Chapter 53

Remus collapsed down onto the empty seat in the train compartment, James and Sirius sat together opposite. His two friends were huddled, heads close, serious expressions on their faces. Ordinarily the boys were bright and boisterous, and plotting mischief of some sort.

"What's up with you two?" Remus finally asked. James stood, peeking out of the compartment door, locking it carefully when he was sure no one was nearby.

"There's something going on , isn't there?" James asked, frowning. Remus shrugged.

"There's always something going on, James" he told him.

"I mean with the War" he said.

"There haven't been any reports in the Prophet" Remus argued.

"I know that. But there's definitely something" James frowned. Sirius was nodding too, face equally solemn. He wasn't used to seeing his friends like this. And the worst thing was, he couldn't argue against it. There was an unknown tension in the air, the feeling that something was going to happen. Remus frowned, thinking about the note he'd received.

"I got a note last week, from Snape" he told his friends.

"What did it say?" James asked.

"Just reminding me not to tell Peter anything" he said. The two boys nodded "Have you heard from Peter at all over the summer?"

"A couple of times early on, nothing the last couple of weeks though" Sirius admitted.

"We ran into Snape the other week, in Diagon Alley" James continued.

"Oh?"

"We didn't want to say anything in a letter though" James explained.

"What happened?" Remus asked curiously. What did they do?

"Malfoy and Mulciber cornered him in Flourish and Blott's" Sirius began.

"Evans was with him, but we managed to hide her under the cloak before Malfoy could find her" James continued.

"What did they want with him? Them?" Remus asked.

"They wanted to know about a Prophecy" James whispered.

"A what?"

"You heard me. Malfoy said that Snape, Evans and Dumbledore were given a Prophecy, about You-Know-Who. Snape said it was a nutter making a Tarot reading" James explained.

"I told you about the Tarot reading"

"And that they ran off sharpish. Something must have happened" Sirius joined.

"I didn't hear anything else" Remus told them. If a genuine Prophecy had been made, it wasn't in the Three Broomsticks, "It must have been after they left" Remus frowned. "Did Malfoy get what he wanted?"

"No. Snape has been learning Occlumency, with Dumbledore. That's what they've been doing" Sirius said.

"They've been preparing for this for over a year" James added. Remus let out a heavy breath. This was bigger than anything they'd thought about. Remus had merely suspected that Dumbledore was providing support, due to the problems that Snape had had at home, or that he was trying to convince him to join the 'right side' in the War.

"We definitely can't tell anyone about this" Remus said quietly.

"No" James agreed. "I've never liked Snape, but, well... I don't know" he trailed off frustratedly.

"But we're definitely on the same side" Sirius added. Remus almost laughed.

"Did that hurt?" he asked. He knew it wasn't easy for his friends to accept that. They'd gone from five years of tormenting the boy, to not trusting him because he spent so much time with Dumbledore, to grudgingly backing off, to accepting that Snape was one of the good guys. Snape was working with Dumbledore. And seemingly capable of holding his own against a Death Eater - allegedly a high ranking one at that. If Dumbledore needed him, it was for a reason. Lily had been telling them that for over a year that this was bigger than they realised. And she was right. Right about her best friend, the boy she'd known for almost half her life.

"They're not on the train" James said with a frown.

"Who?" Remus asked.

"Snape and Evans"

"Oh? No, I didn't really think about that" Remus admitted. He hadn't really paid much attention while he was patrolling, mainly focused on making sure no one was causing trouble.

"So where are they then?" Sirius asked.

"Maybe they thought that taking the train was too dangerous" Remus suggested.

"You think Death Eaters might have been looking for them at the platform?" Sirius asked.

"It's possible. Maybe they didn't want to take the chance. And it's not like they'd drop out of school" Remus told them.

"Evans is a prefect again this year, Jess told me, she saw her in Diagon Alley before they went in the book shop" James explained. Remus nodded, a small smile reaching his lips.

"You do realise you're going to have to be on your best behaviour now, don't you?" Remus asked. James shrugged casually, looking sheepish.

"Just because Jess is Head Girl doesn't mean she's going to spoil all our fun" James grinned.

"Mmm, suppose it depends on your definition of fun" Remus said, shaking his head. They really were like a couple of children.

"Hey, just because Snape is off limits, doesn't mean we can't have fun with anyone else" Sirius laughed.

"Plenty of other Slytherins to choose from" James agreed. Remus sighed, he doubted anything he said would make a difference. Some things would never change.

A knock on the compartment door had them all glancing up. Peter Pettigrew tapping on the window. James unlocked the door, letting the fourth Marauder inside.

"Wormy! Where've you been, mate?" Sirius asked him jovially.

"Oh, here and there" he answered, shrugging, "Have you seen Snivellus?" he asked them.

"Can't say as we have. Think he might have missed the train. Why?" Remus asked.

"No reason. Just bored" Peter shrugged again, "What are we going to do to the greasy git when we find him?"

"Nothing" James stated.

"What? Come on, it's Snivellus!" Peter protested "I bet he hasn't even washed his hair for the whole holidays" he sniggered, "Why don't we throw him in the lake?"

"Yeah, good luck with that" Sirius laughed.

"Yeah, if you want to chuck him in the lake, you're on your own, sorry mate" James added.

"What? You lot hate old Snivelly"

"Well, we don't like him, but we're not doing anything to him. We're not stupid. Dumbledore will go nuts if we go after him" James told him. Peter frowned.

"You think Dumbledore will warn you off him again?"

"Definitely" Remus confirmed. Peter scowled. The four of them sat in silence then, no one sure what to say next. No one sure what to make of Peter. Remus had hoped that the holidays would be enough of a break, enough time for Peter to let go of the name calling - he couldn't remember the last time either James or Sirius had referred to Snape as 'Snivellus'. The three of them had simply called him 'Snape' for months now. Only Peter was still clinging on to the old nicknames. The only one wanting to 'prank' him. And Peter really had no reason to.

Remus suspected that, like Snape, there was more than met the eye when it came to Peter Pettigrew. If Snape could change so drastically, anyone could. The map was definitely going to come in handy this coming year, not to spy on a Slytherin, but on one of their own. A fellow Marauder. They would need a way of finding answers, and discovering who could really be trusted. After all, in a time of War, all their lives were at stake, and they could not afford to put their trust in the wrong person.

...

Lily and Severus sat on the steps in front of the main doors, holding each other's hands tightly as they looked out over the school grounds, out towards the village of Hogsmeade. The train would be here within the next couple of hours, the school would be filled with students - some of them friends, some of them enemies.

"It is a beautiful day" Dumbledore's voice suddenly spoke from behind them.

"Yes, Sir. It is" Severus agreed, glancing over his shoulder at the Headmaster. Slowly, Dumbledore stepped outside, moving down the steps to stand in front of them.

"I'm pleased you have arrived without issue" he told them. "This is going to be a difficult year, though, I'm afraid" he added. Lily and Severus both nodded sadly. "How has your Occlumency training been going, Miss Evans?" he asked her.

"Ok, so far. I think" Lily answered, "I have been able to push Severus out of my mind, but not block him out entirely" she explained. Which was frustrating. She hadn't been able to completely stop him from accessing her thoughts, he always saw 'something' before she pushed him out. Severus squeezed her hand, silent reassurance that she was ok.

"That is promising, then" Dumbledore smiled. "Sunday morning, we shall resume our usual meetings, Severus, I'd like you to come along too, Miss Evans" he told her.

"Yes, Sir" she answered as Severus nodded. They'd expected this, someone other than Severus would have to use Legilimency on her to help her develop her skills.

"Try not to worry, Miss Evans. All will be fine" he smiled. Lily nodded, wishing she could believe it.

"I received another memory the other day, Sir" Severus said.

"Oh?" the Headmaster asked, raising an eyebrow curiously.

"Nothing relevant to our search unfortunately. Only confirmation that Pettigrew can't be trusted. I will show you the memory later - unless you'd like it now?" Severus asked.

"Later is perfectly acceptable, Severus" Dumbledore assured him, "I would like to see you in my office after the welcome feast, if I may"

"Of course, Sir" Severus answered quietly.

"And Miss Evans, I understand you have prefect duties to attend to immediately after the feast, but once the students are safely where they need to be, I would like you to join us" Dumbledore explained.

"Of course, Sir" she answered, wondering why she was needed so soon.

"And if you could bring Mr's Potter, Black and Lupin with you, I would be grateful" he added, "There is much to discuss, regarding what they have overheard"

"Yes, Sir" Lily nodded. At least they were being told early on how serious this was. Hopefully they would be in a co-operative mood, though it did seem like they'd finally accepted that they were all on the same side, especially after they'd helped Severus in Diagon Alley. They were finally seeing the bigger picture.

"Good. We do have a couple of new staff members this year. They will be introduced properly this evening, but Professor Trelawney is now teaching here" he told him.

"What?" Severus asked sharply.

"What happened to Professor Hainsworth?" Lily asked, not that it really mattered where she'd gone, neither her or Severus took Divination as an elective. But Trelawney?

"Professor Hainsworth has decided to spend some time travelling. We are fortunate Professor Trelawney was in a position to share her skills with the school" he told them with a smile.

"Skills?" Severus asked suspiciously, frowning as he often did. Dumbledore gave him a knowing look, but neither said another word on Trelawney.

"And the other new teacher, Sir?" Lily finally asked.

"Unfortunately our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher was not in a position to rejoin us this year. Professor Ainscott will be covering that subject, I'm sure you will find him to be an excellent tutor" he told them with another smile. Lily nodded, another new Defence tutor, they'd had a new Defence tutor every year. Maybe that position happened to be exceptionally stressful compared to the other subjects. None of the other subjects had any difficulty keeping a teacher, some having been there for thirty or forty years. It was odd.

"Anyway, enjoy the peace, while it lasts. I shall see you both after the feast" Dumbledore said to them with a smile and a nod, heading back up the steps and into the castle.

"Shall we go for a walk?" Severus asked her.

"Mmm. Sounds good. Tree?" she asked. It had been months since they'd sat beneath their favourite willow tree. Severus nodded, standing and pulling her to her feet, leading her down the hill towards the lake.

It really was a beautiful day, the sky was mostly blue, just a few fluffy clouds high in the sky, the breeze warm with a delicate fragrance. Everything was quiet, no students laughing, shouting, arguing. Only bird song could be heard, and the soft rustle of leaves as they approached the tree by the lake. It was impossible to believe there was a War being planned, or taking place, out there.

Severus pulled the curtain of leaves back so they could duck inside, hiding away in their own private sanctuary, not that there was anyone to hide from. Not yet anyway. But it somehow, felt safer here. It was easier to pretend that all was right with the world.

Severus sank to the ground, back against the trunk of the tree, Lily sat between his legs with her back against his chest, leaning her head back against his shoulder. Lily sighed as his arms wrapped around her, enveloping her in a warm embrace, keeping her safe from everyone. From everything.

"You ok?" he asked as he placed a kiss on her neck.

"Mmm. Just thinking. It's going to get bad, isn't it?" she asked him nervously.

"Hmm?"

"Dumbledore thinks it's serious, doesn't he? The Prophecy?" she asked him.

"It's serious that the other side know one's been made" he agreed.

"He wants to see us so soon, he wants to see Potter and Black, we can't go home, he's got that woman teaching here" she rambled on, not able to stop herself.

"It'll be ok, Lily" he tried to reassure her.

"But what if it's not?" she asked him quietly "I'm scared, Sev" she finally admitted. His arms tightened around her. "I'm scared about Occlumency with Dumbledore, I'm scared that Malfoy or one of his hooligans is going to find me - or you - I'm scared our families will get hurt, I'm scared you'll get hurt finding all these bits of You-Know-Who" she continued on, now she'd started, she couldn't stop, feeling tears prickling her eyes.

"Lily, it will be ok. I promise" he told her quietly.

"You can't promise that, Sev" she protested, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She heard Severus sigh against her ear.

"I will keep you safe, Lily" he whispered. Despite her fears, she still believed that, "Everything else, we'll take it one step at a time" he said. Lily nodded, sniffing quietly, determined not to cry anymore. She needed to stay strong, to support him. He was the one with the dangerous job to do, he was the one the Prophecy referred to. He had to 'vanquish' the Dark Lord. But the Trelawney woman did say he would succeed, he would defeat him. She tried to focus on that part.

Severus kissed her neck again, gently, his breath tickling her cheek.

"Mmm" she sighed contentedly, "I love you" she whispered.

"I love you too" he whispered back, between kisses. Lily turned her face towards him as he kissed along her jaw, until finally he reached her lips. She turned her body, reaching to run her hand through his hair, smooth and silky between her fingers, pulling him close as their lips moved together. Lily tried to think only about here and now, tried to forget about what was to come in the next few days, weeks, or months.

...

Severus and Lily had slipped back into Hogwarts with the crowd of students, nobody paying much attention to them as they'd walked amongst them. Anxiety and nerves rising as the noise level increased. The reality that they were trapped in the castle, potentially until the end of the school year - no Hogsmeade visits, no trip home at Christmas or Easter. Nothing. They may as well be in prison. The only way he would be leaving the castle was if more memories came to him, showing him more hiding places Voldemort was using. And that was only if Dumbledore agreed to take him. He'd let him help with the ring, but that didn't mean he'd let him help with the others. Dumbledore would argue the need to keep him safe. Trapped. But safe.

Reluctantly, Severus left Lily's side in the Great Hall, briefly brushing a kiss against her lips, watching as she took her place at the Gryffindor table. Severus continued on, towards the Slytherin table, he'd never felt more out of place than at that moment. Slytherin House was filled with those who would harm him without a second thought. Severus had repeatedly refused offers to join the Dark Lord for well over a year now, that made him their enemy. Logically, he knew that not all those in Slytherin wanted to follow in Voldemort's footsteps, but never setting foot in the Slytherin dungeons made it difficult to determine who were willing followers, who were telling the genuine followers what they wanted to hear to keep themselves safe, and who openly opposed them. Like him. He couldn't risk trying to find out. It wasn't his responsibility to personally save everyone. He had enough on his plate without intervening with every Slytherin. No, definitely safer to remove himself entirely. He had bigger fish to fry.

Severus watched as Mary and Alice sat alongside Lily, the three girls hugging and smiling as they conversed. Severus felt himself smile too, at how happy Lily looked with her friends, radiant as she chatted away. His smile faltered, his worry taking over. Was he being selfish? Trying to be the one to make Lily happy? He wanted her to safe in this War, she'd be safer away from him, she already knew so much. Information that would put her in danger. Would the Occlumency be enough? It would have to be. He needed her, he couldn't deny it. He needed her brightness, her warmth, her smiles, the quiet reassurance that she would always remain by his side, giving him a home, a safe place. If that changed, he didn't think he would have the strength to what he needed to do. What Dumbledore needed him to do For the 'Greater Good'.

"You weren't on the train" Avery whispered harshly, slipping into the space beside him at the table. Obviously choosing to sit at the opposite end of the table wasn't enough.

"What of it?" Severus shrugged.

"You can't hide forever" Avery sneered.

"Who said anything about hiding?" Severus asked calmly.

"The Dark Lord will find you, sooner or later. Then you will join him, or die" Avery warned.

"Oh, I think I'll have a third option figured out by then" Severus told him.

"You think you're so smart, don't you? Half-blood filth, parading around with a Mudblood!" Avery spat. Severus turned to face the boy beside him, a quiet fury simmering below the surface, when he spoke, his voice was dangerously calm.

"Yes, yes I do. You, on the other hand, are not. If you are capable of learning anything, I suggest you start with learning never to utter that word in my presence" he warned.

"And if I 'do' say it?" Avery challenged.

"Then I will cut out your tongue so you cannot say anything again" he said just as calmly, just as icily.

"You're mental, Snape" Avery hissed.

"You have no idea" he grinned, glaring at the stupid moron. If Avery thought he was mental now, well if he kept pushing his buttons he'd show him just how mental he could be. Avery shot him one last dirty look, attempting to intimidate him. It didn't work. Severus shook his head as Avery made his way back to the other end of the table, back to join Wilkes and Black. Little trio of Death Eaters. What joy.

Suddenly, the doors to the Great Hall opened, the floating candles flickering in the draft that breezed through. Professor McGonagall led the group of terrified looking first years to the front, where the small stool waited for them, the dusty old hat perched on top, waiting for the sorting.

The hat began its customary song, tales of the founders, the joy the creation of the school brought to witches and wizards across the country, the harmony as the four worked side by side, each with their strengths. It always followed a similar theme. Severus drifted off, it wasn't hugely important. Was it really necessary to divide children in such a way? Who only fit into one of four neat little boxes? Who was the same at age eleven as they were at fifteen? At seventeen? What if Severus was sorted now? What would it focus on? His quiet ambition to make something of his life? The bravery needed in bringing down a tyrant? His thirst for knowledge? His undying loyalty? He could easily fit into any of the Houses. So could everyone, if he thought about it.

"While darkness stirs beyond our walls

You must stay strong and true

And unite against the darkest foes

Before darkness conquers you"

The hat finished. Interesting. Very interesting. Scattered applause broke out around the tables. Severus frowned as he glanced towards Lily. She too, looked more than a little confused, shrugging as she caught his eye.

The sorting ceremony proceeded quickly, the first years looked so small as they perched on the stool, the sorting hat low over their eyes and ears, most of them sorted quickly - just as he had been. The hat had barely touched his head before it had called out 'Slytherin', the same way it sent Lily to Gryffindor. Slytherin gained nine new students that year, all sitting at the end of the table nearest to him, most looking at him nervously, the lone seventh year keeping himself away from the rest. It wouldn't be long before they were warned away from him.

"Excellent" Dumbledore's voice suddenly cut through the hall as he started to address the students, "Now that our sorting hat has performed its duty once more, our four Houses are delighted to welcome their new first years. To all our returning students, welcome back, may your year be filled with knowledge, learning and friendship. I hope you all follow the advice of our dear hat, and unite together across the Houses. A reminder to you all that the Forbidden Forest remains that way - forbidden - unless in the company of an appropriate teacher or guardian. I would also urge many of you to check the list of banned items, Mr Filch has added many more of Zonko's products to it, so do take care. I would also like to welcome two new staff members to the school. Professor Hainsworth has decided to take early retirement in order to spend some time travelling, so we welcome Professor Sybill Trelawney who has graciously accepted the post of Professor of Divination. We also welcome Professor Wilfred Ainscott, who is filling the post of Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts. I hope you will all make them both feel at home here at Hogwarts. Without further ado, let the feast begin" Dumbledore instructed, the table magically filling with food from the kitchens. Severus ate slowly, picking at the food carefully, appetite disappearing as he thought about the hat, the song, the new professors. How long before 'something' happened? How long until the Death Eaters at school found out about the Prophecy? Or that their new Divination tutor was the one who spoke it? For how much longer would they be safe?