A/N: Beta'd by the incredible MrsBates93. I enjoyed writing this chapter and hope you enjoy reading it :)
CHAPTER 7
October 1975
Severus sat at a desk in the Slytherin Common Room reading a book on Wizarding Career Fields. He was very interested in the Dark Arts but besides teaching or being an Auror there weren't any other options for the discipline. He'd found that most of his house mates we're going to have to not do any real work after school. Many of them came from very wealthy families, and had honorary positions in the Ministry or lived off investments. Severus began to think over the Potions mastery. He enjoyed it enough and he was rather good at it. An added bonus in Potions was that it was an essentially solitary occupation, which suited him fine.
"Are you Snape?" A first year boy asked nervously. Severus nodded, eyeing the boy curiously.
"The Head Boy asks for you," he said.
Severus rolled his eyes. Ever since he'd been named Head Boy, Lucius Malfoy's ego had grown exponentially. If he wasn't addressed as 'Head Boy Malfoy' he wouldn't acknowledge anyone.
"Yes Lucius?" Severus asked as he walked over to him. Lucius shined his badge, pretending not to hear Severus.
"Head Boy Malfoy," Severus said evenly.
"There you are Snape, I sent that boy to get you ages ago." Lucius sat up in his seat, brushing nonexistent lint from his shirt.
"What can I do for you Lucius?"
"Some of the lads and I are having a little get together next Hogsmeade weekend. I'd like for you to come."
"Well I had plans…"
"It would mean ever so much to me if you could come." Lucius said dramatically.
"I suppose I could try to make an appearance."
"Wonderful! There's going to be a special guest. A friend of my family." Lucius waved at Severus, dismissing him. Severus shook his head as he departed.
"Evans what do you see in Diggory? He's such a tosser." James asked Lily. Severus glared at the back of James' head. The D.A.D.A Professor always separated him and Lily. He sat next to a ragged looking Remus.
"Maybe I like tossers, ever think of that?" Lily retorted.
"Well I can be a tosser!"
"You've had years of training I imagine."
"You break my heart Evans."
Severus became disgusted with the scene. He slumped over his books moodily as Remus tried to interact with him, in regards to the lesson.
"Does anyone know the difference between a Werewolf and an Animagus?" Professor Hesh asked, he was a middle aged stout man with a prominent widow's peak.
"Bloody hell Lupin!" Severus growled. Remus had without provocation knocked over his inkwell which spelled down Severus' side.
"Sorry about that Snape," Remus replied cleaning off Severus' things. For the rest of the class Remus seemed distracted and anxious. Severus noticed the change in Remus' demeanour. The boy was usually so passive, Severus was surprised he never spontaneously slipped into a coma. Severus wondered what caused the change in his behaviour.
Upon exiting the classroom Severus noticed Amos Diggory across the corridor. Severus assumed the older boy was waiting for Lily.
"Oi Snape, wait up." Severus frowned as Amos came over to him. He never said much to him without Lily's mediation.
"You've known Lily a long time right?" Amos asked.
"Yes."
"So you know what sort of thing she likes I suppose?"
"Yes," Severus replied again curtly. Amos by now used to Severus' attitude went on undeterred.
"Well I'm trying to get her a gift for our six month anniversary. Do you think you could give me a few ideas?"
"Her favourite colour is orange but she doesn't like to wear it. Her favourite flowers are petunias, even though her similarly named sister is horrible. She likes lace but not frills. And she's obsessed with Bambi," Severus prattled off quickly.
"Brilliant but what's Bambi?"
"It's a muggle children's story character. It's about a deer."
"Are you boys talking about me? All nice sentiments I hope." Lily said joining them, linking hands with Amos.
"Just catching up," Amos smiled, and gave a wink to Severus.
Lily looked between the two slightly bemused. She felt as if they were keeping something from her.
"See ya Snape," Amos said as he guided Lily through the crowd. Lily gave a quick wave in his direction before disappearing into the mass of students.
"You're overthinking it Remus, no one's on to anything." Severus heard Sirius say somewhere out of sight.
Severus ducked behind a statue before the four caught sight of him.
"You're furry little problem is safe with us," James supported. Severus could sense that they were speaking in some sort of code, but had no inclination as to its meaning. He decided to keep an eye on the Gryffindors hoping to expose some dark secret to get them expelled or at the very least detention.
It had been ages since Severus had bought any new clothing for himself besides school robes. After a week of pestering from Stefano, Severus figured he might as well get a few nice things before Malfoy's soiree.
Severus exhaled deeply. He sat in a horseless carriage across from Stefano and a seventh year Hufflepuff girl. Severus wanted to gag watching the girl giggle as Stefano caressed her knee. He wanted to do his shopping alone, yet Stefano insisted claiming his expertise in the area of all things to do with fashion.
"Why are you looking so gloom and doom Severus?" Stefano asked. "It's a lovely day and we're in the company of a beautiful girl… I mean woman." He added winking at the girl. Severus gave a noncommittal grunt and leaned over the side of the carriage.
Following close behind them, Severus spotted Lily and Amos. The pair had the carriage to themselves and sat even closer together. Severus steeled himself as he watched Amos lean down to kiss Lily. He'd seen them in the halls holding hands but never allowed himself to imagine what else the couple might do.
Amos then placed a hand on the nape of Lily's neck, deepening their kiss. Instantly Severus felt like throwing himself off a cliff. All around him, his friends were snogging Hufflepuffs. Severus was almost thrilled when the carriage reached Hogsmeade. He hurried off before Stefano could protest.
Severus wandered the small village aimlessly for some time. He'd only been a handful of times, so navigating wasn't as easy as he'd hoped it would be. After having been lost for over an hour, Severus entered the nearest establishment that he could find for directions; The Hogs Head. The Hog's Head was like many of the pubs he had been to when he was younger to retrieve his father. The room was sparse and dark, more like a cave than a building. Most of the patrons were aged men, skin almost the colour of the alcohol they drank. There was one waitress, a middle aged woman with dark string hair and robes that presented her cleavage. Severus was all too familiar with this atmosphere. The only thing that was out of place was a sable goat chewing on a handkerchief. The goat with its rectangular pupils stared in Severus' direction. Severus wasn't sure if this was a magical creature or not, but decided to stay clear of its path. In avoiding the goat, Severus bumped into a person at a table. Several of the other occupants gasped. Severus began to apologize immediately but was interrupted by a dark haired young man not much older than himself.
"You idiot boy! Look at what you've done!" He yelled. The other men glared daggers at Severus.
"Now, now Lestrange, it was a simple accident." The man stood to get a better look at Severus. He had dark thinning hair and eyes that were almost auburn. The man called Lestrange took his seat, without taking his eyes off of Severus.
"You're a Hogwarts student I assume?" The man asked Severus. He gestured for one of the men to move over, allowing Severus to take the seat. Severus hesitantly joined the group, all eyes were upon him.
"Yes sir, fifth year," Severus replied.
"Name? House?" The man questioned.
"Severus Snape. Slytherin." The man nodded in reply.
"Lineage?" No one had ever asked Severus about his lineage. He could feel the looks he was getting become more intense as he took his time to respond.
"Leave us." Without reluctance, the men left the table, leaving Severus and the man alone.
"You're not a pureblood are you Severus?" It was more of a statement than a question. Severus steeled.
"No. My mother is a pureblood and my father is a pathetic muggle." The man nodded again.
"And what kind of man is your father?"
"A cantankerous drunkard, the worst sort of man." Severus wasn't sure why he was telling a stranger this, but he had a feeling that lying to the man would be costly.
"There are many like you Severus. Dirty blood. Defiled by muggle intermingling."
Severus pursed his lips, unsure of what to say.
"What are your aspirations Severus?"
"To be a Potions Master," Severus replied tightly.
"A noble pursuit with very few practitioners."
Severus remained silent, unsure of the direction the conversation was going.
"That is an interesting piece of jewellery. How did you come by it?"
"A friend of mine, Kem Okafor, gave it to me." The man's eyes widened slightly.
"Would your friend happen to be of any relation to an Ogonna Okafor?" He inquired.
"He is her grandfather. A very formidable man."
"So you've met him?"
"Not exactly. He came for Kem in our second year. Something about training her to be his heir. I only know of him by word of mouth, mostly from Lucius Malfoy. I'm more familiar with Kem's father. I work for him during the summers."
"That is interesting. Don't let me further interrupt your weekend." The man said abruptly. From his tone, Severus sensed that he had been dismissed.
Severus sat down a tthe Slytherin table waiting for dinner to appear. This was the first year he realized that each house received different entrees. There were popular items like roast chicken or roast beef but at the Slytherin table they were served caviar, white alba truffle pasta and even Kopi Luwak coffee. Once he learned how the coffee was made he decided to stick to tea. From Lily he had learned that the Gryffindors enjoyed various fried meats and sweets. The Ravenclaws received grilled salmon, avocado sandwiches and other 'brain' food. The Hufflepuffs received an assortment of dairy based dishes from rich creamy soups to crème brulee. From his spot, Severus saw Lily refuse a scone from Amos. She had an irritated look on her face and when Amos reached for her, Lily slapped his hand away. Lily quickly left the Hufflepuff table and stormed out of the Great Hall. After a moment, when Amos did not run after her, Severus hurried to catch up to his friend.
"Lily!" Severus yelled. Lily slowed her pace but did not come to a complete stop. He heard her sniffle as he approached.
"When did things get so complicated Sev?"
"I'm not sure," Severus replied, even though he had no idea what she was talking about. As they walked, Severus let Lily talk. He wasn't quite sure what to say, or what she needed to hear.
"I get that Amos is older, but two years isn't that much. Or so I thought," Lily went on.
"He's always going on about what everyone is doing and why we should do it too." She sighed and Severus nodded sympathetically.
"I'm…I'm just not ready for all that yet," she said softly. Severus finally felt as though he understood but didn't show it.
"He should be more patient," Severus added.
"It ought to be that simple shouldn't it?" Lily asked. They walked on in silence.
"Severus, think you could introduce me to Evans." Severus scowled as he turned towards Stefano.
"What do you mean?" Severus growled out.
"I heard she broke up with that Diggory bloke and…"
"What! Where did you hear that?" Severus exclaimed.
"Amelia Bones told me. She's been trying to get with him for ages it seems. I have to act quickly before Potter makes his move."
"WHAT!" Severus shouted.
"You didn't know?" Stefano remarked. "He's been sniffing around her since the start of term. We'd better get a move on. The Head Boy expects us in less than an hour."
Severus finished dressing with a thousand thoughts running rampant in his mind. Severus and Stefano, along with Regulus Black met Lucius at the entrance where several others were already waiting.
"I think that's everyone, now if you all will follow me." Lucius said, as he led them wearing his Head Boy badge with his casual attire.
"Severus, Black, come sit with me," Lucius commanded. The other boys got in the surrounding carriages.
"What is this party for Mr. Malfoy?" Regulus asked. Lucius had been very insistent that the fourth years and below address him as such.
"There is someone I'd like for you to meet. He plans on running for Minister of Magic. Great changes would come under his administration. Reform to the mudblood problem we've been having."
Severus remained silent for the ride to the village. He knew well the feelings his fellow Slytherins had towards those who were not pure blood. His blood status had never been in question.
Once they entered the village, and a short trek later, Lucius led them to the Amityville Inn.
"Right this way gentleman." Lucius nodded to the bar keep as he led the way to the back room. The room was sparse and only decorated by the functional lantern that dimly lit the room. At the large u-shaped table several attendants were already seated. At the head of the table, Severus recognized the older man he'd met at the Hog's Head. By his left side sat a young woman with long dark curly hair. Lucius sat next to the man and motioned for Severus to sit at his side.
"My friends, I'd like to introduce you to Lord Voldemort." Lucius went on explaining the man's ideas and agendas. Severus took note of who seemed more inclined than others. Stefano and Regulus seemed the most out of sorts. Many of their housemates hung on every word, agreed or applauded when necessary. The man, Voldemort said nothing, only surveyed the room.
"Would you like to add anything My Lord?" Lucius asked.
"I'd like to hear from your young friends. What are the views of this generation?" The main topic was hatred towards muggles and muggleborns.
"Bellatrix, what about that sister of yours? Andromeda?" A woman with a dark blonde bun asked.
"She is no sister of mine!" The woman seated next to Voldemort exclaimed. "The day she ran off with that filthy mudblood is the day we disowned her. She is a traitor to everything we stand for." She breathed deeply, glaring at anyone who looked her way.
Severus sat at his desk, making notes in his private journal. They were given a few mock exams in preparation to the upcoming O.. He hadn't done as well as he'd hoped. He'd receive a mixture of O's and E's. He only wanted O's. An owl tapped at the window and he absent mindedly let it enter. He'd tried to write to his mother bi-weekly, if only to make sure she was still alive. As soon as he removed the envelope, the creature left immediately. The letter was short and to the point.
I'd like for you to come home this holiday.
Mum
Since starting Hogwarts, Severus had never spent any of his vacations at home and saw no reason to start now.
No, thank you.
S.S
He replied and planned to mail off the letter at his earliest convenience.
Until the day before the students were to go home for the holidays, his mother wrote to him asking him to come home. Severus asked if she and his father were well, if they actually needed him there. His mother only ever replied that it would be nice to have him there.
"Maybe you should come home Severus. You were with me or working all summer. Your mum probably misses you."
Severus snorted from behind his book. The Evans' always travelled for Christmas, so he doubted he'd get to see Lily at all. There were no incentives for him to go home.
"I've already made up my mind Lily," he said in a bored tone. Severus looked up to the branch were Lily sat, weaving a garland.
"Severus, let's go to the library." Lily said as she hopped down from the tree. She gathered up her things as quickly as she could.
"Bollocks." She whispered. "Hide me Severus." Lily ducked behind a bewildered Severus. Within a moment he saw the cause of her odd behaviour.
"Hello there Snape." Amos Diggory said, a smile on his face. Linked on his arm was an older girl. Severus merely raised an eyebrow and watched as the coupled passed.
"Did he see me?" Lily asked, rising from her hiding spot.
"I don't think so, no."
"You must think I'm silly." Lily sniffed, her eyes beginning to tear. Severus only shook his head silently.
"I just don't want to see him...them together. She's always all over him. No doubt…." She wiped a tear away with the palm of her hand.
"I'd better go start packing. The train comes tomorrow." Severus watched as his friend rushed off towards the castle.
Christmas break went on as it normally did. This year held the fewest amounts of students to stay but for the first time all four of the Marauders were present. Severus noticed that they stuck together more closely, though Remus looked more sickly than usual. He'd over heard them a handful of times. He suspected they were up to some sort of prank and he planned to spoil it for them. He'd tried following but somehow they always managed to disappear after turning a corner.
After losing sight of the foursome for a fifth time, Severus decided to go to the library. The stern librarian was nowhere in sight, so Severus went about aimlessly searching for any book that piqued his interest. He wandered into the Magical Creatures section. He didn't like any sort of animal very much, but knowledge of them was somewhat useful. Severus let his fingers idly graze over the spine of several tomes before stopping on 'Shapeshifters, Were-Creatures and Animagus.'
Severus sat at a table and flicked through the contents. He stopped at a chapter noting the differences between Werewolves and Animagus. Severus carefully read through the chapter. Things were starting to make sense to him. He started to search for all the books he could find on Werewolves and Animagus. Now that he knew what he was looking for, he just had to find proof.
Severus gripped his knife tightly. Every time he glanced over at the Gryffindor Table, he saw Lily surrounded by the Marauders. He found out everything he needed to know about Lupin and flat out hated the rest of them. He didn't want Lily in their company.
"Who's that?" A first year girl asked pointing towards the podium. The Headmaster never made announcements after Christmas holidays.
"Let us welcome back a sorely missed member of the Hogwarts family," Dumbledore began. He motioned for someone out of sight to join him. Severus' eye went wide as he saw Lily place her hand on Remus' shoulder. He smiled and hugged Lily in return. Severus began to seethe. Severus couldn't believe this monster was embracing his friend.
A sudden eruption from the Ravenclaw table caused Severus to look away momentarily. He saw Lucius preening himself and straightened his posture. He finally caught sight of a young woman heading towards the Slytherin table. Her warm brown satiny skin seemed to glisten as she walked. She wore a school uniform, but it was unlike the usual Hogwarts uniform. Her's was a crisp yellow blouse and a green plaid pencil skirt. Her heels clicked softly as she walked. Severus looked around as the woman came closer to him. Severus blushed momentarily, this woman had the same soft hour glass figure as Ebony from his private magazine. She swayed the same way as well. The woman stopped at Severus and placed her arms around his neck.
"I've missed you so much Sevvie." She whispered into his ear. He almost didn't recognize the voice. From over her shoulder Severus saw many of the older Ravenclaws and Lily look his way.
"We'll catch up later, yeah?" She left Severus and made her way to the Ravenclaw table. Food filled the plates and platters. Before he knew it Regulus and Lucius were on both his sides.
"Who was that Severus? She is fit!" Regulus exclaimed.
"I didn't know she would be returning Severus. Why didn't you tell me?" Lucius asked, trying not to put out.
"I..I didn't know," Severus replied.
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