Your Protector ✦ A Snarry Fanfiction

Chapter 1: Assignment

Chapter 1: Assignment (Snape's perspective)

The night was cold and dreary as Severus Snape made his way down the dimly lit corridors towards Dumbledore's office. His footsteps echoed against the walls, making the night all the more ominous.

"Acid pops," Snape spoke in a hushed tone when he reached the stone gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office. The gargoyle slid aside at once, revealing a narrow, spiraling staircase. 

"Come in, Severus," came the wispy voice from inside the office when Snape knocked. He pushed the door open to reveal Dumbledore sitting patiently at his desk, a small smile upon his lips.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Snape drawled as he stood in the doorway. 

"Have a seat," Dumbledore said, motioning towards one of the cushioned chairs that rested across from him. "This is important."

Snape raised an eyebrow slightly as he did as Dumbledore instructed. He knew this was no ordinary meeting or else it would have waited until the morning.

"As you know, the students will be arriving on the Hogwarts Express tomorrow. I'm sure you are also aware that we have many measures in place to protect these students," Dumbledore began.

"Yes, I have been informed," said Snape. His voice held a hint of annoyance.

"But Voldemort is getting stronger by the day and we can never be too careful. Harry Potter is our best chance at defeating him once and for all. That is why I have a very important assignment for you, Severus. I need you to watch over Harry, day and night," Dumbledore spoke. His face was serious, but only for a moment did Snape see a glint in his blue eyes.

"You cannot be serious old man! I will not babysit that spoiled brat," Snape snarled, rising from his chair and storming towards the door. 

"Severus, stop. Colloportus." Snape heard the door click and he knew he was locked in.

"I have no time for such foolery. I am the new DADA professor, and I must still convince the Dark Lord I am on his side. Potter is the last thing I need to deal with," Snape spat. He knew Dumbledore would not listen to him, but his dislike for the chosen one was not something he could just get over.

"I hope your anger with Harry is not because of your past with James. You are much too old to be holding onto grudges from such a long time ago," Dumbledore said. He had now risen from his own chair and he made his way toward Snape. "I was not asking, Severus. This is extremely important. I am sure we can work everything out."

At the mention of James Potter, Snape felt his blood boil. He would not admit this to Dumbledore though. He knew that much of his anger with Harry stemmed from his father, and admitting this would only show Dumbledore that he was correct.

"Fine, I'll do it. But if he steps out of line even once, I will not be his babysitter anymore."

"You are doing a good thing, helping Harry and the order," Dumbledore said with a smile. "You might even enjoy it. Alohomora."

Snape snarled as he pulled open the office doors, stormed down the stairs and back to his living quarters in the dungeon.

That night as Snape drifted off to sleep, dreams of his past filled his mind.

Suddenly Snape was 16 again, carrying his books across the school grounds after a particularly boring Herbology class. Snape heard voices coming up behind him, but he paid them no mind. Potions was his next class and he wanted to get there early to scribble some more notes in his book.

"LEVICORPUS!"

The next thing he knew, Snape felt a harsh tug against his ankles and in seconds he was floating upside down in mid-air.