Disclaimer:: Harry Potter etc. are property of J.K Rowling, no copyright infringement is intended.
Authors Note:: Had this on my harddrive for about a month now…I have quite a few scenes of it written up already. I figured I'd post it to see what people thought of it. Please note: this is a definite Alternate Universe fic, unless JKR takes a twist for the odd. Warning:: my first ever attempt at a Romance. ^_^; Pity me please!
Nothing SimpleBy Severitus
Herbology had always been one of Lily's favorite classes. She loved learning about the different plants and the many purposes they could be used for. The Professor, Madam Sprout, was a lively, stout witch that perpetually looked as if she'd been digging through one garden or another. Her head of brown, wiry hair was always crammed beneath a worn, pointed green hat, and her robes were always smudged with dirt and grass stains.
Today the class of Slytherin/Gryffindor sixth years were seated at two long tables inside greenhouse number two. Small, silvery potted plants were set at intervals along each table. Today Lily was to share a plant with a dark haired Slytherin, whose name she thought was Severus Snape. She'd only ever seen him briefly in class and in the hallways, and knew nothing about him aside from the fact that the Marauders hated him with a passion. He had been extremely quiet in class so far, not saying a word one way or another. Lily thought it rather unusual for a Slytherin to be so strangely silent. They usually took every opportunity to insult her lineage or her house, but Severus hadn't even glared at her. He'd simply sat across from her taking his notes and occasionally inspecting the plant, not giving any indication that he realized anyone else was in the classroom. And with the way his long black hair hung about his face, it almost seemed as he was trying hard not to be seen.
"Hey Snape, you're not bothering Lily here are you?" Sirius Black said from the next table over. Madam Sprout was busy writing something on a mobile chalkboard. Severus didn't even look away from his notes as he answered.
"Go away, Black. Or at least wait until after class to bother me," he said, his quill still scratching notes on a curled piece of parchment.
"Hey, Lily, you want me to get rid of this guy for you? It'd be my pleasure to help out a lady such as yourself…." Black said, turning to Lily with a mischievous wink.
"Sirius, why don't you go polish your broom or something, or take notes like everyone else who wants to pass the year, okay?" Lily growled, giving him her best glare and tapping her quill for added effect.
"Fine, fine, the lady doth decline my valiant offer of aide…" Sirius muttered, turning back around to copy notes from his partner, Peter Pettigrew. Lily shook her head and dipped her quill, well accustomed to the Marauders. Most of her House thought they were the model Gryffindors. She, however, just thought they were childish and annoying.
Glancing up briefly, she caught Severus staring at her intently, his strange, black eyes filled with confusion. They were the strangest eyes she'd ever seen before, the unusual color accentuated by his pale skin and black hair.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, and he blinked, apparently breaking out of his thoughts.
"No…I was merely wondering why you refused his offer," he said, and Lily was shocked by the sound of his voice. It was deep and smooth, and spoke of a self-control far beyond his age. It sent a strange tingle up her spine, especially when combined with his dark stare.
"Sirius is a jerk, and to be honest I'm glad to have you as a partner. You're quiet, polite, and apparently have no more tolerance for Sirius than I do," Lily replied with an indifferent shrug. Severus' mouth curved just slightly, his eyes brightening in a way that brought a flush to Lily's cheeks. 'And handsome too,' she added to herself.
"I'm surprised. Most Gryffindors seem to revere the Marauders and believe they can do no wrong," he said, his long fingers absently stroking his dark blue quill.
"Oh believe me, they probably do more wrong than all the houses combined. You'd be surprised at how many people really don't like them, but are afraid to say anything for fear of retribution. Remus is the only sensible one out of the lot." She poked her quill in the direction of the sandy-haired boy, who was leaning tiredly against the table next to James Potter.
"Somehow I'm not surprised at all," Severus said, his eyes rolling toward the opposite table. Sirius and James Potter were laughing, jabbing their fingers toward something on the table in front of them. Remus and Peter were both shaking their heads sadly, apparently trying to get the other two to focus on the note taking.
"I wonder what they're up to now," Lily said worriedly.
"Probably something to humiliate me later, no doubt," Severus snorted, eyes flicking briefly skyward. Lily couldn't help but smile as he paled suddenly, apparently realizing just how open he had been with her so far. He paused with his quill poised above his ink jar, his lips drawn into a thin line as he considered something for a moment. Lily waited patiently as he set his quill down again and cleared his throat nervously, before looking her in the eye once again. "So…would you like to study together sometime?" he asked softly, leaning forward slightly to prevent the Marauders from listening in. Lily laughed at the hopeful expression on his face and nodded politely, her smile deepening.
"Yes, I'd like that very much."
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Note:: Yes, I know it's short. This type of thing is new for me, so…bear with me please? The other chapters are much longer. If anyone has some spare time on their hands and would like to beta read this…please let me know! :) Thanks a bunch!