A/N- So, yes, a very very very long time has passed. I've moved four times in the past few years, and have transitioned through four jobs, oh and I just recently got married!
So please try to be patient. i'm not giving up on this story, I'm sorry I've left you all for so long.
But enough of my whining, its time for the story!

Chapter 5:

Potions went about as well as could be expected, Malfoy didn't throw anything into his cauldron, neither did anyone else. This first class was spent turning in summer projects, which unfortunately, Harry did not have. The look of impending doom he received from Professor Snape made his blood freeze, and the whispered, "See me after class to discuss this," made Harry's insides shrink in fear. Luckily, that days assignment was a review of procedures from last year, as well as a review of terms. That being something Harry felt confident about, he wasn't sweating again until the words, "Mr. Potter, stay, the rest of you leave, and don't forget your homework is to study our first potion."

Harry stood before Snape's desk trembling slightly. Snape looked down on the oy considering what to say, too harsh, the boy could withdraw, too lenient, the boy would be no better than he had been in his previous house. "Mr. Potter, would you please explain to me the lack of your Summer homework assignment?"

Harry flinched, would Snape believe him? There was nothing for it, he had to say something, and the look of impatience was starting to slide onto his Professor's face. "I wasn't able to work on it Sir."

"You had all Summer, and you simlly couldn't find the time? I fail to see the problem." As hard as this was going to be, he had to tell the whole story or Snape would never believe him.

"Sir, they, the Dursleys, they took my trunk and locked my books away Sir. I had to beg Uncle Vernon to let me keep Hedwig, because he wanted to lock her down there too, but Aunt Petunia convinced him that when she died there would be an awful smell, so he let me keep her, but I haven't been able to get any books or robes yet, because I only just got rescued from the Dursleys a few days ago."

No books or robes, surely the boy was telling falsehoods, but now that he looked, those robes did look a tad bit short on the boy, and they didn't fit right in the shoulders either. "Alright Harry, you and I will be making a trip into town on Saturday. I will have the elves adjust your robes to fit until I can take you on Saturday. As for your Summer assignment, I would like you to spend some time every day working on it, I will check your progress this time after class next week. Since you will be spending the first two weeks in my quarters, you are welcome to use the books I will place for you in your room, are we clear?"

Harry was amazed, not only did he not get yelled at, Snape was actually helping him to make up his assignment. "Thank you Sir!"

"I presume that detestable situation has affected the rest of your classes as well?" Harry nodded. "I shall write a note on your behalf to the rest of your teachers and we shall come up with a solution. However, this will not be abused as a ploy to skive on assignments, am I clear Mr. Potter?" Harry nodded, "a verbal answer if you please, your word is your oath, don't say it if you do not intend to hold up to our agreement."

"I swear Sir, I won't do wrong by you."

Snape nodded, "very well Potter, off to study period with you. Meeting tonight after dinner, do not be late."

"Yes Sir."

O-O

During the student's study period there was always a Professor or two patrolling to ensure that studying was indeed occuring. As it happened, this afternoon did not find Snape in that odious position, therefore he was able to seek after his other collegues to inform them of his newest snake's situation.

"Threatened to lock his owl in a cupboard?! Surely you jest, Severus."

With a raised eyebrow Snape replied, "Manerva, have you ever known me to joke, about anything?"

She smiled softly, "Aye lad, ye were a bit of a solemn one, even as a young one - but a cupboard? And this seemed normal?"

"The boy did seem rather resigned to it, which leads me to believe it was a common occurance."

"Given what prompted his resorting, do you think further investigation into the boy's home life is necessary?" inquired Minerva.

Snape sat looking pensive for a few moments, "i wish it were not so, alas I fear an investigation may become necessary."

Minerva replied sadly, "something to greatly consider is to what extent has the boy been mistreated and the other, more concerning question remains, who knew of the boy's mistreatment? If someone knew, why did they not inform someone of authority, perhaps the boy told someone!"

Snape seemed unmoved at Minerva's enthusiasem, "unfortunately, I have found in dealing with cases like this previously; the likelyhood of Harry confiding in an adult lead to either, an incident that lead to the firing of a staff member, or worse still nothing being done and the situation being ignored or, more distressing, simply swept aside."

O-O

Seven o'clock found the Slytherin Second Years sitting in the Common Room, Harry had recieved the password from a Prefect earlier at dinner. Upon Harry entering the Common Room, all talking ceased. Looking around at the sudden silence, he was met with stares; whether unkind or merely assessing he was unsure. Before the situation could escolate to something unfriendly, Severus arrived. "if you all would please be seated, we can begin."

Harry looked around for a seat, at a look from Severus, one of the Slytherins slid aside for him, allowing him to share a spot on one of the sofas. Once Harry was seated Severus took a deep breath and began, "Before we get into the depth of our conversation I would like us all to go around and firstly introduce ourselves, and give one word that describes your experience of the Summer. I shall start, my name is Severus Tobias Snape and a word I would use to describe my Summer would be, Productive. Next person please."

The group went around from person to person and introduced themselves and gave a word to describe their Summer. Harry's response was "I'm Harry James Potter and my Summer was Awful."

Once the group came back around to Severus he resumed the conversation. "As you all know we have a new Second Year, Mr. Potter. I know there are some of you that have had animosity with Mr. Potter, he and I have spoken, he is wishing to start with a clean slate and I would suggest we all, including myself give Mr. Potter the opportunity to become a true member of our House. This is going to be important with the rest of the school, I refuse to allow Mr. Potter to be alone in this, we are His house now adn We will stand together With him, am I clear?"

There was a chorus of "Yes, Sir." from the group of students. He looked each Slytherin in the eye to be sure they were truthful and also to let them know he would be holding them to their promise.

"Now, one more thing, as I am sure you all have deduced by now, this is not something I would normally devulge however this is something that several of you have in common; Mr. Potter's home life is - not ideal, therefore some of you will understand some of the concerns he will have. As some of you have in the past, Mr. Potter will be staying in my quarters for a time. I expect he will be joining you in your dormatory in two weeks, I trust that you will do everything in your power to help him feel welcome. However, should I hear of Any maltreatment, you will Personally answer to me. Before you go suspecting Mr. Potter of potentially giving up that information, trust that I will not need him to, this is the house that I care for, be sure that I will know..." On that note Snape called the meeting to an end and sent the Slytherins on their way.

On his way out of the room, he interfcepted Harry leaving the Common Room. "If you are planning to go work on homework or past assignments, I suggest you start spending a bit of time in the Common Room with your housemates. Have no fear of reprisal or harassment, my Prefects have been ordered to keep an eye out for such things, and of course, I shall know. Remember, if you need a potion, simply come by my room before you retire to bed, I'd like you to be in my quarters by 9:30 so that you are not late for curfew, have a pleasant evening."