Mr. Courtney asked Severus if he had any problem continuing to come in early, but at six instead of five and that he would be off at noon. Severus was agreeable and Park eagerly accepted a later shift from ten to six and Mr. Courtney was happy to have help in both the morning before the shop opened and after it closed at five.

Park took his break at ten-thirty upon Mr. Courtney's request, and then Severus was dismissed from work at eleven when he returned. He had never recalled working such a short day in his life, but he wasn't about to complain. His paycheck would just be a bit smaller than he anticipated, though it would still be much better than broke.

Severus had yet to need worry about bills, he was only sixteen after all.

He went home and headed straight up stairs to change out of his 'work clothes' and make sure his hands were actually clean. Back downstairs he went to throw together a small lunch for himself and his mother who he found brooding in the living room. He handed her one of the sandwiches he made on a plate and a cup of tea.

Severus sat at the other end of the couch with an identical meal, but did not hesitate to dig in. He had forgone breakfast due to his early schedule and was hungrier than anticipated and he reminded himself that his body was still growing.

His mother appeared to be observing him closely.

He spoke between bites. "Is there something I can help you with?"

She looked to the plate in her lap then back to him questioningly.

He continued to eat his sandwich, unwilling to be bothered by his 'unusual behavior.' To be fair, he was pretty sure he never touched anything in the kitchen unless his mother asked him to...until she was no longer around to do so.

His mother adjusted to face more towards him. "Why did you get a job, Severus?"

He finished chewing his current mouthful and swallowed. "Because I wanted one."

"Why do you want one?"

"So I can do things that I want, without having to depend on others."

"...You want money."

"I want independence, but am unequipped for the full amount at this time, so money will have to do for now."

"If you want independence, are you prepared for the responsibilities that come with it?"

His eyes narrowed. "I just said I was not. My current wage would be insufficient to both pay rent and feed myself, let alone buy school supplies."

"It would appear you've put a lot of thought into it."

"I suppose. If I were to suddenly find myself as independent as I desire, life would become quite difficult until I had satisfactory finances. Oh, and the being only sixteen would be a bit of a problem as well."

She began picking at her plate. "...Are you planning on moving out next year, Severus?"

"What gave you that impression?"

"You appear to have some sort of plan..."

He was growing tired of everything he did and said being over analyzed by his mother. He did miss his solitude...but not enough to be irresponsible. "I have no plan, though I am not so keen on being completely underprepared for any circumstance to arise."

She drew conclusions and appeared offended. "Your father and I would not kick you out."

Severus looked at her, unamused. "...Does Father know this?"

"That's not funny, Severus."

"Humor was not my intent."

"I don't like you speaking ill of your father."

"I did no such thing. There were, perhaps, implications...I will speak no further on the subject for it obviously upsets you."

He stood after finishing the last of his sandwich and tea, taking his dishes to the kitchen. He washed and dried them, put them away and then headed towards the front door.

"Severus."

He stopped and waited.

A question lingered in the front of her mind, he did not need to be a legillimens to know it was different than the one she voiced.

"What's been banging around in your closet all day?"

He blinked. "It's just a boggart."

Concern surfaced on her face. "How long has it been in there?"

"I caught it in the woods yesterday after we went shopping. I haven't figured out what to do with it yet, though I am open to suggestions."

"It needs to go before the weekend."

"Yes, ma'am." He paused in thought. "Do you know anything about what happened in the woods? Apparently some animals were found dead."

"I heard something like that happened recently, yes." She said before finally testing her sandwich.

"Do you know when it happened?"

"Mid-June. Maybe a little before."

"Hm...good to know."

She frowned. "Are you sure you're feeling alright, Severus?"

"Yes, I feel fine, quite well actually...I'll be back before supper." With that, he left.