By Any Other Name
After a silent moment that felt like much longer than forever, Harry smiled ruefully and dropped his gaze back to the table, picking at his hands.
He looked up, startled, when the Professor abruptly cleared his throat.
"You're welcome."
Harry smiled at the man brilliantly, elated. He asked a few more questions about the wizarding world, specifically Hogwarts. Harry listened intently as Snape told him about the rules, layout, and other things in the ancient castle. He stopped the man when he got to the Houses.
"Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. They're named after the founders?"
"I would think that would be obvious, Mr. Potter."
Harry mock-glared at him, more accustomed by now to his caustic remarks. He opened his mouth, mind racing for an appropriate retort-
Harry smiled sweetly. Snape looked at him warily.
"Harry."
"Pardon me, Mr. Potter?"
"My name is Harry. Please use it."
"I most certainly will not. I am a Professor at your school. Calling a student by their first name would indicate favoritism."
Harry's smile widened. "School isn't in session. I haven't even officially accepted the invitation to go yet. And if you keep calling me Potter and Mr. Potter, I will be forced to call you Severus."
The Professor looked like ice. Harry's grin slipped for a minute. He sighed with relief when he saw the flicker of amusement in the man's eyes.
"Very well. Harry." He leaned across the table almost conspiratorially, and said in a low voice, "Be very careful. If you persist in blackmailing teachers you will end up in Slytherin."
"That's a bad thing? I thought…" Harry frowned. "Didn't you say you were the head of Slytherin?"
"Quite. But having you in my House, in Slytherin, would be simply unacceptable."
"Oh," Harry breathed, holding back tears. He wanted to scream. He wanted to yell at the stupiduglyslimygreasygit who had held his dreams, his emotions, in the palm of his stupiduglyslimygreasygit hand and then smashed them with a two-ton sledgehammer. He had been offered affection, caring, and then this bastard had decided to rip it all away. He wanted to be alone. He wanted to cry. He wanted to hurt him.
"I understand." Harry said, trying his best to hide his hurt.
Professor Snape studied the small boy closely. "No, I don't think you do. The press would have a field day. Imagine, the boy who lived ending up in Slytherin. And I don't even want to think about what that Skeeter bitch would publish. Probably decide to inform the world that you'll be the next Dark Lord.
"I, personally, as Head of House, former student, and former Head Boy of Slytherin would be honored if you joined our family.
"And please," Snape smiled slowly. "Call me Severus."
End Chapter 9
Okay, I know that was short. Sorry? *hides*
Please, please tell me if I ever let Snape-or anyone else-get OOC. I've been worried. This was supposed to be my attempt to get back into the sarcastic!Snape mindset, but then my characters started running away with the plot and making unauthorized, emotional rants. I apologize for their behavior. *g* I really did mean to cover more ground with this chapter. *sighs* Oh well…
Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers! There have actually been less lately. I'm not gonna nag at you, but…*gets down on hands and knees* Would begging be okay? *bg*
To: zaksgirllol- Thanks. I try. *g*
To: Ms. Padfoot-You know, I never really meant to focus this much on Snape, but he sort of pushed his way in, and now I just can not get him out. I really don't mind that much anymore. I think I'm going to keep him. :)
To: Rachel A. Prongs-Oh, good. Glad to know I'm not alone…
To: Avlyn-Thanks. Always something I love to hear.
To: ER-Thank you. And I am. I mean, I doubt this is going to be finished any time soon…*g*
To: fyre-Thanks. It's rare that I get such a long review. All your opinions and suggestions mean a lot to me. Plus-compliments! Gotta love those…*g*
To: yaaay-Thanks for your review(s). I'm glad you like the story. Actually, I follow Buffy (and Angel) religiously. *g* Never miss an episode. And a Mary Sue -at least my definition of one-is a character that is "perfect." Such as a beautiful but heretofore unknown relative of Harry's who was the real one to stop the killing curse but has gone into hiding, and then suddenly appears at Hogwarts, is more proficient at all the subjects than the professors, is a kick-ass martial artist, and has some special and amazing new power with which she defeats Voldemort easily. *g* Just an example.
To: serapotter-Thanks. I kinda love it too. *giggles pathetically at own stupid joke* I usually update about once a week.
To: sk8reagle-I know, Snape was kinda mean to him, wasn't he? *eg* Hope you like this one!