A/N: Hey, so a new story here. I know many of you are waiting for more on Footsteps but, quite honestly, don't expect anything anytime soon. Sorry. This story I have been working on for quite a while. The first story I've really written since I came back to writing and FanFiction in general. It is pretty much complete. I will be posting one chapter every week or so. There is no set schedule.

Disclaimer: If you see anything that is remotely related to J.K. Rowling's universe, it is hers and not mine. I don't own a thing.

This story is Harry/Snape guardianship and adoption. If you don't like, don't read, don't leave hateful reviews.

Otherwise, enjoy.

Caught Between

Prologue

"Anything to say?" the professor asked.

"Is there ever?" Harry said.

Harry sat rigidly in the same chair, staring blankly into the same flames. They provided no warmth, no solace, no comfort. The professor shifted and spoke.

"Talk to me."

A single tear rolled down Harry's pale cheek.

"He's dead."

Harry walked into the rooms and sat once again. He and the professor continued to question these meetings, wondering if they had any use or validity at all. He, however, was beginning to like them a bit.

"How are you?" the professor asked.

Harry blinked at the fire.

"She hates me."

Harry sunk into his chair. Yes, it was now his chair. They had discussed it the other day. It had been a pleasant conversation. Somehow he knew today would not be as pleasant.

"Tell me about the Dursleys," the professor said.

He had been right.

"They hurt me."

Harry looked at the professor's sad but determined face from his chair. He wondered what had happened even though he was sure he knew.

"I've told the headmaster your situation," the professor said. "He's said you must return."

"I know."

"I will not let you return."

Harry smiled slightly.

"I know."

Harry warmed his hands on a cup of tea as he curled up on his chair. A storm raged outside. He hated storms but he was...safe here.

"Tell me about your godfather," the professor said, holding his own cup of tea.

"I haven't talked to him since he went into hiding," Harry said. "I've sent letters."

"Has he replied?"

"I haven't talked to him since he went into hiding."

Harry contemplated the upcoming day, sitting in his chair. He really wasn't ready for this even if he had managed to survive this far. Granted, he hadn't been ready for the others either.

"What are you thinking about?" the professor asked.

"Tomorrow."

Harry once again stared blankly into the fire, wishing it could do something to fix what had happened. His arm burned with pain but he paid it no mind. He could do nothing but replay all he had witnessed in his mind over and over again.

"There was nothing you could do," the professor said.

"I know."

The professor gave a small sigh.

"You'll be coming to my home this summer."

"I know."

Harry sat in his chair, sad but more comfortable and content than he had been in weeks. The next day was the last day of school and the summer holidays were beginning. However, he would not be going to the Dursleys' this summer. He was going with the professor.

"Tell me something about yourself," the professor said. "Something I don't know or something no one knows."

"I'm a Spell Reader."

Harry heard the spell flying through the air after the shout. He spun to see the yellow light heading for the professor. His eyes widened as he read the curse. He dashed between the light and the professor.

"Harry!"

"Couldn't let it hit you," Harry whispered.

"I know."

But let's return to the beginning...

A/N: Hope you enjoyed. Leave a review if you did.