Mea Culpa

Written by Darkneko06

AN: I do not own Harry Potter or the characters. The book and its ideas and characters are property of JK Rowling and the movies are property of Warner Brothers. No profit is made from this fan fiction and no infringement intended.

Severus Snape took Harry Potter in reluctantly. Having little experience with children, aside from Hogwarts and a scarily similar treatment from his own guardians he felt uncertain. He remembered that night he saved Harry.

He approached the house at Privet Drive with suspicion. The lawn was green and well kept. The paint as immaculate as the day it was painted. The welcome mat was politely inviting however the whole demeanour of the house was cold.

Like secrets were kept here and anyone who dare step out of line or show difference was quietly corrected. 'Of course Petunia Dursley would live here' he thought o himself.

He knocked clearly.

"Look if you're a salesman, we are not interested" a large man huffed angrily.

Snape glared but kept his tone neutral as he replied. "My name is Professor Snape from Harry Potter's school."

At this the large mans eyes widened and he looked angrier "What do you freaks want here?" he demanded.

Snape bit back a sharp reply "Is your nephew here?"

"Yeah why?" the man asked stupidly.

These muggles were stupid and wasting his valuable time. He once again forced himself calm.

"May I see him?" he asked with a touch of coldness.

"Fine, come in then. I'll fetch the brat." He huffed.

Snape seated himself on the sofa and waited with anger. How dare they call him brat?

After a hushed conversation a tired Harry came in. "Hey, Professor" he greeted.

"With respect Potter" snapped Severus in reply. He could swear Harry just flinched.

"Sir" corrected Harry.

"Good"

"I was asked to check on you by the headmaster. Is everything okay here?" Snape asked getting down to business.

Harry did not know how to answer and paused. One look told Harry his uncle was angry and would beat him to a bloody pulp tonight. "Everything is okay, you don't need to worry about me Professor!" he replied happily careful not to over do it.

Snape searched for any signs and could not verify beyond a simple suspicion. 'Isn't that enough? What would have happened differently if you had been noticed!' his inner voice called angrily.

He had walked away that night.

Right out of poor Harry's miserable life.

AN: Thanks for reading. Please read and review.