Harry wakes sore but stubborn at Prince Manor and Snape surprises him with a salve for blistered hands. A house-elf’s hose hack turns chores into progress, and Harry even laughs for the first time in ages. While Harry gardens, Snape attends an Order meeting at Grimmauld Place where tempers flare with Sirius, training is debated, and the truth of Harry’s summer placement comes out. The day ends with fine food, bone-deep fatigue, and Snape sending Harry to bed before nightmares win. A tight, character-first guardianship chapter made for headphones.
