Disclaimers: I don't own Harry Potter and Co, they belong to the beautiful mind of J. however the story is my own.
Title: Only Echoes
The smell of salty air and sound of waves lapping the poles of the North Pier. Severus stood staring out to sea, watching the sun set over the waves. It was an incredible view and he loved standing in the exact same spot every day over summer watching the sun set.
When he was sixteen, Severus Snape decided to spend his summer holidays away from his parents. He couldn't take their arguing any longer and with how much he had dealt with by the marauders he needed to go to someplace where he could be on his own, even if it was amongst cheery holiday makers.
Now at eighteen and entering his final year at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry, this was going to be his last summer at Blackpool, as after school he was going to find a job and start to map out his life.
Walking back to the
street, he passed fishermen, children running with ice creams and
mothers scolding them. Couples leaning into each other also
watching the sunset.
He detested seeing couples, ever since he
found out that Lily Evans and James Potter became an item. It made
him think he wasn't worthy of anyone, he had known Lily ever since
they were kids and he had feelings for her but he made a mistake and
it cost him to ever have a chance with her.
It seemed ever since Lily and James got together, the marauders (especially James) enjoyed taunting him even more. Like they would rub the relationship in his face. Whenever he was nearby in the courtyard of school or along the corridors and hallways he would see them Lily and James would be there. One evening Severus was doing prefect rounds of the castle and came across the couple hugging. James looked at Severus over Lily's shoulder as the couple hugged. Grinning at Severus, James leaned back from the hug and he bent forward planting a kiss on Lily's lips.
A feeling of jealousy swelled inside of Severus' mind and he couldn't wait to get away from them and that place.
Now all he wanted to do was relax and forget about his parents, the Marauders and Lily Evans.
As he strolled along the streets, he felt his stomach growl. Stepping into a small takeaway cafe, he walked to the counter, looking over the chalkboard that hung on the wall. What did he feel like to eat? The menu had a few choices, fish and chips or shepherd's pie. Finally after a few moments of thinking he ordered Jellied Eel, with steak and kidney pie served with mashed potatoes.
He paid for his meal and sat at a small table in the far corner of the shop. Reaching inside his book bag which he carried everywhere with him, he pulled out an exercise book. Taking from the bag a pen he started going over his potions book, not just any potions book, his own book where he created potions and spells. He inscribed in the front "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince" it was a private joke he kept to himself. In case anyone found it.
As he was making notes and stabbing his fork into the jellied eels. Chewing contently, he started jotting ideas. When he heard the door open. A female with bushy brown hair entered the take away. A book bag slung over her shoulder and a rucksack. Severus ran his eyes over the figure, her back facing towards him. His eyes kept going to her hair, it was extremely bushy.
"No muggle born would have naturally or artificially have hair that bushy. She must be a witch although I never seen her before." Severus thought.
The girl got her order and she was looking for a place to sit, he didn't know what possessed him but he smiled a shy smile and pointed to the sit across from him.
Returning his smile and sitting herself in the chair opposite him, she placed her meal on the table and took off her book bag and placing it on the floor beside her.
Quickly he placed his pen and exercise book back into his bag. "Hello it's a nice evening isn't it?" He started off slowly.
The girl started to eat her shepherd's pie and after swallowing her first mouthful, she replied "Oh it is indeed. Thank you for letting me sit with you."
"Oh that is okay, it's nice to have company. Are you a local?"
"Oh um," she paused as if to collect her thoughts. "No I'm a tourist, it is summer after all and Blackpool is best known for it's seaside. I just in fact arrived, I caught a train from Kings Cross station and just arrived at Blackpool North station. It's the first time I ever been on my own for a holiday. So I thought make the most of it before I find a job, I just finished high school."
She started to eat her meal.
"That is a long journey, I arrived two days earlier. I love Blackpool, it's such a nice place. Especially at this time of year. I have stayed here for two summers, this making my third. Where abouts are you from?" Severus asked continuing the conversation.
"Oxfordshire and you? Where do you come from?"
"I am from Spinner's End." He replied, biting into his steak and kidney pie. After a moment of silence as the pair ate. Severus thought of a question, it would be risky, he barely knew this girl yet he started to feel comfortable sitting with her.
"Do you have a place to stay?" Severus questioned.
Shaking her head in answer "I didn't think of accommodation. Do you have any suggestions there is so many hotels, rooms above pubs or bed and breakfasts."
"Well I am staying at the White Moon Hotel. There is eight rooms, and they have a small bar on the ground floor. It's cheap and you get the essentials, you know a bed and an en-suite."
"I know I have only meet you, but I hope you don't mind if I tag along with you. I have never been here before. It would be nice to have some company while I'm here. Am I being to forward?"
Severus sat in shock, a female wanted to hang with him. What could he say, he was a proper gentlemen and she indeed did look like she needed a guide.
Giving a little cough, he answered "No you are not being forward and yes, I will be happy to show you around. Oh before we go I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Severus Snape." He was expecting her to laugh at his strange name however she stood up extending her hand.
"Hi Severus, my name is Hermione Granger."
*~*
Hi guys this is my first chapter of Only Echoes, I enjoyed writing the first chapter. So I hope you guys enjoyed it too.
I first must apologise for my grammar, it is terrible so I'm sorry. Also I did some research on Blackpool. I have never been to Blackpool but I have researched tidbits that I hope will not offend anyone from Blackpool.
I also have to add "White Moon Hotel" is an actual hotel in Blackpool and I thought it was a cool name for a hotel and it also looks like a nice place to stay.
It would be nice if you can review. As I can't wait to start on the next chapter.
Czar
