Severus sat in silence, eyes boring into Draco and a finger strumming the slight dimple of his chin. Draco fidgeted in his seat. Severus had never held such a look of contempt for him, but was now entirely ashamed of his behavior. "I'm disappointed in you, Malfoy. I expected better from you."

A pout formed on his face that was reminiscent of one Severus had received from his mother fairly recently. "It's the first day, give me a break." Draco rolled his eyes.

Severus grit his teeth in annoyance. "That doesn't excuse your behavior. Here, I am your head of house and nothing more. You will not remove your wand in class again unless you are instructed to and you certainly won't point it at others." He raised an eyebrow, waiting for a reaction. "Your Mother raised you to be better than this."

Draco sneered in response, the irritation he'd had before having only grown. "I thought you were my 'head of house and nothing more'?"

"That will be five points for cheek. In less than twenty-four hours you have lost your house fifteen points. They don't take such insubordination lightly."

Across the metal table, Draco folded his arms. Severus watched as the other chewed the inside of his cheek in thought. The chagrin on his face was apparent, he left everything out in the open, completely unaware. Severus didn't need legilimency to read his mind. "Fine." He replied eventually, eager to leave as his eyes darted towards the door. "Is that all?"

The muscles in Severus' cheeks tensed. He didn't remember Draco being so entirely bullheaded or frankly, downright rude. "No. I've seen who you've chosen to spend your time with. They come from dangerous families, Draco." He used the boy's first name in an attempt to spark a connection with him. "There are others in the school whose company would be more worthwhile."

"Potter, you mean." He wrinkled his nose.

Severus frowned slightly, giving it an air of thought. "Not necessarily, but after the intelligence he displayed yesterday it would be worth getting to know him."

The disgust on Draco's face only intensified at Severus' suggestion. "Unfortunately, he's friends with that blood traitor, the Weasley."

Severus had guessed as much. He couldn't help but be disappointed in Draco's demeanor, more specifically, the prejudice Narcissa had given him. She had supported such ideals long ago, when she was surrounded by people of a darker nature. Lucius had certainly had a blood purist point of view, but Draco had never truly known his father.

Severus thought Narcissa's views had diminished, he was a half-blood after all and she so willingly spent the majority of her time with him. He didn't understand this attitude in the slightest. "You will not use that word, Malfoy." His glare deepened to one that was more severe and Draco nodded. "Send in Nott, will you?"

Xxxx

Seeing Harry on the lightly padded chair, how he folded in on himself, Severus felt sympathetic. By the mere sight of him, the neglect Harry had suffered was obvious. He was small for age, the smallest of this year's Slytherins. Severus was disgusted to know that Petunia had allowed such treatment, but unsurprised all the same.

Harry watched him carefully across the ancient, wooden desk. He was silent in stark contrast to many of the other Slytherins who had no reservations when answering Severus' questions. The gently terrified look behind Harry's glasses told Severus he was different. Apparently, the boy found being alone with him more worrisome than being in class. It was almost like he was two different boys entirely.

The dark, brooding atmosphere of the room likely didn't help. Severus found it relaxing, but so many others, obviously including Harry, found it intimidating. Severus folded his hands together, leaning ever so slightly back from the desk in what he hoped was a less intimidating position. "You lived with your Aunt and Uncle, correct?"

"Yes, sir." He spoke with so little confidence, as if he didn't entirely believe it himself.

Normally, had Harry been any other student, Severus would have asked about the boy's knowledge on magic. If he'd learned about any of it while at home. Knowing Petunia's beliefs on the matter and having once met the rather insufferable Vernon, there was no need for the question. Instead, gazing into the eyes that were nearly identical to Mother's, Severus swallowed and moved onto the next question. "What do you hope to achieve in Slytherin house?"

There was a noticeable change in Harry's eyes. He shifted in his chair, straightening slightly. "I- I don't know, Sir." He gazed over Severus' shoulder at one of the many filled jars lining the walls. There was an indecisiveness in his face as Harry seemed to debate with himself internally before finally focusing back on Severus. "How does the sorting hat work?"

It wasn't that uncommon of a question; one Severus had received several times before. "The hat's decision is based on the traits it sees inside of you. It attempts to determine where you'll thrive the most."

"I think it made a mistake. I shouldn't be here."

Severus lifted a hand to his face, touching at his chin again. It seemed to be a thoughtful habit of his. "It seems you've formed an attachment with the Weasley boy?"

"Yes, Sir."

"There is a prejudice that runs deep in this school between the Slytherin and Gryffindor students. Do not let that determine who is worthy of your time. Most students don't fit in from the very beginning. With the right drive, you can do great things in Slytherin." The statement caused Harry to grimace, but he gave no explanation. Severus pressed forward with a cautious narrowing of his eyes. "Do you have any more questions, Potter?"

Harry opened his mouth ever so slightly, allowing a slim space between his lips before closing them again. "No, Sir."

Severus gave a singular, almost imperceptible nod of his head. "Let Zabini know I'm ready for him." Harry nodded back awkwardly as he pushed his chair backwards. A discomforting creak came from the legs as it scraped against the floor, causing Severus to wince. "Potter." He spoke again, not entirely sure where these words were coming from. Harry turned to face him again questioningly. Severus took a deep breath as he watched the boy's face. The way his eyebrows crinkled, and the downturn of his mouth was so reminiscent of that of Lily. "You have your mother's eyes."

Xxxx

His quarters were painfully empty, Narcissa had left the previous night with no word of when he would see her again. With her son here, it was likely that she would visit often, wanting to check in on him. Severus knew it would be hard for her spending all that time alone in such a ludicrously large mansion.

He had made it through the second day of the new year. Dinner had been served and students shuffled off toward their dorms for the night. It was one of his two nights off a week and the thought of leaving this prison was freeing. He rolled his neck, cracking it twice before striding towards the fireplace in a far corner. With a handful of floo powder he threw it into the flames, stating the address of his Cokeworth home.

The green flames encased his body causing the hint of a tickle against his skin and he stepped back out only a moment later. The floor creaked beneath his feet as he walked across the nearly century old wooden planks. The only other sound in the house was the ticking of the weathered clock.

Ordinarily, the silence would have been welcoming. Now it served as a reminder of the fact he was destined for a life of loneliness. He longed for the touch of another human being even if only for a moment. Severus needed the slightest bit of joy to break the monotony of this pitiful life.

Only after changing into something more muggle appropriate, yet still black, he disapparated to Stockham. There was sure to be at least one seedy pub in the area. The tip of his wand rested in his sleeve, grazing his hand. With the position he was capable of removing it at a moment's notice, should it be necessary. The road was plunged into darkness, only illuminated by the interior lights of buildings. This wasn't the place to be at such a late hour.

He walked with cautious steps for several minutes, glancing around his surroundings. The sound of chatter and clinking glass filtered through a large window and he stopped to stare inside. Only a few small groups of people congregated there, being a Tuesday evening. It served its purpose while not putting him too much out of his element.

He found a barstool far enough away from the throng of people while remaining on the outskirts. He watched from the side of his eye at the people who were clearly so uncomfortable. There were far too many men trying to force themselves into the group, desperate for any kind of attention. Severus gave a huff of laughter as he ordered a whisky.

He sipped tentatively at the golden liquid inside his glass, fiddling with the emptiness of his sleeve. His wand had unfortunately been stuffed inside a pocket of his trousers upon his arrival here. It unnerved him not to be prepared, left him filled with a sort of emptiness, as if he'd forgotten something. Much to his displeasure, it had to be done. Muggle women didn't take well to thinking he kept a stick in his possession.

Forcing himself to stop the movement and focus on the present, he shifted slightly in his seat. There were a variety of women to choose from. There were dumpy blondes and buxom brunettes, even one redhead was found in the mix, but his eyes skimmed over her. His eyes settled finally on a shorter woman tucked in a far corner by herself.

One leg was crossed over the other, a high heel dialing precariously off her toes. Her own eyes remained fixed on one of the other women before she turned with a sigh. Severus wrapped his fingers around his glass, making his way over to her.

As he grew closer her appearance became clearer. Her skin was dark from what appeared to be far too many days spent in the sun. Her hair was a shade of black that shimmered beneath the deep lighting, but it was shorter than his. Seeing him, she straightened, placing her other foot on the ground.

Severus plastered on a smile that he felt resembled more of a grimace. Her face remained stoic a moment longer before her own teasing smile appeared. "What are you doing inside such a dreary building on a day like this?" He took an uninvited seat across from her.

"I could ask you the same thing." She replied in a silky voice, her smile growing bigger. "The names Jasmina."

"Septimius." He replied, always opting for his middle name in these situations.

Her smile was sucked inwards as she processed it. "That's a rather unusual name."

Severus shrugged, feeling no need to give an explanation. He instead took another sip of his drink and allowed the oak flavor to fill his senses. When his glass was returned to the table, he cocked his head in the direction of the woman she had previously been staring at. "Who's your friend?"

The grin on her face fell entirely then and she followed his gaze to where the other girl was snogging some stranger. "I'm afraid she's already taken."

Severus returned his gaze to Jasmina. "Then she won't mind If we get out of here?" He watched as she chewed on the inside of her cheek, her mind distracted and face hazy.

When she faced him again, she stretched across the thin table, kissing him tenderly. Severus returned it eagerly, enjoying the taste of chardonnay on her lips. "No, I don't think she would." She stood from her seat, causing Severus to realize she was shorter than he had originally thought.

He stood too, towering over her and leaving the nearly empty drink on the table beside hers. "I'm not from around here I'm afraid."

She gave him a roll of her eyes. "Come along then, I'm just up the road." She took off ahead before he could retort. He followed along behind her as she exited into the night. He was eager to get more after the hint she had given him only seconds before.

She wasn't wrong, after only a couple turns down the road they arrived in front of a rundown flat, matching the rest of the town. He kissed her again, pressing her back against the door as she was fumbling for her keys. The benefit of being a wizard, such things were entirely unnecessary when you carried a wand instead.

As she finally retrieved them, he separated from her and allowed her to slip the key inside, popping the door open with a bump of her hip. Severus followed her inside the musty, too small flat. She was on him the second the door had been closed behind them, kissing him fervently and trying to work her tongue inside his mouth. He allowed the touch, although a bit surprised by the force she had initiated it.

She tugged at the front of his shirt, stepping backwards and in the direction of what could only be the bedroom. Receiving enough direction, he stealthily lifted her into his arms, her small stature causing him no difficulty.

His hands supported her backside while her arms were wrapped around the back of his neck. When Severus reached her pink, frill covered bed he set her back down. He made no effort to disguise the revulsion in his face and it caused her to laugh out loud. Jasmina reached up for his shirt again, yanking him down towards her.

Her hands wormed their way beneath the cloth, brushing against the skin of his stomach before slowly edging up to his chest before it was pulled up over his head. She took the sight of him in, eyes falling no doubt on his many scars before settling on the tattoo engraved on the right side of his chest. "What's that?" She gestured to the white, six-pointed flower.

"Asphodel, it's a type of Lily." He attempted to shut her up with his mouth, having no interest in discussing the matter when she asked him about the dark mark on his arm. He gave a light shrug and the tired excuse of "it's a long story." To distract her further, his own hands slid under the hem of her dress and into her panties. He rubbed the skin beneath his fingers, causing her to twitch in pleasure and her interrogation was completely forgotten.

He removed his hand, fingers running across her thigh and pulling the underwear down this time instead. His mouth was placed where his hand had just been and this time, he let his tongue delve inside.

"It's your turn." She whispered finally, when it seemed she could take no more, and he removed himself.

Severus fiddled with the button of his pants, eager to free himself and the pressure inside. She too slipped from the remainder of her clothes. Climbing over her, he pressed his mouth to hers again. The saltiness that still lingered on his tongue mingled with the fruity taste of her drink, causing an intoxicating taste. Her hand went below his waistline, running up the length of him. A low gurgle emanated from his chest at the touch. He pulled away from her hand, slipping inside her instead.

Xxxx

As he lay beneath the sheets in the aftermath, Severus was filled with a sense of shame. He'd done this countless times before, there was no explanation to why this one was different. Turning his head, he watched her bare chest rise and fall beneath the blankets as she slept. Moving as slowly and quietly as possible he slid from the bed and redressed himself.

His hand went instinctively to the pocket of his trousers, making sure his wand was still there. He walked stealthily down the hallway, passing the personal items he had no interest in finding the meaning too. Severus stepped into the nearest room, hoping to minimize the sound that came from him disapparating.

Tonight, he'd needed to feel that someone wanted him, that he was worth something. It was nice to find a muggle girl that knew nothing about who he was or what he'd done. She was oblivious to the war that was brewing again just as she'd likely been oblivious to the first one. Yet, being with her, he hadn't found the release he was looking for.

He found himself outside Malfoy Manor, realizing what he'd wanted all along. The watch on his wrist told him it was near three in the morning, but he approached the door anyway. In his vast experience he finally realized that there was only one person who ever left him feeling the desire he so intimately craved then and she lay just ahead.