Harry went into his bathroom and washed his face, brushed his teeth and tried to wet his hair to get it to lay flat. After several minutes, Harry decided the attempt was futile. He has pretty sure his hair had a mind of its own and would never lay flat.

Harry grabbed his old, oversized, light jacket and headed downstairs.

"In the study, Potter," Snape said as Harry came down the stairs into the main foyer. Harry walked over to study doors and pushed them open.

Snape glanced at Harry. He needs a new jacket too, Snape thought. The jacket he was wearing was clearly a hand-me-down from the Dursleys and was still much too large for Harry's small frame. Snape decided to ignore the issue for now because there wasn't much he could do anyway.

"Sir, I've never used the floo before," Harry said politely. He figured it would do no good to be rude to Snape. If he were to live with this man permanently, he didn't want to get on his bad side. Snape had said that he didn't know Harry and Harry really wanted to try a fresh start with the man.

"Grab a hand full of floo powder, throw it into the fire and say 'Hogwarts Infirmary,'" Snape explained. "I will follow behind you."

Harry nodded and reached for the floo powder, stepped into the fireplace and threw the powder. He shouted "Hogwarts Infirmary," and almost immediately fell out of the fireplace onto the floor of the infirmary.

"Hello Mr. Potter, I wasn't expecting to see you here for another couple weeks," Madame Pomfrey said looking down at Harry.

"Professor Snape brought me here, he'll be here in a moment," Harry replied. Madame Pomfrey gave him a confused look.

Just then Snape emerged from the fireplace.

"Severus, what is the meaning of this?" Madame Pomfrey asked.

"Ah, good morning to you too Madame Pomfrey," Snape said.

"Severus, what can I help you with? And why is Mr. Potter here?" She asked.

"Professor Dumbledore believes it is best to place Mr. Potter in my care. We discovered that his relatives were treating him poorly. I would like you to run a full medical exam on him," Snape explained.

Embarrassed, Harry kept his eyes on the floor. He didn't want to see Madame Pomfrey's looks of sympathy. I just want this to be over.

"Mr. Potter please go behind the curtain and put on the medical gown. Leave your underpants on. Let us know when you're finished," Madame Pomfrey said.

Harry walked behind the curtain and closed it. He started to undress and placed the gown over his head. It was weird; the back of the gown was pretty open. Harry felt even more exposed. You can do this, Harry thought. Just get through this.

"I'm ready, Madame Pomfrey," Harry said quietly.

Madame Pomfrey and Snape came through the curtain. "Please lay down on the bed, Harry," Madame Pomfrey said.

"I'm going to run a diagnostic spell, Harry. It shouldn't hurt, but it will take a few minutes to log all of your injuries," she explained. Snape stood by the curtain opening, watching Harry and Madame Pomfrey.

Madame Pomfrey waved her wand along Harry's body, muttering lines of Latin. A piece of parchment appeared on the bed next to Harry and started to record all of the injuries Harry has ever had. The list started with the most recent injuries, working backwards.

After several minutes the parchment was several feet long and only had the injuries from the last three years. Madame Pomfrey glanced at Snape with a worried look on her face.

Snape was focused on Harry. He too had worry lines etched on his face. The parchment was still recording injuries and it had been at least 10 minutes at this point. What has Potter been through? Snape wondered. He had promised to look after Lily's son many years ago, and it was obvious that he failed horribly in this duty. Potter had been severely mistreated by his relatives and Snape was even more amazed that Harry came off as a relatively normal boy.

Finally the parchment stopped moving. It had recorded every injury Harry had ever had. Harry glanced nervously at the parchment. He had an idea of the story that parchment would tell, but Harry thought the parchment would make his life seem worse than it really was. Yes, Dudley and his friends constantly bullied Harry and yes, Uncle Vernon had been rough with Harry at times, but he got through it. And life didn't seem too awful.

"Mr. Potter, Professor Snape and I are going to look over your list of injuries so that we can administer the medical attention you need. We will be back in a couple of minutes. You are not to leave that bed," Madame Pomfrey said, giving Harry a stern look that said you better not leave that bed or else.

Madame Pomfrey grabbed the parchment and Snape followed her to her office. Closing the door behind them, Pomfrey put up a silencing spell.

"Severus, I'm going to kill Albus," Madame Pomfrey said shakily. Never in all of her time at Hogwarts had she seen a list of injuries this bad. Harry had numerous broken wrists, limbs, fractures, bruises, scars; the list just went on and on.

"Poppy, we all missed the signs. It is all of our faults that Potter spent a year with us and none of us had any clue. We all should have noticed," Snape said quietly. It wasn't easy for Snape to admit his own mistakes.

"Minerva told Albus that the Dursleys were the worst sort of muggles!" Madame Pomfrey shouted. "Right after the death of the Potters, Minerva watched the Dursleys. She begged Albus to not leave Harry in their care. All these years and Minerva was absolutely right," she said, shaking her head in disbelief.

This enraged Severus. Albus knew, Albus knew that these muggles were horrible and he did nothing. Snape couldn't believe it. He would go talk to Minerva when he got the opportunity. If Poppy and Minerva confronted Albus, that would be a sight to see.

"Look at this list Severus!" Poppy shouted, pulling Snape from his thoughts. He took the parchment and started to read:

Harry James Potter

3 broken ribs
2 bruised ribs
Bruises: back, abdomen, left and right arms
Broken wrist, right
Hairline fracture, right foot
Broken toe, right foot
Head trauma
Bruises: back, right arm
Broken right arm
Broken left arm
Broken wrist
Dislocated shoulder
...

And the list kept going. Snape couldn't believe this. He glanced through the rest of the document.

"Poppy, I had no idea it was this bad. I witnessed Vernon Dursley kick Harry and throw him around. I saw the cupboard where they kept him for years. I knew they detested him and treated him horribly, but this is inhumane." Snape said throwing the parchment down on to Poppy's desk.

"I know, Severus," Poppy sighed. Reading back through the list, she finally said, "I will heal his ribs and it looks like I will have to reset his shoulder and wrist. They never healed correctly. I'm also tempted to do an eye exam because those glasses look too old and broken to work effectively."

"That seems appropriate. However, I'll take care of the eye examine tomorrow in Diagon Alley. I put salve on him to start healing the lash marks, scars and bruises that litter his body," Snape said.

Poppy's eyebrows shot up towards her brow. "I did not realize, I haven't seen his body yet," she said. "I will also heal the bruises and continue to use your salve. It looks like Mr. Potter will be spending the remainder of today and tonight here, Severus. You should be able to collect him tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Poppy." Snape replied.

"You are welcome, Severus," she said. "I am glad Professor Dimbledore has placed Harry in your care. If anyone could help a child recover from abuse, it's you. At least Albus has done one thing correctly."

"Yes, well we shall see. I will let Mr. Potter know what is going on," Snape said as he cancelled the silencing charm and opened the office door.

"Mr. Potter," Snape said as he approached Harry's bed.

"Yes sir?" Harry asked.

"Several of your injuries have not healed correctly so Madame Pomfrey will heal and fix them today. It will most likely take all day and all night for you to recover, so I will pick you up from here tomorrow morning," Snape explained.

"Yes sir," Harry answered. He wasn't necessarily looking forward to staying in the hospital wing all day and night.

"We will visit Diagon Alley tomorrow to get the materials and clothes you need," Snape informed him.

"Crap," Harry groaned. He realized he forgot his Gringotts key in his trunk. "Professor, I forgot my Gringotts key in my trunk. Could you possibly bring it tomorrow?" Harry asked. He knew Snape was going to yell at him for inconveniencing him.

"Potter, that will not be necessary. As your guardian, I will pay for your things. You are my responsibility. We discussed this," Snape replied coldly.

"But sir, it's expensive and I have the money in my vault. I just forgot my key," Harry tried to explain. The Dursleys always complained about how expensive Harry was, and the last thing he wanted was for Snape to complain and hold that over him. He could and would pay for his own things.

"Enough, Potter. I will take care of it. Right now, you need to listen and obey everything Madame Pomfrey tells you. I do not want to hear a report of you disobeying her. Am I understood?" Snape asked giving Harry his famous no-nonsense, threatening look.

"Yes sir," Harry replied. Harry really didn't want to anger Snape anymore. He just wanted to get this whole ordeal over with.

"I will see you tomorrow. Behave, Potter," and with that Snape stepped in the floo to return to Prince Manor.

Madame Pomfrey came out of her office carrying several vials of potions. "Alright, Mr. Potter," she said, "I am going to give you several potions that will heal your injuries and they will put you to sleep. While you are sleeping I will need to re-break your wrist and reset your shoulder so that they may heal. You will not feel any pain," She explained.

She handed Harry the vials and he swallowed each one, cringing a little bit each time. You would think with magic they would be able to make potions taste better, Harry thought.

Before he could even finish the thought, Harry was fast asleep.

The sun was beating down on Harry's face, he opened his eyes to see white puffy clouds scattered across a bright blue sky. He was lying in the grass. He sat up and took in his surroundings. It seemed like he was at Hogwarts during the summer. Directly to his right was a large tree offering some shade, the lake was in front of him, the forbidden forest a bit off to this right, and the castle towering over the grounds behind him. Harry felt safe, happy and warm.

Harry looked over to his left and saw a woman with red hair sitting in the grass starring at him thoughtfully. Harry felt an odd connection to the woman, like he knew her. He was not scared of this stranger. Instead, he felt strangely comfortable, like he was greeting an old friend. Who is she?

The beautiful red-hair, freckled woman walked closer. "Harry dear, I am so proud of you," She said.

Harry knew it was Lily, his mother. He recognized her from the mirror he found during the winter holidays.

"Mum," Harry replied quietly, afraid he would scare her away.

Lily walked closer to Harry, sitting in the grass directly across from him.

"You are so strong, Harry. You have endured far more than I ever thought you would have to." Lily said sweetly, placing her hand on his cheek.

"Mum, I… I" Harry was trying to search for the right words. He wanted to tell her how much he loved her, how he wish he could have known her, how he wished so badly she could have raised him and he wouldn't have had to grow up at the Dursleys. He wanted to tell her about Ron and Hermione, about his first year at Hogwarts. There was so much to tell her! But where to start? What was most important?

"It's ok Harry, I'm always with you. I know what you have been through… I am so sorry, Harry. I had thought that Petunia would have loved you like her own." Lily seemed sad, but not because of Harry, but because of Petunia.

"It's ok, mum. I survived. Professor Snape took me away from the Dursleys and I'm living with him for now… but it may become permanent." Harry explained, trying to cheer up his mother.

"I couldn't pick a better person for you to be with, Harry. Listen to Severus and try to overcome the tension between you two. I think it is important for you to know that Severus and I grew up together, Harry. He was my longest friend, and I trust him more than anyone. I loved your father, James, very much... but Severus was my longest friend and will take care of you like Petunia should have." Lilly told him.

"You knew Professor Snape?" Harry was in disbelief. Why was Snape so awful to him if his mum was his friend?

"Like you Harry, Professor Snape has endured more than he should have in life. It is not easy for him to open up to people. Promise me you will do the best you can to make this situation work?" Lilly asked.

"I promise mum," Harry reassured her. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint her. "So are you always with me? Always watching?" Harry asked… Did she really see everything he did? Like everything?

"Harry, I am always around. I may not be with you every moment, but I do follow what is going on in your life. You did so well your first year at Hogwarts. I am proud of you Harry. And I feel much better knowing that Severus watched over you and will continue to do so." Lilly said. She moved closer to her son, wrapping her arm around him and letting Harry rest his head on her shoulder.

Harry started to cry a little bit. This is what it would have been like to have a mother, someone to hold you and tell you how proud they are. "It's not fair," Harry said quietly.

"I know my darling boy. I wish I could have been there for you, but I will never regret giving my life to save yours. You have so much to live for Harry, and so many people love you." Lilly reassured her son.

"I love you, mum. I promise to listen to Professor Snape," Harry said, still resting his head on Lilly's shoulder.

"Good boy. I love you, Harry," Lilly said as Harry closed his eyes, falling asleep on Lilly's shoulder.

…. It felt like hours had passed as Harry once again felt the bright sun on his face. He opened his eyes, but instead of sitting in the grass with his head on his mum's shoulder, Harry woke up to the hospital wing, with the sun beating down through the large windows.

Saddened that it was only a dream, Harry sighed. It had felt so real to Harry. He had never dreamed of having a conversation with Lilly before. And the conversation had felt so natural. Trust Snape, listen to Snape. That is what his mum had told him. Harry still couldn't believe that Lilly told him they were friends. Harry would have to ask Snape about it later, once he felt that the man wasn't going to use his body parts for potion ingredients for asking such a personal question.

"Ah, Mr. Potter," Madame Pomfrey said as she emerged from her office. "So nice to have you wide awake. How are you feeling this morning?"

"I feel okay, Madame Pomfrey. My right shoulder and wrist are a little stiff, but otherwise I'm okay." Harry replied.

"Yes, they will feel stiff for a couple hours," Madame Pomfrey explained as she reached for his arm to examine it.

She cast another diagnostic spell over his body. It appeared that he was completely healed.

"Mitzy," Madame Pomfrey said and immediately, an elf apparated into the room.

"Yes ma'am, how can Mitzy help Madame?" The elf said.

"Mitzy, could you please bring Mr. Potter breakfast?" Madame Pomfrey asked.

"Right away, Madame!" Mitzy said, once again apparating. A moment later, a tray of french toast, fruit, bacon and pumpkin juice appeared on Harry's bedside table. Also on the tray was Harry's nutrition supplement.

"Please eat up, Mr. Potter," Madame Pomfrey said. "Severus would kill me if you didn't eat a big breakfast. I will be right back, I'm going to go fetch a light pain relief for you."

Harry reached for the tray, placing it on his lap. He was surprisingly really hungry and downed the potion, food and juice rather quickly.

Madame Pomfrey came back a few moments later giving him the pain relief potion. "If you wish to shower and change you may use the lavatory," She said pointing towards the door just to the right of her office.

"Yes ma'am, thank you," Harry said as he hopped off the bed and hurried to the bathroom, finding his clothes from the day before along with all the toiletries he needed.

When Harry emerged from his shower, he heard Professor Snape talking to Madame Pomfrey in her office.

"He's fine Severus," Madame Pomfrey reassured him. "He slept all day yesterday and through the night. He only just woke up about half an hour ago." She explained.

"I thought the draught you gave him was only for 12 hours?" Snape asked.

"Yes, he must have been exhausted because he slept for nearly 20 hours Severus. Perhaps you can add sleep deprivation to list of indiscretions by those awful muggles." She said.

"Yes, Mr. Potter do not stand outside the door and eavesdrop on conversations you are not a part of," Snape snapped.

"Sorry, sir," Harry replied, moving to stand in the door way of Madame Pomfrey's office looking contrite.

"Are you ready to leave, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked.

"Yes sir. Thank you for healing me Madame Pomfrey," Harry said.

"You are always welcome, Harry. Let's try to not get hurt as much this upcoming school year? Yes?" Madame Pomfrey asked.

"Yes ma'am… but the trouble always seems to find me," Harry stated shrugging his shoulders and smiling just a little.

"We are all aware that you are completely innocent, Potter," Snape snapped sarcastically. "Let's go," He said propelling Harry towards the floo.

"We are going to Diagon Alley," Snape told Harry, offering him the bowl of floo powder.

Harry went first in the floo, clearly yelling "Diagon Alley" before disappearing.

"Be patient, Severus, he is only a boy," Poppy reminded him.

"I am trying Poppy, thank you again for healing my young charge. I'm sure it won't be the last time he finds himself here," Snape said with a smirk.

"I know, Severus. Take care," Poppy said smiling back at him.

"Diagon Alley," Snape said just before he gracefully stepped out of the floo at Diagon Alley.

"Ready, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked.

"Yes, sir." Harry replied.

"First stop, we're getting your eyes checked." Snape stated.

"But sir, my glasses are fine," Harry tried to explained. He felt uncomfortable that Snape was purchasing all of his things. The Dursleys always complained about how much Harry cost and Harry knew it would only be a matter of time before Snape also started complaining.

"You will not argue with me," Snape stated calmly. "Merlin only knows the last time your prescription was updated. Let's go," Snape said, grabbing Harry's arm lightly and walking towards the optical shop.

"Ah Professor, what can we do for you today?" The wizard behind the main desk asked.

"Mr. Potter here needs an eye exam and an updated prescription." Snape replied.

"Right this way Mr. Potter, we'll have you sorted out quickly. Just sit on this chair here," The wizard walked around the desk and pointed to a stool on the left side of the room.

Harry carefully sat on the stool, waiting for the exam. The wizard took Harry's glasses off his face and simply tapped his wand in between Harry's eyes. A parchment appeared to the right of Harry's head, writing down notes.

After a minute, the wizard grabbed the parchment and read it over.

"Yes, these glasses are certainly outdated," the wizard said. "Mr. Potter, would you like to pick out a new pair of glasses over on the wall?" He asked, pointing to the wall across the shop.

Harry walked over and started looking for the cheapest glasses he could find.

Snape noticed what Harry was doing and walked over to him. "Mr. Potter, the price does not matter. How about we look at these frames," Snape said, motioning towards the more expensive glasses.

Harry timidly reached for a pair of round, metal frames similar to the ones he had before. Harry tried them on and looked into the mirror on the wall.

"How about these, Mr. Potter?" Snape suggested, holding up a white gold pair of round frames.

Harry reached for them and put them on his face. While they were similar in shape to the ones he had previously, the white gold made the frames less noticeable. From far away, you could hardly tell Harry was wearing glasses.

He looks less like James, Snape thought.

"These are very nice, Professor. Are you sure it's okay… We can wait till I have my Gringotts key?" Harry tried to suggest. These frames were awfully expensive, and it just did not feel right to let Snape pay for them.

"Potter, do we need to have this conversation again?" Snape asked. He motioned for the wizard to come over to them.

"I believe Mr. Potter likes these frames," Snape told the Wizard.

"Good choice Mr. Potter. Once we set the prescription lenses in these frames, you will only need to update the prescription lenses every couple years. The frames will magically adjust to your face as you grow," the wizard explained.

Taking the frames, the wizard disappeared to the back of the store for a few moments to charm the prescription lenses and place them in the frames. Harry, still feeling uncomfortable, decided to just stare at the ground. He didn't want to argue with Professor Snape again, but he still felt very uncomfortable.

After a few moments the wizard came back and handed the new glasses to Harry. As Harry placed them on his face, Professor Snape settled the bill. Harry couldn't believe how clear he could see now! Everything was sharp. He could see the leaves on the tree just outside the shop window, and he could even make out the writing on a sign across the room. This is amazing!

"Ready to go, Mr. Potter?" Snape asked.

"Yes sir," Harry replied, following Snape out of the shop.

"Thank you, Professor. If you want me to pay you back later I can." Harry reiterated.

"Potter, you must be thicker than I thought. How many times must I tell you that as your guardian I am supposed to provide the basic necessities for you? Glasses are part of that." Snape explained.

"But sir, I just don't want you to have to pay the cost. I don't want to be a burden. I know I'm expensive. Really, I can pay you back or maybe do work for you in the potions lab? Or chores around the manor?" Harry offered. Remembering what his mum had told him in the dream, he really wanted to try and make this work with Snape. This was the closest to a parent he's had, and he didn't want to be so expensive that Snape would get rid of him.

Snape stopped walking and pulled Harry to the side of the street.

"Mr. Potter, please explain to me why you think you are a burden," Snape said, giving Harry his best no-nonsense, Professor stare.

"Um, well… the Dursley's made me do chores and always said that I was taking Dudley's clothes and food and complained how expensive I was… and I just, I have the money and I don't want you to think I'm too expensive andtakemebackthere," Harry explained rather quickly and quietly. It was hard for him to admit these things to a Professor that he, until recently, thought hated him.

Snape placed his fingers on the bridge of his nose and paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. Damn the Dursleys. " , I want you to listen to me very carefully. For if I have to repeat this again, you will be writing lines for days. The Dursleys are a poor excuse of humans. They are not, nor should they ever be, guardians to children. Parents and guardians are supposed to supply their children with clothes, foods and supplies. The Dursley's got a stipend every month from the Potter estate to cover these costs for you. You were not a burden to them, and you are certainly not a burden to me. Do I make myself clear?" Snape asked as calmly as he could. He was angry with the Dursleys, not with Harry and didn't want Harry to think his anger was directed at him.

"They got money for me, every month?" Harry asked. It was evident the small boy was angry as he balled his fists.

"Like I said, the Dursleys deserve worse than Azkaban," Snape replied. "Your answer, Mr. Potter?"

"Huh? Oh… um, I understand, sir," Harry replied. "Thank you again, Professor. I really can see great now and I… thank you for telling me about the stipend."

Snape nodded, "Good, then let's see our way to Madame Malkins. You are in need of an entire wardrobe."

After spending hours getting measured and picking out clothing, gathering 2nd year textbooks and visiting the apothecary, they were finally heading back to Prince Manor.

Snape followed Harry up the stairs to his room and placed his things on the bed. Snape enlarged the packages. "Put your things away and clean up, Mr. Potter. Dinner will be in thirty minutes." Snape said turning towards Harry's door.

"Yes sir, thank you again… for all of this," Harry said. He didn't really like Snape before but even Harry couldn't deny that Snape had acted more like a parent than any adult in his life ever had. Harry was overcome with emotion, staring at all of the clothes, books and supplies on his bed. His bed. His room. It still felt surreal. He felt like he was living someone else's life and that they would be back soon. This was only temporary and he would have to go back to the Dursley's, back to oversized hand-me-downs and scraps of food. The idea made Harry nauseous.

Harry sat on his bed for a moment.

His mum said to trust Snape and Snape said he would never go back to the Dursley's… but if Harry had learned anything in his 12 short years of life, it was that adults did not always keep their promises and that you couldn't really depend on them. How long would this last? Was this a dream too? A cruel dream, maybe.

"Potter!" Snape yelled from the foyer, drawing Harry out of his thoughts and to the present. He heard Snape walking up the stairs.

"Yes sir?" Harry answered, jumping off the bed and walking towards his door, almost running directly into Snape.

"Are you deaf, or simply incapable of following directions?" Snape asked harshly, glancing at the still wrapped packages on Harry's bed.

"I'm sorry, I just got distracted," Harry explained.

"Dinner is ready, you will put away this mess afterwards, is that understood?" Snape asked. Ungrateful brat, Snape thought. The least he could do is put his things away.

"Yes sir, I really do appreciate all these things sir," Harry explained. He could tell Snape was irritated and didn't want him to think Harry was ungrateful and didn't appreciate him paying for all these things. Snape could take them back just as easily as he got them, anyway.

"Good, then you will carefully put them away right after dinner and write 500 lines of I will take care of all my possessions, be mindful of my guardian and keep a clean and organized room." Snape said.

"Yes sir," Harry replied. He didn't want to anger the Professor anymore.

Satisfied, Snape turned and headed down the stairs with Harry following behind him.