Severus glided into the Great Hall. As it was still rather early, not many of his fellow housemates awaited him at the breakfast table. Slytherins didn't enjoy mornings too much: sunlight was always a hindrance. And the ceiling revealed the object of their dejection, high in the sky, waiting to fulfill its full golden splendor. Severus growled a complaint and took a seat. Another beautiful day, he thought spitefully, dumping his satchel into the empty seat next to him.

He ate his sausages and bacon while thumbing through his potions book. Soon, the Hall was filling in with students from Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and even the few Slytherins that came straggling in. Once the Great Hall was full-to-bursting with students, owls flew in to deliver daily post. Severus leaned back in his chair so that his black owl, Demon, could drop his mail. He watched as Lily Evans walked into the Hall. How she pranced about as if everything she did was an accomplishment everyone was to take note of, even her late arrival! Severus clumsily rummaged through his mail, still staring at the read-headed vixen. He arched an eyebrow in curiosity and now gave his full attention to a particularly large parcel Demon had dropped. Fastened to the top of the package was a parchment. He unrolled it and read:

Severus,

As it is your final year as a student, I thought it best to send you this journal to aid your transition into manhood. This book is quite old, as it originally belonged to your great, great grandfather. It has been handed down from father to son until it has found a new owner in you. Read through it, discover your past, and decide your future.

--Octavious

Severus removed the paper from the package and beheld a large, black leather-bound book. He felt the scrutinizing gazes of his peers. Lily was staring at him. He pretended not to notice and gave Demon a piece of a biscuit. He kept up the pretense of ignoring her quite well until the familiar chorus of James's and Sirius's laughter stung his ears.

"Snape's crazy old father has sent him some heap of junk," he could hear one say.

Severus sneered at them, gathered up his belongings, and trailed over to the loathsome duo. "You know, they say every school has its idiot. Unfortunately, Hogwarts has two." He eyed James and Sirius.

"Speaking of idiots, Snape, is that from your father?" Black nodded at the journal and smiled coolly at James.

"Is that your feeble attempt at insulting me?" Severus hissed.

"Is that your feeble attempt at declaring intelligence?" James cracked. A round of "oohs" echoed across the Gryffindor table.

"James!" Lily scolded, finally having enough. James's cocky smile quickly disappeared. Remus Lupin pretended to be enthralled by the contents of his transfiguration book, while Peter Pettigrew watched anxiously.

"The old ball and chain, eh, Potter? While I'd quite like to see you suffer the wrath of she-who-holds-your-balls-in-the-palms-of-her-hands, I'm afraid I haven't the time for child's play." He swept off.

Lily's hand clapped over her mouth in shock. Remus looked up from his book long enough to roll his eyes. Sirius stabbed angrily at his eggs, while Peter looked as if he were in shock. James, however, was fuming.

"That dickless--"

"James, stop! Please, I'd like to finish my breakfast in peace!" Lily pleaded.

"She's right, you know." Remus closed his book and folded his arms on the table. "You were being awfully immature."

Sirius eyed Remus curiously. "Sheesh, Moony, can you quit being a geek long enough to have some fun?"

Remus rolled his eyes again as Peter chuckled to himself. His laughter cut off suddenly when Remus bared his teeth. Peter quickly moved to change the subject. "Why do you keep sticking up for him, Lily?" he asked.

"Yeah, whose side are you on?" Sirius demanded.

"Side? Really boys?" Lily heaved an impatient sigh and as Remus gave her a look of sympathy.

"At least we're more tolerable than Snape," James argued, albeit quietly.

Sirius frowned. "What's he got that we don't?"

Lily threw her books together. "A mind," she replied, standing to leave. "Good day, gentlemen." She left James, Sirius, and Peter with their mouths agape. Remus picked his book up again, pretending to not have heard her insult.

Lily jogged down the corridor after Snape. "Severus, wait up."

He growled at the request, but stopped anyway. As he sun around on his heel, Lily nearly smacked into him. "Can't find your way around without the quartet of fools?" he hissed.

Lily shook her head in disbelief. "I came to say that I am concerned about the exchange that just transpired."

Severus chuckled to himself. "You've been borrowing Lupin's dictionary, I see."

A hurtful look came across Lily's face. "Such things I would expect from James and Sirius, but not you, Severus. What you said about," she paused to gulp nervously, "James's . . . balls . . . was entirely uncalled for and I'm ashamed that such a thing came out of your mouth."

"Ashamed, Miss Evans?" Severus was intrigued. "Are you my mother now?"

"I'm being serious here! You are far too smart and sophisticated to act like them."

Severus nodded at her little speech. "Are you quite through kissing my ass, Miss Evans?"

Lily's mouth fell open in shock.

"I'll take that as a 'yes.' Good day, then." Severus spun around and stalked off, smiling to himself. Brawling with the Gryffindor boys was always pleasant but the look on Lily's face just now was an unparallel delight. That look was worth a thousand galleons alone. Potions with the Gryffindors would actually be a treat today.