**POV – Severus**
I entered the Great Hall that morning to find everyone already eating. Harry was in a deep conversation with Flitwick. Please don't let him be discussing our relationship. The less people who know, the safer he is. As I neared, I realized he was tactfully asking about concealing charms and their properties. As I passed him, he looked up and into my eyes, searching for some sign. I knew, because I was doing the same. Obviously satisfied with what he found, he inclined his head in greeting, and I did the same. I took my seat and quietly ate my meal.
The Headmaster smiled warmly at me, and I, in turn, nodded my head at him. He nodded and back and turned to Harry.
"Harry, would you come up to my office after breakfast? I wish to discuss your prefect duties with you." Harry nodded absently and finished his meal. Soon, the only ones left were me and the Headmaster, and we made our way to the gargoyle.
"Bertie Botts," he said, and we walked up in silence to his office. Harry was already waiting, petting Fawkes and eyeing the Sorting Hat warily. I found this odd and resolved to ask the boy about it later. I took the seat next to him as Albus sat behind his desk.
"Well, last night was certainly eventful. I think we need to talk." I nodded and Harry shifted in his chair. Tentatively, he spoke up.
"Headmaster, will I have to hide my identity?" I looked over, surprised. He had almost sounded hopeful, as if he wanted to be my son. Albus' eyes twinkled and he chuckled a little.
"My dear boy, what makes you say that?"
"Well, if Voldemort found out I was Professor Snape's son, it could be dangerous for him…and me. I mean, I thought the first-born son of a Death Eater was sworn into his service at initiation."
"Quite right, child, however, we have one thing in our favor. The Dark Lord doesn't know. And until he is defeated, I'm afraid it must stay as such. Harry, might I ask why you have such a preoccupation with the Sorting Hat?" So Albus had noticed as well. Or was it simply the fact that Harry kept glancing in its direction every five seconds?
"Well sir, when I was sorted, the hat wanted me in Slytherin. I always thought it was because of Voldemort's connection with me; I mean that's why I'm a Parselmouth. But if it wanted to put me in Slytherin because of my father, then I think I need to be resorted." I stared at the boy in shock, and upon glancing at Albus found the old wizard surprised as well.
**Change POV – Albus**
"Harry, I understand your reasoning, but don't you think it would seem a bit odd if all of a sudden you changed houses? Especially to Slytherin?"
"Sir, please, just so I know. I don't have to change yet. I can stay in Gryffindor until Voldemort's defeated." This time, Severus spoke up.
"What makes you so sure you'll be put in Slytherin?" Harry turned to his father, something akin to pain in his eyes. I knew Severus immediately regretted sounding so arrogant and uppity. Harry seemed to notice and softened a little.
"I just want to know. I mean, maybe I'll stay in Gryffindor and we won't have to worry. But what if I'm supposed to be in Slytherin? In my second year, the hat said it stood by its decision for Slytherin. I just have to know." He was pleading now, and I could tell I was about to crack. I sensed Severus' desire to know, though he was hiding it well. I resigned and reached up and pulled the hat down.
"You know, at this rate, I'll never finish the song for the sorting this year."
"We just need you to re-sort Mr. Potter here." The hat could be very annoying if it wanted to.
"Ah, so he's finally discovered his lineage, has he? Very well, as this is a special occasion." I placed the hat on the boy's head and waited.
**Change POV – Harry**
I hear the same small voice inside my head as the Sorting Hat proceeds to pick my mind apart. I don't know why I insisted on being resorted. I guess, somewhere down deep, I don't want to disappoint Snape, but another part of me says that no matter what I do, I'm always a disappointment to everyone. I quickly squelch that before it grows again and concentrate on the voice inside my head.
"Well, well, we meet again, Mr. Potter, or is it Snape now? So confusing it must be for you, not knowing who you truly are. The bravery is still there, as is the thirst to prove yourself, both now bigger than before. You are smarter than when you first came, but that's to be expected after four years here. And your loyalty to your friends is unwavering. I see you don't like the Malfoy, but then again, neither Potter nor Snape ever did. You know, your mother was difficult to sort too. I still say she should have been a Ravenclaw, but her desire to be with her brother won out. I see the same desire to be with your father, though you may not recognize it yet. Yes…yes of course. Now I see. Family is important to you. And seeing as you won't be switching any time soon, I think I shall place you in your rightful house. SLYTHERIN!" The hat shouted the last word, and I could see the shock evident in the two older wizards' faces. Dumbledore plucked the hat off my head, thanked it, and returned it to the shelf. Snape merely sat there, unable to speak. I believe it is the first time I've seen him speechless, and if this weren't so serious, I might have laughed. The Headmaster turned back to me.
"Well, that was certainly unexpected. Of course, you will have to stay in Gryffindor, however, after Voldemort is defeated, you may switch houses if you wish." I nodded smiling. I looked to Snape, wondering what he thought of all this. That man had become a master of masks, and I could barely make out a slightly shocked expression.
"Thank you." I smiled and took my leave. I had a new broom to try out after all.