"Live Anymore"

All the world I've seen before me passing by

I've got nothing to gain to lose

You don't care about how I feel

I don't feel it anymore

I don't see anymore

I don't hear anymore

I don't speak anymore

I don't feel.

*~ *~*~

A.N.: ATWA is © System of a Down

Album: Toxicity

*~*~*~

The dungeons of Hogwarts were the only place he felt protected. The sixth-year Slytherin was there now, sweeping toward the Slytherin commons, almost running away from the other students rushing upstairs to bask in the sun.

"Severus!"

He turned, watching disdainfully as a gawky third-year ran up to him. "We're meeting in the commons in a little while… Do you want to join us?"

Sighing, Severus twisted about and continued on his path. He could hear the younger student on his heels.

"Severus?" There it was again, that annoying childish voice… he could never say no to it. Stopping at an expanse of blank wall, he muttered the password and entered the commons through the opening that was created. A few other third-years were clustered around the fireplace. Their fellow joined them and a few minutes later, two more came through the wall.

Leaning back in a plush green chair, Severus gazed around at the group of third-years and then at the other person in the room. Watching from the fireplace was Lucius Malfoy. His blonde hair was slicked back into a ponytail and he wore a smirk on his face.

"Are we all here?"

"Honestly, Crabbe, can't you count?"

Severus's attention was brought back to the six Slytherins huddled on the floor. They spoke in hushed tones, barely loud enough for the two sixth-years to hear.

"So what's in the forest, anyway?"

"I heard there were spiders, and trolls…"

"Aw, anybody can take on a troll…"

"THEY don't think that! The only way we can prove that we can is if we attempt it…!"

"Show those Gryffindors who're the masters here."

"Tomorrow night then…"

So that's what they were planning. Trekking into the Forbidden Forest was not exactly a good idea, even for the teachers at Hogwarts. Not after last year, when Professor Mandel sleepwalked out of the castle and ran back at two in the morning blubbering about giant spiders. The gamekeeper – that great oaf Ogg – would only set his mouth in a thin line when he was questioned.

Severus remembered this, and he stood suddenly, making some of the Slytherins jump.

"You can't do that," he said icily.

"What do you mean, can't?" retorted one of the students – a thickset, wiry-haired boy Severus recognized only as Lestrange.

"Sometimes," Severus continued, striding to the fire, "there are things more important than showing how powerful you are. Your own life is of utmost importance… there are other ways to show those Gryffindors who is better… can't you think of anything?" He whirled to face the group. "Or are you too thick?"

One of the girls there flashed here yes to Crabbe and then to Goyle. Both hung their heads dully; Lestrange spoke again.

"But, Snape… it is the best way… why should we chicken out now? It will just show how scared we are to the Gryffindors." He spat the last word out with a vengeance.

"Bravo, Lestrange. Well put." Lucius nodded from his place on the wall. "What can Severus say tot hat?"

"Much, Lucius," Severus leered.

"Such as…?"

"Such as whatever happened to Slytherins being cunning and sly?" He looked around at the third years; they seemed slightly uncomfortable. Lestrange met his gaze defiantly. "There are always better ways to do things… what about using a few spells to scare some of the… lesser students?"

Lestrange had looked away and was now staring into the fire. Several third-years rose and stalked away grumpily. Soon the only ones left were Lestrange, and a brown-haired, gawky boy named Gregory Pfeiffer, the one who had assaulted Severus in the hall… the former of whom climbed slowly to his feet and, without meeting Severus's eyes, climbed the stairs up to the boys' dormitories.

Gregory remained with his eyes closed. He appeared to be thinking, and as Snape left through the trap-wall, Gregory looked after him through slitted eyes.

"You think you're so great… I'll prove what it takes to gain respect," he muttered.

Lucius Malfoy laughed to himself as he climbed up to the dorms. This will be interesting…