Dobby won't let Harry go back to Hogwarts because of the 'danger', but when he visits a second time he also sees that Harry is treated similarly to himself, so instead arranges for Harry to transfer to another, smaller wizarding school in the Gloucestershire countryside. Here, Harry grows into the hero he needs, rather than being groomed into Dumbledore's pet.

Mentor!Snape. AU. Grey!Harry.

Chapter 1: Prelude

It had been eight days since Dobby's visit. Eight very long days. The morning after the Mason's dinner party, Uncle Vernon had paid a man to install bars on Harry's bedroom window, as well as installing a small cat-flap in the bottom of Harry's bedroom door. For the last week, other than being let out to go to the bathroom every morning and evening, Harry had been locked in his bedroom around the clock and was starting to think that he might just starve to death by the time anybody realised he had not gone back to school. He mused briefly on the possibility that the Dursley's wouldn't even notice his death until it started to smell.

It was a surprise therefore, when late on Saturday night there was a small 'pop' and Dobby appeared at the end of Harry's bed once more.

"Harry Potter, Sir," the elf said, much more quietly than anything that had been said on his last visit, "Dobby is having a plan. We is leaving here Harry Potter, Sir. Dobby is taking Harry Potter to another school where Harry Potter can be safe from the danger at Hogwarts and from his family too."

Harry, who had been blinking fast to try and rid the sleep from his eyes, opened his eyes wide for a second before nodding quickly at Dobby.

"But all of my things are in the cupboard under the stairs Dobby," he whispered, "can you get them before we go?"

Harry didn't even get a response from the elf before he had disappeared and reappeared with two quiet 'pop's, returning with Harry's trunk and broomstick in tow. Jumping up from the bed quickly, Harry pulled on a baggy jumper from where it lay on the floor and picked up Hedwig's cage. He looked questioningly at the elf, who held out his hand. Harry took it gently and with one final 'pop', he and his belongings disappeared from Privet Drive for the last time.