**************

"Are you sure this is a good idea? We have no real proof against them. What if he doesn’t believe us, what if he doesn’t agree to let me switch houses? What about Jane? She and I get along so well… I’ve been neglecting her lately because of everything that’s been going on.” You all stood outside of the headmasters office waiting to be called in.

“If we all tell him he has to at least listen.” Lucius was the first to speak up.

“And if you tell him that you don’t feel safe within your own house he should listen to you.” Narcissa agreed.

“Yes but we all have to agree that Gryffindor is his house and he has a tendency to take their side no matter what. We all have to be open to the possibility that he might come up with excuses for them.” Severus pointed out.

“I hate to say it but he’s right. Dumbledore has a tendency to be biased towards his own house. I mean look at how he distributes house points. He only ever gives to Gryffindor and he only gives them points when they’re losing.” Regulus agreed.

“I hate that my own brother has put us in this situation. We used to be so close I don’t understand how this hate could cause him to act like this.” You sighed.

“I wish I didn’t have to tell you this Y/N but your brother was never a nice person, he was only ever nice to the people that were in his little circle. Now that you are hanging out with the enemy you are no longer in their circle but they don’t want to throw you aside, they want to get you back on their side.” Severus explained.

“Well they lost me, they lost me a long time ago when they decided I couldn’t be friends with you and still be friends with them. I was never going to pick sides. I was going to divide my time as equally as I could but they forced me to choose.”

“I know, none of this is your fault. You decided to judge me for yourself instead of letting your brother and his friends persuade your opinion.” Severus said, grabbing your hand.

“Headmaster will see you now.” Professor Mcgonagall startled you all. You got into the little stairwell. “Lemon drop.” You started to ascend. Once reaching the top you all went into the office and stood in front of Dumbledore's desk where he sat waiting for you.

“I understand you all have some concerns you would like to talk with me about. I will let you have the floor to explain everything and then I will see what I can do to rectify it. So whoever would like to start, go ahead.” Dumbledore explained.

“I don’t feel safe in my house anymore. There have been many instances where me or my friends in this room have been targeted and harmed. We have been attacked, harassed. They have used potions and spells on us and they have made it clear that they aren’t going to stop no matter what. I don’t feel comfortable going back to my dorm knowing they could do anything at any moment.” You explained.

“I need you to be more specific about what has been done to you. Asking to switch houses is a big deal Miss Potter, I cannot take this request lightly.”

“They held Severus down while he was collecting herbs for Madam Pomfrey. There was a wild animal out that night and they knew that. They held him down so he’d get hurt which caused him and I to get hurt because I saw him through my dorm window and went to help him. We both have the scars to prove it.” You showed him your hand.

“They also slipped Severus a love potion so I’d break up with him.”

“We saw them do it, we just didn’t realize what they had done until after it happened. I got the antidote from Professor Slughorn and it worked on Severus.” Lucius added.

“You can ask Professor Slughorn we talked directly to him.” Regulus replied.

“They also used a memory spell on me to forget Severus. Thankfully it wasn’t cast right and I was able to get my memory back. Professor this isn’t just bullying anymore it’s getting dangerous. All three of these times we could have been seriously hurt or worse. Severus was almost killed due to the animal attack alone. I don’t feel comfortable or safe around them.”

“Who are these students?”

“James Potter, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew but I haven’t seen Peter participate in these since the animal attack.” You explained.

“The issue I have here Miss Potter is that there isn’t any real proof. It’s just your word against theirs and that is a very hard argument. It makes it almost impossible to know the truth on either side.” He began to explain. “The professors were supposed to report any suspicions of a student using unauthorized magic. You’re saying you mentioned the potion instance to professor Slughorn but since he didn’t come to me about it I don’t have anything on record.”

“Professor, please. Why would I make this up about my own brother? He’s family, if I’m coming to you about him you have to understand that I really am worried about mine and Severus’ safety. I’m not making this up, this isn’t a joke to me I can’t go back there. I won’t. If I have to stay in that house I will transfer back to my old school. It’s not worth staying here and being scared to sleep in my own bed.” You reasoned with him.

Severus of course was looking at you in shock. Would you really leave? After everything would you leave him?

“I understand and I would hate to lose you… I will talk to the other professors and hear what they have heard and seen and the experiences they have had with all of you. If it matches up with your story I will switch your house.” Dumbledore replied.

“What house would I be switched to?”

“Well the Slytherins seem to have taken a liking to you. If the Professors agree with your story then I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t join Slytherin house. Now you may all leave besides Miss Potter. I have something with you I would like to discuss.” He bid the others goodbye and they all waited for you back down in the hallway.

“Are you okay Severus?” Regulus asked, seeing his friends' still worried expression.

“What if the other Professors don’t see things the way we do and side with the Gryffindors. I mean We’re Slytherins, they don’t believe us half the time.” Severus visibly worried.

“Severus, we're telling the truth, there shouldn’t be an issue.” Narcissa assured him.

“You heard her. If he doesn’t agree to switch her house she’ll transfer back to her old school. After everything we’ve been through I can’t lose her because Dumbledore can’t see reason!” He yelled, his emotions getting the better of him again.

“Severus, we will deal with that when we get there. I honestly believe everything will work out.” Narcissa put her hand on his shoulder in comfort.

“What do you think they’re talking about?” Lucius asked.

“I have no idea. It’s not like any of that information was private. We all know what’s been going on. Most of us have seen it with our own eyes.” Severus shook his head.

After waiting another ten minutes you came back down stairs. You looked fine, you didn’t look as if you had been arguing. You didn’t look worried or stressed which Severus was happy about. You actually looked sort of happy which he was confused about. Unless the headmaster had agreed to let you switch houses he couldn’t figure out why you seemed so happy.

“What did he have to tell you? Did he agree to allow you to switch houses? That’s the only reason I can think of that you would be so happy after what happened with us there.” Severus rambled.

“I can’t tell you what we talked about but the professor said that he would talk to all the professors tonight before dinner and he would let us know after. I think I should pack one of my bags just in case. I don’t want to be in there packing after everyone finds out.”

“What do you mean when everyone finds out?”

“Well if they decide to allow me to switch to Slytherin he’ll have to announce it to the school. Think about it, I can't just show up to class tomorrow in Slytherin robes and not expect to be asked questions. Plus what about Quidditch?”

“I’m the captain of the Quidditch team Y/N. You have a place on the team, you're better than our players, there's no doubt you would start as well.” Lucius told you.

“I appreciate that. Thank you.”

“I wonder who I’ll be bunking with if I do switch.” You wondered aloud.

“Well, Bellatrix normally stays with her friend. I hardly see her in my room because Lucius is normally in there. I’m sure she’d be willing to move her things to that room permanently. Besides I’m sure you and Severus will be spending a lot of time together in our dorm rooms.” Narcissa explained.

“That would be amazing.” You smiled.

“I’ll talk to Bella, why don’t you go pack your bags just in case.”

“I think that’s a good idea. I wish you guys could come with me. I hate going in there alone.” You sigh.

“I’ll go in with you. We’ll be in your dorm as long as you make sure your brother's little gang isn’t in there when we go in everything should be fine. I’ll sit on your bed and help you pack.” Severus offered.

“I’d like that a lot. Jane will be there but she likes you. I know you haven’t really met her but she loves it when I talk about you.”

“Perfect. Guys can you give us a couple minutes?” Severus asked the group.

“Sure we’ll see you in an hour at dinner ok?” Narcissa smiled at you and they all walked away.

“What’s wrong?”

“Will you really leave if he chooses to not let you switch houses? After all that.”

“I know it might be hard for you to understand but. I’m scared to walk into my common room. I’m scared to go to sleep. I’m afraid that they’ll try something while I'm sleeping or when I’m walking through the common room. I don’t want to leave but it is taking a toll on my mental state. It’s making me more anxious than I have ever been. I’m going to have to deal with that when I’m home for the summer. I can't deal with it now. But I know if I do leave that we’ll be ok. I would write to you everyday, maybe more than once a day. On the weekends I’d come back here and stay in your dorm and spend the weekend with you. Nothing is going to stop me from seeing you but I can’t subject myself to that constant fear. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. I understand and I agree. If it’s not good for you I don’t want you to stay and be miserable because no matter what happens I know that we will make it. I just know.”

*******************************

You all split up for the time being. Severus was in your room with Janes helping you pack your things. Jane was asking you both all sorts of questions.

“Do you really think Dumbledore will let you leave?” She asked.

“Honestly I don’t know. I hope so because I don’t feel safe here.”

“I understand, After everything you told me I wouldn’t feel safe either. I was wondering where you’d been staying. I thought maybe at another friend's dorm. I’m sorry I couldn’t help you more.” She apologized.

“It’s not your fault. I didn’t want to involve you. There was so much drama and it wasn’t yours to be a part of. I didn’t want to give you that stress. I wanted you to be able to enjoy this place.”

“Yeah but this place has been making you miserable and I haven’t done anything to help. And you.” She pointed at Severus. “You’ve been hurt so many times and nothing has been done. Yes your friends have helped but no one in staff it’s just sickening.” She fumes.

“I agree. But I might get to share a house with Y/N so hopefully things will work out in the end.” Severus tried to keep an open mind as best he could. “We’re almost done, let's finish packing.”

***************************

They all met in the great hall for dinner and sat in their respective spots. Severus next to Y/N, Lucius next to Narcissa and Regulus flip flopped which side he sat on every ew days. Today he decided to sit next to you. Your eyes briefly met with your brothers across the hall. You quickly turned away from him not wanting to give him that attention.

“Did you get your things packed?” Lucius asked, trying to distract you.

“I did, Severus was a big help and so was Jane. I explained everything to her and she understands. She’s actually very upset by the way they treated Severus. She fully supports me having to move houses if Dumbledore allows it.” You told them.

“Well at least you’ll still have a friend in your house.” Lucius nodded.

“That’s always a good thing. I just hope I can switch houses. As much as I want to stay at Hogwarts I can’t be in a constant state of worry. I’m worried all my progress would be for nothing because the longer I stayed in that house the worse I would get.”

“We wouldn’t want you to be miserable, I know I wouldn’t.” Narcissa encouraged your decision.

“We talked it over and if that’s what she has to do then I support it. She can come here on weekends and write to us everyday.” Severus assured them.

“Students! I have an announcement to make.” Dumbledore shouted to get the school's attention. “Due to some recent issues regarding a certain house, myself and some of the other professors here at Hogwarts have decided to do something very rare here. We are allowing a student to switch houses. It has only happened a handful of times in Hogwarts history. I can’t explain the reason for the sudden change as I respect the students' reasons. However I will have to give the students name to avoid any confusion. The student changing houses from Gryffindor to Slytherin is Y/N Potter. The switch will be immediate. You students have all been informed so be kind to your new house mate and be kind to your former house mate. That’s all.”

“It’s done. I’m out of that house, I don’t have to worry anymore!” You exclaimed. Severus smiled and kissed you.

“I’m so happy. Things finally seem to be going our way.” Severus agreed.

“Bella emptied her things earlier so you are all set to move in.” Narcissa smiled at you both.

“For once things are looking up.” You exhaled in content.

**************************

After finishing your dinner you went to your dorm to pick up your things and say goodbye to Jane. Severus went with you just in case.

“I’m happy for you guys. Just promise we’ll still hangout.” Jane requested.

“Of course we will Jane. We have the same free period together. We can always neglect our homework and hangout in the library or outside.” You assured her.

“I’m glad.”

Severus picked up your trunk, not allowing you to carry your own things. He insisted your trunk was too heavy for you to carry all the way to the dungeons. You rolled your eyes at him at that comment but you understood he wanted to subtly be chivalrous.

“Ready to go?” Severus asked.

“Yeah. Better get there soon so I can start unpacking.” You sighed, already tired from the days events.

“I’ll see you around.” Jane hugged you.

“You will.”

Taking your things Severus followed behind you as you led him out of your dorm and through your common room but you were stopped by the last group of people you wanted to see.

“So you decided to leave our house. You really are siding with the Slytherins all over a crush.” James spat.

“I’m not picking sides. I don’t feel safe around you three. You have cast spells on me, hurt my, used potions on Severus. You make me feel like I always have to look over my shoulder. Like I can’t pass through the common room or sleep in my dorm without fear of what you might do next. So I’m leaving because I can’t live like this.”

“What will dad think when he finds out you’ve been turned Slytherin?”

“He’s my dad, he’ll love me no matter what house I’m in because he’s not like you.” You pushed past him but Sirius grabbed your arm.

“Back off black!” Severus dropped the trunk and stepped between you, he got in his face.

“We just wanted to protect you.” Sirius tells you in a gentle tone.

“I can protect myself. You hurt me in so many ways I never thought you could. I wanted you to be my friends. I wanted you to let me make my own choices…. I wanted you to just be happy that I am finally happy. You were so upset that I chose to be friends with Severus but you never stopped to see just how much happier he’s made me. It shouldn’t matter what house he’s in. He made your friend and your little sister happy. You should be grateful because he’s done more for me than you ever have. He’s the reason I’m taking medication that I have needed for years. He’s the reason I’m comfortable in my own skin. He’s the reason I’m healthy and not starving myself. He’s the one who has saved my life in the long run and you're too blinded by hate to see it. I hate that I had to do this, I didn’t want to leave you but you gave me no choice.” You moved to stand at Severus’ side. “Now I have to go before it’s past curfew.”

Severus walked with you as he took you to the dungeons. You were greeted by Narcissa, Lucius, Regulus and even Bellatrix holding champagne that they obviously snuck in.

“Congrats on becoming a part of the best house.” Regulus chuckled, handing you a champagne flute.

“Ready to celebrate roomie?” Narcissa asked, clinking her glass with yours.

“Absolutely.”