The 14th of July and already Harry Potter was in a bad shape, barely two weeks after leaving Hogwarts, which at this point in his life was his only safe haven.

Hogwarts, weird name for a place isn't it well that's because it wasn't a normal place .Hogwarts is a place for people that were a little more than ordinary and Harry Potter was not an ordinary Harry Potter was a wizard and he had known this since his 11th birthday when a half-giant came knocking down his door and telling him that he was a wizard.

Harry's relatives, the Dursleys despised anything 'Freakish' and unfortunately for Harry he fit into that as long as he could remember Harry Potter was the Dursley's had to do all the chores around the house, cook all the meals, do all the cleaning and most important of all, pretend he didn't exist….or else.

This year was no different and Harry Potter currently sat in his room, nursing multiply wounds which were a supposedly good bye 'gift' from his Dursley's had packed up and left 3 days ago now but it was not until now that Harry realised he was left all alone locked in this room in a place he would NEVER call home.

A noise sounded from downstairs and Harry bolted upright suddenly more alert than he thought possible in his current noise was heard and Harry moved slowly to his feet fingering his wand in his hand.

The next noise was much closer and Harry barely had any time to react before the door to the room slammed open.

"Harry" a voice whispered from behind a lit wand

Harry was glad for a mere moment a Remus Lupin, Harry's former teacher and his parents friend's head emerged from the darkness but that was gone in a flash as he noted Remus's facial expression and he realised just how bad he must have looked.

Lupin rushed forward reaching desperately for Harry's face but reared back as if he was whipped when Harry flinched.

"Sorry" Remus whispered "What happened?"

Harry shook his head and turned to look out his got the idea and let it go fairly quick yet Harry knew he was just dying to get answers.

"I have to get you to Dumbledore" Lupin continued

Harry nodded and concealed a flinch as Lupin grabbed his shoulder apparating him on the spot.

Dumbledore was very much awake when Remus and Lupin finally flooed into his office after having to apparate to Hogsmeade and then floo from the 3 broomsticks.

"Harry, my dear boy what had has happened to you?" Dumbledore asked the twinkle dead in his blue eyes

"Nothing sir" Harry mumbled in response too ashamed to look at the man after he had trashed his office at the end of the last school year.

"Was it your relatives?" Remus cut in eyeing Harry closely

Harry didn't respond instead choosing to close his eyes and picture himself ten thousand miles away not having this conversation.

Dumbledore cleared his throat bringing Harry to the present "The wards have fallen at Privet drive" He said "And your relatives are nowhere to be found, for your own safety I am sending you to a place called Twisted Oak, it's on the coast in Northern Ireland and is practically witch and wizard free, you will be safe there and there is somebody already there to look after you"

Harry eyed Dumbledore nervously at this last part "Who exactly is there?"

Dumbledore refused to meet Harry's eyes as he replied "Professor Snape"

"Absolutely not" Harry retorted standing up "I do not need to be cared for especially not by that person who couldn't look after a toad"

"Professor Snape is perfectly capable, he too is there for his own protection and you will both be safe"

"What happened to him?" Harry questioned

"In short" Dumbledore answered "His position was compromised and he was left for dead by deatheaters who threw him into a lake after hurting him in nearly every possible way,had he not had is portkey which brought him to a place I could get to him from, he would be dead now"

"How long has he been at Twisted Oak?"

"Three days. he went there after been cleared by Madam Pomfrey, but I am sure he is still sore and needs rest so I expect you to behave Harry" Dumbledore spoke

"I still don't want to go" Harry mumbled

"You have no choice" Dumbledore replied

Harry shot a fleeting glance at Remus who nodded before turning back to Dumbledore and nodding his own head.

"Come then" Dumbledore said beckoning Harry forward "We will return to Hogsmeade before portkeying to Twisted Oak.

Harry and Dumbledore arrived in Ireland around knocked on the front door and a dishevelled Snape appeared behind it with his wand raised though it did lower once he saw Dumbledore.

"Dumbledore" he hissed immediately upon opening the door "I wasn't expecting you until morning"

"Ahh yes but Severus it is indeed the morning of the 15th of July" Dumbledore retorted and Harry thought the man must have been suicidal to talk like that to a Snape that was clearly sleep deprived but to Harry's shock, Snape did not hex Dumbledore into oblivion but instead stepped aside to allow Harry and Dumbledore step into the house.

"Now Severus" Dumbledore continued upon entering the living room "I assume you remember why I am here"

"Of course I do" Snape drawled

"And you are still willing to do this"

"I said I would protect the boy Albus, I do not go back on my word"

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully "I never said you would my dear boy, I was merely asking if you were sure"

"Of course I am" Snape retorted

"Perfect, now if I may have a word in private, I will be waiting in the study"

Snape nodded as Dumbledore left the room then turned to face Harry "Get up to bed, your room is the first door on the right, do not leave your room before dawn unless you must use the bathroom which is straight across from your room on the left, we will discuss our living arrangements more in the morning"

Harry nodded before trudging up the stairs to what would be his room for the summer meanwhile Snape headed to the study to find out what Dumbledore had to discuss.

Both Harry and Snape were at the kitchen table by 6:30 neither looking any more rested than they did at 2am.

"Um, do you want me to cook breakfast?" Harry asked tentatively as he lingered awkwardly in the doorway watching Snape read the daily prophet.

Snape flipped down the top of the newspaper so he could see over it and eyed Harry for a moment before he shook his head "Sit down"

Harry hesitated before doing as he was told, sitting in the seat across from waved his hand and a bowl of cereal appeared in front of Harry. "Eat" he said "You look starved but don't eat too quickly or you'll likely throw up"

Harry nodded slowly before proceeding to eat his meal at a slow pace.