Disclaimer: OK, I say this now. I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER AND HIS UNIVERSE. All is J.K Rowlings. I'm only borrowing them for now – imprisoning them in little jars and controlling their every move. But don't worry I did put air holes in the jars... well not many in Voldemorts.... but a lot in Sevvies – coz he's lovely and I love him! Ummmm Snape on a stick...Yummy.

Summary: Dark!Harry. (Slytherin)Harry finally realises he's not just a pawn in Dumbledore's game – but neither is he a pawn of Voldemort's. What he does control is his own life. He gets new friends, alliances and mentors, including finding a trusted friend and counsel in Professor Snape.

Pairing: Thanks to all of you who helped with me this. But I have decided (with your help) that it will start of as HP/SS FRIENDSHIP but WILL PROGRESS TO SLASH. Although gradually. HOWEVER IT WILL BE SLASH. Sorry if this upsets anyone – but it might not be for a while. You have been warned but I will continue to warn you!

DM/HG – much later on though. Gotta get things established first haven't I?!? Hehe

Ok – I really, really apologise. I had writers block – which is EVIL! I've got this chapter out – FINALLY!! Yay me! I hope you like. Please enjoy! And thanks for all your reviews!! I have over 100 – that's fantastic!!! I can't thank you enough! As there are so many of them that if I say individual thanks I'll end up with the responses being longer than the chapter so I'll thank you collectively!! * Hands out lots of monopoly money* THANK YOU!!!! J

Hasn't been BETA_ed because I've lost the email addresses to contact them. Damn.

Enjoy!!!

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Chapter 8 – My Saving Grace

They found him sitting in a secluded spot outside. He was leaning against a tree while the wind whipped around him and the sun pushed past the clouds. The leaves on the trees were in the process of changing their colours while the branches took part in an intricate dance to the sounds of nature. Aside from the soft rustling of the wind, everything was quiet and for that Harry was grateful. The silence was peaceful and invoked a sense of calm to his worn form. He was free. It was so hard to comprehend. Freedom. Years he had spent locked in a cupboard. Freedom. Sneaking food from the kitchen and doing homework late at night. Freedom. Cowering away from his uncles fists and hiding from Dudley's gang. Freedom. Something that most people take for granted, even though there are people in the world constantly fighting and dying for it. Freedom.

Harry's thoughts kept returning to the process of the trial. It seemed to all happen so fast. He looked again and again at every glance, every word, and every action – praying that it wasn't just some cruel dream. Snape's reactions surprised Harry the most. His quick changing attitudes and emotions were what really confused Harry. ' Do you realise you're not the only one?'  It was Snape's face that showed Harry understanding, it was Snape who talked to him before the trial, it was Snape that accepting him into Slytherin and Snape who respected Harry.  And ultimately, Harry concluded, that it would be Snape who would save him from himself.

Ron and Hermione were the ones who broke Harry out of his trance-like state. They had set out to find him shortly after the verdict. It was decided that they would stay at the school rather than go home since they would only be returning that evening. Besides, Harry would need them now.

"Alright mate?" asked Ron as he plonked himself unceremoniously next to Harry – while Hermione sat opposite them both. Only Hermione noticed Harry flinch and the question showed in her eyes. Harry ignored it and answered Ron's question.

"I'm fine, just a bit shocked really."

"That's understandable," replied Hermione. "Anything you want to talk about?"

" Thank you but not right now. I'm a bit overwhelmed, need to sort my head out first and just think for a bit." Harry replied quietly

"Mind if we think with you?"

"It's a free country."

***

As Harry stared out at the lake his fears about how the school would react began to surface. He had handled their hatred and disproval before but the summer had changed him. Made him realise a few things. He realised that any person has power to use as they see fit. As long as people have the ability to think and change, then they can have an effect on everyone. As simple as a mood swing. He knew that this news could have a negative domino effect on the whole school. People talk and they only listen to what they want to hear. And thus facts get distorted and trust and friendship is severed.

But giving up on humanity in its entirety means giving up the things you love. And in Harry's case that meant his friends and the family he had built up: Sirius, Remus, the Weasleys, Hermione and his professors. People he didn't want to lose. He turned to look at two of the most important people in his life.

"Thank you" he whispered.

***

The golden trio walked into the Great Hall with purpose. The first years had yet to be sorted – or indeed brought into the hall. They had yet to succumb to their fates or branded into some sort of stereotype. It pained Harry to know that by the end of the night those new first years would be categorised – like branded sheep. Weak friendships that were barely formed could be broken apart, parents hopes or pride could be tarnished, all because of an overage, scruffy hat.

The trio's entrance into the hall did not go unnoticed. As soon as the large oak doors gaped apart, heads swivelled in their direction. The school – as of yet – has not been informed of Harry's move to Slytherin. Dumbledore would announce that news before the first year sorting.  

"Alright mate?" whispered Ron, when he realised that they had the attention of everyone in the hall. "Because we better go sit down before the first years come in."

"You two go sit at Gryffindor. Dumbledore's going to make the announcement and then I'll have to sit with Slytherin." Answered Harry, loud enough so that only Ron and Hermione could hear. " I think this is going to be the hardest part. I think I overlooked just how intimidating the students can really be." Harry continued. 'This is for the best you'll see. Remember your reasons.'

"Ok Harry. We'll see you tomorrow. Good luck and be careful. You'll always be our friend." Said Hermione, giving Harry a hug.

"She's right Harry. If you need us, you know where we are." Said Ron.

"Thanks guys. That means a lot. Go on – you better go and sit down before you get into trouble. I'll see you soon."

After Harry had waved them both of, he cautiously approached the head table. A thousand pairs of eyes fixed themselves on the figure as it walked the length of the room. Only one pair of eyes really looked into his soul. And before he could stop himself, Harry looked into those eyes. Snape understood – Harry figured that much and the funny jolt that he experienced earlier was spreading. Harry felt a need that he hadn't felt before. A need to be protected and cared for. He felt that he was drowning with all of those eyes on him – he felt suffocated under their gazes. And Snape was saving him.

"Hello Harry" greeted Dumbledore.

"Good evening Headmaster" replied Harry tearing his eyes away form his Head of House.

"Well let's get on with this," muttered Dumbledore to himself and then ready to address the crowd he began. "Greeting students, I hope you all had a pleasant summer, but before I call the first years in I have an announcement to make. Earlier this summer Harry Potter decided that he wished to be resorted into Slytherin. After talking with the appropriate persons I agreed to this request. Now Mr Potter has his own reasons for this decision, which I am not at liberty to tell you. I ask you all to treat him as you usually would. That is all. Thank you." Finished Dumbledore in a bored tone and took his place at the head table.

'Hypocrite' thought Harry.

***

As soon as the feast was over Harry started making his way out of the hall with the rest of the students. After the sorting the students began to discuss what they had been told – only to be yelled at by Ron, Ginny and Hermione. Harry had to smile at their loyalty. The students through suspicious looks at him when they thought he wasn't looking. He had made it through the hard part but now the day's events were crashing around him and Harry felt crippled under the weight. He resolved to escape to his room as soon a possible.

***

Harry was about to enter his rooms when he heard the voice behind him. He turned to face the boy he hated.

"So you chose Slytherin, Potter. Should we all congratulate you? Do you think we're all going to get on our knees and praise the all powerful boy-who-lived? You think this changes anything? Sneered Draco.

"Actually no Malfoy. I simply don't want to lie to myself any longer. I am a Slytherin and you better get used to it because it isn't going to change. So I suggest you grow up – leave behind the bully act – the self-righteous git persona that you flaunt and get a life." Replied Harry. "I have had enough of being pushed and pulled by everyone who don't have a clue. You know nothing about my decisions or me, so don't act as if you do. I've had enough of your bullshit Malfoy. Grow up or piss off." And feeling immensely proud of himself, Harry walked into his rooms and shut the door on a very stunned Malfoy.

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There you go – the aftermath and etc! I hope it was OK. Please tell me (but nicely tell me – please don't be mean or I will cry!) Arrrrgghhhh – I'm finding this so hard at the moment. I'm not finding much inspiration. I know what I want in the story; it's just the writing apart. Plus I have school and coursework and exams! So I'll update as much as I can. At least once every two weeks hopefully!

Thanks and remember to review (there's monopoly money in it for you. I can make you rich!! Hehe)

Love Dawn xxx