Snakes and Ravens

Chapter 1- Preparing for Hogwarts

Severus POV

It was the eve before school began, after a long summer break. Severus was lying in his private quarters restless.

'surely'

he thought to himself

'this won't be as bad as last year.'

The potions professor grimaced as he remembered that the one and only Harry Potter would be attending Hogwarts that year. Severus was, truly, dreading it.

Harry's older sister, Penelope, was one of the few students (besides his snakes- of course) that the Potions Master actually liked. She was a Ravenclaw student, going into her 5th year, Severus knew that Fillius Flitwick had already assigned her a prefect at the end of last year and, quite frankly Severus wouldn't be surprised if she ended up being head girl in her 7th year. She was: quiet; studious.With a love for potions and,to Snape's distaste, quidditch. She had been seeker for the Ravenclaw team since her 3rd year, but had never shown much interest in being captain. Severus snorted when he thought of the timid child.

'No doubt that her quietness was due to being over shadowed by the wonder boy'

He sneered at the thought of James and Lily's son being pampered beyond belief. It seemed that Penelope had taken after Lily - that only left Harry to take after the arrogant Marauder who had made it his mission to make Severus's time at Hogwarts miserable.

He was certain that Harry would be the same, if not worse.

Penelope POV

Penelope could not wait to return home! She knew this year was going to be the best year so far! sneaking out of the small cramped cupboard in 4 privet drive she had sneaked into the attic to pack and around half an hour later,bring down trunks for herself and Harry.

As they both lay down in the cupboard that night she listened to her little brother's eager questions:

"Are the Professors nice?"

"Is quidditch scary, can I play?"

"What if nobody likes me and says I'm a freak?"

Penelope chuckled to herself as she listened to her younger brother's queries.

"Why wouldn't they like you, Harry?"

she asked, trying to put his mind at rest.

"Uncle Vernon doesn't like me"

Harry says in a whisper he knew only his Sister heard. Penelope stiffened at the mention of her uncle. She had tried to shelter Harry from his belt and calloused hands. She would always reluctantly return to number 4 privet drive every holiday in order to shelter him from the Durselys.

This year however, I won't have to! Harry is coming with me!

Looking at her brother's bruised form she was reminded that her efforts would never be enough. Penelope had been 5 when Voldemort had killed her parents (she had never been fond of calling him you-know-who; she refused to be afraid of him.) She had some memories of them but Harry, being only a year old at the time - could remember nothing but the Dursleys and the cold loveless attention he had been shown there. With this thought in mind she decided now would be the best time to talk to Harry about Hogwarts, more specifically the secret she (and now Harry) had to keep from it.

"Harry..."

She began tentatively

"Yes?"

He said in response, looking up at her concerned. Penelope was aware that in order to protect him she must have looked far worse than he did.

"We don't talk about the Dursleys at Hogwarts."

"Why?"

"Because we have to keep it secret."

"Like at my last school?" Harry enquired and Penelope simply nodded.

"but what about my face Penny, they'll see!"

Seeing the panic stricken look on his face Penelope put both her hands on his cheeks wiping away fear filled tears.

"It's okay Harry, I can take care of that... When we get to the platform we get straight onto the train. I'll cast something called a glamour charm which means nobody can see what happens here" She said softly.

"okay" Harry whispered as the two lay down for their last night in the cupboard.