Chapter 14

The rest of the week was uneventful despite the constant teasing from everyone. Severus took it for what it was worth which was nothing. He mostly focused on his studies and spent his free time with Lily as the loomed over the scrolls. They haven't found a single clue and it was bothering Severus to no end. He just couldn't figure it out and Lily was starting to get worried. It brought great relief for the week to end and so that they could go on their Hogsmeade trip to just relax.

Severus waited patiently in the courtyard for Lily to meet him. They both agreed to meet here after breakfast. The air was chilly and crips. Severus's cheeks flushed from the cold and shuddered when a breezed nipped at his skin. He was dressed in his warmest clothes, but it wasn't much. His coat was tattered with holes and rips. It worked well despite its quality. Severus never really ventured out during the winter so he never really needed to buy himself a new coat. A simple heating charm always did the trick which Severus promptly did after another breezed made its way towards him. Instantly, a blooming warmth flooded around him, wrapping itself around him in its safe embrace.

As Severus looked around, several other students were gathering around to make the trip as well. It has been so long since he had last ventured to Hogsmeade. It was almost exciting again to go with Lily. There was much for them to do, especially since the Holiday was coming up and he needed to buy a present for Lily. He would also need to buy himself robes for the dance. He could always transfigure some, but it would just be easier to find a tailor and get it professionally done. It was something he could do today if Lily didn't mind, no doubt she would need to find a dress soon before the rest of the school sought them out. However, he would rather they go buy some sweets and get some butterbeer. It would be nice to not think about anything champion related.

Almost lost in thought, Severus had hardly notice James make his way towards him. He wore dark, thick robes with sturdy boots. He walked towards him in a false bravo manner that Severus recognized instantly. He had a slight hesitant step and his lips were thin. He was nervous and Severus saw it clear as day.

When James had finally made his way towards him, he seemed to relax and tension had left his shoulders instantly when they caught each other's eye. James was staring at him with that look again. The look that made an unknown feeling creep itself inside him. James spoke first, stuttering as he went.

"W-well, I know that this is a stupid idea and that you would probably say no..." Severus didn't like where this was going. James stuttering was unusual and wasn't something he was used to, it often lead to bad things. The fact that James had already lead to the conclusion that Severus would refuse already gave him enough insight that this conversation wouldn't be one that he would like to indulge in. It didn't help that James refused to look at anything but his eyes, constantly searching for something that Severus had no idea what. It made him feel exposed so he looked to the right of James's head only to get away but then his gaze caught that of Sirius laying a hand on Remus shoulder, hunching over and making gagging noises as he pointed a finger into his mouth. Remus was frowning and looked him with a disapproving look. Severus's eyebrows furrowed in question.

"Severus?" James said and Severus eyes snapped back to his. He didn't hear a single word that he said, Sirius's actions had distracted him. He felt a bit bad when he saw James's hopeful expression slowly drop. He had no idea what James was talking about or what he had asked.

"What?"

James was going to say something when Lily appeared, ready for their trip to Hogsmeade.

"Hello James," she said pleasantly. "Sorry I was late Severus, I had left my scarf on my bed and had to go back to get it. I hope I didn't make you wait long."

"You didn't," he replied. "I was just talking to James."

They both looked at James who was still looking at Severus.

"Oh, I wasn't interrupting anything important was I?" Lily asked.

"No."

"Yes." They both replied at the same time. Lily and Severus both sent James a confused look. James sighed and looked a bit dejected.

"Well," began James. "I was just here asking our dear Severus if he wanted to join me and the boys for a bottle of butterbeer and wanted to see if he wanted to go to the Yule Ball with me- us... as a group."

Severus couldn't hide his shock even if he tried. James had wanted him to go with him and his friends to the Yule Ball. Had this happen last year, he would have laughed until his dying breath. It was the last thing that he had expected, to be asked to the Yule Ball. Severus didn't exactly have people lining up to ask him, but he definitely got two more people asking him than he thought he would.

Lily, bless her heart, looked a bit guilty when she replied for him. Flashbacks of the question Lily asked him when he asked her to the Yule Ball came to him. Did Lily suspect that James would ask him?

"Oh well, Severus had already asked me to the Yule Ball. As a champion, it is expected of him to have a date to dance with for the opening dance of the ball." They both took notice of James's sadden face which Lily quickly tried to remedy, "but you could still dance with Severus." Severus had sent her a sharp look when she said that. "Or you could still hang out with him afterwards. The dance is just a formality really. "

Everything became awkward after that. They stood in a circle not sure what to do. James and Severus were both very embarrassed. It was only when Sirius had called James over did he leave, giving a very awkward wave and had nearly crashed into a tree as he went. Sirius laughed at him and James punched him in the shoulder.

"Well, that was something," said Lily. "Look at you! Men are practically falling over themselves to ask you to the Yule Ball." Severus rolled his eyes good naturally and they made their way to Hogsmeade. It had completely escaped Severus's notice that Lily's boyfriend had just asked him to the Yule Ball in front of him, but he was very distracted as Lily gossiped about all the dumb things Tuney had done last Christmas and how she betted two galleons that she could drink more butterbeer faster than he could. Severus laughed and they were lost to their own devices for the rest of the day.

Saturday seemed like such a long time ago even though it only happened yesterday. When Severus woke up this morning, he noticed what day it was. It was Sunday and the full moon was tomorrow. James and his friends were acting strangely when they crossed paths with both Lily and him. They had gathered a lot of snacks, preparing for the long night. Up close, Severus was able to see that Remus didn't look like himself.

His eyes were a lot lighter in color, almost taking a gold hue in the light. His stance was hunched and he looked like he was in constant pain. There were also bags under his eyes, but despite his state he still offered a smile and a pleasant greeting to the both of them. Lily looked worried and had constantly asked him if he was alright. Remus assured her, providing her with a well played farce of him just being tired. Lily bit her lip in response and didn't look convinced. It didn't go unnoticed by Severus how Remus would grimace in pain when Lily wasn't looking. When he caught his eye, he offered him a pained secret smile. They were definitely on better terms with each other and while they haven't directly discussed that night last year, there was an understanding between them. Severus had realize it at the time, but the hidden looks that Remus gave him made sense now that he knew what tomorrow would bring.

It would probably be a good idea to make some Wolfsbane potion for him. It made the days before and after become less painful and it really helped bring a more balance and ease comfort during a transformation. Remus would become more tired than anything during the full moon, almost drugged in a way that limited his senses and made him more docile. He would still have his full strength and his abilities, but he would be less dangerous. Remus was not a person that sought violence. He was a very caring man that was more of a peacemaker than anything, but he didn't have full control of his actions once the wolf took over. It would be a good idea to prevent a repeat of last year. Severus was surprised that Dumbledore didn't provide him with it since the first day of Hogwarts, but that would involve Slughorn knowing about it and that wasn't a very good idea. Slughorn was a coward and would probably blabber about it to the wrong people. Plus, Severus didn't think his skills were at the level needed for the potion. It was a very delicate potion. A dark potion at that. Slughorn would never involve himself with something like that, least he wishes to ruin his delicate reputation in this school and in society.

And while Severus had only made the potion to merely try, he was fairly confident in himself that he would be able to do it correctly. Actually, it would be better to make the potion better than it was. It was outdated and was mostly unused given the advance requirements needed to make it and that it had to be freshly made and only offered small amounts of comfort. A cure would be better, but it would also take a lot of time to research and experiment, something that he didn't really have the time for given his predicament with the second task. He would also have to be there for trials and errors when he's in wolf form, but Severus wasn't sure if he was ready to face the wolf again. It didn't exactly give him nightmares, but Severus would be lying if he wasn't even remotely scared of Remus. It was something to think about, a task he will indulge in later given if there was ever time.

As time went on, there wasn't really much to report on anything spectacular about the day despite the fact that James walked into a door that afternoon, and every time he saw Severus. He spilled pumpkin juice on himself when Severus had suddenly burst out laughing when he saw Louis trip and was instantly bombarded by girls. Lily had whispered something to him, but he didn't hear. He couldn't hear anything when James looked at him the way he was doing in that moment. Severus didn't know what this feeling was or the reason of why James gave him those looks, looking at him like he was the mostly loveliest person in the world. Severus shook those thoughts away. Lily was right next to him, who else would he pass those looks to? Severus was just in the crossfire and happened to caught him staring at Lily. It was nothing more than that. For some reason, an almost cold feeling filled his chest. Something heavy and dreadful. Severus clutched his chest painfully and Lily asked him if he was okay. He smiled and said he was. It was nothing important to think about.

Despite his ressurance to Lily, Severus couldn't think of anything but James and the reason behind his actions. There was never a good time to think about it and now wasn't the best time either, but after last night, he couldn't think of anything else. What was his motivation? James was up to something or at the very least he wanted something from him, but what? The thoughts of the feeling that filled him when he thought of happy memories with James filled him a sickening feeling. It wasn't something that he wanted to think about, but it was haunting him. James loved Lily, there was no doubt about that, but Severus just couldn't shake this feeling that there was something more. He could always slyly ask Lily, but he wasn't sure he would be prepared for any answer that she would give.

Severus sighed. He couldn't do much less think of anything besides this which is why it was surprising that that the had touched his shoulder at told him that the Library would be closing. It was already late, the full moon almost in full swing in the sky. Severus grimace at it and quickly gathered his things. The scrolls remained empty with no progress. Hastily, Severus said goodnight and made his way to the dungeons.

Passing by a portrait, Severus was distracted and had missed his last step causing him to trip and drop his things. Looking around, Severus didn't sense anyone around and sighed in relief. Nobody saw him. Quickly, Severus gathered his things, but he stopped when he reached the scrolls. They rolled far as they fell beneath the moonlight that was passing through the window. One had unrolled itself and there stood, in a glowing light, marking written on the scrolls. Severus had nearly fainted at the sight. This whole time the words were there, but he needed the moon's light to see them. He furrowed his brow, it wasn't the first time he was caught late at night searching for answers with the scroll. The moon's light had touched the scrolls before, but they never showed anything until now. It had to be because it was a full moon, there was no other reason. But if that was true, then Severus wouldn't be able to see them until next month. The full moon would be gone by the sunrise. He didn't have time to waste.

Severus searched his robes for parchment and ink and quickly rewrote the marking on the scrolls. It took a few hours. Severus had to get it perfectly by the simplest detail. Everything was vital and he would not waste this to mess it up later. After all the scrolls were written down in ink, Severus stared at the parchment as it dried. He didn't recognize these markings. They weren't from any ruins that he knew of nor were they part of any ritual that he's seen. The way they were written appeared to be a text of some kind. Whatever, the point is he had something now. It was better than staring at nothing. It was late now and needed to look these over tomorrow with Lily. The library was closed and while he could sneak in, the halls were more guarded during a full moon than they used to be. Flinch often took to guarding the Library and second floor. It would do him no good to lose Library privileges with his sudden progress. He could wait. Or, he could use his own personal library that he had acquired.

Severus had not forgotten the gift his mother had given him. He was always aware of its presence and would seek to read its rare and powerful knowledge when he couldn't sleep. He was only able to get through two of the books as of late, many of them were written in different languages. It took time and he often didn't want to just rush through them. He read them deliberately, taking notes as he went. There might be something there, he wasn't sure. It would be better to wait for Lily. Just because he didn't recognize them didn't mean she wouldn't. Even James might know something given his pureblood background. He was definitely more exposed to the ways of the Wizarding World than both him and Lily. He rubbed his eyes tiredly. If worst comes to worst, he will show Louis as well. Like he said before, he would need an ally during the task if Dimitri still sought his death. It would be better for Louis to be prepared. He was sure he could fight him alone, but it was better to have one enemy then two on his own.

Severus eventually made his way towards his room, sneaking past any lingering Slytherins still awake. As usually, he spelled the room closed, placing protective charms and did a thorough sweep of the room. It was cleaned and Severus had placed the scrolls and parchment in a safe pocket of the chest his mother had given him.

Severus hadn't known before, but the chest was heavily guarded and charmed to withstand anything. The gold engravings were ritual markings that kept other out and him in. It was designed for blood relations only, but Slytherins were mostly pureblood and one of them would have enough blood relation to his mother to get in. Luckily, his mother knew this too and had placed a very particular blood spell that would only allow him and her to open it. It was a very hard spell that demanded a lot of magic. It wasn't one that was normally used because it could cause a big blow to the magical core. Severus had frowned when he found out in one of the books he had glimpsed through. It was probably the reason for her sudden sickness. She knew of course, that Severus was sure. She wasn't stupid and she knew the risk. It was something she was preparing for for a long time. It didn't mean he liked it, but nothing could be done about it now. His mother's sacrifice would not go to waste and Severus had began to use it as a storing room that contained all his important and valuable possessions. Should anyone break in his room, they wouldn't be able to do the same to the chest, least of all touch it or spell it. It was rooted for his touch and magic alone and it was the safest thing he had. The chest alone was a true treasure, but the knowledge inside only made it more valuable.

After ensuring that everything was safe and he had properly closed the chest, Severus allowed himself to lay down on his bed, but sleep would not take him. Despite himself, Severus was almost worried. A lot has happened with everything, but he wasn't looking at things as closely as he should. There were too many variables and coincidences that were happening. James being a big one and Louis following right after. Sirius was a variable he didn't like to think about but was one that was not ignored. Dimitri stood right next to him. Each one had their own motivation to seek his attention and he didn't know a single one. There was also the things concerning his feelings with Louis and James. He shuddered at the thought. He had been ignoring it for now, letting Lily and the tournament take most of his attention, but he would have to face the music eventually. It was better now than allow something to blow up in his face. There was also that thing with Malfoy and the Dark Lord. They have been strangely quiet. Of course, his house still gave him dirty looks and he always made sure to check his food and unknown objects for curses and poisons, but he couldn't be too careful. They were too quiet and they could strike at any moment. Malfoy's words still rang in his head. His relationship with Lily had definitely improved, faster than he expected, but now she was more of a liability than ever. She was definitely his greatest weakness and they knew it. They would need to talk about it again. Probably with the rest too. Severus wasn't particularly concern for James's safety, but it was better if he knew to help him keep a close eye around for Malfoy and the rest. Whether or not Severus or Sirius liked it, they were now in this together. Severus doesn't know when the Dark Lord will make his move, but it will come sooner than he would like. He was sure of it. He's been gathering his forces for a long time, waiting for the perfect moment. Severus wasn't going to be able to get much information from anybody here, he had betrayed them and they will come seeking blood as soon as he was out of his school. They could attack him now, but the Dark Lord would probably want to do it himself, he had disrespected him, but Dumbledore was here and the Dark Lord would not strike him or his followers as long as he remains in Hogwarts. He would have to start making plans for after the school year ends. He didn't have a place to go and he refuses to go anywhere with Lily, it would put her at risk. No, he would need to find a place, a safe house to go to once he graduated. That is, if he made it to graduation. It didn't matter, its existence will be useful whether or not Severus lives to use it or not. With his mother's money, he would be able to buy a nice plot of land, preferably from one of the unplottable ones from both muggles and wizards. An old house would be nice instead of having to build it from the ground up but he would have to see the finances. A trip to Gringotts would be needed.

Severus's eyes brightening. Quickly, he ran towards the chest and pulled out documents form the letter the ministry had given him. It was inheritance letters that he had forgotten about. Severus cursed himself for forgetting something so important. As far as Severus knew, his mother had given him all that she had, it was possible that he had gotten something from the Prince Family, but his mother was disowned the moment she ran away to marry Tobias.

Opening the letters, they were simple and straight to the point. Gringotts had asked for his presence when the time became available. They understood that he is currently in school and will wait for his audience until his birthday in January, where he will become of age and will be able to leave school ground on his own, or until after graduation. There was nothing explicitly said in the letters other than formatilites which didn't really help Severus in the slightest to figure out what they would like to discuss. There was nothing else other than it had to be Prince related. Severus is last the remaining member of the family, his grandparents and died long before he came to Hogwarts and his mother was an only child. He was the only one. The whole thing made him more tired that he already was and it brought him great relief for sleep to finally take him. He could think about these things tomorrow after he shows Lily the markings from the scrolls.