A/N: Disclaimers on first chapter as usual. Hoping I haven't jumped into fights too soon with this chapter, but I totally had to have something between these two. :) It's unavoidable…and I love it! Enjoy, chaps!


Underestimated

Second-Hand Slytherin

"It's bloody cold down here." The Hufflepuff's voice echoed slightly in the corridor.

Harry could only bring himself to murmur in response. The seventh year Hufflepuff and fellow 're-sort-ee' walked with a slight limp, Harry had noticed. Not that it really mattered to be honest, but Harry was trying very hard not to think on the oncoming destination. He was tired – the feast had ended later than usual and now all he wanted was to curl up in bed and forget the events of the whole evening until morning.

He had also noticed, for example, that the small army of Slytherins who were making their way to the common-room entrance were decidedly quieter than the Gryffindors ever were on the first night back. Alright, they were chatting away to each other but most were taking the trouble to lower their voices. Half of Harry put this down to politeness, but the other half immediately jumped to attention – it was because they were too arrogant to be excited about being back in the castle… a mere castle… The ex-Gryffindor snorted to himself.

Harry focussed on the pattering of footsteps against the cold stone floor as they continued on through the dimly lit corridor. They had passed some Gryffindors as they'd left the Great Hall and he'd managed to say a few hello's and receive a few condolences, however he'd still not managed to speak to Ron or Hermione. He wondered what Ron would think of him now. The possibility of falling out with his best friend only made his mood sink as low as the temperatures around them – that was pretty bloody low.

The mass of people ahead slowed to a stop and Harry could hear voices that he assumed were those of the Head Boy and Girl. His feet came to a gentle stop on the worn stones and he allowed himself an internal smirk at the fact that Draco had been relieved of his position since last year. This smirk soon melted however, as Harry noticed a familiar looming shadow detach itself from the wall next to the secret entrance and make its way in his general direction.

He made a deliberate move of turning his head slightly in the opposite direction and ignored the approaching man. Maybe he would carry on to his office…

Snape came to a stop slightly to the left of Harry and stood letting the crowds move past him towards the portrait hole, watching for someone who might dare to cause trouble.

Well… maybe Snape was just waiting till the crowds parted so that he could carry on to his office…

"Potter…" Came his quiet voice.

Bugger it.

Harry didn't turn his head, "Sir?"

"Come with me."

And that was it apparently, as Snape billowed off into the dark corridor that they had just come from. Harry watched him for a second and then followed at a mutinously slow pace.

By the time Harry reached the Potion's classroom Snape had already disappeared inside. He took a last deep breath and tried to compose himself. He'd managed to avoid any confrontations with the teacher all through the summer; taking meals upstairs when he stayed the evening at headquarters, avoiding the corridor when the Order had meetings… Grimmauld Place could be nice and large when he needed it to be. It had allowed him time to cool down over Snape's attitude to Sirius – although the flame of anger was still there flickering in his chest, that's all it was at the moment – a small flame. He had hoped to maintain this hold on his anger at school. Harry just hadn't counted on the part where he would end up seeing the man every single day.

He stepped into the classroom.

It was in darkness. The desks were hidden in the shadows, ingredients jars glittering in what little light filtered through from the door to Snape's office - which happened to be open.

"Um… Professor?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Get in here Potter." Snapped a voice from the room ahead.

Harry scowled and stomped into the room.

The room was illuminated gently, light flickering across the old solid wooden desk and chair. Harry noticed a bookshelf along one wall which he had never acknowledged before, no doubt containing subjects which certainly were not taught at Hogwarts. Snape was leaning against his desk.

Very gothic, Harry thought to himself. Full points for atmosphere.

He came to a stop opposite Snape, being sure to leave plenty of distance between them. The taller man stood with his arms folded, dark eyes watching Harry intently. His lips were pursed and it didn't take Harry's extensive knowledge of 'the-darker-moods-of-Snape' to know that the man standing before him was not very happy.

They stood in silence for several minutes, each daring the other to speak first. Much to Harry's annoyance, when he did open his mouth to comment on the lateness of the hour, Snape cut in before he could voice his complaints.

"So, a second-hand Slytherin," He said quietly, "Whatever would your father say?"

Harry fumed as Snape smirked at him. He didn't reply.

"I think… we need to make a few things clear Potter." Snape's eyes didn't leave Harry as he slowly waved his wand to shut the door.

It clicked ominously.

"The hat put you in Slytherin for a reason," He looked very sceptical about this, "And although I can't possibly imagine what that reason could be, I have no choice but to accept you into my house."

"It's an honour." Harry muttered, voice loaded with sarcasm.

Snape's wand moved slightly as he clenched his fists but he regained his composure quickly.

"Indeed it is," he said silkily, "And I expect you to with-hold that honour when you are around the other pupils: both those in Slytherin, and those in the other houses."

He stepped away from the desk and circled behind Harry. Harry tensed but did not turn.

"If I discovered that you were deliberately losing house points and causing trouble in order to darken the Slytherin name, well then…" He stopped directly behind Harry, "You'll have me to deal with, won't you?"

Harry doubted that anything he did could 'darken the Slytherin name' more than it already was but he held his tongue.

"Yes sir." Harry said through gritted teeth. He wasn't appreciating the whole 'intimidation' piece that Snape was performing. Especially when he couldn't see where the greasy man was.

"I think this will be an interesting experience for you Potter," Snape had moved again and sounded as if he was near the bookcase to Harry's right, "No McGonagall to pull you out of trouble…"

He slowly made his way back to the desk with a book in his hand.

"…no loyal friends…"

He looked up and met Harry's gaze directly.

"…no godfather…"

Harry felt his whole body tighten at Snape's words and the flame in his chest jumped higher. Some of this must have been evident in his face, because Snape smirked and continued slowly,

"Pity how things turn out…"

How things turn out? Harry felt the flame roaring into an inferno inside him.

"… I was just becoming accustomed to his, ah… useful presence at Headquarters…"

"He was more use than you'll ever be!" Harry snapped angrily, wand now in hand, rage pounding through him.

Snape's mouth snapped shut, and his eyes glittered dangerously.

"What did you say to me Potter?" he asked quietly, advancing on Harry.

"I just think you ought to have a little more respect, Sir." Harry said venomously, not caring that he was shut in a room with an angry Death Eater at quarter to eleven at night.

"Really?"The taller man snarled, "I hate to say it Potter, but respect has to be earned, and your lost-cause of a godfather – just like you're father - certainly never did anything to earn my respect!"

Snape's livid face was inches from Harry's, but Harry couldn't help but throw back an angered reply,

"I can't believe you still hold stupid grudges against them after everything that's-! They're dead! I reckon you ought to grow up Snivellus!"

There was a second where both Harry and Snape couldn't believe what had just been said, before Harry gave a yell as his wand was twisted out of his hand, and he was grabbed by the front of his robes, Snape's wand then positioned painfully against his chest.

"Don't you dare!..." Snape's enraged face was so close now Harry could feel his breath, "Don't you dare call me that Potter!"

The hand around Harry's wrist was rather tight and Snape was rather tall, so Harry decided it was best not to move. There was also the issue of the wand pointed at him, and he didn't fancy having his insides blasted across the room. Not that Snape would do that to a student of course…

"Never… Never use that- that name!" Snape spat.

He wanted to run. He didn't care where, he just wanted to leave this room and these dungeons. Part of him felt ashamed at using the nickname that he knew must upset Snape, but he had been so angry! He just wished Snape would be more understanding – it didn't take that much effort. The man had deliberately taunted him.

Harry gritted his teeth and tried to control the whirl of emotions he was feeling.

"M'sorry…." He said quietly, breaking eye contact and looking downwards.

Snape didn't move, he was still breathing heavily. After a moment he spoke.

"You will be if you can't hold your tongue," He hissed, "Slytherin students will use it to their advantage if they know you are so emotional…"

Harry bit his lip – his wrist really hurt now.

"You're going to have to be very careful…"

Snape was watching him with a smirk now, he lowered his wand from Harry's chest but held on to him tightly by the wrist.

"If I hear you're involved in one fight with your housemates you'll be straight to me… and I don't take kindly…" Harry yelped as Snape turned his wrist upwards, "To rule-breakers."

He gently placed Harry's wand into his open hand and let go.

Harry snatched back his wrist and rubbed it, making sure he could still move all his fingers. Snape watched him for a moment, then made his way back to his desk.

There was a tentative knock at the door to which Harry looked up, surprised. It was past eleven now.

"Come in." Snape drawled.

A tall girl with sharp facial features and a Head Girl badge stepped into the room and turned to Snape after shooting a curious glance at Harry who still stood holding his wrist carefully.

"I thought I'd come search for Potter sir. I didn't realise you'd need him so long but it's rather late and if you'll forgive me for saying, I'm rather tired and don't want to wait-up much longer."

Harry watched Snape for a reaction. The girl was being rather… blunt. Normally the Potions Master would have flown off the handle by now and landed her with several detentions, but he merely nodded and muttered,

"Very well, I've had more than enough of him for one evening anyway."

Snape met Harry's eyes again as he made for the door where the girl now stood waiting, "I daresay I'll be seeing you again soon Potter."

He pressed the old book that Harry had seen him take from the bookcase earlier into Harry's hands, but Harry didn't look down at it. He kept his eyes level with Snape's until he passed through the door, receiving a last smirk from Snape before the door shut. Only then did he look at the title of the book.

Coping With Loss: How to Soothe Your Soul

With a growl Harry followed the Head Girl from the room and up the long cold corridor. He realised he was shaking slightly but she didn't seem to be too concerned. He barely heard her say the password for the wall to slide open. She then proceeded to tell him who he would be sharing a room with as they passed through the dark empty common room, but he was too busy imagining the various ways to hex Snape and get away with it, to pay much attention.

He muttered his thanks to her distractedly and wandered into the darkened room, briefly taking in two occupied beds before collapsing on the empty one. The dark haired boy didn't bother to move, merely flicking his wand to draw the heavy curtains surrounding him, and tossing his glasses unceremoniously somewhere next to him on the covers.

Harry let the book fall to the ground and buried his face in the pillows, choking back a sob. This was the worst night ever.

Thankfully he drifted off to sleep in seconds, the warm darkness relaxing his body as he forgot everything that had happened in the last few hours. Only then did Harry let out a content sigh and snuggle further into his comfortable Slytherin duvet, a semi-conscious thought entering his mind as he did so – Bloody Slytherins.


Hoping I haven't gone too over the top with angry-Snape! Wonder who Harry's sharing a room with? Three-guesses!Must thank all my reviewers so far, much appreciated! Cheers m'dears! x x x