Severus found himself in the familiar Black kitchen. There were a number of people there.
First, he saw Narcissa's mother. She was standing with a familiar air of confidence that he'd seen in both Sirius and Narcissa. Her hair was tied back in a loose bun and her voice was booming. This gave Severus the idea that she was clearly boasting about something.
Severus believed that the woman she was talking to was Sirius' mother. They had the same eyes. He wanted to slap her across the face for giving birth to such a git.
A few feet behind them stood a tall, light haired man with a broad, handsome face. Narcissa's father? He was talking to Regulus Black, a Slytherin just a few grades below himself.
"Daddy's right over there. Go introduce yourself!" Narcissa murmured, pushing him forward.
Severus could feel his heart in his throat as he stepped forward. Mr. Black saw him approaching, and gave a questioning look.
"I'm Severus Snape…"
"Oh," he said, the uncertainness vanishing from his face. "Have you come to ask my permission to take my daughter to the ball?"
No, Severus thought, but he played along. "Yes, sir. I'd very much like to be Narcissa's escort."
"You know her from school, I presume?"
"Yes sir." He looked past Mr. Black's stern face for a moment, and noticed Regulus glaring at him.
"How are your O.W.L's?"
Severus smiled smugly, thankful for that question. "Alls O's, Sir."
"Impressive, very impressive, My Boy." It was the first time Severus had been called 'my boy' by anyone. "And I understand, by Regulus' rambling, that you're training for Seeker."
"I do not ramble," said Regulus hotly, "and I don't think you have much of a chance, Severus. You're speaking to the only third year to have played for they're house team last year."
"Oh, confrontation! How will you handle it, Severus?" Mr. Black asked, his eyes gleaming.
Severus addressed his classmate. "With all do respect, you had no competition last year."
"And I won't have any competition this year either," he said, slyly.
Severus cocked an eyebrow. "We'll have to see about that. Try to understand, Regulus, up the sleeves of these over-priced robes that Narcissa makes me wear are some tricks. I'd explain, but they're too complex for your simple 4th-year brain to understand."
"A threat?"
"Perhaps…"
"What do you say to a bit of scrimmaging after supper?" he asked. Severus was taken aback by his offer. He agreed none the less.
"Wicked," said Regulus, just before Mrs. Black called to everyone to take they're seats.
As Severus headed toward the table, Mr. Black leaned nearer to him. He whispered, "Be a good influence on him, wont you? Wouldn't want him to steer in the same direction as his brother…"
"Agreed, Sir."
Severus felt Narcissa's hand grip his unexpectedly. She led him to the table, where they sat side by side. The table was equip with beautiful, breakable china. The entire set probably cost more then his house, which made his muscles tighten as he use them.
"Snape, isn't it? I haven't heard of that wizard family before," said Sirius' mother.
"His father came to London for work, but he attended Durmstrange," said Narcissa, repeating the lie that Severus had said many times. "His mother is a Prince. Isn't that right, Sev?"
"That's entirely right." The words tasted foul in his mouth.
"Prince, you say? I believe I've heard of them," said Sirius' Mother.
"Did you know," began Mr. Black loudly, "that Severus here got all Outstandings on his O.?"
Severus fought to keep a blush from invading his face. "That's also right," he managed.
"That's impressive," said Mrs. Black.
"That's what I said!" her husband chimed.
Severus peered over at Narcissa. She was beaming, but Severus was still uncomfortable. He was thankful when the attention turned to Regulus.
"Where's your brother today, Reg?" asked Mrs. Black .
"He's out with James, that buddy of his."
She nodded, "And how is school?"
"Good, I suppose," he answered.
"What about you, Narcissa?"
"It's lovely, Mum. And I'm really looking forward to the upcoming school year," she replied, and Severus felt her hand slip into his beneath the table.
House elves arrived, carrying tray after tray. The trays floated onto the table, bringing with them the wonderful smell of mouthwatering foods. Then the lids lifted off and Severus beheld the plump, roasted turkeys and seasoned mashed potatoes, the golden brown bread, and stuffed olives, and corn. His face lit up.
Regulus, across the ta `ble, was thanking all of the house elves. All the others began shoveling food onto they're fancy plates. Narcissa was serving him, piling his plate high with everything. He smiled at her, surprised at how naturally it came.
Conversations continued. Most of it revolved around the upcoming ball, or the scandals among other pureblood families. Once, Mrs. Black mentioned the Malfoys. She looked over at Narcissa as she spoke, as if to say, 'are you sure you don't want to marry into that family instead?'
Finally, when his plate was clear, Severus thanked the Blacks multiple times. But after checking the clock, he felt he was exceeding his welcome. So he kissed Narcissa's hand and prepared to leave.
"Wait!" said Regulus. "What about Quiditch?"
"Oh," he said, after forgetting about his promise. "Erm- Reg, if you'd allow me to postpone the game until tomorrow, I promise that I'll show you a new skill that'll amaze you."
Regulus smiled with the left side of his mouth. "Okay, it's far too dark for a good game anyways. Tomorrow, then?"
"Tomorrow," he confirmed.
Severus found himself outside of his house shortly after. He looked at the pathetic site- broken windows and a dying flower garden. He hated the place, and he hated the woman living inside of it, so he decided to take a walk.
Severus walked down the familiar street, each step sounding loud in the quiet. The air was cool around him. He kept walking, fighting off exhaustion.
He considered that it'd be best for him to return home and sleep. He only had a few hours before he was meeting Narcissa. He knew he should rest. But then again, he knew a lot of things.
He knew that he would never get Lily back, even with his muscular arms and clean hair. He knew that his fellow Slytherins would hate him for refusing the Dark Mark when the time would come. He knew, though he hated to admit it, that once Narcissa was free of Malfoy she would be done with Severus. She'd have no use for him, and he would be completely alone.
He fallowed the familiar path until he was outside of Lily's beautiful, little house. He was caught off guard by how much he missed her. It had been a long summer, a lonely one. He never walked, barefoot, to the park with her. They never sat in the grass together. He never adored her as she twisted flowers into a crown, or read a book in the shade of the big oak tree. Now, standing outside of her home, Severus was hit with a rush of emotion. Had he really forgotten how much he loved her?
He looked up at her window. His heart fluttered. He could see her! She was brushing her lovely, dark red hair.
Severus felt himself becoming the awkward, greasy, little boy that he was a few months prior. He could feel himself losing progress. Because, to Lily, he was exactly the same and she was the only witch that mattered.