, Minerva made her way to the staff table. She sat down between Severus and Albus, who greeted her warmly. However, Severus gave her a curious look, prompting him to glance over at the boy she had walked in with.

Minerva could see the look of concern on Severus's face as he gazed at the new student sitting among the others. With a reassuring smile, she nodded her head and said, "He's alright, Severus. We've taken care of everything for him - supplies, clothing, and even new glasses. You need not worry about him."

The dour professor nodded, his eyes still fixed on the boy, but then he turned to Albus, his concern for the boy still evident. "What about his living arrangements? Have you found a place for him to stay when he's not at school?"

With a small smile on his face Albus looked over at his colleagues. "Yes, and actually, it appears that he has made friends with their daughter," he said, gesturing towards a curly-haired girl at the Gryffindor table. "I spoke with the he Grangers earlier today, and they have kindly agreed to take him in. They are dentists and are used to seeing children from less fortunate backgrounds, so they were more than happy to help. Plus, they thought it would be good for their daughter to have a friend who understands the magical world."

Severus leaned back in his chair, a faint sense of relief washing over him, pleased to hear that the boy would have a safe and welcoming home outside of Hogwarts."I'm glad to hear that you've taken precautions to ensure his safety," he said, his voice low and measured.

Albus nodded, his eyes twinkling with the familiar light of his boundless optimism. "Indeed. We've taken every possible measure to ensure that there will be wards that are strong and impenetrable. The area itself is quite remote, with few magical beings or artifacts nearby. It should provide ample protection for young Harry."

Minerva glanced over at the group of young friends, watching them laugh and joke together. "I agree," she said with a small smile. "Harry has already shown such resilience and bravery, and with the right support and guidance, he will undoubtedly flourish into a remarkable young man."

Albus cleared his throat, his blue eyes glinting behind his half-moon spectacles. "I must say that the Grangers have been most gracious in their offer to take in young Mr. Potter. They have only one request: that we provide him with a Mind Healer to talk to."

Minerva arched an eyebrow in surprise. "A Mind Healer? That's rather unusual. Is there a particular reason why they want him to see one?"

Albus hesitated for a moment before answering. "The Grangers believe that Harry needs someone to confide in and help him sort through his emotions. They want him to have a safe space to talk about everything he's been through and to work through any trauma he may have experienced."

Minerva nodded slowly, understanding the importance of emotional support for someone who had gone through as much as Harry had. "I see. Well, I agree with their request. It's crucial that Harry has someone to talk to and process his feelings with. Do we have any potential Mind Healers in mind?"

Making a thoughtful noise Seveurs glanced over at the older man. "I know someone who is knows how to keep quiet," he said. "I realize security will be a concern." He looked down and away before quietly adding, "He aided me to get past my days as a spy."

Discreetly placing a hand on his Minerva whispered, "I'm relieved that you've sought help." She paused and then continued, "Poppy has been concerned about you."

Severus withdrew his hand, shaking hers off. "Yes, well, it's my issue to handle," he replied before turning to Albus. "If it's agreeable, I can contact him tonight," he offered.

Minerva's gesture of comfort did not go unnoticed by Severus, and he felt a small pang of guilt for pushing her away. He knew that she, too, had his best interests at heart, but he was stubborn and hesitant to open up to anyone. It had taken a while for him to even speak to the Mind Healer. Many visits were spent in silence in the beginning. Nevertheless, he appreciated her concern and was grateful to have her as a colleague and friend.

Sadly smiling Albus nodded at Severus. "Yes, thank you, my boy. If you don't mind please coordinate with Poppy."

Severus stood up from the table, signaling that the conversation was over. "I will tell the boy where he will reside and if there's nothing else, I have some work to attend to," he said, and without waiting for a response, he left the Great Hall.

Minerva watched him go, a worried expression on her face. "He still has a long way to go," she said to Albus. "I'm glad he's found a connection with Harry. Hopefully that will help them both."

Albus patted her hand kindly, "I know, my dear."

As the conversation came to a close, the last of the students trickled out of the Great Hall. Minerva said her goodbyes to the Headmaster and made her way to the Gryffindor common room to check on her first-year students and ensure they were settling in well.

Minerva walked into her office, but before she could sit down, there was a sudden knock on the door. Turning around, she opened the door to find Severus standing there. "Severus, is there something you need?" she asked.

Shaking his head, he entered her office. "No, I just wanted to speak with Mr. Potter if that's all right."

Minerva smiled warmly and agreed to let Severus speak to Harry. Before leaving the room, she decided to sit in the chair next to him and asked, "Were you able to contact the Mind Healer?"

Severus nodded silently in response, but Minerva sensed there was something more on his mind. She probed gently, "I appreciate your concern for Harry. I know it can't be easy for you, considering how much he resembles his father."

Severus met Minerva's gaze with a solemn expression. "But he has his mother's heart," he replied softly.

Minerva smiled understandingly, but she felt there was more to discuss. "I'm glad you reached out for help from a Mind Healer, Severus. Remember that we are all here for you too, if you ever need us."

Severus took a deep breath, his eyes closing momentarily. "Thank you, Minerva. I appreciate your concern, but I have everything under control. You all know that I'm not one for all that emotional nonsense, so please respect that. Right now, my focus is on Mr. Potter and his needs."

"Very well, Severus. I apologize if I was prying too much. I'll go fetch Harry now," Minerva said as she stood up and headed towards the door leading to the Gryffindor common room. Before leaving, she turned back to look at Severus, who was still watching her.

"Severus, please hear me out," Minerva continued. "I know you well enough to understand that you tend to take on problems and consume yourself with finding solutions. But while you're taking care of Harry, please don't forget to take care of yourself too. Can you agree to that?"

Taken aback by Minerva's words, but his mask still in place, Severus nodded in agreement. "I understand, Minerva. Thank you for your concern. I will try to look out for myself."

Minerva nodded in agreement and opened the door to tend to her young Gryffindors. Even though she was still worried about Severus, she knew that she had to put her concerns aside for the moment so she could focus on Harry and his needs.

She walked through the common room and made her way to the first-year girls' dormitory, checking in on each of them to make sure they were all settling in well and there were no signs of homesickness. Then she made her way to the first-year boys' dormitory.

Gently knocking on the door, she waited for them to call out before entering. Inside, she saw Harry and Ron Weasley sitting on Harry's bed, looking through a Quidditch magazine. She couldn't help but smile at the wonderment on Harry's face as he watched the people move around on the page. It was always so special seeing someone experiencing magic for the first time.

After greeting the boys, Minerva checked on each of them individually to make sure they were all adjusting well to life at Hogwarts. Once she was satisfied that they were all doing okay, she turned to the boys on Harry's bed and commented on the Quidditch team they were reading about.

"The Chudley Cannons, eh?" Minerva said, a smile spreading across her face. "That's a fine team." She watched as the boys looked up at her, grinning with excitement.

"Mr. Potter, you have a visitor waiting for you in my office," Minerva informed the young boy. His expression shifted to one of concern, so she quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, it's nothing bad and you're not in trouble."

Harry looked relieved at Minerva's words and quickly put away his things and followed her to her office. As they walked, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about who might be waiting for him.

When they arrived at the office, Harry was surprised to see Severus sitting there. "Professor Snape?" he said, his voice laced with confusion. Had something happened? What had happened about keeping distance?

Severus stood up from his chair and greeted Harry with a nod. "Mr. Potter, thank you for coming," he said.

Minerva gave them both a nod and left the room, giving them privacy to talk. Harry took a seat next to Severus and looked up at him with curiosity. "Professor?"

Severus responded with a gentle smile. "How are you adjusting? It seems you have made some friends?"

Harry nodded with a small smile. "Yes, Ron and Hermione. They're great! Ron has a big family, and Hermione comes from a muggle family like I do. Well, not exactly like me, since she still has her parents who love her." His expression turned somber as he looked away, still grappling with the recent revelation about his parents' true fate.

The older man took notice of Harry's mood change and placed a gentle hand on his knee. "Alright there?"

"I'm fine, sir. Just lost in thought," Harry replied, turning his attention back to his Professor. He forced a fake smile, causing Severus to be grateful for the Grangers' recommendation to have a Mind Healer for him.

Severus chose to disregard the insincere grin for the time being and focused on why he had come. "I've been informed of your living arrangements for when you're not at Hogwarts."

Harry nodded with interest. "Oh?"

"Yes, it seems you'll be staying with the Granger family for the summer," Severus said, watching Harry closely for any reaction.

Harry's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "You mean Hermione and her parents? I don't want to inconvenience them. Maybe I should just go back to my relatives."

Severus frowned, noticing Harry's reluctance. "But you just made friends with her, didn't you? Is there something else bothering you?"

Harry looked down, feeling embarrassed. "Well, yes, she's a great. It's just that Ron warned me that some dark wizards might still be after me, and I don't want to put the Grangers in danger. I've been safe at my relatives' place so far, and I can just go back there."

Severus sighed in frustration and gently lifted Harry's chin with two fingers so that their eyes met. "Harry, I found you locked in a cupboard, beaten and starving. You were not safe. Do you understand? You will not be going back there. The Headmaster has already made arrangements with the Grangers to ensure your safety, and they will be protected by spells. If there is some other reason why you're hesitant to stay with them, you must tell me. But your safety and theirs are being taken care of."

The professor released Harry's chin, and the boy blushed. He hadn't anticipated such a strong reaction from the professor. No one had ever cared about his well-being before. It had just been a part of his life to be hurt. Part of him felt relieved that he would never have to go back to the Dursleys, but he still worried about the Grangers. Despite Hermione's apparent happiness, he wondered if her parents would treat him like family or like a slave like the Dursley's had.

Seeing Harry was lost in his thoughts Severus sighed, "Are you amenable to stay with the Grangers?"

As Harry gazed at the man, he nodded in agreement. Perhaps this would turn out to be a positive experience. Despite being slightly overbearing, Hermione was a kind individual. In contrast, the blond-haired boy he had encountered in the corridor, Draco, was far from pleasant. He had made a derogatory comment about Harry's friend Ron, insinuating that he was not the right kind of person to associate with.

The boy gazed at his professor with curiosity and asked, "Excuse me, sir, do you happen to know a boy named Draco? He claims to be in your house."

Severus raised an eyebrow and replied, "I am acquainted with Draco. Have you spoken to him?"

Harry nodded and added, "But why is he so unpleasant? He was very unkind to Ron and even called Hermione a Mudblood. What does that term mean, sir?"

The professor's expression turned serious as he responded, "That is a vile word that you should never utter. He was implying that Mrs. Granger has impure blood because she comes from a family of Muggles. I will be having a serious conversation with him about his behavior."

Harry looked troubled by this revelation, and Severus continued, "As for why Draco is so unpleasant, well, he has been brought up with certain beliefs about blood purity. His family has a long history of supporting the Dark Arts and the idea that pure-blood wizards are superior to those with Muggle or mixed heritage. It's a sad and misguided view, but unfortunately, it is deeply ingrained in him."

Severus paused for a moment, then added, "However, I would caution you not to judge him too harshly. We all have our flaws and weaknesses, and Draco is still young and has much to learn. It is important to try to understand where he is coming from and to show him kindness and compassion, even if he does not always deserve it."

"Did he contribute to your decision to keep your distance from me?" Harry pondered before asking.

"To some extent, but primarily for the reasons I've already mentioned. I don't want others to form opinions about you based on our association. However, as I mentioned earlier, we can still arrange private meetings in my office or here anytime. Simply send me an owl, and I can give you a 'detention'. I am here for you Harry."

As Harry nodded thoughtfully, a sense of gratitude overwhelmed him. He surprised Seveurs and himself, by leaning forward and embracing Snape. The Potions master was caught off guard at first, unsure of how to respond to such a display of affection. However, he soon reciprocated the gesture by placing his arms around the boy and patting his back.

For a moment, they remained in the embrace, a silent understanding passing between them. However, their tender moment was soon interrupted as Minerva silently entered the room, closing the door behind her. A small smile formed on her lips as she observed the two, reassured that everything would turn out alright.