A/N: Thank you all for your patience and thank you to my beta for giving me some tough love to improve this chapter. I hope you all enjoy it!

In silence ever shalt thou lie,
Adieu, Adieu, all's vanity.

Chapter 17

Harry stared angrily at his knuckles. His hands had grabbed fistfuls of his robe and were resting as such on his knees, though refusing to unclench. Likewise, Harry was gritting his teeth so hard that he worried they might break.

"Mr Potter," Snape's annoying voice said. "There's no need for these theatrics. I merely asked you a question. How did you lose points for Slytherin?"

"I had a disagreement," Harry said quietly but the dungeon bat's hearing was keen enough to pick up on his soft spoken words.

"Is that so?" Snape replied evenly. "And whom of your housemates was the victim of your ire this time?"

"Ron," Harry said angrily. It's not so much that he was angry at Ron. Not entirely, at least. Of course he was still annoyed with the boy and rightfully so but he had tried talking to Harry about Hermione and for good reason, it would seem. No, he was actually angry because Snape had 'summoned' him for the loss of a measly ten points. Ten! He couldn't seriously be talking to all of his Slytherins for every transgression, could he? The man would have no time left to himself that way what with everything those snakes got themselves into.

Okay, so maybe that was the pot calling the kettle black a little bit but still. It felt as if he was being singled out and lied to as to hide the fact that it was so.

Also, Ron had been arguing just as much as Harry had. Okay, Harry had been the loudest but there was no way that it wasn't clear that Ron was the instigator here. Harry had preferred to keep working in peace before Ron came to pick a fight with him and not leaving him alone when Harry clearly told him to. And yet, Harry was the only one who lost points. That was ridiculously unjust! Sprout didn't even give him any leeway for the things that had happened recently. Too bad for him that the tower burned down, right? So sad that his most prized possessions burned to ashes. And what a shame that he almost died and had to stay in the medical wing for a long time. No reason to not feel chipper all the time though, Mr Potter. Oh no, come to each class with a smile and if you dare to so much as raise your voice, you will be punished.

These Professors had no empathy for him. Not since he was resorted into Slytherin.

"Mr Potter?" Snape urged.

"What?" Harry snapped at the man and then immediately regretted it. "I'm sorry sir," he said. "I didn't mean to snap. I'm just annoyed, that's all."

Snape looked at him coldly. "I suppose you're not used to facing the consequences for your misdeeds but I explained in advance that this is the way I run my house."

"It's not that," Harry said. "Well, not entirely, at least. It's just that…"

"Go on," Snape urged.

Harry didn't know why he was even considering opening up to Snape, even if slightly. But he was his head of house at the moment and he did seem better. Even if his rules were asinine.

"It's not fair," Harry told him. "Ron didn't lose any points and I know that sounds entirely childish of me and of course I wouldn't want bad things to happen to my friends, even if they're kind of bad friends at the moment, but I just don't understand why I was the only one targeted."

"Don't you?" Snape asked. Harry looked into his eyes, expecting amusement but he found understanding. Slightly taken aback, he sighed and slumped a bit in his chair.

"Are you saying it's because I'm in Slytherin now?" he asked.

"Unfortunately, that is precisely the case," Snape replied. "And that is one of the reasons why I need each loss of points explained to me. If injustice happened, I will fight it on my students' behalf."

Harry swallowed thickly. "I haven't been a Slytherin for long," he said softly. "I'm a Gryffindor at heart. People know that. I risked my life in that tower but still I-"

"People are awfully quick to forget, child," Snape said, a hint of actual care in his voice. Harry didn't quite understand why but this new moniker made his throat feel thick and hot. Treacherous tears seemed to well up in his eyes. He frowned and averted his gaze. What was wrong with him? Thankfully, Snape either didn't notice or simply ignored it for Harry's sake.

"Humans mostly live in the present," Snape continued. "We are quick to adapt to new situations but that also means that we leave the past behind. But I'm also fairly certain that once the tower has been rebuilt and Gryffindor is reestablished, everyone will soon forget that you were ever a Slytherin to begin with. It will seem like a far off dream. Even to yourself."

Harry snorted. "I won't quickly forget Dean and Seamus ambushing me at the –" Harry's eyes widened. "Never mind."

Snape narrowed his eyes. "What were you going to say?" he asked dangerously.

"Never mind," Harry said. "I didn't mean to blurt that out. I'd rather just keep this to myself."

"Mr Potter," Snape said, now leaning on his desk, towards Harry. "I take your safety very seriously, if you hadn't noticed. If any other students did something to harm you, I need to know."

"I'm not a snitch," Harry said. He hardened his gaze. "It just slipped out, that's all. I don't want to say any more."

Snape sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Your unfounded loyalty baffles me sometimes," he said. "But I will respect your wishes. Just please tell me, are you hurt in any way? And before you reply, I will not tolerate a lie."

"I'm not hurt," Harry said honestly. "I promise."

Snape stared at him for a long moment before finally relenting. "Very well," he said. "I'll believe you for now. Shall we steer the conversation back into the direction of your loss of points?"

Harry slouched even more in his seat. He just wanted to disappear and be left alone. "I already told you," he said. "I had a fight with Ron."

"What was it about?" Snape replied.

"It doesn't matter," Harry deflected.

"Mr Potter," Snape said. "Your classmates heard every word, I assure you, as did Professor Sprout. If I wish, I will undoubtedly find out what was said but I imagine that you'd rather I heard it from you. It will enable you to explain your words in the same instance."

Harry shrugged. "It was stupid," he said. "Ron was worried about Hermione and I told him that I didn't care. That she could handle her problems herself."

"Not what I would expect coming from you," Snape said, sounding surprised. "Why would you say that?"

"They weren't there for me either," Harry shared. "I wanted to talk to them. To either of them. Or both of them. I don't know. I wanted to talk about the things that happened." His gaze met Snape's for half a second before falling back into his lap. "I just really needed them and they didn't even care. They were too busy with their new houses to even talk to me." Harry sighed. "So I thought that Hermione should get the same treatment from me."

Snape remained silent for a moment. When Harry looked at him, he was surprised to see that the man seemed a bit lost. Surprised even. As if he didn't know what to process or say first. But then finally, he cleared his throat, stood behind his own chair and put his hands on the back of it.

"I must admit," he said. "That I'm rather amazed that you would seek out your friends at this stage. It is quite courageous to do so."

Harry shrugged. "I'm a Gryffindor, aren't I?"

"It's not that kind of courage I'm talking about," Snape said. "The courage it takes to show others your vulnerabilities, to discuss your fears and pain comes with a great deal of maturity. And even then, a large amount of adults never learn to do so. Gryffindor or not. I have to admit, Mr Potter, that I am proud of you for doing so."

There was that damn feeling again. It was not fair that it was Snape who talked to him like this. This man had always hated him for who his father was. And now he was proud? What a joke. And yet, Harry couldn't shake that warm, fuzzy feeling. But it was mixed with betrayal. A betrayal to himself. To his father. To his friends. He didn't know how to handle this.

"It is unfortunate that your friends behaved so poorly," Snape continued, ignoring Harry's probably obvious discomfort. "Did you say Ms Granger is having issues? I must admit that I did notice that something is amiss."

Harry nodded. "I'm not sure what it is," he said. "But she's completely out of it and neglecting herself."

"I will have a conversation with Professor Flitwick about it," Snape said.

"You will?" Harry asked. "Why?"

"Because it bothers you," Snape said. "And I daresay you already have enough problems causing disarray in your mind. You don't need even more turbulence. Also, I'd rather not have something happen to one of the only students who actually knows what she's doing in my class. But if you ever tell her I said anything of the sort, I will deny your foolish claims to my death."

Harry looked at his smirking professor in surprise. Did he just joke around with him? Oh, Harry really didn't know how to process all of this.

"I wish I could help more," Snape then said. "But you must understand that it is proper to first go through a student's head of house. I would not appreciate professor Sprout – for example – to insert herself in the internal affairs of my Slytherins, after all."

"I understand," Harry said, already very happy that Snape would even do anything for him.

"Then I will proceed as discussed," Snape said. "And I'll inform you of the result if it is proper that I do so."

"Thank you," Harry said honestly. "But er… what about the points?"

"I haven't forgotten," Snape replied easily. "But I believe that I've gathered enough information to ascertain that – in this case – your loss of points was valid. At the same time, the cause was an understandable one and I don't see the need to punish you further. So unless you have something else you wish to discuss with me, you are hereby excused."

Harry jumped to his feet, very ready to leave this uncomfortable room and conversation behind. "No sir," he said. "Nothing."

"Very well," Snape said. "Run along then." He waved vaguely towards his office door and Harry gladly took his leave, happy that he got off unscathed and with a surprising amount of understanding.

Snape sighed deeply as he plopped down a comfortable pillow on the floor in front of his fireplace. He threw in some floo powder and called out for "Filius Flitwick's chambers". Then he tried to put his head into the fire as elegantly as he could. How wizard kind hadn't found a better way to go about this was beyond him. If anyone ever found a wizard conversing in this manner, it was beyond demeaning.

He had a visual of Flitwick's chambers but didn't immediately spot the small-statured wizard. "Filius?" he called out. "Are you here?"

He heard some stumbling and waited patiently for the older wizard to appear. When he did, he was directing a large stack of books with his wand. "Oh, Severus," he said. "Hold on. Let me put these down." With a flick of his wand and a silent spell, he ordered the books to what Snape assumed were their rightful places in the large book case that spanned from floor to ceiling and from wall to wall.

"There's no need to sit there like that, Severus," Flitwick then said. "You are more than welcome to join me, if you wish. I don't bite."

Snape imagined that this discussion would likely not be a short one and he was grateful that he wouldn't need to spend that time on his knees. "That is thoughtful of you," he said. "Thank you." He walked through the green flames and watched as they turned back to their normal colour.

"Might I offer you some tea?" Filius asked. "A biscuit or two perhaps? In fact, I imagine I still have some tart in the back."

"Tea would be nice," Snape said. "There's no need for anything else."

Filius chuckled. "No, you were never one to partake in sweets, were you?" he said. "Even as a young boy you just didn't like them. But you don't mind if I -?"

"Go ahead," Snape said.

"Splendid," Filius said. "Now, take a seat, please, so I feel a little bit less intimidated by your height." He chuckled again. "I suppose that's how your students feel, right?"

Snape smiled thinly. He didn't know why he didn't visit with Filius more often. The wizard was always kind and welcoming. Even when he was a student, he never felt singled out by this man simply for being a Slytherin. He supposed that it was sometimes difficult to stop seeing him as his Professor. Especially because he often learned something new from him.

A platter of tea and biscuits – and yes, some tart as well – appeared on the large but low round table around which the seating was arranged. Snape took a seat in a plush armchair with a high back that he had always suspected Filius put there specifically for entertaining visitors and made himself a cup of tea. Filius hopped on his chesterfield sofa and floated a cup of tea into his waiting hands. Wandless, Snape noted.

"Now," Filius said jovially. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I must admit to feeling somewhat abashed to speak of professional matters after your warm welcome, Filius," Snape admitted. "If I had realised you were open to entertaining I might have come by sooner, and for other reasons entirely."

"No need for apologies," Filius said gracefully. "I realise that you're a private man. As well as a busy one, of course, with all the work you put into your students. It's a shame that not everyone realises that."

Honestly. Snape just could not help feeling like a student when in the company of Filius.

"Quite," he said simply and took a sip of his tea.

"Well, let's cut to the chase then," Filius said. "You mentioned professional reasons. Is there a class you wish to discuss? Perhaps a combination class? Potions with charms? It would be quite riveting!"

Snape chuckled softly. "I understand your eagerness Filius. Perhaps some other time. But for now, I'd like to discuss one of your new Ravenclaws. Namely, Hermione Granger."

Flitwick's expression saddened somewhat. "Oh yes," he said. "Ms Granger. You've noticed it too, then?"

"It was mainly Mr Potter, I must confess," Snape said. "While I did see the clues of something being not quite right, I'm here because one of my new students expressed concern about her."

Flitwick smiled warmly. "I've always known you were warmer than you made yourself out to be," he said. "It's nice to see you jumping at the chance to help Mr Potter now. Even if it's only because he's a Slytherin. I simply hope that you will keep this attitude with him once he goes back to Gryffindor."

Snape didn't think he had much of a choice. Too many things had been revealed. Too much had changed.

"Be that as it may," Snape said. "Might we focus on Ms Granger, please? I do hope she hasn't fallen ill?"

"If only it were that simple," Flitwick sighed. "You know, she was so very excited to join my house at first. Honestly, she was the only resorted student – for me, at least – that didn't bemoan their fate."

Snape wasn't surprised. All in all, it was a miracle that she wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw to begin with.

"Everything was wonderful at first," Filius continued. "She studied with such vigour. She asked all the appropriate questions as well as some that most of my core Ravenclaws didn't even think of. She truly is a very bright witch."

Snape nodded. "But?"

Filius sighed and sent his cup back to the table. "I never thought I would say this," he said. "But she is too overzealous. Too studious. Too… obsessed, even."

Snape frowned. "Please explain."

"Well," Filius said. "As you are aware, Ms Granger was given a time-turner this year so she would be able to go to all the electives."

Snape nodded curtly. Oh, how he was aware of that. It grated on his nerves for multiple reasons. The first being that this was another sign of clear favouritism for the Gryffindors. There were many of his Slytherins that would jump at the chance to follow more classes then was possible or necessary. Their own personal ambitions would testify to that.

But what was more, he thought that it was terribly unhealthy. There was only so much studying a child could do. Should do, even. He was not one to sniff at hard work but there were limits. Especially for children! So things had gone wrong, had they?

"Go on," Snape urged.

"At this point, she does nothing but study," Filius said. "She always has her nose in one book or another. She prefers studying over bathing, sleeping and even eating. Even during classes she doesn't partake anymore. She just keeps on reading and rereading every book she can get her hands on. I fear that my house is not the right place for her."

"Because your house enables such behaviour?" Snape asked.

"Exactly so," Filius sighed. "It is designed to guide the studious. To provide quiet spaces for them. Books line every wall and there's even a quick passageway that goes straight to the library. I've had to force her to eat and drink something when things got particularly bad. I actually imagine that this is precisely why she was not sorted into Ravenclaw."

"I see," Snape said. "I imagine that the rash Gryffindor populace would certainly encourage her to do more than simply study, whereas Ravenclaw students would likely do the opposite."

"Precisely so," Filius replied.

"So put a stop to it," Snape said simply.

"I tried," Filius said. "But it is quite difficult to do so. How do I stop a student from studying when she is at a school. We give them homework every day. Every Professor assigns their own essays. I can't very well tell her that she's not allowed to do them."

"So allow her only the material required for her homework and required studies," Snape said.

"That doesn't work as well as you'd hope," Filius replied. "She always comes up with a reason for a book she's interested in to relate to whatever homework she's working on. She'll even implement the chosen subject to prove it."

"Well, first things first, we need to take away that time turner," Snape said.

"I thought about that," Filius said. "But I worry that it might make things worse. The time turner gives her more time. More opportunities to actually do other things than schoolwork."

Snape frowned. He felt himself become irate but tried to keep down his emotions. "So tell her that she is no longer allowed to take more than the appropriate number of elective classes," he growled. "I'm sorry Filius, but I can only see this heading in a horribly wrong direction and it doesn't feel as if you're doing much to combat it."

"I personally feel that it's important to give people the benefit of the doubt," Filius said. "To give them a chance to prove themselves."

"And what does she need to prove?" Snape asked. "That she can show restraint? Because according to what you and Mr Potter have told me, she is way beyond that point. She's but a child, Filius. Please, I ask you to consider talking to her about this. Take away those extra classes. Force her into a schedule catered to her needs, for all I care. But please do something."

"I know that you're correct, Severus," Filius said sternly. "And I will discuss this further with Ms Granger, perhaps even Albus, but I do not appreciate the tone you're taking with me."

Slightly taken aback, Snape set down his cup of tea. "I apologise, Filius," he said earnestly, feeling entirely like a scolded child. "You are right, of course. I am concerned but I shouldn't take that out on you."

"Thank you, Severus," Filius said. "I promise that I will look into this further." He sighed. "Perhaps even a change of house will need to be discussed. Though I'm not sure what the castle is going to think about that." He shrugged. "Either way, for now, let's discuss happier things. How is your research coming along? You seem happier lately. Did something good happen?"

Snape smiled. "You won't believe it, Filius," he said. "But I've come upon a brew created by Salazar Slytherin himself, preserved to absolute perfection."

"You don't say?" Filius said. His curiosity was obviously triggered.

Snape smirked. "For now, that's all I'll say about the matter," he said. "Surely, you understand."

"Oh, come on, Severus," Filius said. "Tell me more! How did you come upon such a thing?"

"I'll exchange my information for what you know about the five cursed vaults," Snape offered slyly.

Filius scoffed. "Oh, Severus," he said, shaking his head with a smile. "You're such a snake, sometimes."

Harry sighed and nibbled a bit on his quill as he tried to focus on his essay about charmed objects. It was hard to do homework while constantly imagining how Hermione was doing. Especially because the two subjects were very closely related.

Harry's eyes wandered through the common room when he suddenly saw Malfoy in a corner as if he was hiding himself away. Daphne had approached him and was seemingly talking to him using a great deal of hand gestures, implying that she was upset.

For a moment, it seemed peculiar that Harry couldn't hear what was going on when he realised that one of them probably cast a silencing charm around them.

Harry looked around again to see if anyone else had noticed the quarrel but they were all carefully scribbling or studying. Not a single person even glanced in the fighting pair's direction. At this point, Harry was well aware that they were all most likely ignoring it rather than being oblivious. It probably wouldn't do to imply knowledge of someone else's troubles. How sorry a life they all must have.

Malfoy seemed to be going ballistic. His red face showed clearly how upset he was. Daphne - on the other hand - seemed calm and collected. She merely engaged in their conversation with what appeared to be grace and poise. Her calm nature - however - did nothing to mollify Malfoy and eventually, he just threw up his arms in clear irritation, turned around and stormed off to his dorm room.

Daphne stared after him for a few seconds, then waved her wand to cancel the spell. She looked around for a moment before locking eyes with Harry. He merely raised an eyebrow at her. She seemed to take it as an invitation, though, as she walked over to him.

"Can I help you?" Harry asked dryly.

"Enjoyed the show, did you?" Daphne asked. She sat down next to Harry after which he promptly gathered up his things.

"What's wrong?" Daphne asked.

Appalled, Harry stared at her. "If you really have to ask, there is something seriously wrong with your moral compass," he said angrily. He closed his book bag and swung it over his shoulder.

"Can't you just sit down and talk to me about it?" Daphne asked. "Come on, Harry. You must have realised the value of our relationship by now."

Harry scoffed. "You're really full of yourself, you know that?" he said. "Why don't you try having a relationship with yourself for a while? See how that feels?"

He also retired to his dorm room. As clever as Slytherins were supposed to be, this one certainly didn't grasp how a normal friendship was supposed to work. And Harry didn't want to deal with that kind of person in his life right now.

Ignoring Malfoy who was already in bed, staring at his canopy, Harry pulled out his books and continued his work in bed. He just hoped that Snape had come through on his promise.