Author's Note: Most of the information regarding timing, ages, and geographic locations, have been obtained from various on-line sources. Google Maps showed that Cokeworth was about 5 minutes from London. I have never been there, so I use what I have at my disposal. If this is incorrect please let me know. I will be happy to fix it. If you are an avid James Potter fan, I will warn you now. He is a jerk and a bully as far as this fic is concerned. This is Rated 'M' for occasional violence and an adult situation in later chapters. This is also my first fic ever. I would love to hear your reviews. If you have any concerns regarding grammar and Brittishisms, please feel free to comment. I will be happy to make appropriate changes. Be advised, this is not a Snape is sex god sort of fic. He is flawed, has a large nose and isn't a mega hottie. For How I am envisioning him check out www. deviantart art/Severus-Snape-149996364. without the spaces of course.
Chapter 1: Catalyst
Cokeworth, England, lay about 5 minutes from the outskirts of London and for most of its residents the summer of 1975 had been an unremarkable one. The weather was neither too hot, nor too cold. The rain seemed to only fall at night, leaving the morning skies bright and blue. Today really wasn't any different. The morning was starting to fade into early afternoon as the sun shone brightly in the clear sky. The neat little row houses with their manicured lawns and perfect little gardens helped the neighborhood feel like something out of a sitcom on the television. Most of the houses along the street were older, but their age didn't seem to show. As younger couples moved into the neighborhood the houses had begin getting facelifts. Updated with UPVC, also known as vinyl siding, in a splendid array of colors. Those who couldn't afford the modern upgrades seemed to settle for fresh coats of paints. All in all, it was quite a nice little neighborhood.
Across a small green park and around the corner the buildings took an almost sudden shift. Down Spinner's End, the buildings switched from modern and wooden sidings to old brick, dirt and crumbling from lack of upkeep. The industrial buildings were a reminder of the neighborhood's past. It had once been home to an old cotton mill. The neat little houses had once been homes for the higher paid employees, while those lower on the ladders would live in the now dilapidated brick buildings It was night and day how quickly the change occurred in housing styles. In 30 or 40 years these old industrial style buildings would become a desired and some of the more expensive ones on the block, leaving the current cottages as outdated. Industrial Modern and exposed brick wouldn't be 'in' for another forty years though and as it stood now, most of the brick homes stood deserted. There was sign of life in one, though. Smoke billowed forth from the tall, cockeyed chimney and the light from a television flickered through the window. It was clear that someone lived in number 34, Spinner's End, and whomever they were, curb appeal was not a high priority.
Donning himself in a pair of gray school trousers, polished black shoes, and a white button up, Severus Snape set out to make things right. Severus was a tall and lean boy. He had inherited his mother's pale skin and black hair. His eyes were a dark, deep brown that most considered black. The only thing from his father was his nose. Most considered his nose to be far too large for his face. His mother had called it aristocratic. People often wondered why his school robes and shoes were always more worn then those belonging to the other student's. The simple fact of the matter his father would rather buy booze than button ups for his 16-year-old son.
When he was a boy, he wore whatever his parent's gave him. Usually the old shoes and clothing from the second hand store were overly worn and often mismatched. Eileen Snape never told Tobias, but they did have a single house elf. It had trailed after her when she was ostracized from her family. The house had been dilapidated, but it was clean. For Severus, Nippy was a godsend. The clothes he wore during the holidays were the clothes from school, though without the robes, ties and vests. He only had two pairs of school robes, but Nippy kept up with the laundry. Severus literally lived in his school uniform.
At the moment though, Severus didn't care about what he looked like, evident to the strands of black hair hanging limply around his face. He ran his hand through it again brushing it back out of his face. He had tried tying it back, but it was so fine it simply did not stay. He despised having it short, as it was once remarked that short cropped hair made his head look like a light bulb. The remark had been from his father. Hats simply didn't fit right and made his head too hot, and as a result would leave it looking worse that if he simply let it be. He could grow it longer, at least he assumed he could. He never really cut it, it simply broke off and stayed that length. Despite what people said, he did wash his hair every night and combed it every morning. He used a conditioning potion from his mother to keep it straight, otherwise it had a rather frizzy nature to it. What brought about that greasy appearance was the habit of brushing his hair back with his hand to move it from his face. After sever hours of this each day, it had collected oils from his hand and became less prone to fall forward. Lily had once suggested he simply style it back. He didn't tell her that he felt it hid the size of his nose. Crossing the familiar park, he ran his hand through his hair once more.
As the landscape switched from the claustrophobic oppressing houses of Spinner's End to the more modern and quaint homes of Cotton Way, he could feel a lump forming in his throat. Apologizing was not something that came easy to him, as he did have a rather large amount of pride. Perhaps it was a flaw, but alas it would not get in the way of setting things right with Lily. Taking deep breaths, he steadied himself. The closer he got to a quaint little white house with a low garden wall and a rather shiny blue car in the drive, the harder his heart seemed to beat. The car was new, but everything else looked very much the same as it had when he was a boy. He had been friends with Lily for years, now. As he made his way near the door he felt a rather queasy feeling stirring in the pit of his stomach. No wonder people hated apologizing. It quite literally made him feel ill. Had he still been at school he would have debated a trip to the infirmary. Swallowing hard, he took a deep breath and grasped the old brass knocker on the door. It rapped three times and as the wait began his mind drifted back to what started it all.
Two weeks ago, school was still in session and tests had just finished for the day. While Severus was confident in the marks he would receive, his last final was first thing the next morning. He had no question in his mind that he would ace his potions final. Still, as a favorite subject and hoping to get into the even more advanced classes next year, studying up a bit wouldn't hurt anything. After all Professor Slughorn had made it quite clear that anyone looking for a decent apprenticeship would need to begin looking early and apply no later than Christmas break of their 6th year. With his attention on his book he didn't notice the crowd nearing. The voice cut through the air like a whip cracking. Severus' head snapped up, eyes locking on the approaching James Potter.
James Potter wasn't short, but he wasn't tall either. He had a slender athletic build perfect for speed, and a mop of untidy brown hair on his head. Circular wire rimmed glasses covered dark brown eyes. Eyes full of mischief, and were Severus was concerned, hate. He knew James' current walk and posture well. James only ever walked like that when he was ready to attack. Like a cat on the prowl...an arrogant cocky cat fixed on its prey. Stumbling to his feet he reached for his wand only to have it snapped away by a sudden 'expeliarmus' spell. In a panic Severus looked around for escape, but it was no use. Before he knew it he was levitated above the crowd as the chanted James' name.
James' energy was only fueled by the crowd's enthusiasm. It looked like they were cheering on a gladiator about to battle a dragon, and Severus got to play the part of a very reluctant dragon. Severus was nervous and angry, but without his wand what could he do? While he had made it a point to learn defensive spells, dueling was not something their teacher encouraged or really even taught. Potter was a natural, though, and everyone knew it. James waved Severus around in the air, laughing as he jerked him around like a rag doll. "Who wants to see me take off Snivelus' trousers!?" James called. Most of the crowed cheered.
"James Potter, leave him alone!" a slender girl with flaming red hair hollered. Lily swatted at his arm and gave him a stern glare. She could have disarmed him, but Severus would have come crashing down. At the moment he was nearly two stories high and the fall would have done more harm than good. Severus winced, waiting for the oncoming barrage of laughter.
"Sure Evans, I'll leave him alone. I'll even put him down all gentle like, if you give me a kiss!" James bated the girl with that cocky grin of his. He thought he was god's gift to women, and most of the girls would agree. Good looking and talented and most importantly rich!
Lily narrowed her eyes and sneered at him, "I would never kiss you!" The retort made Severus feel a little better, a very little. Lily was his best and only friend, and he had become somewhat possessive of her. Especially where James was concerned. To James though, she was a prize to be won. She was beautiful and smart and everyone excepted that she was sure to be head girl next year.
James nodded curtly, "You would rather snog him?" James gestured to Severus with a flip of his head, "Well lets see what he's got to offer you." With a flick of his wand, Severus was flipped upside down. It was very disorienting and the cheers only got louder. Lily was hitting James' shoulder now and yelling at him. Even if she chose to disarm James now, Severus' orientation to the world was less than ideal and the chance of him breaking his neck had increased. Lily was livid and Severus was mortified. With another flick of his wand, James shifted the focus of the levitation spell to Severus' trousers. His belt couldn't hold his weight and with a snap, he felt himself fall about two feet. It was jarring if not frighting. His trousers caught around his ankles, holding him in the air. Severus could hear the laughter and applause as his worn and faded nickers were free for the world to see. Closing his eyes he wished he was anywhere else. He found himself hit the ground when James' fun had been had.
Severus had reported it to the teachers, but as usual it did very little. James had received only a single detention and lost 5 measly points. Severus, on the other hand, had endured public humiliation and would be hearing about this the rest of his school career. He was certain of it. As the crowd dispersed, Lily had tried to comfort him and help him to his feet, but he was angry. He was angry at Potter, himself, Gryffindor House, and anything else that would dare cross his path. He shoved her away and shouted the most angry and painful thing he could. He just wanted someone to hurt as bad as he had...and Lily was there.
Severus snapped out of his flashback as the door to the house finally opened to reveal Petunia. She was a tall and thin girl, as well as Lily's older sister. She looked him over and sneered. When she did that it made her look far less pleasant. She could have been considered pretty if she let off on the makeup and quit turning her nose up. She reminded him of one of the ugly step-sister's from Cinderella.
"What in the hell do you think you are doing here?!" Petunia snapped stepping out of the door and closing it quietly. "You have some nerve coming here after what you did!" She stepped forward again into Severus' space. He was stunned. Never had he seen Petunia this angry. Sure she had been rude to him before and made no secret on her dislike for him. She had called him names and even hinted that her family was simply better due to financial and social status. After all it wasn't much of a secret that he lived in the low end of town and his father was the town drunk.
Severus set his jaw and narrowed his eyes, "I want to talk to Lily."
Petunia shoved him away once more, "No. I knew you were bad news and weird, but how dare you insult MY baby sister! No one, and I mean NO ONE talks to my family that way! She has been sobbing non stop and downright depressed since she got home. You of all people should know better!" Here Petunia put her foot down with a stomp and crossed her arms over her flat chest, "So no, you may not see my sister and you are NOT welcome on our property. Now go away before I get my father!
Severus was stunned. Lily had been depressed and crying for two weeks?! He could scarcely believe it. His stomach wrenched and he shook his head, "I hadn't meant too..I just." He fished for words, but he couldn't find them.
Petunia was angry, but she was also giddy. She would finally be able to get him away from her sister. All she had to do was push a little more and maybe the Lily would see that it wasn't worth it. "She said you called her a 'mudblood', that it means dirty blood. Well if you ask me, you are more of a mudblood than she ever will be. Your father is a drunk, your mother is crazy," Here she stopped to make a crazy sign, twirling her finger around her ear in a circular motion. Petunia was on a roll now and never did know when to quit. "You are the reason regular people and your kind, you weirdos, shouldn't mix. All that comes of it is worthless, cruel, and disgusting excuses for human beings. You, Severus Snape, are worthless and no longer worthy of my sister's friendship. So go jump in the lake and forget to come up for air." Petunia paused. The knife was in, but one more twist would take care of it for ever, "Those were Lily's words by the way." She smiled here and turned to go back to the house. As she opened the door and glanced over her shoulder she smiled, "Have a nice day."
With that the door slammed shut and Severus was left standing on the path. He was stunned. Lily really hated him that much? He should hate himself for what he had done. Turning in a daze he began walking back to Spinner's end. He wouldn't come back, not if Lily felt that way...As he walked his mind raced and finally Decided on a few things. Never again would James humiliate him. This was all his fault, not James' but Severus'. He would have to learn to duel and defend himself. Never again would James catch him off guard. That was it. Severus would never forgive James Potter for what he had done. Maybe Petunia and Lily were right. Wizards should NOT mix with muggles. It hurt too much.
Please note: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters, language or original concepts. If I did, I wouldn't be writing fanfiction, now would I?
