AN: I wanted to thank all of you who reviewed my story. They were very helpful and inspirational. :)
"No."-definite and blunt, there was no room for debate in Harry's opinion. Unfortunately for him he didn't make the rules, or the consequences that followed them.
Snape took in the scene before him. The bright and haunting green eyes stood out from behind a curtain of dark hair, glimmering in both defiance… and suffering. Whispering calmly he found words that seemed lost to him. "Don't do this to me, Harry."
Harry's demeanor changed-his shoulders curled back-giving up, his eyes also lighted from the formal sneer. "I am not doing anything to you, Snape." Harry snapped crossly.
Snape sighed. He never let anyone in his life; even Albus had troubles braking through the wall he built. Yet here Harry stood on the inside on the wall, just like Lilly did. Harry however, didn't seem to comprehend how lucky he was. Snape crossed his arms over his chest defensively. "Potter-"
"Harry." Harry growled.
"Harry. You need to understand that I am not the best guardian for you. Even though you're beloved Albus seems to think otherwise-"
"I do not love him." Harry spat narrowing his eyes. "Nor do I like him, for that matter."
"Interesting." Snape said taking in the news. Shaking his head he moved back into reality. "As I was saying, I don't believe that I am the best person to take care of you, even though I am capable of it."
"Or so you think." Harry mumbled incidentally. Snape rolled his eyes ignoring yet another outburst.
"I am." Snape simply stated. "The reason I do not think I am the best is because for one your parents would have been idle, but as you know that is already impossible. Another reason is I was a Death Eater-yes, and therefore that brings us to the next subject."
"Brilliant." Harry commented before sliding himself down on the bed, causally making it as painless as possible.
"I have friends and allies, Harry. Some of which are the Malfoys. I do not care if you like them or not- but you will treat them with the utmost respect and there will be no lacking what-so-ever. Or Harry, I promise you I will pull you up here and tan your hide as I see fit." Harry frowned when Snape finished his speech.
"And you think I'm just going to bloody listen to you? Just because?" Harry said raising an eyebrow.
"No. I expect you to listen to me and respect me, which means the rules I set forth for you." Snape replied.
Harry thought about the sting in his behind, and turned his attention back to Snape. The man was serous. In a way if felt good that someone cared what he did, even though at the same time he felt more then annoyed. He already lost this fight, and probably the war too.
"Do you understand?" Snape asked quirking an eyebrow.
"I understand, Snape." Yet the defiance was still there in Harry voice, as if to say 'you just wait.'
Snape smirked and unraveled his arms. "Then I think it's time you speak to the Malfoys and apologize. You may find that they are not as bad as they seem."
"Oh yeah, just like how a lion is. 'it's not like he seems hungry or anything... maybe it would want to play with me.' Of course it all makes since now." Harry sarcastically added.
As the headed down the stairs Harry's stomach began to swim, so what if the Malfoys aren't as bad as they seem?
"Potter." Nope, they are not as bad as they seem-there worse. Draco sneered from the other side of the dinning room, along with a silent Lucius next to him.
Harry felt Snape standing behind him. "I think Harry would like to say something." Snape then took the chance to find his seat, leaving Harry a little venerable. Harry looked down at the floor for a moment trying to concentrate on anything but what was happing. Finally he looked up to find the Malfoys with curious faces.
"I'm sorry." Harry half mumbled looking away in another direction. He then heard Draco 'cough'- more like hack from across the table. Not only that but he heard Snape suddenly clear his throat, all of which made Harry blush.
"What I meant was I'm sorry for the rude comments tonight." Harry finalized with as much Gryffindor courage as he could find. After a moment of silence Harry glanced toward their direction. Draco's smile was gone now, and Lucius sat quietly.
"Very well, Potter. You apology is accepted. Take a seat if you will." Lucius half smiled. Harry who felt a little shocked numbly found his way back to his seat.
Dinner stayed quite for the most part after that. Draco sat still beside his father hardly touching what was left of his food, while Lucius seemed to have eaten a good potion of his. Finally after they decided that everyone was satisfied the moved into the parlor.
Harry really hadn't done a whole lot of exploring so this room was not one he had been in. The walls were painted a dark red while the sofas were a light brown. A few painting hung around the room, nothing completely interesting. The fireplace was blazing keeping the room's toasty.
"I really think that you should get a house elf Severus." Lucius commented from his seat by the fire.
Harry held back a snort. Yeah Snape, your right. They are so much better once you get to know them.
"I don't believe in enslavement." Snape replied setting down silver tea cups on the coffee table.
"I wouldn't really call it that." Lucius went on. Draco shifted uncomfortably, like he didn't agree with his father either.
Snape chuckled at that, somewhat darkly. "I'm surprised you feel that way Lucius, especially from you past."
AN: a little better at updating sooner this time lol. Reviews? :)