A/N: First introductive chapter. Action and plotmovement coming soon! Please review when youve enjoyed it (or not);-)
The Great Hall was packed with barely awake students, yawning above their toast or porridge. The enchanted ceiling gave away a breathtaking sunrise that was being born on the horizon. Most of the older students however were too used to this and missed natures beauty. Only the frst years were fascinated by the occurence. When a flock of owls, all colours and breeds, besieged the Great Hall with the call of morning post, students were getting excited at the prospect of a novel. Severus Snape wasnt surprised that no owl swooped down in front of him and was far too used to it to care.
Sitting at the Slytherin House table, eyes narrowed, he watched the movement at the Gryffindor table, with a particular dislike. Much as though he hated facing them while eating, expierence had wisened him not to turn his back on them.
It was the second week of his fifth year at Hogwarths School of Witchcraft and Wizardry wich was, as many of the teachers repeatedly reminded them, the most important one of them all. Due to the O.W.L.s coming up at the end of the year, determining their future career path or ...at least, so the teachers seemed to think...
The jarring bell that announced the start of the first class woke him out of his thoughts, he swept away, towards the 4th floor where he was due for one of his favourite subjects: Defence Against the Dark Arts. His fellow Slytherins followed in his shadow, uttering disdain about the class and teacher, Professor Hesling.
"Really, this place is going to the dogs, what with all this Mudblood filth, I dont know why I dont just pack up my things and leave for Durmstrang", Evan Rosier said much to the guffawing pleasure of his gorilla- ish sidekicks Crabbe and Goyle.
Only Zacharias Zabini voiced what Severus thought:
"Because frankly, Evan, your parents could hardly afford to have you here let alone at Durmstrang. If not for the generosity of the Malfoy family you'd probably be stuck at a Mudblood school"
The beginning of a small smile played on Severus' lips and before a riot over the correctness of Zacharias's words could erupt, the class door magically swung open, inviting them all in. It was true, the Rosier family was neither wealthy nor influential; it was their contact with the Malfoy family that kept their son at school.
Severus chose his regular seat at the back of the dark, high-ceilinged classroom concealed in the shadows where he felt at ease. It didn't take very long before all students had leaked in and had taken up their places. The "comical duo" James Potter and his lapdog Sirius Black had seated themselves two rows in front of Severus who noticed that Potter had, once again, chosen a place where he could freely stare at his precious Mudblood, Lily Evans.
Severus snorted, he had to hand it to her, she at the least had good taste. The whole school knew he was after her like a lovesick puppy but she wouldn't have anything to do with him. She seemed to notice, unlike the other Quidditch fangirls that his head was filled with air rather than brains.
Lanky professor Hesling had entered the room, smiling indulgently at them and spoke in his deep rough voice: "As undoubtably my fellow colleges have told you, this year is the most important year in the beginning of your magical career. So assuring myself that you'll do yourselves justice, I shall assign all of you on a special project. I have devided you all into pairs; each pair will study one of the Forbidden Curses, or Unforgivables. I want a 5 foot essay on it, no exceptions."
With a swish of his wand, a piece of paper appeared in front of every student while the Professor continued: "I have paired you myself and I shall not accept any requests of re-pairing. Pairs were chosen as to exclude any... romantical involvements when you should all have your wits about you the most." Pausing only to enjoy the effect of his words on the faces of his students, he ended his speech with "You will find your assignment and the name of your partner on the paper in front of you together with the reserved hours for you in the library, which I have arranged so that Madame Pince won't fuss over a shortage of books and an overload on students."
Severus took a deep breath, hoping for the love of Merlin, he wouldn't find the names of Black or his sycophant shadow Potter on his parchment. He flicked the paper and traced the words... He was to do his essay on the Imperius Curse, not too bad.... What he saw next drained the little colour in his already pale face; Hesling had partnered him with Lily Evans...
She must have read it at the same time, he saw her head turning towards him with as much surprise in her green eyes as he had just expierenced . Inclining his head in the smallest of nods he went back in cursing his misfortune in silence. Of all students he had to work with a Mudblood, moreover, with Potter's Precious Mudblood.
Still, it is far better then either him or Black... and she does seem to have a sharp mind. She is even quite a good at Potions, he thought grudgingly, leaving only himself at the top of the class.
Hesling had waisted no time for the assignment, his first Library-evening was scheduled for tomorrow When the bell had sounded the end of the lesson, the whole room was full of excited whispers, and the exchanging of names and papers.
Zabini bowed over to Severus "Well what's your price, Severus?" Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed the parchement out of Severus's hand and started reading.
"At least she's got half a brain, look at mine" he grinned sardonically, thrusting his assignment forward.
"You have my sincerest sympathies," mocked Severus, having just read that Zabini hit the first prize in the Gryffindor Lottery, James Potter.
"I'm sure I have...we should leave for Transfiguration, Severus" said Zabini. The rain was now clattering madly against the magnificent big windows that surrounded the corridors. Severus froze as he heard a snobbish voice calling out behind him.
"Snivellus."
Ignoring the posh voice of James Potter, Severus continued making his way towards the second floor. The taunt now went from "Snivellus" to "Snivelly" and finally he turned round when it became -
"Hey Snape!" Severus's fingers wrapped around his wand, he whipped around facing James Potter.
"Potter surely after five years even the likes of you should know my name...and what is it that you want from me this time?"
"A warning...Snivelly.... I know you've been paired with Evans and..."
"Ah yes," smirked Severus, "I thought we might hit that little snag..."
"I'm warning you," Potter repeated, "If I hear one word about you giving her a hard time..."
"Potter, unlike you I have better social taste... and taste in partners... so I can assure you that no harm will befall your precious Mudblood."
Ghastly quick, Potter had his wand out and looked just about ready to strike... when Professor McGonagall's voice boomed all the way from the door of the Transfiguration classroom, which they were opposited to.
"Potter, what do you think you are doing?", Her hawklike eyes swepped over the scenery, "Twenty points from Gryffindor and the four of you get in here now!"
The following evening, Severus decided to leave early for the library, hoping to be able to read up a bit more on the Imperius Curse alone. He arrived ten minutes later in the almost completely and found it almost deserted, when the quite scribble of a quill on parchment caught his attention. It was Evans.
Her mane of dark red hair swept back and forth following the movements of a handsome white quill.
Sweaping towards the mahogany table, he looked straight into her face as she smiled up at him.
"Evans," he said coolly.
"Snape" she said, without the usual scowl or insult her housemates usually pronounced his name with.
He seated himself at the opposite end of the table and grabbed some parchment and quill from his bag.
"Ive been here for a while already, reading up alot and have actually find quite a few interesting things. Yes...I've been doing some minor research on the Imperius Curse -"
Severus looked at her with a mixture of suprise and disbelief. Perhaps she had fallen mouth first into a cualdron of Babbling Beverage?
"Let's get started ...shall we?" he said softly.
"I seem to have found all the effects," she pointed at a neatly written paragraph on her parchment. "Perhaps you might like to see if I've missed anything?"
"Perhaps I should." Severus glared at her, snatching the parchment from under her fingers.
Surely this silly girl does not think she has found all the effects of the Imperius Curse in some library books?
She, however, wasn't wrong or silly, and had indeed named all of the effects produced by the Imperius Curse...perfectly. Having nothing to critisize, he handed the parchement back, as his lips thinned into a pained smile.
"Let's get started on the history of the Curse," said Severus softly, his black eyes glittering.
He noticed an odd look in her eyes as she nodded, summoning a couple of books closerby.
They worked in silence mostly, and spoke only in relevance to the assignment; "Collected Works of Current Curses". The scratching of their quills steadily improved... As though one did not want to be bested by the other, at least not in quantity.
Severus glanced up at Evans discreetly, through curtains of greasy black hair. She had the tip of her tongue between her full lips as she wrote. Her eyes followed her quill, her hair fell in waves around her face...
Then he called himself back into reality when he heard a distinct ruffle coming from the Magical Zoologi isle followed by an annoyingly familiar voice, trying to whisper... trying to spy.
"It seems your fan club has decided to pay us a visit, probably to defend your honour, since I am obviously taking advantage of you." Severus scowled.
"I can't be bothered entertaining them, really" she said, rather coolly.
"I thought you'd be flattered, having Potter's full attention," he sneered.
"Listen," she threw the quill down angrily. "I thought, that at least you might be different! I am not some sort of airhead impressed by the first Quidditch player who comes flying by!" she nearly shrieked.
Madame Pince's voice suddenly ushered a commanding "Sssshhhht" and she flicked her wand threathingly.
"Sorry," said Lily, seemingly both to Madame Pince and Severus who had had his eyebrow arched.
"I think we should continue working at a later date, as you are obviously in no condition to do any further research," Severus sneered, and banished the Library books back to their original spots on the shelves.
"Fine, be like that" she said whilst packing away her things. Her long hair carelessly flew in front of her very green eyes, but she did not seem to notice, or care. "Goodnight, Severus." Lily waved impatiently as she walked out of the Library.
The Great Hall was packed with barely awake students, yawning above their toast or porridge. The enchanted ceiling gave away a breathtaking sunrise that was being born on the horizon. Most of the older students however were too used to this and missed natures beauty. Only the frst years were fascinated by the occurence. When a flock of owls, all colours and breeds, besieged the Great Hall with the call of morning post, students were getting excited at the prospect of a novel. Severus Snape wasnt surprised that no owl swooped down in front of him and was far too used to it to care.
Sitting at the Slytherin House table, eyes narrowed, he watched the movement at the Gryffindor table, with a particular dislike. Much as though he hated facing them while eating, expierence had wisened him not to turn his back on them.
It was the second week of his fifth year at Hogwarths School of Witchcraft and Wizardry wich was, as many of the teachers repeatedly reminded them, the most important one of them all. Due to the O.W.L.s coming up at the end of the year, determining their future career path or ...at least, so the teachers seemed to think...
The jarring bell that announced the start of the first class woke him out of his thoughts, he swept away, towards the 4th floor where he was due for one of his favourite subjects: Defence Against the Dark Arts. His fellow Slytherins followed in his shadow, uttering disdain about the class and teacher, Professor Hesling.
"Really, this place is going to the dogs, what with all this Mudblood filth, I dont know why I dont just pack up my things and leave for Durmstrang", Evan Rosier said much to the guffawing pleasure of his gorilla- ish sidekicks Crabbe and Goyle.
Only Zacharias Zabini voiced what Severus thought:
"Because frankly, Evan, your parents could hardly afford to have you here let alone at Durmstrang. If not for the generosity of the Malfoy family you'd probably be stuck at a Mudblood school"
The beginning of a small smile played on Severus' lips and before a riot over the correctness of Zacharias's words could erupt, the class door magically swung open, inviting them all in. It was true, the Rosier family was neither wealthy nor influential; it was their contact with the Malfoy family that kept their son at school.
Severus chose his regular seat at the back of the dark, high-ceilinged classroom concealed in the shadows where he felt at ease. It didn't take very long before all students had leaked in and had taken up their places. The "comical duo" James Potter and his lapdog Sirius Black had seated themselves two rows in front of Severus who noticed that Potter had, once again, chosen a place where he could freely stare at his precious Mudblood, Lily Evans.
Severus snorted, he had to hand it to her, she at the least had good taste. The whole school knew he was after her like a lovesick puppy but she wouldn't have anything to do with him. She seemed to notice, unlike the other Quidditch fangirls that his head was filled with air rather than brains.
Lanky professor Hesling had entered the room, smiling indulgently at them and spoke in his deep rough voice: "As undoubtably my fellow colleges have told you, this year is the most important year in the beginning of your magical career. So assuring myself that you'll do yourselves justice, I shall assign all of you on a special project. I have devided you all into pairs; each pair will study one of the Forbidden Curses, or Unforgivables. I want a 5 foot essay on it, no exceptions."
With a swish of his wand, a piece of paper appeared in front of every student while the Professor continued: "I have paired you myself and I shall not accept any requests of re-pairing. Pairs were chosen as to exclude any... romantical involvements when you should all have your wits about you the most." Pausing only to enjoy the effect of his words on the faces of his students, he ended his speech with "You will find your assignment and the name of your partner on the paper in front of you together with the reserved hours for you in the library, which I have arranged so that Madame Pince won't fuss over a shortage of books and an overload on students."
Severus took a deep breath, hoping for the love of Merlin, he wouldn't find the names of Black or his sycophant shadow Potter on his parchment. He flicked the paper and traced the words... He was to do his essay on the Imperius Curse, not too bad.... What he saw next drained the little colour in his already pale face; Hesling had partnered him with Lily Evans...
She must have read it at the same time, he saw her head turning towards him with as much surprise in her green eyes as he had just expierenced . Inclining his head in the smallest of nods he went back in cursing his misfortune in silence. Of all students he had to work with a Mudblood, moreover, with Potter's Precious Mudblood.
Still, it is far better then either him or Black... and she does seem to have a sharp mind. She is even quite a good at Potions, he thought grudgingly, leaving only himself at the top of the class.
Hesling had waisted no time for the assignment, his first Library-evening was scheduled for tomorrow When the bell had sounded the end of the lesson, the whole room was full of excited whispers, and the exchanging of names and papers.
Zabini bowed over to Severus "Well what's your price, Severus?" Without waiting for an answer, he grabbed the parchement out of Severus's hand and started reading.
"At least she's got half a brain, look at mine" he grinned sardonically, thrusting his assignment forward.
"You have my sincerest sympathies," mocked Severus, having just read that Zabini hit the first prize in the Gryffindor Lottery, James Potter.
"I'm sure I have...we should leave for Transfiguration, Severus" said Zabini. The rain was now clattering madly against the magnificent big windows that surrounded the corridors. Severus froze as he heard a snobbish voice calling out behind him.
"Snivellus."
Ignoring the posh voice of James Potter, Severus continued making his way towards the second floor. The taunt now went from "Snivellus" to "Snivelly" and finally he turned round when it became -
"Hey Snape!" Severus's fingers wrapped around his wand, he whipped around facing James Potter.
"Potter surely after five years even the likes of you should know my name...and what is it that you want from me this time?"
"A warning...Snivelly.... I know you've been paired with Evans and..."
"Ah yes," smirked Severus, "I thought we might hit that little snag..."
"I'm warning you," Potter repeated, "If I hear one word about you giving her a hard time..."
"Potter, unlike you I have better social taste... and taste in partners... so I can assure you that no harm will befall your precious Mudblood."
Ghastly quick, Potter had his wand out and looked just about ready to strike... when Professor McGonagall's voice boomed all the way from the door of the Transfiguration classroom, which they were opposited to.
"Potter, what do you think you are doing?", Her hawklike eyes swepped over the scenery, "Twenty points from Gryffindor and the four of you get in here now!"
The following evening, Severus decided to leave early for the library, hoping to be able to read up a bit more on the Imperius Curse alone. He arrived ten minutes later in the almost completely and found it almost deserted, when the quite scribble of a quill on parchment caught his attention. It was Evans.
Her mane of dark red hair swept back and forth following the movements of a handsome white quill.
Sweaping towards the mahogany table, he looked straight into her face as she smiled up at him.
"Evans," he said coolly.
"Snape" she said, without the usual scowl or insult her housemates usually pronounced his name with.
He seated himself at the opposite end of the table and grabbed some parchment and quill from his bag.
"Ive been here for a while already, reading up alot and have actually find quite a few interesting things. Yes...I've been doing some minor research on the Imperius Curse -"
Severus looked at her with a mixture of suprise and disbelief. Perhaps she had fallen mouth first into a cualdron of Babbling Beverage?
"Let's get started ...shall we?" he said softly.
"I seem to have found all the effects," she pointed at a neatly written paragraph on her parchment. "Perhaps you might like to see if I've missed anything?"
"Perhaps I should." Severus glared at her, snatching the parchment from under her fingers.
Surely this silly girl does not think she has found all the effects of the Imperius Curse in some library books?
She, however, wasn't wrong or silly, and had indeed named all of the effects produced by the Imperius Curse...perfectly. Having nothing to critisize, he handed the parchement back, as his lips thinned into a pained smile.
"Let's get started on the history of the Curse," said Severus softly, his black eyes glittering.
He noticed an odd look in her eyes as she nodded, summoning a couple of books closerby.
They worked in silence mostly, and spoke only in relevance to the assignment; "Collected Works of Current Curses". The scratching of their quills steadily improved... As though one did not want to be bested by the other, at least not in quantity.
Severus glanced up at Evans discreetly, through curtains of greasy black hair. She had the tip of her tongue between her full lips as she wrote. Her eyes followed her quill, her hair fell in waves around her face...
Then he called himself back into reality when he heard a distinct ruffle coming from the Magical Zoologi isle followed by an annoyingly familiar voice, trying to whisper... trying to spy.
"It seems your fan club has decided to pay us a visit, probably to defend your honour, since I am obviously taking advantage of you." Severus scowled.
"I can't be bothered entertaining them, really" she said, rather coolly.
"I thought you'd be flattered, having Potter's full attention," he sneered.
"Listen," she threw the quill down angrily. "I thought, that at least you might be different! I am not some sort of airhead impressed by the first Quidditch player who comes flying by!" she nearly shrieked.
Madame Pince's voice suddenly ushered a commanding "Sssshhhht" and she flicked her wand threathingly.
"Sorry," said Lily, seemingly both to Madame Pince and Severus who had had his eyebrow arched.
"I think we should continue working at a later date, as you are obviously in no condition to do any further research," Severus sneered, and banished the Library books back to their original spots on the shelves.
"Fine, be like that" she said whilst packing away her things. Her long hair carelessly flew in front of her very green eyes, but she did not seem to notice, or care. "Goodnight, Severus." Lily waved impatiently as she walked out of the Library.