A Second Chance
Severus sat on the swings silently letting the day slip past; there was no sense in going home, only pain waited for him there. It was better to just sit here alone waiting for the night to come and bring the stars and the moon with it. But just as the sun was setting a figure appeared at the gates, a small red head girl, Lily.
She walked up to him as he just stared at her in disbelief, "Were you serious?" she asked nervously, "Um, were you serious about what you said this afternoon?" Snape took a few minutes to process this but answered hurriedly, "Yes, yes I was serious Lily."
Her name was so wonderful he couldn't help but say it aloud; she smiled back at him and sat on the swing next to him. She looked to be about his age, ten which would mean that they could go to school together!
"Will you tell me about being a witch, is it like in stories, making potions and casting spells?" she asked apprehensively. "Sort of," Snape replied, "But not like you're thinking of it, we have to go to school and learn how to be a witch or wizard."
"Oh," whispered Lily looking interested. Severus smiled at her and she smiled back. This made him feel amazingly wonderful, Lily the most beautiful girl in the world had just smiled back at him, and it was spectacular.
Snape explained the basics of the wizarding school Hogwarts to her and before they knew it night had fallen and darkness had surrounded them. "I should probably go home now." Lily said finally looking around at the darkness that had fallen. "Would you like me to walk you home?" Snape asked trying to be a gentle man, Lily blushed and smiled.
"Oh no, it's okay Severus. But can I meet you tomorrow by the river?" Snape could not believe what he was hearing, "Yes, yes of course." Lily smiled again, waved and left through the gate and down the street towards her home. Snape left the swing and smiled happily as he walked back to Spinner's End.
The house was dark and quiet when Severus entered, "Hello?" he called out tentatively, but no reply. He grabbed some food and drink and carried it upstairs to his room, checking the rooms as he went to see if his parents were around. And in the bedroom lay his mother awake but staring up at the ceiling on the bed in silence. Multiple cuts and bruises were on her face, arms and legs where it looked like she had been hit with jinxes and his father's hand alike.
"I'm so sorry mum." He whispered to her and walked the rest of the way to his room, closed the door and turned on his lamp.
