A/N: New story, people. Hope you like it. It will definitely contain slash (male-male relationship), but nothing graphic. Please read and review.
Luv Lolly xxxx
Albus Dumbledore was worried. He had watched Harry since Sirius' death, and had had members of the Order check up on him in Privet Drive. He had seen Harry build a barrier between himself and the world, and according to Remus, Tonks and Moody, he wasn't exactly thriving at Privet Drive either. Thinking back to the previous summer, Albus remembered how Harry had reacted to being kept in the dark - he couldn't do that after the year that Harry had. No, there had to be something to boost his spirits - something to remind him what he was supposed to be fighting for. A holiday, he decided. Yes, Harry had never been on holiday before, and it would hopefully take his mind off of the Prophecy and Sirius' death. But who to take him? After a moment of pondering this, a large smile formed on the headmaster's face - he knew just the person.
"Severus." Severus Snape spun to face the fire, seeing Dumbledore's face floating in the flames.
"Professor Dumbledore." He said, clearly wondering why he was being called upon.
"I have a job for you, Severus." Dumbledore replied to the unasked question.
"For the Order?"
"Well yes, in a manner of speaking." Was the cheery reply. Severus was instantly dreading this 'job' - Albus' cheeriness never boded well for him.
"In a manner of speaking?"
"Indeed. I think it's high time you went on holiday."
"A holiday?"
"Yes - to Florida. Two weeks."
"What's the catch?"
"Catch? What makes you think that there's a catch?" Dumbledore said innocently, his eyes twinkling.
"Isn't there always? Besides, Florida isn't exactly my top choice - very touristy."
"You won't be going alone, Severus. Besides, I've heard that Florida is lovely at this time of year."
"Nonsense - it's hot and humid, and there are lots of storms. And just who am I supposed to be accompanying?"
"Harry."
"Potter?! No way. I'm sorry Professor Dumbledore, but there is no way..."
"My dear Severus, everything's already arranged - you and Harry leave in a week's time. Remus will bring Harry to Hogwarts tomorrow so that we can sort out all the necessary documentation for him."
"I can't stand the brat, headmaster! And he can't stand me! We'll end up killing each other!"
"Nonsense, Severus, you hated James. Harry is not his father - this trip will help you overcome your differences."
"I have no choice in this, do I?"
"Don't be silly, of course you have a choice: go with Harry willingly; or alternatively, be forced to go."
"The range of options is overwhelming. I can barely decide." Severus said dryly, looking most annoyed.
"I shall leave you to think it over then." With another bright smile at the disgruntled Potions Master, Albus Dumbledore disappeared from the flames.
"That man wouldn't know sarcasm if it came up and hexed him." Severus muttered irritably. Just when he had thought the summer had been going so well.