A/N: I am working on a schedule for chapters - seems like Thursday is the best day. Thank you for the reviews! I look forward to any other feedback.

Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to J.K. Rowling

I woke up early on Monday morning. As usual, it was hard to find a place to do homework on Sunday, but I had gotten most of my work finished on Saturday evening. I had always taken my showers early, not wanting my classmates to see my scars. Now I also had the Dark Mark to worry about. I usually had some lingering bruises or welts on my upper arms, so I gave up on wearing short sleeves a long time ago. I was strange enough as it is. I didn't need another thing to get picked on for.

When I was done with my shower I headed to the Great Hall to get some breakfast. I ate a bowl of porridge while checking off the work that I had completed. I had missed the first days of school but was determined to not fall behind. My father never checked on my studies, but perhaps Mr. Potter did. I would not slack off and give him a reason to punish me.

As I crossed out the completed assignments Muldoon and the other marked Slytherins sat around me. I was trapped, so I decided to ignore them. Unfortunately, I was not left alone and my quill was pulled from my hand.

"Oi Snape. Do you think you're better than us? You're stuck with us now."

A grimaced, not happy at the interruption. "I know perfectly well my situation Muldoon. I am just trying to catch up on some homework." If the group would attack me it would be in the dormitory or halls. I saw someone behind him mouth 'loser' but brushed it off. Worse had been said about me.

"Fine, study or whatever. Just remember that the next meeting will be during the full moon."

I didn't know why this group had to be so dramatic. "I understand," I said simply and grabbed my quill back. "I'm heading to class now."

I heard them chuckling as I left, but did not turn back.

As I went inside the potions classroom I pulled out the stacks of completed homework. This was the easiest assignment for me to make up. As much as I loved potion making and knew it was a skill that could serve me in the future I didn't care for the class. Most of the student constantly asked annoying questions. As Professor Slughorn had to spend most of the class time going back to simple concepts, I resorted to writing notes in the margins of my book for most of the lectures.

No matter what I did Professor Slughorn never acknowledged my efforts. Even though he was the head of my house and I had received perfect marks on all my work he barely knew my name. He had this club that he invited his favorite students to, and I was never invited. I had made the mistake of asking him if I could join, hoping that I could ask him more about potions, but he had stated that I wouldn't fit in and that I wouldn't enjoy it.

I arrived early so that I could hand him the paperwork. "Good Afternoon Professor Slughorn." I greeted politely. I didn't expect much back but was surprised as he greeted me "My boy, Severus. I hope you have been feeling better."

Did he remember my name? "Yes sir, thank you. I wanted to drop off the assignments that I missed last week."

Slughorn looked down at my papers. "I see you have gone ahead of your peers. This one is due on Wednesday.."

I confirmed "I went a bit ahead, sir. I wanted to make sure not to fall behind."

The class was about to start, so I took my usual place in the front. Potions was with Gryffindor students, so I had to suffer Sirius and James whispering in the back. This year the O.W.L.S. were going to take place, so I had to do all I could to receive top marks. I would not let them distract me.

Professor Slughorn then said "Good morning class. I hope you have been studying. Today we will be making the Draught of Peace. I know you all will be stressed this year preparing for the O.W.L.S., but let's give this a try." He chuckled and we started to make the potion.

I was surprised that he was having us make that potion, but it would be good practice for the examination. Most of the process for this potion was patience, and knowing what exact color you were looking for before proceeding to the next step. I added ingredients until the potion turned white. Once the potion simmered, I added seven drops of hellebore. I looked down at the light silvery vapor pleased at my work. From the properties, I could tell that it was made perfectly.

Before Professor Slughorn noticed I grabbed a small vial from my bag and took a small portion for myself. It could be extremely dangerous if the wrong quantities were used, but I was sure of my work. I thought that it perhaps would help on the night I was expected to see the Dark Lord again. I couldn't tell Madame Pomfrey why I would need the calming draft.

Slughorn came behind me just in time for me to put the vial in my bag. "What do we have here?" I stood motionless. Did he see me? He then said, "Severus see me after class." My heart dropped, and I nodded my head. I heard myself saying "Yes sir." After all the other students packed up, I watched as my fellow classmates file out of the room.

I am lucky I am not getting reprimanded in front of my classmates. However, what if he was going to directly contact Mr. Potter! I used all my strength to not bolt away.

I then walked towards my head of house. He stroked his chin and looked at me "You know my boy, I didn't realize your talents before. Would you care to join the Slug Club? We have a meeting next week?" Me? He's inviting me?

I had been so overjoyed at the turn of events that I stammered "Y-yes sir, thank you for the invitation." I said, "I will look forward to attending."

That Friday night the Slug Club dinner was planned in celebration of the new school year. I spent longer than I wished staring at my wardrobe. What did normal students wear to parties? I had never been invited to a private event before. I also never attended the school's parties. I thought there was no point as I would attend alone and had no proper clothes. I held up my new clothes from the trip to Diagon Alley and I concluded that they would work. I wore my school trousers and instead of wearing the school branded white shirt and vest I went with a plain button down grey shirt. I chose the least distracting clothes, hoping that I wouldn't get much attention at the party.

As I buttoned my shirt, I noticed that the dark mark was still causing some pain. I hated looking at the hideous image. I had seen some of my fellow Slytherin's lift up their sleeves to show their classmates the mark. They showed some decorum and would only do it when other Slytherin's were around, but it seemed risky to me.

When I arrived at the dinner party, I realized I was the first student to arrive. Professor Slughorn was finishing up decorating the party with what looked like photos of him and past students. I greeted my head of house "Good evening, Professor Slughorn."

He turned around and gave me a warm smile. "Severus, I'm glad you made it. Is Mr. Potter coming as well?"

I furrowed my brow. Why did everything think I knew where Potter was all the time? If it had been up to me I wouldn't see him again and I'm sure he would agree.

"I'm not sure sir." He seemed disappointed which irritated me. Potter cared nothing about potions anyway, why should he get an invitation?

The next person to arrive was Lily, while a few seconds ago Professor Slughorn seemed dejected that Potter might not come, his face lit up when she walked in. If I didn't know how to keep my emotions in check I would also be grinning at her, she had that effect on people. She wore a flowy dress with flower patterns. She grinned "Good evening Professor, I always look forward to your dinners."

Two Ravenclaw girls and a Hufflepuff boy who I didn't know arrived. They were followed by Muldoon and a few more Slytherins with the dark mark. Slughorn looked at his timepiece, and I could tell he was still waiting for another. Hopefully not Potter.

He then motioned for us to sit down. To my amazement, Lily sat next to me. I started to talk to her about assignments and felt eyes glaring at me. I looked, and Muldoon glared at me. I instantly closed up, not wanting to give him an excuse to hurt me, or worse bring attention to her.

"Severus, what's the matter?"

I looked away "Nothing Evans, I'm just not feeling too well."

There was an awkward tension in the air as we sat waiting for the food. Slughorn was on the other end of the table and was engrossed in a conversation with the Hufflepuff boy. Apparently, his father was the head of magical transportation. After another few minutes, the door banged open. I turned around, and Sirius Black stormed into the room.

"Sirius, I am glad to see you have arrived." Professor Slughorn welcomed Black to the party. Why out of all people was he here? He arrived in ripped jeans, boots, and a wrinkled shirt. He nonchalantly sat down in the only open chair, right next to me.

"Hey Snape" I heard him say.

"Hello, Black." I muttered, trying to keep my face straight and emotionless. Sirius never paid attention in potions. Why was he invited?

I heard Lily snap "Sirius why did you come late? Don't give me any silly excuses. I saw you and James eating snacks before I left.

"I had to get dressed. Don't you like my outfit?"

I pulled my chair back, annoyed being in the middle of this conversation between the two Gryffindors. I was about to bite my tongue but realized that Black could do nothing in front of Professor Slughorn. "It must have taken quite a while to pull that ensemble Black. Did Potter have to help you?"

"Well, I have more than one outfit to wear." Black retorted. Why did he have to bring that up, and in front of this group? I clenched my fists and looked around. It did not seem like anyone across the table was paying attention. I prayed that Lily didn't hear that.

I looked down, I didn't want to cause a scene and have Black bring up anything else that would embarrass me.

I heard him say "Shit, that slipped, sorry Snape."

Was he really apologizing to me? I was sure it was just an act.

Professor Slughorn whose ears perked snapped "Mr. Black, please watch your language."

I looked and Black give a charming grin at Slughorn. "Sorry Professor." And again, Black gets away with everything.

Now with his attention on our side of the table, Slughorn continued "And how is your mother?"

I noticed Black's hands grip the end of the chair. "She's fine Professor. I'm sure she writes to you often."

Just then food appeared at the table. Salad, cheeses, and cured meats popped in the center. I grabbed some of the salad, figuring that was the safest option. I looked down and realized there were multiple forks. Why was there so many utensils? The Potter house had the nicest dining room I had ever been in, but they didn't bother with all these formal settings. I was about to take a bite when Black whispered in my ear "Wrong fork, Snape."

I froze. Was he trying to embarrass me more? I looked at his hands and saw he had the smaller fork, so he was not trying to deceive me. Why would he help me?

I felt self-conscious, as this was apparently something that most people knew. Black even knew what to do and he had the refinement of a mountain troll. As I looked around I realized that Professor Slughorn was right. I simply did not fit in here. The other students engaged in light conversation and enjoyed dinner and here I was trying to eat the food correctly.

Lily then tried to engage in conversation once again "The steak is wonderful, isn't it?"

As I took another bite I realized that it was really good. "One of the best I ever had." I hoped that by saying that it would make it seem like I had had it regularly. After dinner came a round of desserts and pumpkin juice. I watched Slughorn pour himself a glass of what looked like scotch. When the party had died down he came up to me. I thought this was my chance to finally talk to him and asked him what he thought on the article on the use of Gregory's Unctuous Unction. He didn't give me a clear answer and instead asked me what Mr. Potter had been up to.

Why would Mr. Potter tell me his business? I just an orphan that they took in. I answered "I'm not sure sir. He didn't talk to me about work." I was guessing that's what Slughorn was interested in. It seemed like the Dark Lord was as well.

"Oh, maybe you can ask James to pay a visit next time." I then realized why I was invited here. It was not because I was the student who had made a perfect potion or that I worked hard in the class. He just wanted to talk about Mr. Potter and I was a connection to him. I should not have been this naive - while he had always been friendly, he had never shown interest in me or even bothered knowing my name.

I looked around and realized that most of the other students were starting to leave. Sirius had already left as soon as the after-dinner chatting started. Professor Slughorn pulled out his timepiece again. His face was flushed from the alcohol. "Severus, it seems to be getting late. Why don't you head to bed now? I don't want the Headmaster upset that I have been keeping students up for too long."

After saying goodbye I closed the door and made my way down the dark hall trying to keep myself from crying. Why did I think that someone would invite me to a party for my company or because they thought I did well? Slughorn didn't care about me, he was just another person in that long list that wanted to use me.