Chapter One

It was nearing the end of March and the weather was heating up considerably. Hogwarts students were spending more time staring longingly out of the windows- dreaming of swimming in the lake, hurtling around on broomsticks, or even just lying in the grass and staring up at the sky- than working in lessons. And the teachers knew better than to try and make them, after all, they too were desperate for the Easter holidays to start, as that would be their last break before the dreaded end of year exams started…

Technically, the only reason Hogwarts even bothered with an Easter holiday was because it was a chance for students to do some last minute revision in a less stressful environment. But that's like expecting students to do extra homework when they don't have to. It just isn't going to happen and the professors are fully aware of that.

During the progressively lighter evening, students of all houses were busy planning their holidays; where they were going with their parents-

"My father's taking us all Japan for the week!"

"Lucky sod…"

Or how many Quidditch games they were going to play-

"I'm going to beat you so bad this time! Don't you know I've been practising every day this term?"

"Yeah, but you're still rubbish…"

"Shu'up!"

And some were just looking forward to not have to worry about school or the pressures involved with school for a whole week. One such student was Severus Snape, a lanky second-year with poorly cut black hair, pallid skin and a keenly intelligent mind. Not especially sociable and considered 'decidedly odd' by both peers and professors, Severus did not get along well with many and preferred the company of books to people. This, naturally, made him unpopular, particularly in the rival houses and Severus was regularly prayed upon by a popular gang of Gryffindor boys who called themselves 'The Marauders'. But Severus Snape was no stranger to being bullied and was resigned to the fact that he was just one of those people who others seemed to like to vent their frustrations on.

However, to those few who Severus did like enough to call a friend, he was the most loyal, trustworthy companion anyone could wish for and, providing that they did right by him, he would willingly follow them to the ends of the earth.

One such boy was Lucius Malfoy. A proud handsome young man from a very wealthy family, Lucius was the complete opposite to Severus but, somehow, the two of them seemed to get along like a house on fire.

Using his family's connections and the respect he commanded the other students, Lucius offered Severus protection, something the young half-blood had not had much of in his life, and also the chance to meet people he would never have dared even go near of his own accord.

In return, Severus gave him advice and unwavering loyalty. Being completely unremarkable physically, Severus had the ability to observe people who had no idea they were being watched and his sharp eyes meant that Severus could tell when people were only being friendly because they wanted something, whereas Lucius would arrogantly assume it was genuine admiration and would only realise when it was too late.

Also, being a Malfoy meant that Lucius had a very quick, very fiery temper and there had been many times when Severus had had to hold him back to stop him from actually murdering someone.

Generally speaking, the friendship between Severus and Lucius was strong and equal and the two boys had a genuine affection for one another. Of course, neither one would admit to it.

--

"So, what are your plans for the holiday, Sev?"

Severus looked up from his suitcase into which he was carefully folding his clothes. Then, seeing it was only Lucius, he turned back to his task, muttering, "Nothing much…probably just studying really. We've got exams almost as soon as we come back so-"

"So, you haven't any actual plans as such," pressed Lucius, coming over and throwing himself onto the bed. This earned him a scowl as the impact had caused half of Severus' meticulously packed clothes to bounce back out the suitcase. "I mean, you aren't going anywhere or doing anything that's been arranged already, are you?"

Severus' dark eyes narrowed suspiciously, trying to work out the underlying meaning to his friend's questions. "No…not as such. Why? What do you want?"

"Me?" Lucius said innocently, removing a rogue sock from beneath him and crossing his legs. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."

"Liar," said Severus, snatching the sock back. If anyone else had dared speak to a Malfoy like that, they would, at best, be rendered incapable of movement for a week. But Lucius was used to Severus' brash way of talking and ignored it. "You only ever look like that when you want something. So either spit it out or leave me alone."

Lucius sighed. "Fine. Can I stay at yours over Easter?"

Severus stared at him as though he had suddenly grown an elephant's trunk. "Are you completely mad?" he whispered. "Why on earth do you want to stay at my house?"

"Anything's better than being stuck at home." Lucius scowled down at his hands. "My parents couldn't care less whether I'm there or not as long as I stay out their way. I'll have absolutely no one to talk to apart from the bloody house-elves. It's going to be unbearable!"

But Severus was still not sure. "I don't know Lucius…" he muttered unhappily. "I really want to say yes, but we're short of space as it is and you know my dad hates magic. He can barely tolerate me as it is…" Severus looked down, unable to meet his friend's piercing grey eyes. "I really don't think it's a good idea. Anyway, it's too late to ask Mum, we're leaving in an hour-"

"Oh that's okay," Lucius replied cheerfully. "I've already asked her."

"You've done what?"

"Well, when I had my stroke of genius," the young Malfoy explained. "I thought it only considerate to owl your mother. I mean, it would not do to simply turn up on your doorstep, would it?"

"If you've already asked her," Severus snapped, feeling most putout. "Why are you even bothering to inform me?" He slammed down the lid if his case, glaring furiously at Lucius.

"I thought I was being courteous."

"Since when were you ever courteous?" Severus humphed, dragging his case of the bed.

"Look," said Lucius angrily. "You came to the manor for Christmas so you wouldn't have to go home so why shouldn't you return the favour?"

The two boys glared at each other for a long time, then Severus sighed and shrugged, knowing that there was no way he would ever convince Lucius that he was wrong.

"Fine, whatever. You can stay. But if you get me into any sort of trouble, I'll kill you!"

Lucius grinned. "Fair enough. I'll go write to my father."

"You've told my parents, but not your own?" Severus rolled his eyes incredulously. For an intelligent person, Lucius Malfoy was surprisingly stupid. "Your dad's going to murder you!"

"No he won't. 'Cause he won't be able to get to me." Came the smug retort, accompanied by a smirk. "I'll see on the train, Sev." And with a swirl of dark cloak, Lucius had stridden out the dormitory.

Severus watched him go with a raised eyebrow and shook his head. "Idiot."

--

"For Merlin's sake, stop looking so depressed Sev!" Lucius lounged back in his seat, hands behind his head. Severus ignored him and continued to stare despondently out the window as the countryside flew by. "Hello?" An elegant hand was waved in the dark boy's face. "Anyone there?"

"Get off!" The hand was slapped away. "I'm not depressed, I'm thinking."

"About what?"

"About what a stupid idea this is," said Severus bluntly. "Lucius, you hate muggles, you live in a manor, you're used to having everything done for you…you're going to go mental!"

But his concerns were waved aside. "It'll be an experience. Anyway, you've stayed at my house, so why shouldn't I stay at yours? Stop being so selfish."

'You're a fine one to talk about selfishness…' thought Severus with a scowl. But, he had to admit to himself that perhaps he was over-reacting. As daft as this was, it was happening, so he may as well make the best of it.

"Sorry…I guess it's just going home. I always get funny before holidays."

Lucius nodded in agreement, tucking a loose strand of hair back behind his ears. "Yeah, same."

The two of them sat in silence; each deep in their own thoughts- Lucius was full of excitement at the prospect of an adventure- and living in the midst of muggles really was an adventure for him. Severus, on the other hand, was getting terrible pains in his head, which were growing increasingly worse the nearer they got to London.

A thought suddenly struck Severus and he turned urgently to his friend. "Lucius, you need to change."

"What? Why?"

"Because you can't go around muggle-London dressed like that. We'll get mugged. Besides, we are catching a bus to where I live and I don't want us to stand out."

Lucius thought carefully about this, eyebrows knotted together in a frown. "But I don't own any muggle clothes! I only have what I'm wearing, my uniform and a pair of pyjamas. And, before you ask, there is no way in hell I'm walking around London in my pyjamas!"

Severus looked like he dearly wanted to ask, but his life wasn't worth it. "I suppose if you just wear your school shirt and trousers without your cloak, that could work," he suggested. "You can change when we get to King's Cross. I'll lend you some muggle money for the bus as well, but you'll have to pay me back."

Tall buildings began to flash by the window and soon enough, the train ground to a halt. The platform was already crowded even before the students disembarked. As soon as someone stepped onto the platform, they were immediately mobbed by several hundred family members' parents, grandparents, younger siblings…they were all there, crying and hugging one another.

"Where're you parents?" Lucius asked, craning his neck to see if he could guess who they were.

"Not here," Severus muttered, dragging him by the sleeve to where their trunks were piled. "Come on, I don't want to hang around…" In the corner of his eyes, he could see James "Prick-of-the-century' Potter being embraced by his parents and Severus' stomach squirmed in a mixture of pure-hatred and jealousy.

Seeing this, Lucius murmured, "Forget him, Sev. He isn't worth the stress." Not a single other person in the whole school caused such an extreme reaction in Severus and Lucius worked hard to make sure that neither boy got hospitalised. Not that he particularly cared whether or not James got hurt, but it would mean that Severus would get into trouble and where would he be? "He's just a stupid Gryffindor. Forget about him. Come on."

Now it was Severus being dragged by the sleeve. The two of them stalked past a smirking James, who called out to them, "Have a nice time in your slum, Snape! I bet your mum's run you a nice bath of grease for when you get home!"

Lucius felt Severus make an angry movement towards Potter. "Severus!" he hissed, holding him back and glaring at James. "Leave it. Leave it! We'll get him back next week"

Severus shrugged him off and stormed through the banner. Lucius stared after him, his mind concocting all manner of unpleasant things they could do to the Marauders when they got back to school, then followed, lugging his trunk behind him.

"I hate him," Severus muttered vehemently when they had passed through the barrier. "I wish he was dead! If he died tomorrow, I wouldn't be a bit sorry!"

"That's all very well," said Lucius. "But you can't let him see that he gets to you so much. You're giving him far too much satisfaction and you couldn't have lost it on the platform; you'd have been arrested."

Severus scowled, "Like you don't ever lose it."

"Fair point," the blonde boy smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "But there is a time and a place for everything. Anyway, where's this bus we have to catch?"

"Across the road…" Then suddenly he perked up, eyes wide as he searched for a clock. "Shit!" he exclaimed as he caught sight of the time. "We're gonna miss it! Come on!"

"Malfoys don't run!" Lucius yelled as they hurtled through King's Cross. "It isn't dignified!"

"I couldn't care less about your dignity!" shouted Severus, narrowly missing knocking over a woman and her pushchair. "If we miss this bus, we'll have to wait an hour and a half for the next one!"

To make matters worse, Lucius had completely forgot that he was supposed to have taken of his wizard clothes and the two boys were getting some exceptionally odd looks as they literally flew through the busy stations, dragging huge trunks behind them.

They rounded the corner to the bus station just as their bus went in the opposite direction. Severus stared after it breathlessly, unable to believe his misfortune.

"I take it we'll have to wait an hour and a half then?" Lucius panted, leaning against the station wall.

"Well, unless you want to walk it, yes."

--

A/N: Okay, so I had this great idea for a fic and here's the first chapter...well, more like a teaser ;) (Yes, I know you aren't supposed to do this, but there won't be any updates for this 'til I finish and I want to see what people think) There won't be any majoy angst/humour/romance and all that jazz, but it's focusing on the friendship between Sev and Lucius and I feel that it's important to establish that considering there is so much conflict between the two in A child called Draco.

Lily will make her appearence, Lucius will have to deal with a wizard-hating Tobias and hopefully it'll be a good fic :D

Review! Love Lily xxx