A Fleeting Chance

Severus permitted himself to steal a look at Lily Evans, her red hair danced like blazing flames in the scorching sun. He returned to his book avidly showing interest in the wolfsbane potion he had actually found very appealing, before her appearance, due to his recent suspicions concerning a marauder by the name of Remus Lupin. He had been showing particular and unmistakeable traits connected to being a werewolf lately and Severus was convinced he could prove his concerns to be valid given time, opportunity and careful research. At least then he would be rid of one of the marauders that's presence seemed to grace him at the most inconvenient moments as Dumbledore would surely not allow a werewolf to stay at Hogwarts. Severus glanced up again over his book and his heart sank. James Potter had arrived and had his arm slung around Lily's shoulders absently, in a way that Severus often craved he could be found doing. Lily laughed and it made his heart flutter, all be it at one of James crass one-liners. James eyes roved over Lily's delicate form while she was occupied with gathering her books together, his arm slipped and rested on the grass behind Lily. Severus felt anger bubble up inside him; Lily was so much more than a body, she did have a wonderful figure but her mind was equally beautiful. She turned and aimed a kiss towards James's cheek before he moved his head impertinently and she ended up placing a tender kiss on his undeserving lips. She smiled at his self-assured insolence, it was what she both loved and hated about him. Lily stood gracefully and clutching the books to her chest began to make her way back to the castles entrance. Severus's eyes darted back to where James and the rest of the marauders were sat haughtily exchanging stories, quite intently focused on their own conversations. Seizing this opportunity, Snape scrambled to his feel and scurried after Lily.

'Lily, I haven't spoken to you in such a long time.'

'Well perhaps its best that way.'

'What do you mean? I thought we were supposed to be friends…..best friends.'

'Sev we are….we were but things change, new friendships blossom and sometimes regretfully old ones are left behind and that's just the way it is because people change…..you changed.'

'I haven't. I don't mean to.'

'But that's the thing, you are spending more and more time with Avery and Mulciber, I don't like them Sev, they've influenced you. They've changed your attitude, you're no longer that kind hearted boy I fell in…..I've got to go.'

Lily flushed and quickened her pace; she shook her head and let her hair tumble in front of her face. She bit her lip hoping he wouldn't question her slip, pursue her intentions and feelings towards him.

'No. Wait you were going to say……' Severus hesitated, 'something.'

'You're mistaken. Sev I really must head back to Gryffindor tower, I have so many assignments to complete.'

And with that last word on the matter Lily disappeared into a group of students, leaving Severus head swimming with possibilities.

Severus was sat alone in the Slytherin third year dormitory contemplating events from the day, in particular his conversation with Lily.