Severus starts at Hogwarts, and has trouble making friedns until he meets the excitable and disoriented Lily Evans. But a bad mood destroys the possibility of their friendship, and, in fifth year, Severus is still friendless and wishes he had never left home in the first place. When he follows his gut to the Owlery to deliver a fresh letter to Gracie, however, it seems like his future is bright...at least for the next month or so.

The Fifth Years are assigned a Charms project, that every student knows of and dreads. Throughout the duration of it, Severus and Gracie get to have some fun, and Gracie forms an odd relationship with Remus on accident.

Gracie leaves a surprise for Severus on the Grand Staircase with a dual prize of angering James. Severus and Gracie almost let a few things slip and leave Regulus hot on their trail while an older student Dumont pressures Severus to join his team.