The Golden Age: The Marauders
Chapter 1: Off to a Rough Start
Disclaimer: Characters…not mine…places...not mine either.
Book after book found its way from the chest, to his hands, to a rough pile beside his new bed in frustration. Usually they could distract him, but not now. He had been so sure…but he was alone in the Slytherin dormitory. He, Severus Snape, had gotten what he wanted: Himself in Slytherin. Lily wasn't here though. She'd gotten stuck in Gryffindor, with that horrible boy on the train. A rush of pity overcame the young boy. She'd be the best in her House, no doubt, but he wished his friend was in his House. With a sigh, he gave up trying to divert his frustration into a book, and let his head hit the pillow and he fell asleep.
In Gryffindor Tower, a lonely red-headed girl sat on her bed, staring out the window at the stars, feeling overwhelmingly lonely. She was curled up, small arm wrapped around legs as spotted with freckles as her face and arms were, where they weren't covered by her yellow and white pajamas, a present from her parents. Lily had been so sure she and Severus would be in the same House, he'd always been there for her since he told her about her magic power. Now…now he wasn't. She probably even have to see that horrible Potter boy even more often, and he was so mean to Severus. She resolved to never be friends with him even if he wanted to be, at least unless he could be nice to her friends. Even her sister would've almost been good company…here she didn't know anyone, and Lily was afraid to make friends with people who had grown up knowing they had practice and were probably loads better than her. At least she had read and re-read all of her school books for tomorrow's first day of classes…
The noise threatened to fill her head as Lily nervously looked over her schedule for the day: Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts, History of Magic, Flying, Herbology, Potions, and Charms. Only History of Magic and Potions was with Slytherins, she noticed sadly. She had hoped to see Severus more often, but maybe other days would be better, and two was better than nothing.
Knowing she should eat, she made sure to grab something as breakfast ended and the first-year Gryffindors trooped off to Transfiguration.
"Welcome to Transfiguration. This class will not be one you can apply as part of everyday use in your future unless you have a most interesting career, but it is an important base class and is just as important and difficult as your other classes. I am Professor McGonagall, as well as your Head of House. That does not mean I will go easy on you. Today will be a relatively easy day, please read over these papers about basic Transfiguration, if I believe you understand the concept in enough time, I may allow you to practice basic charms…begin." She flicked her wand and a small packed flew onto each desk. Lily eagerly began reading, a bit intimidated, but eager to try learning spells. On the other side of the room, James Potter and Sirius Black stared at their packets, looking exceptionally bored as their leaned on their elbows or twirled their wands.
Sitting in chairs a bit in front of them were two other boys. A sort of mousey looking boy was attempting to look as enthusiastic as Lily, but was obviously as bored as James and Sirius. On the other hand, the other boy looked sort of ragged, for an 11-year-old, and was actually reading as enthusiastically as Lily.
Soon it was time to change classes, and everyone finished barely in time. Professor McGonagall summoned the packets as everyone walked out toward their next class.
"Well, I thought that was ridiculously easy."
"Same here, really, shouldn't it be more challenging?"
"What about those of us who didn't grow up with magic!"
James and Sirius turned to see Lily glaring at them, and looked at her curiously.
"Muggleborn, are you? Sorry about that then, hard to think of a world without magic for those of us who did grow up with it. " James told her, before turning back to Sirius, who said nothing.
From farther back, Remus Lupin watched the exchange, and even farther back a young Peter Pettigrew admired the confidence of the two.
Later in the week, the Slytherin Common Room saw the lone Severus Snape on a chair, looking gloomy and bored, writing a paper. His fellows past him by, murmuring about how angry he seemed to look. The paper in his hands was repeatedly crumpled up and replaced, scribbled on, then a pause, then that one was crumpled up as well. A small pile of them were in the chair with him, and eventually he gave up, holding the last one in his hands.
Why bother trying to write a note to her? Lily wouldn't find it stupid…I think. But maybe a bit silly, because we DO see each other daily. Barely though! We've work to do in class and people already seem to be trying to get to know her in her own house…she's popular. I knew she would be…How could she not be? She's the nicest, smartest, bravest student here. I'm just her stupid little Slytherin friend. I'll..maybe we can hang out tomorrow though. No weekend work. I hope so.
The Gryffindor Common Room was bustling…scratching quills, chattering voices. A few older students had gotten the best seats, but Lily sat by the windowsill, looking out, and trying to ignore the loud boys sitting on the floor nearby.
"Remus, you said your name was? "
"Yes, James. I DO hope your memory is usually better than this. We're even in the same dorm. "
"I know that! But that's where we SLEEP. Classes are for…learning, I suppose, but fun as well. Meals are for eating, dorms are for sleeping. When am I suppose to talk to you and remember your NAME?"
"Apparently, now, mate."
"See James? Sirius has sense. "
"Lots of it!"
"Peter, you to? Woe is James Potter, to lose the support of his newfound friends so fast!"
Lily rolled her eyes. Boys. So silly. Wonder how Sev's doing. We haven't had much time to hang out…Maybe...whats this?
An owl was tapping at the window, and as she opened it, a letter dropped in.
She smiled at the familiar handwriting.
Do you think we can hang out this weekend? Maybe by the lake…work on school work if you like, but you're my best friend and I don't want to lose that just because of stupid Houses.
-Sev
She smiled, and folded the paper before heading upstairs, making a note to at least nod to him at breakfast. As she walked past, neither she nor anyone else noticed James's eye dart toward her for a moment, and he glanced down for the briefest second before continuing his conversation with his dormmates.