Author's Note: Welcome to Harriet Potter and the Chevalier's Vow, my take on what Harry Potter would be like if Harry was a girl. My Harriet will be slightly different from Canon Harry. I picture her as slightly darker, with a sarcastic humor, while also being a Gryffindor with her heart on her sleeve. I love JK Rowlings work and give all the rights to her and her brilliance. I'm just borrowing her character and changing them a bit. Finally, there will be a romance between Severus and Harriet. However, this will not happen until much later in the story. Much later. Hope you guys enjoy. On to the story!

Harriet Potter and the Chevalier's Vow

Part 1: The Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 1: The New Ward

Harriet

Harriet Potter had screwed up. So royally in fact, that Harriet was 95% certain that Uncle Vernon would never allow her back into his home. Blowing up his "precious" sister was not the best 'thank you for letting me live in your home' gift. Not that she ever wanted to return Azkaban of Surrey, England. Privet Drive, Harriet's personal little hellhole, could burn to the ground for all she cared. Maybe then, Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and Dudley could learn what it was to suffer. Maybe they would learn what it was like to starve. Maybe they would learn what it was like to be completely miserable.

Bad Harriet, she thought, Thoughts like that will make people think you're the 'evil' heir of Slytherin.

This past year sucked. Harriet was ignored, glared at and quite frankly insulted by nearly everyone at school. Granted, talking to a snake wasn't her best idea ever. But what would she have to gain from opening the Chamber of Secrets and petrifying Muggleborns? Hell, one of her best friends was a muggleborn. Of course, it was only after Hermione got petrified that everyone started to realize she wasn't the heir. Actually that wasn't true. Not everyone thought that she was the heir. Professor Snape was probably the only one beside Hermione who had openly defended her against the accusation. The man may have insulted her magical abilities in her defense, but he clearly believed that she didn't do it. For that, Harriet was grateful. Even though Professor Snape hated Gryffindors and had ignored Harriet since she arrival at Hogwarts, Professor Snape was the only teacher who was honest with her. He disliked her and made that know but at least he was honest.

After she sent Hedwig to Ron's house, Harriet rushed down Privet Drive, dragging her trunk behind her. All Harriet wanted to do was to get to the Leaky Cauldron and sleep the rest of the night, but had no freaking clue about how she was going to get there. Just as she saw what looked like a creature walk out into the street a good 30 meters in front of her, the door to a house opened.

"Harriet?" Mrs. Figg asked, her little eyes squinting as she stared at the petit Gryffindor. "Get in here, girl. Quickly. Before someone sees you."

Well, Harriet thought, She's better than the Dursleys. Harriet ran into the house and Mrs. Figg shut the door behind her. A howl filled the night that caused a shiver to go down Harriet's spine.

"Dear," spoke Mrs. Figg as Harriet ripped her head around to look at her. "Why on earth are you outside at night?"

"Well… you see…" Harriet started, trying to think of a way to explain to the muggle why she ran away from Privet Drive.

"Harriet, you can tell me the truth. I'm a squib, dear. "

"A squib?!" Exclaimed Harriet. As the old woman nodded, Harriet thought of her options. If she told Mrs. Figg about blowing up Aunt Marge, she would probably send her back. If she didn't tell Mrs. Figg about Aunt Marge, she would still send her back. Shrugging, Harriet started to explain what happened, not leaving out a single detail. By the end of her explanation, ending with seeing a strange figure in the road, Mrs. Figg stood up and shuffled towards her fireplace.

She has a Floo? Harriet speculated. The older woman grabbed the powder and throw it into the fireplace, saying.

"Albus Dumbledore."

In the green flames, the headmaster's head emerged.

"Yes, Arabella? How many I help you?"

"Albus, Harriet's accidental magic has caused her to inflate her aunt. With what occurred last week, I think it would be best for her to go with you. There is something strange on my street and I don't want her back home with an angry and confused Vernon." At Mrs. Figg's words, Harriet's heart warmed. An adult actually cared for Harriet's safety. She could hardly believe it.

"I see. Well, if you could send Miss Potter through, I'm sure she could stay in the Gryffindor dorms for the rest of the summer. Thank you, Arabella." With that the flames lower and returned to their normal coloring.

"Ok dear, have you flooed before?" Mrs. Figg asked.

"Yes Ma'am. Thank you for your help."

"Don't worry about it, dear. Have a good summer."

"You too."

I hear that they're getting closer. Oh how they send the chills down my spine.

Severus

Professor Severus Snape was not a happy man. In fact, he was known as snarky, witty, strict, cold, harsh bastard. The dour man took his job as Hogwarts Potion Master extremely seriously. He knew, far better than his predecessor, that potion making was a delicate art form than could easily cause a healing potion to become a fatal poison. Not that his dunderhead of students realized that. It was a miracle that no one has died or become disfigured. Of course, the best way to make sure little to no fatal accidents occurred in his classroom was to scare the living shit out of his students. And honestly, he enjoyed doing it. Watching his more rebellious students flinch and cower under his gaze insured the peace required to make good potions.

Thus, when Severus was interrupted by the Headmaster from making the precious Wolfsbane potion at the request of the Headmaster, he was not a happy man. Albus' phoenix patronus entered his personal lab as he finished the last stir for the potion.

"Severus, I know that you are busy but I must ask that you come to my office as soon as you are available." Albus' voice left his patronus and the silvery phoenix dissolved. Sneering, Severus placed a stabilizing spell on the potion and stalked out of his lab.

As he moved swiftly out of his dungeons, his mind wondered. The painful memory of emerald green eyes, the traitorous sound of a delicate laugh, the horrible sight of an angel. He shook his head to clear it.

She's dead. His disloyal conscious thought, It's your fault she's dead and there is nothing you can do to bring her back.

"Be quiet." The professor hissed under his breath. As the cape of his robes bellowed behind him, the man marched to the Headmaster's tower. He banished the thoughts of Lily from his mind.

"Chocolate frogs." Severus forced out as the gargoyle moved to the side to allow the Potion Master's entry.

"Albus," Spoke Severus as he opened the office door. "Do you have any idea of what could have possible have happened if you had contacted me five minutes earlier? That oh so important potion that I'm making at your demand would be completely ruined." He was lying, Wolfsbane was actually a fairly easy for a Potion Master at his level to make but wasting good ingredients was sin in Severus' eyes. Besides, Albus' potion making skills were dreadful, near Neville Longbottom's level. Making Albus sweat a little was another one of Severus' greatest pastimes.

"I am sorry, Severus but a little situation arose that requires our attention."

"What situation?" Severus groaned out and pinched the bridge of his large nose. Not even a second later, Albus' floo roared to life and Severus stared into those emerald eyes that have his haunted his life since his fifth year at Hogwarts.

"Severus, due to some unfortunate events, Miss Potter shall be spending the rest of her summer with us. And since Minerva is currently visiting her family, I believe that Miss Potter could use your watchful eye. If you would, please escort her to her dorm while I contact the Ministry?" Albus' eyes twinkled and Severus responded with a glare. Knowing that since the girl was here and Black had escaped his incarceration, Severus couldn't refuse, especially with his vow to protect her.

"Of course, Albus." Severus drawled as his gaze shifted to the girl. She stared back and nodded slightly to him. Miss Potter's silence wasn't a shock to him. She was a quiet girl, unless completely provoked. She kept to herself and her friends and that was it. You'd think for a celebrity; the girl would be basking in her fame. Instead, Miss Potter kept to herself, with some type of defense book covering her face. Unlike Miss Granger, who studied so she could retain her title as the most insufferable know-it-all in all of Hogwarts' history, Miss Potter studied what she needed to study for school, did better than most on the practical portion of Hogwarts' curriculum, and read as a pastime. Miss Potter wasn't loud and didn't strut down the halls in an arrogant manner, like Potter had. Nor did she socialize happily with everyone one in Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, like Lily had. The girl was an enigma. She wasn't her father and sadly, she wasn't her mother.

"Come." Severus stated shortly, levitating the girl's trunk for her. They left the office.

Even with his long strides and fast pace, Miss Potter kept up with him. In their silence, he analyzed her. She appeared far skinner than she did at the end of last year, and she was skinny enough to begin with. Her ugly, round glasses, which blocked a clear view of her beautiful eyes, had smug lenses. Her clothes looked like they belonged to a baby elephant and were covered in dirt. The shirt she wore could easily become a dress on her petit figure and her jeans appeared to be rolled up at least five times so they wouldn't drag on the floor. Her black hair, which had grown down to her waist over the summer, was pulled up into a messy bun. Her hair shocked Severus when he first saw her during her sorting. He had expectant it to be either a short, rat's nest like Potter's was or wavy and red, like Lily's. Instead her hair was long black waves that curled slightly at the end. Now, her hair looked as greasy as his after making a complex and highly toxic poison. And Severus didn't like the sight of the large purple bruise on the back of her neck. In fact, the bruise appeared to be in the shape of a hand.

"Miss Potter," He said in a low, silky baritone. She raised her eyes to meet his.

"Yes, Professor?"

"Care to explain your situation to me?" He expected her to say nothing so he was surprised when she started talking.

"Well, Aunt Marge came earlier this week. She doesn't like me very much and her dog, Ripper, likes to chase me around like a baby hellhound. So this past week I kept my head down and did my usual chores; made breakfast, gardened, repainted the shed, repainted the fence, made lunch, made dinner, cleaned the bathroom, changed the sheets, etc. Then at dinner tonight, Aunt Marge drank a little too much and she started to insult Mum and Dad. I got angry. I promise you, Professor, I didn't have my wand. Aunt Petunia locked all of my stuff like my wand and trunk in my cupboard. Aunt Marge just inflated like a balloon and started floating away. Uncle Vernon," The girl flinched, "He demanded that I change her back and he made a grab for me. He got me but then he froze like a statue and I got out of there with my stuff. Aunt Petunia was yelling at me to never come back and I honestly don't want to. I ran and Mrs. Figg found me. Now I'm here."

They had stopped walking half way through her speech. Severus looked at her, at her pale gaunt face, her filthy exterior, her bruised neck. Her eyes met his and he knew without using legilimens that she was telling the truth. Anger coursed through him

"Miss Potter," Severus spoke carefully and removed a pain relief potion from bottom-less bag that he always carried with him. "You will drink the potion then go to sleep in your dorm. Before breakfast, you are to meet me at the infirmary. I would like Madam Pomfrey to look you over." His voice left no room for argument. She nodded.

Severus Snape was not a happy man, especially when the girl, that he vowed to protect for Lily, was hurt.

I wish I wasn't always cold. I wish I wasn't always alone.

Harriet

The 3rd year Gryffindor dorms felt as empty as they looked. Professor Snape, using his position as a Head of House, walked up the stairs with her, moved her trunk next to her bed, and left the dorm. Parvarti and Lavender's side of the room looked bare without the mess of clothes that covered their side of the floor. Hermione's bedside table seemed naked with her plies of books. Harriet sighed, feeling lonelier than she did in her cupboard. At least there, she had her pet spiders.

"I wished I hadn't sent Hedwig off to Ron's." Harriet mumbled as she unpacked. While she disparately wanted to take that potion Professor Snape gave her, the thought of a nice long bath won in the long run.

The tub was at the perfect temperature, a little hot at first but flawlessly warm on Harriet's muscles as she soaked. Luckily, Lavender had left her toiletries in the dorm again. While Harriet didn't particular like the smell on sugary vanilla, her hair felt fantastic after the thorough scrub. Once she was certain she had washed every part of her body clean, she got out of the bath.

Harriet dressed for bed and glanced at the potion that she left on her bedside table. The brief thought of Snape poisoning her flashed in her head before she quickly sent it flying. Why on Earth would Professor Snape poison her when the Headmaster was still at school and leave evidence that she was poisoned?

"Besides, if he wanted to kill me, he would have done it years ago." Harriet said as she uncapped the potion. Even after the first sip, Harriet could feel the pain from her bruises lessen. Placing the empty bottle and her glasses on the little table, Harriet laid wet hair on her pillow. A sense of calm, peace, and comfort swept over her as the potion toke affect. For the first time since she left Hogwarts last June, Harriet slept like a baby.

Heading to the hospital wing rarely lead to a good outcome for Harriet. Madam Pomfrey was a fanatic witch and very grandmotherly to Harriet but Harriet had been to infirmary so often that there is a bed that said 'Harriet's Bed' on it. Professor Snape was already there when she arrived. He glared at the closed doors as if they had personally insulted him by not opening upon his arrival.

Harriet couldn't help but examine the man. He was tall, significantly taller than almost everyone at Hogwarts, sans Hagrid. His jet black hair was shoulder length and shined in the low light. His pale feature seemed chiseled into him, making him look both younger and older at the same time. Even his large nose, which many taunted and teased him for, fit his face to the point where trying to picture a different nose on him just seemed wrong. The black and gray that filled his eyes were cold and calculating. His black robes remind Harriet of Mr. Darcy from the Pride and Prejudice Movie that Aunt Petunia left on the telly once. The amount of buttons that covered his body must be a pain to do up every day. However, she knew that her Professor's robes protected him from the painful results of student made potion explosions.

Honestly, Harriet would say that he wasn't the handsomest man in England. But he was tall, dark, and imposing. He had character. And it did help that he had probably the best, most entrapping, most siren like voice Harriet had ever heard. One word completely hooked the listener in, entrancing the victim until well after he was finished speaking-

"Miss Potter." That baritone voice rang against the silent castle walls. Harriet jumped and blushed slightly at her train of thought.

"Good morning, Professor. Thank you for the potion." She said. He nodded to her.

"Madam Pomfrey should arrive any moment now. Professor McGonagall is currently visiting her relatives but has decided to arrive after lunch to figure out why her Quidditch star," Harriet blushed again at the silently praise and mock. "has found herself in the infirmary, again." The amount of sarcasm that he added into the last part of his sentence made Harriet smile slightly. One thing that Harriet hated about Gryffindors was their lack of wit and sarcastic humor. Ron's Gryffindor like jokes, for a lack of a better word, were vulgar and rude with little to no meaning what so ever. Harriet could only see the humor in fart jokes so many times before they got old. And they got old very quickly. And Hermione, with all of her brilliance, had the humor of a piece of cardboard.

"Yes, Sir. Sir, I have a question."

"What is it?" He snapped out, as if her questions were an inconvenience to him.

"Besides homework, would there be any way for me to review or advance my studies? It may seem like a strange question but with Vol- "He glared at her. "I mean You-Know-Who after me, I would feel better if I could protect myself in the future." She finished quickly.

The Potion Master stared at her, the shock evident in his eyes. Yes, she wasn't the smartest girl amongst the 3rd years (That title belonged to Hermione). Yes, she liked to procrastinate. But meeting the basilisk and stabbing Tom Riddle's diary last year was a sign for Harriet to get her arse in gear. Voldemort wanted her dead and he would stop at nothing to get her. And while Harriet would describe her life as short, miserable, and shitty, she wanted to live. She wanted a better life for herself. God dammit, she just wanted to be happy.

"Very well." Professor Snape answered after a minute. Harriet's eyes widen at his agreement.

"Thank you very much, Sir."

"After lunch, Professor McGonagall and I will draw up a schedule-" The infirmary wing opened. In the light stood Madam Poppy Pomfrey, a short, older woman in light blue Healer robes with an apron over it.

"Severus, sorry for the wait. I was- Miss Potter?! My dear girl, you look like you lost another stone! Go sit on your bed. I'll be there in a minute." Madam Pomfrey ordered. Just as Harriet was about to pass her, the matron gently pulled the girl into her arms. Harriet sank into the hug and resisted the urge to cry. She treasured Madam Pomfrey's hugs. God, she had missed older nurse so much. The two separated and as Harriet moved towards her bed, she heard Madam Pomfrey ask,

"Severus, what the bloody hell did those Muggles do to her?"

"I don't know, Poppy. I don't know."

You'll be dancing once again and the pain will end.

Severus

The adults watched the young Gryffindor walk to her bed. The fact that she had her own bed in the hospital wing didn't surprise Severus as much as it made him angry. Thinking back, it was hard to remember a time when the girl wasn't in danger. Hell, the entire fucking castle had trap-doors and hidden tricks that could easily kill any Muggle-raised student, let alone Lily Evans' daughter. It was bloody hard to protect someone when their curiosity out beat that of a cat's.

"Severus?" Poppy's voice shattered his train of thought.

"Yes, Poppy?" He asked politely, seeming as she was one of the few colleagues he actual enjoyed spending his valuable time with.

"What did you notice?" Poppy was also one of the few who knew the full report of the abuse his drunk, bastard of a father conflicted on him and his mother. She comforted him when he disparately needed it during his school years, especially when the Marauders were allowed free reign of the school. Poppy knew how many scars littered his back, why his nose was broken multiple times and the reason he bore the Dark Mark. Between her and Minerva, the two elder witches had become a great comfort to him since Lily's passing. Poppy now turned to him for his analyses of Lily's daughter.

"Miss Potter appears to be malnourished. The outfit she wore yesterday was far too large for a girl as small as her. She was also filthy last night. She lacks the normal tan students obtain from the summer. I wouldn't be surprised if she was only let outside in order to do her chores," He growled out the words. While he had no problem with guardians asking children for assistance in harder labor, the girl looked and nearly said that she performed the heavy labor by herself. Severus concluded that the girl was treated like a slave by her family. Thus he established that Miss Potter, the Girl-Who-Lived was abused. "Also, check for injuries. There was an ugly bruise on the back of her neck last night. I would have healed it but I doubt she would have been comfortable with it. She had a pain potion last night so she should be ready for another dose."

Poppy nodded in understanding. While Severus qualified as the Assistant Healer of Hogwarts, he only performed that duty when it was absolutely necessary. Perhaps if Harriet was a boy, he would have healed her right away but it would make Harriet very uncomfortable if her 30-year-old male professor had to heal her.

"Floo me what potions you require." With that, Severus turned and marched down to his quarters. Upon entry into his quarters, Severus leaned back on his door. There goes his preparation time for the school year. Now he would have to teach that blasted girl defense because he didn't trust anyone else to teach her as far as he could throw them. Fucking hell. Then Severus glanced at his desk, saw the finished potion and groaned. Right, the fucking werewolf was going to be teaching this year. And surely it was only a coincidence that the month Black escaped Azkaban, Lupin decided to teach DADA. Coincidence, his arse.

"Severus?" Minerva's voice escaped from his fireplace. "May I come through?"

"Like that's ever stopped you before."

"Well then." And the Head of Gryffindor entered the Head of Slytherin's quarters. She patted the ashes off her clothes and turned to her younger colleague.

"Where is Harriet?" She asked, her Scottish brogue coming through, the worry evident in her voice.

"With Poppy. The girl isn't going back. I didn't even look her over completely and I didn't like what I saw. Providentially, she was only filthy, underweight and bruised. No other signs were obvious. However, we'll only know the rest after Poppy's full report. Which leads me to my next question. Care to explain how we never found out about this sooner? And what the flying fuck Albus was thinking hiring that bloody wolf?"

"Language, Severus. Albus hired Remus before Black escaped. It is only a coincidence."

"Like hell it is."

"Severus, please. I-, well I, … I didn't see the signs. I should have sent her to Poppy the moment she got off the train. She was so small but with girls it isn't that uncommon. Lily was petit for her age."

"I remember." He sneered. "But Lily never had a bruised that looked like a large man's hand at the age of 13. And the way Miss Potter looked and explained the experience seemed like this isn't the first time this occurred." Minerva sighed but nodded at his reasoning.

"She'll become my ward. I won't fail her again." Minerva said, the determination in her voice. Severus smirked, knowing that there was no one who can stop a determined Minerva McGonagall. Not even the great Albus Dumbledore tried to stop the lioness when she was resolute.

"Another thing, Miss Potter has expressed an interest in training to protect herself." Minerva's eyes widen at that.

"Really?"

"Indeed. Thus, I request that you allow me to tutor her until her fifth year. Then I'll apprentice her until she graduates. By then she'll as ready as she can be for the Dark Lord." And maybe she could break that God damn curse off of the Defense position so he didn't have to deal with incompetent baboons.

"Alright. Shall we head up to the hospital wing?" Minerva asked, eager to see her new ward. Severus held out his elbow and the Transfiguration Mistress linked her arm through as he grabbed his emergency medical potions. As he escorted his senior colleague to the Girl-Who-Lived, Severus could feel her nerves. Minerva was upset with herself, and rightly so. Hell, he was upset with himself for not seeing the signs sooner. But Miss Potter acted in a very Slytherin like manner to hid the abuse. She had said nothing, had shown no reaction to pain. The only reason Severus knew about the bruise and likely other bruises on her body was because the girl had tied her hair back. Obviously, Miss Potter learned early on that saying nothing was safer than saying anything at all. Just like he had.

"Minerva, how would like her schedule to be?" He asked. Minerva pondered for a moment then asked,

"How far along is she on her homework?"

"From what I could gather, her dear aunt and uncle locked everything she had from school in her cupboard." He emphasized the 'her' greatly. The way Miss Potter said 'my cupboard' made Severus wonder why he detected longing in her words.

"Her cupboard?" The Scotswoman asked. Severus smirked at her quick caught. The woman really should have been a Ravenclaw. Or Slytherin for that matter.

"Yes, her cupboard. At any rate, we'll find out the truth from Poppy soon. I assume you have the emergency paperwork in your desk drawer?" Minerva nodded sadly. He too had the dreaded piece of paperwork. It was the Wizarding Child Services Emergency Ward paperwork. Only the Head of Houses had them and they were only used when a student's disparately needed refuge from their home. Or if they were completely and utterly orphaned. The Dark Lord's war had led to many emergency wards from all of the houses. Unfortunately for Severus, Slughorn believed that only in using the paperwork when the student had no one other living relative. And as Severus' shitty luck would have it, the drunk bastard who sired him died two weeks after Severus' 17th birthday.

"We'll sign it after lunch." Minerva stated.

"No, we go to your office now and get them. Albus will be back by one. He cares too much about those idiotic blood wards. This way, not even Albus-Too-Many-Fucking-Names-For-His-Own-Good-Dumbledore can stop it." Minerva didn't even try to chastise him for his cursing. She was probably saying the same thing in her head.

After their quick detour, the pair arrived at the hospital wing. Minerva entered first and rushed over to the girl's bedside.

"Professor McGonagall, how are you?" Miss Potter asked her Transfiguration professor as Minerva approached her. Severus saw the slight shaking in Minerva's shoulders, her silent struggle to keep the tears and anger back. Minerva wrapped her arms around the girl and he watched as Miss Potter clutched the woman back just as tightly.

"I'm well, Miss Potter. I'm more worried about you." Miss Potter raised her head away from Minerva's shoulder.

"Don't worry, Professor. Madam Pomfrey said that I would be as right as rain when school starts. There's nothing to worry about. I'm fine. I'm sorry you had to leave your vacation early."

"Nonsense, it's no trouble at all." The older woman drew the girl back into a hug. "You are far more important." She whispered, the silence in the palpable. The pregnant pause remained until a hick up sound. Then another, and another. Until Miss Potter's façade shattered and the tears fell gently and near inaudibly onto Minerva's shoulder's. Severus stood near the threshold for a moment longer, watching the lioness comfort her injured cub. Poppy, who had gone to her office to examine Miss Potter's report, exited her office and caught Severus' eye. He nodded and swiftly entered Poppy's office.

Severus hated abuse cases. Selfishly, he hated them because they brought back memories that he had buried deep behind his mental shield. Selflessly, he hated them because he hated to see another child suffer like he had. This hatred for child abuse manifested in what Poppy liked to call his "Guardian Angel" persona, the ridiculous name that it was. Poppy insisted that because of him and his keen eye, he found more abuse cases than any other professor at Hogwarts. Severus found that statistic to be far-fetched but he hadn't bothered to check Poppy's records to find if it held veritable.

Poppy's face held far more anger and sadness than Severus had seen in the past 13 years. Wordlessly, she rounded her desk, reached into a drawer and pulled out- was that the bottle of Firewhiskey she had gotten from Rolanda three years ago? Poppy transfigured two napkins into low, glass cups and handed him Miss Potter's report. Severus Occluded, preparing himself for what he was about to read. The attempt was futile.

Miss Harriet Potter, Age 13, D.O.B 7/31/1980, House of Gryffindor

Height and Weight: 144 cm, 38.55 kg.

Past Injuries

Malnutrition: Consistent from 1981-1990. Repeated again during summers of 1991, 1992, and 1993. Caused underdevelopment of growth by two years.

Breaks and Sprains since 1981: Right arm- 4 breaks (Caused by blunt force). Left arm: 2 breaks, 1 sprain, 1 completely loss of bones in arm due Quidditch accident. *

Cracked Ribs since 1981: 5 (Caused by blunt force)

Concussions since 1981: 6 (Caused by blunt force. Maybe hindering eyesight)

Scaring since 1981: Entire back (believed to be inflicted by belt or rope). Left arm scar cause by Basilisk tooth. * Cursed scar on forehead.

Sexual Abuse: None.

Current Injuries

Bruising around neck, week old dog bite on left hip bone, and malnutrition.

*= Injury was healed by current Hogwarts Healer, Madam Poppy Pomfrey

Severus felt it roaring inside him before Poppy yelled at him to stop. His powerful magic, if he did say so himself, held very close ties to his emotions. Thus, to have perfect control over his emotions, and his magic, Severus taught himself Occlumency at the young age of 15. So when Severus regained control, he saw the damage he caused to Poppy's office. Paper was everywhere, furniture toppled over, and Poppy's ink bottle crashed into her, leaving black ink in her hair. His anger and magic caused a mini tornado in the hospital wing. Oops.

"Well, now that you let that out of your system, would kindly fix my office?" Poppy said, her glare reminding him of horrible of when he was a little first year.

"Mea culpa, Poppy." With that, Severus flicked his wand. The room returned to its original status.

"At least you didn't destroy my Firewhiskey. I dare say we both need a glass." She filled her glass to the rim, drank about half of it before she poured him his glass. He downed it in a gulp. Poppy capped the bottle and was about to tuck it way.

"Leave it out, Minerva will want some."

"If I do that, I'll lose half a bottle."

"Tough. If you think you can hide liquor from Minerva after reading that report, you're bat shit crazy."

"I can still wash out your mouth with soap, young man."

"I'd like to see you try."

I can fake a smile. I can force a laugh.

Harriet

Harriet must have cried herself to sleep on Professor McGonagall's shoulder, because when she came to she was lying on her bed with Professor Snape sitting in the chair next to her bed. Maybe he hadn't noticed her wake up. Maybe she could close her eyes and-

"I know you're up, Miss Potter." God dammit. She sat up and looked to her professor.

"Hello, Professor. Where's Professor McGonagall?"

"In Madam Pomfrey's office." They stayed silent for a moment before-

"Professor?"

"What?"

"Is the new Defense professor going to train me?"

"Absolutely not. That man couldn't train his way out of a paper bag." Harriet giggled at the sarcasm but was a little confused by why he sneered extra hard when he said man.

"Is he at least better than Lockhart?"

"Only marginal so."

"Fantastic." Harriet's eyes widened slightly when the stoic man smirked at her words. Of course, it was gone within a second but it was nice to know that Professor Snape didn't completely have a heart of ice.

"As for training, in the morning, you will be with Professor McGonagall in her office to complete your assignments. At 11:00, you shall arrive at the dungeons for remedial potions. I except far more Outstandings this year, Miss Potter." She nodded very quickly in agreement. "We shall then head to the Great Hall for lunch. Post lunch, I shall train you in the Darks Arts and how to defend against them. I will not go easy on you, Miss Potter. You are young, but the Dark Lord doesn't care about your age. You stand his way and he will stop at nothing to see you dead at his feet." Professor Snape finished darkly.

Harriet knew that the professor was right. But she really wished that he wasn't. She didn't know what she wanted to be when she grew up, but she was certain that she didn't want to be 'KIA by Lord Voldemort'.

"Afterwards, you shall have free time with Professor McGonagall or myself before dinner. After dinner, I'll leave that up between you and Minerva."

"Ok, Sir. Sir, may I play Quidditch?"

"You may not." He held up his hand to stop her protest. "Due to your situation, I'll excuse your ignorance. However, a murder has escaped Azkaban. A murder by the name of Sirius Black." He stated the name with such venom and hatred that Harriet nearly felt bad for the murder if he made Professor Snape hate him that much.

"What did he do?" Harriet asked softly, afraid of the answer. Professor Snape sighed before replying,

"As a way to protect themselves, your parents went into hiding under the Fidileus charm. This charm protects the home to only allow the secret keeper to known the address of the home. Sirius Black was your parents' secret keeper. He gave their address to the Dark Lord. After this, he killed 13 muggles and your father's friend, Peter Pettigrew. Due to his escape, the Ministry has ordered Dementors, are you familiar with them?" Harriet nodded grimly, remembering the passage she about them read in Fred and George's Defense book from their third year. "They are stationed around Hogwarts perimeter. Black wants you, Miss Potter. He wants to finish what his master started."

"I see. Thank you for telling me." Her blood ran cold at the words. The man who sold her parents out, who left them to be lambs in a slaughter, was out of prison and wanted her. No, she wouldn't let that happened. No way in hell would she let that happen. Let the soul-suckers get him for all she cared. Hell, let Professor Snape get him. The man seemed ready to kill the murder and she would glad help the Potion Master complete the job.

"I take it, Miss Potter, that you don't want to return that house?"

"Not if I could help it."

"Good."

"Why, sir?"

"Because you are going to become a ward of Gryffindor." Professor McGonagall interrupted. The two elder witches exited the office and walked towards the occupied bed. Professor Snape made to stand up but Professor McGonagall shook her head to stop him. She conjured two chairs on either side of the cold man and the witches sat down.

"Aren't I already one?"

"Let me explain." Her Head of House started. She cleared her throat. "Your health shows that your previous home life was abusive. Yes, Miss Potter, that family abused you, there is no denying it. I have the power of becoming a guardian to students who either have no living family members or who have an abusive home life. This means, if you choose so, you shall be my ward and live with me during your summer holidays."

"No Dursleys?" Harriet couldn't believe it. But the looks on all of their faces rang the words true. Professor Snape and Madam kept quite as Professor McGonagall nodded.

"Yes, Harriet." She flung herself in to Professor McGonagall's arms.

"Thank you so much, Professor. Thank you so, so much." Harriet whispered out as she started to cry again. Dammit, why couldn't she stop crying? Was this what it was like to feel a little love? After a minute, they separated and the woman pulled out a sheet of paperwork from her robe.

"After you sign the paperwork, you may call me Minerva." Profess- Err, Minerva said. Harriet nodded, read it over and signed her name. Minerva then signed her name. Magic shifted around the two, sealing the ward bond between the pair. It was done.

Forgive, sounds good. Forget, I'm not sure I could. They say time heals everything, but I'm still waiting.

Severus

Hormones and tears were two of the unfortunate effects of puberty that Severus hated to deal with. Luckily, his colleagues were masters at administering comfort to the New Ward of Gryffindor. Before today, he didn't know it was possible for someone that small to cry so many tears. He kept his face neutral during the signing, knowing that if he so much as glared he would be on Minerva's bad side for the summer. Thankfully, it was Poppy who suggested that Miss Potter needed nourishment.

"Splendid idea, Poppy! Come, Harriet. Let's go to the Great Hall. Severus, will you come with us?" Minerva asked, the happiness and mischief shining in her eyes. Why on earth was there mischief in- Oh, Albus said he was going to be back by lunch. There was no way in hell Severus was going to miss Minerva ripping Albus a new one. Severus raised his arm to Minerva, who accepted it. The adults turned to Miss Potter, but a screen shielded her from their view. Severus growled when Minerva's hand covered his eyes. Honestly, who did she think he was, a pedophile?

"Oh hush, you." The Scotswoman said, but her hand remained. Moments passed before the rustle of the screen alerted them that the girl was finished and the hand dropped. The Matron and Transfiguration Mistress had given the girl classic black robes that covered mint green summer dress. He glanced at Miss Potter's trainers. They looked as if they went through Hell and back. Why do I have a feeling I'm going to regret this? While his transfiguration wasn't at Minerva's level, it was significantly better than the average wizard's. Removing his wand, Severus transfigured the ugly and dead trainers into sleek, black flats. Snapping her head up, Miss Potter stared at him. Green eyes, those painful, beautiful green eyes gazed into the stormy, cold black eyes.

"Well, have fun. I have to stay here today. Miss Potter, at lunch you will start your potion regiment. Before breakfast, lunch and dinner until the beginning of term, you will drink the potions that appear in front of you." Poppy ordered. The blasted girl nodded, her eyes remaining on his person. She didn't blush, she didn't move, she didn't speak. She stared at him, transfixed in his gaze. He broke away first.

"Come along, Miss Potter." His voice trembling but resolute. Severus offered his other arm to the Girl-Who-Lived-To-Give-Him-Trouble. Her small, pale arm wrapped around his, her grip surprisingly strongly for such an underdeveloped girl. As they preceded out of the wing, he glanced back his fellow Slytherin. Poppy was smirking back at him. Bitch, how dare she abandon him with a pair of lions? He'll get even later. After a strong cup of coffee.

The ghosts believed that interrupting the trio's precession to the Great Hall would not anger Severus. They were wrong. Very, very wrong.

"Miss Harriet! How do you-"

"Goodbye, Friar."

"Harriet, my princess, how my heart longs-"

"Nicholas, leave before I sew your head back on and your mouth shut."

"Oh, little Baby Potty is playing dress up- Oh, Professor Sir. Peeves is sorry, Sir. Please stop glaring at Peeves, Sir!" Well, at least the poltergeist knew when he was in a bad mood. The Gryffindors at his side smothered their laughs into giggles. Great, now he was a source of amusement. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Ah. Finally, the Great Hall. Minerva unwrapped her arm and motioned the Potion Master and his student to remain.

"Wait here for a moment." With that, the older witch called upon her magic and the grand, old door flung back against the walls. Miss Potter yelped and shifted her weight closer to his person, her grip of his arm tightening. Minerva's magic had formed an angry aura around the woman, something Miss Potter hadn't witnessed before. Thus, her fright was understandable. Hopefully by the ending her training, Miss Potter could do that and more.

"Albus Dumbledore! I warned you! I bloody warned you! Did I not say that those were worst Muggles I had ever observed! Did I not say that they wouldn't treat the girl right! You're a fool! A blasted, stubborn fool!" The lioness roared. Impressive, Minerva had rendered the staff stupid, scared and frozen in fear. Albus sat in his throne, the shock evident in his eyes. Did Albus really think Minerva wouldn't act like a mama lion when one of her cubs was injured?

"Now Minnie-"

"Don't you Minnie me, Albus. You are lucky that Harriet is still alive. Those damn Muggles would have killed here. And if they had, it would be on your head!"

"Minerva, the blood wards-"

"Are rendered useless if she isn't even protected from her blood family. They don't matter now anyway. She is my ward, Albus. And she isn't going back. Am. I. Clear?" Minerva glared at her boss, her friend, her teacher. The older wizard sighed but nodded. Good, Albus knew when to accept defeat. Apparently you could teach old dogs new tricks. Speaking of dogs, Severus glared up at the rugged and shabby looking man who was ogling the girl at his side. Had he no shame? Apparently not. Lupin's gaze caused the girl to shift even closer to his side, flinching under the wolf's intense gaze.

"Is he the new professor?" She whispered up to him. Severus nodded.

"Unfortunately. His name is Remus Lupin." The girl snorted.

"Wow, named after the brother of Romulus and his last name means wolf. His parents must of loved Italy." Severus smirked at her sarcasm. Haven't even started her training and she was already picking up details. Perhaps training her will be easier than he thought.

"He looks ill." Miss Potter commented.

"Indeed."

"Will he be able to teach us dealing? He looks ready to kill over." Well, the full moon last night certainly did nothing to improve Lupin's scared appearance.

"If only he would." Severus mumbled under his breath and escorted the girl up to the staff table. He pulled out her seat, then sat on her left side, blocking Lupin's view of her. Minerva sat on Miss Potter's right side, having properly chastised Albus to the point that his mood changing robes were now a dull gray. Filius, sitting on his stack of books, greeted him with a nod and smiled at Miss Potter. Pomona and Irma waved at the child as Rolonda shouted,

"Potter, you ready for next season?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Good lass." Hagrid smiled and spoke out,

"Harry, how's yer summer goin'?" Severus cringed at the butchering of the Queen's English. Miss Potter smiled sadly but replied,

"Good. How about you?"

"Great! Did ya get me package yet?"

"Package?"

"For yer birthday."

"Oh, no. Not yet. I'm probably get it tomorrow."

"Good!" Lupin started coughing obnoxiously loud, as if he wanted someone to include him in the conversation. If only he would choke on something. Perhaps then Severus could get a good night's sleep with worrying about a rampaging werewolf. Miss Potter glance at the wolf then turned to her plate. Light chicken soup appeared with the nutrition potion. She drank it down quickly, grimaced at the taste, and sipped her water. Severus started to eat his salad, savoring the healthy taste of arugula and steak.

"And who might the young lady be, Severus?" How dare Lupin use his given name in such a casual manner. They were most certainly not friends. He glared back at the roughly dressed man and was very pleased to see Lupin recoil back.

"Remus, this is my new ward, Harriet Potter. I believe you already know her." Minerva replied. Miss Potter laughed at Lupin's impersonation of owl.

"But, but, she looks nothing like James." Way to go, Lupin. Keep sticking your foot in your mouth. Miss Potter looked disturbed and offended by his words.

"No, I don't. Just because I have his coloring and poor eyesight doesn't mean I'm my father." Miss Potter said, her voice clear and cutting.

"Of course not," Lupin backpedaled. "But when you were a baby, you looked just like him."

"You knew me as a baby?" The girl raised an eyebrow.

"Of course, I was one of your father's best friends." Miss Potter's eyes turned icy. Severus smirked while the rest of the staff kept silent. Albus was shaking his head, probably knowing where the conversation was leading.

"If you were one of my father's best friends, why have I never met you before? And why come now, Professor Lupin? Why not my first year?" She asked. Lupin shuttered, trying to figure out a way to answer without getting himself thrown out. Severus prayed that his tongue would slip and tell the staff that he was a werewolf.

"Harriet dear, Professor Lupin has a condition that didn't allow him to visit you as often as he wanted to. Perhaps Professor Lupin would be willing to tell you some stories about your father." Albus jumped in, rescuing Lupin from further embarrassment. Pity, he enjoyed watching Lupin make a complete fool out of himself.

"Yes, of course I would." Lupin leaped in like the eager animal that he was. Miss Potter looked unamused.

"Well, you'll have to find a time, Remus. Harriet is starting her studies and her Defense training tomorrow. She'll be quite busy until term." Minerva stated, as she frowned at her former cub.

"Perhaps tea tomorrow, Harriet?" Lupin asked enthusiastically, disregarding Minerva's comment.

"I can't. Professor Snape is starting my Defense tutoring tomorrow. I refuse to miss a moment of it." Severus had to pinch himself to stop himself from laughing at Lupin's fish-like expression. The irony wasn't lost on him either. Oh no, Severus realized the irony very quickly. James Potter's daughter wanted to tutor with him, Severus Snape, instead of hearing outlandish Marauders fables.

"Maybe Professor Lupin could assist Severus in Harriet's tutoring?" Albus suggested. What the hell was the manipulative old fool trying to do now? Before he could say how absolutely idiotic and prosperous the idea was, Miss Potter interjected in a cold tone.

"With all due respect, Headmaster, I would rather have Professor Snape tutor me. Professor Lupin is entering his first year of teaching with a group of students who will have very low expectations for him." She turned her head towards Lupin. "Believe me, Professor, your time will be much better spent trying to prepare for your classes. Besides, Professor Snape has been here for the last 12 years. It would be miracle if you survive your first. Surely you know about the curse on your position?" Well played, Miss Potter. Severus wanted to applaud her. The girl was far smarter than she let on. Lupin looked defeated and glanced at Albus, who did nothing to help his cause.

"Don't worry, Harriet. I plan on staying." She didn't even try to cover her snort.

"I see. Then I suggest you hire a Curse Breaker. I heard Bill Weasely is a fantastic one. The two previous DADA professors disintegrated or lost their mind. I would tread very carefully. The odds aren't in your favor, Professor." She finished her speech. She turned to Head of Gryffindor.

"May I go to the library?" She asked, the soft lightness having returned to her voice.

"Of course, lass. Be back in time for dinner." Minerva replied. The girl set her silverware next to her empty bowl. Irma rose with her and nodded to Minerva, the silent agreement that she would watch over the girl for Minerva evident in her eyes. Minerva smiled back in thanks. Severus watched as the librarian led the Girl-Who-Really-Should-Have-Been-A-Slytherin away. Lupin was glaring at him now, jealously in his eyes. Oh how the tables have turned.

Author's Note: Why is Harriet so short with Remus? Don't worry, Harriet's POV in the next chapter will explain it. Also, how do you guys like my interpretation of Severus Snape? He is my favorite character in the series and I really want to do him justice. Let me know what you think!

-V. I. Winthrop