A/N: This was written for an Under-200 contest at Third Floor Corridor. The link is in my profile, if want to check it out. If you sign up, don't forget to mention that Breanna Tala sent you there! Maybe someday, if I find the time, I'll expand on this.
This is a AU 6th year One-Shot. HBP does not exist, and Harry is in NEWT potions class. The new defense teacher is against Harry's ability to speak Parseltongue, and has a habit of calling him 'evil' and stuff like that.
"Potter, stay after class," Snape said, and Harry looked up, wondering what he did wrong now. He waited until everyone had left, including Hermione, then trudged up to Snape's desk. After about a minute, Snae looked up and studied Harry, making him uncomfortable.
"I was told by Professor McGonagall that your defense teacher has a belief against parseltongue, and she, unfortunately, has insisted that I talk to you about it," Snape said, both irritation and contempt in his voice.
"Er . . ." Harry started, ambivalent on what to say.
"Parseltongue in itself is not evil, no matter what others think, and there is no possible way that you are evil. Most definitely irresponsible, selfish, and young, but not evil. In fact, I don't believe that you would be capable of doing something even remotely evil, being the Gryffindor that you are, so do not listen to those who say you are. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes, sir," Harry answered. Snape nodded, dismissing him. Harry left the room, feeling oddly content, but strange at the event that just happened. Especially the tone that his professor used: kindness. All in all, it had to have been the strangest conversation he ever had.