Chapter Seven (B)
oOo
"What the devil!" Wiggenweld cried out, accepting Severus' help. Able to stand on his own, he rounded on the loutish fellow, the cause of the unpleasant incident, who was even then picking himself up from the sidewalk.
"Sorry, sir!" Sirius Black said, laughing at his own clumsiness. "But my mates and I weren't looking when they shoved me out the door." Catching sight of Severus, Sirius' amusement immediately changed. "Snivellus!" he growled dangerously. He was instantly on his feet, his wand drawn.
Severus already had his in hand, and at Sirius' actions, he moved discreetly to stand between the Marauder and Mr. Wiggenweld. He carefully kept his wand to the side and lowered; however, no one believed for one minute that that stance put him at a disadvantage.
In fact, Sirius watched nervously as Severus' magic practically vibrated outwardly in waves, a reaction to his agitated state. The Slytherin's robes swirled dramatically around him, and his hair, which had come loose from its ribbon, crackled with magical energy. It reminded Sirius a little too uncomfortably of the incident in the common room with Lily, when she'd terrorized her fellow Gryffs with a bout of accidental magic.
Mr. Wiggenweld saw Severus' reaction and realized that his magic was dangerously close to unleashing accidentally. He gently laid his hand on the boy's shoulder and squeezed in quiet reassurance, amazed at the sheer raw power being exhibited by someone so young. Severus' breathing calmed almost instantly, and he pulled his magic back.
By this time, the rest of the Marauders had come out of the same shop that Sirius had staggered from—Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Their raucous laughter and insulting taunts aimed at Sirius' clumsiness died out when they caught sight of Severus.
"Look! It's Snivellus!" Pettigrew called out, eagerly pointing out the obvious. "I bet he's here to see one of his Death Eater buddies." He grinned excitedly and stood to the side, well away from the line of fire.
"What's going on?" James demanded authoritatively. He too drew his wand and moved to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Sirius, facing off against Severus. "Sirius?"
"Guys, you can't do this!" Remus protested ineffectually. "As soon as you cast the first spell, we'll be knee deep in Aurors." As Remus spoke he reluctantly drew his own wand and looked apologetically at Severus and Wiggenweld. Like the Slytherin, Remus also had his wand to the side and pointing downward.
Last to step out of the ice cream shop was Lily. As she took in the tense scene before her, she grew immediately concerned at how quickly wands had been drawn. "James...? Please, you promised no fighting."
"Lily, stay back. Remus, take her inside." James spoke firmly, fully expecting to be obeyed, and never taking his eyes off Severus. Because he wasn't looking at her, he didn't see Lily's angry, flushed face in reaction to his words.
"Someone better explain what this nonsense is all about before I cast a Patronus and summon the DMLE myself." Everyone turned to the source of the quiet, commanding voice. "Severus, who are these miscreants?"
As Severus replied, he did not take his eyes from the Marauders. "The idiot who fell on me is Sirius Black. The one with the glasses is James Potter." He nodded toward Pettigrew. "The one cowering over there is Peter Pettigrew." Lastly, he pointed at Remus and Lily with his chin. "That's Lily Evans, and standing next to her is Remus Lupin." He sneered. "All Gryffindors brave and true; all remarkable examples of their House, especially when they attack four-on-one."
"Oi! Talk nice, Snivvy," Sirius warned. He spotted the serpent clasp on Wiggenweld's cloak and glared in disgust, realizing he was another Slytherin. "Don't make me hurt you in front of your Death Eater friend. What will You-Know-Who say then?"
Wiggenweld stepped forward, his expression livid, and walked deliberately into Sirius' wand. "Whom are you calling a Death Eater, Mr. Black? Retract your words immediately, or I shall have you before the Wizengamot for slanderous defamation of character."
Instinctively, Black took a step back at the elder wizard's threatening manner. "It's only slander if it isn't true," he managed to say with a bit of defiance. "Everyone knows that Snivellus is nothing but a Death Eater-in-Waiting." He then glanced toward Severus and jeered, "Or maybe you've already taken the Mark? Is that what you've been doing this summer, Snivellus? Found another daddy figure in You-Know-Who to replace the one you lost?"
At his words, Severus who had basically been standing back allowing things to play out, felt a black rage suddenly overtake him. Not bothering with his wand, he launched himself at Sirius and soon found himself on top and pounding him with his fists. The next thing he knew, he was being jerked back by his robes and held fast by arms that were both strong and comforting. He felt like he was drowning, unable to breathe in the darkness. He sought the warmth of his mental Black Lake, but couldn't seem to find it in the hot-red mist that had enveloped him.
"Enough...breathe, Severus. That's it...breathe!" The warm, soothing voice kept repeating the same mantra over and over, until finally the red mist in his head began to dissipate...
When he was finally able to make sense of the world around him again, he could feel the rough cobblestones of the Diagon Alley pavement digging painfully into his knees. He also realized that for some time, the same pair of strong arms had been holding him as a parent would a child in need of comfort.
Swallowing and taking a long shuddering breath, Severus stiffened suddenly and pushed away, shamefaced. Not yet ready to face any of his nemeses, he stood up with his back to them. Behind him, he heard Lily berating the Marauders; her normal speaking voice, a pleasant contralto, sounded remarkably like Petunia's dissonant caterwauling.
"That's low even for you, Sirius!" she shrieked. "James, are you just going to stand there and let him get away with this? My God! Sev's parents died—and you find that funny?"
"I have never heard such deliberately cruel and hurtful words. If you were of age, young man, I would issue you a challenge this very instant. Mr. Snape is a friend of mine, and I will not have you slander and insult him in so malicious a manner. Now, in full public view, if you do not withdraw your words and apologize immediately, I promise that I shall have you—How did Mr. Lupin put it?—'knee deep in Aurors.'"
Having spoken, Mr. Wiggenweld withdrew his wand from the folds of his robes, and with measured wand movements prepared to cast the Patronus Charm.
"You expect me to apologize to Snivvy?" Sirius demanded in a whiny voice.
"No, I expect you to apologize to Severus Snape...and to me." He glared at Sirius, quickly losing patience. "Mr. Black, you were quick to accuse us in public of being associates of Voldemort. Let us see you use that much vaunted Gryffindor bravery and apologize just as publicly."
"Come on, mate," James muttered. "It isn't worth it. Dad will have both our hides if we end up having to pay a large fine for insulting Sniv—Snape and...him!" He shrugged as he looked at Wiggenweld, not knowing who he was.
"Ah, my deepest apologies, gentlemen and young lady. I did not introduce myself. I am Jonathon Wiggenweld, Potions Master. I own Wiggenweld's Apothecary located up this very street. You might have had reason to buy potions ingredients from my establishment while shopping for your school supplies. And as I said, I am waiting for that apology."
"Guys, come on! Put down your wands before something happens that we'll regret," Remus pleaded. "I recognize Mr. Wiggenweld. He owns the apothecary down the street, just like he said. Come on...apologize already!"
"Your friend speaks good sense, Mr. Black, don't you think so?"
"James, please," Lily said unhappily. "You promised you wouldn't fight with Severus if I went out with you. This is only the first time we've gone out and it isn't even a proper date. Is this how it's always going to be? Insults? Wands at ten paces? Dueling at dawn?"
"Stay out of this, Evans!" Sirius said harshly. "This is Marauder business! You're either with us now, or you're still with him." He nodded toward Severus. "Which is to be? A Marauder—all for one, and one for all? Or friends with the slimy snake—a Death-Eater-in-Waiting?"
"That's the last straw," Wiggenweld bit out. He faced away and with a quick flourish of his wand, cried out, "Expecto Patronum!" A fully corporeal panther leapt from his wand tip. "Go to Headmaster Dumbledore. Tell him I want to see him—now!" The panther rubbed himself affectionately against the Potions Master and then with a low growl leapt off, disappearing at mid-leap in a silvery mist. "Perhaps your headmaster can talk some sense into you!"
Less than a minute passed before they were all startled by a loud crack announcing the arrival of Albus Dumbledore. The Headmaster of Hogwarts, believed by many to be the most powerful living wizard, and the only wizard that Voldemort was afraid of, appeared calm but serious. He was dressed in one of his more muted robes, a midnight blue with a scattering of stars that resembled the night sky. His normally twinkling blue eyes looked grave as he took in the scene before him.
"Jonathon," he greeted pleasantly. "To what do I owe this unexpected summons?"
As he spoke, Dumbledore studied each of his students, taking note of the drawn wands and ready stances. He saw that Severus and Sirius looked much the worse for wear, both bearing bruises and slight cuts on their faces and hands from physical fighting. Interestingly, he also noted that Wiggenweld was standing in front of Severus, as if protecting him from the others.
Wiggenweld quickly explained the situation, leaving nothing out. He looked toward Severus a few times for confirmation of a particular point, but the younger man refused to comment, instead looking studiously away. Wiggenweld especially emphasized his demand of a public apology for himself and for Severus.
"Mr. Black, Mr. Potter, Mr. Snape...don't you gentlemen believe that it is high time you put away your wands? You are aware that the reasonable restriction against underage magic is a law, which is meant to protect you; however, blatant violation of the law by brawling in the streets can and usually will result in severe penalties." Dumbledore paused. "Again, I suggest you sheath your wands."
Severus breathed in deeply through his nose. He didn't have time for this. Besides, the chances of Black ever apologizing to him—or Dumbledore taking his side—were astronomical. He had a portkey to catch, and he still needed to finish packing. He glared at each of the Marauders in turn, and finally caught Lily's eye. He held her stare for a long moment trying to gauge her thoughts, but she looked away before he could. He dropped his eyes sadly. This was goodbye, then.
'No, Lily said goodbye a long time ago.' Not looking at anyone else, Severus put his wand away.
"Okay, I'm done here!" he declared, then turned and faced Dumbledore. "Like Mr. Wiggenweld said, Sirius attacked me and drew his wand first. Then, he was joined by the rest of the Gryffs." He still faced Dumbledore, but his eyes took on a faraway look, as if he were staring at some distant point. "But that doesn't matter. Like always, you'll take their side and somehow turn this against me." He chuckled bitterly. "What else should I expect? After all, how did Potter put it last year by the Black Lake, Lily? Oh, yes...I deserve this because I exist."
Severus' expression became suddenly contrite. "I said something to you that day, Lily, that you didn't deserve, something which I've regretted ever since. But that doesn't matter either, because someone like me doesn't deserve forgiveness."
Unmindful of the Marauders, who still stood with their wands aimed at him, Severus walked up to Lily, who was trying very hard to look defiant, but only succeeded in looking miserable.
"So, you're dating Potter now," he said softly, ironically. "I guess, I deserve that as well."
Severus took one last step toward her, and before the others could react, he took her in his arms and without hesitation kissed her, ignoring Potter's outraged protests. It was their first kiss, and it was everything he'd ever imagined and hoped it would be. Except it was also their last.
"Goodbye, Lily," he whispered tenderly, touching his forehead to hers. "Be happy." He held her close for a moment longer before carefully releasing her. He stepped back, trying to memorize her every detail—her beautiful green eyes, bright with unshed tears; her long, red hair shimmering like burnished bronze in the afternoon sun; her lips, slightly reddened and swollen from their kiss.
With all the discipline he could muster, Severus spun on his heel, his robes billowing in that distinctive way they always did, and with a soft pop disapparated...
oOo
"Sev," Lily whispered, reaching out for him. But Severus was already gone, the echo from his Disapparition having already died down. She stepped onto the spot where he'd been standing but a moment ago. Where did he go? Where could he go? Was he returning to Spinner's End? She had to go home right now and check on him. She had to tell him how sorry she was. That he was wrong—he did deserve forgiveness; everyone did!
"Lily, come on. Professor Dumbledore wants us to go with him." James spoke in a quiet, gentle voice.
She didn't understand what was going on. James wasn't the soft-spoken type. He was the quintessential Gryffindor: brash, loud, and fun loving; and to his friends and loved ones, he was also extremely loyal.
However, with those he considered his enemies, James was unyielding and unforgiving, unable to see beyond the superficial and obvious. How often had she heard him and Sirius declare that one should cut off the head of a snake before it had a chance to turn and strike? Again, classic lion traits.
And how many times this past year had Lily sat back, listening and saying nothing as James and Sirius planned yet another unprovoked attack on Severus? She had told herself that Severus wasn't her problem anymore. If he couldn't walk away from his Slytherin friends and get along with the Marauders, then he deserved whatever happened.
Yes, he deserved being bullied and harassed because he was a Slytherin and dared to speak to and make friends with his housemates. And, because he dared to exist.
Her tears fell down her cheeks unchecked. She didn't deserve Severus' friendship or his forgiveness. He'd called her one word in anger, and then had apologized for it—repeatedly. But she had turned her back on him, the boy who had introduced her to the world of magic.
Looking back the past few years, she saw herself in a different light. All this time, she had considered herself as the best friend who gave him a refuge from his unhappy home. She'd made it a point to overlook his shabby outer appearance. She had also defended him against Petunia, not allowing her to insult his poor cast-offs and unwashed face and hands.
And yet, despite her obvious dislike of the boy, Petunia had usually prepared sandwiches and snacks for the younger children without being asked. Of course, she had then left the snacks on the coffee table with only a disdainful sniff before leaving Lily and Severus to their own devices. Had Petunia in her own grudging way been trying to help, too?
If she were honest with herself, Lily had secretly felt superior to Severus, safe in her bright, clean home and her loving parents. Severus had never known such "wealth" before he'd met her and had gazed awestruck at the clean and open spaces, comfortable furnishings, and modern conveniences. She had felt proud and superior as she watched him look around, afraid to touch anything.
In contrast, she remembered her feelings of disgust at the brief look she'd gotten of the interior of his home. If his mother was a witch, why couldn't she keep a better house? Of course, she didn't understand the idea of a husband and father who didn't love his own wife and son. She also didn't understand the look that Severus gave her as he rushed her out the door. He had been so proud earlier that he was at last going to show her his room.
It was years later that she finally understood the look she'd seen on his face—it was shame. And she had put it there.
In the meantime, for the little that she had given him in friendship, he had given her everything: devotion, friendship, and loyalty. More importantly, he had shared his magic and showed her a new world...
And now, he had kissed her, and it had not been the usual friendly peck on the cheek. This had been the type of kiss one read about in one of those ridiculous, bodice-ripping romance novels that Mary MacDonald was so fond of. It had left her feeling weak at the knees, and if Severus hadn't been holding her up, Lily was afraid she would have fallen. If the world had ended at that moment, Lily didn't think she would have noticed or cared...
She felt a hand on her elbow, startling her out her thoughts. She looked down at the hand and followed it up, finally realizing it belonged to James. She looked strangely at him, not understanding what he was saying.
"Lily, did you hear me? Professor Dumbledore wants us to go with him. He has something important to discuss with us all."
Lily shook her head. "No, I can't. I have to go home right now." She jerked her arm from his hand and started walking away. "I have to go find him...make him understand that it wasn't his fault—"
"Find who, Lily?" James demanded. "Snivellus? Is that who you're talking about?"
"Don't call him that!" she yelled. "His name's Severus!" Slapping James' hands away from her, she hurried over to Dumbledore.
"Lily, my dear?" Dumbledore spoke worriedly, seeing the tear tracks. "Are you quite all right?"
She shook her head. "I'm sorry, sir. I can't go with you. I've gotta get home right now."
"She said that she needs to find Snape," James said darkly.
"Snape? What do you want with that slimy snake, Evans?" Sirius demanded. "He's probably gone back to You-Know-Who!"
"Stop it!" Lily shrieked, her magic exploding out suddenly. Luckily both Dumbledore and Wiggenweld cast Protego Maxima in time to contain the destructive power she'd accidentally released before she hurt any of them.
"Just stop it!" As before in the Gryffindor common room, Lily's green eyes suddenly shot out sparks of uncontrolled magical energy; her long hair streamed out wildly as if a caught in a tempest swirling around her. Debris, dirt, and even loosened cobblestones began rising from the ground and started churning in the air around her...
oOo
TBC...
Author's Note: Wiggenweld's Blessing is based off one of my favorite Irish Blessings: "May the wind be always at your back..."
Acknowledgement: As always—a special thanks goes to Alethea27, and to everyone who has read and reviewed my story, as well as, anyone who has placed "A Prince Rising" in his or her Favorites or Alerts. Thank you so much!
Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter and the characters inhabiting it belong to J.K. Rowling. This story does not intend any copyright infringement. I confess to creating a few OC's as Severus will go the US—soon! (I hope.)
Copyright: 2015