Severus Snape is forced to take in a young Harry Potter when the Dursleys die unexpectedly in an accident (apparently the stringent rules surrounding weight restrictions on rollercoaster rides are not always enforced). Severus makes mistakes. Harry learns to acquire new fears. Dumbledore remains hopeful throughout all of these trials that Harry will arrive at Hogwarts for his first year with everything that he needs, under Severus' care, even if the the ex Death-Eater's methods of parenting are somewhat questionable.