True colours by BekaJWP
Summary: 'Of course he didn't insult Lily Evans. He didn't need to. If he ever chose to reveal the truth, that- well that would do far more damage than any insult'
Pairing: LE/SS and LE/JP
Rating: PG-13 (may go up in later chapters)
" I'm on the outside,
I'm looking in,
I can see through you,
See your true colours.
'Cause inside you're ugly,
You're ugly like me.
I can see through you,
See to the real you "
- Outside by Staind
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When the smoke from the smouldering cauldron finally began to dissipate, Harry was confronted with the looming figure of Professor Severus Snape. His usual scowl was even deeper than ever, and Harry could see the Slytherins gathering round for the show, smirks on their faces. When Snape spoke, his voice was dangerously soft and low.
" Pray tell us, if you would Potter, how precisely you managed to destroy your cauldron when even Longbottom managed to complete the potion correctly? "
Harry narrowed his eyes.
" I don't know Sir, I just added the Powder of Cherry, and it- "
He heard Hermione exhale sharply behind him, as Snape cut in.
" I cannot imagine why, Potter, you would be adding Powder of Cherry to your potion, when the board clearly states to add Powdered Cherry Root. "
Bingo. And that is what you get when you listen to Malfoy, genius. Like there was any point in telling Snape, but-
" Malfoy told me they were the same thing Sir "
Snape raised a single, arched black eyebrow.
" And because you two are so close you automatically believed him, yes? "
Around the room the Slytherin's sniggered. Snape leant forward, bringing his face close to Harry's.
" 20 points from Gryffindor Potter, for being a silly, gullible little boy- just like your father "
The last part was spoken so softly only Harry could hear, those black eyes glittering with malice. Harry clenched his teeth to stop from retorting and losing more precious points.
Snape stalked back to his desk, as the students filtered back to their places and began to pack away.
Ron and Hermione helped Harry as he began to clear up the melted cauldron, both giving sympathetic looks.
" Why does he always insist on insulting my Dad? "
He muttered in a low, angry voice. Ron looked thoughtful.
" Yeah, why not your mum as well? "
Hermione shot a chiding glare his way.
" That's not what he meant, Ron " she muttered back, before turning to Harry.
" It's because he knows it winds you up Harry. He wants you to argue so he can take more points ".
***
Sat at the large, wooden desk at the front of the classroom, Severus Snape overheard their conversation with a smirk. He had listened as Draco told Potter the wrong ingredient- and watched with disbelief and growing frustration as Potter believed him.
This was the boy whom the wizarding world was hanging all their hopes upon? This boy who couldn't spot deception even in a classmate? All the DeathEaters needed to do was get him off the school grounds…and if he insisted on being so damn trusting.
Lily would have been ashamed.
Of course he didn't insult Lily Evans. He didn't need to. If he ever chose to reveal the truth, that- well that would do more damage than any insult.
The trio walked past his desk, talking animatedly now the lesson had ended.
" I'm going to ask him about her next time I write. All I really know is that she was Head Girl and a Gryffindor. But Sirius knew her- "
The last snatches of the conversation floated through the air, across the now empty classroom. Severus had no more lessons that day; there was no need to move. So he sat immersed in thought.
You think Black knew Lily? You think any of them did? Think again, Potter. I knew Lily Evans and I don't think anybody else did. Not James Potter, for certain, and not dear old mum or dad, nor 'beloved' Petunia. No, sometimes I don't think even Lily was sure who she was. Towards the end, it was as if she truly believed she was the innocent, sweet, loving wife that everybody thought she was. Like an actor stuck in the same role, over and over, until they're not sure where they end, and where the character begins.
And Merlin knows, she was a hell of an actor, almost as good as me.
It all seemed like a lifetime away. Seventh year, and a red-haired girl called Lily…
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This should be updated fairly regularly after my exams finish on Friday. I've got a story plan and everything for this one- scary…
Sorry to anyone waiting for chapters on my other stories- blame the bunny!