It was now sunrise; Harry was feeling anxious but enthusiastic at the prospect of attending his classes for the first time today. Last night was a blur, after his altercation with Malfoy and his time spent with Professor Snape, he didn't even feel like he had slept a wink. Luckily Goyle was fast asleep when Harry finally made it back to their dormitory last night. It meant he didn't have to hide his discernible distress from the incidents of the night before and lie to Goyle about where he was all night. This was not the way he wanted to start his relationship with his newly assigned roommate.

Harry was an early riser naturally; he was not given the luxury of sleep-ins at his home with the Dursleys. Petunia ensured she unlocked his cupboard door each morning before the sun was up. Harry was required to prepare the Dursley's breakfast feasts daily. If it was not served in time, it resulted in severe punishment from Uncle Vernon. Harry had made sure not to be late in over eight months, a record to date.

Harry stumbled out of bed before Goyle could wake, his new Slytherin robes awaited him neatly at the end of the bed. Once dressed, he observed himself in the room's glass mirror, his white shirt now tucked in neatly, and his Slytherin robe securely around his shoulders. The green trimming now matches his eyes, almost entirely. Harry was still feeling uncertain about being put in Slytherin, but he had to admit he looked the part easily enough. The feel of impeccable clothes on his body was unfamiliar, he treasured the feel of the material, he had never owned clothing of such abundant quality, and he felt a sense of guilt for owning something so fine.

He could see his injured hand in the reflection of the mirror, it was still quite sore, but it was now almost completely healed. Thanks to Professor Snape's balm only a sliver of bruising remained, this was a relief to Harry.

It was then he noticed the green and white tie still laying on his trunk.

"Oh no…" He whispered.

Harry had never learnt how to put on a tie, frankly, he never had anyone to show him. Uncle Vernon was not the type to show him any fatherly affection. His clothes, all scrappy hand downs of Dudley's, a tie was never a part of his attire. Harry needed to leave soon to avoid Goyle, he would surely be waking soon as breakfast in the great hall would start soon. Harry stuffed the tie in the pocket of his robes and headed for the great hall.

Severus got very little sleep; he was overthinking every small detail of what transpired the night earlier. After learning the revelation about Potter's family last night, Severus was beginning to question most of what he had been told by Dumbledore. Not only was the boy he vowed to protect placed in the care of a horrific woman, but the man who placed him there lied directly to Severus's face many years ago.

He thought back to the moment, it was the night of Lily and James Potter's murder. Severus was still at the lighthouse. Lily had just stormed down the stairs. Severus had refused to help James and allow him to go into hiding along with them. Severus felt the man should stay behind and fight for the order and assist in defeating the dark lord. As a husband and father, Severus believed he would want to help eliminate the force trying to take away his family. but James wanted to run, and Lily wanted him safe in the process. Severus always saw James as a coward, his laziness and arrogance were his main qualities. Why would he fight for his family's survival when he could so easily hide and allow others to sacrifice themselves?

Lily was coming around to accepting Severus's help, she was desperate, almost willing to take Harry and run away, but as soon as she saw the dark mark on Severus she fled. If not for that moment, so much could have been different.

Lily had a confession, one she was not courageous enough to divulge to Severus, she knew it would change everything. She was ready, to tell the truth, if it was not for seeing the dark mark. Lily decided to allow Severus to cut ties and be free of her mess. She didn't want her best friend killed because of her deceit. She knew if Severus knew her secret that he would do anything to defend her, worst of all defend them both, no doubt ending in his death.

Severus pushed himself down to the floor of the decaying lighthouse, he laid down his head in defeat. He knew he had lost her indefinitely. Their world had just gotten far more dangerous, this was far from their quarrels as children, and this was becoming as serious as life or death.

He was so focused on his hate for James Potter that his Love for Lily was not his priority at that moment. After much thought, Severus put his dignity and pride to the side and headed for the Potter's home. He was going to put them all into hiding and continue to fight on the front lines as a spy, he was willing to sacrifice himself for Lily, for her family.

As Severus reached the Potter home it was clear the dark lord had already been there. The dark mark lit up the sky, Severus's dark mark now glowing. Panic set in, and he ran towards the Potter's house.

The house was no more than a shell, as was the lighthouse he had just left, and the irony set in for Severus. the house was now in decay, rubble laid in the front yard. The entrance door was no longer attached; Severus headed for the stairs. Debris was covering most of the space, he pushed aside what he could, and it was then he saw the body of James Potter laying peacefully among the rubble on the top step of the staircase.

Severus felt nothing at first, he would be lying if it wasn't a sight he had wished for in the past, but not this way, not if there was a chance Lily was hurt as well. The rubble was more prominent as he hurried down the passageway, he reached the doorway to what looked like a child's nursery, and Severus collapsed at the sight.

Lily's lifeless body was all that he could see, for the first time in his life he cried, real unbreakable tears. His scream could've been heard by those close, he grabbed Lily and held her in an embrace. Her body was still warm, he was too late, and it was all his fault.

He finally was able to release her and place her down gently. Endless apologies came out of his mouth, he laid a small innocent kiss on her forehead, and a small cry in the corner of the room pulled Severus from his nightmare. Pulling his wand from his holster out of instinct, he pointed it at the area in which the cry came from. It was then he saw him, her child, still wrapped in an emerald-coloured blanket. Severus approached the cot, but before he could see if the child was injured, he was struck from behind with a deterioration hex.

Sirius Black, a long-time friend of the potters appeared, clearly distraught. Before Severus could protest, Sirius grabbed the child and fled Potter's home. Severus left the Potters once he could stand and overcame the hex placed on him and then headed straight for Dumbledore.

Dumbledore was now in charge of placing the child into protection, he was consulting McGonagall when Severus entered his office.

Severus still clearly distraught, McGonagall left to give them privacy, she was assigned with watching over the Dursleys until the boy was to be taken to little whinging. She placed a comforting hand on Severus's shoulder as she exited the room.

"I'm so sorry Severus," McGonagall whispered.

Severus just stood, defeat and guilt clearly showing on his face.

Now it was just Severus and Dumbledore.

"The boy will need protection," Dumbledore stated.

"He does not need protection the dark lord is gone." Severus spat.

Dumbledore asked about Lily's family, he had known she had a sister in the muggle world.

"Petunia? She is not fit to raise a child! especially one of magical heritage, she hated -" Severus paused.

"Lily."

The look of sorrow in his eyes grew, the reality was setting in, he was realising that he would never see her again, it was all beginning to feel like a horrifying nightmare. Severus began to plead his case to Dumbledore, he explained how Petunia was growing up, and as they got older, she became more hostile with Lily. Jealousy flowed through petunias veins; she was the last person Lily would want as a guardian for her child.

"Sirius Black is the child's godfather; however, he has been apprehended and is on the way to Azkaban, he is thought to have given up the location of the Potters, he was in possession of the child when he was found, no doubt on his way to Voldemort."

Severus's blood was boiling, he had been attacked by black and watched him leave with the child. Severus assumed he was taking the boy to safety not to the hands of the enemy, he was deeply loyal to James, and it didn't make sense for him to have betrayed him.

"He would be best with a wizarding family, Petunia is out of the question, I'll take the boy myself before- "Severus only just realised what he had started to say, Dumbledore's eyes showed his disbelief.

"I do not think that wise Severus, you are needed more than ever to continue our arrangement, I need you on the inside, I appreciate your sentiment, however, we need to prepare for Voldemort's return. I will ensure he is put with a wizarding family if that is your request."

Severus nodded and exited Dumbledore's office.

Severus's memory proved Dumbledore lied, he has ensured that the boy was to be raised in the wizarding world, and he was not. Severus couldn't understand why Dumbledore would deceive him; did Dumbledore fear that he would have been a cruel guardian to the child? Did he trust him so little that he would hand a small innocent child to a woman known for her spitefulness and malice towards her sister, no doubt to be used against her defenceless child? Was this his way of saying he could never be trusted?

After years of loyalty and this is how he was treated. The more Severus recalled his memories the more it was becoming clearer, maybe Dumbledore had his own agenda and everything they were working towards had different conclusions. It was time to confront Dumbledore and get answers. first, he had to have a serious chat with a less desirable, Mr Draco Malfoy.

Harry entered the great hall and headed for the Slytherin table, he took a seat with some third years and began indulging in breakfast. He made small talk with the older Slytherins, they were mainly discussing quidditch and were kind enough to explain the rules. It was then he felt a shadow forming behind him.

"Potter?" Malfoy whispered.

Harry froze, he did not want to be taken to the headmaster's office on his second day. Harry turned and saw Malfoy and Professor Snape standing right next to him. Malfoy looked frightened, his eyes were puffy and red, he had to have just been crying.

The entire Slytherin table now had their attention focused on Harry and Malfoy.

"I am- "Malfoy paused.

Malfoy looked around at the Slytherin table in embarrassment, a swift firm nudge from Professor Snape brought his attention back to Harry. Malfoy took a deep breath. "I wanted to apologize," he said, his voice quieter than usual. "For what I said about your mother. It was out of line, and I should not have said it."

It was clear he was not here on his own accord; Professor Snape had forced him to apologise, in public no less. Harry felt much more at ease that Malfoy had been made vulnerable, he was unlikely to target him again now that he had been forced to withstand such public humiliation.

"Thank you, Malfoy. I apologise for reacting the way I did, I should not have hurt you." Harry said maturely.

Malfoy seemed shocked at Harry's counter-apology; he did not expect that. Malfoy lost for words, just nodded.

Professor Snape released Malfoy and allowed him to exit the great hall. Snape continued to stare at Harry, a long silence falling between them. Snape was surprised that Harry also apologised, he was not expecting the boy to be so forgiving so quickly, the boy's father would never have been, as James Potter never apologised for anything.

Knowing he needed to keep his cover as an unsympathetic and somewhat cruel professor he got into character. "Don't think you're getting off lightly Potter." Professor Snape continued to scowl at the boy while a slight smirk formed on his lips. "Detention tonight, see yourself at my office at 6. "

Snape still observing Harry, lowered his eyes to the boy's neckline he noticed he had not had his tie on. "Do you feel it is acceptable to not follow the dress code on your first day Potter? Ensure your tie is around your neck before the start of classes, or I'll add an array of detentions to your schedule."

Harry was undoubtedly humiliated and let out a small "Yes, sir." As he kept his head down.

Without another word, Snape exited the great hall swiftly, within seconds he was gone from sight, he was on his way to see Dumbledore.

The Slytherins surrounding Harry let out a small snicker after the potions master had left, they saw the trepidation on Harry's face.

The group of third years ensured Harry that every student has received at least one detention in their time at Hogwarts, from professor snape no less. Lucian Bole, a beater for Slytherin was the first to share his experience. "He gave me detentions in my second year because I dropped my quill while he was speaking in potions, he had me scrubbing cauldrons for a week."

Another third-year member of the Slytherin quidditch team, Peregrine Derrick was next to speak. "Oh, I can beat that Bole, Snape gave me a detention for yawning too loudly during a lesson." The table erupted into laughter, and everyone took turns telling their detention story for the rest of breakfast.

As the table quickly disbanded and each student was getting ready to head to their first classes for the morning, a hand fell on Harry's shoulder.

"Don't worry Potter, Professor Snape dislikes Gryffindor's the most, we get it far easier than them, good luck," Bole whispered.

Harry shot Bole an uplifting smile as he departed the great hall.