When the threesome arrived outside of the hospital wing they were hardly surprised to see the three remaining marauders standing outside the door, whispering anxiously to one another.
"Do you think we should owl the Lupins?" questioned James.
Sirius shook his head. "No, better let Dumbledore do that. He'll have more information anyway."
"Right." Worry creased James' forehead. "Pete will you please stop carrying on? We all know it was an accident."
Next to him, Pettigrew's sobs muffled into the occasional sniff and hiccup.
"How is he?" Lily asked.
"We don't know yet."
Sabrina swayed again.
"Don't worry, Remus is tougher than he looks." James put a comforting arm around Sabrina and led her towards the wall. She gratefully slid down it.
"Are you two staying?" The black haired boy inquired as he sat down next to his fellow Gryffindor.
"Yes," Lily answered taking up a spot on the other side of Sabrina.
Severus didn't really want to stay but Lily was looking at him pleadingly and Sabrina was in a right state, so he settled himself by Lily's side. Black shot daggers at him, for him it seemed the feud was more important than his housemate's peace of mind.
Mary arrived about a half hour later; she had dropped potions upon returning from Christmas holidays so it had taken awhile for the news about what had happened to reach her. She sat down next to Sirius and the two of them began an intense hushed conversation. They were still whispering when Frank and Alice appeared.
"Here, Severus, you forgot this." Alice handed him a jar.
"Thank you, Alice."
"Any news?" questioned Frank.
"Nothing." Was James' answer.
The minutes ticked by slowly, the hall gradually filled with more people. It appeared the word had spread through the whole school that Lupin was seriously hurt. It didn't take Severus long to figure out he was the only Slytherin sitting at what was increasingly looking like a vigil for the Gryffindor prefect. The longer he sat there the more his discomfort grew. Most people were remarkably silent about his presence in the hallway but there were some nasty looks and whispered conversations.
He was only moments from telling Lily, he had to go when Dumbledore came sweeping down the hallway. Following closely behind him, were two people Severus could only assume were Lupin's parents. The man looked grim, his mouth set in a hard line, his tearful wife clutching his arm tightly.
James and Sirius jumped to their feet at the sight of the couple.
"Mr. and Mrs. Lupin."
"James, Sirius," the man spoke gruffly. He nodded to the spot where Pettigrew was glued to the floor.
"What are all these people doing here?" the woman asked.
James was visibly trying to keep it together so it was Sirius who answered. "We're waiting to hear how Remus is doing."
The woman's blue eyes swept the overcrowded hallway. It was as if everyone held their breath, every set of eyes was apprehensively pinned on the Lupins. Mrs. Lupin instantly burst into tears and was escorted into the hospital wing by her husband and the headmaster.
"Do you think that's a bad sign, Mrs. Lupin crying like that?" dread clung to every word from Sabrina's lips.
"No," James dropped back down by Sabrina. "She's just moved by how many people are worried about Remus."
"Why? Remus is wonderful – he's…" Sabrina's voice broke and she buried her head in her knees.
Many heads turned at the sound of the girl's hysterical sobs but Sabrina was oblivious to the attention. Lily wrapped her arms around her friend and straight away the other girl's head was buried in her shoulder, tears drenching the material of her robes.
"You really fancy him don't you?"
The head moved against her shoulder "Yes."
"Brinia, it'll be fine, Rem, is a fighter."
"He sure is." James ran his hand soothingly up and down Sabrina's back.
"Why didn't I tell him? I'm such an idiot! I thought he would figure it out but apparently he hasn't and… oh, Lil, I wouldn't, you know, with Nathaniel because of Remus. I just couldn't because I couldn't stand to with anyone…"
"I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that." Lily pulled Sabrina back and looked into her eyes, smiling brightly.
"I doubt it. Let's face it, to Remus I'm just a classmate, he probably doesn't even know I'm a girl."
James laughed lowly. "Oh, he knows you're a girl, believe me."
Sabrina turned and fixed her gaze on him. "You're sure?"
"One hundred percent," chimed in Sirius.
"Yeah, he's fancied you for ages."
Sabrina's arms went slack. "What?"
"Wormtail, will you shut up! Haven't you caused enough trouble for one day?" Sirius snapped.
"If he's fancied me for so long why hasn't he said anything?"
Everyone looked thrown. Severus could see the marauders searching for an answer that wasn't the truth. "Maybe he was waiting for you to be unattached," He supplied helpfully.
"But Nathaniel and I have been broken up for months now."
"And he probably thought you needed some time to recover. Maybe he's just trying to do the right thing."
"Yes, thank you, Severus. I'm sure you're right."
Severus nodded in response to Sabrina's smile. Lily turned slowly to look at him, her eyes darkening and lips parting slightly, her tongue slid out and licked her upper lip. He swallowed hard, it was so hard to get that look when they were in a crowd containing half the school and there was nothing he could do about it. All the others along the wall were watching them now. Merlin, was Lily edging towards him? Would it look bad if she kissed him? He didn't think he could breathe the anticipation was so great.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
Severus wasn't sure if he wanted to laugh or cry at the sound of Dumbledore's voice. The universe must really hate him. Lily repositioned herself so she was now looking towards the headmaster.
"As you know, Mr. Lupin was injured earlier today. I am happy to inform you all he will make a full recovery." A sigh of relief swept through the assembly. "Now I think it's time you all headed back to your respective common rooms."
Most of the students began to drift away, the corridor filling with the sounds of their scuffling feet and low laughter. Soon there was only a small group left, consisting of the three Marauders, Lily, Severus, Sabrina, Frank, Alice and Mary. James had attempted to get Dumbledore's attention after his announcement but the headmaster had glided down the hall talking to a relieved-looking Professor Slughorn. The three friends then put their heads together and whispered furiously back and forth for a short time, finally Sirius announced they were staying until they were allowed to see Remus or curfew came which ever came first.
Severus felt this was a good time to leave and shifted in preparation to stand, only to be stopped by Lily's hand on his leg. So he pulled his box to him and slowly began to remove the contents, thinking he would fix the hash Lily had made of his various packets and bottles. Meanwhile, she pulled out a book and began to read. The others occupied themselves in various ways, Frank and Alice snuggled down in a corner and the remaining members played a quiet card game.
Once his case had been properly put to rights Severus pulled his own book from his bag and began to read. From the corner of his eye, he caught Sabrina looking at him, she smiled at the sight of the book and Severus knew he would soon be part of a four-member book club. With a sigh, Lily laid her head on his shoulder and snuggled up close to his side. He paused only briefly to see she was comfortably settled before going back to his book. The ground beneath him seemed to grow harder as the hours rolled passed and his stomach gave a little rumble causing Lily to stifle a giggle and smile up at him.
"This is ridiculous!" Sabrina exclaimed, breaking the quiet of the hallway. "If he's going to be fine why won't they let us go in and see him? And why haven't his parents come out?"
Quick looks were exchanged before James answered seriously, "maybe they don't want to overtire him."
Sabrina's only answer was to give an exasperated huff and throw her hand of cards to the floor.
"Sabrina, maybe it would help if you took a walk and got something to eat. I could go with you and we could bring dinner back for everyone else," offered Alice.
"No, I'd rather stay here, just in case."
Frank stood up and held his hand out to his girlfriend. "Well then, Alice and I will go. Any special requests?"
Heads shook in response and after hasty assurances that the couple would return soon they disappeared into the growing darkness of the corridor. Sabrina came and sat next to Lily. "What are you reading?"
Lily wordlessly handed the book to her. Sabrina took it in her shapely hand and flipped through half-heartedly, shrugging as she gave it back to Lily. She then stretched her hand towards Severus, he wasn't that involved in the book and so willingly passed it to her.
"How is it?" she questioned after a moment.
"Some of the theories are a little outlandish but otherwise it's not a bad read."
"So, worth the price?"
"Only if you can get it in paperback, I think. You can borrow my copy if you'd like."
"Are you sure?"
"Oh, go on," Lily interjected. "Sev can share my book with me."
Sabrina looked at them clearly puzzled. Lily smiled as she said, "trust me, we do it all the time at home."
As if to demonstrate her point, Lily shifted against him until the book was perfectly positioned for them both to read. "See."
Sabrina nodded and flipped to the beginning of the book. Before Severus' eyes fell to the page in front of him they caught Black's steely grey ones. The boy was clearly angry, though for the life of him, Severus couldn't figure out why. If Black was somehow angered by his presence in the corridor then he was going to have to get over it because Severus had no intention of leaving until Lily no longer wanted his company.
They each went back to their pursuits until Alice and Frank returned with several baskets of food.
"Here, we just went to the kitchen and asked the house elves for food, so it's not the usual dinner fare," Frank stated as he put one of the baskets on the floor.
Did everyone know how to get in the kitchen but him? Severus wondered.
Severus was half tempted to ask Lily how to do it but she and everyone else, were gathering around the food. The mood became a little more relaxed and there were even a few bursts of laughter mixing with the light chatter. Severus picked the book up from the ground, thinking he would skim the beginning, it had been a long time since he had read any Austen and Persuasion had never been one of his favourites to begin with so he didn't remember many of the details.
"Sev," Lily's voice interrupted him after only a few paragraphs. "Come and eat something."
He didn't move his eyes from the page in front of him. "Not hungry."
"Um hum, and that's why your stomach was growling earlier."
He turned the page before he answered, "You must have been hearing things. I assure you, I'm fine."
"And I'm the Queen of Sheba."
Oh, how he wanted to smile, she had to know the answer he was going to give. It was the same one he had given since she had first thrown that quip at him years ago, the first time she had really laughed for him and called him Sev. Looking up slyly, he gave her a brief half smile. "Pleasure to meet you, your majesty. I'm Severus Snape."
Just as he had known she would, Lily burst out laughing, her eyes twinkling at him. "You're a smart ass. So get it over here and eat or I'll take the book."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me."
He knew everyone was watching them. He and Lily generally reserved their banter for when they were alone. It was a private thing for him, their inside jokes and teases, but this once he couldn't resist. On some level he knew it was because he was trying to rub Potter's nose in how close he and Lily were, to show him they had things that were just their own. On another, it was just about him and the girl opposite, showing her he could be what she wanted, the Severus he was over the summer.
He closed the book with a huff and placed it on the floor, crossing to sit down next to her.
"Here, I already made you a plate." She passed him an overloaded dish.
"You are so Violet's daughter."
Lily giggled softly and dug into her own food, talking to Alice and Sabrina between bites. It was an extraordinarily uncomfortable moment for him, what he had imagined the last Hogsmeade weekend would be like. He thought about going back for the book but didn't want Potter and his crew to figure out how ill at ease he was. Mostly the other boys were talking about quidditch, hardly surprising since three of them were on the Gryffindor team.
After every morsel of food had been eaten Frank disappeared stating since Remus was indisposed he supposed he was going to have to take his patrol duty. There was a small amount of snickering when Alice left with him. But the group soon settled down into their previous activities. It must have been about a half hour before curfew when the door to the hospital wing swung open and the Lupins walked out. The three marauders and Sabrina instantly sprang to their feet.
"How is he?" questioned James.
The man smiled, his brown eyes crinkling up at the corners. "He's a little worse for the wear but we're assured he'll be back to his old self in a few days."
"Can we see him?" Black was practically bouncing with pent up energy.
"I'm not sure if that's wise. He needs rest, Sirius."
"We'll be quiet Mrs. L, promise."
"Well, he was asking for the three of you."
Sabrina's face fell a little at the news but it appeared no one else noticed as Mrs. Lupin continued, "I suppose if you are very quiet and stay only a short while then it's alright with me."
Two of the boys beamed at her. "Thanks Mrs. L. Come on Pete, Remus will want to know you didn't blow yourself to kingdom come." Sirius grabbed the smaller boy's hand and pulled him into the room.
The Lupins watched fondly for a second before the man smiled at the women. "Let's go home, Hope, you could stand a little rest yourself."
Mrs. Lupin nodded and smiled at her husband, before turning to her son's friend. "James, try not to let him do anything else too crazy this term."
"Believe me Mrs. L, I think after this Pete is done with potions."
"Good news for us all," Severus muttered in Lily's ear.
The Lupins exchanged a quick goodbye with Potter before disappearing down the hall. Once they left James turned to the remaining students. "Are you all coming in?"
Severus noted that Potter's eyes darted towards him, concern briefly etching his features. He didn't know if Lily saw or if she had her own reasons for the answer she gave.
"It's probably best if Rem doesn't have too many visitors right now. You and Brina go and I'll come see him tomorrow."
"Mary?"
"I think I'll go back to the common room with Lily, but tell Remus I hope he feels better soon."
"Sounds good. Come on Sabrina."
Sabrina hesitated then said, "maybe I should wait."
"Nonsense, he'll be thrilled to see you. Go." Lily pushed her friend lightly on the back. The two entered the room and Lily turned back towards Mary. "You don't have to wait. Sev and I can clean up and take the baskets back to the kitchen."
Mary looked put out but left all the same.
"Thanks for staying, Sev, I know you didn't want to."
Severus shrugged and piled the last of the dinner debris in a basket, before following Lily down to the dungeons and watching in fascination as she tickled the pear in a picture of fruit. They returned the baskets of contraband to a flock of over-exuberant house elves.
"Do you want me to walk you back?"
"No, it's almost curfew and I wouldn't want you to get in any trouble."
"Alright. Good-night, Lil."
"Night, Sev. I'll see you tomorrow." She waved back at him as she bounded up the stairs.
A fortnight later found Severus heading towards the Great Hall for dinner, relieved that it appeared he would actually have the evening to himself. Maybe he would hunt up Lily and see if she wanted to spend the night with him, perhaps go down and brew a potion for fun or just sit and talk. Even though Black and Potter had been a pain since the night in the corridor outside the hospital wing he was in a remarkably good mood. This was probably because he was becoming increasingly confident he would be the one to win Lily.
There was a definite spring in his step as he descended the stairs. After spending countless hours debating with himself, he had reached a command decision. He was done with this insanity and indecisiveness, the next time Lily gave him the look he was going to grab her and kiss her and he didn't care if everyone in school was watching. He could only hope he didn't falter when the moment came and prayed it came soon.
He was three steps from the bottom of the staircase when he felt someone brush against him and a hand slip into his pocket. He glanced around for Lily and thought he saw a flash of dark red hair passing into the Great Hall but wasn't entirely sure. Severus wondered why Lily would give him a note when she could have just stayed and spoken to him, as he pulled the scrap of parchment from his pocket and read the scribbled letter.
Sev,
I've figured out how to get into the Shrieking Shack. Poke the knothole on the trunk with a stick.
Severus shook his head in amusement, he could have told Lily that after the debacle set up by those stupid prat Gryffindors in fourth year. He didn't know why he had kept his mouth shut about the whole thing. He suspected it was because he and Lily had already been having problems and she was always so quick to defend Lupin. Plus, she had insulted Potter when he had hinted about the incident, for Severus that was enough at the time. He supposed he kept quiet now because it was none of his business, sooner or later fate would catch up with that lot, he just had to sit back and enjoy the show.
He stuffed the note back into his pocket as he entered the Great Hall. Severus was puzzled when he didn't see Lily at the Gryffindor table, but figured she had been going in the opposite direction for some reason and that's why she had slipped him the note. Since Lily wasn't there, it didn't matter to him where he sat, so he slid onto the very end bench at the Slytherin table, pausing to returning Black's dirty look with one of his own.
Severus didn't have any idea what was wrong with Black these days. He could understand why Potter didn't like him and antagonized him at every available opportunity. But Black? Severus supposed it was possible Severus now fancied Lily himself, though he had assumed Black and Potter were to close to pursue the same girl. But then, it appeared Sirius had gone through just about every other available girl in Hogwarts, so perhaps Lily was the only option left to that wanker of a Gryffindor. If that were the case maybe the two best friends could take one another out of the running, leaving him alone and blameless. The more Severus thought about the idea the more he liked it.
He cheerfully opened his Charms book and began to read, absentmindedly working his way through a helping of Sheppard's Pie. After four pages, several forkfuls of food and constant glances at the Gryffindor table his interest in dinner died. His mind could only concentrate on one thing, where was Lily? Everyone in her normal group was sitting at the table laughing and joking, so clearly no one needed her help.
And why the note about such a pointless thing? That was the type of insignificant information she would normally save until they next saw one another. Severus pulled the note out of his pocket. Trying to puzzle out why Lily would feel such an urgent need to share the information.
Several minutes of staring produced no revelation. Sighing he started to thrust the parchment back into his pocket. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of black. He turned the paper over swiftly and his question was answered.
Meet me there tonight at 7. You need some rest and it would be a good place to hide.
Lily
Great. Severus knew he had to figure out some way to tell her this was absolutely the only time they could ever meet in the shack. It wouldn't do to be there at the wrong time of the month, though perhaps seeing would be believing, because he knew, in his gut, the other three Marauders joined Lupin in the shack every a month. How they managed to do so without getting bitten or killed he couldn't figure out. And finding out was not worth the risk it would take to uncover the mystery.
Severus supposed telling Lily the truth about what really happened in fourth year was an option, but somehow he knew it would sound as if he was merely being petty. No matter what anyone else said he had less than no doubt Potter and Black had planned the event together. There was no way Potter was going to come and voluntarily save his life without some ulterior motive, no matter what Lily thought. Maybe there was a way to half-tell her. Perhaps he could say he had gone down the tunnel and heard Lupin but Potter had stopped him in time. He quickly dismissed the notion, convinced it would make him sound like a prying tattletale. The only other reason he could think of to get them away from the shack was to tell Lily that the place gave him the creeps, which would be pretty close to the truth.
Severus pulled his pocket watch out and looked down at the face. It was already six-forty. He stuffed the book back into his bag; maybe he could beat her there and persuade her to go somewhere else tonight. Sighing, he slung the bag over his shoulder, noticing Avery was watching him closely from his place down the table. Really the endless observation was getting tiring but he hoped that the constant scrutiny meant his invitation would be rescinded soon. He quickly glanced over towards the table on the other side of the room, just to be certain Lily hadn't appeared while his attention was diverted.
She was nowhere in sight. Nor was Remus Lupin for that matter, but then the prefect hadn't been at many meals since his injury. It appeared to Severus that the boy was becoming increasingly melancholy. No one else seemed to understand Lupin's abrupt slid into dejection. The marauders were on a constant practical joke spree in the effort to turn him around. While Lily had come back from her visit to the hospital wing huffing about what an idiot Remus was and how she didn't understand him. Severus suspected the change had to do with Sabrina and the piece of information that had been blurted out by Pettigrew in the corridor. Strangely, Severus found himself sympathizing with Lupin, it had to be worse than wretched to know the girl you fancied, fancied you back and yet there was nothing you could do about it. Even he was better off than that.
Severus felt there was little point dwelling on Lupin's predicament, it wasn't as if he could fix the other boy's love life, he could barely handle his own. Though it did make him grateful for the fact that he would be able to spend some time alone with Lily, something he suspected Remus longed to do with Tattington. And if it he was lucky tonight would be the night he finally kissed Lily, though he couldn't think of a less romantic spot than the Shrieking Shack for a first kiss. Maybe they could go for a walk afterward, it was nice and warm out, the ground was dry and the moon was…full.
Oh Merlin, the moon was full! Severus' heart stopped. All he could do was stare at the pale yellow orb climbing the sky. He had never been so petrified in all his life, he tried to will his legs to move but they wouldn't. Lily would be in the shack soon with a transformed Lupin, he could bite her or worse. A picture of him sobbing over Lily's lifeless body flashed through Severus' mind. He knew he should go for help, find a professor or the headmaster but by the time they got to the building it could be too late. He knew had no choice but to go himself and help her, together maybe they could stop Lupin before anything to bad happened.
Severus ripped the bag from his shoulder, tossed it to the ground and began to run. His feet pounded against the ground as a thousand thoughts flew through his head. There were few spells that could take down a full-fledged werewolf and leave the person alive and he couldn't think of even one of them. For the first time in his life Severus' head was completely empty, his brain turned to mush. The only spells he could remember were his own Sectumsempra, who knew how effective that would be, and Avada Kedavra, something he had never done before and didn't really think he had in him.
The Whomping Willow was already in a severely agitated state when he arrived, Severus hoped that meant he wasn't too far behind Lily. A constant prayer ran through his head, please let me stop her before she gets in, please let me reach her. Picking a stick up off the ground, he prodded at several of the knotholes, unable to remember which one stopped the thing. He was ready to scream in frustration when at long last the tree stilled.
From far off in the distance Severus heard the shout of a distinctly masculine voice. Who it was, he didn't care, all he cared about was reaching Lily. The only thoughts in Severus' head as he slid into the opening were that he wanted to reach the girl he loved and Heaven better help whichever one of those moronic imbeciles had opened their mouths and told Lily how to get into the shack, because he was going to kill them.
The tunnel was narrow and dark, it wasn't as bad as it was in the nightmares that still plagued him from time to time, but it was bad enough, and he had to run cautiously to avoid tripping and falling. Far ahead of him, a blood-curdling scream ripped through the air, his fear increased, threatening to overwhelm him. For a split second, Severus debated trying to apparate into the building but had to assume any protections that were on the school were also on the shack. So he ran faster, barely slowing when he heard a shout resounding from the opening under the willow.
Whoever it was would either have to follow him and help or go back to the school. Another agonizing scream reached his ears, he thought this one sounded vaguely feminine. Oh God, Lily. Was he too late? He told himself as long as she was alive nothing else mattered, if she had been bitten and was a werewolf now then they would find a way to deal with that.
"Snape!…Snape, stop!"
Severus swung around so quickly his hair whipped him across the face. "Potter," he hissed.
The boy pulled up in front of him, panting heavily. "You have to get out of here."
"Not on your life." Severus turned again, he didn't have time to deal with whatever kind of game Potter was playing.
"Snape!" James reached out and grabbed his arm. "He'll kill you."
"As if you care."
"I won't let Remus become a murderer."
"So you'll stop me but leave Lily?"
Severus heard the other boy's breath hitch. "What are you talking about?"
"Lily's in there you ass! Now let me go!"
"No! Go back, get some help. I'll handle Remus."
"How?"
"I have my ways. Severus, go and if you see Sirius tell him to get his ass down here!"
Severus' eyes narrowed. "You planned this didn't you? Just like last time! If you think I'm going to let Lily die because of your stupidity you have another thing coming to you!"
"Snape! I didn't plan this! Now go get, Dumbledore!" A tortured scream sounded above them. "There's no time to argue! Go!" James shoved Severus forcibly down the tunnel.
As much as Severus didn't want to let James go save Lily by himself, he knew the boy had to have a skill he himself did not possess. So, he ran back down the tunnel, hoping whatever trick Potter had up his sleeve he did it well, because if anything happened to Lily, Severus would never forgive that messy haired, cocky-ass, prat.
As he ran the length of the passage, fear was replaced by guilt, this was his fault. He should have spoken up in fourth year, should have told someone what had happened. But who was going to take the word of a Slytherin over that of a Gryffindor, especially those Gryffindors? He tried to cheer himself with the thought that after this they would all be expelled but what difference would that make if Lily was gone?
None. It wouldn't matter at all. If Lily was gone he wouldn't care a fig if Potter and Black stayed at Hogwarts or not. He had to get to Dumbledore, somehow the headmaster would fix everything, he had to be the most powerful wizard alive if You-Know-Who was afraid of him.
Up ahead, moonlight was streaming through the opening at the base of the willow. He was completely out of breath, but knew his race was just beginning. Severus wondered if it was a good sign that not a peep had been heard from behind him since he and Potter had parted company. He wanted to believe it was because James had gotten up there in time and not because both he and Lily were now dea... He couldn't even think the word. Severus swore to himself that if James Potter saved Lily's life he wouldn't do a thing to him for the whole rest of the term, maybe longer.
Severus scrambled up out of the hole. There was an agonizing stitch in his side and a branch of the tree caught him squarely in the back as he emerged from the opening, momentarily knocking the wind out of him. On instinct, he covered his head, curled up in a ball and rolled. Who knew there would be perks to Tobias' treatment? Once he was confident he was clear of the tree, Severus sprang to his feet. Out across the meadow he could see a figure sprinting towards him, Black.
At the sight of Severus, the other boy skidded to a halt. "Snape."
"Potter told me to tell you to get your ass in there."
Black started "Shit! Where are you going?"
"To get Dumbledore."
"I wouldn't."
"Yeah, well I don't care what you think. Go help Potter, because so help me, if Lily dies." Severus didn't have time to debate with this wanker
Black threw back his head and let out a bark like laugh. "Come off it, Snivellus, Evans is perfectly safe."
Comprehension dawned swiftly then. "You son of a…you planned this all!" Severus balled his hand into a fist and let it fly, welcoming the sickening sound of flesh hitting bone.
He knew he shouldn't be doing this, even if Black had somehow passed his survival secret onto Lily or told her where to hide, she could still be in terrible danger. How Black had managed to pass this information onto Lily and not give away Lupin's secret and persuaded her to lure Severus to the shack he couldn't figure. Unless Black had hexed her or passed her a potion to make Lily do what he wished.
Black's fist hit the side of his head and Severus fell to the ground, pulling the Gryffindor down with him. The two were now rolling around on the ground, all thoughts of wands or magic forgotten, their fists landing wherever they could on the other person. Severus didn't stop even when the sound of pounding footsteps reached him. He was going to kill Sirius Black and to hell with the consequences.
"Severus Snape, stop that this instant!"
His fist stopped in mid-air. Rolling over he saw the most furious, beautiful green eyes looking back at him. "Lily?"
