Chapter 10 - Apologies

A/N: Just so you know, there is a high possibility that I won't update next week due to the fact that I will be on a vacation and I won't have internet access. Sorry, guys, at least it will only be two weeks rather than a month… In the meantime, happy birthday to me! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

DISCLAIMER: I claim no such ownership of Harry Potter.

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The entire group of bullying Gryffindors turned to the raven haired boy. Severus couldn't believe Lily had just left him out to dry. Sure, this whole leading Potter's stupid group on would be hilarious at the end of the act, but why did he have to do it alone?

Nervously, the black-haired boy turned back to the pack. Time to enter the lions' den, a terrifying thing to attempt.

"E-er, hello…" Severus trailed off, sweating.

"Hi," Potter answered shortly, glaring daggers at the boy now that Severus' protection had left him.

"Hey, mate. Let's go find a compartment!" Black replied kindly. Severus was suddenly not looking forward to his reaction when the truth was revealed as much as he previously was. It was strange, Severus noted, but he would ignore these feelings anyway.

"Yeah, let's find one!" Pettigrew echoed in his annoying, squeaky little voice.

Severus nodded, not willing to open his mouth for fear of vomiting out his nerves.

Lupin clapped Severus on the back, and held onto his shoulder in a forceful grip. "Yeah, go on ahead, guys. I've got something to say to this 'new kid.'"

Severus stiffened up even more, if it were possible. The other three walked on ahead, consoling James.

"I know who you are," Lupin muttered.

"Then why didn't you tell your gang?"

"Because I wasn't entirely certain. You've changed a lot over the summer, Snape."

Severus' anger began to bubble at this pompous bully, although he desperately hid any emotion previously visible on his face. "I'm well aware."

"Snape, why would you and Lily try to infiltrate our compartment?"

"That's none of your business, Lupin."

"Look, Sn- Severus," Lupin slowly said, making Severus flinch at the use of his first name. Lupin sighed, "I'm sorry for all the hurt we've caused you in previous years. We've… acted wrongly to you, and it was not alright."

The anger burst from the victim wizard. He turned around faster than Lupin could blink and rounded on the boy. "You're sorry? You? Don't make me laugh."

"I- I'm sorry-"

"I don't accept that stupid apology of yours. You're only apologizing because I'm a looker now," Severus growled, emotions pent up for years only just at bay. "That's no reason to apologize, and you have no guilt for any of your emotions."

"Be reasonable, Sever-"

"Don't call me Severus, you egotistical monster!"

Lupin could only watch with regret as Severus fled to his usual hiding place of the nearest restroom, fighting tears. The worst part was how Remus agreed entirely. He was a complete monster, and did not deserve to apologize, nor refer to him by his first name. If only he could take everything back, but he had just wanted to be accepted by his friends.

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A/N: Please review, it would make me so happy!