Severus trudged slowly back to the Slytherin common room. He couldn't understand why Lily disliked him so much. He did know that he hated James Potter. He recalled that afternoon's events. A hatred such as had never known before was coursing through Severus like poison. He could see Black laughing at him, next to Potter. He could hear their jeers, "How'd the exam go Snivelly?"
"I was watching him, his nose was touching the parchment. There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word."
Black deserves to go to Azkaban, Severus thought, but Potter must die.
Severus walked into the common room and plopped down onto a green couch.
"Oh cheer up, Sev," said a voice behind him. Mary, one of his only true friends at Hogwarts, walked up and sat down next to him. "OWLs are almost over. Spring is here we should be celebrating!"
"Yeah, sure, I guess," Sev mumbled.
"Oh com'on! Have some pumpkin juice," Mary said as she handed Sev a glass.
"Where'd you get this?" he asked.
"The kitchens," she replied.
Severus reluctantly took a sip. Then, an idea came to him. "Wait, the kitchens? Where the food is made?"
"Um, yeah."
"They make the food that everyone at Hogwarts eats?"
"Of course! Sev, what are you getting at?"
"Could you take me there?"
"Sev, I kow that look. What are you planning?"
"Well, could you at least tell me how to get there?"
"I'll come with you, but not right now. It's too late."
"Hey Mar!" shouted a voice from across the common room. "Are you coming?"
"I promised the girls I would try out the Sleekeazy's Hair Potion with them while we study for Transfig," she said as she stood up. "You can just stay her and continue moping." But, Severus wasn't moping anymore. He was planning. He was planning the death of James Potter.