I meant this to be a one shot but as you can see it's gotten away from me

Oh well, here you are.

Enjoy


Severus and Lily had agreed to wait until the sub. Professor Spenner, was gone and Professor Slughorn returned from his extended vacation.

It was a running gag that Prof. Slughorn went all little too festive in some of his parties and had to recuperate for several days. Lily and Severus spent many hours in the library going through complicated potions textbooks.

They were despairing of ever finding a suitably complicated potion, when she flipped across one of the potions in Most Potente Potions Book. She elbowed Severus, he looked up from his book and perused what she was pointing at.

"Where will we get these ingredients?" he asked, "We can always ask the Prof. remember we are in pursuit of the art of potion making." She giggled at his sour expression. "Lighten up, Sev. Maybe we'll learn to enslave the mind and ensnare the senses."

Severus chocked back a laugh, shoving her. She shoved him back and they broke into peals of laughter. Madam Bovariet glared at them as they collected their stuff and headed out.

Slughorn had lent her his copy only because she was apparently in the pursuit of elegant potion making. The man was rubbish at teaching but was rather endearing in every other function.

Slughorn's Office two hours earlier

"Professor Slughorn, may I have a word," Lily poked her head into the Prof's office. Slughorn was busy grading papers, every now and then muttering about the incompetence of substitutes.

"Miss Evans, you are always most welcome in my classroom. To what do I owe this charming visit?" he asked placing his quill back in its holder.

Lily sat down on the chair, careful to keep the angelic persona all the teachers thought her to have. She demurely placed her hands in her lap, raising her head only slightly. "I was wondering if I could perhaps have you sign a slip for the Restricted Section."

Slughorn's genial smile slipped a bit; nervously he cleared his throat, "Restricted Section? I don't think that would be wise; there are a lot of dangerous potions in those books." Lily tried to keep the grimace from showing on her face.

"Professor, it would only be used in your presence." She said earnestly. Here's were she had to lay it on thick. "Can I trust you Professor?" Lily wiped at the non existent tears at the corner of her eyes.

"Of course, my dear." He looked a bit alarmed but sat up a little straighter. "You see, Severus Snape and I are very good friends. We both want to work someday at St. Mungo's." she paused taking an exaggerated deep breath she plunged on.

"St. Mungo's only hires about two potions masters a year. I would like to have the best opportunity possible as would Severus. I sincerely believe we could have that edge if you would give us your expertise on our best potions." She clutched her hands nervously hoping he'd bought the story.

Slughorn preened like a peacock, "I would obviously not deny you a chance to learn the art of elegant potion making. I will lend you my personal copy of Most Potente Potion."

Lily inwardly grinned in relief, "but you must show me your choices before I agree to judge. Nothing dangerous or dark arts related."

Lily jumped from her chair, giving her profuse thanks to the indulgent Professor. He reached around his desk, eliciting a pop from a hidden compartment. "Here you go, Miss Evans." Lily took the book and hugging it to her chest she made her exit.

"Miss Evans, my sincerest apologies on my lack of faith in your acting." Severus announced perfectly mimicking Slughorn's fussy tone. "Why thank you, Mr. Snape." She replied curtsying delicately.

"How interesting, Snivelus and Evans." Severus immediately turned a stony face to James and co. "Hi, Lily." Remus said waving at Lily. "Hi Remus, are you feeling better," Lily inquired gently. "Yes, much thank you." He replied politely.

Severus looked from Remus to Lily, "I'll leave you to your new friends, Evans," his disgusted tone evident of his feelings at her greeting the enemy. "Sev!" he marched off not bothering to answer her.

"Oh look, the lovebirds had a spat." Sirius remarked. "What do hell does that mean?" James asked shoving Sirius hard. "Hey, it was just a joke." He claimed defensively. "You're right, like she'd ever look at Snivelus like that." James said pompously.

"Shows what you know, Potter." Lily spat, "See you around Remus." She swung her hair, nearly smacking James with it.

"You prat, nice going." James said smacking Sirius. "What I do? You're the one who insulted her best friend." Sirius cried. Remus rolled his eyes at their antics, he wouldn't be surprised if Lily and Severus became more than friends this year.