He stares at the mark, still red against his pale forearm, below the older scares from tree branches and glass shards, curses and razorblades.
He will show them all what he capable of. His domineering, muggle father. His meek, powerless mother. The ruthless, overconfident marauders. And his beautiful, confused Lily.
He pulls down his sleeves, picking up the ratty secondhand briefcase at his feet. Despite the fading extension charm, its large enough to hold all his essential possessions – one photo, two robes, three books.
Severus steps onto the grounds of Hogwarts, preparing to face the aging professor he has betrayed.