AN: Hello everyone! This isn't my first fic, but it's the first I've written in a few years. I fully expect and respect constructive criticism as well as praise! Just let me know what you think!! Please review, otherwise, how am I supposed to know whether or not I should continue!?!?!?
Thanks to my beta Mercyless, what would I do without you?
DISCLAIMER: Everything is owned by J.K. Rowling excpet my plot, which is still in the creation process. Enjoy!
Summary: The Prophecy of the Boy Who Lived changes everything, but what happens before then? Lily and Severus are in their seventh year. They're best friends and maybe something more. An SS/LE, but eventual LE/JP. I hate summaries. R/R and enjoy, it's better than it sounds.
Chapter 1
The summer was a normal summer, like any old summer. So as usual, Lily was bored to tears. She stayed at home with her petulant, younger sister Petunia, while her parents went on another trip to France. Petunia, as usual, complained the whole time at being forced to stay with her "deluded and strange" sister whom she rarely ever sees.
"I don't see why they couldn't just take you to France. I'd rather be staying with my friends than you. It's not like we ever see each other anyways," Petunia went on, nagging her as usual. Lily was sitting on the sofa in the living room while Petunia was flipping channels on the TV.
"You know what Petunia? I'm having a friend stay over for the week, so why don't you go stay with one of your friends if it's that hard to be around me," Lily said, turning the page in her book.
"Fine, I will," Petunia huffed, getting up to use the phone. She spoke quickly to one of her muggle schoolmates while twirling her blonde curls around her finger.
"I'm staying at Gertrude's if anyone calls. Write down my messages and make sure the house is spotless. I don't want to come home and have to clean up after you freaks. Oh and if Mum and Dad call, just say I'm in the shower or something and call me at this number," Petunia spoke quickly, scribbling down the digits, "I'm leaving. See you next year." And with that, she walked quickly out of the room, putting her things together before leaving.
"Thank Merlin," Lily said, marking her book before placing it on the counter. Ever since she got her letter to Hogwarts, Petunia had been mean and spiteful to her younger sister. Lily supposed it was because she's jealous, but wasn't really sure. They used to be so close, it was almost heartbreaking, but she had a different life now, and if Petunia didn't want to accept that, that was her problem. Getting up, Lily heard a tapping on the window. A black owl hooted at her as she unlocked it and let it in.
"Hello Aequitas," Lily spoke, stroking the owl's head. He stuck his foot out for her so that she would take the letter. She smiled, taking it and ripping open the letter.
Lily,
You have my gratitude for the invite. I'll be there tomorrow morning. I hope your parents won't disprove of me staying over for a few days. I have to get out of my house. I can't take it anymore. It's the same as always. Please keep Aequitas with you until tomorrow.
Until then.
S. Snape
About a week ago, Lily invited Severus to come stay at her house for a few days. She figured that Petunia would complain enough that she'd tell her to just stay at a friend's house, which happened and now her and Severus would get to be alone for a week. She hadn't seen her dear friend since the beginning of the summer and sorely missed him.
Since Severus was coming, Lily decided to start preparing for his arrival. She wanted to make a big breakfast for him, because in reality, he was underfed at home. She would also insure that they would go to Diagon Alley that week and buy school supplies as well as a new wardrobe. She would not allow him to have clothes that didn't fit any longer. Of course he would protest, but eventually he would give in. He can't resist her for too long.
She smiled at that thought while making a list of things to buy for his arrival. After that, she got her keys and went out to her car. She had a new Volvo, silver and pretty. It was her mother's car, but since she was out, Lily was allowed to drive it. She drove to the grocery store, parking and locking her car. She put a pound in to get a trolley and began walking inside the store. The cold air hit her face with a whoosh and she smelled the fresh produce to her left. She walked over picking up bananas, oranges, apples and such.
Making her way around the store, she noticed a boy walking down the same aisle she was, just watching her curiously. Slightly creeped out, she smiled politely and pushed her trolley rather quickly, going to the next aisle. He was making her hypothetical hackles rise. As Lily made her way down the bread aisle, she noticed that she had recognized him. It was Michael Greenly. He was the neighbor boy that Petunia always complained about. Apparently the girls from Petunia's school said that he had touched them inappropriately and kept coming onto them. Lily finished her shopping and made her way to the check out line. She began to load her stuff onto the counter when she heard footsteps behind her. Trying to be inconspicuous, Lily glanced behind while putting up more groceries. Michael had come up right behind her, practically touching her groceries. He stared again, and just watched her load her goods onto the counter.
"Can I help you?" Lily asked, trying not to be rude, but honestly, he was too close to her purse and groceries.
"I'm Michael," he said, smiling eerily.
"Yes, that's nice," she said, smiling. She quickly thrust the cash at the cashier and wheeled away her things. Lily walked quickly to her car, trying to load her groceries into the boot as fast as she could.
"You never told me your name," a voice said from behind her. She froze. Michael was right behind her as she was putting more groceries in her car. He picked some up and put them in as well.
"Thanks but I'm quite alright. I don't need any help," Lily said, she closed her trunk and pushed the cart back and collected her pound.
"Do you live around here? I don't think I've seen you before," he said, getting awfully close to her face. He even smelt creepy if that was even possible.
"No, I don't. I'm just here for the summer. Bye," she tried to get into her car, but he grabbed her arm.
"What's your name," he asked, his hand still holding her arm.
"Lily. Can I have my arm back?" Lily asked, glancing around her nervously. Nobody was around and she became filled with dread.
"Depends on what you give me in return," he said, smiling as he pulled her close to his body.
"If you don't get your bloody hands off of me, you'll regret it," Lily said, trying to get rid of his grip.
"Like wha-"WHACK! Lily kicked him in his family jewels. He fell onto the ground, holding himself and moaning.
She got into her car and drove off. Lily sighed heavily, making the short drive home. She couldn't believe that he had the nerve to actually do that. She pulled into the drive way and put away all of the food for tomorrow.
Afterwards, she got into the shower, washing her hair and body. She let the hot water run down her body in beads of steam, thinking about Severus's arrival. Deciding that everything was ready, she climbed out the shower and wrapped a towel around her thin frame. The freckles splashed across her nose and cheeks were vivid in the steamy mirror. She opened the door to the bathroom and walked into her bedroom, not really looking. She got pajamas to sleep in from her dresser by the door. Her room was painted a powder blue with light blue and yellow duvet and curtains. It was a small room, but suited her just fine. It wasn't as if she really lived there anymore anyways.
"Lily," a smooth voice said. She screamed, and looked behind her. Severus was in the door frame, blushing slightly.
"SEVERUS!!" Lily exclaimed excitedly. She ran over to him, throwing her arms around him. He began to blush a deeper scarlet, but hugged her back. It was then she realized that she was in a towel and began to turn red as well.
"Give me a second Sev," she said, and pushed him out the door, closing it with as soft click. She smiled while putting on her pajamas. They were simple pink and green shorts with a light green tank top. Running a brush through her hair, she reopened the door and allowed Severus back in. She put the brush down and gave him another hug, this time longer than the last.
"I've missed you Severus," she said, her head in his chest. He smiled contently and wrapped his arms back around her, holding her tightly.
"I've missed you too. You have no idea," he said, inhaling her fresh scent. She had a very light, floral scent, like roses in the summer. He let go of her reluctantly as she pulled out of his arms.
"Severus Snape, what on earth are you doing here tonight? I thought you said you'd be here in the morning." Lily asked her hands on her hips.
"Change of plans. I thought I could stand another day of my father, but looks like I was wrong, and that's the only time you'll hear me admit that aloud," he smirked, his silky baritone voice making her smile.
"I see. Well, I hope you're hungry, I haven't had dinner yet, but I can make enough for two," she said, smiling.
"That would be wonderful. I feel like I haven't eaten in days." His stomach growled its sentiments and he ducked his head, embarrassed. The sad thing was he probably hadn't eaten in days knowing his father.
"Don't be embarrassed, I've heard worse sounds out of you," she chuckled and he glared at her. She led him into the kitchen where she took a pan out and began preparing their dinner.
"What have you done so far this summer?" Severus asked, staring at the potatoes as she peeled and rinsed them. She then placed the potatoes into a pot on the stove, turning the gas on and watching the flame burst to life.
"Nothing really. Petunia was really annoying today, but that's usual. I haven't really done much. But today I went to the grocery store and this boy kept following me around and tried to make a move. I put him in his place I assure you. Let's just say he shouldn't plan on children for the next few years," she smiled and he smirked.
"How muggle of you, resorting to violence," he snickered as she playfully hit his arm. His mouth began watering when she put the chicken in a pan, throwing spices and bell peppers into it. Seeing that he was watching her cook, she threw him an apple, which he expertly caught.
"Here, this should hold you over until dinner's ready," she said, and he smiled, taking a bite out of the apple.
"Thanks," he said, wolfing it down.
"What about your summer, anything eventful?" Lily asked, stirring the chicken in the pan. He stared at it mesmerized.
"…It was acceptable. More pleasant than past summers, but nothing eventful happened. Lucius Malfoy invited me to his manor for a few days, which my father forced me to go to, but that was about it. I don't think I've ever seen so many snake decorations in one house in my entire life. I think he had more snakes in his house than Salazar Slytherin ever dreamed of," Snape replied. Lily chuckled.
"I don't see how you can stand two seconds with that git. People like him shouldn't be permitted to reproduce. The ideas that come out of him, it just kills me. I mean honestly, how can muggleborns be considered inferior when I can clearly kick your butt in dueling any day of the week," Lily said, smiling slyly.
"Why you insolent little witch," he said, standing up and walking towards her. She backed up against the sink and squealed when he launched himself at her. He began to attack her sides, tickling her incessantly.
"Severus! Seevv…er...ahha…ussss…ah hahaha!" Lily gasped, trying to breathe as he kept tickling her.
"Say you're sorry," Severus said, smiling wickedly.
"No!" she said, still laughing uncontrollably.
"If you don't say it, I won't stop. I could do this all day," he said, and she kept panting out laughs.
"Fine. FINE! I'm sorry, I'M SORRY!" she said, and he stopped. She hit him on the arm, holding her sides, still laughing. He grinned and sat down at the table. Lily turned off the food and began to pile two plates of food and placed them on the table. She brought two fresh plates and silverware and set them down on the placemats.
"What do you want to drink, milk, OJ, water?" Lily asked, peering into the fridge.
"Do you have any of that bubbly stuff? The brown and bubbly stuff. That was wonderful," he said.
"Coca-Cola? Yeah, we do, I'll get us some." She proceeded to get two cans and two cups, pouring each of them a glass of soda. She smiled as he was fascinated by the cans.
"And you say muggleborns are naïve," Lily said, laughing. "You don't know the first thing about muggle technology."
"Oh just bring the sodas, I'm getting full off the smell alone," he said, sniffing the food at the table.
"Help yourself." And with that, he delicately placed a few spoonfuls of potatoes and a piece of chicken onto his plate. She stared at him and just giggled.
"What's so funny?" he asked as he delicately cut off a piece of chicken and placed it into his mouth.
"You can have more food than that, this isn't all for me. Don't make me look like the pig here, because I'm hungrier than that," she replied, loading up her plate.
"It's called manners. It's something bred into our systems, but I'm sure I could teach it to a lowly muggleborn if you so wished," he replied, eating some potatoes. She glared at him and began chewing her food.
"At least I know how to work a stove," Lily replied, smiling. His eyebrows knitted together, trying to remember what a stove was. She laughed to herself. Lily always loved getting the upper hand. They finished eating shortly after and went upstairs into Lily's room.
She jumped onto her queen sized bed as Severus shut the door behind them. He walked over to the bed and gracefully sat on the end of the bed. She smiled innocently at him before pulling a pillow from behind her and hitting him in the face with it. He looked at her before jumping up and going after her. He sat down on her, straddling her hips while getting both hands above her head.
"You should become more astute and observe that you should submit," He stated, smiling.
"Submit? Lily Evans submit? Merlin Severus, we need to become better acquainted if you think I'll…submit. I'm a Gryffindor remember? We never submit!" She spoke, putting on a "brave" face while his smile grew. He then began to move his face closer to hers, and she stared at him, her mouth opening slightly.
"Give up?" he breathed, his face mere inches from her own.
"No," she said defiantly. His face inched closer and before she knew it, her hands were being held by one of his and the other hand snuck around to her ribs, tickling her. She began giggling and squirming and he eventually stopped. It seemed awkward for a second, but Lily remedied that by chucking another pillow at him. He grinned and swiftly caught it and held it on his lap.
"Cowardly Slytherin," she whispered, smiling. He smirked at her.
"So where am I sleeping?" he asked, playing with the corner of the pillow.
"You can stay in here, it's not like my parents are home. Plus, it's not as if we would do anything anyways. It'll be like old times," she replied, lying back on her bed. He went around the other side of the bed to lie next to her. She felt the bed sink slightly and looked to see him beside her, hands behind his head, eyes closed.
"Fine with me, just don't hog all the blankets," he said, opening one eye to catch her expression. She glared at him, sitting up.
"I do not hog the blankets," she replied, crossing her arms.
"And you snore a bit too. I'd appreciate it if you would refrain from filling the room with your obnoxious snoring," Severus's smile grew wider as her mouth dropped. Glaring at him, she punched him in the arm. He sat up, rubbing his arm, scowling at her.
"Hush up you or I'll make you sleep in the garage," she replied, getting up. Her hips swayed as she walked over to her mirror. She picked up a brush and ran it a few times through her long red hair, her bangs falling into her emerald eyes.
"Wanna watch a movie? I went out and bought some old Audrey Hepburn movies. Merlin I love that woman," Lily said, smiling. He half grinned and motioned for her to lead the way. They walked downstairs into her living room. Severus sat down as she put on Breakfast at Tiffany's. Lily sat down next to Severus, and pressed the play button on the remote. Setting it down, she laid her head down in his lap and began to watch the movie. Before they knew it, both had fallen asleep, Severus hand in Lily's hair. They made a very sweet picture. Later that night, he picked her up and carried her into bed, settling her under the covers. He proceeded to crawl under just the duvet, not trying to be improper with his friend.
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"Lily, wake up. Wake up," Severus spoke softly, running his hands through her hair. She stirred, moaning quietly. Her arms stretched up, accidentally hitting him in the face. She gasped and her eyes shot open. He groaned, holding his now rather sore, rather large nose.
"I'm so sorry!" Lily breathed her voice still gravelly from sleep. He glared at her, taking his hands away to reveal a now very red, hooked nose. She smiled apologetically.
"It's okay. You didn't mean to...I think," Severus said, the corner of his mouth twitching up.
"Of course I didn't mean to. Here," Lily replied, and softly kissed the tip of his nose. "There, all better."
"What are you hungry for? I made all of your favorites: eggs, bacon, pancakes. I wasn't really sure what to make, so I made a bit of everything," Severus asked, pulling her into the kitchen.
"Aw Severus, I was supposed to make breakfast for you," Lily murmured, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Severus glanced at her, chuckling at the state of her hair. She had red locks sticking up in different directions. Walking past a cabinet, she could see her reflection in the glass. She groaned, knowing what a pain those knots were going to cause.
"You sound almost ungrateful. Maybe I should just eat by myself and leave you to scavenge for scraps," Severus said, loading up a plate of food.
"Or maybe you shouldn't," Lily replied, grabbing a plate of her own. She set it down and began to pour them both cups of coffee. Lily obviously wasn't a morning person. They ate in companionable silence until their bellies were filled and their minds content.
"That was magnificent Sev, as always," Lily said. Severus inclined his head, and his hand whirled in a graceful flourish, producing the perfect impertinent bow.
"I say we go to Diagon Alley for the rest of the week. We can buy our supplies, and be close to the train station. What do you think?" Lily asked, glancing at Severus. He nodded his agreement.
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The rest of the week flew by for them at Diagon Alley. They bought all of their school robes, books and potions ingredients, as well as candy for the trip. Lily listened to Madame Malkins as she shouted out Severus's measurements to the quill that magically recorded it. She made sure to buy 3 excellent quality robes for him that were an inch longer than his current size, plus they had 2 inches extra seam, meaning she could lengthen them even more if necessary. She knew he wouldn't like the idea of her buying him clothes, but he needed to get used to it. He was her best friend and she wasn't about to have him go without.
They packed their trunks and made their way to Platform 9 ¾. They made sure the muggles around them weren't paying attention before discreetly walking through the barrier. Steam was rolling out of the train as the students were boarding it. Lily and Severus began walking towards the train when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to find a tall blonde boy staring at him with an amused smirk.
It was Lucius Malfoy.
AN: Well there you have it! Hope you enjoyed!
