Snape took off the charms and got his first full look at the leather-clad, glass-less Harry. Snape had to press his lips together to keep from drooling. Harry turned around, almost as if he read his thoughts, and Snape had to look away.
Harry grinned at McGonagall, who looked at Harry in surprise. "My, my, Mr. Potter. You're new look is remarkable. Very nice. The leather suits you. You remind me of Sirius Black in his younger days." McGonagall and Harry ignored the snort coming from Snape.
"Thanks, Professor."
"Here are your books, quills, parchment and ink, and a few more odds and ends you'll need. Severus told me that he had all the potions materials you'll need for tutoring at the Manor, so I didn't bother. You can get those supplies before school starts."
"Tutoring?" Harry asked, his face contorting to resemble Snape's trademark questioning glare.
"Yes, Potter. You can desperately use all the help you can get. You're going to need it," Snape snapped, secretly wondering how long Harry had to practice that look in the mirror to get it right. Harry rolled his eyes and turned back to McGonagall.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall." Harry gave McGonagall a hug, startling her. She quickly recovered, hugging him back.
"You're quite welcome, Harry. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. Take care of yourself. If I don't hear from you, I'll see you in September."
Harry released his teacher and smiled. He opened the magical trunk McGonagall had purchased for him and stowed away all of his purchases. He finished packing things away as Dumbledore walked in the door.
"Well, I see you're all ready, my boy. Good, good. I will be coming to the Manor in a week or so. Have a good rest, and take care of yourself." Dumbledore pulled Harry into a tight hug. He released Harry and embraced Snape, despite Snape's protests. Dumbledore ignored Snape's mutterings about insane Headmasters.
"Have a nice time, the both of you. Severus, make sure Harry takes good care of himself."
Snape rolled his eyes. "I will do my best. We both know how troublesome Mr. Potter can be."
"Harry," corrected the said 'Mr. Potter'.
"See what I mean. How do you deal with that?"
"You'll manage, I'm sure. If not, I'll just have to find a new Potions master," Dumbledore said teasingly.
"Ha ha, Albus. You could become a muggle comedian with that kind of wit," Snape shot back. He placed his hands on Harry's things, muttering something under his breath. The luggage disappeared, and Snape told Harry, "By the time we get to the Manor, the house elves will have put your things away." Snape put the charms on Harry once again.
"We're off. I'll talk to you later, Albus. Minerva." Snape threw the powder into the fireplace and flooed to Hogsmeade.
Harry smiled at the professors. "Bye! Tell Hagrid I'll write to him. I'll write to you, too, Professor McGonagall." Harry threw the powder into the fire and followed Snape, landing in Snape's arms on the other side. "Did I mention I don't like using the Floo system?" Harry asked.
"I think you might have. Now kindly stand yourself up so we can get out of here."
"Oh, wait! McGonagall gave me the money that was left over. I want to buy some candy before we leave."
Snape groaned. "Fine. I'll just have to get a shovel and scrape you off the walls of my home. While you're doing that, I'm going to go buy a few supplies I can get here. Meet me by the Shack."
Snape and Harry bought their items and met each other by the Shrieking Shack. Snape took out the portkey, and as soon as there was no one in sight, they activated it. When they got to the Manor, Snape was surprised to see Harry on the floor, shaking like a leaf.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Snape asked, bending down to help the young man up off the floor. His concern deepened when he saw how pale and scared Harry looked. He quickly helped Harry to the sofa.
Harry took some deep breaths, trying to calm himself. When he trusted his voice not to crack, he said, "I'm okay. Not great, but okay. It's just...I haven't used a portkey since Ced- since the Triwizard tournament. It just brought back that horrible time." Harry gave Snape a wavering smile. "Don't worry. I'll be okay."
Snape nodded, and waited until Harry settled down a little more. Then he said, "Come on. I'll show you to your rooms."
Harry took the chance to look at his surroundings now that he was calmer. They had landed inside a living room. Harry's jaw dropped as he looked around. The room was large, as large as the first floor of his aunt and uncle's house. Upon the walls were portraits of previous members of the Snape family, many of them from the Slytherin house. There were a few from Ravenclaw as well. The curtains were a deep blue, matching the carpet exactly. There were two very large white sofas, one of which he was just sitting on, and a large fireplace that took up nearly an entire wall. There were several chairs, antiques obviously, but comfortable looking just the same, and there were several trinkets and knick-knacks all around.
Snape looked at him, amused. "Is something the matter, Harry?"
"Uh, no, Severus. It's just that- I never really thought about what your house must look like. It's beautiful."
"Why, thank you. My mother was a master decorator. This was her doing. Come along." Snape led the way out of the living room and into the lavish front hall. This had several paintings as well, and Harry was shocked to see a Gryffindor.
"You, the great Severus Snape, bane of Gryffindor Tower, have a Gryffindor in your family? And you dare to mock us in class?"
Snape roared at the shocked look on Harry's face. "If the look on your face wasn't so amusing, I'd probably be angry. Yes, there have been a couple of Gryffindors in my family, but only a couple. Most of us are either Ravenclaws or Slytherins. No Hufflepuffs thank Merlin. Follow me." Snape walked up the stairs, still chuckling at Harry. They walked up the large winding staircase onto the second floor. Snape stopped at the top of the staircase. "You are housed in the north wing. I live in the east wing. I would ask that you refrain from entering the east wing on this floor without my permission, as I have my laboratory in that wing, and it contains many volatile materials."
Harry nodded, and they continued their trek to the northern wing. /This house is massive/ Harry thought as they stopped in front of the last door on the left side of the northern wing. Snape opened the door and walked into the room, Harry following close behind.
Harry's jaw dropped as he looked around the room. It was undoubtedly larger than the living room downstairs, the bed larger than at least ten of the beds in the Gryffindor dorms put together. It could fit several full-grown people comfortably. There were beautiful scenic paintings and a few gorgeous tapestries graced the walls. There was a huge fireplace on one side of the room, with a thick, plush rug situated in front of it. The windows were large, surrounded by curtains that were a deep red. The carpet was white, and Harry's feet sunk into it as he walked around, taking in the splendor of the room. By the window sat two chaise lounges. /That will be a perfect place to study/ Harry mused as he looked at the bookshelves. His books had been placed on the shelves in a neat and orderly fashion. Next to the bookshelves stood a large desk. He opened the drawers to find his supplies neatly put away. He opened the closet, which was larger than his room in Gryffindor Tower, and saw that his clothes were hung up.
Snape watched all this with a bemused expression on his face. He could plainly see that Harry liked the room, and was glad that he could give some small happiness to the young man. He knew full well that once Harry was left to his own thoughts, his world was going to come crashing down. "Well, what do you think of your room?"
Harry grinned at him. "I love it, Severus. It's beautiful."
"I thought you might enjoy it. A far cry from what you're used to, I'm sure." Harry nodded his agreement and Snape continued. "This is your room now, for however long you want it. You are welcome to explore the house, except for the east wing. Feel welcome to use anything you wish, and the house elves are at your disposal. If you need any help during the night, ring this bell," Snape said, pointing to the bell on the wall by the door. "One of the elves will come to help you. I'll let you get settled in. Try to take a nap if you can. Dinner won't be for several hours yet. In a couple of hours, I'll send an elf up to show you around the rest of the house."
"Thanks, Severus. I'll try." Severus nodded and walked out the door, leaving Harry to his own devices.
Harry sighed, looking around. He looked into another door and stepped into the bathroom. It was incredible, much nicer than the prefects' bathroom at school. The tub was twice as large, and took up much of the back half of the bathroom. There was also a large shower stall in case one did not feel like a bath. There were two sinks, side by side.
"Well, well, what have we here?" a voice said, and Harry jumped. He whirled around, looking for the owner of the unfamiliar but friendly voice. "Aren't we a handsome fellow?" Harry laughed at his own stupidity.
"Hello," Harry said to the mirror.
"Hello. It's been a very long time since there has been someone inside this room. What is your name, so I don't have to yell, 'hey, you!'?"
"Harry."
"Okay then, Harry. You know, those pants suit you well. Very nice."
"Thank you very much. I liked them."
Harry splashed cool water on his face and dried off. He found his contact case and solution in the cabinet to the left of the mirror and took out his contacts. He put on his new glasses, and smiled at himself in the mirror. The new glasses suited his face much better than the thick unsightly ones he used to have. The frames were thin and gold, the lenses much smaller and thinner.
He walked back into the bedroom and flopped himself on the bed. He set his glasses on the night table, and prepared himself for the nap Severus had wanted him to take. After a few moments, he drifted off to sleep.