you will guide me home- up for adoption

three

The prefects herded the small trope of first years down to the common room. "Serpens," a prefect whispered. The portrait swung open silently and the kiddos were lead into the common room, mouths opening in delight and shock. 

A forest green carpet was laid under their feet, their footsteps falling silent like snow on the ground. A warm, blazing fire lit up the room, highlighting the silver Slytherin banners hung around the walls. Cozy large green armchairs were set up, making Harry yearn to dive into one and snuggle his face in it. The prefects shared a smile, remembering their first time walking into the magical room. 

"Take a seat, kiddos. Professor Snape will be down in a second." The first years nodded, some yawning sleepily. They sat gingerly down, Harry and Draco smushed so tightly together that Harry was almost in Draco's lap. 

"Hello, children." The sound of Professor Snape's voice made them look up, terrified of the bat-like professor. The prefects shared another grin. The man had an uncanny ability to pop into any room unnoticed. 

"I... see that you lot have been sorted into Slytherin. You often won't have heard good things about Slytherin, how we are evil, cruel, Death Eaters. You may have heard rumours ...speculating around that I am a Death Eater, but I am not, and will never be." He held up his left forearm, void of a dark mark, smooth and pale as alabaster. We are a family. Us snakes protect each other. We support each other, protect each other, and trust each other.  Your password for the common room is 'Serpens'. Do well to remember it or ... unfortunate .... consequences may befall upon you. These are your prefects, Miss Gemma Farley, and Mr. Thomas Greengrass. Please find them or myself if you find yourself in any.. precarious situations. First years, proceed to my office for your initial health screening when you hear your name called. Mr. Zabini. With me." Blaise sauntered after his billowing robes confidently.

Harry's thoughts ran a million miles per minute. Aunt Petunia had always told Harry that health screens were horrible and stuck needles all over. That's why he never got to go. That's why Dudley went. Because Dudley was "brave". A booming "Mr Potter." filled the room. All eyes were on Harry, the supposed boy who lived.

 Harry gave a slight whimper,  pushing his face directly in Draco's shoulder. 

"You'll be fine, Harry. Be brave." Draco whispered, giving him a slight push towards the office door. Harry stumbled to his feet awkwardly, short legs moving at a trot to Professor Snape's office. 

He opened the large wooden door slowly. Professor Snape sat on the chair, motioning towards the empty seat next to him. 

"So, Mr. Potter. I happened to know your parents when I was at Hogwarts," Professor Snape began, eyeing the small Potter spawn in front of him. 

"Y-You did? Aunt Petunia said that they were two good for nothing drunks who died in a car crash." Harry looked down sadly. Snape snarled. 

"Your mother was one of the best witches I've had the pleasure of knowing. Your father..." He sighed. This would go over well if he knew anything about the Potter demon spawn.

"My father?" Harry leaned in curiously. 

"He... He was a bully." Harry flinched in shock. 

No. No. He can't be. He can't be like Dudley and his gang. How- 

Whatever Severus Snape was expecting, he wasn't expecting Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, to look up with tears in his eyes, and bolt out the door. 

Hi y'all! Very much hope you enjoyed this lil' snippet. :) How are you lovelies doing today? We got some good ol' Snape action going on. TBH i don't really know how to write Snape, I just keep hearing his voice, and sometimes I hear a really weird british professor. Don't judge. Also you probably have figured this out by now but Harry is not canon-compliant. This is my weird adorable sweet shy Harry, not the brash brace reckless Gryff we know him to be. Also Draco is totally also non canon.

@huntdian I hope your hives are feeling better buddy. Also. @huntidane. What color am I thinking of?

Goodbye for now?

-cap