That summer was the best he could remember for some time. Lily got word back from her parents that he could of course stay with them over the holidays while the headmaster talked to the ministry who arranged for someone to go round and see his mother, the end result of this was that she was taken to St Mungo's for treatment with the aim of finding her a more suitable housing arrangement once her treatment was completed, he was told that there was even the possibility that they might bring charges against his father for abusing them both, the wizarding world apparently took charges of abuse more seriously than the muggle world particularly when it involved a child.
He was allowed out of the hospital for the leaving feast to a mixed reception from his housemates, some glared at him clearly not happy with their friend's punishment while many of the younger students greeted him enthusiastically relieved to see that he was alright after the attack and clearly happier following the changes Dumbledore had made. He still wasn't very mobile and had been told that his recovery was going to be slow as he had been hit with a number of dark curses so Lily helped him down to the carriages and on to the Hogwarts Express. She selected a quiet carriage for them and they were soon joined by some of Lily's friends Alice and Mary.
They initially seemed wary of him, which he supposed was hardly surprising given the company he'd been keeping until recently, but he attempted to smile and be friendly towards them and Lily vouched for him, fiercely insisting that he had changed. They soon began questioning him about what had happened as the incident and subsequent attack had been the source of much gossip in the past few weeks, apparently public opinion about him was beginning to change since he'd bravely stood up to the Slytherins after declaring his love for Lily and they were quite curious to hear his version of events. Eventually, they moved on to other topics as their attention shifted away from him and on to girl talk something which he was quite grateful for as he was not a very sociable person by nature and he was content just to sit back and rest with Lily leaning her head against him.
The rest of the train journey was uneventful with the exception of James Potter and his friends popping in to show off under the pretence of checking that he and Lily were ok, Severus inclined his head greeting him civilly while Lilly tried her best to ignore him and the other girls giggled at his attentions, Severus roled his eyes but was grateful that for once the exchange hadn't descended into conflict as Lily muttered about him being more irritating and persistent then Peeves with a bag of dungbombs.
Lily's parents were waiting at the station and greeted them both warmly, Mrs Evans embraced him in a warm hug telling him that she had been very worried about him when she'd heard about the attack commenting about how he still looked awfully pale and insisting to his embarrassment that he needed feeding up, he had a feeling he was going to have to get used to being mothered this holiday.
The Evans family had always been good to him and they had done what they could to help him out, Mrs Evans always insisted on providing a full tray of snacks for them when Lily brought him round or sent her off for the day with more than enough food for the day and she made sure he knew that he was always welcome to come round to their house. Many times he'd found himself taking up her offer if for no other reason than that it gave him the excuse to get away from the shouting and abuse at home for a few hours plus he always left with a full belly. He'd even ended up staying the night on occasion sleeping on the old camp bed or the sofa and was fully prepared to do the same again this time so it was with some surprise that Lily told him that he would be sleeping in her room while she would be sharing with her sister. He insisted that they didn't need to do that and that he'd be fine sleeping on the sofa, but Mrs Evans agreed with Lily that he needed to sleep in a proper bed since he was still healing.
He soon realised that Lily had been right. He really was grateful that he didn't have to go back to the old house on Spinner's End, he couldn't imagine recovering there and the Evans house was so much more quiet and relaxing. Fortunately Petunia was now spending more of her time working and with her boyfriend Vernon so he didn't even have to put up with her disparaging remarks or disdainful looks as much as he'd imagined.
He soon found himself spending much of his time with Lily in the garden or her old bedroom and sometimes walking slowly to the park as he gained his strength. They'd lay out next to each other on his bed or in the long grass reading or doing summer assignments or simply chatting and reminiscing, after the years they'd spent drifting apart they found they had lots to catch up on as they laughed, reminiscing about the old days when things had been so much simpler and rediscover each other, he began to realise just how truly beautiful Lily was and he felt like the luckiest man in the world to have her as his friend. She alone saw him as he truly was instead of judging him by his house and his looks, she saw past his flaws to the brilliantly talented, sharp-minded young wizard that he could be and insisted that he didn't need to use dark magic to be a powerful wizard.
When he was with Lily he felt confident enough to share some of his dream of becoming a world-class potions master with her and to voice his doubts as to whether he could actually fulfil his dream given his lack of funds and humble background he was dubious that anyone would want to sponsor him. Lily of course could be counted on to be the voice of reason and encouragement, she had total faith in him and encouraged him to talk with Professor Dumbledore and his own head of house Professor Slughorn when they returned to Hogwarts as she was sure that they'd have some suggestions, even Slughorn who was decidedly biased towards the more popular and well off student couldn't deny that he had talent, he was easily the best potions student in their year and was already working on NEWT level potions and creating his own potions. She even suggested that he play to his ego and give him some credit for any new potions he created, everyone knew flattery and the lure of fame worked wonders on the rotund potions professor, and with the right motivation and flattery, he'd be sure to brag to some of his well-connected friends about the fact that he was teaching a potions prodigy which could only work in his favour.
A few weeks into the holiday, he found himself heading off on his first proper holiday. Lily was as good as her word and after a lengthy car ride, they arrived at the beachside cottage that Lily's parents regularly rented out. It was light and airy, with bedrooms overlooking the Welsh coast and it was an easy walk to the beach. It was the first time he'd been to the beach and yet breathing in the fresh sea air and feeling the warm golden sand beneath his feet instantly made him feel calmer than he had in a long while. Lily laughed kindly and teased him amused about his naivety she showed him the rockpools and encouraged him to roll up his trousers and sleeves and paddle with her in the ocean and they enjoyed several long walks along the beach collecting seashells. She observed him one time drawing in one of his old sketch pads and encouraged him he had made some pen and ink sketches of the local coastline and some quick drawings of the local sea birds and fauna and flora that captured his interest, she insisted that he had a steady hand and a fine eye for capturing details, quickly capturing the main details of his subjects in a few clean and precise strokes.
It wasn't long after they got back before they headed to Diagon Alley to pick up school supplies after receiving their OWL results. They had both done well and were mostly doing the same subjects, alongside the core subjects of Charms, Transfiguration, DADA, Potions and Herbology they had also opted take Arithmancy, Ancient Runes and Care Of Magical Creatures. The first stop was to the bookstore and they soon found themselves laughing as they browsed through the bookshop like old times and for once Severus didn't feel at all tempted by the dark arts books. Lily insisted that if he wanted to make a fresh start that he should start by shocking the world with a new wardrobe, nothing to fancy but getting some half-decent new robes and a decent haircut but he had to admit that she had a point that it would help do away with the image people had of him being an ugly greasy git particularly now that he was almost out of his teenage years and was on the verge of becoming a man.
So it was that after a few uncomfortable hours spent being measured and going around several clothes shops, he emerged looking much smarter with new robes that actually fitted him and a shorter, cleaner-looking haircut. Lily had to admit that she was surprised by the effect, he stood up taller and walked with more confidence than before and it was surprising to see just how much he'd grown and filled out over the past few months, he hardly had a six pack or bulging muscles like some of the other boys but he looked good in his own way with his slighter build and his skin had even gained some colour and he didn't show off.
That wasn't the only change she'd seen in him. She'd always sensed that he'd been starved of love and affection growing up, it had left him bitter, lonely and insecure and distrusting of people in general. A summer spent being around her and her family appeared to have helped him heal mentally and grow emotionally, he had been soaking up the love and attention and seemed more confident and relaxed now. She liked the changes she was seeing in him and felt closer to him than she had in years, she was looking forward to going back to school, she only hoped other people would see the change instead of judging him by his past.
Author's Notes:
So that's it, as much as I had written anyway. Severus is beginning to heal and they're starting to rebuild the old trust that they had. I've left it fairly open-ended but I see the two of them gradually getting closer and deciding to build a relationship. Severus is a very talented wizard and potions student, now that Dumbledore is trying to rectify his mistakes and people are changing their opinion of him there is the possibility for them to have a much more happy and more positive future.
Reviews:
freedom89justice:
Thank you, yes I think he's a very powerful wizard, maybe he's already started mastering non-verbal magic since I don't think we hear which curse he uses to slash James face in the worst memory scene and possibly some wandless magic although he did seem to be a bit dependent on it, either way, i think he'll take to it quickly when he gets back to full strength
dana-san:
Thank you, glad you like the story. Much as I'm not a fan of James I did want to give him a chance to grow and become a better person.
maxisaraviamgs:
Thanks, yes I think James still fancies her but Lily is gradually growing closer to Severus as they spend the summer together and she helps him to heal. James has to fight his old feelings of jealousy and will have to try to deal with that and the fact that Lily's lack of feelings for him are as a result of his actions. he has to decide will he move on or try another tactic to show her he's sincere and loves her and will Lily even listen to him now that Severus has chosen her over the Death Eaters.
I liked this chapter because of the conversation between James and Lily, in an attempt to show his interest in changing but his old habits ponder what he currently intends. I look forward to what this summer vacation will be like at Lily's house.