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Chapter Text

Harry was strolling down the road. He had noticed a few different weird people watching him over the last few days and wondered what they wanted with him. He hadn't been doing anything illegal and there would be no reason for any of the local boys to be interested in him. He had yet to start doing any deals in their area. Harry just needed to get to the next block before he could disappear.

Harry turned the corner, ran to the next corner, and pressed himself against the building and the first large rubbish bin. He waited as the group of weird people didn't turn down the road he was hiding on. They stopped in the middle of the intersection and seemed to be confused as to where to go. Harry remained hidden as he watched. One seemed crazy and had a limp. Another seemed to be someone who loved to dye their hair some very interesting colors. Another was a man dressed in black and Harry thought he might be the one who he should worry about while a black man was trying to control the group of three arguing about where to go.

Harry waited as the group moved down the road. He didn't move for several minutes. He wasn't surprised when the group returned to the intersection. He thought they might have been hoping he was hiding and would come out in the open. It was a trick he had used before. Harry watched the four of them argue about which way to go. They finally went back the way they came. Harry got up and ran down the road away from them.

A week later:

Harry decided it was time to go back to his original area just outside of Surrey. This area was filled with too many weird people who seemed to be very interested in what he was doing and he didn't need that kind of attention. He preferred to remain unnoticed. He preferred not to be seen by anyone unless he wanted to be seen. He liked to work under the radar.

It also didn't help that he wasn't making as much money in this area. There were just too many people trying to con and swindle the tourist. London wasn't what it was cracked up to be. The tourists were interesting and many had a nice variety of items on them but nothing worth stealing....well it was worth stealing...but it wasn't worth trying to sell it or having the police become interested in who was new to the area.

Harry started to head to Kingston upon Thames. He had passed through once before and it seemed to be a good area to ply his trade and remain hidden at the same time. He would be able to blend in with the university students despite his younger age. He would also be able to crash a few parties and have places to sleep at night during the cooler weather.

It took Harry almost a month to reach Kingston upon Thames. He had to avoid those weird people a few different times. He wasn't sure how they were able to locate him but he was finally able to lose them. He had spent a few nights at the local university. He even attended some classes to keep himself from being exposed. Harry was finding the classes interesting. Most of the students were willing to assist him in learning and he spent many nights crashing in those rooms. He managed to collect the books required for the different courses he was interested in.

Three weeks later:

Harry was leaving his Political Science course when he saw the man dressed in black. Harry saw the black man, the woman who dyed her hair a lot, and some very old man with a long beard standing outside of where his next class was to be held. Harry turned and headed the other way. He glanced over his shoulder and noticed they were still by the building for his next class. Harry didn't want to leave as he was making excellent money while also getting an education. Harry would just have to skip that class and be aware of them in the area. He would have to see if some snakes would be interested in patrolling for him.

Two months later:

Harry was running. He was running from the guy in black. He wasn't sure how the guy was able to locate him. He had been able to avoid the others but this one guy was very persistent. The man in black had kept him on his toes for the last few weeks. Harry was running out of places to hide. Harry had been leaving Kingston upon Thames when the guy appeared on the road in front of him. There wasn't any place for him to run to except across some fields since Harry hadn't wanted to take the main roads and opted for the back roads to avoid running into the group of weird people.

Harry hated running across fields and he wasn't sure what the man was firing at him but he kept dodging whatever it was. He was almost to the end of the field when he felt something hit him hard. Everything went dark.

Severus POV:

Severus couldn't believe they had finally found the boy and he was having to chase him across a field. He had hoped it would be easy to catch the boy alone but he was wrong. It had taken him almost a week of solo searching before he found the boy on the road leaving Kingston upon Thames. Dumbledore, Kingsley, and Tonks were searching Kingston upon Thames. Severus had started out using simple spells to catch the boy but the boy was very apt at dodging whatever he sent toward him. Severus finally started to send stunners at the boy and was finally able to hit him with one.

Severus sent a Patronus off to Dumbledore alerting him that he caught the boy and to meet him at Hogwarts. "Potter, you have better be worth the effort." He cast an Immobulus on the boy for extra protection since he didn't want to have to chase the boy again. One Wingardium Leviosa later and he was heading back to Hogwarts.

Harry POV:

Harry woke up. He was in a room he had never seen before. He could see stone walls, a lot of windows, and beds. The room smelled like a hospital. He was covered in a white sheet. He was warm considering how light the sheet felt. He was wearing some pajamas that were not his and ones he would have never selected to wear. They were simple grey pajamas and weren't uncomfortable. They were simple in style and were ones he expected children would have worn. He didn't see anyone else in the room and decided it was time to leave.

Harry got up and didn't see his clothes but found a basic flannel robe. There was a pair of slip-on slippers on the floor and he put them on. He got up and headed for the double doors. He exited the room and could hear two voices coming from the stairs he could see. Stone walls do make excellent sound carriers. He looked around to see if he could find a place to hide in time. He frowned. He dashed down the hall opposite the infirmary and found a spiral staircase on the right. He started down the stairs. He wasn't sure where he was but he started to look for a way out of this huge place. He wasn't sure what it was but he believed it had to be a castle given what he had seen so far. He saw a door and headed for it. He slowly opened the door and saw it lead outside. He quickly exited the castle. He would have to find some clothes but he wanted to get away from anyone who decided it was fine to kidnap him.

Harry wasn't sure where he was going as he followed the path. He couldn't see any bright lights he associated with a city being close by. He could see a lot of trees and didn't want to get lost in a forest so remained on the path that he hoped would lead him to a town. He heard something and the world went black again.

Severus POV:

"He's gone."

Severus rolled his eyes. "I told you he wouldn't remain. Why you believe he would just be fine with waking up in a strange place simply amazes me." Severus turned on his heel and headed out of the infirmary. He headed to the first window and scanned the area outside. He didn't see anything but since they didn't see the boy on the stairs, Severus figured the boy had to have used the stairway that lead to the garden. It would take about four more minutes before he would be able to see the boy if the boy was being very cautious or two if the boy decided to remain on the garden path and head away from the forest. He felt the boy wouldn't head for the forest and was more cautious and certainly wasn't a Gryffindor as Dumbledore believed.

Severus saw the boy and vanished the glass before casting a stunner followed by a Petrificus Totalus. He didn't bother to wait for Dumbledore before he headed to retrieve the boy. This time he was putting the boy in his quarters where he could keep an eye on him. Severus was sure the boy was going to remove any sanity Dumbledore had left. He was also going to have to find a way to keep the Dark Lord from demanding Severus turn the boy over to him.

Severus levitated the boy to his quarters. He placed the boy on his couch. Dumbledore agreed since Dumbledore didn't want to admit he lost the boy for a third time. The Order hadn't been impressed when it was released that Dumbledore had no idea where Potter was during what would have been the boy's first year. Not being able to catch the boy for the past year hadn't helped matters either. If Dumbledore had to admit they lost him after he escaped Hogwarts Severus wasn't sure if the old fool would have many members of the Order left. Granted there weren't many members of the Order since most of the magical world didn't believe the Dark Lord had returned.

Severus changed the boy's pajamas into something he felt would be better for the boy. He changed the pajamas to black with green trim. He also asked a house elf to fetch the boy's clothes and get whatever was needed for the boy in Diagon Alley. He informed the elf that Dumbledore would be paying for the expenses. Severus added a slightly borderline tracking spell as extra protection.

Severus removed the Petrificus Totalus and stunner before he sat down. He watched as the boy looked around before acknowledging his presence. "Figured it would be you who would catch me."

"Indeed, Mr. Potter."

"Who?"

Severus frowned. "Harry Potter. It is your name."

"If you say so. My relatives referred to me as Freak and only addressed me as Harry in front of people. I never knew my last name." Harry had no problem providing information on his relatives since he hadn't lived with them for almost a decade. "Why have you been so interested in me?"

Severus closed his eyes. He had been aware of the abuse situation at the Dursleys due to Dumbledore's determination to discover what happened at the house. He had been dragged into the mess when Dumbledore couldn't get answers out of the Dursleys. Dumbledore figured Severus would have some influence since Severus knew Petunia as a child. Petunia took one look at him and spewed forth every detail including her husband turning the boy over to the government to be placed in foster care. They didn't provide any information beyond that they found the boy and were turning him over. They found the different foster homes the boy had been placed in but the boy was always gone by the time they followed the paper trail until about the age of ten when he ran away with a group of older boys in the same foster home. "What do you know of wizards and magic?"

"You mean like Magic the Gathering? The D&D stuff? The new computer games?" Harry arched a brow. He was hoping this wasn't some cult that believed in that type of stuff.

"No, more like Lord of the Rings." Severus watched the raised eyebrows. "Merlin, Morganna?" Severus had been aware of the boy attending university classes despite being underage. They had spoken to several of the professors before the boy did another disappearing act from the classes. It had taken them a while to figure out that the boy just switched classes and must have spotted them. Each professor praised how bright the boy was and that he didn't cause any problems.

"I have read the trilogy. Merlin and Morganna were fables from King Arthur's period."

"They are real." Severus watched the boy process the information and start to laugh. Severus pulled out his wand and did some magic. The boy laughed harder.

"David Copperfield is better."

"Who?"

"David Copperfield. He made an airplane disappear."

"Indeed." Severus wasn't sure what to do with this information. "Have you ever done anything that you can't explain? Something you weren't sure of how you did it?" Severus watched the boy closely as the boy thought of those times in his life. He waved his wand and a tea tray appeared in front of him. It was a set spell he had on the set but he hoped it would show the boy it wasn't a ploy. "Let me tell you about your parents."

Chapter Text

Severus watched Harry as he informed him about his parents, the last war, being a wizard, Hogwarts, and the many people who were interested in him, the good, the bad, and the ugliness of the wizarding world. Harry didn't appear to believe him regarding anything he said. He was sure Dumbledore was going to make an appearance as soon as the old fool finished handling the Ministry and other interested parties regarding the return of Harry Potter. "There are many people interested in your well-being."

"So interested that I have been abandoned most of my life. Sure, next you are going to attempt to sell me the Tower Bridge and Big Ben as a package deal." Harry rolled his eyes.

"I am aware of the lack of follow-up. Albus Dumbledore has been facing a lot of inquiries into your original placement and the lack of following up with the muggles regarding your living situation. He hadn't been aware you weren't being cared for by your relatives until you failed to arrive here at Hogwarts."

Harry held up his hand. "Stop. I don't believe this stuff. Some crazy loon killed my parents with a curse no one has ever blocked but you want me to believe I managed to do it as a baby. It is pure fiction. Honestly, it sounds like a magical version of Star Wars. Orphaned, kept unaware of his past, and has a bunch of bad guys searching for him, with I am betting the wise older man hoping to mentor me into becoming a hero. A true good versus evil story. If he tosses in a new family and a lovely girl for me to marry, it would also cover the Disney theme as well."

"Star Wars?" Severus was a bit confused but most of what Harry said was the truth including Dumbledore's idea that Harry would reside with the Weasleys and he believed marry their youngest. The girl was Harry Potter crazy and Molly would certainly love the idea of them being famous because of Harry Potter. The youngest son would be someone that Dumbledore would push as a great friend as well.

Severus listened as Harry explained the Star Wars movies and Severus groaned as it did sound very familiar and he could understand why the boy didn't believe he was telling the full truth. Severus was about to explain about the Death Eaters, the Dark Lord, and why the two factions were against each other when there was a knock on his door. He glanced at the door as the name Dumbledore appeared on the door.

"Cool trick. Wonder if David Copperfield could do it?" Harry watched as Severus waved his wand at the door and it opened. He wasn't surprised when the old guy with a long beard and awful taste in clothing entered the room. He was hoping for theme music but nothing happened.

"My boy, it is great to finally see you again." Dumbledore smiled at the pair as he sat down on the empty chair next to Severus.

"Don't call me boy, and I can't say it is great to see you." Harry didn't trust the old guy. Something was sending spidy signals down his spine. Perhaps they might suggest some type of comic book theme to convince him they were sane.

Dumbledore looked a bit shocked at the rebuke but selected to ignore it. "I am sure Professor Snape has informed you that this is Hogwarts and that you are a wizard." He ignored the pfft from Harry and a groan from Severus. "I have already arranged for the Weasley family to take you in and since the Yule holiday break is in a few weeks, I believe it gives us enough time to get your school things, sorted, and settled before the new term starts. You will need to take some tests to determine which levels you will need but I am sure we can get that done before the new term."

"No."

Dumbledore's face showed his clear shock and surprise. Severus was trying not to laugh. "Mr. Potter doesn't believe that he is a wizard and that this isn't some magical version of a trilogy of movies called Star Wars. He also already concluded that you would try to get him adopted by a family along the lines of some Disney movies."

"I see." Dumbledore was a bit stumped since he had no idea what Star Wars or Disney were as well as not believing that he was a wizard. "Did you show him?"

"I did. I was compared to David Copperfield."

"He is still better."

"Indeed." Severus arched a brow at Dumbledore. He wondered what the man was going to do next.

"Perhaps a tour of Hogwarts?" Dumbledore suggested.

Harry looked down at the clothes he was wearing. "I am not going around a castle in pajamas."

"I have already handled that aspect. New clothes are waiting for you." Severus stood up and escorted the boy to the bathroom after grabbing some of the packages the elf left in his room. He went back to his sitting room. "You might not want to leave him with the Weasleys. I do not think he will agree and remain."

"Severus, I am sure it will work out. It is for the best. He needs a family to show him what love means."

"Albus, I know you are going to ignore what I am saying but I am going to say it because I will use this memory to show you that I warned you. Harry Potter isn't James, he isn't Lily. He isn't a Gryffindor. He won't appreciate you dictating his life without even speaking to him. I have had a few hours and he still doubts what he has been told. He has survived on the streets for far longer than any child could have expected to survive. He was able to pass university-level courses. He knows how to blend, how to survive, and what is needed to do so. Molly won't be able to handle him. She will expect him to be like her children and I can already see you trying to force a friendship between the youngest Weasleys and Granger and it will fail."

"I am sure it will work out. You are just worrying about nothing. Once Harry is settled with the Weasleys, he will get along just fine. He is just unsure currently but everybody needs a family and the Weasley family is perfect for them. Cornelius signed the paperwork. At the end of the year, he will be adopted and I am sure Ginny will make him a great wife when she turns seventeen in two years."

Severus sighed. "Albus, he already is aware of that plan and he won't agree. If you force this, he will resist and run. If you tie him to any wards, I can assure you he won't do anything at all. He isn't James or Lily. He isn't a Gryffindor." Severus didn't want to comment on how much the boy was like so many in Slytherin. He didn't want to have Dumbledore become paranoid about his Savior being in the house of the snakes.

Meanwhile:

Harry didn't bother to change. He decided he wanted to discover what was being hidden from him. He was listening to the old fool and his plans. He listened to the warning Severus was giving and was aware of the old fool would ignore the advice. Yep, just like in those movies and comic books. Dumbledore was the idiot general or person in charge who loved to believe his own press and ignore the good advice he was given. The other crazy guy didn't sound any better. It was a war between two idiots impressed with their power and believed they knew what was best for those around them.

Harry headed back to the bathroom and quickly got dressed. He wanted a tour of this place so he could start to plan his escape. Severus was the one person he had to be concerned about finding him again. He would have to figure out how to escape without alerting him until it was too late. Dumbledore was a fool and would be easy to fool if he acted how he was expected. He would go willingly to this new family and he was betting it would be very easy to escape from there.

Two weeks later:

Harry was finally glad to be leaving Hogwarts. The students didn't stop staring at him. The staff creeped him out with their hero worship and always mentioned his parents. Ron and Ginny Weasley drove him nuts. They fawned over him and Ginny wouldn't stop staring at him while touching him all the time. He couldn't stand Granger. The girl had no friends and Dumbledore believed she could help him catch up. He almost blew up at her a few times when she would quote books regarding his life to him. He lost track of how many times he had informed her that those books were fiction for a reason. He was going to have to get to Gringotts as well.

According to some of the smarter students, Potter was a well-off name and he was entitled to any royalties from the books and merchandising. He also learned that this so-called marriage between him and Ginny Weasley might be illegal since the girl had been bragging about it since his return and many of the students wondered about it. A kid by the name of Malfoy wondered if Dumbledore was still his magical guardian and how it could be legal since the man lost Harry. Harry wondered the same thing. If he wasn't, then Dumbledore had no legal reason to make a marriage contract for him.

Harry still wasn't impressed by the magic the students were learning. He saw better from the magicians in the muggle world. He had done better without a wand. He had been dragged to Diagon Alley by Severus for a wand. Severus had shown him the bookstore and a few other stores before they got his wand with a promise to visit those stores afterward. Harry learned that Severus did keep his word, unlike most adults.

Harry had gone through several wands. Three turned to ash, one caught the wall on fire, two did nothing, and five looked as if they went limp when he held them. He tried another ten wands that barely produced anything until he got a wand. It was elder wood with a vampire fang for the core. The wand maker didn't look disappointed but Dumbledore sure did when they returned. Severus already warned Harry not to mention the stack of books he picked up as well as some of the other items including a bigger trunk with several compartments.

"Mr. Potter, are you packed?" Severus appeared by the doors to the Great Hall. The students would eat breakfast and have a few hours before the train departed.

"Never unpacked." Harry still wasn't sorted since he wouldn't start Hogwarts until the next term. Harry had spent the last two weeks reading the basic magical material for the tests he was to take during the Yule break. Harry didn't plan on being around that long.

"The Headmaster had decided that I will escort you to the Burrow instead of you taking the train." Severus was sure it was about making sure that Harry didn't disappear in London.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."

10 PM that night:

Severus wasn't surprised to get a Patronus message that there was an urgent Order meeting. He wasn't surprised to learn that Harry escaped the Burrow. He was surprised to learn that Molly and Arthur had driven to London to pick up their kids and left Harry alone in the house for over six hours and just noticed the boy was missing. The hunt for Harry Potter was back on.

Chapter Text

"I told you." Severus was enjoying rubbing everything he told Dumbledore in the man's face. He had repeatedly warned the man about having Harry stay with the Weasleys.

"Severus now isn't the time." Dumbledore looked at Molly. "Did he take anything with him?"

"Just his things." When they discovered that Harry was missing, Molly searched the house, the yard, and the general area around the Burrow. "Ronnie thought Harry was staying in a different room and didn't notice anything missing."

"Why did you leave him alone?" Minerva looked tired and was trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice. "Why didn't one of you stay home?"

"We didn't think he would leave. I mean Albus said Harry was excited to be a part of our family. Harry wasn't happy to be here but we thought it was because we were strangers and needed some time to adjust to us."

"I am sure Harry is just slightly confused. He needs family." Dumbledore reassured the Weasleys.

Severus sighed. "Why do I even bother? You ignored everything I said to you." Severus stood up. "I will get started on attempting to find the boy." Severus didn't wait to be dismissed before he turned and left the Burrow. Severus had already scanned the area to see if he could locate a magical signature for Harry but there wasn't one. He wasn't sure if he would be able to locate the boy. Harry had a few weeks to study magic. Harry was in the library a lot and Severus wasn't sure what the boy was researching but he listened to Granger whine about Harry not sharing books with her.

HARRY POV:

Harry wondered about magical beings. They were idiots from what he had noticed so far. It was like the ones they called purebloods didn't want to learn anything about the muggle world and seemed stuck in the 1800s in a lot of ways. Granger was an awful example of a muggle-born as the girl felt she was entitled to read anything anyone else was reading and had a fit if you didn't give her any books when she asked. She was bossy and nosy.

Ronald and Ginny Weasley were more impressed with his name and didn't even attempt to learn anything about him or his life. Their parents were just as bad and the only ones who wanted to learn about him were the twins who he noticed were ignored by their family. He had been a bit surprised to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley leave him at their home while they went to get their children from the train. Harry had waited for about thirty minutes to see if anyone would appear before he started to test the area to see if he could leave. He was a bit surprised to discover he could. He just started walking down the road and was hoping he would find a town or city at some point. A bus stop would be helpful as well. Harry finally found a small store and was able to purchase a map. He learned that Cornwall was to the west and Dorset and Somerset to the east. He decided he would head to Somerset. He knew from there he could get to Bristol or Gloucestershire. He wasn't going to head back to any area where he had previously seen the dress wearers. Wizards, as if.

Harry didn't take any of the main roads and when he rested, he made sure to keep himself well hidden. He wasn't going to give Severus Snape any chance to locate him. He wasn't worried about the rest of them but Severus seemed to be adept at locating people. It was a shame that he was part of the dress wearers. He wondered if there was something in their drinking water. It might explain their shared delusion. He also decided those wizards were part of a cult. It would explain a lot of things if they were.

Harry did have to admit the cult had some great items. Tents that could be hidden from everyone. The tents were also a lot bigger on the inside than on the outside. He had asked the weird creatures called house elves to purchase things for him including food and furniture for his tent. He also packed a lot of things in the trunk he was able to pick up when Severus took him shopping.

Harry decided he wasn't going to rush to a city but look for a place he could hide out for a few days at a time. He didn't want to stay in place for too long but wanted to remain cautious in case Severus was looking for him. He made sure to keep the wand hidden as he didn't trust that it might lead the cult to him. They seem very focused on getting everyone to use them. Harry thought it was stupid to rely on a piece of wood that anyone could remove from you to use to do anything.

Harry found the tent blended very well into any background. The tent had a small kitchen, a living area, a bedroom, and a washroom. His trunk was able to hold his books, clothes, and other magical things from the school list. He was going to have to find a way to get to London and Diagon Alley without anyone from the cult discovering him. He would take his time and aim to go when he was sure school was back in session.

SEVERUS POV:

Severus was sitting opposite Dumbledore. Dumbledore was sitting at his desk with a stack of books and scrolls surrounding him. Fawkes was close to a burning day and looked like a plucked chicken. "No, Albus, I haven't found him and no, I don't have any idea where he might be," Severus repeated himself. He had been looking for Harry Potter for almost two weeks. The students were due to return in three days. It was Friday and the students were due to arrive Monday. Severus had used every type of spell or potion he could think of using.

Dumbledore was getting demands from the Ministry as they wanted to speak to Harry. Dumbledore was able to delay the request since it was the Yule holiday and Arthur hadn't been at work. The Minister wanted to speak to Harry as well as Madam Bones. They were interested in discovering where Harry had been and seeing if it was possible to charge the muggles with a crime. So many people were upset with muggles because of the Dursleys. Dumbledore had protected them by claiming without speaking to Harry or finding him, they couldn't charge the family with crimes without speaking to Harry.

Severus thought Dumbledore was afraid that wizards would demand stronger laws against muggles and strengthen the laws regarding muggle interactions. Dumbledore was against any of those types of laws. Dumbledore faced a lot of inquiries but nothing ever stuck to the man because without Harry there wasn't enough evidence to charge Dumbledore.

"We need to find him. The students are due to return on Monday."

"I am aware." Severus still hadn't been able to correct the assignments he collected before the holiday nor had he been able to brew any of the potions Poppy needed. "I still haven't done any of the potions Poppy needs or have I been able to finish my work."

"I will see if students can assist once they return. It is vital we locate Harry."

Dumbledore looked older than ever. Severus thought the man had aged a few decades since Harry's disappearance from the Burrow. "You will need to find a new place for him to stay. He won't remain at the Burrow. I would suggest you speak to him before you make your choice. You can't keep ignoring what I have been telling you. Albus, listen to Harry when I do find him. Don't try to decide his life without speaking to him. I can assure you that is the reason he took off. You better not have a marriage contract for him either." Severus felt like he was talking to a brick wall. Dumbledore wasn't going to listen to him. He never did. He wasn't even sure why he was a spy. Dumbledore always seemed to be aware of what was going on and had a plan in place before Severus attended any meeting with the Dark Lord.

Severus inwardly groaned as he thought about the Dark Lord. Lucius was the one leading the charge against Dumbledore and pushing the Minister into a meeting with Harry. The Dark Lord was enjoying the legal issues that Dumbledore was enduring and Severus was sure some Death Eaters were out looking for Harry Potter. The Dark Lord wanted to find Harry and recruit the boy before Dumbledore could fill the boy's head with light nonsense. Severus thought the two leaders of the magical world were going to be in for a surprise if they believed that Harry would follow either of them.

"Severus, I am sure everything will be fine once we locate Harry. He will stay at the Burrow. I will add some wards. The Weasleys are a fine family and will show Harry what a family is and how family loves each other. Love is the answer to almost every problem."

Severus arched a brow. He wondered if he should speak to Poppy about getting Dumbledore a mental health exam. "You are a fool if you believe that will work with Harry Potter." Severus stood up. "Why I even bother to provide you with my insight is beyond me. You ignore everything you don't want to hear or believe. I will say it one more time, do not place Harry with the Weasleys. Listen to him for a change." Severus left the headmaster's office muttering about old fools and lemon drops.

HARRY POV:

Harry found a nice wooded area and set up his tent. The tent was warm and comfortable. The tent was looking like a group of English Oaks. He wasn't exactly sure where he was but he had seen a few signs with London listed on them. He still had a long way to go if he continued to walk. He had plenty of food and Harry figured he had two more days before Hogwarts was due to start up. He decided he would spend the next week in this spot and read some of the books the pureblood suggested for him.

Chapter Text

Severus POV:

Severus was ignoring the noise from the students as they arrived in the Great Hall for their morning meal. Last night had been chaos when people realized Harry Potter wasn't present. It didn't help that the youngest male Weasley blew up and screamed about Harry running away from his family and was most likely kidnapped by some Death Eaters. Weasley demanded that Malfoy produce Potter as he pointed his wand toward the Slytherin table. The hall didn't turn into a war zone because Granger snatched Weasley's wand and pushed the boy into his seat as Minerva and Dumbledore cast a shield spell around the students' tables.

Dumbledore tried to contain the situation by explaining that Potter was off for special training. Severus could see the pure-bloods were already determined to write to their parents regarding the information. The only students who fully believed Dumbledore were the Gryffindors but it was only the non-pureblood ones.
It had been surprising to see the doubt on Longbottom's face as well as several others. Of course, they were families who doubted Dumbledore's stories since what would have been Potter's first year.

The owls arrived to drop off mail and the Daily Prophet. Severus ignored the newspaper as he watched the students before hearing a gasp from Minerva. He looked down at the table and saw Minerva holding the newspaper and pointing at the headline as she elbowed Dumbledore. Severus glanced at the newspaper and almost choked as he read the headline.

DUMBLEDORE LOST THE BOY WHO LIVED ----AGAIN!!!!!!

Severus had to hand it to Rita. Rita knew how to generate a headline grabber. He felt some pleasure in his mark and realized the Dark Lord was enjoying the news. Lucius had been keeping the Dark Lord informed of the events at the Ministry. Severus had been summoned to explain what he knew. Severus took great pleasure in showing the Dark Lord his memories of the conversations with Dumbledore.

Severus wondered how soon Dumbledore would demand he stop teaching his classes and search for Potter full-time. Several Order members were out searching but hadn't discovered anything. Lupin had tried to follow Potter's scent from the Burrow but kept losing it until it finally disappeared about three miles from the Burrow. Severus and Lupin had tried to explain how the muggle transportation systems work, however, after several different Order members got lost, it was up to Lupin and Severus to follow those means of transportation.

"Severus, please see me in my office during your first free period."

Severus arched a brow but nodded his acceptance. He was going to be searching for Potter instead of teaching the dunderheads.

Harry POV:

Harry was traveling toward London. He was sure Snape would be busy with his students for the day at least. He wanted to find another spot to hide before he figured the man would be out looking for him. Dumbledore wasn't going to give up. The old fool still hadn't realized he had been in touch with the goblins. While he hadn't been able to go to the bank directly, he was able to handle a lot of his business by having one of the goblins visit him. The old fool would be learning that he wasn't an idiot later this week. The goblins would issue the changes on Friday.

Harry wished he could see the old fool's face when it hit the papers. He wondered if he might be able to get a paper for Friday. The house elves were helpful before. Maybe he could get a few of them to assist him again. He was sure that the goblins mentioned the Potter family had a few. They did mention that the house elves were staying at the variety of houses he had in his portfolio. He would discover more information once he reached London. He would have to make sure any house he selected would be one that was protected from Dumbledore and the other idiot who wanted to rule.

Harry kept walking on the lesser traveled roads. It made the trip longer as he couldn't catch many people traveling longer distances but he was able to get more rides from the locals feeling bad seeing a boy walking. Each time he set up his tent, he found some snakes to guard the area for him. They would alert him if anyone entered the general areas while keeping him company. He discovered several magical snakes who provided insight into the events happening in the magical world and different ways to protect himself using magic. He still believed the wizards were stuck in the 1800s.

Harry groaned as he heard thunder. He hadn't seen a car or truck in over an hour and wanted to find a safe place to erect his tent to keep Snape from locating him before the storm rolled through. He kept walking as there were too many fields in this area for him to feel secure. He didn't need to play Dodge the Snape.

Severus POV (FRIDAY):

Severus had a headache. He named it Dumbledore. He would have named it Potter but the boy was providing him some amusement despite the desire to locate the boy. The last week had been interesting as he kept locating different places the boy had been but the trail would disappear shortly after he located it. He wondered if the boy was getting rides but cars wouldn't cause the trails to disappear. He found the trails in heavily treed areas and he was wondering if the trail was able to be located because the boy might have stayed a few days in one spot and his magic leaked into the ground.

Severus was going to have to check with the stories in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley to see if he could get a list of books and other items the boy might have purchased without his knowledge. However, right now, he was stuck dealing with the Order. Dumbledore was attempting to calm them down after some very interesting letters from Gringotts.

He glanced at Minerva who had her face so pinched up in anger she looked as if she was about to snap. Mad-Eye was already giving Dumbledore and Molly a lecture about illegal activities while Kingsley and Tonks were rebuking the Annoying Trio about their actions. Arthur was in shock as he kept staring at the letter from Gringotts about his wife stealing funds from Potter and the illegal marriage contract she had signed.

Dumbledore was attempting to claim that funds were needed for the war effort and how James and Lily wouldn't have minded helping. The Mutt was throwing a fit in the sitting room based on the thuds that could be heard in the kitchen. Lupin had dragged the Mutt out of the kitchen after they had pried the Mutt off of Dumbledore.

"Enough, Albus. You broke the law. There is no excuse for it. Are there enough funds to handle paying back Harry? Arthur, will you lose your home?" Minerva touched Arthur. Arthur jumped at the contact and came out of his shock.

"The funds have already been returned and the fines assessed." Bill looked at his mother in disgust. "I used my bonus for renewing my contract with Gringotts to pay the remaining funds. The goblins closed the vaults belonging to Ginny, Ron, and Hermione. I made arrangements for the remaining balances to be handled. You three will be paying me back, every knut." He glared at the trio. "I will leave the repaying of my bonus up to you, Dad."

"Thank you, Bill. We can discuss it later. Albus, I want answers."

"As do I." Many Order members stared at the old fool.

"James and Lily-"

"If they did, you wouldn't be in this mess." Minerva cut off Dumbledore's excuse. "It does explain why Hogwarts will be audited."

"It is all a slight misunderstanding and I am sure once we locate Harry, everything will be fixed. I am sure Harry wouldn't want anyone to suffer for this." Dumbledore reassured everyone.

Severus snorted. "I warned you. I told you he wasn't a Gryffindor. I warned you to speak to him first. I told you the boy has been living on the streets and he isn't stupid. He wouldn't have survived if he was. He was attending university courses and passing. While he may be sixteen, the boy has had an education that surely has surpassed everyone in this room. It may not be the traditional magic education but I would place the contents of my vault on him over anyone else in this room for surviving anything. I do mean anything."

Arthur looked at Severus. Mad-Eye and Kingsley sighed. "He is right." The Mutt stood in the doorway. "Harry is a survivor. He has survived stuff that none of us could comprehend. It might help if we start to think of Harry as one of those kids in Knockturn Alley instead of James' son. He may not officially know magic but I have a feeling he has been using it without his knowledge. He would think it was normal for him. I don't believe he would be using a wand but rather wandless magic. It would explain how he survived the Dursleys and the streets while escaping our detection."

"Finally, someone listened to what I have been saying." Severus wasn't about to admit he was surprised that the Mutt was correct. Granted, he didn't put it into words that any Gryffindor seemed to understand but he had been telling them. Lupin was behind the Mutt and was nodding his agreement.

"Severus is right."

Severus glanced at Mad-Eye. He wondered how much it had to hurt the old Auror to admit that Severus was correct. "A change in searching?" Charlie Weasley looked at Dumbledore. "This doesn't excuse your actions but locating Harry is more important. I am sure anyone who has an issue with the Headmaster can see him after the meeting." He looked at the Annoying Trio. "Since the reason you attended this meeting has been handled, it is time for us to continue with the Order business."

"Yes, I agree, Albus and Molly will be answering to those involved directly. We have more important matters to handle." Minerva gave a pointed look at Dumbledore who nodded his acceptance. Molly took her cue and removed the Annoying Trio from the kitchen and put the kettle on to refresh everyone's tea.

Severus signed an hour later as nothing was changed despite the members' attempts to get Dumbledore to see the truth regarding Harry Potter. Severus could see that the Mutt, Lupin, Mad-Eye, and the older Weasley boys weren't going to follow Dumbledore's plan. They looked at him with arched brows and seemed to understand that Severus' plan was the route to go. He nodded his agreement. At the end of the meeting, he informed Lupin to have everyone meet him in the Forbidden Forest to discuss a plan for locating the boy.

Chapter Text

Severus POV:

Mad-Eye cast the privacy spell they needed in the Forbidden Forest. The Mutt and Wolf were discussing pranking Dumbledore. Severus couldn't resist and added a few ideas as did the two older Weasley brothers promising they would make sure Dumbledore's favorite areas to walk would be pranked outside of Hogwarts. Dumbledore would go to the Ministry, Wizenagmot, and Hogsmeade with some jinxes and hexes the brothers learned in other countries.

"I do not think pranking Albus will help us, currently, but if you need funds I will donate," Tonks smirked as she sat down on a transfigured rock. "Snape, what is your plan?" The group consisted of Tonks, Mad-Eye, the Mutt, the Wolf, the older Wessley brothers, and himself.

"I believe Potter is heading back toward London. I have marked a map where I have located some of his magical signatures. However, Potter is smarter than Dumbledore believes. He will not willingly return here and I do not want to be charged with kidnapping." Severus looked at everyone in the group. "Dumbledore might have the clout to get away with breaking some laws but none of us do."

"True. Perhaps the best option is to offer him a place to live?" The Wolf looked at the Mutt. "It can't be headquarters."

"Agreed. Dumbledore and the Annoying Trio would cause more problems if he was there." Tonks glanced at Mad-Eye. "Perhaps it might be time to start warding safe places for us to meet and find someplace for Potter to reside without informing Dumbledore. We need to keep the Death Eaters and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named from becoming aware."

"Agreed. He has found it amusing that Dumbledore has lost the brat. He has several Death Eaters searching magical areas but I can't guarantee he won't move to the muggle areas." Severus didn't need to have the brat caught by the Dark Lord. While the Dark Lord wasn't totally insane he was still as insane as Dumbledore was. The two men were always hyperfocused on their goals and ignoring who their choices affected. Neither man looked at the cost of their goals to those around them. "He is still focused on the prophecy as is Dumbledore."

"Damn thing. It is so vague. I do wonder at times if Albus didn't cause it to become true due to his actions." Mad-Eye shook his head. "As if the boy was our only hope, pfft."

"I find I agree. When it was released last year many people started to wonder about it." The Wolf had been becoming more disillusioned with Dumbledore and Severus could see it was affecting the Mutt as well. Neither man defended Dumbledore as they had in the past.

"I am wondering if he did it for power." Charlie Weasley looked around at everyone as they pondered his words. "Think about it. He becomes famous for defeating Grindlewald. He starts gaining power and becomes the Headmaster of Hogwarts. He starts to influence what people learn. When many of the pureblood families start to complain, we get the rise of the dark in protest. However, it was political. Dumbledore does everything to preach light magic only. When the dark starts to win in the political arena, suddenly we have Who-Know-Who on the horizon in the political arena."

"Charlie? How do you know this?" Bill Weasley asked his brother.

"History." Charlie simply replied. "The dark was winning the war until the prophecy forced the Potters and Longbottoms into hiding. I have always wondered why it was spoken in such a public place especially since it was during an interview. It seems fishy to me. It's like every fifteen to twenty years something big happens and puts Dumbledore back on top with more magic being banned."

Mad-Eye started laughing. "I know many have started to doubt Albus and each time he has risen higher and higher. Charlie has a point. He controls our domestic and international laws and the education system."

"It would explain why he wants control over Harry so badly. Harry would give him back his lost power. The dark has been getting more and more laws repelled and traditions returned." The Wolf looked at the small group. "We can't let this go beyond us. Dumbledore loves to use memory charms."

"As well as compulsions. His glasses permit him to see through invisibility spells and the twinkling eye is him using compulsion spells. You can't look at him in the eyes." Severus warned. "He isn't above using illegal measures to get what he believes is for the greater good."

"It would be a good idea to get some things to help us resist his methods. I have several family pieces that I can provide to you, Tonks." The Mutt volunteered. "Now, how do we find Harry?"

Severus pulled out a muggle map. "I have noticed that Potter keeps to the back roads. He is good at adapting and blending in. I believe he might have some ability to change his appearance. I have been tracking his route since he escaped." Severus started to show them the areas on the map.

"Wandless or do you think he might be a metamorphmagus? He does have Black blood via his grandmother and me. I did a blood adoption when he was little." The Mutt looked at Tonks. "Do you think you might be able to be able to see through the changes?"

"I am not sure. I have never seen anyone else with the ability. It would also depend on how much of the skill he has." Tonks frowned a bit. "Snape, was he clumsy or anything unusual standout?"

"No. If anything he is stealthy. He looks like a mini Potter Sr., except for the eyes. However, given that he was able to hide from us for so long, he might have the skill. It is something we should consider." Severus pointed to a few of the small areas that didn't have any roads on the map. "There are dirt roads here and I found his signature there but it wasn't anything I could follow."

Everyone looked at the map. "It does look as if he is heading to London. Is there any type of pattern to his traveling?"

"No. I thought he might have gotten some rides but I would have been able to follow the magical signature. I believe the only reason I did find anything is because he might have stayed in those areas more than a day or so."

"Might be a possibility. It was something I saw in Egypt. It helped us locate some of the buried tombs and treasures." Bill frowned at the map. "Any water near those areas?"

"No, farm areas, small towns and villages, a few stores in each village. I tried to see if anyone saw a stranger but no luck."

"Let's start where you last found a signature and perhaps use a broom," Mad-Eye suggested. "Potter might have planned for street-level wizards but he won't expect us looking for him from the air."

"It might work."

Severus didn't think it would but it was better than his plan. His plan depended on luck and he wasn't a lucky person.

Harry POV:

Harry found an abandoned cottage and set up camp for a bit in it. He was tired of walking and being on guard. He figured Snape was still looking for him and hoped he could hide in the cottage for a bit. It would provide great shelter and he wouldn't be on the roads.

He started to clean what he could in the cottage and started to gather wood for cooking in the fireplace as well as being able to keep some of the chill out of the place. He tested the sink for water and after several seconds and some rattling water started to flow. The cottage didn't look as if it has been used in a few years but it was very livable. He also hoped that since it was off any type of road, Snape would have a harder time locating him. He wasn't going to become less cautious but he did need a few days of rest without any concern of someone locating his tent.

Once the wood was in the cottage, Harry started to heat some water for tea. The tent had a small restroom included so he set up the tent to use the bed and restroom. As the night started to fall, Harry used the lights from the tent to settle down and read some of the books he got from Diagon Alley. He had used some magic when inside his tent but he needed to learn more about protecting himself. He didn't want that old guy to keep him a prisoner in that school.

Harry was starting to admit that magic was real. He had tried several things in the books and discovered they did work. They weren't the type of tricks that David Copperfield or any other magician would be able to do. He had always wondered about some of the strange stuff around him but he didn't believe it was magic. His relatives always called him a freak and he just believed he was. He wondered if his relatives were aware of it and that was why they hated him. He wasn't about to go and ask them, either. If he never saw them again it would be too soon.

The books were a bit confusing as he didn't understand a lot of theory as of yet but he was better at understanding it each time he read the books and tried the exercises in them or used the spells mentioned. He was sure he was also saying a lot of the words wrong and he didn't have a wand. Well, technically, he didn't have a wand. He had several he discovered in the Come and Go room the elves had shown him. He found a few that he could use but they didn't feel right. He hadn't used them since he left Hogwarts but he did carry two on him for emergencies.

A wand was a huge help but he also believed it would linder him as well. It appeared as if they could track him with a wand and he felt as it if was a crutch. Why use a wand when you could just think of what you wanted? It didn't make sense to him and many of the books mentioned how hard wandless was.

If wandless was hard how was he able to do it for so long? He remembered fixing things at his relatives house to cover up Dudley getting him into trouble. It didn't always work as his aunt would scream until his uncle did something about the freak. He had started to write questions down in the hopes of the other books having some answers.

He looked at the copy of Hogwarts: A History that he liberated from someone named Granger. The book was very informative but he did wonder why he never got a letter or why no one ever searched for him before. Other books he liberated from the girl were the books about him and his life .He did burrow several from the library that he still had. He thought about the books about him, again. Talk about a load of horse manure. He wondered if the goblins had handled that situation as of yet? He would have to find a way to send them a letter and soon.

He shook his head as he read the next few paragraphs in Hogwarts. It was about Dumbledore. The man was the king of self promotion. He didn't trust the old fool for some reason. His gut was telling him the man wasn't what he seemed. He did trust Snape a bit but the man worked for Dumbledore. Perhaps he needed to find a way to research Dumbledore. Perhaps it was time to seek out the goblins. He smirked. He bet his returning to Diagon Alley would confuse the magical world.

Chapter Text

Harry POV:

Harry waltzed through Diagon Alley as if he owned it. He figured he might as well attract the correct attention. He did, mind you, very briefly wonder how long Dumbledore would hear about his return to the magical world. He already arranged a time to meet with his vault manager. He certainly didn't know he had one until he read some of the miscellaneous other books he borrowed (he planned on keeping them) from Hogwarts.

The books covered a variety of topics regarding purebloods, politics, history (magical creatures included), and a variety of different gifts families had. It also included different methods of communication. He stepped outside of his cabin and called for a mail owl. Much to his surprise, one appeared. He wrote a letter to the goblins and set up a time.

Now, he was sure Dumbledore and Snape would appear after he was meant to leave Gringotts. He hoped they would love his surprise. Harry greeted the tellers and was escorted back to his manager. Harry liked Ironforge as soon as he met the woman, or was it a man? He wasn't sure, so he kept his speech gender neutral. After dropping some blood onto a parchment to verify his identity, they got started.

Ironforge looked at the human in front of him after she verified his identity. "You certainly set the fox loose in the hen house."

"I did?"

Ironforge grinned. "Yes, I was able to get your funds returned from those who helped themselves to your vaults, as well as the funds returned from your relatives. I had been trying for over a decade, but without evidence of you being in our world, I couldn't do anything." Ironforge pushed the accounting books over to Harry.

Harry listened as Ironforge explained everything. He got a bit lost a few times, but it wasn't about the funds. He was lost because people he didn't know were being funded by him, as well as the Dursleys. He pointed to the line where the funding was returned on the Dursleys. "How come the return only goes back to the 1st of September in 1991?'

"I was able to use your lack of entrance into our world to get those funds returned since Dumbledore couldn't produce you. Since he couldn't produce you, I was able to use that to get the funds returned."

"Could you get more back if I were to sign something stating they got rid of him when I was around five?" Harry was still in a bit of shock seeing how much money had had, the investments, and what property he owned. "I am also interested in making sure my properties have valid leases, and can we do something about my name being used as well as those unauthorized books? If it involves more damage to Dumbledore, double the fees for rentals."

"Yes to all of your questions." Ironforge almost grinned. Here was a human who valued profit and wasn't afraid of old whiskers. "Let me get the paperwork, and I might need some memories to use to verify the Dursleys abandoning you."

"Memories?" Harry frowned. "You can take my memories?"

"Yes and no. No, we don't take them." Ironforge explained how memories work and what a pensive was. Harry grinned as she explained. "You have more?"

"Yes, I have memories of more recent events that might get Dumbledore in trouble for kidnapping and holding me hostage."

"Excellent. Let's begin." Ironforge was going to be sharing this memory with the clan and King later.

Severus POV:

Severus groaned as Headache Dumbledore appeared in his classroom. He didn't have any students, but he did hold office hours and wasn't a bit surprised by Dumbledore interrupting this time. Dumbledore seemed to have a direct path from his office to the Headmaster's Office. "What do you need, Albus?"

"I just got a message that Harry was seen in Diagon Alley. He was headed to Gringotts. I need you to go and get him and return him to Hogwarts." Dumbledore's face reflected the joy of knowing his little pawn was going to be returning to his stronghold. "He can't escape, again."

Severus sighed. "Who else have you informed?" Severus expected to hear the general list of Order members.

"I came directly here. I only trust you to do this job."

Severus watched the old fool. He could see that the old man was looking at his potion cabinet. Oh, he wasn't going to make it easy for the old fool to drug Potter with potions. "I do not keep dangerous potions in my office or class. You are very aware of how the little brats would react if I did."

"Yes, yes, of course. I am just thinking that Harry might need some medical ones. We don't know what he has experienced, and Poppy didn't get a full exam of him." Dumbledore gave a slight reassuring smile, and his eyes were twinkling.

Severus arched a brow. "I know I am going to repeat this as I have already done so several times, but let's give it one more time. If I do find him, listen to him. Do not just throw him into some place you think he will be safe and claim it is for the greater good or some such rot. The boy isn't one of your students and does not care you are the Headmaster, nor does he care about your other titles."

"I have no idea what you mean. Could you please go and fetch Harry?" Dumbledore looked around. "We can post that your classes are cancelled for the day."

Severus didn't argue. He knew it would be useless. He also wasn't expecting to catch Harry Potter. He might be able to locate a way to trace the boy, but he wasn't going to count on it. "Have Moody and whoever else meet me in Diagon Alley. I might need their assistance to trace the boy's magical signature." Severus stood up. He ignored the smugness on Dumbledore's face as he exited his office to get his cloak from his quarters.

Harry POV:

Ironforge escorted Harry to the fireplace that was used for their exclusive clients. "This should confuse them. Also, I have included port keys for your properties. The warders will need a week to verify and replace any wards. Please owl me before you visit any of the properties ahead of time in case we have an issue."

Harry thought they would have issues since Dumbledore seemed to be mighty free with his wand and Harry's money. Thankfully, the money was an easy fix. "Don't forget to double-charge the old fool for anything he might have done and the fees for those broken contracts."

"I will take great pleasure in doing so."

Harry disappeared into the floo and exited at King's Cross Station. He quickly mixed with the mujggles and disappeared.

Severus POV:

Severus wasn't surprised the boy never exited Gringotts. He wasn't surprised when Moody came out and explained the boy was gone. The old auror walked toward him as the Mutt (AKA Sirius Black) headed over as well. The Mutt had been looking for Harry's magical signature between the Leaky Cauldron and the bank.

"Why the old fool thought the boy would be easy to catch surprises me." Moody summed up their feelings on the subject.

"Has anyone tried to owl him?" The Mutt wondered.

Severus and Moody exchanged a look. "Could it be that easy? Did you or Albus try it?"

Severus closed his eyes as he pinched his nose. "I do not believe Albus has tried it. I will mention it to him. However, I believe it might be better if I or one of you also do it. I feel Albus will use his old tricks, and the letter might alienate the boy even further."

"Agreed. I will write one as soon as I get home. I will have Remus work with me on the wording." The Mutt didn't wait for a response before heading to an apparition spot.

"I will inform Albus. Do you wish to see if you can locate a trail?"

Mad-Eye looked around the alley. "We won't find one. Too many magical signatures to focus on one, and it's been too long to remove the top layer of magical signatures to get an adequate one."

Severus signed and together they headed to the Leaky Cauldron to use the floo.