Changing Ideals

Body



Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters that you recognize and any plot you might recognize is probably little bits from the book that I like. I make no money from this story and own very little, so please, don't sue me.

This chapter will be in Severus Snape's point of view. Hopefully. I'm not sure it will stay there because I simply don't have my brain and my hands trained in a coordinating fashion. My hands type what they want with my brain screaming "NO! NO! You're writing the wrong stuff! Stop!" But hey, thought I'd try. I've never done someone else's perspective, or any really. Most of my writing is in the third person. Oh well, here goes. If it sucks, don't be afraid to tell me. Flame away, but tell me how to improve. Please.

~~~~~~ = change of perspective

Chapter 3: A New Outlook on a Past Ideal

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I, Severus Snape, would acquire a piece of mail from a student that I believed utterly loathed me. You can imagine then, just how startled I was to see a rather familiar snowy white owl delivering a piece of mail to me. Yes, I knew that the owl belonged to that accursed Potter boy. If he had sent me a howler, ooh, he'd get what was coming to him once the school year started.

I originally had planned on ignoring the owl. Maybe it would simply leave on it's own if I didn't acknowledge that it was there, waiting for me to remove it's letter. Of course, the blasted thing had to be as stubborn as his owner. Once I had the letter in my hands, I debated on whether I should read it or just pitch it into my fire and laugh scornfully. Then I realized that if the Headmaster found out he would be severely disappointed in me. Sometimes I don't know why I put up with that old fool. Oh, yes, he keeps me safe from the big, bad, bogeyman. Oh, sorry, Voldemort. What an idiot.

Anyway, curiosity finally got the better of me and I opened the letter. Did the damn brat have to write so much? Gods above, if this letter demeaned me or my Slytherins in any way, then that brat would pay. Continuing reading, I could feel my eyes narrowing. Surely his own family would not treat him as such. He was the golden boy, everyone bowed to his every whim. Yes, even Dumbledore. The only ones who didn't are my Slytherins and myself. Maybe I was wrong. Why is he writing this? Doesn't he think that maybe, just maybe, I'll use this against him? Of course not, he's too trusting. Then again, maybe he has his own hidden agenda about this note. Maybe he wants me to read this and it will all fit into some little devious plan he's got going on in his head? I have noticed a few Slytherin traits in him, but don't think I'm going to tell him that.

By the time I had finished reading his letter I had half a mind to go over and get him out. Damn Dumbledore's protection. The things they did to Harry was unbelievable. Well, there you go. He's Harry already. Stupid brat. Just had to make me care, had to get under my perfectly crafted mask and shatter the hell out of it. Damn it! The insufferable twit didn't even ask for me to get him! Does he think I'm just going to leave him there with those things?! Uh, maybe I should write Lucius and see what he has to say.

Damn it! Doing that will admit that I am not capable of figuring this out on my own and I'll have let Lucius in on that little secret. Hmm, maybe Draco? It's not like I'm related to him or anything, but even he and I have become friends over the years. He too wears a carefully constructed mask of a disdainful Deatheater that wants nothing more than to rid the world of those lower than us when in reality we protect those that are considered inferior. Loathe as I am to admit it, some of the muggle-born witches and wizards are quite powerful. Just look at Hermione.

Now I'm getting off track. See what he's done to me. Well, I think Draco is the best option and if he doesn't have any good advice, then I'll go to the elder Malfoy. Of course, Lucius might be in a meeting with our "grand and powerful master" and then off to talk to Albus about what he had to say. Oh well. If neither of them have anything good to say, I guess I could ask the source. There is no way I'm taking this up with the Headmaster. He'd demand I march there immediately and extricate the boy. That is not something I want to do. It would put my position of spy in danger.

Well, the letter is off. Hope I hear back from Draco soon. I did put that it was urgent on the front of the letter.

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Damn that insufferable man. No, wait. Damn both those insufferable, old men. That meeting was hell. I'm just glad that Draco isn't fully initiated yet. I wonder what people would think to know that the Malfoy's have been spies for the light side since the dark side came about. There has always been a Malfoy spy for each and every dark wizard in history. Sometimes more, it all depended on how strong they were. Of course, that would be why my only son, Draco, would be initiated, this sucker was powerful. I only hope that the boy will be more so.

Hm, I see my old time friend, Severus', owl. I wonder why it didn't come to me? It went to Draco? Maybe the owl didn't see me, but no, Draco is opening the letter. I knew they had become friends, but I didn't know they owled one another. Ah well, I would have made Severus Draco's godfather if he hadn't refused. Something about not liking children. Makes absolutely no bloody sense. I mean, the man is a teacher. Oh well. Maybe I should write to Severus. See if he wants to get together with Draco and I this summer. Maybe take a vacation together. You know, a manly deal. No women allowed. Thank god, my wife drives me insane. Don't get me wrong I love Narcissa, but she's nuts.

I'm ranting. Oh well. They say the mind is the first thing to go when you get older. Of course, Dumbledore should know all about that. I tell you, that man is off his rocker! He just sat there grinning jovially at me the entire time I told him how Voldemort intended to attack Azkaban to free the Dementors and the other loyal Deatheaters. He even had the gall to ask me if I wanted tea or a lemon drop! A LEMON DROP! What is wrong with the old codger? Isn't he the least bit worried? He even had that infernal twinkle in his eye. Like he had some bloody secret that we didn't. One that would win us the war that was inevitably about to start. I'm ranting again.

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Father's home. He doesn't look too hurt. But then again, he just came from Hogwarts. They probably healed him their before sending him home. Maybe I should ask him if he needs anything or if he's hurt? Wait, is that Severus' owl? It is. It's heading towards me. Severus never writes me. We normally have a chat on the first weekend when school starts. A nice long, chat. It must be very important if he's writing to me over the summer.

Opening the letter, I begin to read. As I read, I snicker. Quite loudly. Who thought that Severus Snape would every openly admit he needed help? Well, not exactly openly, but close enough. Although the snickering stopped once I got to his dilemma. Who would have thought that Scarhead's relatives were like that. Although I get the feeling that Sev left some stuff out. Oh well, if it's important I'll find out eventually. I have my ways of weaseling out just about any information I want.

I've decided that Sev shouldn't go to get Potter until he asks for assistance of that nature. Evidently the golden boy has a plan or he would have sent a letter to the Headmaster asking to be removed from their care immediately. Hopefully he follows this advice.

As I watch the owl go, I wonder if maybe I should have invited him to the manor. It would have taken his mind off Potter. Too late now, oh well, he'll survive. He is after all quite capable.

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I watch as my owl sores through my open window and I see the attached letter. Grabbing the letter, I settle on my coach with my brandy and read the reply. Since when does a fifteen year old give out such sound advice? Maybe I should go visit Draco and Lucius at their manor. We could do something together. That would certainly keep me off of matters at hand.

An eagle owl has just swooped into my chambers and landed on the arm of the chair I am sitting in. I remove the letter and read. A chuckle escapes as I realize that both Lucius, Draco, and I have all had the same idea. I quickly pen back my affirmative to their offer and then I start my letter to Harry.

After many balled up and failed attempts I decide that maybe I should reread his original letter to see how he is writing to me. I will take my writing in a similar manner.

Dear Mr. Potter,

Thank you for bringing your true self to my attention. I found myself horrified at your revelations and then just a smidgen curious as to why you would. Surely a true Slytherin wouldn't show his weaknesses for others to exploit? I won't bother asking you why because after thinking about it, I'm positive that you are a true Slytherin. You would never tell me why you did. It most likely would not fit in with your plans. As of such, I would be honored to have you in our house. There are some rules that you must know if you are to truly function well in Slytherin.

First, we do not go by our surnames. Everyone is referred to with their given first name, this shows that no one views anyone else as weaker. We do this because the other houses have branded us "dark" and they do not associate with us. That means that all of our friends are Slytherins.

Second, I will not tolerate the use of violence or magic against anyone in the same house unless their is a significantly large just cause. I won't have you breaking someone's jaw or cursing them simply because they made a derogatory remark about you.

Third, you stand up for any Slytherin that is being picked on. It doesn't matter if you don't personally know them, they are your family. They consist of your brothers, sisters, and cousins. I shall act as a mentor, uncle, or a caregiver should the need arrive.

For know that is all I have to say about rules. I know would like to know if you need assistance in leaving the Dursley residence. I assume that since you told an authority figure you are either leaving or are expecting someone to get you out. This is not something I will just sweep under my rug. Please owl me with a response once you have the time. If I do not hear from you in three days, I shall come to the Dursley residence to retrieve you.

Severus Snape

Head of Slytherin
Potions Master

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I have to hand it to Snape. He sure has a way of putting it. Ah, I better get cracking on a letter to Draco or I'll never survive. Hopefully he'll at least tolerate me. I'll send my reply with Snape's owl and then my letter to Draco with Hedwig.

Dear Professor Snape,

Thank you for your concerns. I don't need pity, so don't give it. I also do not need your assistance. I already have my plans and will be out of the Dursley residence come tomorrow. I am glad that you accept me into Slytherin and will make sure to adhere to these rules as best I can. I guess my first big thing will be learning their first names. In public they always seem to go by their last names.

Thank you again. It really is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

After sending Snape's owl back, I sat down to write my letter to Draco.

Dear Draco,

I hope you don't mind me calling you by your first name. I thought it was time that we buried the hatchet and let go of this rivalry. I simply find it too time consuming and do not have time to be constantly bickering with somebody. I also wanted to inform you that I am to be resorted at the beginning of the year for reasons I will tell you if you agree to this truce. Of course, I'd rather tell them to you on the train in person than over a letter. Please reply because I will most likely be in Slytherin.

Harry Potter

Satisfied, I sent my letter with Hedwig, eagerly anticipating the reply.

TBC

Well, I definitely don't like writing my stories like that. I most likely will never do that again. This is probably the worst chapter I will ever write for this story. Hopefully I didn't disappoint too many of you. Please review. Even flame.