I have issues with writing short responses to reviews if you can't tell. Sorry for the painfully long A/N and thanks, as always, for the reviews! I was able to join Pottermore so hopefully I'll receive a welcome email soon and be inspired to make this story even better. A note about this chapter: JKR said that the Death Eaters were formerly called the Knights of Walpurgis. My version might be slightly different, but they're similar enough groups that I decided to use the same name. Instead of being the exact same group, the Death Eaters from this fanfic sort of evolved from the Knights of Walpurgis, but the Knights of Walpurgis group still exists.

nascently- I don't think it's the main reason she went out with him, but I can see it being one reason, or at least see her viewing it as a bonus. I see Lily somewhat like Harry: even though they are basically good people, they're still human. After feeling betrayed by her best friend, Lily probably felt a variety of emotions and I wouldn't be at all surprised if spite was one of them. She may have felt guilt too, but I imagine at least some part of her would be glad to see Severus feel just as hurt as she did the day he called her a Mudblood.

ChildlikeEmpress-I usually just answer questions, but I couldn't resist responding to this because I recently thought a lot about it, and as much as I would love Snape to be with Lily and just be happy, I don't think he would be my favorite character if he were. When we were first introduced to him, he was just a bitter Potions Master and I love that we were able to find out that he was so much more than that. The story behind a perfectly happy Potions Master and his happy family doesn't seem as interesting, so maybe that's why they're unable to accomplish it. I like Snape because he's complicated and misunderstood, and just because of his entire story. He lost his best friend/woman he loved because of one mistake and spent the rest of his life paying for it. His love for one person was enough to make him change his ways. If it had all worked out for him, he just wouldn't be the same Snape.

bluecanary- This is a ridiculously long reply, but you're absolutely right about Sev and Lily. I'm definitely planning on following through on the victim angle as Severus continues to explore his darker 're also right about Lily. Third year will mainly be the year of her turning a blind eye against Severus's darker side and making excuses for him, but there will be a few disagreements that will become increasingly common, especially during fourth and fifth years. Thanks for the suggestion about the narration. Younger Sev's dialogue is actually one of the more difficult things for me to write just because we're used to JKR's Snape and it's more challenging to picture him as a child. Originally, I was going to have him sound more mature than Lily, but then I decided I wanted him and Lily to sound somewhat similar at first, and use his speech as one example of the Slytherin influence. The more time he spends with the Slytherins, mainly Lucius, he'll become more polished in speech and manner, and more like JKR's Snape. I agree that the Slytherins would be displeased, but like you said, I haven't had time to really show that yet other than the train incident since it's still the first week of third year. I wanted the first two years to show Severus and Lily's friendship at the highest point, without too much backlash to ruin it, which is one reason why I waited until the end of second year for the war. With the war, disgust against Muggle-borns is obviously intensified, and I wanted to use that to strain their friendship and force them to grow up. I don't really want to rush and suddenly have a Slytherin ultimatum. I'm having Severus's skill at dark magic play a role in that as a partial explanation of why they haven't tormented him too much for being friends with Lily, but things will...definitely become more intense. I don't want to explain too much without giving away the story, but don't worry, I promise, it will be obvious that the Slytherins highly disapprove as the year/war continues. I'm trying to slowly build up the Lily/Sev and Sev/Slytherin conflict for an extremely dramatic and angsty fifth year. Ugh, I don't know if I should answer your last question or not, but there will be at least one kiss by the end of fifth year. That's all I can say.

Anonymous- Lately, I've been updating at random times because I've been insanely busy, but usually I try to update by 1PM Pacific/4PM Eastern. Last week was slightly crazy, but I'll try to get back to updating around that time every other day, or at least every three days.

RoseAngel16- Sorry, but this fanfic is canon. Lily will eventually end up with James and Severus will go on to have a miserable life.

Chapter Thirty-Six- The Knights of Walpurgis

1973

The moment Severus shuffled into the Slytherin common room, he was accosted by Regulus Black.

"Did you really make Potter's head swell up to the size of one of Hagrid's pumpkins?"

Severus didn't especially care for Regulus. Along with being unfortunate enough to have Sirius as a brother, he had the fault of being an irritating tag along. While the rest of the old pure blood families seemed to be born with a cool demeanor and elegant poise, Regulus reminded Severus of an overeager puppy that wouldn't shut up.

But a second look at Regulus's awestruck brown eyes reminded Severus why he put up with the youngest Black.

"Frankly," Severus said, his lip curling. "I couldn't tell the difference."

That was an exaggeration, but there was no need to inform Regulus. Severus's itch to hex Potter had only intensified ever since the Quidditch hero had made his feelings for Lily clear. When he had caught Potter and Black hexing Audrey Bertram's head to twice its size, Severus thought it only reasonable to return the favor.

Severus also decided that it was unnecessary to mention that Black had countered with a more than slightly effective jinx of his own.

"Clarence Stebbins told me that a first year took one look at Potter and burst into tears!" Regulus said excitedly.

"I don't blame her," said Severus coolly, but his lip curved further at the image. It would have been a perfect picture, if only Regulus would stop talking. Severus shot an annoyed look at the prattling second year, who was currently spouting off some nonsense about curses.

"I'm going to sleep," Severus announced curtly. He could only tolerate Regulus in small doses. He couldn't understand why he actually enjoyed listening to Lily's chatter when he could barely stand Regulus's babbling.

"Already?" Regulus frowned. "We could play a game. Do you like Gobstones?"

Severus was not in the mood to feign affability. "No."

"Wizard's chess?"

Before Regulus could persist, Severus quickly turned on his heel and headed toward his dormitory, eager to escape before he landed himself in a nightlong tournament. But just as he reached the end of the common room, Rabastan barreled into him.

"Sorry," Severus muttered as he leapt aside, even though the collision was obviously the elder boy's fault. It was unwise to irritate a Lestrange.

But Rabastan didn't say a word. He discreetly slipped Severus a thick piece of parchment and continued on, not sparing him a second glance. Severus paused for a second, watching the sixth year glide confidently across the room as if he owned the entire castle. It was startling how much he resembled his brother in manner.

Severus knew better than to instantly tear into the note. He waited until he reached his dormitory, but was sorry to find that the others were there, clustered together on the floor. But before he could tuck it away, Wilkes's eyes landed on his hands.

"Snape got one too!"

"Got what?" Severus asked hesitantly, unwillingly selecting a spot at the edge of their huddle. He was annoyed to discover that the other four were holding similar looking messages. Since he seemed to be the one with the most run-ins with the elder Slytherins, he had been expecting to be the only one.

"Read it!" Mulciber said impatiently.

Severus was miffed at Mulciber's demanding tone, but he was more than eager to rip open the mysterious parchment. He did so and was disappointed to find that it had become even more mystifying once opened. "'The Knights of Walpurgis'?" Severus read aloud, looking up from the flowing script. "Well, what does it mean?"

"You don't know?" Rosier was incredulous.

"Obviously. That's why I asked," Severus snapped, aggravated that even Avery had the gall to eye him with disbelief.

"The Knights of Walpurgis are one of the most exclusive secret groups," Mulciber said importantly, unabashed pride oozing into his voice as he lifted his chin to an imperious angle. "Usually only legacies are invited. Pure blood legacies."

"Then how did you expect me to know?" Severus folded the parchment into a neat square, satisfied that there was an explanation for Avery's invitation. He knew that Mulciber's heavy emphasis on pure blood was meant to degrade him, but instead, Severus was pleased that he was the only one to be invited due to something other than obligation.

"Your mum was a Prince," Mulciber shrugged carelessly. "I suppose that's why they allowed you. Prince was one of the originals."

"And what do the Knights of Walpurgis do?"

"I don't know," Mulciber confessed with visible reluctance. "It's a tradition we first meet on Halloween night. I expect they'll explain everything then."

"What time?" asked Wilkes curiously. "And where?"

"I don't know," Mulciber repeated sharply. "But they'll find us when it's time."

Despite his ominous words, Severus felt a glimmer of satisfaction, glad that he wasn't the only one in the dark. A second look at the others told him that they were just as uncertain. It seemed that their superior blood status was hardly the advantage that Mulciber so blatantly thought it was.

"But I do know that nearly every Death Eater has been a Knight," Mulciber lowered his voice meaningfully, his slitted eyes flickering to each individual. "You-Know-Who favors them."

A shiver ran down Severus's spine, but he couldn't tell whether it was from trepidation or excitement. The feeling seemed mutual. Features tightened, eyes narrowed, deep in contemplation. There was a sudden stillness, so thick with tension, that the dormitory was nearly unbearable.

"Don't forget it's a secret group," Rosier said brusquely, unexpectedly shattering the taut silence as if he, too, could no longer endure it. "That means you can't tell your Mudblood."

Without warning, four pairs of accusing eyes flew to Severus. They were all waiting for him to crack, for a hint of betrayal. He had come so far, but suddenly, Severus was back to where he had begun.

Severus was beginning to wonder if he could have both after all.

"I can keep a secret," Severus said tersely, unable to keep the edge from his voice. His black eyes were cold and piercing as he determinedly met their scathing gazes, as if daring anyone to question him.

No one did.

Severus glanced down at the parchment again, absentmindedly tracing his finger over the engraved lettering. He had a feeling that it was only a matter of time.

1973

The first Hogsmeade trip took place in early October. It was even more wonderful than Lily had imagined it to be. The picturesque village boasted a variety of shops, and not unlike Hogswarts, it had the magical atmosphere that Lily had come to love dearly. It was as if the wizarding world sparkled with fairy dust. Everything seemed brighter. It almost seemed to glisten under the shimmering sunlight.

But Lily was unable to fully enjoy Hogsmeade when her sulking shadow had barely graced the village with a faint nod. She glanced briefly at Severus, unable to keep a frown from tugging at her lips. Over the last week or so, he had been even more pensive than usual, refusing to smile even once. Whenever Lily questioned him, his lips would purse and he would shrug the matter away.

"What about a butterbeer, Sev?" Lily said brightly, noticing they were in front of the Three Broomsticks. "I'll pay. Marlene told me it's supposed to be really good."

Severus stiffened. "I don't need you to pay."

"Friends pay for each other all the time," Lily said, instantly regretting her choice of words. From the way Severus's dark eyes flashed, she could tell that he was reliving all the times she had paid for him. "Really, Sev, it doesn't matter. Consider it payment for helping me pass Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"You don't need to pay me," Severus said shortly. "I thought we were friends."

"We are! I only meant…" Lily's voice trailed off and she suddenly felt annoyed that he had to be so difficult. "You know what I meant."

"I don't need your pity, Lily."

"It's not pity. Either you'll accept a butterbeer like a normal best friend would or I'll pour it on your head," Lily said fiercely. "Your choice, Sev."

A brief expression of amusement passed over Severus's features. It had been scarcely noticeable, but Lily was enormously relieved to see that it had been there. "Fine."

"Good choice," Lily said cheerily, pretending not to notice his grumble. She pasted a sunny smile on her face and led him inside.

The Three Broomsticks was already bustling, and a quick survey of the cozy room revealed several familiar faces. Marlene, Alice, and Mary were crowded around one table, contentedly sipping butterbeers. The Marauders were at a corner table, eagerly poring over an astonishing amount of Zonko's products, some of them suspiciously resembling banned items. While there were many others that Lily had seen roaming the corridors of Hogwarts, she was pleased to note that none of them seemed to be Slytherins. She guessed that they were at the Hog's Head. Marlene had strongly advised her to stay away from that place.

A few minutes later, they were settled in a corner table, far from the Marauders, drinks in hand. Simultaneously, they lifted their foaming butterbeers into the air. Before the hot liquid could touch her lips, Lily hesitated, her green eyes watching Severus's reaction intently. As he swallowed, his verdict was impossible to decipher.

"It's good," Severus said grudgingly, but for a moment, his black eyes seemed to twinkle as he observed her untouched drink. "Considering the fact that I'm not spitting it out, I would say it's safe to try it."

Lily made a face at him, but she gingerly tasted her own butterbeer. After the first tentative sip, she discovered that she had an instant liking for the butterscotch-like flavor and promptly gulped it down. "I like it!"

"I can tell," said Severus, his lips twitching.

Setting her drained glass on the table, Lily eagerly sat up, feeling considerably more awake. She clapped her hands together in anticipation. "What do you want to do after this? Zonko's? Honeydukes? Ohh, we have to visit the Shrieking Shack! It's the most haunted building in Britain."

"Nothing with sugar," Severus answered, watching her in mild alarm.

Lily glowered at him. Most of her sudden excitement had to do with Severus's lightened mood. He wasn't quite the same, but at least she could now see an echo of her best friend. "Hurry up and finish your drink, Sev."

But once they were out in the crisp October air, Lily was disappointed to see that Severus had returned to his former state, black eyes distant, lips pressed tightly together in a thin line. She tried to continue with her usual chatter, but it wasn't much fun when he was barely listening to her.

"You're doing it again," Lily told him with a trace of impatience.

"What?" Severus said absently.

"Thinking."

Severus's attention focused on her. "Am I not allowed to think?"

"Not that sort of thinking. A different thinking," Lily said, struggling to find the right words. "Like you're thinking about something that's worrying you. It's like you're not even here because you're too busy thinking of whatever it is that's bothering you."

"You do realize that made no sense whatsoever?" Severus raised an eyebrow.

"I thought it did," Lily frowned slightly, feeling foolish. "Never mind."

"Lily-" Severus began, something in his voice changing. It was no less serious than usual, but there was an almost pleading note. His expression was one that Lily recognized. It was the same one he wore when he had told her about his father, when he, rather reluctantly but so desperately needed, to confess something.

Lily looked at him hopefully. The sooner he told her, the sooner the strange, unfamiliar distance between them would vanish.

But Severus shook his head as if he had thought better of it. "Never mind."

Lily tore her bright green eyes away from him and focused ahead. Their footsteps noticeably heavier, they slowly trudged toward the Shrieking Shack, neither of them able to utter a word.