Well, here is my first attempt to write for Harry. Don't know how often I'll update, but I'll get there eventually ^^ I just wrote this tonight, I felt an inspiration. If there are any mistakes... This is set after the third book, or in-between the ending of the third, a few changes- such as obvious ones like he doesn't board the train, also, perhaps a few days passed so Snape's calmed down, and Harry is about to leave as it's the last day. Basically, its the end of the year, Sirius has left for a little while now, and things are back to 'normal'. Ron I guess, doesn't get his bird, but maybe he can get it later. Voldemort's not yet in power. They did save Sirius, but the ending (or this beginning?) is different, and Harry is stuck in a new situation just before he was going to head off.

Harry Potter and the Slithering Snake

He thought he would be staying with the Dursley's. He thought it would be just like any other summer, doing chores in the garden, laying in his room and waiting till the days would end so he could go back to school. He had even thought he could have had some fun in telling his aunt and uncle his Godfather- a 'mass murderer and convicted killer'- had escaped from prison and Harry was keeping contact. He could have had some fun in taunting Dudley with the new spells he had learned, much to his aunt and uncle's displeasure, and probably resulting in more chores and a few days in his room with no food for that. But Harry wouldn't have minded. Now he would do anything to have that. Now, as odd as it was, he was actually wishing he could go back to Number Four Privet Drive; anything to escape this. Harry didn't even comprehend it the first time Snape had told him. It had passed through his ears, he had almost even nodded in agreement before it all came crashing down on him. That slick smile as he approached Harry before leaving the Great Hall. Harry was still replaying that horrible moment in his mind.

'Potter!' Snape yelled across the room, Harry turning around to see the black shadow slowly approaching, his cloak whipping around his ankles and his dark eyes glittering; he looked as if he had 'business' to do with Harry. Harry waved a little good-bye to Ron and Hermione before turning around to face his doom. Harry racked his brain for anything he could have done wrong, anything Snape could accuse him of; what did Snape have in store for him this time? Maybe he was still angry about Sirius... and he did hand in his end-of-the-year potions essay… right? Or maybe his essay was so horrible…was he going to give him more homework over the summer?

'This summer…Potter,' He began, the candles above giving him an odd look in his eye, a smirk creeping over his lips as he lifted his finger to his mouth, 'you will be staying with me.'

And Harry had just stood there. First, the word 'summer' had made his heart skip a beat, but when no 'homework' followed, Harry had been so happy he had failed to realize just what exactly had been said. He had almost even laughed that he wasn't in trouble, wasn't getting a detention on the last day of school, wasn't getting some massive project over the holidays so that he wouldn't be able to sleep lest he finish it. He had even almost turned around and walked away thinking, 'was that it?'. However, Harry had the feeling he was horribly mistaken, that he had missed something…

'What?' He asked, his mind unable to wrap around what had just been said.

'You heard me Potter. You'll be staying with me from now on, the Headmaster has decided and all the preparations have been made. I expect to meet you back here in the morning at six. We'll be traveling by floo powder. So sorry Potter…,' He added while heading back up to the Staff table, his twisted smile still lingering on his face as he looked back at Harry's horror-struck expression, 'But you won't be going back on the train with your little friends…'

And this was the moment that Harry couldn't forget. He was laying in his four poster bed, 'asleep', trying to come to terms with what was going to happen to him. Ron had already gone to bed, and so Harry had not had the chance to tell him. When Snape had finished, Harry was so shocked, so mortified, that he did not even have the strength to speak of it, let alone tell the news to his friends. What would they think? So he had spent the rest of the evening wandering the halls alone, trying to find of some way out of it, trying to find the meaning behind this sudden disaster. He wondered what he had done to deserve such torture. Why him? Why, for the whole summer- perhaps the rest of his summers- was he to live in the same house as Snape, who liked nothing more than to torment Harry with his snide words and comments? What was Dumbledore thinking? And why was he changing Harry's living arrangements now anyway? Harry had always stayed with his aunt and uncle, as much as Harry had always complained… now he was really wanting to complain; this was ten times worse than anything the Dursley's could do, Snape would make sure of that. Harry wondered; what would they do without him this summer? Probably throw a party. That was the only thought that half made him smile; the look on his uncles face when he realized he had finally gotten rid of him. And perhaps his uncle would wonder of the look on Harry's face when he would stumble upon the 'traps' Harry had set around his room. He would probably shriek in fear, never again attempting to clear out his nephews bedroom; with Harry gone, he was likely to try. That was the only thing that Harry wished to see in this terrible turn of events…

Harry, now having mulled over the situation so much that his brain hurt, wondered if he should wake Ron. Ron and Hermione were probably the only ones he would tell. It was his new secret that he really didn't want others, even Neville or Dean, to know about. And certainly, he didn't want the whole school to know he was to be living with Snape either. Especially Malfoy. He would be laughed at, pitted to endless depths if anyone ever knew. What-what could he do to get out of this? He felt at the end of his game, and he had just begun to enjoy himself now that Sirius was safe and there was nothing to worry about.

Perhaps he could write a letter. Harry felt sick- it was the middle of the night, how could anyone possibly help him now? No one would get the letter before he was taken away. And to who, even if he was to write? He almost considered, in a funny imagination, him running out of the castle, out into the grounds and into the forbidden forest where he would hide until school started again. Hagrid could feed him, he would become a forest boy living freely in the wild; no one would ever know. It was funny how he considered all that rather than just live with Snape… but it was useless…. Maybe he could send a message to Dumbledore, maybe… he could catch him in the morning, and tell him that he really wasn't bothered-at all!-to stay with the Dursley's. He would even argue, as much pain as it would be for him to say, that he loved to stay there each summer. Anything to stop this progression of events. Harry had wanted to stay with Sirius, but now he was- that was it! Harry nearly leaped out of bed at the thought; he could write a letter to Sirius! Sirius wouldn't let Harry stay with Snape, he would do anything to help. Perhaps Harry could ask him to influence Dumbledore to change his mind. Sirius was sure to help him; he would not want his Godson living with Snape of all people. Perhaps…

Harry had a plan. It was the only chance he had to get out of this. First, he would write his letter to Sirius and have it ready to send off in the morning. Then, he would wake up early and attempt to see Dumbledore before it was too late. He would beg even if he had to. However, if things still didn't go his way, and he was still going to have to live with Snape, he would send off his letter to Sirius before six. He didn't want to send a letter if he didn't have to, especially not so soon after Sirius escaped. But Harry was desperate, and he needed his some sort of hope; a last chance for someone to save him, anything to save him... even if he would have to spend a few days with Snape because of it. Harry crept out of bed and headed down to the common room, a pen and some parchment in hand…

Harry thought it best to tell Ron before he left that morning with his plan. It was nearing five, and Harry was sure he hadn't slept at all; the prospect of meeting with Snape so soon, time did not help him in slowing things down. Harry slightly wished he still had Hermione's time-turner; then he could go back and make sure his old self did not talk with Snape. Couldn't stop him from leaving on the train if he didn't know about it! Of course, he would be meddling with the fabric of time, and possibly causing the destruction of the very universe, but if he didn't have to live with Snape… it was a hard decision.

Harry pushed Ron down on the couch by the fire, struggling to put his situation into words. Ron still looked out of it, rubbing his eyes, mumbling to himself about what was so important that Harry needed to talk at this hour. Harry tried to explain.

'I have to- I have to-' Harry still couldn't voice it; it was hard to admit this was happening to him.

'You have to what, Harry? What are you talking about?' Ron yawned tiredly while stretching his arms. 'Can't we talk about it on the train?'

'I won't be on the train… if things continue.' Harry whispered quietly, much to the shock of Ron. He looked at Harry seriously, then smiled.

'Haha… Harry, you're more tired than I am. Of course you'll be on the train! How else will you get back? Now, lets go back to bed for a bi-'

'I have to live with Snape!' Harry shouted, and all of Ron's tiredness swept away with the drop of his jaw. It hung there, Ron looking stupidly at Harry, also unable to put Harry's situation into words.

'You-you, what?'

'Yes, exactly.' Ron had described it perfectly. 'Snape told me as I was leaving dinner, you remember…. He said Dumbledore had planned for it, and that everything was prepared! If someone doesn't help me before six, I'll be trapped with Snape for the whole summer. And quite possibly-' Ron looked at him, wondering what could be worse, and Harry continued depressively, '-quite possibly, all summers after this.'

Ron gasped loudly, his eyes wide with horror at the thought of living with Snape. His mouth was still hanging open, and he was looking…thinking...

'It's bad enough we have classes with him… let alone spending everyday with him!' Harry wished he hadn't put it like that, in this perspective. Harry was trying not to think about it, but now Ron's words filled him with fear. Every. Day.

'Harry! Don't worry!' Ron said standing up, a determined look on his face, 'I'll think of a way- You can live with me! I'll ask mum, of course she'd say yes! Snape can't take you with him if you have somewhere to go, right? And Dumbledore has to agree! Its perfect!'

But still… Harry wasn't so sure…

'No.'

Dumbledore had turned Harry down before he had even said anything. Ron had accompanied Harry to his office- thankfully, as Harry was nervous- but still it was no good. Harry could only stare at the Headmaster in disbelief, Ron the same. For a moment, Dumbledore merely sat with his arms on his desk while Harry and Ron stood, in shock, in confusion, and in an instant they began to protest.

'But-but- Professor!' Harry stammered, feeling like a child with no proper reason.

'How can you let him-' Ron said furiously.

'Snape- he's-!'

'Professor Snape, Harry…'

'That's not the point!'

'Harry can live with me, how about that?' Ron yelled with triumph, sure that he had defeated the entire argument.

'Oh I thought, Mr. Weasley, that you would come up with that solution. However, Harry must live with Professor Snape. Anything else won't do…'

'But-but…' Ron stumbled, all his confidence gone as his entire plan was shattered, 'Harry, he can...why Snap-sorry-Professor Snape? Harry, he can live with us… can't he?'

'I'm afraid, Mr. Weasley, that that can't be done, as much as I would hope. Harry must live with Professor Snape, there is no other way. Now… I believe-'

'Professor… please.' Harry begged, with everything he had on the line, 'I can't live with him, you know how he is…why do I have to live with him anyway? Why change now?' Harry felt sad, betrayed. He felt like the trust he had in Dumbledore was gone. There was no reason he could not live with Ron; hell, he'd even live with the Dursley's if he had to. Why was he making Harry live with Snape all of a sudden? To him, it didn't made sense.

Dumbledore looked tired, and he seemed aged for a moment instead of his usual happy self. He sighed,

'Harry, if I could tell you, I would. But alas, it is not the right time. Professor Snape will do you no harm,' Ron snorted, ' And I mean that, Mr. Weasley. I have absolute trust in Severus, and he would not harm a hair on Harry's head. Harry has nothing to worry about, and he may even, dare I say it, enjoy his time there? Harry- do not worry, Professor Snape will take care of you; all the living arrangements have been made, your aunt and uncle have been informed. Now- I do believe it is nearing six o'clock, and you have yet to send your letter?'

Ron looked around at Harry- he had forgot to mention his back-up plan. How did Dumbledore know?

'How?' Harry asked, stunned that he could be found out so easily.

'Harry- did you really believe I would not guess you would attempt to ask Sirius for help? But never mind. Send your letter Harry, and we will see…'

Harry didn't know what that meant, but maybe he still had a chance? Maybe Sirius could persuade Dumbledore…. If Sirius could help him…

Harry and Ron ran out and rushed over to the Owlery.

'I can't believe him! Making you live with Snape! Harry- he's lost his marbles, that one. And here I thought he was just a kind old man… he's a crazy old man!' Ron shouted as they entered the tower, 'Snape not hurting you! Ha! The first chance he gets-oh sorry.'

'Yeah, Ron, I get it.'

Harry tied his letter to a barn owl and brought her over to the window. He didn't want to use Hedwig as she attracted too much attention; Hedwig seemed offended and flew upwards. The sun was slowly rising, and the trees of the forbidden forest swaying softly in the morning air. A few birds could be seen, and the cool wind brushed his skin. Harry didn't want the morning to come.

'Brilliant, though, you thinking of Sirius.' Ron cut into the silence, taking Harry from his thoughts, 'If anyone can help you, Sirius will. He won't stand for it, heck, he'd even probably come back just to help you.'

'I told him not to.' Harry said simply. 'Its too dangerous for him to come back, people are still looking, so he wouldn't anyway. I only told him to tell Dumbledore, or convince him in someway. That's all the hope that's left…'

Ron looked depressed. Harry let go of the owl and pushed her into the air. She took off gracefully, the letter tied to her foot, Harry hoping desperately she would make it. He watched as she flew further into the distance, slowly becoming a speck between the vast world and the tower in which he stood in, leaning on the edge of the window and watching his only possible means of escape to the hell that awaited him fly ever further…

'How'll we tell Hermione?' Harry asked, his heart sinking as the time grew closer. Without Sirius, without Ron, Harry would have to go with Snape, at least, for now...

'I dunno. She'll probably be worried sick though.'

'Don't tell anyone else, ok? I don't need the whole school finding out.'

'Well duh. Just think, if everyone knew- well actually, I'm not sure how they'd react. What do you think? Would they laugh, or just be plain grateful it wasn't them?'

'…Ron, how many times do I have to tell you… not to…' Ron seemed to have a habit of making everything sound worse.

'Sorry... Harry… but don't worry. Even if you do go now, I won't give up trying to save you. Hermione too; we'll figure a way around Dumbledore. You won't just have Sirius at your back, we'll all try and get you out as soon as possible.'

Harry felt a little grateful to have Ron with him; Ron was his friend, Harry knew he would try as hard as he could. Maybe things would work out after all, and with Hermione's brains…. If he only had to spend a few days, maybe he could somehow survive long enough to be rescued.

'Guess we better go then…' Harry turned from the window and walked out, Ron following behind sadly. Harry gave Hedwig a look before he left, telling her he was leaving; however, knowing her, she'd find him wherever he went. She was mad, for not delivering the letter, which meant that Harry really was going alone in his trip to Snape's. He really, for the first time, felt utterly defeated. Even his recent adventure was no match for his depression now. And with the little courage he had left, he headed back with Ron to grab his things.

Harry, as it seemed, was leaving earlier than all the other students. Perhaps just as Harry didn't want others to know he was living with Snape, Snape also didn't want others knowing Harry was to be living with him as well. The train back to Kings Cross usually left at nine, yet Harry was leaving the school at six. Or at least, he was to meet up with Snape at six. Harry sort of wished Ron would have come down with him, but Harry knew Ron needed to pack his things; he had left it all till now. Besides, Snape probably wouldn't like Ron hanging around, and Harry would probably land himself in more trouble- Ron was planning on giving him the 'eye', as he had described it, so to not hurt Harry. Ron had told him he'd make an excuse for Harry's early departure, and so Harry had said a depressing good-bye, which hopefully wouldn't be his last, and he headed out through the portrait and down the halls towards the meeting place.

Harry dragged his trunk, making quite a lot of noise too seeing as he was the only one doing so. Down one hallway he had to wait five-minutes before he could sneak past peeves; thank-god he had left too, for if he followed Harry and found out…

He pulled his trunk down the stairs and finally through the doors of the Great Hall. Panting slightly, he looked up to see Dumbledore and Snape waiting for him. They were standing by one of the fires, Dumbledore looking pleased Harry that had made it, and Snape giving him a glare as he came closer.

'Now Harry, I assume you know you are traveling by floo powder, correct?' Dumbledore asked.

'Yes sir.' Harry didn't really want to look up, so he kept his face hidden by his hair, his head hung in shame. He hoped Sirius would get his letter… soon.

'Well, then, I guess you two should be heading off now. Severus, I do hope you'll keep your word, and also to not forget your duties.'

Harry had to look up at this. Didn't Dumbledore say he completely trusted Snape? Why was he talking about keeping his word? His duties? Didn't Dumbledore tell him not to worry?

'Professor!' Harry yelled, Dumbledore turning his twinkling eyes to him with a smile.

'Harry, like I said, do not worry. Now, off you go…'

Snape grabbed Harry's arm before he could protest. Harry looked painfully at Dumbledore, not understanding, but he only smiled and waved. Harry felt an immediate panic, that Dumbledore really didn't know what he was doing after all; he had said not to worry, but now all Harry could do was worry. How could he trust Snape? How could he live with Snape? Ron was right, Snape really was going to hurt Harry at the first moment he could. How could Snape do anything otherwise? Before Harry had time to think, Snape threw the ashes into the fire and it flamed green. He pulled Harry in, shouted a street name which was unfamiliar, and Harry felt a twist, a pull in his stomach as he was swept through the many fireplaces, the emerald green flashing through his eyes, and the knowledge that he was headed for a different sort of summer vacation this time around.