Chapter 3: Discovering Snakes aren't Slimy    

Chapter Text

Silver woke slowly, his body still throbbed from the abuse it had undergone yesterday. He stretched, whimpered and tried to get out of his way to warm, far to comfortable bed. His whining must have woken Severus or brought the man into the room, because in a matter of seconds he was being scooped up and shushed. He shifted, glancing up at the man he had come to think of as his protector and batted playfully at his long, beak like nose. Once upon a time, Sev might have got angry, now he just gave a suffering sigh and caught the tiny paw before mock glowering at the kitten in his hands. 
“Brat” He muttered, carrying Silver into the small kitchen and setting him on the table.
“Stay still now, I need to change your bandages and re-apply this salve to your wounds” He warned, hoping Harry’s instincts didn’t take over to much. Carefully he pulled of the bandages from yesterday and applied the burn cream as quickly as possible. Already the wounds were healing and Harry was re-growing some of his burnt off fur. Finally, after a tug-a-war with the bandages and much mewing, he got the wounds re-dressed and went about feeding the annoying, impertinent kitten. Summoning his bag, he showed Silver the modifications he had made, instead of a leather book bag, the bag had been transfigured into the perfect kitten carrying case, while on the outside still looking like an innocent book bag. As a professor, Snape didn’t need one, but he often used one to carry his students essays or random texts he was reading, besides, he couldn’t allow Silver to wander during his classes now, and the kitten detested being made to stay alone.

“Come on then” He murmured, lowering the kitten into the bag and tossing in one of his favorite toys. He hoped this would distract the Geoffroy’s cat, at least for a little while. He had a break after his first class today, which was first year Gryffindors and Slytherins, and he would let Silver out in that time, in the safety of his office. But first he had to go to breakfast and keep an eye on the little hooligans that Dumbledore so cherished.
HP/SS

Dolores Umbridge sat in her classroom with a smug expression. Students with their heads down, reading the first chapter in their textbook. The Minister would be so happy, Cornelius had never appreciated her, but now she would have him in the palm of her hand. He was so paranoid about Dumbledore training students for combat, not that she blamed him, the old coot still believed He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had returned and had gone so far as to send the insufferable Potter brat to the Americas. So now she was teaching at Hogwarts, making sure students learned Ministry approved lessons and preformed no magic in her classroom. Cornelius was even making it so she’d have control over what was taught in other classes as well, and she couldn’t wait to observe her fellow teachers in their own settings. A few she wasn’t worried about, Professors Snape, Flitwick and Sprout didn’t seem to weird, and Severus did have that adorable kitten. Minerva, the half-giant and the Divination teacher all seemed threatening though, Minerva was a good teacher, but she worshiped Dumbledore, and that was dangerous. She sniffed lightly, looking around the classroom again, she could see how agitated the Gryffindors were, she herself had been a Ravenclaw, and could never abide by the shoot first, ask questions later mentality of the Gryffindors. She liked the Slytherins better, they all seemed well behaved and polite, especially that Malfoy boy, and his father was such a generous donator to the Ministry.
“That will do for today class” She said as their time was drawing to a close, “Please finish the chapter for next class and write me a two inch summary on what you’ve learned” She said, watching them pack away their things.
“Yes Miss Granger?” She asked, seeing the girl staring at her. 
“Professor, I was just wondering when we’d be practicing spells?” Hermione asked, shifting unconsciously from foot to foot.
“You’re learning the theory behind spells Miss Granger. There’s no need to practice them if you know the theory” Dolores said, gritting her teeth in what felt like a smile, the damn know-it-all, couldn’t she just read and be quiet like the rest of them?
“But Professor, our OWLs are this year, and-” She waved her hand, cutting Hermione off.
“You will be prepared sufficiently for your OWLs Miss Granger, now off to class before I take points” She hissed, watching in satisfaction as the girl scampered off.
“Brats” She muttered, shaking her head as she headed down to the Great Hall for lunch.

HP/SS

Severus sat in the hall for lunch, Silver once again in his lap, though still bandaged rather heavily. Dumbledore wasn’t there, leaving only him, Minerva, Dolores, Pomona and Hagrid at the table to keep an eye on students. Staff weren’t required to have Lunch in the hall, especially since some of them had classes during this time. However, a minimum of four Professors must be present at lunch times, just to be on the safe time.

“My word Severus, what happened to Silver?” Dolores asked, looking at the kitten with wide eyes.
“Exploding blood replenishing potion. Longbottom managed to once again completely destroy half my class room and a good cauldron. The little scamp got caught up in it” Severus said, letting the woman examen the kitten, knowing he needed to keep Dolores Umbridge on his side, in spite of the fact that her very presence made his skin crawl.
Silver glanced up, eyeing Umbridge warily, but Severus had cautioned him against reacting negatively to her, so instead of hissing and hiding which was what he wanted to do, he mewed softly and curled into a smaller ball, enticing a coo from the woman.
“Oh the poor dear, he must feel just awful” She said, stroking the tiny head before removing her hand.
“If you ever need someone to watch him while you teach Severus, my classroom is always open, and probably much safer” She said, she wouldn’t mind taking care of the tiny kitten, besides she had some darling cat outfits that he would look devastatingly handsome in. Her own cat, Mittens didn’t seem to fond of the clothes, though she couldn’t understand why.
“Perhaps Dolores, I have devised a way of keeping him safe, but if I ever need a hand, I shall let you know” Severus replied, ignoring Minerva’s glare. He couldn’t risk angering Umbridge, though he was not about to let her babysit Silver, especially not when he was injured.

HP/SS

Draco suppressed a chuckle as Silver’s head popped out of his bag. The kitten was currently with him, Blaise and Pansy in the library since Professor Snape was in a staff meeting and had asked them to entertain the little miscreant.

Currently the group was sitting in the library, trying desperately to keep Madame Pince from noticing the kitten. She’d have kittens herself if she saw ‘a wild animal’ in her library. Silver was currently wiggling out of Draco’s bag and heading across the table towards Blaise. The Geoffroy’s kitten had taken and instant liking to Blaise and seemed to spend most of his time with the trio around the Italian. Blaise, likewise was taken with the kitten which warmed Draco’s heart, Blaise was a bit of a loner within Slytherin house, preferring to spend time with his few close friends or be alone, and Draco was glad to see him interacting freely and happily with Sev’s new familiar.

“Silver” Blaise groaned, his deep blue eyes flashing in amusement as the kitten batted at the tip of his quill. It was an adorable sight, the kitten was rolling all over Blaise’s parchment, which just so happened to be his newly finished Transfiguration essay with still wet ink. Needless to say, the kitten was covered in ink and Blaise’s essay was completely ruined, though it seemed like the tall Italian didn’t care. Blaise may have been withdrawn and quiet, but he wasn’t one to be messed with, he was well respected within his own house and by the other houses. Blaise was also easy on the eyes, he was tall, standing at about six feet, still growing being only fifteen years old. He had wavy, dark hair like most Italians and startling deep blue eyes. His body was well defined thanks to a regimented work out routine, and his skin was a gorgeous olive tone, very Mediterranean. Blaise had carved out his own reputation within Hogwarts, trying to get out from the reputation his mother had created which seemed to follow him everywhere.

Silver glanced at Blaise, still rolling playfully on the parchment, batting Blaise’s quill some more, watching the Italian with a very familiar mischievous expression.
“Come on brat, we better go get you cleaned up before the professor sees you” Blaise said, scooping Silver up and heading towards the Slytherin Common Room. He shared a room with Draco, Theodore Nott, Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. He knew the other boys wouldn’t mind him using the washroom in order to wash the kitten, especially since all of them were wrapped around the kitten’s tiny paw.
“You need a hand?” Draco asked, catching his friend before he left the library.
“Nah I got this, can you guys fix my essay?” Blaise asked, still holding the now content and sleepy kitten.
“Yea, I got it” Pansy said, “See you in the Common Room later?” She asked, pulling Blaise’s essay over to her.
“Yea, I’ll be there” Blaise said, heading out of the room and straight towards the dungeons.

Silver curled up in the Italian’s arms, he rather enjoyed being with Blaise, much more so then anyone else besides Severus. He yawned, squirming around until he was comfortable, getting Blaise covered with still wet ink in the process.
“Sit still goof” Blaise said, smirking at the kitten as he glanced up at Blaise, looking affronted, “You’re getting me just as dirty as you” Blaise said, he’d have to shower now as well, he was sure he had ink on his face.
Approaching the brick wall, Blaise murmured the password ‘Snake Pride’ and slipped inside. He ignored a few calls from fellow house mates, nodding in response instead of bothering to answer. Silver was intrigued by Blaise’s personality, he felt the quiet strength that exuded off of Blaise, and he liked being around the Italian, but Blaise interacted differently with him then he did with even his own house mates, and Silver was interested in finding out who the real Blaise was.

“What are you doing?” Theodore Nott, better known as Theo asked as Blaise came into the fifth year boys dorm room.
“Giving Silver a bath, little brat ruined my essay” Blaise said holding up the kitten so that his dorm mate could see. 
“Oh wow” Theo snickered, “Good luck, I hear cats aren’t big water fans” He teased, stretching back out on his bed as Blaise disappeared into the washroom.
“Thanks” Blaise said in a sarcastic tone, though the Italian’s eyes sparkled in amusement.
“C’mon kitten” Blaise said, turning on the rather expansive bath tub that graced the corner of the room, beside the four showers. In the cold dungeons, occasionally the snakes needed a hot bath, so each washroom was equipped with a large, miniature swimming pool. Turning on the water, Blaise tested the temperature before filling it about half way.
He slipped off his robe and rolled up his sleeves, making sure that he was prepared for the inevitable splashing.
“Okay Silver” Blaise said, very aware that he was talking to himself more so then the kitten. Putting some shampoo on the ledge of the tub, he carefully placed the kitten on the floor, kneeling next to the tub and setting out a few towels, he glanced at Silver who was regarding him with bright green eyes.
“S’okay kit, you’ll be fine” Blaise said, the kitten was shaking with fear, and Blaise felt his heart beginning to break.
“Fine, fine” Blaise said, standing up and stripping off his own clothes, “I’ll go with you, brat” He muttered, filling the tub more so then he intended to before he planned on getting in. Carefully he scooped up Silver, cradling him to his bare chest, feeling how tense the poor cat was.
“Shh, you’ll be fine” Blaise said, stepping into the tub, wincing as Silver’s claws dug into his chest. Hissing in pain, he stroked the cat’s head, trying to calm him as he lowered himself into the warm water.
“See, not so bad” Blaise forced out, trying to detach the sharp clothes from his skin. Silver was still shaking rather badly, and he hated scaring the kitten. Eventually soothing words and kind hands got the kitten to relax, and Blaise was able to enjoy the hot bath while watching the kitten gambol about in the ink stained water.
“C’mere” He sighed, scooping Silver up while he was splashing about and beginning to gently scrub him with shampoo. Thankfully the burns had all but healed, though the bare skin on the kitten was still tender. Loud purring ensued as Blaise washed the kitten, and about twenty minutes later, Blaise was re-dressed and Silver was wrapped in a towel getting vigorously dried off while sitting on Blaise’s green bed.

“You’re bleeding” Theo commented noticing the red stains all over the front of Blaise’s white dress shirt.
“No shit” Blaise deadpanned, “You were right, cats hate water” He smirked, “Until they get used to it, then they become furry fish” He pulled his fingers away as Silver nipped at them, as if to tell him he was no fish.
“Brat” Blaise said, resuming drying the kitten off before removing him from the towel and suppressing a giggle at the little puff ball seated on his bed.
Theo snorted, “Who knew Slytherin’s mascot would be so bloody cute” The brown haired teen said, ignoring Blaise’s snort of amusement.
“Well then Silver, shall we head to the Common Room and wait for Professor Snape?” Blaise asked, smiling softly as the kitten chirped and scrambled into Blaise’s arms.
“He really likes you” Theo commented, noting the odd gleam in his dorm mates eye.
“I like him too” Blaise responded quietly, heading out of the room, Silver wrapped in the blanket Sev had left with them. Silver had a whole whack of belongings that Sev insisted they keep with them whenever babysitting the kitten, not that any of them minded, whatever made the little mascot happy made them happy.

HP/SS

Ronald Weasley looked around the Gryffindor Common Room, a bored expression on his face as he stared into the flames of the crackling fire. He was thinking about the new slytherin ‘mascot’ again. He had rigged Neville’s cauldron to explode injuring the kitten, but it hadn’t been enough, the snakes were more united in protecting the little rat then ever. He needed something else, he needed to destroy the house unity that the kitten had created, and he had to do it soon. No stupid snake deserved to be happy, and by destroying the stupid cat, he’d make them all miserable. If he was lucky, maybe Snape, the oversized bat, would be so upset he’d retire, and then no Gryffindor would ever be subject to his torture ever again. He’d be a hero, the hero of Gryffindor. Who needed Harry when they had Ron? He smirked, nodding his head, a happy smile playing over his lips. He could do this, he’d just need to work out the perfect plan, maybe he could trick Hermione into helping him. She seemed to like the little devil creature, but she always had her nose stuck in a book, and he was sure he could fool her into helping as long as he phrased the question right.
Yes, Hermione would help, and then maybe he could convince others, no one in his year of course, they all were to loyal to Harry and liked the stupid kitten. But a few younger years he could help, he was sure. Maybe even some of the upper years would help. He just had to be clever about this. Yes, he would destroy the snakes by taking away their mascot, and then Gryffindor would be the best house in school, they’d have no competition, and of course no one would care. Who cared about the stupid snakes anyway? The world would be better without the evil house in it anyway.

HP/SS

Days seemed to fly by and soon winter holidays were coming up. It seemed very few students were staying at the school this semester, Severus was staying because two members of his house were staying, Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini. He knew also that the Weasleys in Gryffindor were staying, along with Lovegood from Ravenclaw, but that was it.

“I never had a real christmas before coming to Hogwarts” Harry said, he was curled up in Sev’s private quarters, sipping hot chocolate as he looked at his guardian. Severus had officially adopted him a few days previous, Dumbledore had arranged the whole thing, and now it was official, no one could take him away from Sev now, not even the Minister of Magic.
“Really?” Severus looked up from his book, it was a rare evening where Harry had chosen to become a boy, the first since the potion incident.
“Yea, the Dursleys never let me celebrate it, instead they locked me in my cupboard and made me listen to Dudley open his gifts” Harry murmured in the monotone voice he adopted whenever speaking about the Dursleys. He still hadn’t spoke about any of the abuse he had endured at the hands of the Dursleys, but he was slowly opening up about little things. Sev had learned not to push him when he chose to spoke, though Dumbledore was pushing for Harry seeing a mind healer. Sev knew better though and refused, Harry was terrified of strangers, and he doubted Harry could handle someone routing around in his head trying to heal him. He finally understood why Dumbledore had pushed him to take care of Harry at the beginning of the summer. Harry needed him, needed someone who understood some of what he had endured, and Harry needed the snakes. No group was more misunderstood and protective then the snakes. Gryffindors were loyal yes, but they wouldn’t be able to handle their hero being broken, being hurt, nor would they tolerate Harry’s relationship with Severus. Silver allowed Harry to get to know the snakes, realize that they weren’t dangerous and mean, just misunderstood and portraying a very specific image to the rest of the school.
“You’ve been getting rather comfortable with Mr. Zabini, or rather Silver has been” Severus said suddenly, knowing it was time to change the conversation.
“Yea, Blaise is nice, I like the side he shows Silver instead of the one he shows to the rest of the snakes and the school” Harry said, his cheeks colouring slightly.
“Ah, yes, Blaise is a very closed off young man” Sev murmured, glancing at Harry out of the corner of his eye.
“I like him” Harry said, his tone stubborn, and Sec knew it was true. Blaise would always be important to the young man seated before him, and he was fine with that. Both Blaise and Harry needed someone to trust that was their own age, even if Blaise found that someone in the form of a small kitten.
“Any idea of what you want for Christmas?” Sev asked, nodding at the tree they had set up in the quarters.
“N-no” Harry stuttered, looking surprised and worried.
“Should I know?” Harry asked, he was used to receiving the typical gifts from his friends and Mr and Mrs. Weasley, but he had never actively asked for something before.
“No, no Harry” Sev reassured quickly, “Don’t fret over it, I’m sure we’ll find you some very good presents” Severus said. Secretly the man adored christmas, though he’d never admit that to anyone. Most assumed the ‘Dungeon Bat’ hated the holiday, but that was just part of the image Sev portrayed, and he personally couldn’t wait to give Harry the perfect Christmas. 
“We’ll spend the day with Blaise and Pansy if that’s alright, you’ll have to be Silver, but we can have our own little christmas after the feast that evening” Sev said, looking curiously at Harry.
“That’s fine” Harry said, smiling lightly, “I want to spend the day with your snakes” Sev grinned, more like Harry wanted to spend the day with Blaise.
“You know Severus, Snakes aren’t as Slimy as everyone says they are” Harry murmured, looking at his guardian with a small smile. 
“No Harry, snakes are deceiving that way, they look slimy, but they’re really not” Severus said, “Its a defense mechanism, not many people would want to touch something slimy. It’s a lot like Slytherin house, we show a certain image to the world and the rest of the school, but its a defense mechanism to protect ourselves. Even though the snake is our house animal because of Salazar Slytherin and his abilities, the snake is also apt because of what it represents for us, as members of Slytherin house” Sev explained, grinning at Harry.
“I like snakes” Harry said softly, his cheeks tinging pink again. Severus just grinned, biting back the comment that he wished to utter, Harry was being remarkably open for a change, and he didn’t want to make the boy clam up again.

HP/SS

The last day of term rolled around and the school was remarkably quiet as the students had all left that morning, it was five days till Christmas, and Severus had finally managed to find the perfect christmas present for the child he was quickly beginning to as his own.

He looked down, Silver was curled in his lap as he ate his lunch. Few students were seated in the hall, and even fewer teachers. Albus, Minerva, Dolores and himself were the only teachers remaining at the school. Lovegood had been moved into Gryffindor tower for the holidays, since Filius was going home. He glanced down at his own snakes who had remained behind, Pansy and Blaise were huddled at one end of the single table that remained in the hall, The Gryffindors and Lovegood were at the other end, talking in hushed tones as they ate.
Silver peeked up, ignoring the coo that escaped Umbridge as he peeked around and looked over the hall. Seeing the snakes, the small kitten broke away from Sev’s hands and made his way towards the table. Sev suppressed a laugh as Silver hopped onto the table, ignoring Weasley’s screech of annoyance and complaints about ‘the filthy animal contaminating his food’. Blaise grinned, picking Silver up and letting him curl up in his lap.
“Shut it Weasel” Pansy snapped, “You’re giving me a headache” She growled, leveling the youngest Weasley male with a glare.
“Problem Mr. Weasley?” Professor McGonagall asked, descending on the table and looking at the group of students.
“That cat was on the table Professor, its unsanitary” Ron said, pointing at Blaise and Pansy, Silver’s head had popped up and was staring at the red head with bright green eyes.
“Its fine Mr. Weasley, cats are very clean creatures and he hasn’t come near any of your food. He’s down by Mr. Zabini and Miss. Parkinson, if they have no complaints, neither should you” Minerva said with an exasperated sigh.
“But Professor-” Ron started again when Hermione elbowed him in the ribs.
“Hush before you lose us points” She said, shaking her head at her red headed friend.
“Fine” Ron said, a pout prominent on his face as he glared in the direction of the Slytherins.
“I trust that will be all Mr. Weasley? I don’t want to hear any more disturbances during meal times” She said, before stalking back to the head table.
Ron muttered under his breath, but didn’t fuss anymore during lunch, though he did continue to glare at the snakes.

Severus noted this, though he didn’t comment. Weasley would need watching, that was for sure, but until his fears were truly founded, he wouldn’t mention anything to anyone. Besides, he needed to keep an eye on Dolores, she was beginning to pester him even more about watching Silver, and pester Albus on the whereabouts of one Harry Potter. Thankfully, Albus had been able to put her off for now, but Severus didn’t want her to suspect anything, especially not the little kitten.