Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Sorry for the long wait!

Previous Chapter: The trio sneak into Knockturn Alley to follow Draco, who met with Fenrir Greyback. The adults find out and the teens get grounded. Snape and Lily have a discussion with Harry about his safety and making better decisions. Harry, Snape, and Lily plan to head to Hogwarts a day early to get their classrooms ready, Harry is excited to return to Hogwarts.

"What do you think?" Lily asked anxiously as she surveyed the Charms classroom. Filius didn't arrive back until the next morning and had sent her a note that she could arrange the classroom however she liked.

"Looks great," Harry said as he flopped down into one of the seats, wiping his brow. He had been helping to move desks around and lug in the new books his mum had bought for the bookshelves. He glanced out the window. It was getting starting to get dark and he still hadn't flown around the pitch. He hoped he would still get a chance to. It was pretty brilliant having the castle be so empty although he couldn't wait to see his friends the next day.

Lily followed his gaze. "Well, we could give this room another cleaning..."

Harry looked up at her in horror.

"Or we could go flying. The choice is yours, if you want to stay here – hey, wait for me!"

/

Lily had managed to get the Quaffle ball from the supply closet and mother and son spent an hour flying and tossing the ball back and forth. After that they raced each other across the pitch and Harry began showing off some of his more dangerous moves.

"Look, no hands!" Harry laughed as he zoomed around her.

And there's James, Lily thought fondly as she shook her head at her son's antics. Just like his father, fearless in the sky.

"This move is called the Sloth Grip Roll," Harry said as he hung upside down, holding on with his hands and feet. "Good for avoiding Bludgers."

Lily copied his move, laughing with delight. "This one is fun although I think I would get dizzy after a – Harry!" She righted herself as her son raced towards the ground. She had her wand in hand in an instant but before she could cast anything, Harry pulled up just before crashing, a satisfied smile on his face.

"The Wronski Feint," Harry announced, sending a grin his mother's way. It faded when he saw the annoyed look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"What's wrong is that I thought you were going to land head first on the ground!" Lily exclaimed. "That was so dangerous!"

Harry shrugged. "It's Quidditch," He said as an explanation.

Lily rolled her eyes. Of course, that explained everything. "My hair is going to turn white watching you play," She sighed.

"You can just charm it back to red, can't you?" Harry asked cheekily as flew circles around her.

"Such a brat!" Lily laughed as she began flying after him.

/

Severus was walking along the third-floor corridor when he stopped suddenly as he saw Lily and Harry walking his way, chatting happily with each other. It struck him hard, to see her in the castle looking just as beautiful as she had in school. It still sometimes seemed like a dream, that she was back. And to see her walking along the corridor, just like old times brought back so many memories. In fact, the pillar he was standing in front of was the same one where they had had a discussion about their friendship. Just like now, his heart would always beat faster every time he saw her when they were in school. He leaned back against the pillar with a sigh.

"Lily!" Severus called as he hurried towards her.

Lily turned around, a slight frown on her face. "Yes?"

"What's wrong with you?" Severus asked. "I feel like you've been avoiding me or something," His tone had a twinge of hurt and Lily's eyes softened.

"No, it's just," Lily sighed. "I've been hearing some things and –"

"I thought we were best friends," Severus said quietly. He hoped for more, but he knew in his heart someone as kind and beautiful like Lily could never see him as anything more than a friend.

"We are friends Sev. Best friends," Lily said softly. "It's just; I don't like some of your friends."

Severus crossed his arms. "Because they are Slytherin?" He asked bitterly. "I thought you agreed that Slytherins are treated unfairly."

"I do agree with that," Lily said. It was true, professors rarely gave Slytherin points and if there was a fight and a Slytherin was near then they were automatically accused. "Though there are times when it is a Slytherin who is doing something wrong," She pointed out.

"Yes," Severus agreed.

"I don't like Avery and Mulciber. I don't understand why you would be friends with them," Lily said. "They are horrible and creepy. They make me uncomfortable." She leaned back against a pillar. "They are so mean Sev. They are evil and they do Dark Magic. And you, well, you're so much better than they are."

No I'm not, Severus thought with self-loathing. He knew he wasn't a good person. His father had told him enough times and many of his fellow students liked to prank him and ridicule him. Especially Potter and Black. Speaking of…

"And what of Potter and his mates?" Severus asked resentfully. Those Gryffindors get away with everything, he thought darkly. Merlin, he could have been killed and did they get into trouble? Hardly! One detention for attempted murder!

"What about them?" Lily asked.

"They sneak out at night and something strange is going on with Lupin. Aren't you curious?"

"I heard he's ill," Lily said. She knew what Severus really thought about Lupin but there was no way he was right. At least, she didn't think he could be right about that theory. Hmm…

"I just wish you could see that they aren't as perfect as they want everyone to believe," Severus said urgently.

The intensity of his gaze made her blush slightly. Those dark eyes…

Lily took a deep breath. "They don't use Dark Magic though," She said softly. "Using Dark Magic will only lead to a dangerous road."

It doesn't have to, Severus thought desperately. It would lead to power and power was what Severus craved. He needed it to keep from being bullied and put down; he needed it to keep Lily safe from anyone who wanted to hurt her. He was sure he could, if he could just be powerful enough. No one would ever be able to hurt them. No one.

Lily cleared her throat. "I heard about what happened last night," She said quietly. "You sneaked down to the Whomping Willow to see whatever is there and James Potter saved you." She was about to ask if that was true when she saw the look of utter loathing on Severus's face.

"Save me? Is that what he is telling everyone?" Severus hissed. "It was not me he was saving, but himself and his friends and you think he is some sort of hero? No, you can't, I won't let you-"

Lily's eyes darkened and her temper flared. "Excuse me? Let me?" She glared at Severus.

"I didn't mean it like that," Severus said quickly. He was lucky she hadn't hexed him. "I just don't want you to get hurt or made a fool of, I know Potter likes you!" He turned his gaze away. He wasn't allowed to tell her Lupin was a werewolf. It wasn't just the thought that Potter fancies her that made his blood run cold but the thought of her unknowingly being around a werewolf. Lupin can be as careful as possible but all it would take was one mistake, one missed potion and if Lily was around him…

"James Potter is an arrogant toerag," Lily said flatly. "I already know that, and so is Sirius Black." Her lips twitched when she saw the way Severus's eyes brightened at that statement. She took a step closer and touched his arm. "Sev, I know their pranks can be mean and I hate that they do them. But Mulciber's and Avery's idea of humor is simply evil. Why do you want to be around them?"

"It's not easy to explain," Severus said carefully. "They're my friends, they're nice to me. It's not easy being the target of…non evil pranks," He said somewhat sarcastically. "At least I know some people have my back."

Lily's heart hurt at the clear pain in his eyes. If only others could see Severus the way she did. He was extremely intelligent and a powerful wizard. Potions was one of her favorite subjects and she had a hard time keeping up with him during the class they shared. He was a natural. And while he was snarky, he had a sense of humor that most people just didn't get. And while he may not be considered classically handsome by some, she thought he was quite charismatic and attractive with his strong features, silky voice and dark mysterious eyes. She had thrown caution to the wind when she had designed a special shampoo potion for him and given it to him for Christmas. He himself would complain about how gross potions made his hair. She had been proud of how it had turned out as it protected his hair from getting greasy no matter how long he spend around potions.

"You have me too," Lily insisted. "I'm just asking you to be careful around those guys…there's rumors that they are in league with You-Know-Who and he is evil for sure. So…just be careful."

Severus remained silent. He had heard plenty about You-Know-Who and it was easy to see why he hated muggles. After all, Severus's own father was abusive and hateful. Lily's sister was jealous and vindictive. He didn't believe all muggles were like that but many were. That was the thing though, to educate muggles so that they didn't take their fear and jealousy out on those with magical abilities. What better way but to join You-Know-Who and gain power and respect so that he could influence others to his point of view. As for Lily being a muggle-born…no one could deny she was a strong and smart witch. Being a muggle-born did not affect that for her just like being a half-blood didn't affect his own talents.

Deciding to change the subject, Severus brought up the next Hogsmeade trip and asked Lily if she wanted to go with him. They had gone together before but sometimes Lily wanted to go with her friends and even though she asked him to come along, he didn't as he knew her friends were not fond of him. There was no reason to make the trip uncomfortable for Lily.

"I'd like that," Lily smiled. "I want to get some Treacle fudge to send home."

Severus raised an eyebrow. "To send home eh?"

Lily shrugged. "I might keep a few pieces for myself," She laughed. She loved Treacle fudge and Treacle tart, it was her favorite. She smiled knowingly. "I'm sure you'll be picking up pumpkin pasties for yourself."

"Maybe, I haven't decided yet," Severus said casually, his eyes brightening as Lily laughed again. He loved when she laughed; it was like music to him.

"You know you will, those are your favorite," Lily said as they began walking.

Severus smiled at the memory, as it was one of the last good ones before he had ruined their friendship. He straightened and saw that Lily had stopped walking and was looking at him, and somehow he knew she was remembering that day as well.

"I still love Treacle Fudge," Lily said, a slow smile spreading across her face.

"I still love Pumpkin Pasties," Severus said, his lips curving into a small grin.

/

"Are you sure you don't want to take the train tomorrow?" Lily asked over dinner in the Great Hall.

"Yeah, I'm sure," Harry said. He always enjoyed the train ride but he was hoping to put off the stares and questions that were sure to come his way. Besides, he was already here.

"Have you enjoyed having the run of the castle?" Minerva asked as she passed him a bowl of mashed potatoes.

Harry nodded eagerly. "It's pretty brilliant. It seems so different. I mean, I've been out when everyone else is asleep but still, it's different during the day."

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Out when everyone else is asleep? Out after curfew, Mr. Potter?"

Harry froze. "Um..."

Severus shook his head. "No sense of self-preservation whatsoever."

Harry cleared his throat. "Hagrid, any new, interesting creatures we'll be learning about this year?" He asked the gamekeeper brightly. He stuffed a roll in his mouth as Hagrid happily talked about some of the animals he would be showing them. He could see the other adults watching him in amusement but he quickly forgot about them as he began to worry about some of the creatures they would be learning about in Care of Magical Creatures. He just hoped no one got attacked this year.

/

Harry made his way to the entrance doors to wait for his friends who were due to arrive any minute. He grinned broadly when the doors opened and his peers began entering the castle.

"Hey Harry!" Dean Thomas called.

"Harry, where is your Mum? Is it true that she is back?"

"Hey Harry, heard you had a great summer!"

"Harry, we want details later!"

Harry was making his way to Hermione and Ron, who were standing by the stairs beaming at him when he bumped into someone. "Sorry."

"Hi Harry," Luna smiled sweetly.

"Luna," Harry breathed. "Hey." He grinned.

"I knew you were up to something this summer," Luna said, her silvery blue eyes looking intently into his.

"Yeah, I wish I could have told you," Harry said sincerely. "I didn't want to put anyone else at risk."

"I understand," Luna assured him.

Harry's gaze fell to the large, colorful Spectrespecs that she was holding and raised an eyebrow. "Uh, new glasses?"

Luna brightened and put them on. They made her look like a strange, multicolored owl. Yet Harry found it charming on her. It was just...Luna.

"I like them," Harry told her with a grin.

"Thanks! They help make wrackspurts visible," Luna took them off and put them in her bag. She looked at Harry. "I'm so happy for you, for getting your mother back," she said quietly.

"Thank you. It's still almost unbelievable to me," Harry admitted. "But she's amazing. I want you to meet her."

Luna's eyes warmed. "I look forward to it." She leaned forward and gave Harry a hug.

Harry breathed in and noticed she smelled like citrus fruit and sunflowers. He also couldn't help but notice she fit perfectly in his arms. Automatically he smoothed back her long blonde hair. "You were right, at the end of last year." He said suddenly.

Luna pulled back, a dreamy smile on her face. "I was?"

"That things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end," Harry said.

"Harry!" Hermione and Ron were still standing by the staircase, waving him over.

Harry hesitated but Luna gave his hand a squeeze.

"I better get my bags to my room before dinner," Luna said. "See you later, Harry." She wandered away, joining other Ravenclaws headed to their dorms.

Harry watched her go, wishing they were in the same House. Then he could spend more time with her. With a sigh, he joined his friends.

"I see Luna was showing you her glasses," Ron smirked. "She's a nutter, honestly."

"No she isn't," Harry snapped.

"Ignore Ron," Hermione said dismissively. "How was the rest of your summer?"

"It was fine, despite being grounded," Harry said with a lopsided grin. "Sorry I got you guys into trouble too."

"We chose to go with you," Hermione said. "It wasn't too bad."

"Yes it was, Mum made us clean everything in the house. Even the attic!" Ron shuddered. "And then there was the lectures. I'm so disappointed, be more responsible, get the cobwebs out of your brain," He mimicked in a high pitched voice.

Harry chuckled. "Seriously, I now understand what it is like to be lectured by your parents. I definitely don't want it to happen again."

Hermione's gaze had immediately snapped to Ron at the word parents and she stomped on his foot when she saw him open his mouth. "Oops," She said brightly. She gave Ron a warning look and then focused on back on Harry. "So now that you know what it is like, you'll be keeping out of trouble this year then," She said teasingly.

Harry made a face. "Trouble just finds me," He insisted.

/

Harry broke into a grin when he entered the Great Hall and saw his mum sitting next to Severus at the Head Table. Severus, of course, was glaring as the students entered, staying in his role. His gaze landed on Harry and he gave him a look of loathing.

Harry glared back, wishing this act wasn't necessary.

"Every year I wish that bat decided to quit and go live in a cave or something," Ron said as they sat down. He met Harry's glare with wide eyes. "I'm just keeping to the act," He said innocently.

Harry rolled his eyes as they waited for the first year students to be sorted.

"Harry, is that your mum?" Lavender whispered, looking at the head table.

Harry nodded proudly.

"She looks nice," Lavender said. "Will we have her for Charms?"

"No, she's only teaching first through fourth years," Harry said.

"She's really pretty," Seamus said appreciatively. He shrugged at Harry's scowl. "Well, she is!"

After the first years were sorted, Dumbledore addressed the room. "Welcome back students! And to our first years, welcome to Hogwarts! Another year full of magical educations awaits you all. Our caretaker, Mr. Filch, wishes for you to know that there is a ban on any joke items bought at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. Also, we are looking for new Quidditch commentators. If interested, please see your Head of House. Now, as I'm sure many of you heard, we have a new member of the staff this year. I am very pleased to welcome Professor Potter, who will be teaching the first through fourth years of Charms."

Applause broke out as Lily stood, a smile on her face. There was some boos and hisses coming from the Slytherin Table but one dark look from their Head of House hushed them. Lily just rolled her eyes and was about to sit down when a Slytherin seventh year suddenly stood up with his wand pointed at her. "Sectumsempra!" He shouted.

Shouts and cries filled the room.

TBC: