Chapter Text
I sighed and softly rubbed my hair back. It coiled back into uncontrollable, black curls. I glanced at the boy eyeing me hungrily - what a creep. His red hair glowed like a helmet which ran down like a sheet to his shoulders. I shied away from him, not trusting him. Like I ever trust anyone. Another girl was smiling with an annoying knowing grin. She pushed back her bushy hair and shoved the red haired boy. I do not trust them. Too maniacal. With my name called, I stepped forward with a gulp. The old man twinkled his eyes at me, but I ignored him. His bright robes hurt my eyes. I absently rubbed them before gingerly sitting on the stool. The tartan wearing lady placed the hat on my head with a tiny smile. She looked pain. The world closed in darkness.
Hello, young Harry. I was expecting you sooner.
Who are you?
I am the Sorting Hat, to place you in the right House, your family-away-from-home.
I don’t want a family-away-from-home.
I supposed you wouldn’t with those Muggles.
Mug-- … never mind ...where are you going to sort me?
Well, Harry, I definitely see bravery, a must for your occupation -
What do you mean, occupation?
There are some things best explained by those who had seen it first hand. I know the perfect place to sort you - a home where they will accept you. Just give them a chance, young Harry, for there are dangers only known to them.
… OK, Sorting Hat …
The best place will be … Slytherin!
Steeped in silence, Harry drifted over to the table and slumped in the chair. A blonde boy glanced at me out of the corner of his mercury eyes. He sneered and jerked the child upwards.
“Slytherins do not slump. They sit straight and have perfect manners, which you obviously do not have,” he whispered. “The Slytherin house can organize an etiquette class or more for you.” Harry hummed in agreement while he was shovelling food in his mouth. The buttered bread melted on his poor, starved tongue. He only ate stale bread before. It was a feast before his eyes. Harry greedily scooped some more potatoes and steak onto his gold plate. Wonder if those plates are real gold?
A certain red haired boy and nosy girl were glaring in the direction of the green and silver table. To say the least, they were outraged! How dare their saviour and future friend be Slytherin? It was not fair. Not right. Ron Weasley furiously scribbled on the note: what are we going to do now, ‘Mione? She shrugged. Ron smashed the table with his fists. Food splattered and utensils trembled. Blood dripped down, but Ron’s mind was far away. It was his right to be on Harry Potter’s best friend. Not a bloody Slytherin.
Hermione was more collected, but she pushed away her anger, in favor of the Muggle chemistry book. She inwardly cursed and ignored Ron. She gave up her place in Ravenclaw and befriended the moronic Weasel beside her. She chuckled cruelly and eyed Ron beside her. Wouldn’t know his arse from his head. Harry was bowing his head, looking miserable. She perked up, and thought of a plan.
Harry trailed after Draco (he found out his name after hearing a blonde hair girl hanging off of his shoulder). He wondered if Draco was the most popular person in Hogwarts. He couldn’t believe he was in Hogwarts, or that magic was real! It was amazing. So many things were explained, but also more questions erupted. Why was he placed with Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia? He heard someone in Diagon Alley complaining about the inactions of the Ministry of Magic (was that right?) against abused children to a black haired man.
Black and green robes swirled around and settled softly against Draco’s feet. Green eyes widened in awe. “Could you teach me that?” Draco’s lips quirked and eyebrows lifted.
“I learned from the best.”
“This here are the doors to the Slytherin common room and dorms.” Harry opened his mouth, but Draco glared at him. Meekly, Harry’s mouth snapped closed and he bowed his head. “Do not. I repeat, do not under any circumstances let any of the other members know. It would not end well.”
“Why not?” Harry rushed out slightly slurred speech. Draco grimaced in quiet disgust.
Draco tapped his fingers against his lip. “In Hogwarts and the Wizard world in general, Slytherins are often … looked down upon. There are prejudices against us, as we are seen as the next Dark Lords or future Death Eaters.” Footsteps echoed in the stone hallways. Draco frowned. “We can continue in the common room. The password is suprema regum et reginarum.” The wall disappeared, and Draco pushed Harry through the door.
Draco stepped over Harry’s sprawled figure. “You also need grace lessons.”
“Are there such things?” Harry grunted as he pushed himself off the floor.
“No, but there are dance lessons which are just as effective if not more.” Draco smirked and guided Harry towards the couch. Harry’s green eyes took in the magnificent room. Black walls were illuminated in green light from the lake. Leather couches and armchairs huddled in the weak light as if wanting to protect its sitter. Chandeliers provided the candlelight as they sprawled across the roof. Diamond glittered, as if they had an inner fire within.
Harry grinned and flopped onto the couch. Draco’s silver eye bore into him. Searching for flaws in his clothes, posture, appearance … everything. Suddenly Draco’s silver eyes melted and glinted in the candlelight. “You, Harry Potter, are in need of everything.” He tapped a delicate tune in the armchair and cocked his head. “This will be fun.” Harry shivered, thinking why in the future torture and Draco will be there?
Draco waved his hand and stood up. A quiet descended upon the Slytherin House, making Harry tremble in the power he possessed. “Snakes, as you all know, Harry Potter - the Boy Who Lived, is in the Slytherin House.” He raised his eyebrows. “A surprise to us all, but as he is a Snake now, he will be treated as one.
“That’s right,” a man in draping, black robes stepped into the light, not that it helped much. He still looked like a shadow amongst shadow. “Despite Harry Potter’s .... family history, he is a Slytherin. We protect our own. We help each other. We are family here, Mr. Potter. Our secrets stay inside these walls.” Piercing black eyes gazed into Potter’s, or tried to as Harry shuffled and shifted with his eyes downcast.
“Look into Professor’s eyes when talked to,” Draco snapped. He mentally growled with annoyance. The list kept on growing by the minute. Harry clenched his hands into small, pale fists. He gnawed on his lips till he tasted copper. He sucked on the blood out of habit.
“Yes, sir.” Draco huffed and gracefully reclined in the cushion beside Harry. “Well, Severus,” Harry stared at Draco. He rolled his eyes. “Harry’s manners and general appearance is appalling. Not even fit for a beggar, better yet a Slytherin.” Draco frowned with a thoughtful gleam in his eyes. He snapped his fingers caused a measuring tape to wrap around Harry’s frozen form. The Head of Slytherin watched with amusement as Draco rattled off numbers to a floating parchment and quill.
“Order a set of robes designed like mine in Harry’s size and casual wear, also underclothing and winter clothing.” Harry blushed at the implications and started to stutter. Severus muttered dark threats about his ‘demanding, spoiled brat of a godson’ but he folded the note and neatly tucked it into his pocket.
“Really, Draco and Sir, but this isn’t necessary,” he mumbled in a quiet voice as he gestured to himself. “I … I am used to this, and I --” Harry’s voice trailed off as he stopped talking. A blush stained his face with embarrassment. He wanted to flee, but he would only get lost and frightened. Red tinted his cheeks as he sounded like a little child.
“Nonsense, Potter,” Severus frowned at the words. His ears attuned to the inane mutterings of teenagers picked up the words: and don’t deserve it. “Of course you deserve it,” Harry looked up in shock. The professor smirked. “It is the basic right of any human being to have decent clothing.” He pulled out a spare handkerchief, black of course, and transfigured it into black pyjamas. It was a late night for everyone, and they needed their sleep. “A loose fit, but it is more satisfactory than what you are currently wearing, Potter.” A quick clothing charm and Potter rubbed the silky material between his fingers. He never wore something this fine, usually handed the dirty, ripped t-shirts or pyjamas. He chewed his lips.
How would he pay Professor back? Tears sprang in his eyes as Harry stumbled to his feet. “Thank you, sir!” He beamed. “I can do stuff in return like cleaning or cooking.” Harry quieted at the murmurings in the background. The shocked, sympathetic tones were foreign to his ears. “I like cooking. Did it ever since I could reach the counter on the stool. Been cleaning too. I can scrub anything or dust. Everything here looks like it needs some dusting.” Harry clenched his mouth shut. He was mortified. Why did he feel the need to confess his shame? Oh dear, Harry tripped over his feet in his haste to escape. Tears fell in his eyes. Sobs ripped his throat raw as emotions he locked tight for years tumbled out.
Years of loneliness. Frustration. Confusion. Lacking. Anger.
He shuddered and desperately wiped at his tears. He distantly heard the scrapes of chairs and feet going up the stairs, but he forgot it when he flinched back from the hand on his shoulder. He sniffled and sat up on his legs. He took a cursory glance around the room, noticing it empty of everyone except for Draco and Professor.
Draco gave him a tentative smile. He brushed his fingers through his hair and sighed. “Are you OK?” Harry shrugged and looked down. He tentatively reached out to the hems of the black robes. Strong arms picked him up and settled him on jutting hips that somehow retained a softness. Harry hiccuped and snuggled closer to the warm, spicy person. He sighed in contentment, closed his eyes, and fell into oblivion.
Draco sat down across from his godfather. He smirked at the man and boy before him. He knew for a fact that Severus gave the best hugs in the world even though it didn’t look like it. Professor gazed down at the boy cuddling into him looking like the neglected boy he was. He ran his hand through soft, curly hair. “It’s getting late, Draco,” Severus whispered softly. “You should go to bed.” Draco frowned and leaned forward.
“Not yet, Severus.” The Professor leaned into the warm leather chair and rubbed Harry’s back. “There are a lot of unanswered questions. Why did Potter not arrive at Hogwarts when he was eleven?”
Severus sighed. He didn’t know what to think anymore. He was so sure in his hatred for Potter and Dumbledore’s judgement, but the Sorting broke it. Potter … no, Harry sorted into Slytherin. The odd enthusiastic responses to the most basic of things. Signs of a neglected boy. Severus hoped to Merlin that he was not abused. He winced at memories gliding beneath the walls in his mind. Draco watched as his godfather struggled to control his memories.
He knew of hints of Severus’ background, but not a lot. He hoped that Severus would bond to Harry. He knew that Severus loved him, but Harry would be different. Draco smiled at Harry sleeping on his dozing godfather. He conjured a blanket which settled over the sleeping forms, and the flames died down to glowing embers. A quiet nox eliminated most of the candles. A quick glance back to see the shifting shadows as they slid down on the couch. Protective arms wrapped around Harry’s slender form. Draco mentally giggled and imagined all the blackmail materials he had on his godfather now.
He quickly checked on the younger years before entering his own room. Blaise, his roommate, groggily sat up, huffed, and rolled over. A bubble of amusement erupted inside Draco. What a day … Potter in Slytherin, protective Snape and Slytherins … a day certain to change the tide fate aligned.
The next morning found Harry unceremoniously dumped on hard, stone floor. He whimpered and rubbed his eyes. He found a disgruntled Professor towering over him. The looming shadow reminded Harry of his Uncle. A small cry escaped his lips before he scuttled into the corner. Severus went rigid. He mentally berated himself. He found himself surrounded by foreign walls with a weight settled on his chest and stomach. Still, he deserved to get slapped.
“Harry,” he softly approached the boy. Green eyes darkened with fear. “I’m sorry, Harry.” The tall, slender form crouched down and gave him a small grin. “Please, Harry come to me. I won’t hurt you. I was surprised is all.” Harry unwound himself but didn’t move forward. Reasonable, Severus thought. After all, these words he was uttering could be lies, but he would never physically harm a child. “It is not everyday that I find myself sleeping next to, or more like underneath, someone.” Harry’s eyes frantically hovered around Severus before settling on his forehead.
In a tiny voice and hands in his lap, Harry stared at his Professor through dark eyelashes. “You promise?” Severus gazed down at the child before drawing his wand. He ignored Harry’s flinches and nervous stuttering.
With a solemn voice, Severus said in a clear voice for all the Slytherins to hear, “I so swear on risk of losing my magic, I will never harm Harry Potter. I will never lay a hand on him, and my words will be gentle and reprimanded, but never scathing nor hateful. I will protect Harry with my life and treat him as my son. I so swear on my magic, so mote it be.” In a powerful outburst, a brilliant blue and silver light erupted from an ebony wand and rippled outwards. The Slytherins sighed at the warm feelings buzzing in their heads: protectiveness, care, sadness, and dare they mention it, love. Harry stared wide eyed at his Professor who cracked a grin at him.
Harry never thought he would hear those words. He had a father! Harry leaned against the wall in wonder as tears dripped down. He threw himself into open arms. The Slytherins sighed in relief, for they had heard stories of the Marauders and the Slytherin prone to dark hexes and scathing remarks known to skin you alive.
They crowded around their Head of House and son, by all but blood and law. They extended their magic to twine in the residual magic of the oath. All of the Slytherins, Seventh Year to First Year, gave a piece of their magic to the promise now binding them all to the lone boy: Harry Potter. They saw a chance to get out of serving under a maniac, but also to help a lonely child in need of a lot of love and assistance. They knew it would be a hard journey, probably fated to be ostracized by a narrow minded society, but to see the blinding grin on Harry’s face would be worth it. To see their beloved Head of House happy and not in pain would be worth it.
Black and green swept through the hallways. With more confident and lighter steps, the Slytherins filed through the doors. They ignored the sneers and hisses coming from the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs (the Ravenclaws clenched their books as a lifeline). Their eyes straight ahead they sat down. Forks and spoons clinked as fruit was dished out with yoghurt and oatmeal. Draco was exclaiming to his distress the absolute horror of no sugary goodness at breakfast. They rolled their eyes, as the Malfoy heir was known for his enormous sweet tooth.
He would and did hex anyone that approached him, but give him a slight whiff of some sugary concoction then he would follow you anywhere. Harry was giggling behind his hand as Blaise explained the fine arts of etiquette, as Draco was ranting to the poor sod in front of him.
Ron glowered at the sight before him. How could the Saviour, miserable the night before, change so much in one night. “I thought you said he was miserable, Hermione!” Hermione threw him a withering glare and clawed at her book.
“Well,” she hissed back. “He was. They must have gave him an illegal potion or imperioed him. You know how those Slytherins are!” She slammed her fork down and rose. Her nose in the eye and bushy hair fanning around her shoulders, she said, “Ron, let’s go talk to Dumbledore. I’m sure he would know what to do.” The Slytherins, except for Harry, noticed Ron and Hermione disappearing through the doors.
“What do you think the Blood Traitor and Mudblood are up to?” Theodore Nott asked. Some murmurings travelled down the table. “We should watch them. They’re dangerous.” Nott frowned. It was not well known except for a handful of people, but Nott was a seer. A true seer, not like Trelawney. He never got visions, but he was attuned to the intentions and true personalities of people. Draco frowned and looked down at Harry who was happily munching on food.
Potter was not much of a Slytherin. True, he was a survivor and able to have moments of brilliance, but he was not privy to the motives of people or politics. Naive in a way that was easily advantageable for those lurking in the shadows. No, Harry was not a true Slytherin yet, but he was a Slytherin. And Slytherin protect their own.
“Potter, your schedule.” Harry beamed at Professor, Severus, as he was asked to call him. It still did not come easy for Harry.
“Thank you, Professor.” Harry read it. Monday, and Friday were the same: double potions in the morning with the Gryffindors, study hall, herbology after lunch, transfigurations, and astronomy at night. Tuesday were DADA, charms, study hall, lunch, and double transfiguration. Wednesday and Thursday were double charms, DADA, CFMC, lunch, study hall, and lastly potions.
“Pretty good schedule, Harry,” Draco drawled. “We have the same schedule.” Harry threw Draco a bright smile.
“Thank goodness! I was hoping we would, Dra--”
“Oh, look, the Saviour wants to be friends with Death Eater scum. What did they do? Imperio you? Give you illegal potions?” Harry froze and shrivelled inside of himself. Every Slytherin rose to their feet and pointed their wands at the trespassing Gryffindor.
Ron Weasley sneered and blue eyes glinted malevolently. Hermione appeared bored by his side. Her brown eyes gazed into Harry’s. She grinned and tucked her arm into Harry’s. “Come, Harry, come with us. You don’t want to hang out with the wrong crowd. Already you have. I have to scan you for any dark curses and have Madam Pomphrey also scan you. As I am sure, Harry, since you idiotically missed first year and I am the brightest witch in this year,” several of the Ravenclaws and Slytherins girls threw her grimaces and glares. Hermione gazed at them with a prideful look and smirked. “I can help you catch up. I already have a study schedule ready --”
Harry untangled himself and stepped away from the girl who would never shut up and the boy who was exclaiming loudly. A shaky grin twisted his lips as he fisted a handful of Professor’s robes. “I am sure you …” Harry cleared his throat. “You are good people, and smart, but I am capable of making my own friends. I already have tutors, and Draco’s my best friend.” Harry glowered at them. Green eyes flaming with indignant sparks. He pursed his lips and nodded. “I am content in Slytherin. Thank you for the offer, but I have to refuse.”
All the Slytherins raised proud eyes at Harry’s diplomatic look, but their wands never wavered from Ron’s and Hermione’s stiffening bodies. Blue and brown eyes flew to the Teacher’s table, but no one met their eyes. Hagrid grinned at them with encouragement, for he felt sorry for the poor lad stuck with the snakes who were never pleasant. Dumbledore signalled for them to rescue their Saviour no matter what. With renewed enthusiasm and maniacal grins, Hermione shouted protego as Ron grabbed Harry’s arm. He yanked caused a surprised Harry to let go of Severus’ robes. Angry voices buzzed as one as the Slytherins threw hex after hex, but Hermione certainly a prat but also knows her spells, shield held. Severus flew forward with a whispered curse tumbling from his lips. Dumbledore approached them at a steady gait and said a half-hearted stunner. Severus whirled around with his eyes bright and a snarl fixed on his face as a struggling Harry disappeared through the doors. In the distant, the echoes of apparition settled on a stunned ears.
Severus composed himself and straightened his back. His tall, imposing figure was surrounded by anger. The smell of ozone filled the air as thunder rumbled around Severus. The sky froze over as if a glacier filled the sky. The icy blue tinged the world gray. Severus drew in a deep breath, crossing his arms and mentally building his walls thicker and higher, the frigid storm passed through and dissipated in the sunlight. Composed once again, Severus glared at the Headmaster. In a quiet voice he spoke, “If you have had anything to do with Harry’s kidnapping, Headmaster, then you will lose.” His unspoken words of what the Headmaster lost was unspoken. His Saviour and Spy.
The Slytherins marched back towards the dorm. Professor McGonagall stepped forwards next to Dumbledore. With a quiet shake of her head, the Head of Gryffindor followed by the Heads of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff left the Great Hall in silent disappointment. Many of the students stood or sat there in shock. The windows rattled and exploded outwards. Screams rose in the air as a fiery storm swirled around the Headmaster.
He played a dangerous game, but at least the Weapon was rescued. He would be cleansed of all the filth he accumulated in a night and morn. He would miss the lost of his greatest spy, but he could deal with it. At least, he did not have to interact with the biggest Slytherin of them all, Severus Snape. Dumbledore soothed his throat at the thought of the greasy man. It had been fun to antagonize him using the Marauders. It was testimony enough that Severus belonged in Gryffindor that he did not break. With a wave of his hand, the glass rearranged itself and settled into the window frames. Dumbledore left the Great Hall striding in long steps. Time to think of the next moves, because the Slytherins would be in the process of leaving right now.
Indeed they were. Trunks shrunk and the clothes packed, the dorms looked empty of all possessions. Hogwarts, the home away from home. The Slytherins snorted. A place where they were beaten down till only anger and frustration was left. Each one called out ‘Malfoy Manor’ before stepping into the green flames.
Severus warded and locked his doors after he made sure every Slytherin arrived safely. He sighed and wondered where everything went wrong. The world he thought light was truly filled with shadows as light tends to do. He jerked around with his wand raised as three knocks resounded through the room. Severus checked his wards and recognized the presence of the other Head of Houses. He was not sure if they were on the Light Side, but they were powerful wizard and witches. It would not hurt for them to be on their side. A flick of his wrist the wards ejected them into the living room before snapping shut again, not letting out even a speck of dirt.
He watched as his colleagues for many years gazed around the room before settling on the few spaces on the couch. He raised his chin and emptied his face. “I am sorry that I do not have tea for this unexpected visit. As you are seeing,” he waved his arm around, not so subtly showing them his wand. Reminding them he was and still was a Death Eater. “I was packing.”
They shot him wry grins and showed Severus Snape their own shrunken trunks. Minerva stood up and cleared her throat. She swept back a loose strand of graying brown hair. “I am truly sorry, we all are, for how Slytherin has been treated. We too were like that, but today … let’s just say it opened our eyes. We do not approve of Albus’ actions.” They hummed in agreement as Severus leaned against the wall. A pillar of black stationed in front of the fireplace. “We, at least I, regret isolating you here at Hogwarts. As a student, we turned a blind eye to the,” her mouth twisted in distaste. “Bullying, but also as a fellow colleague. Banishing you to the dungeons. Never hospitable. Never disagreeable.” Minerva silently approached the blank man. “I am sorry.”
“Me too,” Pomona sorrowed.
“I second,” Flitwick squeaked. “We would like to help you get back Harry. Even in so little time, Harry emerged from his shell. A silent, skittish boy, but just through a night you got him smiling and laughing.” Flitwick hung his head in shame. “Even the Slytherins, probably the most adept at handling these type of situations, were the right choice for young Harry.” He absently twirled his wand in his small hand. He raised it to Severus with a defiant glint in his eyes. “I am sorry for never truly caring for your well being as a student. I believed myself separate from the Gryffindor and Slytherin rivalry, but as a teacher and by my oath, I failed in protecting my students - all my students, not just the Ravenclaws. I am sorry.”
Pomona cleared her throat. She twirled black hair around her dirt-stained, calloused finger. “I will not make excuses to you, Severus, as they will never truly makeup the horrifying acts of your student here, supposedly the best time of your life. I will say this, though, Severus. I have observed you. Don’t give me that look! Yes, Hufflepuffs aren’t all dull tools in the shed; I admit, that a lot of them are, but that Neville Longbottom … he is made of different stuff.” She shook her head. With a soft, sad grin she continued, “We offer you our services, as Dumbledore has gone too far, but You-Know-Who is truly evil,” she shuddered. “Obliviate us if you don’t agree with us, but,” she raised her wand alongside Flitwick’s and Minerva’s. “Let’s us fight alongside you.”
Severus straightened and tugged at his robes in mild adjustment. He nodded sharply. His trunks tucked into his pockets, he yelled out, “Malfoy Manor!” The Head of Houses hesitated before squaring their shoulders and flooing to Malfoy Manor.
They arrived to see the hard faces of the Slytherin students behind Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy, and Narcissa Malfoy. Severus nodded his head towards the Slytherins. In silent communication, the three Head of Houses apologized for their treatment towards them in class and outside of class.
Lucius grinned a predatory grin beside his son, Draco. Silver eyes flashed like a blazing star burning outwards. “Now,” he clasped the head of his cane. “Let’s strategize where Harry Potter might be and rescue him.” Narcissa raised a cool, blonde eyebrow.
She softly clasped his hand in hers. Draco’s eyes flickered between their hands. It was the most affection he ever saw in front of people. “Lucius, it has been a long day. Let’s take a nap. Have a pleasant early dinner at three, then strategize.” Lucius nodded and glided his fingers across her knuckles. He called house elves which popped in thin air and bringing the unexpected guests to their room.
Lucius watched his friend for many years glide to his own room. He could see the exhaustion lining his face and slight trembling of his hands. He turned his silver eyes toward the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. Narcissa clasped her hand in front of her, keeping a polite front, but let her eyes blaze in fury. Lucius stepped forward causing the once formidable figures step backwards.
“I acknowledge your apologies and truce, but you have hurt Severus. You have no idea of how hurt he was day by day seeing the teachers of Hogwarts abandon him. Then having the Headmaster use him as a tool against the Dark Lord.” Lucius glared. His broad shoulders thrown back; long, blonde hair tumbling in a graceful waterfall down his back; silver eyes as frigid as ice. “Do not hurt him again. Do not speak ill of us Slytherins. Severus has more control over himself, but do expect a slight slip of hand if you do hurt him. I view him as a little brother, Professors.” With that warning, the Malfoys disappeared through the glass doors. Three house elves appeared and bowed.
“We be showing you to your rooms, Mistresses and Sirs.”