Snape's Little Pet Snake (on hold)

Chapter 4

The rest of Harry's detentions went as well as could be expected. Snape had been stern and snappy, but hadn't asked him any more stupid questions about his home life, something Harry was immensely grateful for. He had even managed to get through another potions lesson without incurring the man's wrath. Maybe things weren't so bad after all.

Friday morning, Harry and his roommates were ensuring everything was in order in their room, everything neat and tidy, beds made and smoothed down and all their clothes and belongings either hung or folded neatly away in their wardrobes and drawers. They stood at their beds nervously, awaiting the arrival of their Head of House. They did not have to wait long.

"Good morning boys," the Professor greeted them, swooping into the room gracefully.

Harry watched as Professor Snape moved over to Draco's wardrobe; he opened his wardrobe and each drawer in turn, before turning to Draco's bed and seemingly satisfied, nodded in assent and gave Draco a quick 'well done' before moving to Teddy's wardrobe. Snape did the same again with Teddy's stuff before moving onto Harry. He inspected his meagre wardrobe then opened his top drawer, containing Harry's socks and underwear. Snape peered down into the drawer then turned to glare at Harry briefly before slamming it shut and opening the next drawer. Snape pulled out a blue t-shirt and held it up in front of Harry. Harry could feel his cheeks burning with embarrassment but remained still, raising his chin slightly and a determined look on his face.

"Is this yours, Potter?" Snape sneered at him. The t-shirt was two sizes too big for him.

"Yes sir." Harry replied straight away.

Snape sneered again then returned the item to the drawer before opening the next drawer and similarly taking out a pair of old khaki trousers and holding them up against Harry, obviously checking the sizing visually.

"And these? They are yours too?"

"Yes sir."

Snape looked a little put out, but Harry could not think why. Why would Snape care? He turned and drew out the other pair of trousers Harry owned. Snape held them both together, checking they were the same size he gave Harry a quizzical look before returning both items back to the drawer and opening the bottom drawer. Snape straightened abruptly and spun round to face Harry.

"Where are the rest of your clothes, Potter?" Snape glared at him.

Harry looked at his roommates nervously, at a loss as to how to reply. He didn't have any more clothes!

Snape must have sensed his unease and for once, cut Harry some slack. Instead of pressing for an answer he inspected Harry's bed and without saying anything, moved over to Blaise Zabini's wardobe and so the routine began again. Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and once again glanced over at Teddy and Draco. Draco gave him a puzzled look, Teddy a sympathetic look accompanied by a small shrug of his shoulders.

Once Snape seemed finished, he turned to face all four boys.

"This is acceptable, keep your room to this standard and you will continue to enjoy your weekends. You are dismissed. Except Mr. Potter. Remain."

Harry gulped as the other boys exited the room. What now?

"Mr. Potter. I would like you to open your trunk and allow me to see the contents." Snape said in a flat tone.

Harry looked at him in puzzlement. I thought he didn't look in people's trunks?

Snape seemed to sense his hesitation and cleared his throat before speaking once again.

"You do not have to show me inside your trunk, Mr. Potter. I am asking permission."

Yeah right, you'll probably give me another weeks worth of detentions if I say no.