Chapter 21

Scarlet robes fluttered as players whooshed around the sky restlessly, mingled with deep blues. The weather was cold and cloudy, but the experienced players were inflamed to win the game. The crowds roared their cheers whenever their Houses scored.

Severus sat silently among the cheering crowds.

Unlike all the other students, Severus wasn't particularly keen for the universally loved sports. For the simple reason that he was terrible at riding broomstick and that Potter wasn't. Jealousy, bubbled up his inside, would drive him mad whenever he witness the Golden boy fly as if he owns the sky.

However, things are different now. He realized with an astonishment that he hardly feel the familiar tightening in his stomach and heat in his head. He was far more composed than he ever was as he watched Black flew seeking for the tiny golden ball.

A girl with blue robe positioned herself in the midair and threw the red ball through the ring. It almost passed before Potter stopped the ball by tossing it upward with the tale of his broom. The head boy then caught the ball with his hand which he passed it along to the Gryffindor chaser. The two swiftly flew toward the other rings. One of the Ravenclaws intervened, the chaser quickly passed Quaffle to Potter which the head boy threw promptly through the ring and scored.

The scarlet lions roared with exhilaration.

The game became more and more heated. Players swirled around the stands dodging and chasing each other's.

Severus got bored. He never really enjoyed this before, and this was certainly not the most interesting game ever. In addition to that, he felt cold. This place was not the best place for the expectant, he was sure of it.

He sighed.

The black eyes unconsciously followed the movement of a particular red robe among the many. Sirius Black was in the high air, his piercing grey eyes searching for the Golden Snitch. Black suggested that he watch the game this time when he told the boy he haven't been watching the sports for a long time. He can't really recall how the conversation led to that, but it seemed Black was so keen about the game that he couldn't reject. After all, it was the last game he shall ever watch since he'll be graduating.

Sirius Black suddenly plummeted. The Ravenclaw seeker followed him with a jolt. The two dropped almost to the ground fast before Black abruptly stopped and flew back to the air. Inertia all but threw the other seeker off the broom as he, too, forced himself to stop, trying not to plunge himself to the ground. The boy narrowly managed himself, but it was too late. Black already found the Snitch and chasing it. When the Ravenclaw seeker caught Black's, arm extended to reach for it, he promptly followed Black. But it was too late. Black effortlessly caught the ball and the commentator-who was also Gryffindor- cried out his joy at the triumph. The Ravenclaw boy let out a frustrated growl.

Severus was impressed. Tactics were not the Gryffindor's forte, he presumed. But he must say that was pretty good. He would have appreciated Black's resourcefulness, but his mind was rather preoccupied with the previous event. His gaze dropped to a box laid upon his lap.

… It was right before the game starts when he accidentally encountered the other Black. He haven't seen Regulus Black since Christmas. He seemed to regain his impassive face during the break. Severus tried to pass by him, but the taller boy stopped him.

"How are you?"

Severus blinked, taken aback. Never had he imagined Black, of all people, would ask for his regard.

"You looked better", said Regulus.

Severus did not respond, not because he wanted to ignore him, but he didn't know how to.

Regulus drew closer with his hand gently touching his elbow to tug him.

"Got a minute?"

Before Severus could answer, the younger Slytherin took him to an alcove. Regulus continued to stare with his face blank, making Severus uncomfortable. His light blue eyes scanned along Severus' body. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Severus closed his robes even tighter. He cleared his throat, hinting.

Regulus lazily met his eyes after he eyed on Severus' new schoolbag.

Somehow, Severus felt he should cover it so the boy couldn't see even though he already did.

"What is it?" Severus asked.

After a moment of silence, Regulus opened his mouth.

"I wanted to know whether you are alright."

Severus frowned.

"Why?"

"How have you been?" The boy ignored Severus' question.

Severus' frown deepened. Honestly, he would never understand how the brains of Blacks work. He sighed as he pressed his temple slightly. He looked up the boy, giving up trying to comprehend the mysterious mechanics of Regulus Black's brain.

"Splendid, can I go?" Severus asked, tiredly.

Then, he witnessed something he believed he would never witness in his life. Regulus Black chuckled. Well, he have seen him crying before, but that was somehow felt different. That was understandable, given the circumstances. But Black smiling in front of Severus was something else.

When the elder Slytherin's mind went into chaos, Regulus reached inside of his robe and pull out something.

It was square box with a silver ribbon. The boy handed the box to Severus. The smaller boy hazarded a guess that perhaps it contained a very dangerous, rated dangerous, cursed object.

Perhaps the younger Slytherin noticed his skeptics, as he cleared his throat to get his attention. The smile on the boy's face wiped away but Severus could detect amusement in his face.

"It is your birthday gift, Snape", said Regulus.

Severus paused, wondering what day was today. It was January 9th.

"How do you know about my birthday?" He asked.

The other Slytherin boy did not respond. The two just stared at each other until the taller boy smirked, mischievously. That instantly reminded Severus of someone else.

"I have my own ways", replied the boy with a cheek.

Severus felt unease as the younger Slytherin's look abruptly brought another face, which overlapped to Regulus'. He looked his age now that he acted like as the boys in his age do. He always looked like a lifeless doll that walks and talks as he was told to be. This was different. But nonetheless, Severus felt like running away from the boy.

"I don't need your-"

"Keep it."

Black cut him off before he could finish. Severus scowled but the other boy appeared to be sincere about it. Severus knew the house of Black was one of the richest families, but he never knew they squander their money around so recklessly.

"Why are you giving me this?"

"Do I need a reason to give someone a present?" Black inquired, feigning innocence.

No one gives away presents for no reasons. The mother Black surely taught her sons of such simple truth. Everything comes with a price.

Severus tried to decipher Black's intention, but he could not read any. Apparently, he does not want Severus to know just yet what he wants from Severus.

Severus bit his lip, clutching the box.

"Is this all?"

"Do you want more?" Regulus asked, tilting his head.

Severus scrunched up his face immediately at the retort. "Is this everything you wanted to say?"

At that, Regulus smiled again, his blue eyes gazing through Severus'.

"For now."

Severus went pass him without delay.

…...…...…...…...…...…...…...

Severus had to bring the gift to the nursery. He put the box on his desk, unopened. Severus pondered about throwing away but, somehow, he was reluctant to discard it.

The entrance glided open and a figure came inside.

"Snape" said Black.

Severus looked up from his desk. The Gryffindor boy was still wearing scarlet robes.

"Alright?" the boy asked, benignly.

Severus nodded.

"You've eaten?"

Severus nodded.

Sirius nodded his approval.

Severus watched him taking off the robe and pads and putting them on the chair. The boy unbuckled his boots straps and took them off as well. When the boy lifted his shirt to remove it, Severus realized he was staring it and turned away with a jolt. His ears reddened slightly at his own stupidity.

"Good game." Severus stated.

"Huh?" Sirius looked up from the pile of clothes and pads. "So, you've came?" He smirked.

Severus frowned in disapproval. "You asked me to."

At that, Sirius made a face that Severus could not decipher. "So, I did" Then, it changed into a grin.

"So, how was it? Did you enjoy it? I told you it was going to be great."

Severus didn't reply but the Gryffindor already took the silence as a yes and started babbling about Quidditch this Quidditch that. Severus couldn't follow even the half of what he's saying, so he just stayed quiet.

Sirius seemed to be fallen to the subject and kept on going. His hands were busy trying to reenact the moves played on today's game.

"It was a nice trick", he blurted out, "the thing you did."

Sirius' grin widened at his compliment. "Thanks!"

He was like a child who just got praised for his little masterpiece by mother. A small smile adorned Severus' lips as he stared at the boy.

"I've learned that from someone."

"From whom?"

"A professional player," Sirius answered.

Severus nodded, not inquiring further.

Truthfully, he was not that very interested, and he wouldn't know the person even if Sirius give him the name. So, he returned his gaze to the box laid on the desk. He bit his lips as he wondered what to do with it.

"You know, I just met Moony before coming here", said Sirius.

Severus looked up, in query.

"He told me you were with my brother." The boy added.

"Oh."

Sirius was silent as if to wait for Severus to elaborate but when it was clear he wouldn't, Sirius asked. "What were you doing with him?"

Severus met the icy grey eyes with a sudden unease. For a split second, he mused a thought of telling him that this is none of his businesses.

"He gave me a birthday present." But Severus felt like he should tell the truth.

"A birthday present?" Sirius repeated.

Severus nodded.

"Why didn't you tell me today's your birthday?" The boy asked.

Severus froze, dumbfounded. This was not exactly the reaction he anticipated. Severus thought Sirius might be upset about him being close to him judging by the way he acted in the past. What is it with this family being so spontaneous and unpredictable?

"I thought it was irrelevant to you", said Severus after a moment of hesitation.

The boy looked hurt, genuinely. "You could've asked somethings for the baby."

Severus closed his mouth, not knowing what to say.

Sirius harrumphed, trying to compose himself. Then, he looked straight up to Severus' black eyes and asked, "So, what was it?"

"What was what?"

"The gift", Sirius supplied, annoyed that he didn't catch from the question.

Severus eyed the small box laid on the desk. Sirius' eyes followed.

"I don't know." Severus said.

"What?"

"I didn't open it."

Sirius frowned, incredulously. "You should have", he said.

Severus looked at the boy as if to say, 'why?'

For some reasons, that look irritated Sirius. He looked like someone who never received a gift before. His brows knitted together as he stood from his seat and approached Severus. He grabbed the box and handed it to Severus, who looked up with an uncharacteristically dumb face.

"Open it", said Sirius.

Severus did.

There was a small vial, a very small one, half filled with a liquid inside the box. Severus took it up close to his face to examine it. The liquid was like a molten gold, glistening in various colors inside the crystal vial. There was no doubt as to what it was. This was Felix Felicis, liquid luck.

Rather surprising, actually.

This potion priced astronomically expensive as it was highly complicated potion to make.

Severus couldn't see why the other Black gave him this, but he almost felt like his motive didn't matter.

He was too distracted as he was fascinated by the potion that he missed the look on Sirius' face.

"Do you want something?" The boy asked.

Severus looked up from the vial, shaking his head, "No, I'm good."

…...…...…...…...…...

This was the weirdest thing that ever happened to Lily Evans' life. Lily thought as she stared at the tall, handsome Gryffindor boy in front of her. She blinked as if to decide this was a dream or not. He was still there.

"Er-... I'm sorry, Black?" She hesitantly asked.

The boy so handsome that every girl in the corridor stared at him with their mouth open repeated. "I said can we talk in private?"

She was so dumbfounded that it took a moment before she could answer yes and led the boy in the near broom closet.

The room felt so small when the tall boy entered.

She felt so awkward being in a same room with the boy. Though she wasn't afraid of the boy nor excited, but she never imagined being close with Sirius Black even after she started dating Potter. He hates her, as much as she him.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" She asked, in a hurry to get out of the place.

Another strange thing happened as the boy cleared his throat, looking rather awkward himself. This made her terrified. He never looks awkward in front of her. In front of anybody for that matter.

Suddenly, a ridiculous thought emerged as she had a conversation long time ago with her friend Mary. Her old friend insisted that both Potter and Black fancy her, judging by the way the latter acts so rude to her. She shrugged the theory off as a nonsense. But, my God, is Black blushing?

He coughed, again, unnecessarily.

She snapped out of the absurd thought and straightened herself.

"What do you know about Severus Snape?"

But the word came out from the boy was more than absurd.

She froze on the spot as if someone gave a blow. "What?" her voice was shaking.

"What do you know about Severus Snape?" he kindly repeated.

Lily's beautiful face changed from dumbfounded to agitated as she breathed in and out to compose herself. He waited patiently.

"Why do you want to know?" She asked.

"I don't mean anything bad", explained Sirius, "I just want to know more about him."

The girl frowned.

"You know, about his homelife, about his general interests and such." He suggested.

Lily snorted, "I think you know about his interests well."

It was Sirius' time to frown.

"You know what he likes, what he wants to become. Why do you need me to tell such things?"

Sirius looked surprise at her retort. But she could not hold back the hostility at the name.

"Besides that. What he is like at home?" He prompted.

"I don't know, why don't you go and ask him?" She snapped, venomously.

At that, the boy glared at her dangerously. She supposed he was irritated at her uncooperative attitude. She calmly met that ferocious gaze, half expecting the boy to storm out giving up. But Sirius Black just sighed, annoyed.

"I wouldn't be here if he babble out his stories." He said truthfully.

She agreed. She knew Severus wasn't the type of person who speaks so freely about his private life. Especially his home life. But she didn't want to be reminded of what Severus' life was like. It'll only make her feel something she shouldn't be feeling in regard to the Slytherin. He was a lost cause to her; she shall not be guilty over cutting him out of her life.

So, she lied, "I don't know", Her bright green eyes met the greys, her face blank, "he never spoke about his home."

Sirius Black looked like a boy robbed of his toys, disappointed and frustrated. She was reminded of a rumor that flows around the castle.

"If I were you, I'd stay away from him as far as I can", said Lily.

It was cold and heartless thing to say, but it was better than to have another like her. She saw Black carrying Severus Snape, comforting him. He often speaks to the boy with a caring voice he never used to others. He always tails Severus, carrying his books. One time, she even witnessed Black bringing foods in the library. She tried to dismiss a theory that emerges whenever she witness the two together. She doesn't know much but she was sure that Black cares about Severus, and very deeply.

That was wrong.

Black wasn't Death Eater, nor does he attempt to be one. He chose the light, and he shall remain in the light whereas Severus will be left on the dark carrying on the sinful path. It was so obvious where they would land if the two stay together.

"What?" Sirius Black asked incredulously.

As if he never anticipated such warnings.

"He's no good to you", Lily stated, "he is not a good person. Staying with him only make things worse."

As it did to her.

Severus Snape left a huge scar in her heart that can never be healed. She will always remember the hurt when he betrayed her trust. That sort of feeling shouldn't be repeated to anyone.

Black stared at her as if she said something very nasty. His face contorted as he tried to calm himself, but the boy was known for his temper.

"What the fuck do you mean?" He asked.

Lily did not withdraw, she held her gaze coldly.

"It just a warning for you from someone who've been in your shoes before."

Sirius snorted, "I don't need your fucking warning." He seemed to be in conflict with himself whether or not to lash out.

But the boy was reckless but not entirely outrageous. He held himself back, trying to refrain himself from whatever the hell he wants to do to her.

"How the fuck do you know him, if you don't know what his life is like?" He said in between rough breathing, in an attempt to calm himself.

"Why are you so angry? You knew he's a bad person, you always says so. Isn't that the reason why you always picked on him? Because he's Snivellus, the Dark Arts fanatic? He can't change who he is. He doesn't want to change. You'll only get hurt." Lily spoke in a soft voice.

Every word she said was true. Severus Snape wasn't going to change then, and certainly not now. He has abandoned his own love for that. What could possibly make him change his mind? What could possibly more powerful than love? A friendship with a boy who tormented the boy was certainly not more powerful.

"You hypocritical bitch", the boy gritted his teeth.

Lily was stunned at the venom in his voice.

"Excuse me?"

"I said you are fucking hypocrite", he said, more sternly.

Lily frowned.

Sirius snorted in disgust, looking away. It seemed he was counting down not to lose his temper. Lily felt her mouth dry.

That was rude.

She bit her lip. She wasn't doing this out of false kindness. She's doing this because she knows what it would be when the trust was betrayed so badly.

The boy slowly turned. The cold grey eyes pierced through her greens.

"I've always wondered why the fuck James likes you," he said, "I still don't' see why"

He glared at her as if he wanted to rip her apart. She flinched involuntarily.

He continued, "because you are the worst person I've ever seen".

Lily frowned, stung at his word.

"At least people I know don't pretend what they do is right, but you-" he sneered, "really believes that you are the best?"

"I don't-"

"Yes, you do." He interjected.

"You really think you're helping me. You truly believe Severus Snape is vermin, don't you? Something that must be put down."

Lily opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

"Have you never wondered why he's so messed up?"

Lily bit her lip.

"Have you ever felt what is it like to carry the dark feeling, burning your inside?"

The boy's eyes were bloodshot with the heat in his head. The loathe in his expression so palpable that she almost feel it.

She wondered whether she should tell the truth that she knew about the boy's life. And that even with the knowledge of his life, there are things cannot be forgiven. His life was a hell, she knows, but that doesn't condone what he have done. That doesn't make his choices any more right.

"Have you ever felt the hatred consuming yourself?"

But her tongue was tied, she could not speak.

"You don't know what he goes through every day", he said, "you don't know him. That's why you think you're doing the right thing but Evans," he called her, "next time you feel like preaching, don't."

Then he left, leaving Lily frozen where she stood. She felt…. She didn't know what she felt. She just stood there, numbly, until James Potter steps in.

…...…...…...…...…...…...

Sirius was livid. He could not be angrier than this. Fucking Evans. He always thought she wasn't miss little sunshine, but this was too far. The girl was more fucked up than he had thought.

He just simply wanted some background information on Severus. He just wanted to know why he was so unaccustomed to company, why he's so reluctant to let him in.

He knew he hurt Severus, very deeply. But he was trying to make amends, he had hoped he would be more open up. Severus, however, didn't even know how to open up.

It was very frustrating. It frustrated him.

He…. he had thought he was being good to Severus.

Apparently, not enough for the Slytherin to casually talk about birthday.

Sirius stormed into the dorm room, tearing open the door. He flung himself on the bed.

Never had he imagined that he would be angry for Severus Snape, he thought as he buried his head on the pillow. But the words came out of Lily Evans' mouth were enough to explode.

How dare she.

He clutched the sheets in fists.

How the fuck she could say that.

Were she not a friend with Severus?

A little conscious in his mind whispered that those words were exactly the same as he once spoke about the boy.

But that was before he knew Severus was someone like him. Someone who carries a dark feeling that consumes life and happiness. That feeling he so wants to pluck it out of his heart because it burns and melts his inside that it twists up all rationality.

That feeling grows when you are never been loved. When you are rejected of what others easily get.

Sirius could not ignore such condemnation spoken by the boy's supposedly greatest love. He loved her. If she could not love him back, she should at least honor him to some extent. She should at least try to understand what made him do what he did.

Sirius was surprised by the level of his own protectiveness for the boy, but he was adamant that he will protect the boy. He cannot let him be insulted in such crude way, especially not by the girl he adore so much.

He tried to calm himself, let himself drift away by sleep when the door open and an angry James entered.

"We need to talk", said James.

Sirius frowned, oblivious as to why he's so upset.

But then, he remembered the redhead he just berated was James' girlfriend. So, she's not only a hypocrite but also a tattletale.

"She deserved it", he said, not bothering to hide his irritation.

James looked stunned, "mate!"

Sirius rolled his eyes and sit up properly.

"She was just trying to help you!" James said.

"Well, I don't need her help", Sirius returned.

"She was just trying to warn you not to get too close to Snivellus. You know, he's a soon-to-be-death eater, they all are. And she was worried-"

"He's not a death eater." Sirius cut him off, now equally irritated.

"What?" Dumbfounded, James asked.

"He's not a death eater and I do not require your girlfriend's warning. I can take care of myself just fine." He said defensively.

"And his name is Severus", he added.

James' jaw dropped; his hazel eyes stared at Sirius incredulously. Sirius looked at him with a woeful expression, then got up and passed by him.

"I didn't do anything wrong. He's not what you think you are."

He left the room, not wanting to be near him as well.

On his way out, he came across Moony and Wormtail, but he ignored them.