Author's Note: Hey guys! After some encouraging messages from my first extremely short Snarry fic, I've decided to start on a proper full length one. As such, would really appreciate any comments/reviews from you guys on how to improve this thing. This story is set a few of years after the Battle of Hogwarts. Why is Snape still alive? Well, I'll answer that question (in detail) in the next chapter. (:

Disclaimer: Before you start reading this fic, I think I should warn you that this isn't gonna be some quick one-shot meet, kiss, and get it on like rabbits kinda story. I'm taking my time developing the relationship between Sev and Harry. And I don't intend to take any quick short cuts with my explanation of why Severus is still alive. I respect Rowling and her work too much to want to treat her characters without the careful consideration and care they truly deserve. So, well, if you're looking for a quick pick me up, this is probably not gonna be it. But if you're feeling particularly patient enough to endure the grueling nature of Harry and Sev's relationship... then well, I promise you, you're in for an adventure.

Update (14/6/12): Hello lovelies, I've just changed the POV in the first 2 chapters to a 1st person POV, so that the format is consistent throughout. Have been wanting to for some time, but never really had the time. (:

The Horcrux of Severus Snape - Chapter 1

The Tables Have Turned

This seemed all too familiar. Far too familiar. The wood scraping against his fingers, his heart beating violently from within his chest. His blood. Snape's blood. How did it come to this? And then, "Look at me."

"Come," I call, drumming my fingers impatiently against my desk. I hear those familiar footsteps grow louder. I continue rustling through the large stacks of scrolls in front of me. From the corner of my eye, I notice that mop of black hair emerge from behind the cabinet.

"Headmaster."

I continue sorting out my scrolls, deliberately ignoring my 'guest'.

"You asked to see me?"

I slowly place the scroll I am holding back on the desk, but don't look up at the visitor.

"So it would seem, Potter. You wouldn't be here otherwise," I drawl.

The brat rolls his eyes. I don't see it, but I am seasoned enough to detect rude behaviour even without looking these days. I let it pass.

"I have a class in 5 minutes, Severus," Potter stares at me from behind those awful pair of spectacles he refuses to get rid of.

"Headmaster," I snarl.

"No need to call me Headmaster, Severus," Potter grins.

I spring up from my chair like a marionette being pulled by a string. "You're an ingrate, Potter! After everything I've done for you, the least you could do is learn some manners!"

Potter attempts to suppress his grin and continues calmly, "Apologies, Headmaster. So why was I summoned?"

I grit my teeth. These days, Potter apologises far too easily. Far too quickly for my liking. A huge change from when Potter had first arrived at the school. Upon Minerva's request ("Severus please, just give him a chance, he's not the same boy you used to know."), I had allowed Potter to stay on the Hogwarts grounds and appointed him as the new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.

Of course, I had regretted this decision almost immediately. Potter's first week at Hogwarts involved a ridiculous amount of verbal sparring between the both of us. Potter's fault of course. Not to mention the fact that I am dead certain that Potter set a charm on my Headmaster's chair in the Great Hall. I awoke one morning to find my chair painted in maroon and gold, bearing an obnoxiously large imprint of the Gryffindor lion on the back. Despite several attempts at trying to remove it with magic, nothing worked. I eventually deduced that the only way to remove the garish design was to do so with actual paint. As such, I obtained the 'gracious help' of two students on detention to restore it back to its original shade. Upon confronting Potter, the insolent brat denied having anything to do with it and insisted that I find proof of his misdoings. I didn't manage to find any however. Perhaps Potter had picked up a skill or two for covering his tracks during his time as an Auror.

However, after a few months in, the verbal bashings shared between the both of us developed into something more… comfortable, or so it seems. I suppose I've grown to realise that Potter has indeed changed, albeit slightly. Very slightly. He now possesses the rare ability to hold his own against my constant stream of insults which I so deeply enjoy bombarding him with. He doesn't seem to have to even rely on the childish temper tantrums he used to throw previously. Even if I am… slightly impressed, I refuse to let it show, lest my authority be undermined.

Oh, how times have changed.

"Rolanda leaves for Romania on Friday and will only return to Hogwarts in two months. She has requested your help in covering her first-year Quidditch lessons," I drawl.

"Wow, okay. But I'm knee deep in work, I've been helping Filius out with…" Potter begins, but I cut him off abruptly.

"It wasn't a question, Potter."

"Fine. Alright, okay. I suppose I could do with a bit of exercise after all, growing old, you know," Potter has the audacity to laugh.

"Your health does not concern me," I state clearly, sitting down once again.

Potter lets out a dramatic sigh. "Really Severus? I could have sworn Winky mumbled something about you telling her to bring me dinner last night."

"Get out, Potter."

That signature grin has once again returned.

"NOW."

Potter snickers and then leaves my office. I groan.

Times have changed indeed.