Previous disclaimers apply.

Severus was awoken by Sebastian early in the morning.

"Severus. Hey Severus, wake up!" His bunkmate shook him softly. "Wake up!"

"Holmes? What is it? What time is it?"

"It's time to get up! Today's the big day!" Sebastian smirked as he pulled the covers off of him. "Come on! Up and at them!"

Severus growled as he knew he wasn't going to get any more sleep. He yawned as he stretched his arms. "Merlin! I think I only slept for six hours?"

Sebastian looked at him. "Too restless?"

"Something like that." Severus got up and went over to his closet to retrieve his Quidditch Uniform.

A quick shower later, Severus was all dressed up in his Slytherin Quidditch attire. Sebastian joined him as he got his broom, a Cleensweep 3, and they went out of their room to their common room.

Before they could step foot into the common room, they heard Mulciber Jr shouting at Severus.

"Hold it right there Snape!"

Severus and Sebastian grimaced as he came over to confront them, and he wasn't alone. He was flanked by Avery and Rosier.

"Mulciber, can't you see that we are trying to get to the Quidditch pitch?" Sebastian asked him, as he tied his hair into a ponytail.

"Well, can't you see I don't give a damn?! I want that broom, Snape! I want it now!"

Severus crossed his arms, "Well too bad! You can't have it! Besides, I don't even have it on me! It's in good hands. Far away from here!"

Mulciber was about to pull his wand out, Avery and Rosier were doing the same. "Don't try it."

They all turned around to see Pontifex Parkinson walk over towards them. On each side of them were Crabbe and Goyle, the Slytherin Beaters.

Pontifex rubbed his chin, "Crabbe and Goyle here, have been waiting all summer to crack the heads of rival Quidditch players. But if you threaten to ruin the season for them, by going after our seeker. They might start closer to home."

Crabbed and Goyle took three wide steps forward towards Mulciber Jr. However, he wasn't backing down. His fists clenched, "This ain't your fight Parkinson! Walk away! Now!"

Pontifex leaned in close to Mulciber and whispered. "I'm making it my fight. Do something about it, or walk away."

The tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Thankfully, it didn't boil over as Lucius came over to gather his teammates. "What's going on here? Come on, we need to get a hearty breakfast before our game!"

"Ian here was trying to take Severus' broom from him, and Parkinson intervened," Sebastian explained to his captain.

"Ian, stand down," Lucius commanded him. "You aren't taking Snape's broom, not now. Not ever."

Mulciber Jr took a while, but he stepped back away from Pontifex.

"Pontifex, please do the same."

"No." Pontifex glanced over at Lucius. "I don't take orders from you." Pontifex yawned as he stretched his arms. "Luckily for you, I need to head out early to get the good seats." He bumped shoulders with Lucius as he left.

Lucius glared at Pontifex before turning back to his teammates. "Come along everyone. A spot of breakfast before victory."

Lucius led his team towards the exit, and Sebastian got a parting shot off at Mulciber Jr. "Eat a cock, you deranged lunatic!"

Mulciber snarled as he kicked over a flowerpot containing a wilting rosebush.

Eileen woke up feeling a bit sore. She opened her eyes to see that she was naked. Her thoughts drifted to the night before, and a flush came over her cheeks.

She heard a slight snore and turned her head to see Silas asleep next to her. Eileen studied her lover's face carefully. The sharpness of his face was lessened whilst he was asleep. He looked like he hadn't a care in the world.

Eileen knew that today was Severus' first Quidditch game, and she had to get up to get ready. But, that was later. For now, she really didn't want to get up out of bed. Instead, she embraced Silas and cuddled up to him.

A groan from Silas told her that he was awake. "Good morning Leena," Silas yawned as he used her nickname to address her.

"Good morning yourself. So, how did you sleep?" Eileen flashed a grin as she laid her head on top of his chest.

"Incredible. I hadn't slept like that in ages," He put an arm around Eileen's neck, and held her close.

She glanced over at the clock at her bedside. It read, Nine thirty-two. "Damn, I overslept."

Eileen regretfully left Silas' side as she rose up from the bed. Silas marveled at her beauty. He sat up in bed. He watched as she ran a shower for herself. Silas knew that above anything else, he wanted to be with Eileen for the rest of his days.

Silas looked at the clock. "Where are you off to?"

Eileen looked over at Silas who was still in bed. "Severus' first Quidditch match. I'm attending it with my brother, and my father." She saw the shower was ready. "Would you care to join me?"

Silas gave a wry smile, "You ask that as if you don't know the answer." He got up from the bed, and strode over to Eileen and joined her in the shower.

After a long time getting 'clean' they both got dressed. Silas was about to put on the wrinkled shirt he took off the floor when Eileen gave him a clean shirt.

"Thank you." Silas gave his love a quaint smile.

Eileen shook her head. "I've kept a few of Tobias' shirts as a keepsake, but I think he wouldn't mind lending it to you."

"Thank you, Eileen," Silas put it on, and made himself look presentable.

Eileen herself got dressed in a green jumper and a pair of black pants. "Would you like to accompany me to the Quidditch Game?"

"Eileen, I'd love to, but…" Silas took a second to button his last button. "I have something important I need to get done. Something, that until last night, I never thought I would consider."

Eileen looked a tad bit concerned but knew if it was important to Silas, it had to get done. "Well, all right. It might be for the best, I wouldn't want Severus or Sam to get the wrong idea about us."

"When do you want to tell them?" Silas asked her, "About us I mean?"

"Soon," She began to comb her long black hair. "During their Christmas break. I think that would be best."

"That sounds great. Speaking of Christmas, would you like to spend it over at Applewood Manor with my family and I?"

Eileen looked over at him. "That sounds delightful!"

"Really? I mean, wouldn't you want to spend that time with Savion, and your father?"

Eileen grimaced at spending time with her father. She then glanced at Silas and gave him a smirk, "Are you saying you want to spend less time with me as it is?"

Silas' cheeks flushed, "No! I mean…I was just…" Eileen interrupted Silas' stammering with a deep kiss. They kept it up for a few second before separating. "He can deal without you for at least another Christmas."

Eileen smiled and finished brushing her hair. Although she was not looking forward to spending time with her father today, at least it was time spent supporting Severus at his first Quidditch game.

Severus and Sebastian left breakfast a little bit earlier than the rest of their teammates. They met up at the Grand Staircase where Sam was waiting with Lily and some of the others. Michael had gone ahead with Nate earlier to help him prepare for the match.

Lily gave Severus a kiss and handed him the Sigma. "Are you excited about your first Quidditch game today?"

"I'm a bit nervous actually Lily," Severus admitted to his girlfriend. "I mean…what if this entire thing was a mistake? What if I'm not good?"

"What if you're panicking because your nerves are getting the better of you?" Lily queried as she pulled out a vial of a calming draft. "Here, I made this for you. This should steel your nerves."

Severus took a breath and downed the vial. He grimaced at the gritty taste but managed to get it down.

Sam put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry Sev, you'll do great, win or lose!"

Severus could feel his anxiety leave his body. His resolve now returned, he grasped his broomstick. "All right, let's do this!"

The United walked with him and Sebastian to the Quidditch Pitch. They arrived at the Slytherin locker room, where they had to separate for the time being.

Severus and Sebastian went into the locker room to get ready for the first match of the year. He sat down in front of his locker and began to mentally prepare himself.

"Snape? A moment of your time?"

Severus looked up to see Lucius looking down at him. "What is it, Lucius?" He stood up to look him in the eyes.

"Business, Sn-Severus." Lucius put his arms behind his back as he spoke to his Team Seeker. "I see that you have been gifted a Centurion Sigma. A very rare broom, so much so that this is the first time I have seen one."

"Yes, it has quickly become one of my most prized possessions." Severus held his broom in his hands.

"Yes, it is indeed our ace in the hole this year. But I feel I must ask, are you willing to part with it?" Lucius asked him. "I am willing to pay more than a fair price for it."

If Severus hadn't been found by his grandfather and uncle. He'd consider selling his broom to help his mother, and himself. Perhaps a cushion to help him after he'd graduate Hogwarts, but seeing how that was not the case, he would never sell the Sigma. However, Lucius didn't know that, so Severus decided to have some fun with him.

"How much would you consider buying this remarkable broom for?" He asked Lucius, concealing any hint of a grin on his face.

"Seeing as how the Sigma is a Centurion and a rare variant. I feel that Twenty-Five Thousand Galleons would be more than generous to purchase your Centurion Sigma."

Severus stroked his chin, "No."

Lucius blinked and looked surprised. "No? T-That was a rather quick decision Severus."

Severus shrugged, "Well, only ten of these were ever made. So that makes it rather valuable, not to me, but to everyone else in general." He sucked air through his teeth, "So if I were going to sell this broom…the price would have to be more than that."

Lucius sighed, a Sigma was worth that money in the right hands, but unfortunately those hands weren't his. "Very well. I must admit, if I had that same broom I wouldn't give it either." Lucius walked away but not before telling Severus to prepare himself.

Sam and the rest of the United went up into the stands to seat themselves as Michael went up into the Announcer's booth to prepare for his big debut. As he stepped into the booth he felt like he could feel the energy of each past Quidditch game. That pleasant electricity shot through his body like a burning arrow through the sky. He had helped Nate do his stretches and whatnot before the big game, so he was there rather early.

Michael made his way over to his chair and sat down. The setup was rather simple, two chairs, two pairs of headphones, and two pairs of microphones. The soundboard was rather archaic but still operational. He wiped off the accumulated dust and began to make sure everything still worked. He was excited to call the game knowing he had friends on each side. So, Michael was going to do what he could to get them over with the crowd.

Michael heard someone come into the booth. He turned around and saw Professor McGonagall walk into the booth.

"Minnie!" Michael exclaimed. "Big day today! The first game of the year! Slytherin versus Hufflepuff! It should be great!"

"Yes, it seems like a very interesting match." Minerva approached the desk to sit next to her student. "And it's Professor McGonagall, Mr. Ashdown? Although it shall be a fun position to fill I should remind you that being an announcer has a set of rules and responsibilities."

"Yeah, yeah, I remember the whole spiel. Remain impartial, no swearing, and don't deviate from the action." Michael responded as he continued making sure everything was in working order.

"That is the gist of it Mr. Ashdown." Minerva adjusted her hat to make sure that it wouldn't get blown off during the game. "Might I ask you a question, Mr. Ashdown?"

He turned around to his Head of House, "Yes, you may."

"Were you the one who jinxed James Potter and his friends about one week ago?"

Michael smiled at the corner of his mouth. "Unfortunately, that wasn't me." He lied, of course.

"I see." Professor McGonagall looked out at the crowd. "Tell me, if you knew who this person, or persons were. Would you be able to tell me why they did it?"

Michael glanced over at Professor McGonagall. "Well Minnie, the answer is rather simple. This person…or persons did it because they had it coming."

She looked at her student. "How so?"

Michael picked up a pair of headphones and played with it in his hands. "For far too long, Jimmy and his 'Marauders' have been running roughshod over everyone here."

He turned to face Professor McGonagall, "And that's because they think they are untouchable because of Dumbledore giving them their blessings to do whatever the hell they want and not get in trouble. It's high time they got what was coming to them."

He composed himself and put the headphones on. "That's what the person or persons are probably thinking. They think the other professors won't do anything to stop them, so it's up to them to dole out proper punishment."

Minerva lowered her head because she knew this to be true. Although not an official request. He had told the other professors to be 'lenient' with James Potter and his friends. That these were future upstanding members of society. That was a laughable statement

"I see. Thank you, Mr. Ashdown." This little conversation put a lot of things in perspective for her. This was coming out of the mouth of another Gryffindor. Granted, others in Gryffindor house have spoken out against James, and his friends. Among those being Frank Longbottom, Alice Stewart, and Howland Reed.

This cemented the concerns that had tormented Minerva McGonagall. It seemed as if these feelings of hers would come to a head shortly, but as for now. She had a match to co-announce with Mr. Ashdown.

Bellatrix was walking up to the pitch by herself. She had gotten in a bit of a row with Rodolphus and stormed off without him; after she had kicked the crap out of him, that is.

She was in such a tiff that she did not notice the person in front of her before it was too late. Bellatrix knocked into said person and the little bags of popcorn and cups of butterbeer had spilled all over the ground.

"Watch it, will you!' Bellatrix yelled, only to discover it was Sam Yalarad. "Oh, Yalarad. What are you doing getting in my way like that?"

Sam rubbed the back of his head and apologized. "Sorry. I wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings."

Bellatrix rolled her eyes and bit her lip. She leaned down to pick up a box of candy, and her hand met Sam's as he was reaching for the same box. They recoiled. Sam's face grew red as he picked up what he could salvage.

Bellatrix grinned, "Well. I suppose I should at least pay to replace your ruined snacks and such."

He smiled lightly and followed Bellatrix over to the concessions stand to get snacks and drinks for his friends.

"Were you the one who got Snape on the Slytherin team?" She asked Sam point blank.

"Well Lucius let him on, as it was his decision, but I may have convinced him it was a good fit," Sam admitted. "He'll do Slytherin proud." He looked over at Bellatrix, "Are you sitting with anyone?"

"No, is that an invitation, Yalarad?" Bellatrix asked as she crossed her arms with a smile.

"Yeah," Sam extended his arm for her to take.

She chuckled, "That's a bit old-fashioned. Don't you think?" Bellatrix began walking and Sam soon followed him.

As they made their way towards the seating, they both saw something unpleasant. James Potter, with Pettigrew, was accosting Lily once again.

"Merlin damn it," Sam swore underneath his breath. Sam cracked his knuckles again, "Excuse me for a second."

Bellatrix raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you kidding me? It's just Evans, let her fend for herself."

"She's a friend and the girlfriend of one of my best friends. I'm not going to ignore this and walk away." Sam gave Bellatrix the box of snacks and drinks and approached the situation. "Lily, is everything all right? Is Potter bothering you?"

James sneered at Sam, "For your information Yally Boy, Lily-Flower here was about to join me and Wormtail up in the Gryffindor Stands where pathetic Badgers like yourself aren't allowed."

Bellatrix decided to make things interesting. "Come on Yalarad, are you going to take that?!" Sam glanced back at her and crossed his arms in a more assertive manner.

Lily backed away from James. "I'm doing no such thing you Toerag! Come on Sam let's go." Just as she was about to walk away James grabbed her by the wrist.

"You're not going anywhere!" James said, and before it could get more heated Sam shoved James to the ground.

But before anything else could happen Sam felt a hand turn him around roughly.

"What do you think you are doing?" Charles Potter snarled as he confronted the Yalarad heir.

Sam batted his hand away, "I'm sticking up for my friend. Your thug son was putting his hands on her!"

Charles noticed that a small crowd was gathering around to bear witness. "My son is no thug. Perhaps your friend there was mistaken?"

"No, I was not! He tried to manhandle me!" Lily asserted herself.

"Young lady the men are talking," Charles interrupted her.

Sam pushed Lord Potter back in a huff. "Don't talk to her like that."

"Young man, touch me again and I shall contact my solicitor!"

"Go right ahead!" Everyone turned to see Eileen, and her father, Lord Darius Prince. Darius stood between Sam and Lord Potter. "I shall contact my own personal armada of solicitors in turn to have charges brought up against your son!"

Charles had a feeling that the crowd was beginning to turn on him. So, he did the smart thing. "I don't have to take this. Come now, James. Let's go up to our private seats away from this lunacy. Dumbledore shall hear about this!"

James and Pettigrew skulked off away into the crowd, following Lord Potter.

Sam got a parting shot off at them, "Yeah! Just hearing about it! Cause there's absolutely nothing he can do about it with most of the Board against him!"

"Hush, Sam!" Eileen said as she went over to Sam and Lily. "Are you two all right?"

"I'm okay." Sam looked over at Lily. "You okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you, Sam." Lily rubbed her wrist as he holstered his wands.

"What happened here?" Lord Darius asked them.

"Well everyone was wondering where Sam went, so I went to go look for him, and…you know." Lily shrugged.

"Right, well I got the snacks along with," Sam turned around, expecting to see Bellatrix. However, there was just his box of snacks and drinks on the floor.

"With who?" Lily asked as she looked around.

"…No-one. I got snacks along with Butterbeer!" Sam went and picked up his stuff. "Come on! I think it's about to start." Sam took one glancing look around before turning back to follow Lily to the Hufflepuff stands. Savion, Eileen, and Darius followed them into the stands.

Bellatrix was hidden behind a pillar with a mysterious grin on her face. 'Looks like Yalarad's got a temper on him. Must be that Dain blood coursing through his veins. I wonder how I can use this to my advantage?'

The doors of the Slytherin Quidditch Team opened as the team went out onto the pitch. The first thing Severus noticed was the loud thunderous applause of the captive audience. As they walked out he saw his friends and his family over at the Hufflepuff Stands. Both teams approached the pitch he saw Nate on the opposing team.

Nate saw Severus as well and gave him a friendly wave over to him.

Severus gave his friend a wave back to him but was stopped by all people, Sebastian.

"I wouldn't do that. Lucius gets his knickers in a right twist when we 'fraternize' with the opposing team." Sebastian warned him.

"That is stupid," Severus muttered underneath his breath.

"Tell me about it. We got friends on each damn team, it'd be impossible to not wave." Sebastian tied his hair into a ponytail behind his hair. He handed Severus a hair tie, "Here. You might want this."

"Thanks, Holmes," Severus thanked his friend as he tied his hair back. He normally didn't tie his hair back for Quidditch practice, but it was crunch-time. This was for all the marbles, and he needed maximum visibility to succeed.

Lucius walked by himself to the center of the pitch where Madame Hooch was standing. There they were met by the Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain, Amos Diggory.

"Lucius." Amos cordially bowed his head.

"Diggory," Lucius replied, without the returned gesture.

Madame Hooch motioned for them both to approach. "Gentlemen, I expect a fair game. I expect both teams to follow the code of Quidditch conduct. No spellcasting, no elbows, kicking, punching, or any physical contact whatsoever!" She produced a galleon, "Call for the choice of pitch." Madame Hooch flipped the coin.

"Heads," Amos called.

"He-Tails," Lucius corrected himself.

The coin landed in her hand, she flipped it over and revealed the face. "It is Tails, Mr. Malfoy the choice is yours."

"We shall take the Western Side." Lucius bowed to Madame Hooch, and went back to his team to lead them to their designated side."

"Why did Malfoy choose the Western side?" Severus asked.

"For me, I should say," Sebastian smirked. "Sun rises in the East, so if I face West I won't get the Sun in my eyes."

Severus understood as they reached their side. Sebastian ran over to the goalposts to get ready. The anticipation was killing them all. Lucius put on his goggles and his brand new Quidditch gloves. All players mounted their brooms and soon everyone was up in the air.

Madame Hooch with a wave of her wand unlatched the chest containing all the balls. The two bludgers with a resounding boom exited the chest in an explosive fashion. The snitch zipped out of its confines and sped through the air. Madame Hooch took the Quaffle out and held it in her hands. "Let the game begin!" She threw the quaffle up into the air. In a mad dash, the chasers of each team went for it.

Severus was about to speed off, but he felt the broom slowly fall the ground below. The Slytherin Seeker gingerly landed on the ground, and Severus began to panic. He tried to get back off the ground to no avail.

Severus tried with all his might but his new Centurion Sigma would not fly. He was starting to get a bit flustered, "Come on you blasted thing, work!"

Lucius was flying with Rodolphus and Rabastan in a flying 'V' formation when he looked back at Snape and was annoyed to see that his Seeker was still on the ground. "Now why the fuck is Snape on the ground?! Rabastan go see what the problem is, Rodolphus you're with me!" Lucius and the elder LeStrange flew off as Rabastan flew down to help Severus.

"Severus, what the fuck is going on? In case you haven't noticed the match has started!"

"It's my broom, Rabastan! It's not working! I think it might have been tampered with!" Severus said in a panic.

Rabastan quickly dismounted his broom and went to see the trouble. He examined the broom and immediately found the problem. "Snape! You idiot! You didn't bond with the ruddy thing!"

"What the hell does that mean?" Severus asked him.

"Look at this thorn!" Rabastan pointed to the thorn. "It's there for a reason! You must prick your finger or something to draw blood! This broom works through blood magic so only YOU can ride it!"

Severus looked at the thorn and took one of his gloves off. He hesitated for a second but slapped his hand against the thorn. He winced at the pain but saw the thorn retract into the wood of the broom. Instantly the dormant broom sprung into life as it leaped up with Severus holding on.

"There we go! Rabastan quickly got on his broom and took the skies. "Let's go!"

Severus put on his goggles, put his glove back on, and gripped the broom handle. He took the skies, and it felt like he was on a rocket going to the moon. Severus held on for dear life as he flew at nearly incredible speeds.

Five minutes before:

Sam and company sat down ready to watch their friends play the game. Lily cupped her hands to her eyes to try and focus in and find Severus.

A pair of binoculars was handed to her. She looked over and saw Lord Darius offering them to her. "Here. Save your eyes the strain."

"But how will you see," Lily asked Lord Darius.

'Eh, never mind that. Go on, now."

Lily thanked him and put them to her eyes. "Ooh! I see Severus!" She waved over to Severus to try and get his attention. "Oh, fi! We must be too far away."

Eileen adjusted her sweater. "I'm sure he'll catch a glimpse of us as he's flying on by."

Lord Darius looked over at Lily. "Are you currently dating my grandson?"

Lily nodded, "Yes I am."

"And she happens to be quite the exceptional young witch. You brightest of her generation. Apart from your grandson, of course." Eileen added.

Slink looked over at Ms. Eileen. "Oh, gee thanks. What am I? Chopped liver?" He joked with his friend's mother.

Everyone had a laugh over that joke. Eileen looked over at her father. Remembering what Silas had suggested, she swallowed her pride and addressed her father. "Father?"

Darius' head turned quickly over towards her daughter. "Yea…" A sudden crackling noise was heard as Lord Darius' face scrounged up in pain. "Arrgh. Owww. My neck." His hand wen and rubbed his neck, to try and alleviate his pain. "My apologies Eileen, I'm not as young as I once was. Please, you were going to ask me something?"

Eileen gulped. She felt like she was about to emotionally blackmail her father, and that made her feel dreadful. She strengthened her resolver and asked him. "Father, I was wondering if…with your permission, I would gain access you one of your potion labs."

Darius looked at his daughter. He would give his daughter anything, but access to a secure potions lab was nearly a bit too much. "May I ask why?"

"I'm working on an experimental potion that helps with memory, and I need certain items and ingredients to continue my research," Eileen explained.

"Would you rather I give you the things you need rather than coming to one of my potions labs?"

Eileen looked at her father suspiciously. "Would you really do that?'

"Yes, I would." He took out a spare scroll and quill. "Just write down what you need, and I shall have it sent to your home." Darius looked at his daughter. "I understand you need your space, Eileen. I don't want you thinking you are under my thumb when at one of my facilities. So, I'll just give you everything you need to do this at your home."

Eileen nodded, "…Thank you father."

"You're welcome Eileen." Darius smiled.

Lily jumped in her seat. "They are heading to their sides!"

"All right! Let's do this!" Sam cheered as he resized a shrunken sign which read, 'Let's go Severus!'

Slink looked at his sign and gave a playful scowl. "You traitor!"

Sam gave a dramatic sigh as he turned the sign around which said, 'Let's go Hufflepuff!'

Slink let out a laugh, "That's better!"

Darius out of the corner of his eye saw his son, Savio, walking past the students blocking his path to his seat. "And where have you been?"

"Looking for a vendor that sells alcohol," He admitted.

Lily looked at her watch, "Isn't it ten twenty-two?"

Savion looked at her, "Your point being?" He snapped at her.

Darius pointed a finger at his son. "Mind your tone, that is your nephew's girlfriend you are talking to!"

Savion rolled his eyes, "My apologies."

Lily didn't really seem to believe him, "That's quite all right."

Savion looked around, "Why aren't we in our private booth up in the Slytherin Tower?!"

"Because I wanted a change of scenery. Also, Mulciber Sr. was there with his son, and from what you told me about your run in with him at Thesaurum Row; I'd rather not be arrested for what I would like to do to him."

Eileen looked at her brother, "What happened?" the United soon tuned in on this conversation.

Savion glanced at his father, and Darius gave the ever-slightest nod of his head.

"I caught him using a beguiling charm to try and lure Severus into his brothel," Savion told his sister.

Eileen turned around to look at herbrother. "And would you please tell me why I am just hearing about this, now?!"

Lily looked over at the field, "Hey! The game's about to start." Quickly defusing the ever-growing situation.

The Quaffle was launched into the air and the game was afoot. Everyone was ready to see Severus spring into action only to see him slowly descend towards the ground.

"What the hell?" Slink asked aloud. "What the hell am I watching? What's going on?"

"It's Potter!" Sam growled. "That piece of shite! I swear to the Lady I will bury him!"

Savion's eyes widened, "Oh no."

Darius looked over at his son, and instantly knew he had something to do with this. "What did you do?"

"I-I did nothing! I mean, not intentionally!" Savion raised his arms.

"I distinctly told you to buy your nephew a Centurion Epsilon, and what'd you do? You gave him bupkis!"

"I didn't give him bupkis! I gave Severus that broom you always keep up above the mantlepiece. It was a Centurion, and you weren't using it so I just gave it to him.

Darius looked like he was about to have an aneurysm. "THE SIGMA? YOU GAVE HIM THE SIGMA? WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU GIVE HIM THE SIGMA?!"

Savion backed up, "What's the big deal? It's just a broom!"

A laugh had gotten everyone's attention. Eyes were on Maxwell Jameson. "Just a broom?!" Maxwell scoffed, "Mate that broom can go up to a quarter of Mach One! It's that fast!"

Savion's eyes bugged out. "Ohhh. Ummm, okay well he didn't bond with it at least! So, if we hurry maybe we can…"

"Sev's back up in the air!" Lily exclaimed.

"Looks like he bonded with it," Sam mentioned.

Everyone turned just in time to see Severus speed off so fast that they lost sight of him in an instant. Everyone was looking around to try and find where Severus had gotten to.

Michael was on commentary trying to stay on topic, "U-Uh. There goes Malfoy with the quaffle and…swipe me, did you see that? Sev just disappeared into thin air!"

"I saw that Mr. Ashdown! Please keep your wits among you! I'm going to find out what is going on!" McGonagall left the announcer's booth to figure out what had happened.

Eileen was a nervous wreck; her son was nowhere to be seen. Lily was looking everywhere on the pitch through the binoculars. "Where is he? Where is he? Where is he?" She was having a bit of a panic attack.

"Lily calm down, take one of those potions you made for Sev," Sam suggested.

"I only made the one!" Lily snapped back at Sam.

Suddenly, a gust of wind flew past them at a lightning speed. "What the shite?" Riley exclaimed.

"What was that?" Jessica asked aloud.

"That was Severus," Xeno stated.

Maxwell turned to Lord Darius. "How long have you kept that Sigma up above the mantlepiece?"

Darius racked his brain, "For over Thirty Years I believe."

"Okay, no wonder he's going so fast! All that potential energy has been storing up with no release until now." He whistled. "He's probably going to be flying for a very long time, then."

Eileen thought aloud, "Can't we use a spell to stop him or slow him down?"

"Yeah! I can use Sisto Motus! That' should do it!" Sam said eagerly.

Xeno grabbed his shoulder. "That's not a good idea. Sisto Motus from what you told me stops things completely! If you cast it on Severus at this speed, the sudden stop in momentum might break his neck!"

Sam sighed, "Shite, you're right." He scratched his head. "Arresto Momentum?"

"You'd be casting that spell for hours to get him to slow down at an acceptable speed," Macdonald estimated.

All anybody could do was wait, and pray.

Now:

Severus was flying there was no doubt about it. However, it was unlike any previous experience flying a broom entailed. The Sigma shot off into a burst of magical energy and sent him flying off into the sky. He could barely hold onto to his broom when he first launched off, but now there was no trouble at all.

Severus watched the surroundings pass him by as he flew. He was shocked, everything was at a standstill. It was as if time had stopped as he flew around.

He flew past Rabastan trying to get the quaffle away from Mason Stark, one of the three Hufflepuff Chasers.

It was electric, by God! Severus felt at ease. As if the world outside his domain and dominion no longer mattered. He saw his friends over in the lower stands with his family and flew past them.

He then began looking around for the Golden Snitch and actively sought it out. He flew past Amos racing past Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle battering a few bludgers away, and circled around Sebastian at the goal posts.

A shimmering glint in the air caught Severus' attention. He turned to see the snitch flying in the air, albeit more slowly than usual.

Severus directed the sigma over to the snitch where he promptly plucked it out of the sky as you would a rose from a rosebush. He held the snitch in the palm of his hand as he descended to the ground and came to a very abrupt halt.

Time began to resume at a normal speed and Severus caught his breath as he gasped for air. He looked around and felt the gaze of everyone's eyes upon him. Severus held aloft the golden snitch, as he would a vorpal sword.

The captive crowd roared with thunderous applause. They cheered and jeered for Severus to hear. Not to fear, for the jeers were only from the minority who disliked him.

"Incredible!" Michael Ashdown cheered. "In a record-breaking time of fifteen minutes and twelve seconds, Severus Snape has caught the Snitch for Slytherin. 'Severus the Swift' has arrived ladies and gentlemen and will surely astonish in the following Quidditch games to come!"

For the first time in a long while. Severus Snape was truly happy, and byMerlin he wanted to stay this way.

Silas Yalarad walked out of the floo in the Ministry of Magic. He had just left home after having a long discussion with his mother about the topic plaguing his mind.

They must have talked for hours on end before Silas had made a decision, and it was a big one.

He was nervous, for the first time in a long while. He walked over to the offices of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

There he saw Moody's newest trainee, Kingsley Shacklebolt exit the office, after a somewhat grueling shift.

"You all right Shacklebolt?" Silas asked him.

"Auror Yalarad! Good afternoon! What are you doing here? You aren't scheduled for today…aren't you?"

"No. No, I'm here to talk to Moody and Rufus." He looked up at the entrance of the Auror Office. "Shacklebolt."

Kingsley straightened up. "Yes, sir?"

"You're doing all right. Moody knows what he's doing, and he'll make you into a great Auror, but there's little he needs to do to bring out your inner talent. Keep at it, and you'll get there." Silas walked into the office.

"T-Thank you, sir!" Kingsley Shacklebolt thanked Silas.

Silas waved back to him. He walked into the inner sanctum of the offices.

As Silas walked in he bumped into the janitor, Festus Louch. "Oh! Lord Yalarad, my apologies sir."

"You're fine Louch," Silas said. He watched Louch tip his cap as he went on to do his job. There was something about that guy, Silas thought that just rubbed him the wrong way.

He walked up to Rufus' office and saw both Alastor Moody and Rufus in there. He felt a great pressure weighing down on him, but fought through it and knocked on the door.

Rufus and Moody looked over and saw Silas. "Silas, please come in." Rufus invited one of his top Aurors into his office.

"What are you doing here? You have the day off today, at least I think you do?" Moody muttered.

"Yes, what brings you here? Do you have a development on the Red Skeleton case?" Rufus asked him.

Silas took a deep breath, "No. I don't have any developments for you. In fact, I came here to do the opposite. I would like to be taken off the case."

Moody and Rufus were taken aback. In all their years of being an Auror, Silas Yalarad had never shied away from a case. "W-What? Why?"

"Because…I saw what my life might turn out if I keep this up, and…I just can't do it anymore. I can't…I won't put myself through that anymore."

Moody and Rufus couldn't believe what they were hearing. This was very uncharacteristic of Silas, but they out of all people understood where Silas was coming from.

"Furthermore, I'd like to fill out a D-46 form, now if possible."

"D-46?" Moody looked confused, but only for a moment. "That's the form…"

"For a transfer to a teaching position at the Auror's Academy." Rufus Scrimgeour pulled out the form in question. "I think I know where this is going. I never thought this day would come but, here we are."

Moody looked at his star pupil, "Silas. Are you sure about this? Is this what you really want? What about the Red Skeleton?"

"Look, Trimm knows just as much as I do about the Red Skeleton. He can take the workload from here." Silas pulled out his Auror's badge and placed it on Scrimgeour's desk. His mind was only on one thing, one person. The woman whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. "I've made my decision, and there's no second-guessing it."

Silas Yalarad looked at Rufus Scrimgeour, "I hereby resign from active duty from The Department of Magical Law Enforcement, effective immediately.

Sorry for the wait. I needed to take a little break, but now I am back.

The next chapter is another guest written chapter by the wonder Alethea27!

So, read and review, and keep your eyes open for that little gem soon!