Hello everybody!
As usual I would like to thank you all for the lovely feedback and reviews.
I'm glad the last chapter went over so well with everyone. It was difficult to write, as I had to drawn from my own experiences of someone making excuses for an abuser (theirs and mine). I've even had to listen to the pretzel logic of how me wanting to call the police on my abuser for threatening would be causing unfair stress on everyone else, making me the bad guy. And of course the few kind things said abuser occasionally (rarely) does-things like put their own plate in the dishwasher, hold a door open for me-gets turned into a big praise fest over how nice it was, as though it somehow negates being constantly threatened with physical harm, threats of suicide if I do not comply with their demands, and emotional manipulation where everything is turned around on me no matter how much my feelings were hurt. Basically, I have lived the life where my abuser can do no wrong because the other victim wants me to see the good in the abuser, and when they do something wrong, it "isn't as bad as you make it out to be".
I've had some newer readers express to me their opinions on Simone. I understand she can be very, very, preachy in the beginning chapters, and yes she oftentimes shows up to discuss moral dilemmas. If it helps, her role in the story recedes over time, as my main focus is Severus and Lily.
I know for these reviewers in question, it may seem unbelievable of my oc to have all these talking points on right and wrong when others do not, but to me, her backstory gives it a decent level of believable-ness. Simone's father is the wizard equivalent of a lawyer, giving her a closer look at the laws of the land and what is and is not excluded to magical minorities. As someone of a ethnicity discriminated in many places of the world (even now), she has experienced being denied what should be basic rights to anyone, so she has the insight to see others in the magical world being treated similarly. Her views on consent come from what happened to her father when he was younger and her views on child abuse come from the cases he represented and the court cases he researched when getting his degree.
But like I said, Simone will become less and less of a moral preacher as she recedes from the central plot. So if you can get past that, I hope you can enjoy the rest of the story. And thank you for your feedback and opinion. It's always welcome.
If Someone Cared Enough
Chapter Fifty-Three: Christmas Tidings and Tribulations
Severus woke up early Christmas morning to Lily clinging to him like a great, big limpet. Tucked close to Severus body with her hair in the boy's face, Lily slept dead to the world. She had her leg hiked up over Severus's hip, the other bent at the knee slightly to hook one of Severus's ankles with her own. At some point in the night, Lily's arms had moved from pressing flat against Severus's chest to wrapping loosely around his neck, one hand tangled in several strands of inky, black hair. Her breath lightly fanned Severus's face; morning breath, but Severus found he didn't really mind.
He really had missed waking up like this every day. The first few mornings of Sixth year had been disorienting to say the least; waking up in his dorm room, confused as to why Lily wasn't beside him. Realizing where he was and always filled Severus with disappointment, a first as his dorm room had formerly been the one source of calm and solitude Severus had at Hogwarts. Now he loathed to return to school and spend his mornings waking up alone once more.
Severus stared at Lily thoughtfully, a true smile coming over his face. Her face had slacken in slumber, her lovely features relaxed and still. She tended to wear a tiny hint of makeup during the day, just some eyeshadow and mascara, maybe a light lipstick, but her bare face in the early morning was just as lovely to Severus. Having taken a shower the night before, her legs were smooth and silky, something Severus relished as her leg slid up his own, dragging his pant leg with it. He'd never object to her habit of wearing shorts to bed regardless of the weather. The arch of her spine was she coiled around him created a rather appealing jut to her bosom, which Severus couldn't help but admire though he chastised himself for his lecherous hormones.
Lily was a fitful sleeper, never known for staying in one place or still as she slumbered. Severus could recall in his youth the rare sleepover at the Evans household, the times his mother actually allowed him away from home. In the morning Severus usually woke up to find Lily almost completely sideways on her bed or with one leg dangling fully off the mattress; she'd kicked him in the head once wriggling around like that.
Severus liked to tease Lily that she could not dream passively, just as she was not passive in experiencing anything in life. She simply could not lie still during an animated dream, traveling across her bed as she traverse unusual dreamscapes. Even now, Lily moved, one of her feet tapping sporadically as if she was running.
Lily sighed contentedly in her sleep, the hand entwined in Severus's hair tightening ever so slightly. Severus smirked; he wondered what her dreams were now? Did she think him some cozy teddy bear to snuggle, or did she actually dream it was Severus she was wrapped around?
It was hard to believe how things had changed between them. Until only recently, Severus had been under the impression his affections would be unrequited for as long as he lived. He had even prepared himself for the painstaking role of supportive confidante, the one whom Lily sought to complain and swoon about the various men she'd surely romance in her life. He even imagined himself forcing on a painful smile as a groomsman in her wedding party, watching the love of his life marry another.
It was a possibility Severus had accepted but felt nauseous to consider. Severus honestly doubted that he'd be able to remain friends with Lily if that future came to pass. He never was very good at masking his bitterness and surely he'd be nothing but a sour faced presence in Lily's life should she marry another. As cowardly and childish as it was, Severus probably would be better off heading for parts unknown when that day came. His only comfort in those dark thoughts was that hopefully, it wouldn't be Potter whom she said 'I do' to.
Now recent developments had his mind reeling. Lily wanted him. Him! If Severus was a more foolish man, he'd assume he was dreaming, maybe even pinch himself to make sure. As it was, Severus was totally and utterly at a loss for how this attraction came to be on Lily's part. She was aware there were better-looking men out there, right?
Yet she chose him. Well maybe 'chose' wasn't the best way to describe it. Would crush be better? A mutual attraction? It might be too soon to actually discuss a relationship; they hadn't hashed out what their feelings meant for them. Severus flushed, remembering the lingering kiss Lily had given him before falling asleep. Things were progressing slowly, handholding and kisses being the farthest either of them entertained going. They were a long way off from attempting any snogging, certainly, mainly because they were both sure the first time would most likely prove to be an awkward, clumsy affair. It wasn't like either of them had any experience, Severus only ever having eyes for someone he thought unobtainable and Lily's potential suitors over the years being chased away by James—and maybe by Severus as well if he were being honest.
What they had was still tip toeing around the phase adults would call 'puppy love', though Severus could assuredly state his feelings ran much deeper than childhood infatuation. Things were new and exciting, but also unfamiliar and tentative, neither knowing how to proceed or even broach the topic of whether they were together now.
It would seem Lily had no intention of broaching the subject with him and Severus couldn't say he blamed her. Everything happened to fast, from the first kiss to Tobias's death, and then the depressing visit with his apparently delusional mother. There hadn't been any time to really bring up where they stood with each other. If they became an official couple right after Tobias died, would anyone take them seriously, or would people assume that the relationship was born out of loneliness on his part and pity on Lily's? Let's be honest; there were plenty of people who would believe Lily would have to be crazy to date him.
Severus suspected Lily also still held some reservations about intimacy after what Avery did. She was a wise enough girl to know what she did consentingly was in no way the same as what Avery had done, but Severus knew Lily still at times became self-conscious of touch, be it from friend or family. Considering his own difficulties with touch aversion after years of dodging his father's fists, he wasn't about to push Lily out of her comfort zone.
Lily's parents were another variable to consider. It wasn't let any parent would want someone wooing their daughter under their very roof. If Severus was in Hank's shoes, it was doubtful he'd want a hormonal teenage boy living so closes to his daughter if the boy expressed interests in her. He'd probably be overcome with fear for his daughter's purity if he were Hank. Would Severus be allowed to stay if a relationship bloomed between him and Lily?
Severus also felt a little guilty to pursue anything while staying with the Evanses. This was a family that stuck their necks out for him, welcomed him into their home. They even went to bat for him against the ministry and Wizengamot, an authority that lorded over others with unquestionable power. To repay Hank and Willow by saddling their youngest daughter with a boy from the wrong side of town with no prospects seemed unfair, even cruel.
There was also Severus's persistent self-doubt. Never fancying himself as anyone's first choice, Severus couldn't help but be wary of jumping into anything serious with Lily. After all, for him this was a lifetime long love he'd nurtured from early childhood, but for Lily, her feelings were something new even to her. While it was possible she'd always held some level of hidden romantic affection for him and only now became aware of it, there was still the greater possibility that this was a passing fancy on her part.
While Severus would love to confidentially enter into a relationship with Lily and throw caution to the winds, he was never an optimistic person, but a logical one. That logic painfully reminded Severus that while he may have Lily's affections, he may not yet have her trust, not wholly, a fact he came upon none too happily a week ago.
He hadn't meant to find the letters from Lily's friends, really he hadn't. He'd come upstairs to find Lily's favorite scarf at her request. Whilst searching on his hands and knees, Severus's stumbled across the creased but otherwise untouched letter, apparently having fallen behind the desk.
Folded neatly on top of the envelope it arrived in, Severus was perplexed the letter had been so carefully preserved, especially after seeing who it was from. For weeks now, Lily had thrown away letters from Meldonna the same as Jessica's, responding with bland well-wishing instead of addressing or even reading any of the concerns her judgmental friends had written. Yet she saved this one. Perhaps Lily had simply forgotten to throw this one away; she could have set it down intending to do away with it later when she wasn't busy, but Severus could fight the niggling feeling that she's meant to keep this one.
Scanning the letter's contents—he wasn't snooping, the letter fell open on its own—Severus found a rather well thought out and pervasive rant against associating with him. Meldonna certainly had the cunning of a Slytherin, playing on Severus's ambition as a means of implying his inability to change. Her guise of a concerned, loving friend would probably pull at Lily's heartstrings, but Severus could easily see it as a manipulative ploy to make Lily second guess her decisions. The flattery and praise of Lily's kind nature was just Meldonna's way of coming off less confrontational; she wouldn't get very far with a hot tempered person like Lily if she was condescending.
The fact that this was the letter that Lily hung onto—not the rude, patronizing, and insulting missives from Jessica or Meldonna's previous letter—is what made Severus so paranoid. Had Lily actually given Meldonna's words real thought? Was it possible she still sat on the fence over whether or not he'd truly changed? Even he could see Lily's concerns over his interests in certain subjects still remained, but he had hope she'd become more willing to see he side of things.
That made his hesitation with Lily all the stronger. Clearly he had Lily's interest, but without her trust, she could easily fall out of…love with him or whatever it was she felt. Lust? Attraction?
Severus shook the thoughts away. There really was no point worrying himself sick over matters at a time like this. As much as he wished to confront Lily with his concerns, he didn't want to ruin Christmas, especially when a possible confrontation with her would ruin everyone else's good day as well.
Lily chose that moment to groggily return to the waking world. Giving a small groan of annoyance at having somehow roused herself from a peaceful sleep, she rubbed her eyes with a yawn, squinting under the daylight's glaring brightness.
Her eyes falling on Severus, Lily smiled.
"Morning," she said sleepily.
Any concerns Severus had fled his head as Lily tightened her hold on Severus's and drew him in for a lazy kiss. It was uncoordinated and messy, Lily not fully awake, yet it still succeeded in making Severus's stomach flip and his toes curl pleasantly.
"Merry Christmas," he said in return, running a hand up and down Lily's back. Lily arched into his ministrations with a contented sigh like a cat.
'Mmmm, Christmas," Lily mumbled, nuzzling Severus's ear. After a moment, she stiffened, drawing back in surprise.
"Christmas!" Lily nearly shrieked, scrambling out from under the covers. She looked at the clock on the nightstand in panic, "My parents will be up by now; they're going to come wake us all up any minute! The last thing we need is them finding me here."
Severus sat up in bemusement, watching Lily grab her robe and put her slippers back on. Seeing no sense in lounging about any longer, Severus flipped back the covers and drew his own bathrobe, beginning to make his bed for the day.
Everything in order, Lily rushed to the door and swung it open with the intent of a speedy and sneaky exit, only to find her father on the other side of the door, hand poised to knock.
"Lily," Hank said in surprise, "You weren't in your room; I figured you were using the toilet. What are you doing in here?"
Lily stared up at her father, her mind working furiously for a response.
Severus mercifully came to her rescue, "This little imp decided to wake me up bright and early to see if Santa came," he lied easily, "I can certainly say that jumping on me is what I'd call a rude awakening."
Thankfully Hank bought the fib without suspicion, "You're truly one of the family now, Severus; Lily does the same to us and her sister every year too. But I woke up before you this year, Lilyflower," he added triumphantly, grinning at his daughter.
Lily stuck her tongue out at her father, "Just for that, I'm waking you up early New Year's Day."
Hank put a hand to his heart, "After partying the night before? How cruel!"
"Are mum and Petunia already up?" Lily asked.
Hank nodded, "Bribed Petunia with some coffee mixed with cocoa; that got her out of bed. Come along you two; let's see what Santa brought us." He headed back downstairs.
Lily turned to Severus, "Quick thinking," she praised.
Severus smiled, though he had the good grace to look a little ashamed, "I don't exactly like lying to your father."
"I know," Lily said, "But I'd rather not get into it with him about sleeping in a boy's room. It's Christmas; we're meant to have fun today."ow cruelH
"This Christmas is already sure to beat all my previous ones by a mile; Tobias isn't here to ruin it for me," Severus observed, "I suppose I'll have to get used to people expecting me to be sad about it though." Ever since yesterday morning, Willow's face sat in a perpetual pitying frown whenever Severus entered the room, as though she expected him to burst into tears at any minute and throw himself sobbing into her arms.
"That is the average reaction to a parent's death," Lily agreed, "But they didn't know your father; they don't understand how unbearable he was."
"Well either way, it's done wonders for my Christmas cheer," he held out his arm for Lily to take, "Come, let's see what other good news St. Nick's brought me; do you think I'll find Black and Potter's bollocks under the tree?"
Lily laughed, "One could only hope!"
{page break}
Petunia tore open the neatly wrapped gift before her with gusto, the contents inside eliciting a joyful gasp from her.
"Oh, Lily, it's beautiful!" She gushed, raised the Unicorn painting up for everyone to see, "And they move. Mum, dad, they really move!"
"That's wonderful, Pumpkin," Willow said, staring at the painting in awe, "Dear, come look at this."
"I'm looking," Hank said, curled up in the new bathrobe his wife bought him and digging into the dark chocolate from Severus, "That surely is a lovely gift."
"It's from both of them," Petunia observed, looking at the gift tag again, "Thank you, Lily, thanks Severus," to the boy's surprise the eldest Evans's child pulled him into a hug."
"You're welcome," Severus returned the hug awkwardly, "We actually have two gifts for you." He pulled out an oblong shaped parcel wrapped simply in brown packaging paper.
Petunia eagerly took the present, openly it just as hurriedly as the last. When she saw what lay inside, her eyes lit up, "Is this that cosmetic potion Simone uses?"
Severus nodded, "Yes. Lily and I brewed it up during a study period at school. Now you don't have to borrow Serapeum's to have a glowing complexion."
"I'll be the envy of the University!" Petunia exclaimed. Again, she threw her arms around Lily and Severus, "Thank you so much!"
"You're very welcome, Tuney," Lily said happily.
"Now I feel silly giving you something so bland," Petunia admitted, handing a package to Severus. Inside he found with a portable apothecary chest, antique by the looks of it."
"Simone said many brewers carry them," Petunia explained, "This was one of the more affordable models; I figured you weren't into the flashy stuff."
"It's perfect," Severus replied, giving Petunia a kind smile, "The potions kit I got from school has been falling apart for years. This will do nicely."
Petunia smiled relieved.
So far, everyone has gotten a good haul. Lily's parents each got a robe and slipper set from Lily and Severus along with Willow's shawl and gloves. Hank was tickled pink by the refilling coffee mug, while Petunia received quite a few fashionable, yet tasteful additions to her wardrobe from her parents. Willow and Hank gave Lily similar gifts, but leaning more towards her fashion sense, as well as some Charm books that came highly recommended to them by Severus. Petunia gave her sister some heeled shoes and a set of makeup she knew Lily had been admiring in a shop window for weeks.
Severus received some brand new shirts and pants, as well as a fine pair of boots from the Evanses, all in neutral colors, as was his preference. He also got a collection of muggle classics; Frankenstein, Dracula, the Legends of King Arthur.
Severus wasn't shocked to find a large pile of gifts under the tree for Lily from her friends, but what did surprise him was the rather decent mound of presents for him. Davis had sent him a wizard chess set, while Nesme sent him a muggle book of riddles and brainteasers. A few other students from their study book sent him chocolates and sweets, and an anonymous package of colorful socks came to him as well, addressed from Hogwarts and nothing more. Mary sent him a book on plant care for potioneers, a useful gift to be sure.
Hagrid owled over a basket of his homemade cakes for Lily and Severus to enjoy, though neither was sure they'd eat any of the rock-hard confections. They were more inclined to eat the crystallized pineapple Slughorn sent them.
For some odd reason, Marlene had sent Severus something; a magazine on the most romantic places in London, a note attached that said in big fat letters, "Hint, hint" with a drawing of a Lily and a bat at the bottom.
Severus had wondered if Lily had told anyone about her feelings for him; now he was quite sure someone knew.
Lupin sent him something as well, thought Severus couldn't say that it surprised him given how sincere the boy was trying to be about making amends. Severus dislike the gift either, laughing aloud when he pulled out a moving photo of Potter and Black with antlers, apparently victims of a prank Lupin pulled over the holidays. The boys were laughing in the photo instead of miserable as Severus would have hoped, but the sight of them looking so ridiculous was nice enough. Remus even hung ornaments and garlands from his friends' new appendages before taking the photo.
The picture helped improve Severus mood after seeing Lily open a gift from Potter earlier. The gift came with a note claiming Potter had ordered two by mistake when picking out a gift for his mother and figured he'd send the extra to Lily, but Severus knew the Emerald encrusted necklace Lily received had been selected for her deliberately.
"What an expensive thing to order two of," Lily said, looking over the pricy gift, "Not sure why he didn't just return it to get his money back."
Severus feigned a disinterested shrug, "Maybe the store had a no refunds policy.
He tried not to let his upset show and focused on the embarrassment on Potter's face in Lupin's photo to calm his nerves.
Lily gave Severus a book on Alchemy and Severus gifted her a pair of monogramed gloves. He intended to give her the necklace he bought later that night in private. It seemed too personal to give to her in front of her family. As it was, he was hoping his gift wouldn't be downplayed in significance now that Potter had stolen the show with that overpriced necklace of his.
Despite that one unpleasant hiccup, the morning was spent making merry in the living room while Christmas specials played on the telly in the background, plates of cookies and cups of cocoa taking the place of breakfast. Lounging in their jammies, everyone was content to laze the day away in cozy comfort.
It was around lunchtime when Petunia and her mother set about making sandwiches that the doorbell rang, followed by rapid knocking.
"I'll get it," Petunia called, heading for the door. When the door opened, she let out a happy squeal, prompting Severus and Lily to peek into the hall.
"Simone!" Petunia said excitedly, "Thea! What a surprise to see you here today." She swept her two best friends into a group hug.
"Pet," Simone greeted warmly, patting her friend on the back. Clad in a muggle winter coats, she and Thea brushed the snow off their shoulders before stepping inside, "I trust your Christmas is going well?"
"It's going wonderfully," Petunia declared, "More so now that you two are here. Did you get my presents?"
"We did," Simone replied, stepping over the threshold. As she did, her muggle clothes morphed into a wizard cloak and robes. She opened her cloak to show off a feathered broach, "Peacock feathers; how did you know?"
Petunia giggled, "You love to stand out in a crowd, it was an obvious choice."
"Thank you for mine as well, Petunia," Thea said happily, proudly flaunting a Kneazle broach of sterling silver.
"We haven't come empty handed," Simone announced, pulling two large boxes from her cloak, "Happy Christmas, Pet."
The first box contained a jewel encrusted necklace that had Petunia's eyes as round as dinner plates.
"Oh my, Sim," Petunia breathed, "This is too nice to accept."
"You touched it, no take backs," Simone said childishly with a smirk, "Open the other one, Thea picked it out."
Petunia opened the other box hesitantly, only for a smile to split her face as she pulled out a large picture frame.
"Another unicorn portrait!" she exclaimed, overjoyed, "And…is that..?"
"It's you," Simone answered, "We had it custom made."
"This will go perfect with the one Severus and Lily got me," Petunia said in wonderment, "They're both so beautiful!"
"If you hang them in the same room close to one another, the unicorns will move from one frame to the other," Thea explained.
"Really?!" Petunia gasped, "This I've got to see!" she grabbed a smiling Thea by the hand, dragging her into the living room where the other picture currently sat.
Simone watched them go with a smile before turning her attention to Lily and Severus.
"Now that, they're busy," she crossed the space in three quick strides and enveloped Severus in a tight hug, "Sorry about your father. He was an ass who deserve no better, but you shouldn't have to go through this."
Severus stood back, confused, "How do you know about my father? It's not even in the paper yet."
"Maybe not the muggle paper," Simone said, pulling a rolled up newspaper from beneath her cloak, "Rita Skeeter has been snooping, it would seem."
Emblazoned across the front page of the Daily Prophet was Severus face in black and white, scowling up at them. Besides it was a photo of a body covered in a white sheet surrounded by muggle police officers. Both photos sat beneath the headline: "Hogwarts Hero's Father Found Dead: Natural or Murder?"
"What in the world?" Severus muttered, unfolding the paper to read.
It has been brought to this reporters attention that early on the morning of Christmas Eve, muggle Tobias Snape was found dead by muggle authorities in Cokeworth, England.
If this name sounds familiar to you, it should. Tobias Snape is purported to be the father of none other than Hogwarts' recent summertime hero, Severus Snape, who last June fought off to alleged conspirators of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in an effort to save two muggleborn classmates.
What you probably didn't know was that Tobias Snape was in prison at the time of his death having been incarcerated in the early summer for an attempt on his son's life, a recent addition to what was apparently a long list of abuse on his part towards his son over the years.
Now naturally, such a grievous attack on one's own child is abhorrent to say the least, so many of us should feel no grief about such a tyrant's passing, but it doesn't leave any less questions left unanswered. How did he die? Undercovere Aurors at the scene of the investigation say no sign of a struggle was shown, nor any muggle ailment conducive to a natural death, be it heart attack or failing health. Does that mean Tobias met his demise through magical means? This reporter certainly thinks so!
The question is why, though? What wizard or witch would conspire to end the life of a muggle already facing justice behind bars for his actions? Severus Snape is reported to have been home at the time of Tobias's death, safely tucked away in the home of his new guardians. His mother Eileen could not be reached for comment.
Many of us recall that the trial of Severus Snape's attackers ended in an explosive confession by Calix Avery of collusion with You-Know-Who and a threat of revenge, promised by Avery to be carried out by the Dark Lord himself. Could this be a warning to Severus? If so, why target the man who caused his own son so much harm?
Or is there another motive? Rumor has it Severus was sought after by the Death Eaters for his skills and snubbed them most profoundly when he fought on the train. Could this be an incentive by You-Know-Who? Has he killed the one who caused Severus so much harm as a peace offering to the boy he wishes to recruit? Or is this all just speculation and an avid fan of Severus's heroics acted of his or her own volition to avenge the wrong doings against Severus by his own father?
One can only guess, but this reporter will be ever vigilante, to give you readers the information you deserve just as soon as it comes in. Stay with me as the story unfolds in the days to come!
Severus groaned, handing the paper off to Lily.
"Great, now everyone knows about my personal life," he sighed, "I'm sure Potter and his goons will have a field day with this."
"They better not, or they'll make bigger asses of themselves than they already have," Lily said, looking over the paper with a frown, "It won't make them look too good to be mocking child abuse."
"We've got bigger problems," Simone pointed out, "Rita has you poised as both a martyr for the light and a possible Dark wizard recruit. She wants to stir up as much suspicion and support for you to drum up publicity."
"Like I don't have people already judging me enough as it is," Severus muttered.
"Do you think what she said is true?" Lily asked, "That Tobias was killed by magic?"
"It does sound likely," Simone answered, "From what I understand, he was in pretty decent health up until they found him yesterday. Magic is the most logical explanation."
"So do you think it was done on You-Know-Who's orders?" Severus asked, "Rita seems to think that's the most likely answer."
Simone rubbed her chin in thought, "It's wouldn't surprise me."
"But why though," Lily pushed, "You heard Rita; it would make little sense to punish Sev by hurting someone he cares little for."
Simone tapped the paper, "Rita also said this might be an attempt to recruit Severus. They could be trying to appeal to his thirst for revenge against Tobias."
"I wouldn't call it a thirst," Severus argued with a roll of his eyes, "I was perfectly content with the image of him rotting in jail," he glanced at the paper, "Still, I can't say they didn't do me any favors. Better them than me, at least this way it's their souls tainted by murder; not mine."
"Severus," Lily admonished, "You can't honestly appreciate what they've done. They're clearly trying to trick you."
"I know that," Severus said with a scowl, "But is it really so bad that they bumped him off. It's not like he was ever going to change his ways. One less bastard in the world if you ask me." He frowned at Lily, "It's not like I'm going to up and join them now out of thanks."
"Still…" Lily mumbled her voice laced with disapproval.
"Let's not dwell on theories," Simone interrupted, "The point is, they've already got some sort of sight on you. If Thea's warning from Lucius is anything to go by—" she missed the warning look Severus shot her.
"Thea's what?" Lily cut in, "What did Lucius say? Why was Thea even with him?!"
Severus sighed angrily, he'd hoped to avoid worrying Lily with Lucius's words.
Simone scowled heavily, "She was invited there to discuss her betrothal to Rabastan Lestrange."
"Betrothal?" Lily squawked, "They're going to make her marry that madman? I hear he was a monster in school."
"He and his brother both; it's why either of them made a perfect match for Bellatrix," Simone said sourly, "It's an arranged marriage that Thea's parents decided to spring on her over the holidays."
"Arranged marriages are traditional in many pureblood families," Severus explained to Lily.
"It's slavery," Simone growled, "People selling their children into sexual servitude to heirs and heiresses from more powerful families. They're practically property after the wedding; their own parents don't even get a say in how their child is treated by the higher class family or spouse."
"That's awful!" Lily cried, "Why would her parents allow a thing like that?"
"Because they're power hungry sycophants who care more for prestige than their own daughter," Simone seethed, gritting her teeth, "They'll marry Thea off to that monster over my dead body."
"Careful what you wish for, or they might do just that," Severus cautioned.
"Those bastards don't scare me," Simone declared.
"So wait, what did Lucius say about Severus?" Lily pressed.
Simone exchanged a glance with Severus, realizing that he'd kept this from Lily for a reason. Too late to hide it now, though.
"Lucius warned Thea that Severus had angered You-Know-Who," Simone revealed, "It sounds like they might have it out for him now. Lucius advised against Severus continued association with you, posed it as though Severus may earn leniency if he cuts you out of his life and reconsiders their offer. He warned that the consequences would be dire…" she crossed her arms, "It would seem they are issuing Severus an ultimatum of sorts: join them, or everyone he loves will be in danger."
"That's madness!" Lily cried in outrage, she turned accusing eyes to Severus, "Why didn't you tell me?"
Severus held his hands up, "I didn't want to worry you."
Lily rolled her eyes in exasperation, "Gee thanks, finding out now is so much better."
Severus groaned, "For god's sake, Lily it isn't like I'm actually considering joining them."
"You better not be," Lily warned.
"I'm not," Severus snapped, "I'm through with those people. I'm not stupid enough to fall for their trap."
Lily stared at Severus angrily, concern in her green eyes.
"I'm sorry," Severus said pointedly, "I should have told you. I just didn't want you to stress out, or worse blame yourself for them threatening me."
Lily looked away, "I hadn't thought about that…you did anger them for my sake…"
"See, that's what I wanted to avoid," Severus said, frustrated. He lifted Lily's chin so she'd look at him, "You didn't cause this. His followers are crazy; look at Bellatrix. Chances are I would have been in hot water with them eventually for not being on board with murdering children or eating puppies or something."
Lily let a small giggle slip, "They are mad, aren't they?"
"Completely bonkers," Severus agreed, "So don't think you had anything to do with them setting their sights on me; they'd have done it sooner or later. I think they're just prone to turn on one another. After, it's what Avery and Mulciber did in court."
"True," Lily admitted, leaning into Severus's side. Her ire seemed to be cooled for now, but Severus doubted this would be the last he heard of it. Meldonna's letter came to mind again. She'd have a field day wearing down Lily with this new development.
"Still, I wish they weren't after you," Lily said after a moment.
"Same here," Severus murmured, "I never thought things would be so complicated when we were teenagers; this all seems like things were should have had to face as adults."
"War makes adults out of it's children," Simone said sadly.
"Isn't that the truth," Severus mused, "Right now we have more pressing matters to worry about. This article is going to put even more eyes on me. That's going to make our research on the diadem harder to keep discreet and me and Lily had managed to acquire a bombshell of information."
"Oh," Simone said, raising a brow, "Do tell."
"After lunch," Severus promised, "We should probably join Thea and Petunia before they get suspicious. I'll tell you one thing; we may be on the right track with this Tom Riddle fellow."
"Nesme will be over the moon that her suggestion panned out," Simone said as they headed for the living room, "Of, before I forget."
Simone pulled two items out of her cloak, waving her wand to enlarge them.
"A set of formal cloaks for each of you," she said, handing them to Severus and Lily casually, "I didn't bother wrapping them. Enjoy."
Severus and Lily stared bemused down at their gifts.
"Where would we ever wear these?" Severus questioned.
Simone only laughed, "Commoners."
{page break}
"Hey, Lily," Severus lightly tapped Lily's shoulder as she passed him to join her family in front of the fireplace for the evening, "Do you have a minute?"
Simone and Thea had departed shortly before dinner, citing a need to return Thea to her house before her parents noticed she was gone. Considering the girls spent several hours at the Evans household, it spoke volumes of how little interaction Thea had with her parents if they barely noticed her absence on Christmas.
The subject of Thea's betrothal went over very poorly with Petunia, who was vehement she give Thea's parents a 'stern talking to' and was only talked out of it with much begging on Thea's part and a sticking charm cast by Simone to keep her from leaping up leaving to search for Thea's parents herself.
When the girls left, Petunia vented her displeasure over the whole matter by throwing herself into her work, namely, her cooking. She whipped up a meal that could contend with Hogwarts fine cuisine, a perfectly seasoned roast taking center stage with roasted potatoes, bread pudding, sautéed asparagus, and hash coated in a béchamel sauce as side dishes. Cooking while made seemed to agree with her, something her mother joked would come in handy when she was married, as husbands were notorious for getting under one's skin. Hank dipped his finger in his wine and flicked the drippings at Willow for that remark.
Since Petunia cooked, it seemed only fair that Lily and Severus clean up, the pair more than willing to wash dishes and put away the leftovers. When everything was clean and dry and in its proper place, Lily was all but ready to curl up on the couch with her parents and watch some old Christmas movie by the light of the fire. Severus was more than amendable to that, but first he needed to take care of something.
"I was hoping we could have a word," Severus stated, "In private?"
Lily blinked, "Oh, sure."
Lily followed Severus upstairs to his room, the dark haired boy closing the door behind them.
"So what do you want to talk about?" Lily asked warily. The issue of Lucius threat and offer hung over them like a dark cloud. The betrayal and irritation Lily felt at the secret was still fresh and Lily doubted she could exchange a civil word about it if Severus chose to bring it up now.
Severus knew it was the last things Lily wanted to discuss and frankly, he shared her sentiments. If he had it his way, Lily never would have known about Lucius recent words regarding him, finding it better to push the subject to the back of his mind and never deal with it. It wasn't like he was going to join Malfoy and his master, so why bother worrying Lily over something that would never occur? In hindsight, Severus should have wrote to Simone informing her of his decision to keep matters discreet, but it was too late to fix things now.
Secrecy was no longer an option with this problem, but that didn't mean Severus wasn't going to avoid it like the plague. Therefore, Lily could rest easy since he had no intention to discuss it up now. Honestly Lucius's words were probably very empty holding little promise or malice. Severus was a sixteen-year-old boy; Voldemort had more powerful men and women to target for opposing him. Voldemort could take a back seat for now. Things that are more important rested on Severus's mind. Like the item currently hidden in Severus's trunk.
"There's something I wanted to give you," Severus began, "for Christmas."
He pulled his trunk out from under his bed, rummaging around in it. After a moment or two of searching, he produced a small, azure box from one of his trunk's hidden compartments.
"It didn't seem right to give it to you in front of your parents," Severus explained as he turned back around and presented the gift to Lily, "I wanted this to be a private moment, just between us."
Lily took the gift with a bemused smile, "I thought the gloves were enough, but if you insist," she carefully untied the purple ribbon on the box and lifted the lid.
Lily's eyes lit up when she saw what sat inside, a gasp springing from her lips.
"Oh…Severus," she breathed, lifting the necklace out of the box. She held it up to the light, completely enamored with the tiny, near translucent doe inside the glass bauble. From its frail, lithe limbs to the intricately detailed etching of fur tufts on its ears and tail, the creature was almost ethereal in appearance, the whole scene done in simple whites and grays to give it a near ghost-like quality.
Severus wanted to give himself a pat on the back for the charm he managed to place on the necklace. With a little bit of magic and ingenuity, the doe inside grazed just like a real deer, small, dainty steps across the landscape, tail and ears flicking occasionally.
"It's beautiful," Lily exclaimed, cradling the necklace in her hands, "It's so delicate and elegant," she looked up at Severus with a big smile, her eyes swimming with adoration, "I love it!"
Careful of the necklace, Lily pulled Severus in for a heartfelt kiss, the corners of her lips turning up smugly as she felt the normally reserved boy melt a little under her touch.
Pulling back, Lily's gaze returned to the little doe in the necklace.
"It looks so fragile," she said, "I'm almost afraid to wear it."
"It's charmed," Severus told her, "The shop owners said the spell last up to ten years before it needs to be reapplied. It should withstand most wear and tear."
"Perfect," Lily said happily, turning around and pulling her hair back from her neck, "Put it on me?"
With gentle hands, Severus carefully brought the chain around Lily's neck, clasping it in the back. He let his fingertips brush softly, but deliberately against Lily's skin, trailing his nails over her pale flesh for several teasing seconds.
"There," he said, pulling away.
Lily turned back around, wishing Severus's hands had lingered more. She looked down at the necklace now resting on her collarbone.
"This is the sweetest gift, Severus," Lily said admiringly, "How did you find something like this?"
"It was in a store front in Hogsmeade," Severus replied, "I saw it in the window and for some reason I thought of you."
"Well I love it," Lily declared, "Thank you."
Severus smiled, pride welling in his chest at the sight of his gift hanging from Lily's neck while Potter's still sat discarded under the tree.
"You're welcome," Severus said easily, "Well I guess we better go join the others downstairs."
"Wait," Lily said, stopping Severus from leaving the room, "I have something for you too."
Severus raised a brow, "I thought the alchemy book was my present. I can't wait to read it."
"That was just present number one," Lily explained, "I prepared the other one weeks ago, but didn't really want to give it to you with mum and dad watching. They'd do the whole annoying parent thing; cooing, saying 'isn't that cute' and 'that's so sweet'. I'd rather avoid that whole ordeal."
"Let me fetch it," Lily said, dashing out of the room. She returned moments later with a rectangular box wrapped in shiny silver paper.
"Open it," she demanded with youthful impatience.
Severus inspected the box, feeling the object through the paper.
"It looks like a picture," he said teasingly, snickering at Lily's groan of impatience, "It feels like a picture," he pulled back the wrapping paper agonizingly slow, "And lo and behold it is a—"
Severus trailed off, the words dying on his tongue.
In a simple frame sat a photo of two children, one boy and one girl. The girl had a rosy smile lighting up her face while the boy stood beside her, glancing at her shyly from time to time with a little grin of his own. Dressed in Hogwarts robes, the pair stood under a tree.
Severus watched as the little girl danced around the trunk of the tree, popping out from either side to poke her friend in the stomach playfully as the boy fought hard not to smile.
"It's from our first year at school," Lily pointed out quietly, watching Severus's expression, "Our first time by the lake since we rode the boats over."
"I don't…" Severus said softly, "I don't understand…Lily how did you get this?"
Lily smiled tenderly at him, "It's a memory…mine."
Severus looked up at Lily in amazement.
"Professor Flitwick extracted it for me," Lily went on, "It took quite a bit of effort; he's not as familiar with memory magic. I did some extra charm tutoring for his younger students in exchange."
Severus recalled Lily being a tad bit busier than usual near the end of term, "You did that for me?"
Lily nodded, "It was a cherished memory for me; back when we were young and things were simple," she looked down, "Back before everyone started trying to separate us. I wanted you to have a good memory from school like I do…before Potter and his friends began ruining it for you."
"Lily, this is incredible," Severus said, his voice choked with emotion. He tried to choke back the lump growing in his throat, "You're incredible, Lily."
Lily wrapped her arms around Severus and the boy clung to her like a lifeline, breathing in her scent like it was what kept him alive.
"You've made my life far better than I ever dreamed it would be," Severus whispered.
If Severus was crying, Lily made no mention of it, simple choosing to hold onto Severus as if he meant the world to her.
Because honestly, he did.
Another chapter down, dozens more to go!
So is anyone really surprised the likes of Rita Skeeter had to put in her own two cents on Tobias's death?
What did you think of Lily's gift?
I must say I am glad that some of you feel so comfortable venting your HP frustrations with me, especially in regards to how much Severus is vilified in the fandom for his behavior as an adult. Do I approve or condone Adult Snape's actions? No. But that doesn't mean I do not see how a childhood of abuse, harassment, and zero support can shape an individual well into adulthood, especially in a series where therapist do not seem to exist. In fact, his actions as a teen mirror my own. To compensate for the feeling of helplessness in childhood, I developed a mean streak verbally when upset. It was rare, usually when I felt absolutely wretched (like when I thought someone was making fun of my father; the one pillar of safety and support I had back then), but when it came, watch out. I once told a girl (the one I thought making fun of my father for his poor health and weight and laborious job) that I was glad her cousin drowned to death a year earlier. I regret that to this day and have since worked on my temper, to not let it control me when I feel trapped or lost, but it is easy to see how I developed such a tendency. Not excusable, but explainable.
So anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts with me!
Read and Review!