60 Days Of Summer (Severitus)

Prologue

In Dumbledore's office, the silver instruments whirred and clicked on their spindly legs, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Fawkes the phoenix dozed on his perch, his golden-red feathers glowing softly in the dim light. Professor Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his half-moon spectacles perched on the end of his crooked nose, peering at Severus Snape with a mixture of patience and resolve.

"Severus," Dumbledore began, his voice calm but firm, "I have given this matter a great deal of thought. For Harry's safety, and indeed, for the greater good, he must spend the summer with you."

Snape's face contorted with a mixture of disbelief and fury. "Headmaster, I must protest in the strongest possible terms," he hissed, his black eyes glinting. "The very idea is preposterous! I have endured more than enough from that insufferable boy throughout the school year. To be saddled with him during the holidays is—"

"Necessary." Dumbledore interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "Voldemort is growing stronger, and Harry's safety cannot be left to chance. The wards at the Dursleys' have weakened, and your home is one of the few places he will be protected."

Snape's lips curled into a sneer. "And what protection will there be from him? The boy is reckless, headstrong, and—"

"Severus," Dumbledore said quietly, "I trust you. And I trust that you will do what is right. You must understand that this is not merely about Harry. It is about the fight against Voldemort. We must make sacrifices."

Snape clenched his jaw, his knuckles white as he gripped the arms of his chair. "I am not a babysitter, Albus," he spat. "I refuse to be responsible for that—"

"Severus," Dumbledore said more gently, leaning forward, "Harry needs guidance. He needs to understand the gravity of what lies ahead. And I believe that you, of all people, can help him in ways others cannot."

Snape's expression was one of deep-seated loathing and resignation. He opened his mouth to argue further, but at that moment, the door to the office creaked open, and Harry Potter stepped inside, looking wary and curious.

"You wanted to see me, Professor?" Harry asked, his eyes darting between Dumbledore and Snape, sensing the tension in the room.

"Yes, Harry," Dumbledore said, his tone warm and reassuring. "Please, have a seat. There is something we need to discuss."

Harry sat down, glancing nervously at Snape, who glared back at him with barely concealed disdain.

"Harry," Dumbledore began, "due to recent events, it has become clear that your safety cannot be guaranteed at the Dursleys' this summer. Therefore, I have made arrangements for you to stay somewhere else."

Harry's heart sank. The idea of leaving the Dursleys was a relief, but the uncertainty of where he would go filled him with dread. "Where am I going, Professor?" he asked cautiously.

Dumbledore took a deep breath. "You will be staying with Professor Snape."

Harry froze, his mind racing. "With... Professor Snape?" he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "But—"

"I understand this is unexpected, Harry," Dumbledore said gently. "But it is for your own safety. Professor Snape's home is well-protected, and you will be safe there."

Harry looked at Snape, who was staring at him with a mixture of anger and resignation. "But why him?" Harry blurted out. "He hates me!"

Snape's eyes flashed. "Believe me, Potter," he said coldly, "the feeling is mutual. But it seems we have no choice in the matter."

Dumbledore raised a hand to forestall further argument. "This is not a punishment, Harry. It is a necessity. Voldemort is gaining strength, and we must take every precaution to keep you safe. Professor Snape has agreed to this arrangement, and I trust you will do your best to make it work."

Harry's shoulders slumped. He knew arguing would be futile. "Yes, Professor," he muttered, avoiding Snape's piercing gaze.

"Good." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with a hint of sadness. "I believe that, in time, you may find this arrangement more beneficial than you expect."

Snape snorted, but Dumbledore ignored him. "You both have much to learn from each other," he continued. "And I hope that, despite your differences, you will come to understand that you are on the same side."

With that, the meeting was concluded, and Harry left the office with a heavy heart. As he walked out, he couldn't help but wonder how he would survive the summer with Severus Snape.