Snape, the Sunshine of Hogwarts.

Chapter 11 Letter
Severus took Dumbledore's reply from the owl's talons.

Without pausing, Harry was given the task of feeding the owls, and he immediately opened the letter.

In just over ten seconds, he finished reading the entire letter and then showed an expression that said, "Just as I expected."

The ghost Snape, hidden within his body, followed his gaze and read through the entire letter, a mocking sneer playing on his lips.

"I told you you couldn't have taken Potter away so easily."

Severus could only sigh helplessly at this.

"Hey, hey, don't talk like that, okay? Didn't we already say we're all in this together? What good does it do you if I lose out?"

Ghost Snape neither agreed nor disagreed with his words, but simply snorted.

So what are you planning to do now?

Severus flicked the letter with his finger.

"What else can we do? Old Deng has already shown us the way. Just do as he says."

"Do as he says? You should know who he asked you to find, and what kind of temper they have!"

"In my memory, he was a very nice old man who showed me special favor during my school years."

Hearing Severus's casual tone, Ghost Snape couldn't help but continue speaking in his sinister voice.

"That's because I displayed extraordinary magical talent, which he loves and values ​​more than anything else! That's why he would never agree to replace you!"

“We should at least give it a try,” Severus sighed. “Let’s try it first, and then see if it’s possible.”

“There’s no point in wasting time on something that’s destined to happen,” Ghost Snape said stubbornly.

Severus, however, disagreed.

"Leaving aside that fat walrus, let's talk about my understanding of the old bees. I know them much better and more thoroughly than you do."

"If he really didn't want me to leave Hogwarts and take Harry away, he wouldn't need to stop me in this roundabout way. Since he made such a request, it means that it is a possibility."

Ghost Snape disliked arguing with people, and seeing that Severus was determined to try, he continued to keep a cold face and shut his mouth, waiting to see Severus run into a wall and be embarrassed.

Severus didn't care what he thought; Harry had already been accepted, and how far things would go from there depended on fate and Dumbledore's arrangements.

After carefully putting away Dumbledore's reply, Severus waved his wand, and the black robe that had been hanging on the clothes rack flew over and was put on him.

“Let’s go, Harry, let’s go to Diagon Alley to buy some things.”

Harry, who was organizing his clothes in his suitcase, quickly stood up and followed Severus.

When the two came downstairs, there were only a few customers left in the Leaky Cauldron bar.

Severus and Harry didn't linger. They went to a small courtyard behind the bar, surrounded by walls, and saw a trash can standing in a pile of weeds.

Severus easily found the brick he remembered; it was the second one across the third row from the top.

After the wand tapped the brick three times, the brick shook and began to move.

A small hole appeared in the middle, and the opening grew larger and larger. Before long, a wide archway appeared in front of them, leading to a winding, endless cobblestone street.

It was a commercial street with somewhat crowded buildings. Even though it was already evening and a light rain was falling, it was still bustling with many pedestrians.

Following behind Severus, Harry walked along the smooth, wax-like cobblestone path, washed clean by the rain, his eyes filled with curiosity as he looked at the various shops lining both sides of the road.

Severus opened his black umbrella, and fearing that Harry might get lost, he deliberately grabbed Harry's arm with one hand and led him toward the central block of Diagon Alley, toward a tall, snow-white house.

They walked past all sorts of people. Because it was summer vacation, many families would take time during these two months to bring their children shopping.

Harry saw all sorts of young wizards, some of whom were wearing what looked like the uniforms of a magic school, with wands in their pockets, running around the streets in groups.

Harry's eyes clearly showed envy when he saw these older children.

Severus's attention wasn't entirely focused on Gringotts; he noticed Harry's eyes were fixed on those things.

So, upon arriving at the gates of Gringotts, Severus took the initiative to inquire.

"If you don't want to go into the bank with me to withdraw money, perhaps I can introduce you to some new friends?"

Harry opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

Severus's ability to notice and care about Harry's feelings at this moment left Harry with mixed emotions.

Before he could speak, Severus glanced around the street and, quite conspicuously, spotted a few bright red-haired people.

“Percy! Percy Weasley!” he called out.

Percy Weasley, who always wore his Hogwarts uniform even during summer vacation, was getting annoyed by the twins who were clinging to him like little shadows. But when he heard that familiar voice call his name, he instinctively looked up and saw that familiar yet unfamiliar figure.

Percy's eyes widened noticeably when he saw Severus!

He certainly knew Professor Snape, but he had never seen Professor Snape dressed like this before.

Even though his heart was in turmoil, his innate good student genes made him react immediately. The next second, he waved to Severus in response and then jogged towards the Gringotts gate.

Following behind Percy, the Weasley twins, George and Fred, who would also be starting their first year at Hogwarts this year, also noticed this scene.

They exchanged a glance, and George winked.

"The only person who could make Percy so serious must be a professor from Hogwarts!"

"Follow him. We have to use this opportunity to pry information out of Percy about how the freshmen are sorted into their houses!"

The two instantly reached a consensus and continued to stick to Percy like glue.

As they saw the three redheads approaching, Severus patted Harry on the shoulder and whispered something.

"Just remember that you are Dudley Dursley, and don't feel too much pressure."

Harry nodded, but still took a deep breath nervously. Just then, he suddenly felt his pocket sink slightly, and heard the clinking of coins inside.

Harry was somewhat stunned as he looked at the dozen or so silver coins that had appeared in his pocket.

"teacher"

"Take this to treat your new friends to food. You should be generous when making friends."

Harry's eyes were a little red. He always used Dudley and Vernon's leftovers at the Dursleys' house, not to mention pocket money.

Reason reminded Harry that the teacher beside him was his enemy, but emotion made Harry unable to hold back his tears after feeling this respect and care.

Severus didn't see what Harry's expression was like; he only noticed that the boy kept his head down and assumed he was embarrassed about the money.

"Don't be afraid to spend money. Your teacher, as a potion master, may lack many things, but he has no shortage of money."

Harry sniffed and nodded, trying to speak in his usual voice.

"Thank you, teacher."

As the two were talking in hushed tones, Percy had already trotted up to Severus and greeted him cautiously.

"Good afternoon, Professor Snape. It's a pleasure to meet you here."

“Good afternoon, Mr. Weasley. Did you bring your two brothers to Diagon Alley by yourself?” Severus met the eyes of the twins who were peeking out from behind Percy.

Percy also turned to look at his two younger brothers, then pushed them back with obvious disgust before turning back to reply respectfully.

"We ran out of magical cleaner at home, so Mom came to Diagon Alley to buy some. I also wanted to buy a new quill pen, so I came along with her. As for George and Fred, they were just making trouble and insisted on coming over!"

"Just to buy a new quill pen? Then why do people spend so much time getting ready in front of the mirror before going out, and even insist on wearing Hogwarts uniforms?" Fred, one of the red-haired twins, deliberately raised his voice.

George also winked and said.

"Who is it that bought all the quill pens a long time ago, but instead of going to their mother, is walking around Diagon Alley in their Hogwarts uniform?"

Percy glared at the two sarcastic men, but Severus, after carefully examining Percy, praised him earnestly.

“Very neat attire, Mr. Weasley, especially the lion embroidery on the shoulders, was that your mother’s handiwork?”

Percy's face immediately turned red. Since entering Hogwarts, he had never seen Professor Snape be so polite to any student or say such things!
This made him stand up straight, like a soldier being inspected by a general, and answer loudly.

"Yes, Professor!"

"Although you are not in Slytherin, I still think you are a very good student and often mention you to Dudley so that he can take you as a role model."

As Severus spoke, he nudged Harry, who was standing next to him, forward.

Harry was visibly a little awkward, but after taking a deep breath, he still made eye contact with the three Weasley brothers without any hesitation.

"Let me introduce you. This is my friend's son, Dudley Dursley, who is also my student. He is not yet old enough to attend Hogwarts, but he has always wanted to learn about the school."

"Could you take him and your brothers for a walk around Diagon Alley? If so, I'll pick him up in 40 minutes, right here."

Percy agreed almost without hesitation.

“It is my honor, Professor Snape!”

(End of this chapter)