Author's Notes

WARNING: The party on Saturday the 23rd of October overlaps a bit.


Chapter 5: Two Very Sluggy Hallowe'en Parties

Severus I

Saturday, 23 October 1976

If ever there was an idea for detention, party-planning with Professor Slughorn would be the cruelest and most unusual punishment imaginable…. well, it would be if it was a punishment to begin with. There were many points during their meetings where Severus had to exercise as much self-control as had been required of him in his original life, and even then, he struggled. Of course, he had a limited experience of Professor Snape's life, but that shouldn't have mattered too much. All that the meetings with Slughorn did, aside from guaranteeing an invitation to the dinner party, was make Severus appreciate Lily's patience even more than he had before; if she could survive Slughorn, it was no wonder how she could tolerate his slow turn toward the Death Eaters.

Lily's condition had remained the same, although she was starting to get slightly better, or at least she appeared to be. Severus was more than willing to write notes for her, but she'd found his notes to be too disorganized for her taste. He'd been forced to write her notes exactly as she would write them, using her old notes as a point of reference. It was difficult to adjust away from the scrawlings he made in his textbook, but it had to be done.

The textbook was something that troubled Severus's mind, ever since the first day of advanced Potions. Not once, under any circumstance, did anyone comment about the notes on any of the pages, despite how many times he left his book available for anyone to see. He'd started wondering how long the Dark Mark had been on his arm, and if it too was visible, but there was no way he would risk testing that out; he wasn't even sure if he could show Dumbledore, because there was no doubt that the old man would come up with something else for Severus to do. And if neither the notes nor the Dark Mark were noticeable, there was a chance that Professor Snape's scars would also go unnoticed. But Severus was even less willing to test that out than the Dark Mark….

With all these thoughts to consider, Severus's only respite was, ironically, Gobstones with MacDonald. MacDonald was about as uninvolved with his problems as possible, and the girl, for some reason, was treating him kindly, or at least with some normality… somewhat. He was surprised Lily hadn't introduced her sooner, considering the former's insistence on Severus leaving his Slytherin friends… which brought on thoughts of a greater concern. Why hadn't Lily introduced him to her friends?

"Snape?"

Severus snapped out of his head and looked up at MacDonald. "Sorry, I was lost in thought. My turn?"

MacDonald nodded.

Severus shot the gobstone, striking one of MacDonald's out and squirting her in the face.

"... there's an improvement," MacDonald said, wiping her face with the rag she'd brought. "Can I ask you a question?"

"If I can answer it, fine."

"What's Hogsmeade like?"

Severus furrowed his brow. "Why not ask Lily or McKinnon?"

"I did, but I wanted to know how you felt about it."

Admittedly, Severus hadn't expected her to give that reason. "I've never actually been."

"What?! How- you're a sixth-year!"

"There was never a chance for me to have my form signed," Severus explained. "It's signed now, so I'll be going this coming Saturday-"

"That's good!"

"-for ink and parchment."

MacDonald let out a sigh of what Severus assumed was annoyance. She said, "So, no Honeydukes?"

"No."

"Or Zonko's?"

"Even more of a no."

"What about the Shrieking Shack?"

"Ah yes, a splendid idea! Going towards the pain-filled howls."

"Three Broomsticks?"

"I don't drink."

"They also have food."

"I have specific tastes."

"You're boring."

"Indeed-" Severus was met with a faceful of gobstone fluid.

"And that's game," MacDonald said proudly. "What time is it?"

Severus pulled out his wand and said, "Tempus." The numbers read 6:19. "I have time."

"Snape?"

"Yes?"

"How did you know Umbridge is-"

"Shut it," Severus hissed, causing MacDonald to jump back a bit. "The whole point of handling sensitive information is to make sure it doesn't slip."

"S-sorry…." MacDonald hesitantly began packing up the gobstones, her eyes glancing up at Severus a few times.

"... damn it," Severus muttered to himself. He said to MacDonald, "I shouldn't have snapped."

"No, you're right," MacDonald said. "I shouldn't talk about it. If word gets around, I won't have leverage on her."

"... very good," Severus said. "If not for your blood, you might've made a good Slytherin." He knew the second the words had left his lips that he'd made a mistake.

MacDonald looked up at him with a firm expression. Behind her eyes, Severus could see anger… and fear.

"... never mind," Severus said. "You wouldn't get along with the other people in my House. Maybe Talkalot; she's strange."

"I don't really like Quidditch too much," MacDonald said. "Too loud."

"On that, we can agree," Severus said. "Wait, do you know Talkalot?"

"Potter talks about her… a lot." MacDonald finished packing up the gobstones. "He hates her."

"Quidditch captain rivalries, I assume."

MacDonald nodded.

"... if that's true, then Talkalot's starting to grow on me."

Severus heard an odd sound come from MacDonald, only to realize she'd laughed at what he'd said. "What's she like?" MacDonald asked.

"Very competitive when it comes to Quidditch. Fairly social in the common room. And apparently well-connected, as she was chosen as Heiress."

"Do you two talk often?"

"Not really," Severus said. "Not outside of classes. I'm not particularly social."

"Social enough to help plan two parties," MacDonald retorted.

"I don't really have much of a choice, do I?"

"You volunteered."

"For-" Severus stopped himself.

"What?"

"... forget it." It was then that Severus realized the two of them were simply sitting beside the fountain, doing nothing. He stood and said, "Anyway, shall we go back to the common room?"

"You're walking me again?" There was a note in MacDonald's voice that he couldn't place.

"I need you to check on Lily," Severus explained. "If you can persuade her to stay in bed for the night-"

"No chance of that happening," MacDonald cut in. "She's dead set on going tonight, especially after-" MacDonald caught herself on words Severus was sure he didn't want to hear.

"... after what?"

MacDonald's eyes darted away from Severus. "Okay, you can't… don't react… don't get angry." Something about her words made Severus feel uncomfortable.

"I promise to try."

"... Marley's in the Slug Club, now."

"... no." It was surprisingly simple for Severus to deny a reality where Marlene McKinnon was in the Slug Club. She hadn't been originally, to no one's surprise, and now she somehow was.

"She's been doing really well in Potions," MacDonald continued.

"How?"

"Well, she got in, didn't she?"

"Yes, but she had the option not to take the class."

"She did it for Lily."

Severus was even more confused now. If that was the sole reason, then what changed between her original lifepath and her current one that would have this result? "Is that the only reason?"

"Yeah. Over the summer, Marley wrote to me about Lily wanting to make amends with you, and that she was worried you'd hurt her. So she had to write to Dumbledore and request that she could be put in advanced Potions to keep an eye on the two of you."

Severus could almost kick himself for not thinking about how this looked. He was so focused on reconciliation that he hadn't considered the lengths to which Lily's friends would go to 'protect' her. "Would you have done the same?"

"I don't think I would," MacDonald replied. "I probably would've signed up for advanced Potions in the first place, assuming I liked it enough."

"How are you at Potions?"

MacDonald shrugged. "It's a bit hard at times. I'm not sure I'm suited for it."

"In what way?"

"Some of the instructions are a bit confusing, and sometimes I can follow it perfectly and still not get the right results."

Severus nodded. "Sometimes, the instructions are inadequate… unless you're Lily Evans, for some bloody reason."

MacDonald smirked. "Jealous?"

"Don't be ridiculous, MacDonald," Severus said dismissively. "She must have some Irish mixed in with that Welsh. That would explain the luck."

"Well, I have some Irish, and I don't have much luck."

"Tell that to your skill in Gobstones."

"I'll have you know I've spent many hours perfecting my technique," MacDonald retorted, crossing her arms and lifting her nose.

Only then did Severus realize he was smiling. He quickly corrected himself as he said, "Shall we head back?"

"Sure."

Severus and MacDonald went back into the castle, making their way to the portrait of the Fat Lady. MacDonald spoke the password, and the portrait swung open as she turned and said, "Wait here for a bit."

Severus nodded, and MacDonald disappeared into the common room, the portrait shutting once more. He took time to think over tonight's dinner; he would have to avoid rich foods, which would be fairly difficult due to Lily's plans for the menu. He remembered that the finger sandwiches would be served as appetizers, so he could fill up on those to give himself an excuse to eat less. And, if he was desperate, he could feign illness to leave early. But at the same time, he needed Slughorn's favor….

Needless to say, Severus was conflicted.

The portrait swung open once more, and Lily appeared. She looked somewhat pale, at least paler than usual, but she presented herself as though nothing was wrong.

"How are you feeling?" Severus asked.

"Well enough to attend," Lily replied. "The rest did me some good. Can you give me about thirty minutes?"

"Of course; I'll change into something more presentable in the meantime."

"Okay." Lily went back inside, and the portrait shut.

Severus made his way back to his room and shut the door, walking over to his wardrobe and opening it to find-

Oh. Snarky?

Snarky.

"Snarky?"

Pop. "Yes, sir?"

"There wouldn't happen to be any spare dress robes somewhere in the castle, would there?"

"Snarky will see, sir." Pop. Pop. "Headmaster Dumbledore has spare robes for you."

Severus didn't like the sound of that. Knowing Dumbledore's taste in dresswear and hearing that he had spare robes for him didn't sound promising whatsoever. "... may I preview them?"

"Yes, sir." Pop. Pop. Snarky returned with simple black dress robes, along with a grey dress shirt and a tie striped with green and silver. "Does this satisfy Severus Snape?"

Severus nodded in relief. "Yes, just leave them on the bed."

"Of course, sir." Pop.

Severus stepped into the bathroom, undressing before beginning his shower. It had taken a while for him to adjust to water touching his head without hesitation. He looked down at his forearm, staring into the eye sockets of the Dark Mark, thankful that all of his shirts were long-sleeved. Then again, if this was simply a hallucination… no, it was too much of a risk. It was one thing to hallucinate notes in a book, but marks on a body…. Clearing his head, he finished showering before drying himself and dressing. He inspected himself in the mirror as he ran a brush through his hair; he might need a cut soon.

Well, let's hope the night goes well.


Lily I

How are you feeling?

Better.

Is the cold sweat gone?

For now, yeah.

Lily, I really think you should skip it and go to Madam Pomfrey.

Lily?

Sorry, Severus was waiting outside. I have to get ready.

I see.

I'm still not over the fact that Marley's in the Club now! This is gonna be great!

I believe the Black Country term is 'bostin'.

I regret telling you that.

I don't.

Ha.

Ha ha.

Tom?

Yes, Lily?

Do you ever miss going to these types of parties?

Not really. I'd rather not talk about it.

I'm sorry.

Don't worry; it's something between me and Slughorn.

Should I ask him about it?

NO

Tom, I'm sorry.

Please don't talk about me to him. I can't bear the thought.

Okay, I promise.

Tom?

Tom?

Yes?

Are you alright?

Reminiscing.

On?

Hogwarts…. You should get ready.

Okay. I'll write to you later.

Have a good evening.


Severus II

It was a few minutes before 7:00 when Lily re-emerged from the portrait, and Severus couldn't help but stare. She was wearing a yellow dress with a white floral pattern, and her hair was in a single braid down her back. She wore minimal make-up, which she honestly didn't even need, and she wore pearl earrings.

"How do I look?" Lily asked.

"You look… healthy," Severus said. She still looked a bit pale, but it wasn't concerning.

"Thanks for that," Lily said, clearly disappointed with his response. "Marley and Remus will be down soon."

"... right."

"Get along with them."

"Fine," Severus grumbled. "Who're you taking?"

"What?"

"Your guest."

Lily raised an eyebrow. "I was taking you."

Severus was stunned. "Come again?"

"I thought it was pretty obvious- did you think I wasn't taking you?"

"Honestly, yes." That was a mistake.

There was an uncomfortable silence between them as McKinnon and Lupin appeared behind Lily. McKinnon was wearing a red dress, while Lupin was wearing what looked to be tweed. "Alright, Lily?" McKinnon asked.

"Fine," Lily replied. "Apparently, Severus has his own invitation, and is therefore no longer my guest."

"Great!" McKinnon exclaimed. "You could bring Mary!"

"And who would Snape bring?" Lupin asked as McKinnon vanished back behind the portrait.

"I was going to go alone," Severus answered. "... so, is MacDonald coming as well, then?"

"If you don't mind," Lily said coolly.

Severus noticed Lupin looking between the two of them before the latter said, "I'll go on ahead and wait for you." He nodded to himself before departing, and Severus almost had it in him to thank the werewolf.

Severus stepped closer to Lily and said, "I didn't mean… I wasn't implying I didn't want to go with you. I honestly wasn't planning on going until Slughorn invited me."

"So, if I'd asked you, you would've declined?"

"Of course not!"

"So, you helped Slughorn with a party that you thought you would never attend?"

"Yes."

Lily stared at Severus with dismay. "I don't understand you at all."

Before Severus could think of something to respond with, McKinnon reappeared and said, "Mary's changing- where's Remus?"

"He's going to wait for us."

"Got it." McKinnon turned to Severus and said, "Oh, by the…."

"What?" Severus asked.

McKinnon briefly flashed a scowl at Severus before saying, "Your notes on Cokeworth helped."

Lily looked between the two of them before asking, "What's going on?"

Fuck. "McKinnon and I were partnered up once."

"... you're taking Muggle Studies?"

"Didn't I tell you?" McKinnon asked. "I told you about the transportation assignment."

"I must've been distracted," Lily replied. She turned to Severus and said, "Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies…. Severus, how many classes are you taking?"

"... quite a few," Severus said. There was no chance in Hell he would admit his schedule.

"Sev-"

"Here!" MacDonald rushed out from behind the portrait, looking flustered. She was wearing a blue dress, with a white bow in her hair. "How do I look?"

"Fantastic!" Lily said, a broad smile spreading over her face.

"Oh, hi Snape!" MacDonald shot Severus a grin.

"MacDonald," Severus said, greeting her with a nod. He could tell McKinnon was uncomfortable, catching a distrustful look from her. "It would seem you've been prepared for this."

"Just in case," MacDonald replied, walking out and hooking her elbow with McKinnon's. "Ready?"

"Ready," McKinnon said.


Remus I

Fortunately, Remus didn't have to wait too long for Marlene, Lily, and Snape… and Mary, for some reason… to arrive.

"Mary?" Needless to say, Remus was confused.

"Severus has his own invitation," Lily replied, her voice sounding indifferent. "I decided to make Mary my guest."

"Fantastic," Remus said, smiling. "You'll love the food, probably."

"As long as there isn't tartar," Mary said, her nose wrinkling.

"There is; I helped plan the menu."

"Ugh!"

"It's an acquired taste," Marlene retorted snobbishly.

"Shall we?" Lily knocked on the door and stepped back, only for it to open.

Dirk Cresswell stuck his head out and smiled at Lily. "You look well, Evans!"

"You look good too, Cresswell," Lily replied.

"Well, come on in then." Cresswell stepped aside, allowing Lily, Remus, Marlene, Mary, and Snape inside. "You're slightly late, but-"

"Nonsense!" Slughorn came waddling over, holding a small platter of assorted meats. "You're right on time, Lily! Ah, McKinnon, so glad you could come!"

"Wouldn't miss it for the world, professor," Marlene said, smiling.

"And I assume young McCormick is your guest?"

Mary looked at Remus and Marlene with confusion, and Lily replied, "Actually, Mary's my guest, and Marlene came with Remus."

"Oh… oh, my mistake!" Slughorn chuckled to himself and waved his hand dismissively. "Forget what I said- oh, Snape! Damocles's been quite anxious to borrow your ear, over there by the curtain."

Remus had almost forgotten Snape was standing there. The pale boy nodded to Slughorn and said, "I see. Thank you, I'll go speak with him." He walked away, his stride closer to normal, more than it had been earlier in the year.

Slughorn turned back to Lily and said, "Come, come! Let's enjoy ourselves!"

Lily and Mary followed Slughorn over to some of the alumni, and Remus saw that Regulus Black was among them. He turned to Marlene and said quietly, "It might've been a good thing that Sirius rejected your invitation for tonight."

"Yeah," Marlene replied. "Drinks?"

Remus scanned the room and spotted a table stacked with full glasses. "Over there. Shall we?"

"Let's."

Remus and Marlene walked over, each taking one of the glasses of the sparkling drink and took a sip. As they did, Remus could see Snape stepping behind a curtain with someone else; he recognized him as Damocles Belby, a Ravenclaw alumnus.

Marlene turned her head a bit to see where Remus was looking before turning back and asking, "Who's that?"

"Damocles Belby, former student. I think he knew Lily."

"Why's he talking to Sniv-" Marlene sighed. "Snape?"

Remus chose to ignore that little slip-up. "Probably something related to potions. Belby was one of Slughorn's best, so I hear." He nicked a cracker with beef tartar and popped it into his mouth, the savory, creamy meat dissolving on his tongue as he chewed and let out a sigh.

"You and your food," Marlene muttered, a small grin on her face.

Remus grinned back. "So, what's your plan for Hogsmeade?"

"I thought I'd let Sirius plan it out."

Remus grimaced. "Bad idea. If he had his way, you'd be stuck in Zonko's the whole time."

"I love Zonko's!"

"For three hours?"

"... okay, fair point, but I'm sure he has more planned-"

Remus couldn't help but shake his head.

Marlene's somewhat cheerful demeanor shifted to one of blank shock. "He doesn't have a plan, does he?"

"No, no he doesn't."

Marlene groaned and took a big sip of whatever she was drinking. "Help."

"Alright… okay, I've got something."

"Yeah?"

"Sirius seems keen on Muggle music, and I think there's a music shop in Hogsmeade; I don't know the name of it, though."

"Do they have Muggle music?" Marlene asked.

"I don't think they do, but you'd have somewhere to start." Remus took a sip of his drink before saying, "I think the key to this is prompting him to take you somewhere, as opposed to waiting for him to come up with your itinerary."

"So, if I wanted to go to the Three Broomsticks-"

"- just say you're a bit peckish."

"What if he takes me to Honeyduke's?"

"Tell him you're not in the mood for sweets."

Marlene scoffed. "You barely know me. I bet I could eat Honeyduke's out of business."

Remus raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge, Marlene McKinnon?"

Marlene gave him a cheeky grin. "Oh, I wouldn't dare."

Remus took another sip and continued to talk with Marlene as he looked around. Lily and Mary were busy talking with Slughorn, Regulus, and Lucius Malfoy, while Snape and Belby had just left from behind the curtain. While Belby went off to mingle with some of the other alumni, Snape went to Lily's group. Remus could only make out what was said by Slughorn.

"Ah, Snape! How was your talk with Damocles? Productive, I hope…? Well, care to spare any details…?" As Snape answered, Slughorn's voice dropped, and the professor's face went slightly red before saying, "Yes, well, anyway, let's continue, shall we?"


Regulus I

"Come, come! Let's enjoy ourselves!"

Regulus held back a groan as Slughorn approached with Evans and MacDonald; one Muggle-born was bad enough, but two, especially when one wasn't even a member of the Slug Club, was understandably stressful. He didn't know MacDonald much, apart from the failed chocolate prank Mulciber had tried to pull on her…. Regulus couldn't say he would have approved of the prank, considering the desired outcome, but to each their own.

"Black," Evans said curtly.

"Evans," Regulus replied, giving her a small nod. "How are you feeling?" Not that it mattered, but Slughorn was not a foot away.

"Better. I think I overworked myself on planning."

"Indeed."

"Now, Regulus," Slughorn said, "this is Mary McDuffy."

"MacDonald, sir," MacDonald corrected.

"Oh goodness, is it? I do apologize; my memory isn't what it used to be- ah, Lucius!"

Regulus turned and let out a sigh of relief as Lucius approached, cane in hand. "Horace," Lucius greeted elegantly. "I must commend you on this year's first party. It might be better than the last."

"Oh," Slughorn chortled, "I couldn't have done it without Lily here."

"I see." Lucius turned to Evans and said, "Well… once again, you seem to amaze us with your talents."

"Well, I have an eye for festivities," Evans returned. Regulus could hear some mockery in her voice, but he refused to respond to it.

"So it would seem," Lucius said. He turned to Slughorn and said, "Have you seen young Snape by chance?"

Regulus held back a smirk as Evans bristled, and oddly enough so did MacDonald. MacDonald was friends with Snape? What was that boy planning? He snapped out of his brief thought as Slughorn replied, "Oh, he's having a conversation with Damocles."

"Very good," Lucius replied with a smile. "I had hoped they would have a chance to talk. Snape is rather talented in the field of potioneering, and I was considering sponsoring his apprenticeship to Belby."

"Yes, that would be a rather good idea," Slughorn said, nodding in agreement. "Perhaps he could even assist Damocles with that secret project of his, eh?"

"Indeed." Lucius took a sip of wine before turning to Regulus and saying, "How is your new station treating you?"

"Rather well, I would say," Regulus replied calmly. It was a bit stressful at times, but it wasn't anything worth mentioning. "I must confess that I'm rather fond of the Prefects' carriage on the train, not to mention the bathroom."

"The perks of being a Prefect," Lucius mused.

The conversation carried on while Regulus studied Evans. The girl seemed somewhat put out, her complexion paler than usual, and a subtle sheen of sweat on her forehead. On occasion, her eyes would glaze over, only to flicker back to life when someone spoke of or directly to her. Her breathing seemed relatively normal, although something about it made it seem as though she was purposefully keeping her breathing steady. Was she ill? If so, the book he'd slipped into her cauldron would more than likely be used…. Well, he wasn't sure if she'd use it more or less often, and this is assuming she'd used it at all. And with this thought, he wondered what the point of the book even was. Naturally it must have some magical qualities or contain a curse, but as nothing significant had happened yet, he wasn't sure what to make of the situation.

"Ah, Snape!"

Regulus's attention shot back to the present as Snape walked up, having parted from Belby's company to join their own.

"How was your talk with Damocles? Productive, I hope?"

"I believe so," Snape replied calmly, his demeanor deathly still.

"Well, care to spare any details?" Regulus could hear the excitement in Slughorn's voice.

"Let's just say it involves a certain time of the month," Snape replied.

"...oh my," Slughorn said, his voice quieter as he gave an awkward glance to Evans and MacDonald. "I can see why he…. Yes, well anyway, let's continue, shall we?"


Severus III

"Forget what I said- oh, Snape! Belby's been quite anxious to borrow your ear, over there by the curtain."

Severus nodded to Slughorn and said, "I see. Thank you, I'll go speak with him." He walked away, his stride fortunately closer to normal than it had been earlier in the year.

Belby had just turned and spotted Severus, and the man gave him a wide grin and said, "Snape! Good to see you, lad!"

"Belby," Severus replied. "I hear you've been meaning to speak with me?"

"For an embarrassingly long time, I'm afraid. Now then, shall we find somewhere more private?"

"Is it necessary?" Severus asked.

Belby nodded. "A bit… controversial, let's say. Come!"

Severus followed Belby behind a nearby curtain, which was fortunately spacious enough for the two of them. Severus asked, "So, the nature of this conversation is…?"

"In a lower voice, if you would." Belby's voice had dropped to a near-whisper as he took a small notebook out from the inside pocket of his dress robes. "Here. Open it to page 15."

Severus opened the notebook and briefly skimmed the material….

Wolfsbane.

But Belby never approached you with this before!

I know; they're my memories.

"This," Belby said, "is a potential cure for… lycanthropy."

Severus looked up, feigning surprise. "Are you certain this works?"

"No idea," Belby said. "That's why I came to you. I need a fresh perspective, and, as loathe as I am to admit it, you're damn near my equal."

Your superior, more like. "Right…."

"The main problem I'm having involves the preparation of the wolfsbane plant itself. See?"

Severus looked over the various methods of preparing the wolfsbane, everything from adding raw and preparing a sevenfold wolfsbane reduction. Belby had clearly thought this out, and he'd even employed some arithmancy to help calculate the results, and yet the outcomes seemed to be labeled as failures. Severus asked, "What determines a failure?"

"Response from a test subject," Belby replied. "Some have no reaction, while others end up overdosing. And it all comes back to the wolfsbane itself."

"So, it's not stable, then?"

"Precisely."

Severus nodded. "I see. And yet, the number of times you've reduced the wolfsbane should cover… oh."

"What is it?"

"... are you only using one batch of wolfsbane for each brew?"

Belby seemed confused. "Of course. Why would I use more than one?"

"Because it may not just be the number of reductions," Severus explained. "You want stability, and yet the threefold reduction, which would be the most stable, isn't stable enough."

"Right, so…?"

"Have you considered dividing the wolfsbane into three separate batches, and then combining them separately over time?"

Belby was about to reply, but he remained silent, his eyes expressing some surprise. "Of course…."

"As three is the number of stability and luck, if you divide the wolfsbane into three batches, you bind them in an extra layer of stability. As for how many times you reduce each batch, you must first discern the proper formula. What numbers do you want to use?"

Belby thought about it for a moment before saying, "Well, let's see…. I would think either three, four, or six."

"Which do you think would be the most important? Stability, authority, or perfection?"

"Perfection would be ideal," Belby replied. "So the final value should be six, yes?"

"Yes. But you'll have to consider the number of times you reduce each batch; those numbers matter as well."

Belby took out a pencil and began jotting down a beginning formula:

3 4 6, 3+4+6, 13, 1+3, 4

"Hmm," Belby muttered. "Authority formed from stability…."

"It might work, but it's not perfection. Consider that one for now."

Belby tried another formula:

3 3 6, 3+3+6, 12, 1+2, 3

"Twofold stability," Belby said, his voice optimistic. "A bit better, I'd say." He wrote another one:

3 6 6, 3+6+6, 15, 1+5, 6

"There it is!" Belby exclaimed in an excited whisper. "Two-parts perfect, one-part stable, being reduced to the second-degree to form perfection formed from stability!" He put the pencil away and shook Severus's hand. "Thank Merlin you came to this party, Snape!"

"Happy to help," Severus said awkwardly. He thought Belby would've had the acumen to calculate this to begin with, but he wasn't about to complain now.

"Oh, um," Belby said quickly. "Better to keep this conversation to ourselves, yes? Don't want anyone spying on my work."

"And if someone asks."

"You could lie," Belby said casually. "Anyway, I'm off to have some of those deviled eggs."

"Very well," Severus said. "I'll return to my company, then."

The two stepped out from behind the curtain, and Severus made his way back to Lily and MacDonald… who were in a conversation with Slughorn, Regulus, and Lucius Malfoy.

"Ah, Snape!" Slughorn's voice was annoyingly loud. "How was your talk with Damocles? Productive, I hope?"

"I believe so," Severus said calmly. As long as he didn't ask about what it was-

"Well, care to spare any details?"

… you fucker. Severus had to think quickly. There was no chance that he could just come out and say it was a cure for lycanthropy, or he would betray Belby's trust in him, and if that happened, Slughorn might view him as untrustworthy…. "Let's just say it involves a certain time of the month," Severus replied.

"...oh my," Slughorn said, his voice quieter as he gave an awkward glance to Lily and MacDonald. "I can see why he…. Yes, well anyway, let's continue, shall we?"


Lily II

Dinner was turning out to be almost as Lily had expected, except of course for the addition of Mary; fortunately, Slughorn managed to find room for her. Slughorn naturally sat at the head of the table, if round tables had heads, directly between her and Severus. Mary sat on her other side, while Marlene and Remus sat on Severus's side, for some reason. Cresswell and Creevey were muttering to one another, although she couldn't hear about what, while Black, Malfoy, and Damocles were enjoying their meal.

"I've always been fond of Italian," Damocles exclaimed. "Makes me wish I was born on the continent. Beauxbatons serves this once a week, I hear."

"Where'd you want to be from?" Creevey asked.

"Perhaps the south of France?"

"Hmm," Cresswell said, feigning conflict. "Live most of one's life without access to world-class, authentic Italian food… or be French…."

That joke got a few chuckles out of a few people at the table, especially Slughorn.

"I have a villa in Normandy," Malfoy said. "It's rather pleasant during Christmas time."

"Indeed," Slughorn commented, enjoying the pasta on his plate with vigor. "Mmm! Snape, are you not hungry?"

Lily turned to look at Severus, who had barely touched his food. Severus replied, "I'm afraid I filled up on the appetizers."

"Rookie mistake there," Damocles said, smiling.

"Also, the garlic is a bit pungent."

"Really?" Mary sniffed her own pasta. "I don't smell any garlic."

"Snape always had a good sense of smell," Cresswell said. "Probably from that big ol' honker of his."

Lily couldn't help but glare at Cresswell, who noticed her and immediately realized what he'd said. He apologetically shrugged as Creevey nudged him a bit, prompting him to nudge back.

"Y-yes, well," Slughorn said awkwardly. "Speaking of you, Snape, how are your alchemy lessons coming along with the Headmaster?"

Lily thought it almost comical how all eyes immediately shifted to Severus, and she followed their gaze. Only then did she realize that he didn't look well; aside from his paling skin, he seemed to become tense from the attention.

"... I'm doing well," Severus replied.

"Oh, come now! Tell us a bit of what you've learned!" Slughorn certainly wasn't acting his age; he reminded Lily of a small child watching someone perform magic for the first time.

"Well," Severus began, "we've just recently finished reviewing the esoteric properties of the element of earth, and are now moving onto water."

"Did you begin with earth?" Malfoy asked.

"Yes."

"Very unorthodox. Usually the order is air, then fire, then earth, then water, as a representation of the life cycle."

"This is true," Severus replied. "However, Headmaster Dumbledore chose a cycle of earth, water, air, fire, and aether, as a means of aligning with a Muggle understanding of the elements."

"... is that so?" Malfoy couldn't sound more disgusted.

"It is. Earth correlates to solid matter, water to liquids, air to gasses, and fire to energy."

"And aether?" Damocles asked.

"That's meant to be explained once I've completed the first four," Severus answered.

"And have you performed any alchemy yourself?" Slughorn asked.

"Not yet; this year is strictly a theoretical understanding of the discipline."

"I suppose that makes sense," Slughorn commented. "Now then, Miss McKinnon! Tell me about yourself."

"Well," Marlene began, barely finished chewing her food, "'M plann'n 'n b'c'm'n…." She swallowed. "Sorry. I'm planning on becoming an Auror, like my dad and aunt."

"Oh, is that so?" Malfoy's question made Lily feel uncomfortable. "Must be dangerous work, especially in times like these."

"All the more reason to join up," Marlene said, her eyes locked with Malfoy's. "Frank and Alice Longbottom are willing to fight, and I want to help them."

"Commendable," Malfoy replied, nodding as he raised his glass. "To your future as an Auror."

"Here, here!" Slughorn raised his glass, as did the others at the table, excluding Severus.

Lily rolled her eyes at his blatant indignance before taking a drink.

"And what of you, Miss MacDonald?"

Lily turned to Mary, who seemed to shrink back at the sudden attention. "Oh," Mary said, "well, I've become interested in Gobstones recently."

"Ah!" Slughorn said as he took a sip. "Yes, Lily's told me about that. I've heard that you and Mr. Snape play often, is that right?"

All eyes were once again on Severus, and Lily could see a single vein forming up his forehead.

"... it is," Severus said.

"How unexpected," Malfoy drawled, his eyebrow raised. "I would have never thought such a thing would interest you, Snape."

Another vein began to slowly form as Severus replied, "Well, one needs a hobby, doesn't one?"

"Indeed."

The table went silent as Severus and Malfoy stared each other down. To save the mood, Slughorn quickly said, "Now, Creevey, I've heard you'll be taking pictures for tomorrow's costume party."

"Oh, y-yes sir," Creevey said, nodding. "I'm setting up a designated area for people to take group pictures."

"Oh, that sounds rather fun," Damocles said. "And what else will be there…?"


Remus II

"Remus?" Marlene's voice was uncharacteristically low as the guests mingled in-between dinner and dessert.

"What is it?"

"I'm… don't think I'm saying this because I have something against Snape, alright?"

Remus could see a look of concern on Marlene's face. "That depends on what you're about to say."

"Right, here it goes…." Marlene's voice trailed off before he took a small breath in and out. She led Remus behind one of the curtains, where there was fortunately enough room for them to speak comfortably. "You know how we've called Snape a dungeon bat, right?"

"Right…."

"Well… I think… maybe we weren't far off the mark."

It took Remus longer than he cared to admit figuring out what Marlene was implying. "... are you saying that Snape is… a vampire?"

"... I might be."

To fully process what they were talking about, Remus finished his drink and set the glass down, reaching for another. "Okay, Marley, you'll have to explain this to me."

"I know it's far-fetched," Marlene continued, "but hear me out. He starts acting weird near the end of fifth-year, he comes down with a mystery disease, he's barely got any appetite to speak of, he's sensitive to garlic, he's gotten paler, even by Snape standards-"

"Coincidence," Remus said dismissively.

"Didn't you see the scars on his neck?"

Remus furrowed his brow. "Scars? What scars?"

"There's two of them right where a vampire would bite, right here." Marlene gestured to her own neck, touching the spot where she claimed Snape had been bitten. "Looks like fang marks."

"... are you absolutely sure?"

"Positive. Not to mention, I heard he's going to dress as a vampire for the party tomorrow. Coincidence?"

Remus couldn't answer; too many thoughts were going around in his head. How long had Snape been- no, there was nothing that explicitly stated Snape was a vampire… but assuming Marlene was telling the truth, then… what? What exactly did this change? If he told James and Sirius, how would they react?

"Marlene, listen to me very carefully," Remus said, holding her by her arms. Marlene seemed surprised by the gesture, but she didn't pull away. "You cannot tell anyone what you've just told me."

"But why not? Shouldn't people know there's a dark creature walking around Hogwarts?"

Remus felt a sharp ache in his chest at her words, but he kept up appearances. "If people find out, Dumbledore could face an inquiry."

"Well, he should! Letting a vampire take classes here is dangerous… oh Merlin, he's been alone with Mary!"

"And Mary is safe," Remus reassured her. "Mary hasn't been harmed."

"Why are you defending Snape?"

It was always about Snape, wasn't it? "Why is this always about me defending Snape?"

"Because you do it a lot."

"Maybe I care more about the truth than petty squabbles. Has that ever occurred to you?" It was funny how the resident closeted werewolf could make a statement about the truth.

Marlene broke eye contact, glancing back at the party through the curtain before returning her gaze to Remus. "I want the boys to spy on Snape."

"What?!" Remus caught a few glances from outside, but he ignored them.

"If they can gather evidence that he's a vampire, then maybe they can take it to the Ministry?"

"... it's not as simple as that," Remus said.

"Why not?"

Remus knew Marlene well enough that she wasn't going to let this go. Reluctantly, he said, "I will tell the boys. However, you cannot tell anyone. Not even Lily."

"Wasn't planning on it," Marlene said, nodding.

"I want you to know I'm against this."

"I know."

Remus and Marlene stood silently behind the curtain as the party continued outside, and Remus realized he was still holding her arms. He dropped his hands quickly as he said, "Let's join up with everyone else, yes?"

"Mhm." Marlene was the first to step out, and Remus took a while to follow.

"Shouldn't people know there's a dark creature walking around Hogwarts?"

Remus couldn't afford to let that bother him, not here at least. He supposed it was a good way for him to clarify Marlene's views on dark creatures; while she'd said similar things in the past, it hadn't been with this much vitriol. Perhaps it was because of Snape, although she'd said it as though her opinion of Snape was irrelevant. And if that was the case, would she say the same thing about…. Remus stopped himself from finishing the thought.

Suddenly, the curtain was drawn back, and Marlene appeared. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Remus lied. "Just thinking about…."

"Nevermind that." Marlene pulled Remus's arm. "Come on, it's time for dessert. Chocolate mousse!"

Remus gave her a small smile as she led him out into the open, just in time for Mr. Filch to suddenly appear with a young Ravenclaw boy in arm.

"Found this one trying to sneak in," Filch sneered.

"Sneak in?!" The boy gave Filch a dirty look. "I'll have you know that I was passing by and happened to hear-"

"Oh, come now, Mr. Lockhart," Slughorn admonished. "This behavior is very unbecoming. I've already told you that you could easily be invited if you prove yourself."

"W-well, naturally," Lockhart said, "It's just that, obviously, I'd rather not hog the spotlight from my other classmates."

"Well, you're hogging the spotlight now, aren't you?" Marlene countered.

"Coincidental," Lockhart replied, seemingly unaffected.

"Shall I take him away?" Filch said.

"Allow me, Mr. Filch." Regulus was quick to take Lockhart's arm. "A Prefect's work is never done."

Filch muttered something under his breath as he, Regulus, and Lockhart left the room.

"Now then," Slughorn said. "Time for dessert!"


Regulus II

Regulus regretted leading Lockhart back to Ravenclaw Tower.

"... and I'll have you know that most witches in Britain think that," Lockhart rambled. "Of course, I'm not saying I'm the second coming of Merlin, but it would certainly make sense, being the Half-Blood Prince and all. You were there when Trelawney made her prophecy, didn't you?"

"... that would imply she was dictating a genuine prophecy," Regulus replied coolly.

"Well, of course she was," Lockhart said, somehow exasperated. "Think about it: born to Muggle and witch in the first month, a timeless soul (believe me, I'll get there), greater than my sum (already burgeoning, mind you), it all fits, doesn't it?"

"... perhaps." Something deep down within Regulus hoped that the Dark Lord chose Lockhart as his target. It would be a mercy for the world if the boy suddenly vanished.

"Well, of course it fits," Lockhart continued. "Come to think of it, I might already be greater than my sum. Both my sisters are Squibs, you see-"

The wrong child inherited their mother's magic.

"-so I must have somehow obtained their magic, as well as my own, which, of course, is too dangerous for me to use in school. I would wager that Dumbledore himself would have to rein me in and take me under his wing."

"Like Snape?"

"Pardon?"

"Snape. He was adopted by the Headmaster and is currently under his tutelage."

Lockhart was uncharacteristically silent for the briefest of moments before saying, "Well, it seems I may have a bit of competition. Friendly competition, of course. Sporting, really. I might even teach Snape a few tricks."

"It may be a conversation best reserved for him, then." Please take the bait.

"Indeed! Thank you, Black! This conversation has been rather productive!"

Thankful that they had finally arrived at their destination, Regulus nodded and bid his farewells before leaving, making his way back to the party. He didn't want to miss dessert, although he felt he had lost his appetite listening to Lockhart's nauseating monologues about his brilliance. He was almost as bad as- no, he was worse than Potter, by a longshot. At least Potter was a Gryffindor with a keen hatred against Slytherins, something which put distance between the two of them; Lockhart, on the other hand, was too neutral for comfort.

While Regulus had latched Lockhart onto Snape out of desperation, he was beginning to think it might be a good way to keep tabs on him…. Lockhart, chatter-mouth that he was, couldn't resist bragging about anything, and the idea of him keeping quiet about meetings with the ward of Albus Dumbledore was laughable. And if he could keep tabs on Snape, it was one step closer to keeping tabs on Evans and the book. Regulus couldn't stop thinking about the book and the purpose behind it. Maybe Lucius would explain things during the holiday.


Severus IV

Severus was finished with the party. He hated the dull, vapid, useless conversations going on around the table, he hated the food, he hated the dessert (chocolate mousse, of all fucking things), and he hated almost everyone at the table. The two exceptions were Lily and MacDonald, and they were on Slughorn's other side, because of course they were.

Severus forced the chocolate mousse down, spoonful by spoonful, chasing each bit down with a sip of water to dilute the flavor. All he could think about was the argument between himself and Lily, just after the full moon before the Christmas holiday in '75. It was also around the time that Mulciber's prank had almost succeeded, and it disturbed him how easily McKinnon could eat her mousse, considering…. Severus had to push the thoughts out of his head. Occluding, he continued on, letting his mind wander and go numb as he waited for something signifying the end of the party.

Fortunately, the end came, and Severus immediately stood and made his way to the door, only to be stopped by Belby, because nothing in life was easy.

"Snape!" Belby beamed. "Thanks again for your input!"

"Of course," Severus said blankly. A thought occurred to him. "Actually, Belby, regarding our discussion. Do keep in mind that the more potent the brew is, the faster the release into the body, and the faster its effects diminish."

"... so mind the number of times the ingredients are reduced," Belby muttered, his eyes widening. "And the final product will last longer! Merlin bless you, Snape!" Without warning, Belby, the bastard, wrapped his arms around Severus and locked him into an ungodly embrace.

Severus clenched his fists and waited for this fresh hell to end before Belby set him back down on his feet. He nodded curtly, not willing to risk saying something he would regret, before brushing himself off leaving.

What a waste of fucking time!

No, this might be good for us.

Oh right, that potion, because apparently the great Damocles Belby can't do fucking arithmancy.

Admit that we've earned favor with Slughorn.

… I shouldn't say it isn't worth it.

Good, because it is absolutely vital that-

I know. Give me some time to walk this off, at least.

Severus continued through the castle, his pace slowing step back step until he was at a crawl.

What is it?

I should wait for Lily, shouldn't I?

You have concerns.

She's-

- not feeling well, yes. Go back and wait outside the room.

Severus turned around and made his way back to the party, with most of the guests having left. He peeked in to find that only Lily and MacDonald were left with Slughorn; it seemed they were helping him pack up the leftovers and set the room back in order. He contemplated whether he should go in and help them or if he should stay outside; he didn't want to be in their way, but it wasn't right for Lily to be doing-

Fuck it. Severus stepped inside.


Mary I

Mary couldn't pay attention to anyone at the dinner table; her eyes were fixed on the chocolate mousse before her…. It had been almost a year since the incident with Mulciber, but the memory hadn't gone away. If anything, it had only grown more vivid with each visit from the Slytherin, or any one of his friends or associates. She looked over at Marlene and watched as the older girl ate the mousse with vigor; how she, of all people, could manage that was beyond her.

Mary noted that Snape had barely touched his; well, he did, but he immediately chased each spoonful of mousse down with water. She couldn't see his face due to his hair covering it, but the few glimpses she managed to catch showed that he was stone-faced and his eyes were staring into nothing.

Suddenly, a hand touched Mary's arm, and she nearly jumped in her seat as Lily asked, "Ready to go back?"

Mary nodded. "Mhm."

"Are you feeling alright?" Marlene asked as she and Remus walked over. "You didn't touch any of your mousse." Before Mary could respond, Marlene took the mousse and began eating it.

"Dinner filled me up," Mary lied. She noticed Snape had left without so much as a sound. She glanced around and spotted him speaking to that Belby man Lily talked about, before the man's eyes widened and Snape was attacked by a bearhug. She fought back a smirk at the interaction as Snape brushed himself off and left.

"What is it?" Remus looked to where Mary's eyes had wandered.

"Belby hugged Snape," Mary said, failing to hide her amusement.

"Ugh," Marlene grimaced, only for Lily to elbow her hard. "Ow! Sorry, Mum."

"We should head back," Remus said. "I have the feeling I'll need energy for tomorrow's party."

"Who are you dressing as?" Lily asked.

"That's a surprise, Miss Evans," Remus said, smirking and winking at Mary. "Night."

"Night, Remus," Mary said as he and Marlene disappeared.

"Aren't you going with them?" Lily asked.

"I'll walk back with you," Mary said.

"I have to help clean up."

"I can help, too."

"Alright," Lily said. "Now, let's go see Slughorn."

Mary had to admit that helping clean up the party was boring, but she liked spending more time doing whatever it was that Lily did. She doubted she would ever get into the Slug Club through Potions (although she was certain that was the only way), but going to one of the parties for the first time made her see just what it was that the cream of the crop did. She took some time to look at the various photos of past members and spotted Belby and Malfoy in separate frames smiling along with the others.

"Barnabas Cuffe," Slughorn said, gesturing to an older man next to Belby. "He's working for the Daily Prophet currently. Aims at being the editor-in-chief someday. He will, of course."

"And that?" Mary pointed to another picture, this one to a stout man in spectacles.

"Eldred Worple, Magizoologist. Respectable field." Slughorn took a sip of the brandy in his hand. "And there- ah, Snape!"

Mary turned as Snape walked back into the room, that same pale look on his face. "Sir," Snape said, "do you need help with cleaning up?"

"Oh, well… of course, of course!"

Without another word, Snape got to work and immediately made his way to Lily, procuring his wand from his sleeve as he began assisting. Mary noticed that his hand was a bit shaky, his movements deliberately slow, but he didn't seem to notice it himself. Of course, his attention snapped to Lily whenever she began doing anything, and he'd almost dropped a stack of plates from the sudden loss in concentration. Mary realized she'd all but stopped helping and quickly got back to work.

Eventually, Slughorn announced, "I can do the rest. Thank you for staying behind, Lily, Mary. Snape."

"Of course, sir," Lily said, smiling. "Have a good night."

"Yes, good night."

Snape was the first out the door, but he was followed quickly by Lily. Mary kept close behind as she listened silently to their conversation.

"You came back." Lily said.

"You're unwell," Snape replied. "You shouldn't have to do all the work."

"Right… well… I should thank you for your help with the planning."

Mary noticed that Snape's expression softened slightly as he said, "You're welcome." And it hit her.

Did Snape really fancy Lily?

Was that the reason he'd tried to meet her in the Owlery? Wait, no, it wouldn't make sense for him to confess his feelings for her after their break-up… although, break-up was the wrong word for it. Falling-out would be more appropriate. But from what Mary had seen since she arrived, Lily and Snape were close friends, although not as close as Lily and Marlene. If, at one point, Lily and Snape had been friends, and if Snape had started fancying Lily… well, if it was friendship and fancy….

Snape was in love with Lily.

No, that made even less sense. If Snape loved Lily, why would he call her that name? Mary knew Snape had been targeted a few times by Remus's friends, and she knew he'd once been friends with Mulciber-

No, this was nonsense. How could Snape be friends with both Lily and Mulciber? Although… Snape had driven Mulciber away. Maybe those two weren't as close as Mary had thought? And-

"I should head to my room," Snape said, snapping Mary out of her train of thought. He turned to Mary and said, "Keep an eye on Lily."

Mary nodded. "Okay. Night, Snape."

"Night, Severus."

"Good night." Snape turned down the corridor and soon disappeared.

"How was the party?" Lily asked.

"I liked it," Mary said. "The food was a bit much."

"Not everyone likes the food…." Lily's voice faded before she could finish the sentence. "... right, the mousse. Mary, I didn't even think-"

"No, you invited me last-minute," Mary quickly cut in. "It's fine."

"Are you sure?"

Mary reluctantly nodded. "I think so…."

"We don't have to talk about it," Lily said. "Let's see what Marley's up to."


Remus III

"Keep your voice down!" Remus hushed. He hoped no one in the dorms could hear them. "I thought we were done with-"

"I just thought about it, is all," Marlene said defensively. "Think about what happened last year before Christmas. James and Sirius sneak into the tunnel, and Snape follows. What if he was trying to kill them, but something down there spooked him? Then, not knowing he was a you-know-what, James saved him. Why else would he follow them?"

"To get them in trouble," Remus answered. "Look, Marley-"

"We're back," Lily called out, Mary in tow.

"Hey, Lily," Marlene greeted, immediately letting the conversation go.

Lily glanced between Remus and Marlene, although Remus wasn't sure why until she asked, "What were you two talking about? I thought you'd be in bed by now."

"Oh, just keeping each other company," Marlene said hesitantly.

Mary raised an eyebrow, and Remus would've laughed at her reaction if not for the previous conversation.

"Is that right?" Lily asked, raising another eyebrow. A smirk appeared on her face as she asked, "Does Sirius have competition?"

"No," Remus quickly replied. "No, Marley and- Marlene and I were just chatting about nothing."

"Chatting about nothing," Mary asked, a smirk mirroring Lily's, "or whispering nothings to each other- oi!"

Marlene had thrown a couch pillow and hit Mary head-on, knocking the girl back a bit. "Good night, Evans! MacDonald!" She quickly ran up the stairs as Mary fell into a fit of laughter.

"She'll get over it," Lily said, "eventually. We'll head up as well. Night, Remus."

"Night." Remus watched as Lily and Mary headed upstairs before heading to his own dorm. He wasn't too surprised to see James and Sirius staring at the map, but Peter was nowhere to be seen. "Evening."

"Alright, Moony?" James asked.

"It was a good dinner; you ought to have gone, Padfoot."

"Not if my brother's there," Sirius replied, tapping the map. "And I could see that he was. Him and Malfoy."

"... why were you- Snape." It wasn't a question.

"Yeah, Snape."

"You're still…." Remus stopped himself, remembering Marlene's suspicions. "... actually, there's been a development."

"Snape-related?" Sirius asked.

"Yes."

Sirius and James turned their attention to Remus. "Well?" James asked.

"This is speculation," Remus began, "but the main point is this: Marlene believes… Snape is a vampire."

"... called it," Sirius said, nudging James.

"Are you serio- no, Padfoot, not a pun. Are you serious?" James's eyes had widened, making them comically large through the lenses of his glasses.

"Mysterious illness, getting paler by the day, losing substantial weight despite looking healthy earlier on, a strong aversion to garlic-"

"Odd," James commented.

"It was Italian food," Remus explained. "Anyway, that wasn't what convinced me. Marlene saw markings on his neck that looked like bite marks. Fangs."

"... bloody hell," Sirius said quietly. He turned to James and exclaimed, "Mate, you really made a risk running after him that night!"

"I don't think he could've been a… vampire… then…." Remus's words trailed off as he unpacked what Sirius had just said. "What?"

"What?" James was confused.

"You chased after Snape."

"Yeah, how else would I have stopped him?"

"But Marlene said he was following you into the tunnel."

"... ah." James nodded. "Right… don't be mad…."

"You lied."

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Here us out," Sirius said. "If we said James followed him into the tunnel, that would raise questions."

"Such as?"

"Well," James said, "How would I have known about Snape being in the tunnel in the first place?"

"... wait, how did you find out?"

James gestured to the map.

"Right," Remus nodded. That checked out. "Continue."

"The safer bet," James said, "was to say we were exploring the tunnel when we heard something at the end of it. Snape happened to be following us, and I ultimately saved him."

"Right… hang on. You said the map was the reason you knew, right? How come you weren't coming that night?"

"... right, sorry." James said apologetically. "I was busy packing and I lost track of time, so I was checking the map to see where Snape was."

"It was nighttime; why would you think he was anywhere but in bed?"

"Because it's Snape," Sirius interjected. "Who knows what sort of Dark Magic nonsense he's getting himself into?"

"Let's focus on the main point," James said. "Snape might be a vampire. Well, if we can get proof-"

"How?" Remus asked.

"Peter can handle it."

"Ah yes," Remus said, "acquiring evidence within Snape's room…. Do you realize how many people can actually open that door?"

"We know."

"Right," Remus said. "So unless Peter is somehow a Prefect, Head Boy, member of staff, professor, Headmaster, or Snape himself-"

"Perish the thought."

"-there's no way to explain how he acquired any evidence without giving something away."

"Don't worry," James said. "We have an idea of how to deal with that-"

"Wait," Remus said. "Why are you trying to find evidence anyway?"

"Because it's Snape!"

"Not because he might be a Dark Creature?"

Sirius was about to answer, but paused.

James quickly said, "Look, you don't have a choice that time of month. Snape, on the other hand, has full control. Vampires and werewolves are different."

"... do you think he would've chosen to become a vampire?" Remus asked. "Snape, famous for his open hatred of Dark Creatures?"

James looked down a bit at those words. "Maybe… alright, look. Maybe, Snape isn't going after people right now. But we don't know enough about him to simply let him be."

"Ah yes, when Snape the Blood Purist turned out to be a half-blood," Remus shot back.

"Fair point," Sirius said.

"Can we at least keep an eye on him?" James asked. "No pranks, as usual, but this time, we'll be extremely careful."

"Do you think we should tell Peter?" Sirius asked.

"... hmm," James muttered. "... yeah, we probably should."

"Why did you hesitate?" Remus asked.

"Do you honestly think he'd keep spying on Snape if he knew what he was?"


Severus V

"Sit."

Pettigrew sat obediently on the side of Severus's bed while the latter sat at his desk. If the map could track their movements, then Potter and Black had to believe that Pettigrew was hiding under the bed, while Severus was facing away from him, sitting at his desk while doing revision.

"Now," Severus said, "What have you learned?"

"W-well," Pettigrew stammered, "James was planning on surprising Lily tomorrow night with his costume."

"Which is?"

"The four of us are dressing as the Beatles," Pettigrew answered. "James is the one with the glasses."

Of course he is, the prick. "And?"

"Um…. Oh, Sirius is taking Marlene to Hogsmeade next weekend; she's going to be more involved in…."

"Go on…."

"... in pranking you."

"Pranking," Severus said blankly. "I believe 'targeting' is a more appropriate word to use."

"Targeting," Pettigrew said, nodding. "Um, yeah. Nothing new with Remus, aside from the usual monthly routine."

"I see…. And Slytherin?"

"I haven't had too many opportunities to check them out," Pettigrew said. "B-but the times that I did, it sounded like something big was happening this coming holiday."

"Any details?"

"None."

"Focus on that," Severus instructed. "Who's talked about it so far?"

"Mulciber and Rosier, though it's mainly Rosier. I think one of the Carrows did as well."

"If one knows, both know. Focus on spying on the Carrows for more information; they're fairly dull, so you'll have an easier time with them. Get out."

Severus watched with disgust as the rat scurried under his door. There was a sickening feeling in his stomach, but not from tonight's dinner. It wasn't quite the same as normal; this one was dull… dull but growing.

Odd.

What?

This feeling.

You feel it?

Yes. I can't place it…. Can you?

No; this is completely different from normal… stronger….

If we can both feel it, then the coming threat must be serious.

And yet it hasn't come yet.

True… how long has it been here?

Since just after I said good night to Lily.

Be on your guard. While it's not a particularly strong feeling, it may grow in time. When it does, we must tell Dumbledore.

Why not now?

We can tell him tomorrow. For now, rest.


Lily III

Sunday, 24 October 1976

Tonight's the night!

Are you all prepared?

Absolutely.

And you're feeling well?

A bit warm, but I'm sure I'll cool down after a few drinks.

You're wearing that armor, yes? That might heat you up quite a bit.

I'm not missing my party just because of a slightly warm rise in temperature.

If you're going, remember not to overexert yourself, yes?

Yes, Dad.

Good. Now then, regarding last night….

Which part?

Well, I'm not talking about your little theory on Remus and Marlene.

Oh.

Regarding Severus.

I told you before that I don't see him that way.

Explain the Amortentia, then.

Lily had hoped Tom hadn't remembered that, but then she realized that he obviously would've remembered; it was written in the diary after all. That day in Potions, the day that she'd won the Felix Felicis, had caught her off-guard. When she had smelled the Amortentia, she had smelled the water from the river back home, the willow trees where she'd spent time with Severus, and most damning of all… Sev's jacket. She didn't even know why that was something she'd desire; the smell told her that Severus hadn't washed it in ages, if at all. And yet the pseudo-Sorting they'd done before Hogwarts had sprung back into her mind after Severus had his trip to the Hospital Wing.

Lily?

I can't.

Why did you bring it up?

At the time, I thought I could talk it over with you, but I realized that was a mistake.

How is that a mistake?

Lily?

I should go.

Very well. Have a good time.

Lily shut the diary and moved to her desk, looking in the mirror as she braided her hair… or should she put it in a bun…? No, a braid. After finishing with braiding, she procured the transfigured armor from her wardrobe and waved her wand across it. The armor quickly disassembled and began clinging onto her form, until she was fully suited. She stepped in front of the larger mirror in the room and checked to make sure she looked the part. As she finished, Marlene entered the room.

"Goodness, you're ready, aren't you?" Marlene hadn't changed into her costume yet.

"Are you coming to help set up?" Lily asked.

"Of course," Marlene replied. "Should I help with anything else?"

"Actually…." It was probably a bad idea to ask this of Marlene.

"What?"

"... Severus will be preparing the drinks. If you could help-"

"No."

"Marley."

"No."

"Marley!"

"... you owe me."


Severus VI

"How are you feeling?" Dumbledore asked. He was busy flipping through loose parchment, his eyes scanning over the letters.

"It's still there," Severus said. "It hasn't grown worse, but it's present."

"I see…. Perhaps I should put your mind at ease?"

Severus was somewhat surprised. "In what way?"

"Well, it regards the diary and the ring that you've mentioned. I was having some trouble putting my finger on it, but I remember the name. Horcrux."

… how long have you known?

"For certain? Perhaps a few weeks."

"... and you only tell us now?"

"Well, knowing the name brings us no closer to locating all of them, assuming that the diary and ring are only two of many others." Dumbledore finished flipping through the parchment and rested his hands on his desk. "Hence, your task in retrieving that memory. I've heard you've regained Slughorn's favor to an extent."

"Yes," Severus replied. "He seemed keen on my knowledge of alchemy."

"Not to mention your diligence in planning these two parties," Dumbledore added. "And I've heard the oddest rumor involving you and Damocles Belby."

"And that would be…?"

"Well, Slughorn originally thought Belby was studying a cure for lycanthropy, but your conversation with Belby, or what you divulged to Slughorn regarding said conversation, has him believing something else."

Severus had expected Dumbledore to continue with what he was implying, but the old man was apparently waiting for him to take the bait. "... very well, I'll bite. What does Slughorn suspect?"

"Let's just say it involves a witch's time of the month."

"... a potion… related to the menstrual cycle?" Severus finally understood that odd look he'd given Lily and MacDonald, and he could almost laugh out loud and this farce if not for the fact that he was the one responsible for Slughorn's confusion. Surely, Slughorn would know that there were already potions involving that cycle… although, they tended to be unhealthy. From his own studies into the matter, both as a student and a professor, he had learned that the base ingredients for these potions didn't simply suppress the various effects of the menstrual cycle, but actually disrupted the cycle itself; he had even come to the realization that prolonged use of said potions could result in temporary or permanent infertility. He could write an entire thesis on the negative side effects-

"Severus?"

Severus jolted out of his train of thought. "Sorry."

"What were you thinking about?"

"... potions."

Dumbledore gave him a small smile. "On your own time, my boy. Anyway… I hadn't wished to bring this up, but where did you procure that scar?"

Severus furrowed his brow. "What scar?"

"The one on your neck. It looks like you've been bitten."

Severus felt his blood run cold. "Do you have a mirror?"

Dumbledore raised his hand, and a small hand mirror flew into it. The old man handed it to Severus, and Severus checked his neck for… the bite marks.

How long has this been here?

"You hadn't noticed this before?"

"We had," Severus admitted. "But… we didn't think you could see them."

"Why would you think that?"

Our textbook for Potions has our notes written in them, notes which we have not yet written.

"So, you can see these notes, but others can't?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.

"That's right. The professor and I think it's because his memories are overlapping with my senses, which is why when we saw the notes and the scars, we thought both of them were unseen by others. We're still figuring out the specifics."

Dumbledore said nothing in response, but the old wizard's eyes never left Severus's. Severus grew uncomfortable under his gaze, uncertain as to what was going on behind those twinkling orbs. "In that case, I would advise you to proceed with caution."

"Naturally," Severus replied. "In any case, I should go. I have to be in the Great Hall as soon as dinner ends."

"Very well. Enjoy the party."

Severus stood and left the Headmaster's Office, making his way down the staircase as quickly as his condition would allow (which was welcomingly close to normal). As loath as he was to admit it, having a busy schedule had certainly helped him retrain his muscle memory, although he wasn't sure if it was normal for it to occur this quickly; in fact, he wasn't sure how quickly one could retrain one's muscle memory at all.

Severus arrived in his room and opened up the wardrobe to find his costume. He didn't mind the dress suit too much, although he would have preferred to have a coat to go with the vest instead of this bloody cape. The last thing he wanted to wear was red, and of course the entire inside of the cape was bloody red. The only saving grace to this was the fact that he would be out of sight, for the most part, while he was making drinks for everyone… assuming Cresswell kept his part of the agreement by being the one to serve them.

Putting on the costume, Severus inspected himself in the mirror. How fitting for someone dressing as a vampire to have those fucking scars on his neck.

The hair.

No.

You don't have to tie it back. Just wet your hair and comb it back.

… fine.

Severus went into the bathroom and turned on the tap, wetting his hands before running his fingers through his hair-

… oh, of course.

Severus brushed a silver strand of hair with his finger, only to find a few more strands hidden within the black.

Typical. Do you think this is mine or yours?

Either is possible.

You don't think anyone noticed it last night, do you?

I doubt it. It would've been hidden well enough.

Severus checked his head for more silver hairs and was thankful not to find any. The elder Snape had started developing grey hairs in the year following Lily's death, which he'd managed to hide due to hair dyes and eventually charmwork. Severus thought he could make a rudimentary dye later on after the party, but that only meant they'd see… then again, Dracula probably had grey hairs. He could pass it off as part of the costume.

Ingenious. Ten points to Slytherin.

Severus patted down his hair with a hand towel to absorb the excess water, before looking at his reflection for a final time. He was slightly pale, but not by much, and there were dark circles forming under his eyes. Well, he certainly looked the part. All he needed were fangs… he couldn't be arsed.


Mary II

Mary was a little nervous about tonight, to say the least. She wasn't really the type to go to big parties such as these, and although she was happy with her costume, she wasn't sure how well it would be received. Dressing as a pumpkin might've been a bit childish, but she didn't have much of an eye for costuming, and a pumpkin was relatively easy as far as designs went. Much easier than Joan of Arc or Medusa, at least.

Finished with dressing, Mary walked down the steps of the common room, minding her footing; it was particularly difficult to see one's feet when one's vision was obstructed. Confidently placing her foot down on the bottom step, Mary realized everyone else must've already left for the party, which was probably a good thing. When she arrived, there would be too many people for her to be the center of attention.

Mary left the common room and made her way through the corridors and down the staircase, stopping on the second floor. It'd been a week or so since she'd visited the bathroom here, and she felt a bit bad about not popping by to see how Myrtle was doing. The spectacled ghost would most likely be in a sour mood, but it was better to see her and risk her wrath than not.

"Myrtle?" Mary called out. "It's Mary!"

"Mary?" The spectral girl floated out from one of the cubicles, her face in a perpetual frown. The frown turned sour as she said, "You haven't visited in over a week!"

"Sorry," Mary said apologetically. "Between schoolwork and Gobstones-"

"Oh, don't you dare tell me you were playing with that Snape boy!"

"You don't even know him!"

"From what I've heard, I know enough!"

"I-" Mary stopped herself from escalating. "I'm sorry. Maybe… could I invite him here?"

Myrtle's nose curled. "You want a boy in my bathroom?!"

"We could play Gobstones here instead of the courtyard!"

Myrtle shook her head. "Do you have any idea what sort of rumors could get out if people saw you two coming in here in your spare time?"

"It's not like that!"

"Tell that to the people who'd spread them. And if Mulciber hears about it-"

"Don't." Mary couldn't hear the aggression in her voice, but she saw by Myrtle's reaction that it was there. "Snape chased Mulciber off. I trust him, and I'm asking you to do the same."

Myrtle face twisted into a pained expression as she finally exploded, "FINE! He can come here…." A few seconds passed before she asked in a polite tone, "So, are you excited for the party?"

"A bit nervous."

"I like your pumpkin."

"Thanks!" Mary did a small twirl to show the rest of it.

"I used to have one when I was younger. I think the dog ripped it apart before my third year. Anyway, what are your friends dressing as?"

"Lily's Joan of Arc-"

"- good, respectable Muggle choice-"

"- and Marley's Medusa."

"McKinnon?"

Mary nodded.

"How's her dress?"

"I snuck a peek at it a few days ago. It's low-cut."

"If that's the case, she'll turn Sirius Black to stone!"

Mary covered her mouth to suppress the giggle. Oh, I'm using that tonight! "Alright, I should head down. I'll stop by after classes tomorrow."

"Have a good night," Myrtle moaned as she flew back into the cubicle.

Mary left the bathroom and descended the staircase to the ground floor, turning the corner and finally arriving just outside the Great Hall. A few people were standing outside, talking to Black's younger brother, Regulus… or at least, someone whom she thought was Regulus, if she squinted hard enough. The person in question sported a pointed beard and had dark eyes instead of Regulus's grey. He was dressed in silver and green robes in an older fashion than she was used to, so he must be dressed as a wizard from an older time.

Mary finally made her way to the entrance, and the greeter said in Regulus's cold voice, "Ah, Miss MacDonald. Miss Evans was wondering when you would arrive."

"I had trouble getting into my costume," Mary half-lied.

"Indeed…. Well, the festivities have begun. I suggest you make your way to the side tables and enjoy yourself."

Mary nodded awkwardly and walked past Regulus, stepping into the packed Great Hall. She was met with the sight of hundreds of her fellow classmates dressed in various costumes she could barely recognize, but there were a good number who were more familiar with the Muggle world. Among the people, she spotted Xeno dressed as Uric the Oddball, his glowing jellyfish hat near-impossible to miss; how he'd managed that, she would never know. He was speaking with Adrian, who was dressed as a stereotypical Frenchman and carrying a large camera.

"Xeno! Adrian!"

"Mary!" Xeno turned and gave Mary a smile as she approached. "Nice pumpkin!"

"Thanks!"

"I should go to the back," Adrian said. "Pictures start soon."

"Take care," Xeno said. As Adrian left, Xeno said to Mary, "Adrian told me you were at one of Professor Slughorn's parties last night."

Mary nodded. "Yeah, it was fun. Not perfect, but fun."

"Is it true that Snape is studying alchemy?"

Mary was a bit confused. "... yeah, why?"

"It must be quite interesting to play Gobstones with an alchemist."

"Not too different from playing with anyone else, aside from the fact that he's absolutely pants at it."

"Really? Hmm…. Well, I think I'll go bob for apples. I've heard that cyanats like to lay their eggs among the apple seeds."

Before Mary could ask what a cyanat was or why Xeno wanted to bob for them, the Ravenclaw boy had already left, making his way directly to the wooden tubs of water and apples. Well, as long as he was enthusiastic about a Muggle tradition, Mary couldn't complain.

Mary made her way to the side tables, where food and refreshments were set up. She watched as Cresswell and Marlene were serving punches of many colors, although Marlene occasionally left the table to check on the vats of what Mary assumed was punch. Snape was busy preparing the ingredients, squeezing the juices and pulp out of various citrus fruits, selecting spices to add flavor, allotting the spiced juices to specific vats and stirring, his eyes never leaving his work.

"Ready for the blood orange, Snape?" Marlene asked.

"Let it sit for a few minutes," Snape replied. "The blue is ready once we run out."

"Do we have any more sugar?"

"There's a bag over by the oranges, but it's the last one."

"Right, I'll- Mary!" Marlene waved Mary over, and Mary obliged by walking past the tables.

"You two seem busy," Mary said.

"It was supposed to be three," Snape sneered, "but Cresswell-"

"Shut it," Marlene shot back, her snake hair hissing at the Slytherin.

Snape rolled his eyes before they locked onto Mary. He had a strange, softened look as he said, "You're dressed as a pumpkin."

"Y-yup!" Mary said. "You're dressed as Dracula."

Snape looked down at his costume and nodded. "... yes."

"No fangs?"

"Couldn't be arsed."

Mary fought back a smirk as her eyes caught something on Snape's neck. "I like the vampire bite on your neck."

"Thank you," Snape said calmly. "I worked hard to make it just right."

"Looks like a scar," Marlene muttered.

"You've found me out," Snape said sarcastically. "I'm secretly a vampire, and I chose to dress… as a vampire."

Mary snorted with laughter, although Marlene seemed to blanch. "Well," Mary said after settling down, "I think you make an extraordinary Dracula."

"Try some punch," Marlene said, offering Mary a cup. "This one's blood orange."

Mary took a sip and felt sweet and sour attack her taste buds, the subtle spices bringing out the flavor of the orange. "This is great!"

"Well, someone appreciates my work," Snape sneered at Marlene.

"I didn't say I don't appreciate what you're doing," Marlene retorted. "It's… serviceable."

Snape grumbled to himself as he continued squeezing juices out of the various fruits present.

"How's everything over here?" Mary turned as Lily came strutting in, wearing her armor. "Like the party so far?"

"Love it! The punch is good."

"We worked hard on the recipe," Lily said, smiling. "How do you like my armor? Do I look like Joan of Arc?"

"Exactly like her," Marlene replied.

"I didn't realize you had a Time-Turner, McKinnon," Snape said.

"I keep it next to my garlic necklace and wooden stakes," McKinnon shot back, the hissing of her snakes intensifying.

"Play nice," Lily admonished. "Severus, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Snape set the fruit down and walked away with Lily. Mary couldn't hear what was being said, but she could see that Lily was irritated. Snape's normal snarky demeanor seemed to evaporate the second Lily's mouth opened, replaced with reluctant submission and an occasional failed attempt at speaking. Lily and Snape walked back toward Mary and Marlene, with Snape immediately returning to making punch with a blank expression on his face.

"Anyway," Lily said, "I'm going to walk around and check on the party- oh my God."

Mary turned and couldn't help but smile with amusement as James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew walked up, dressed as the Beatles. Potter was a dead ringer for John Lennon, while Black and Remus were fairly decent as George Harrison and Paul McCartney. Pettigrew looked nothing like Ringo, but she wasn't about to say anything.

"Alright, Lily?" Potter asked.

Lily was near-dumbstruck at their costumes, and Mary almost swore that she was blushing. "Hi, James."

"How's my costume? Remus told me John Lemon was your favorite of the four."

Mary stopped herself from laughing out loud, but Black and Remus didn't. Lily's mouth twitched slightly, but eventually broke into a small laugh that she covered with her mouth.

Potter turned to Black and Remus and said, "What?"

"Y-you-" Black's voice was beyond shaking. He turned to Remus and nudged him as he wiped his eyes.

"L-Len-Lennon," Remus struggled out.

"What?"

"John Lennon," Lily corrected. "Not Lemon."

"But-" Potter's eyes widened as he turned to Black and Remus. "You said-"

"No, I showed you a picture of them with their names," Remus said. "You read them aloud."

"Why didn't you say anything?!"

"And miss this moment?" Black had regained his composure. "Not a chance, mate."

Potter's outrage quickly broke as he watched his friends fall into another fit of laughter, and he soon joined in. Lily was visibly struggling not to laugh, while Marlene didn't even bother hiding her amusement. Snape was looking at the group of boys with an intense stare, but his eyes lost their fight as they looked at Lily.

Black wiped his eyes dry again and stepped up to the punch bowl as the others entered into a separate conversation, and Marlene quickly grabbed a cup and asked, "Which one?"

"The red one, obviously," Black replied, flashing her a grin. Marlene poured some of the blood orange punch and handed it to Black.

As the tall boy was about to drink, he spotted Snape behind the tables and near the vats. He looked down at his drink and back to the vats before leaning closer to Marlene and saying something under his breath. Mary didn't hear what Marlene said, but Black took a hesitant sip and inclined his head in approval.

"I have to say," Black said, "your costume is incredible."

Marlene's snakes hid shyly behind her head as she looked down, much to Mary's surprise.

"When I first saw you in that dress, I thought you'd turn me to stone," Black continued, eliciting a wide-eyed blush from Marlene.

Damn it.

Mary heard Snape scoff under his breath. Apparently, Black heard it too.

"Something funny, bat?"

"Oh nothing," Snape replied dryly. "I was just surprised."

"Is that so?" Black's voice was beginning to grow more hostile.

"Of course," Snape continued. "I thought McKinnon would have to come to the party as Potter for that sort of reaction."

Mary covered her mouth to hide her smile, but fortunately, Black was too focused on Snape.

"How about you say that to my face," Black dared. "Easy to say when your back is turned."

Snape stood from his stool, turned, and walked up to the table, standing opposite of Black. "I'm more than happy to explain the joke, if you have trouble understanding," Snape said, his eyes locked with Black. "What I meant to say is that if McKinnon was hoping to elicit a sexual response from you, in the form of an erection, all she would have to do is dress as your best friend. Do you get the joke?"

The area immediately surrounding the punch bowl grew quiet, and Mary could see that Lily and the boys had turned away from their own conversation. Before Black could respond, Lily walked up to the table and grabbed Snape by the arm as she said, "Come with me." Snape let himself be pulled from the refreshment tables and outside of the Great Hall, and the students nearest the punch bowl began socializing once more.

Mary looked over at Marlene, who had now started working on the punch with Snape's absence. She could tell the older girl was in a bad mood, more than likely due to Snape. Gingerly, she walked behind the table and squatted next to Marlene's stool and asked, "Can I help?"

"No, don't worry," Marlene replied curtly.

"I want to."

Marlene looked away from Mary, and her demeanor softened. "Okay. I need you to squeeze the juice; I can do the rest."


Severus VII

The alarm bells in Severus's head were ringing frantically as Lily led him out of the Great Hall. This couldn't be it. This couldn't be the way he lost everything he'd worked to rebuild. If he'd just kept his mouth shut, he wouldn't be in this bloody mess! The pit in his stomach had never felt heavier, and he was starting to understand what it was: Lily.

Suddenly, Lily stopped and turned around, causing Severus to nearly run into her. "What is wrong with you?!"

"I-"

"No," Lily cut in. Her eyes showed signs of fatigue. "Do you have any idea how much work I've put into this party?"

"I just-"

"Just what? Couldn't miss the opportunity to snipe at Sirius, could you? I thought you'd grown up, but clearly, you haven't!"

Severus stopped himself from clenching his fists. If he showed any signs of aggression, she would end everything. "Should I leave?"

Surprise flickered across Lily's face before it returned to its hard glare. "If you can't control yourself, then yes."

Severus broke eye contact for a moment to weigh his options. If he stayed, he would risk another outburst, and he might ruin his second chance with Lily. If he left, he would only show her that he didn't value her enough, which was absolutely not true. No matter what option he chose, she would no doubt grow closer to Potter; he'd seen her smile behind her hand when the toerag had gotten the name of that musician wrong. He'd placed himself in an impossible situation, with the only difference being… no. Leaving couldn't be an option; Potter's acquisition of Lily would be guaranteed.

Severus looked back to Lily. "... I won't say anything for the rest of the night."

"Good."

Lily's single word hit Severus like ice and left a cold spot inside him as they returned to the Great Hall. He made his way back to the punch bowl and found that MacDonald had taken his place, for some reason.

"Snape's back," McKinnon said to MacDonald.

"Hi, Snape. I crushed a few of them for you."

Severus nodded wordlessly and sat back down on the stool, returning his attention to the fruits and vats.

Before MacDonald left, she said quietly, "Oh, Snape?"

Severus turned to look at her. "Yes?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to change our usual spot to the bathroom on the second floor."

Severus couldn't help but furrow his brow. Bathroom? It hit him. "Moaning Myrtle's bathroom?" The entrance to the Chamber of Secrets was in that bathroom, and the last place he wanted to be was anywhere near a fucking basilisk!

"Yeah. No one goes there except for me and Myrtle. We're friends."

Severus needed an excuse not to go there. "Does Myrtle like me?"

"Not really, but she won't mind."

"I'm sure other people might take exception to the idea of the Heir of Slytherin taking a third-year Muggle-born into the girls' bathroom."

MacDonald's face flushed red. "N-no, it's nothing like that-"

"Don't underestimate rumors among Hogwarts students," Severus muttered. "If you need proof, remember Bertha Jorkins."

"... so, you don't want-"

"Our usual spot is fine," Severus said quickly. "I don't mind."

"Okay…. Well, I'm gonna go get something to eat. See you later, Marley."

"Have fun," McKinnon said back. As MacDonald disappeared through the crowd, McKinnon said to Severus, "So… you just play Gobstones, right?"

"... yes." Severus felt a headache coming on.

"Nothing else, then?"

"Nothing else." Severus glanced at Lily out of the corner of his eye, and his heart sank as he watched her having a civil conversation with Potter. She was still smiling away…. Severus had several thoughts rudely enter his mind, and he had no doubt he would have to unpack them after tonight.

"What did Lily talk to you about?"

"She told me to be civil."

"Oh, so that's why you're so quiet now?" Severus could hear the smile in her fucking voice. "Good to know."

Severus let his mind go blank, and the bubbling red flask began to steady itself. Focusing his mind on the punch, Severus felt time pass as students came and went, making enough noise to drown out whatever Potter was doing with Lily. If he even so much as glanced, he might risk seeing her enjoy his company, and seeing that would be too much for him. It wasn't as bad as her near-smile at the Black Lake, but it was its own form of horrible; to openly smile due to Potter's company, despite the history between the toerag and her former friend, was enough to twist his stomach in knots. The same cold hole in his chest began to ache and spread, and it mixed with the dread he had been feeling lately.

After some time, someone tapped Severus on the shoulder. He turned and looked up to see MacDonald, and he realized there were less people in the Great Hall. He said, "Is it time to leave?"

"Lily wants you to join the Slug Club group picture," MacDonald answered, pointing to the back.

Severus followed her gaze and spotted Lily and McKinnon walking over to Cresswell, Creevey, Regulus, and a few other students. "Right." Severus stood from his station and walked over with MacDonald, who quickly took Creevey's place behind the camera.

"Come," Regulus said. "We have a spot here for you."

Severus found himself standing next to Regulus and away from Lily, the latter standing in the front. MacDonald had everyone pose for the picture, which Severus reluctantly did, and a flash of light near-blinded him.

"Okay." Lily turned around and faced the rest of the Slug Club. "I just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for being patient with me and taking part in hosting this party. Well done, everyone!"

Everyone but Severus clapped, and Cresswell let out a celebratory whistle.

"Can't wait 'til next year," Creevey said.

"Indeed," Regulus said. "This was a good effort."

Severus caught the discomfort in Lily's face at the sound of Regulus's voice, but she said, "Next year, we'll be better-prepared. Now then, off to bed before Black and I take points!" She wore a faux-serious face, prompting the others to feign intimidation.

Everyone but Lily and Severus left, and Severus watched as Lily started waving her wand to clean up the decorations effortlessly… at least, it would be effortless without the small shake in her wand-hand.

"Lily, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Lily said dismissively. "I'm not angry with you for what happened-"

"No, I meant that your hand was shaking. Are you feeling well?"

Lily turned to Severus, and he now noticed she had a thin sheen of sweat on her face. "I feel fine."

Severus approached cautiously and looked her over. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot, and he realized that her breathing was slightly hindered. He raised a hand to touch her forehead, which caused her to move back. "I'm just checking your temperature," he said.

"Oh, right." Lily leaned forward, allowing Severus to touch her forehead-

She was burning up.

"How long have you felt like this?"

"Maybe half an hour?"

"Snarky."

Pop. "Yes, sir?"

"Can you finish cleaning up-"

"Severus, I can do it-"

"You're burning up and you need rest." Severus hadn't meant for his voice to sound so harsh, and Lily's startled reaction made him regret it. "Lily, Snarky can do this. Let's get you to bed."

Lily hesitated before nodding. "Alright. Thank you, Snarky."

"Of course," Snarky responded, inclining his head. "Where shall Snarky place the decorations?"

"Wherever they'll fit," Lily replied. Her voice was growing heavy.

Severus nodded to Snarky as he walked with Lily out of the Great Hall. As they progressed, he could tell her stride was growing more sluggish, her face more red, her breathing more labored.

"How heavy is that armor?" Severus asked.

"Oh, it's… light," Lily replied. The energy in her voice was starting to be affected by whatever was going on, and the ominous feeling in Severus's stomach was growing with a dull ache.

"Are you wearing anything underneath?"

Lily nodded, her eyelids flickering.

"Let's take the armor off so you can cool down a bit."

Lily took out her wand and tried to wave it, but it slipped out of her fingers as she staggered forward.

"Lily!" Severus was quick to jump in front of her, catching her before she could take a single step in descent. He gently lowered her to the ground as he felt her forehead again, realizing she'd grown hotter. He quickly procured his own wand, his hands shaking as he tried to focus himself. Realizing his own hand was unsteady, he knew he would risk removing her clothes, or worse, if he tried removing her armor.

Lily's eyes forced themselves open as she looked up at Severus. "...Sev…." Her voice sounded weak, too weak to say his full name.

"Lily, I'm taking you to Madam Pomfrey-"

"I don't need-"

"Yes, you do!" Severus started removing the armor by hand, carefully undoing the straps on the inside and setting them down next to the two of them. "You have a fever, and you passed out. I'm taking you to Pomfrey, and that's final."

Lily nodded weakly and said nothing as Severus finished, picking up both their wands and putting them in his pocket before lifting her… goodness, she was heavier than he thought. After tonight, he was going to start putting on muscle.

Severus carried Lily through the corridor and up the staircase as he felt her wrap her arms around his neck, and the only thing keeping him sober was knowing her health was at risk. As he entered, he realized it was empty of life save for a lit candle, and he took the opportunity to place Lily on one of the empty beds. He removed her outer robe and pulled the covers over her, sitting down in the chair beside her to see how she adjusted. Before he could ask her how she felt, he heard her snoring softly.

Lily's hair was widely spread out, her entire face completely relaxed. It reminded Severus of that day by the river when he'd taught her the Patronus, how at peace she had been as she waited for him, knowing he would come to her. She'd been happy to see him then.

Severus felt his eyes grow damp, and he quickly dried them with his sleeve. As he did, he heard footsteps echoing down the corridor before solidifying into those of Madam Pomfrey, whose form appeared just as he looked up.

"W- Mr. Snape, what are you- is that Miss Evans?"

"She passed out after the Hallowe'en Party," Severus answered. "She has a high fever."

Pomfrey hurried to Lily's side and waved her wand over her. "Dear lord, the girl's burning up! I'll take over, Mr. Snape. You run along now."

Severus nodded, setting Lily's robes on the chair before stepping back. He watched as Pomfrey began performing a more thorough check-up on her before he left, walking down the corridor and heading back to his room.


Remus IV

"I'm sure she's just walking Snape back to his room," Remus said to a frantic Marlene.

"It wouldn't take this long, would it?" Marlene was pacing back and forth, the snakes in her hair gone. "It'd take her only a few minutes to wand away the decorations. She'd have been here-"

"Look, I can't go on patrol-"

"Remus-"

"No, Marlene. You're being paranoid over Lily being slightly late."

"But you know that Snape-"

"- would never harm her," Remus cut in. He couldn't risk her announcing Snape's vampire status out loud. "Especially when he knows he was the last one spotted with her." It was fairly obvious that nothing he said was making Marlene feel any better, but going out at this time… to hell with it. "I can go down to the Great Hall and check."

Marlene nodded and gave Remus a small smile. "Thanks, Moony."

Remus rolled his eyes and left the common room, making his way to the staircase and quickly heading down. Walking through the tunnel beneath the Whomping Willow each month helped him acclimate to low-light settings, although the only danger he faced came in the form of the trick stairs. He'd managed to figure out the more dangerous parts of the staircases, but it made him question why there would be trick stairs to begin with. And he also wondered if it was something he should add to the map. Definitely, but for now, he should focus on-

Snape.

Snape was coming up the staircase, alone. The Slytherin stopped in place, his eyes locking on Remus, and it was the first time Remus truly had a good look at him. His hair was combed back due to his costume, and there were several strands of silver mixed with the black. His skin was pale, and his cheeks looked more gaunt than they had at the start of the year. His eyes were relatively bloodshot, as though he hadn't slept, or he'd slept horribly. This, added with the bite marks on his neck, made it very clear as to why Marlene would be worried for Lily-

Lily!

"Snape."

"Lupin." Snape's voice was low.

"Where's Lily?"

"Hospital Wing. She fainted as soon as we left the Great Hall. Pomfrey's with her."

Remus had little time to take this in. If Snape was telling the truth, then Lily was clearly unwell, or unwell enough to faint. If Snape was lying, then Lily hadn't fainted, but her absence meant that she was somewhere Snape didn't want Remus to look. Remus could easily go check, but if Snape had harmed her in some way, and assuming he truly was a vampire, then he couldn't risk leaving his back turned. But the only way to move pass Snape without looking suspicious was going down this staircase.

"Is she alright?" Remus asked. His nervousness seemed to help him sound concerned, although he naturally would be if Snape was telling the truth.

Snape shook his head. "She was burning up, and the armor certainly didn't help. I took it off before taking her to Pomfrey."

"Well, perhaps I should go check on her," Remus said. Another thought that popped into his head was whether a werewolf could be turned into a vampire through a bite, or if the two-

"She's resting," Snape said. "Pomfrey wouldn't appreciate a patient being disturbed."

"Of course," Remus said, nodding. Snape didn't want him to check, so something was definitely wrong. But he needed a reason to go downstairs without drawing suspicion. "I was just going on patrol-"

"I don't care," Snape snapped, passing Remus by.

Remus waited until Snape had made it far enough up before he ran down the remaining steps and rushed to the Hospital Wing. He eased himself into a walk as he approached, careful not to make too much noise as he peeked in. Madam Pomfrey was gone, but Remus could see a patient lying in one of the beds.

It was Lily.

Remus slowly made his way over, but something stopped him in his tracks, and a chill went down his spine. Something dark, almost like a humanoid shadow, was standing beside her bed. Remus quickly pulled out his wand and hissed, "Lumos!" Light emanated from the tip of his wand, and the shadowy figure vanished, as though it was never there to begin with. Remus let the light die as he lowered his wand, and he saw that it must have been his eyes playing tricks on him. He'd all but gorged himself on the food at the party, so he was due for some rest.

Remus made his way back up the staircase and through the portrait hole to find Marlene still pacing back and forth. She stopped and turned to Remus before asking, "Well?"

"Snape took her to the Hospital Wing after she passed out. I checked to confirm it."

Marlene looked torn between relief and worry. "Do you know if she's alright?"

"She's asleep, but she has a fever. She must be exhausted from planning parties with Slughorn."

"Sleep should do her some good," Marlene agreed. "Thanks for checking on her."

"You know," Remus said, "if Lily becomes Head Girl next year, maybe you should become a Prefect. You seem to have the appropriate degree of worrywarting required for the job."

Marlene fake-gagged at the suggestion and joked, "And spend more time with you? Perish the thought."

Remus felt a grin spread across his face. "True; I'm quite awful company."

Marlene returned his smile, albeit a smaller one. "I should go to bed."

"Have a good night, Marley."

"You too, Moony." With that, Marlene made her way up the steps to the girls' dorm and disappeared for the night.

Remus was slow to return to the boys' dorm. He thought about tonight and the night before, especially about how much James was doing to make himself more acceptable to Lily. The conflict between Sirius and Snape had worried him for a moment, as he'd seen the familiar disgust on James's face directed at the Slytherin, especially when Lily had led him out of the Great Hall. For a moment, he thought James would slip back into his old habits, but his self-control was commendable.

Remus was also happy for Sirius and Marlene; they seemed to hit it off early on, and he'd caught the occasional glance between the two. He was somewhat surprised that Sirius had decided to go with her to Hogsmeade; he'd barely paid attention to her during O.W.L.s. But if it meant keeping him on the straight and narrow, at least as far as Marlene was concerned, then there was a higher chance of having a more peaceful year.

As Remus's head hit the pillow, he remembered that Lily was giving Mary a tour of Hogsmeade this Saturday. He almost considered joining them, as Sirius and Marlene would be on a date and James and Peter would be busy at Zonko's…. Remus stifled a sigh. If they were going to Zonko's, he was worried they would fall back into old habits. He might have to keep an eye on them.