Chapter Two

Reaching the sanctuary of the almost deserted Slytherin common room, Severus threw himself moodily into an armchair, thankful that Slytherins, unlike the other houses, did not feel the need to congregate together in their common room. The story of his and Potter's latest clash must surely already be spreading around the school, and the last thing Severus wanted to do was face the rest of his house over it.

He leant his head back exhaustedly against the chair, thinking about exactly what he'd like to do to James Potter if he ever got the chance…

There was a spluttered giggle from behind him; Regulus Black, brother of the wayward Sirius, stood a few feet away watching him, his hands over his mouth to stop the sound escaping.

"Something funny, Black?" Severus scowled at him. In reply, Black merely sniggered again, twitching closer.

"Not from your point of view, it wouldn't be," Regulus said, his eyes not meeting Severus'. "I just thought it was funny how you were so angry because of Potter again,". He snickered.

Snape stared at him, amazed at the impudence of someone he knew must be three or four years younger than him. Deciding for the moment to let the taunt about Potter slide, he instead slumped back in his chair.

"…don't even get respect from kids in my own house," He muttered sullenly. "God knows I bloody well deserve some respect.".

"Respect like James Potter's got?" Regulus asked with a note of cunning in his voice, daring a step or two closer to Snape's chair, his eyes gleaming.

Severus stood up so quickly his chair thudded to the ground. He was not the tallest boy in his year by any means, but he was older, cleverer and far more daunting than the fourth year Regulus. He towered over the younger boy with a thunderous look on his face.

"What do you mean, like James Potter's got? What makes you think I'd want to be like him?" he spat, his black eyes searching Regulus' twitchy face.

Regulus gave a nervous chuckle. He didn't dare say anything, and eventually Snape leant back, a mixed, unreadable expression on his face.

"You're a sly little rat, Black," He continued. "You know how to get a reaction, that's for sure. But here's an idea; shut the hell up about James bloody Potter." He righted his chair and slumped back down in it. He no longer seemed aware of Regulus Black.

Black took advantage of Severus' moment of inattention to take a step back while Snape stared moodily into the distance. Regulus fidgeted frenetically, finally breaking the silence when he could stand it no longer.

"There's…sort of a gathering in three weeks' time." He blurted. Snape blinked and looked back at him with an expression of blank surprise. He obviously had no idea Regulus was still standing there.

"A what?"

"A gathering. Sort of. In three weeks'-"

"Yes, yes, I'm not deaf. I heard you the first time," Snape bit out impatiently, feeling annoyance with Regulus replace his initial surprise and fleeting interest. "I was just wondering what you thought you meant by a gathering," He said witheringly.

But Regulus, too stupid or too eager to notice, did not acknowledge Snape's obvious dismissal of the upcoming gathering.

"It's kind of like a Meet-and-Greet for those of us who are interested," He let out another giggle, ignoring Severus' disbelief that someone would actually use the phrase 'Meet-and-Greet'.

"Interested in what?" Snape asked, listening closely now despite himself.

"You know what." Regulus voice was hushed, he stressed his words excitedly. "About what's going outside Hogwarts. About Mudbloods and muggle-borns, about old families. Old blood. About him," Regulus breathed.

Severus paused carefully. Yes, he knew about what was going on outside their sheltered school life. And yes, he knew about him. Of course he did, everyone knew about him. He was the one the pure-bloods said was going to change things, the one who could become the most powerful wizard in the world. There were already those afraid to speak his name.

Voldemort.

Severus gave Regulus a hard, searching look.

"Those who are interested?" he repeated. Black nodded excitedly.

"I know a few people outside Hogwarts who'll be going.", he continued, determined to sway Snape to the cause. " Maybe an old friend or two of yours," he added with a cunning wink.

Snape couldn't help himself. It was impossible not to seem interested now.

"Who?" he asked.

"Lucius Malfoy, for one," Regulus said triumphantly. "And my cousin Bellatrix. Her fiancé, Rodolphus. A few others you might know. And loads of new faces. You'd enjoy it."

Snape, who had been staring into the fire while he took in Regulus' information, looked around sharply.

"What makes you say that?" He was suddenly suspicious, distrustful. "Why are you so desperate for me to come? You hardly know me," He stood up. "Come to think of it, how do you know so much about it all anyway? You're nobody," He said, frowning.

Regulus waved a hand impatiently.

"I said old blood, didn't I? All the old pureblood families know about it. And in answer to you first question, because I know you're powerful and I'm sure you'd really fit in," He continued. "And also…I need help getting out of the grounds that day, and I know you can get us both out, no problem".

Severus snorted.

"I'm not coming just because you're too stupid to get of the castle, Black".

Regulus shot him a withering look which took Severus by surprise.

"I know that, I could've asked anyone that. Calling me stupid, look who's talking," He said reproachfully. His tone changed to one of hushed excitement again. "Look. This is your sort of thing, Snape, I just know -"

Severus cut him off.

"Alright, alright." He shifted in his seat. "Watch your tongue, though, Black,"

Regulus held up his hands, meek and mild when confronted with an annoyed Snape, whom it seemed was finally making a decision.

"I'll think about. Ok?" Snape sighed. Regulus gave him a sideways grin and nodded.

"Sure, think about it all you want. Let me, know alright?" and he snickered one last time before vanishing through the door that led to the boys dormitories, leaving Snape deep in contemplation.