Severus Snape was not a nice man. He was stuck in an ancient castle 10 months of the year with bratty teenagers. He hated children, well, all except his snakes of course. As head of Slytherin, the 'Evil house' Severus had to let his guard down and be the adult his snakes could rely on when the rest of the school, including the faculty were against them. Because of the Dark Lord, most of Magical Britain were under the impression that anybody sorted into Slytherin were inherently evil. Despite only being children! The morning after the sorting he watched as his colleagues handed out their students timetables, he had the forethought to do it before they ate rather than risk them getting ruined with the remains of breakfast. ~He watched as Minerva handed the papers to the golden trio and... Wait.. There were only two thirds of the golden trio. Where was the ringleader Potter? Come to think of it Severus tried to remember back to the welcoming feast the night before. He didn't recall seeing Potter then either. Watching the Weasley boy turn a bright red and scowl, he observed as Minerva frowned, turning to talk to the resident know it all.

' Professor Snape?' Turning to the voice stood just below the high table Severus gave a small sigh. Luna Lovegood, Ravenclaws oddball and suspected seer. She had been horrendously bullied last year and Snape was the only teacher who didn't automatically dismiss her ramblings. He had grown almost fond of the petite girl with dirty blonde hair over the course of last year and treated her as an honorary snake.

'Miss Lovegood?' She didn't look him in the eye but stared just above his shoulder with her usual dazed expression.

' Sir, Harry Potter has had an incident with the Jabberwockies, He hasn't come to Hogwarts.' Severus looked at her, He didn't always understand her creatures but he knew that if she had sought him out something wasn't right. Giving her a nod he turned to speak to Albus but was interupted.

'Albus! Miss Granger and Mr Weasley say Mr Potter hasn't turned up.'

'What do you mean Minerva? Could it be they just haven't seen him this morning? Maybe he went for a walk round the lake.'

' No, as in they haven't seen Harry since they boarded the train yesterday. They couldn't find him on the train and he didn't appear in his dorm either. ' Lupin, the new DADA professor piped up with a frown on his face.

' Harry wasn't on the train, I had just assumed he had come to school via the floo because of all the security matters.' Severus couldn't help but snap at him.

'Of course Lupin, because Prince Potter is just as special as his precious father and doesnt need to ride a commoners train does he.'

'Severus.' Albus admonished. Minerva's hand flew to her mouth and she whispered so lowly Severus had to lean forward to hear.

' Albus, you.. you don't think Black got him on route to Kings Cross do you?' Albus frowned.' I don't think so. Severus, would you please accompany me to privet drive in order to retrieve Harry.'

' No, i am not the boys head of house why the bloody hell should i go looking for him. I don't care if the spoiled brat doesnt attend this year. It'll give us all a bit of peace and quiet!' Albus just looked at him, eyes twinkling.

'Because, my boy, unlike Minerva you have a free period first thing. Come along. Sooner we get there, the sooner we can escort him back. ' Severus grumbled to himself about the precious Potter getting special treatment and probably thinking he was too good to come to school like anyone else. He stood and swept behind the headmaster to make their way out of the school. Before he could take more than two steps, Miss Lovegood, who he had forgotten was there, spoke again.

' Sir, make sure to return the broom to its cupboard, please.' With that she skipped off to her first lesson, leaving Severus to ponder over her words.

Following the headmaster, they swept from the castle in the direction of Hogsmeade.

Petunia Dursley prided herself on bring normal. She had a sucessful husband, a nice house, a perfect son and a good group of ladies who she was able to gossip with. However Petunia also had a secret. A secret she was terrified somebody would find out. That secret was currently in his cupboard. Her freak of a nephew Harry Potter. Petunia despised him with every fibre of her body. Every time she looked into his eyes. her sisters eyes. She was reminded of her perfect prissy swot of a sister. She had 'special powers' and when Lily turned 11. She was whisked off to a prestigious magical boarding school in Scotland. Her spawn was a burden, a blip in her normal family. But even she had to admit that Vernon and Marge had gone a bit too far in his punishment the other night. She grimaced at the memory of having to clean his blood off of the rug the morning before. She didn't hold sympathy for him. She just wished he wouldn't antagonise them too much. She woke with a gasp in the early hours of the 2nd September. Shooting out of bed she hurried downstairs and rapped on the cupboard door. Nothing. Opening the cupboard she looked down at the child and grimaced at the bruises. If she didnt do something now those freaks were bound to turn up at her door. He was supposed to leave yesterday! Heck she was surprised they hadnt arrived already. Grabbing him under his arms she dragged him into the hall and tapped his face.

' Boy! Wake up!' She tapped him harder and he groaned.

'urgh... Im up Aunt Petunia.'

' Hurry up! those freaks from your school are bound to be here soon. Go to the bathroom and do your freaky stuff to hide your face.'

Harry looked at her horrified.

' But.. But I can't use ma..um, that outside of school.' She shoved him to his feet and pushed him up the stairs, ignoring how he stumbled.

' Just do it, you did it before you had that thing now do it again. or else!'

Harry trudged to the bathroom, nerves gnawing in his gut. He couldnt be expelled, He'd die if he stayed here any longer. Looking in the mirror he winced at the state of his face. Bruises covered every part of skin, his left eye was black and swollen, Two of his teeth were missing and he had a long deep cut that spanned across his left eye and cheek. His uncle had never let his sister lay a hand on him, always taking on that pleasure himself. but both of them drunk? He was lucky to be alive.

Taking a deep breath and trying to think back to his childhood he remembered a bout of accidental magic when he grew his hair back overnight after Petunia had shaved all except his fringe off ' to hide that horrid scar.' Trying to replicate the worry and fear he felt about how he the other kids at school would tease him even more. Screwing up his face he repeated the mantra of ' I dont want anybody to see me like this' over and over. After the fifth time he felt a tingle of magic cover his body. Opening his eye he found himself looking normal. No sign of any bruises or how thin he'd gotten from lack of food this summer. He knew he wasn't healed, although in the mirror he opened both eyes he could still hardly see through the slit of his left, but at least nobody would know.

Hearing a knock on the front door he hurried downstairs as fast as he could and tried to stand up straight when he reached the bottom. It was 8am and Aunt Petunia pulled the door open with a fake smile on her face. However the moment she saw who it was it turned onto a snarl and she tried to slam the door shut.

Severus felt very out of place in Privet drive. All the cookie cutter prim and proper houses made him feel uncomfortable. He'd rarely been in such an afluencial area in the muggle world. Following Albus to the door of number 4, he knocked rapidly, for a moment wondering just who the headmaster had left the boy with. The door was opened by a thin woman with puffy blonde hair and a long, thin neck that reminded him of a horse.It took them both just seconds to recognise each other. Snarls crossing their faces, the former Petunia Evans, revolting sister of his ex best friend and the bane of his pre hogwarts days, tried to slam the door in his face. Tried being the operative word as he immediately stuck his foot in the door to stop it closing, not even grimacing as it bashed into him.

She sneered at him.

'YOU!Get away from my house you freak!'

' Hello Tunie, how horrible to see you after all these years.'

' What do you want?'

' We are here to collect Mr Potter seeing as he couldnt be bothered to grace us with his presence.'

'Harry spoke quietly, not looking Severus in the eye.

' Er. Sorry sir, Uncle Vernon wasn't able to drive me to Kings Cross yesterday, And Hedwig isnt here so i wasn't sure how to contact you.' Petunia growled lowly, Severus watched as she squeezed the boys shoulder, the boy winced and Snapes eyes narrowed. Petunia spoke up.

'Dont lie, we told you to get ready to go and you refused, said you didn't fancy going on that train.'

Dumbledore, who had followed them into the hall, frowned at Potter over the half-moon glasses.

' Now Harry, that's really not okay. After all your family do for you and you couldn't be gracious enough to accept the lift offered? Im disappointed in you, my boy.' Severus watched the boy closely, He saw him look at his aunt in horror then absolute heartbreak at hearing Albus. But as suddenly as it came, it went and a smooth mask came across his face. He stared blankly at the wall and said.

' I apologise, sir, Aunt Petunia, i was selfish. '

Severus watched feeling puzzled, that was strange. Usually Potter wears all his emotions on his sleeve like the blasted Gryffindor he is. But that mask is one he often sees in his house. Its the mask of protection.

Albus clapped his hands

' Right then my boy, lets get your trunk and be off, we should make it back in time for your second lesson, I do believe he has potions doesnt he professor?' Petunias grimace at the word went unnoticed.

'Indeed, come along Potter, we don't have all day.'

'um Aunt Petunia? May i have the key please?' He asked quietly. Plunging into the pocket on her apron she pulled out a all key. Severus watched as the boy moved swiftly to the understairs cupboard, unlocked it and pulled out his trunk and owl cage. Why was it in there? Before Severus could get a climpse inside the boy slammed the door and glared at him. Ah, there is the arrogant little toe rag he hated. Turning and sweeping out the door without a glance he waited on the front lawn for the boy and headmaster. Albus hummed happily and used his wand to shrink the boys things.

'Thank you sir.' was muttered.

' Okay Harry, you havent apperated before so i would like you to take my arm, quite tightly thats it, take a deep breath and don't let go okay?'

' Why ca...' Severus smirked as the boy was cut off. Closing his eyes, he aparated to Hogwarts gates to find the boy on his knees dry retching. Albus chuckled next to him. Waiting for the boy to get up, they then made their way through the gates and started the 15-minute treck across the grounds. Severus stalked ahead, glancing back occasionally as the boy lagged behind. Something wasn't right, but he couldn't quite work out what it was. Albus wasn't speaking to the child, though he did give him some disappointed looks, not that the boy noticed as he had his eyes on the floor the entire time.As they reached the castle, it was quiet, all of the children in their lessons. Albus turned to the boy.

' i'll take your trunk with me to my office for now Harry and you can come and get it after your last lesson. Quickly get your things out that you need, my boy.' Severus watched the boy gather his backpack and nod at the man. 'Albus, he will need his robes.'

' Oh yes, Harry outer robes for now, i will inform your professors that you have me permission not to wear your uniform, but i expect you to tomorrow.

'Yes, sir.'

'I'll see you tonight, Harry.'

'Sir i..'

Albus looked at him. The boy shook his head and looked back at the floor.

'Never mind, thanks, professor.'

Having used up most of his patience, Severus snapped at Potter to follow him to the classroom, seeing as there was only 10 minutes left of the first lesson. Once they arrived, Severus sat behind his desk and started reading summer homework his snakes had completed. A few minutes later, he looked up briefly and did a double take. The boy hadn't moved since he had entered, staying by the door with his arms wrapped around himself.

'Potter!' The boy jumped out of his skin in alarm, which only irritated Severus even more.

'Famous Harry Potter, do you now need a personal invitation to sit at your desk? Not only did i have to waste my time getting a selfish brat from his home, but my desks are no longer good enough for you either? You're just as bad as your father, arrogant, selfish, and a swine! '

Nothing, The boy didn't react to the taunts as he would have done previously. He just looked at Severus blankly. 'Potter! Sit Down!' Another flinch, but he did as he was told. Severus just sat and watched. In his gut, something was twisting, but he refused to ponder on it. Returning to his marking, he watched the boy out of the corner of his eye as he retrieved his things from his bag and sat quietly, heading in his hands. The door opened.

'Harry!' The bushy haired female part of the trio leapt toward him. Arms circling his neck and resting on his shoulders. Severus listened as the boy tensed and hissed quietly, jerking away from her automatically, and he frowned.

'Harry, where were you? How could you just not get the train?! What were you thinking? Were you okay?'

' Let him breathe Hermione. You alight, Harry?' The red-haired piped up.

' I'm good, Ron, you know what the Dursleys are like.' Their teacher surprised at the sudden fierce look that crossed his students face.

' They didn't use the bars again, did they mate? I tried sending Hedwig back with letters, but she wouldn't go.'

' Shh! It's fine, and i told her not to. It's a good thing she didn't as Vernons sister came to visit.' Harry replied, grimacing. As the other two sat down, the girl spoke up again.

'Where are all your things? Are they still in your trunk? ' Harry looked down ashamed. Severus had to strain his ears to hear his reply.

' The Durleys didn't let me go to Diagon. I didn't even get the supply list, let alone actually buy them. I have to see Professor Dumbledoor after lessons. i'll just ask him if i can have a couple of days to send off for it. Can i just use some of yours? I promise i'll replace it.'

'Honestly, Harry, you should have just asked your aunt to...'

'Hermione, leave him alone. You know what they're like. We better shut up, Snape looks like he's swallowed something nasty.'

Harry sighed. It would be a long day.

Harry trudged up the stairs to the Headmasters office, his back and face were burning so badly, he just wanted to cry. It had been a hard day. He had received 3 detentions for not having the correct equipment and lost a total of fifty house points for not having his homework done. He couldn't exactly tell his teachers that his family had locked all his things away the moment he got home at the beginning of the summer. Ron and the rest of the Gryffindors had gotten pissed off at the lack of points and ended up having a go at him. For once, he just took it. He didn't have the energy to fight back.

He took a deep breath as he knocked on the door.

'Come in, Harry.'

Pushing open the door, he froze as he caught sight of all four head of houses.

' Oh, sorry sir, i can come back later.'

'Actually, my boy, I asked them to be here for this. Please take a seat. '

Harry did so trying not to fidget. his nerves were rising.

'Sir?' Dumbledore didn't say anything at first, just stared at him with a frown on his face. Harry looked down,keeping eye contact with his shoes.

'You see, Harry, i have had multiple complaints from your teachers today about lack of homework and supplies, lack of interest, and participation in your lessons today.'

'Sir I..' Albus held up his hand to silence him.

' I wonder if we have given you too much free reign in Gryffindor.' Snape scoffed and muttered about how he had been saying that for the past two years. After a sharp look from his boss, he shut his mouth.

'Therefore i have decided to have you resorted.'

'WHAT! No,no, you can't, what about my friends'

'You can still be friends with them, Harry, and i'm sure you will make new friends.'

'No sir, please just give me detention.' Severus couldn't help himself.

'What are our houses not good enough for perfect Potter? Maybe you're already realising you won't be fawned over by everyone.'

'No, i didn't mean it like that. Please, i.. Gryffindor is my home, I...' Suddenly, he was cut off by a loud explosion that shook the castle. Severus shot in front of the boy and pulled him to the floor as there was a scream from Pomona and a blinding light from behind the headmaster. As the dust settled, Severus stood up, wand aloft and standing on alert. He watched as all the other professors scrambled to their feet. The headmaster looked carefully behind him at the shattered trinket that monitored the blood wards around the Dursleys house. He turned to Harry, anger on his face.

'Potter! Do you have any idea what you've just done!? Why would you say here is your home? you know how important those bloodwards are! Voldemort and his followers will find you in minutes!' Severus could feel the boy shaking behind him. He doubted the boy had seen the headmaster this angry before.

' I..Im sorry sir, i didn't mean to.. I.. please don't ..I.' The shaking was getting worse and silent tears sliding down his cheeks. Severus looked at his dumbstruck colleagues and sighed. Looks like he would have to butt in.

'Can we just get this over with, I have things to do.'Pushing the boy into the the chair almost gently.

That brougght everyone back to reality. Albus still looked angry but he waved his hand and the sorting hat flew off his shelf and onto the boys head.Ah, Mr Potter, we meet again.

Please hat, please put me back in Gryffindor.

I'm sorry, i was wrong to put you in that house, i had hoped they would rally around you but even you can see they haven't.

But my friends, i don't have anyone else.

You will make friends. I stand by what i said in your first year, You will be great in Slytherin.

No! Please, They'll kill me, Snape hates me!

Your wrong child. They are just children, judged for something they have no control over, surely you of all people knoe how that feels?

What about snape? He hates my guts, I'm done, idon't to do this anymore. '

Professor Snap cares for his snakes, which will include you. You can trust him, child. Don't judge him or the slytherin children before you have a chance to get to know them.

'Better be.. SLYTHERIN!'

Gasp

The professors looked gobsmacked, even Snape had his mouth hanging open. Never in a million years had he expected a Potter to be put in his house. The hat flew back to his shelf and the boy wrapped his arms round himself again. Severus was startled at just how young Potter looked in this moment. Nothing like the arrogant brat he had been teaching. The boy glanced first at him then his ex head of house, who looked at him stoicly. No help there then. Albus clapped his hands.

'You, you mean i don't have to go back?' Severus couldn't help but see the utter hope in the boys eyes at that. Something to explore later.

'Later Harry, Severus if you would take your new student to his new common room.' Nodding sharply he reached towards the boy to guide him but paused when the boy flinched harshly. He switched direction and held his hand towards the door, indicating he should follow him.

They made their way down the spiral staircase and into the corridor. They didn't speak, just made their way to his office in silence. Once inside, he gestured for the boy to sit and waited for him to look at him. When minutes had passed and the boy still hadn't looked up.

'Potter.' That did it.

'Sorry sir?' Severus bit his tongue, as much as he despised the boy, he was now one of his snakes. Under his protection.

'Potter Slytherin isn't like Gryffindor. we have rules that we follow within the house and if they are not followed you will not like the consequences.' The boy nodded sharply, wariness marring his face.

'First all first through fourth years have a curfew of 8pm, bed by 9pm.' He held a hand up, cutting off the protests about to leave the boys mouth.

' You are children who need decent sleep in order to learn efficently. Which leads me onto rule number 2. I will not accept mediocre school work. Homework is to be started the day it is recieved, completed by the next, There are mandatory study sessions held every Tuesday and Thursdays where the 6th years will assist and tutor you in any areas you need, I have office hours from 6-7pm on weekdays for any issues that may arise, i also sit within the common room every friday to assist. ' The boy was silent, shock, and dare he say bt, awe, in his expression.

' Thirdly, nobody, not even the golden boy, is allowed to play or be on the quidditch team if they fall below an EE in any subject. It is a privilege, and you are here to learn. The last, and the most important rule is we Slytherins protect our own, all discrepancies are dealt with in house but outside those common room walls, we stand together. Three quarters of school view us unfavourably. We only have each other. Understand?' The boy nodded, sitting quietly and thinking hard. Harry supposed those rules were fair. How many times had he struggled to wake because they had spent half the night playing exploding snap? or how many points had been lost because he hadn't gotten around doing his homework because of practice? He looked up when his professor, no, head of house, spoke again.

' I am going to inform the Slytherins of the new development, in the meantime i expect you to stay here and get started on your potions essay i set today.' Sweeping towards the door he turned to see the boy slump over.

'Potter, there is a spare book in the cabinet, we will talk tomorrow about your lack of equipment.' Before the boy could do more then jump he closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. Now to explain the news to his snakes. God have mercy.