Disclaimer: Chapter title a song from Grease.

A/N: As you might have noticed, this fiction is has been bumped up to PG-13. You'll know why soon enough…

***

Chapter 8 – There are worse things I can do

***

17-year-old Douglas Williams was running. He was running faster than he knew he was capable of, and yet the sound of the man following him didn't seem to fade. In fact, it sounded like he was getting closer. The dark streets were empty, and Douglas searched madly for an ally he could slip into. He turned a corner, and realised he had made a mistake. It was a dead end. He looked desperately around the dark ally, hoping to find somewhere to hide, but it was useless. A cloak swished, and he turned to face the man.

"Why did you run?" the man asked softly, his voice dangerously calm.

Douglas fumbled for his wand.

"Stay away from me," he yelled, his shaking hand pointing the wand at the man.

The man laughed, a horrible, blood-freezing laugh.

"Don't be a fool," he hissed suddenly. "I am far more powerful than you will ever be."

Douglas shivered, his hands shaking even more.

"Now," the man said, "I thought I made it clear to you what would happen if you abandoned me. Are you sure about this?"

"You promised me power and glory," Douglas said, his voice only a whisper.

"And you will have it," the man assured him. "Nothing can be gained without sacrifice."

"I don't want it like this," Douglas spat. "I didn't think sacrifice meant other people."

"I am sorry you feel that way," the man said, raising his wand. "You leave me no choice."

Before Douglas could even think to scream, bright, green light shot out from the man's wand and Douglas fell to the ground. The man looked down at him, shaking his head a little, before raising his wand to the sky. A dark shape slithered out of it, and began to form a symbol. Without another look at his victim, the man Disapparated.

*

Lily knew something was wrong the minute she came down to breakfast that morning. The Great Hall was dead quiet, apart from the odd whisper, something that was highly unusual even at breakfast. She sat down at the Gryffindor table, and saw Remus and Sirius bent over the Daily Prophet. Peter sat next to them, looking pale as a sheet, his hands shivering as he buttered his toast.

"What's going on?" Lily asked, edging closer.

"Nothing," Sirius said, trying to hide the paper.

"Then it can't hurt if I have a look," Lily said, snatching it from him. She froze as the front-page headline almost screamed at her:

TEENAGE WIZARD MURDERED – CRIME SET IN CONNECTION WITH THE FLEMMING-MURDER!

Lily looked down at the picture below it. It showed a young boy, not much older than her. He had short, dark hair, tired eyes and a grumpy expression. Next to him was a picture of Marianne and her parents. Lily felt a stab deep down in her stomach somewhere. She suddenly realised just how much she missed Marianne, and she had to swallow hard a couple of times.

Her hands trembling, she started reading the article;

The body of 17-year-old Douglas Williams was found in a side street in Knockturn ally late last night. The witness who found him was attracted by the site of a huge floating skull.

Williams was a student at Durmstrang Wizarding School, but was expelled last year. Since then, his family has known nothing of his whereabouts. 'It is a great shock for the family,' says ministry spokesman Cornelius Fudge. 'We ask that the press leave them alone and give them a chance to deal with their grief.'

When asked whether this crime can be linked to the gruesome murder of auror Jonathan Flemming and his family, Fudge admitted that 'we cannot deny that they do somehow seem connected. But we cannot say anything for certain until we have looked into the matter properly.'

Lily put down the paper, her hands shaking.

"Are you alright?" Sirius asked carefully. Lily just nodded.

"Yes," she said absentmindedly. "I'm fine." The guys did not look convinced, but asked no more questions.

*

Severus was trying to ignore Lucius Malfoy, who was reading the article out loud to some of the other Slytherins.

"He got what he deserved," Lucius whispered. "He tried to leave, the coward."

Some of the Slytherins snorted.

Not wanting to listen anymore, Severus glanced over at Lily. She too was reading the paper, and he watched as her eyes widened in shock. This was the last thing she needed, he thought. She had finally started to look and sound her old self, and now she was faced with Marianne's death all over again. He wanted to be there with her. Put his arm around her, and keep her safe. But he couldn't.

'I'll see her tonight,' he thought, finishing his breakfast.

*

Lily was surprised at her own reaction to the murder. By the end of the day, she felt like nothing had happened. At first, she decided she must be in a state of shock, but as the days past she found herself thinking less and less about it. It just didn't bother her.

"I'm glad you're OK," Severus whispered one night as they sat by the fire in the office.

"I don't know why," Lily said, edging closer to him. "But I just can't help to think that this has nothing to do with Marianne."

"Maybe it doesn't," he said.

They both thought of the skull, but neither dared mentioned it.

"Are you coming to the game Saturday?" Lily asked, changing the subject.

"Quidditch?" he smiled. "I don't think so."

"But you have to," Lily protested. "I mean, it's Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Game of the year."

"Maybe," he said. "I'll think about it."

"Which means you won't come," Lily concluded, a slight hint of annoyance in her voice.

"You'll only beat us anyway," Severus said. "I have no need to see James Potter be worshipped any further."

"Why do you hate him so much?" Lily asked. "What has he ever done to you?"

"Have you forgotten he almost got me killed?" Severus said.

"He saved your life," Lily pointed out. "It was Sirius' idea."

"Says James," Severus muttered. "Perfect James Potter who gets everything he wants. Who never does anything wrong, but always comes to aid when someone else screws up."

Lily kissed him.

"Shut up, will you?" she whispered softly. "I hear enough about James Potter as it is."

"Well, at least I've got something he hasn't," Severus smiled, returning the kiss.

'For now,' he thought.

*

Peter pulled his cloak tighter around himself. He was starting to dislike these midnight meetings, but after what had happened to Douglas he had not choice he didn't dare to not show up.

He startled as the man Apparated behind him.

"Peter," he said, smiling.

"M-my lord," Peter stuttered, bowing clumsily.

"You seem nervous," the man pointed out. "I take it you've heard about Douglas."

Peter nodded, shivering.

"Well, he was a traitor. You needn't worry," the man assured him. "Now, have you got what I requested?"

"Y-yes," Peter stuttered, handing him several pieces of parchment.

"And are they related?" the man asked.

Peter nodded hurriedly.

"Well done, Peter," the man smiled. "You will be rewarded for this."

With a 'pop', he Disapparated, leaving Peter cold and alone.

*

Lily's last period that Thursday was Potions. Professor Avery told them to make a Shrinking Potion, and spent the entire class going around criticising the Gryffindors. When he stopped next to Lily, she was prepared to shut out whatever he had to say. He leaned closer, lowering his voice.

"I'd like to see you in my office after class, Miss. Evans," he said quietly. Surprised, Lily only nodded. Avery moved on to James and Sirius' desk, Lily staring after him.

When class ended, she went to Professor Avery's office.

"Ah, Miss Evans," he smiled. "Come in."

Very suspicious, Lily sat down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

"You're a bright girl, Lily," Avery said. "One of the brightest muggle-borns I have taught."

"Thank you professor," Lily said, astonished at the praise.

"I would have thought," he continued, "that you would know how to chose your company."

"What do you mean?" Lily asked.

"The crowd you keep with," Avery said, leaning back in his chair.

"Sirius and James and the guys?" Lily asked, surprised, but Avery shook his head.

"Severus Snape," he said. "He's bad news, Lily."

"I don't know what you mean," Lily said, staring at him.

Avery leaned across his desk.

"You have a bright future, Lily," he said quietly. "But Severus will stand in the way of that. You can do much, much better. Some things just aren't meant to be. He is from one of the oldest wizarding families in Britain. You're a muggle-born."

Anger was boiling inside of Lily, and she had to pull herself greatly together to keep calm. 

"I don't know what you're insinuating, Professor," she said calmly, "but I am not going to listen to it."

"I'm not insinuating anything, Miss Evans," Avery smirked, leaning back. "I am just concerned about you, that's all."

"Well, I can assure you that I can take care of myself," Lily said, getting up and heading for the door. "Good day, Professor."

Severus waited outside the classroom when Lily came trampling out. She was surprised to see him there. Looking around, he pulled her into a corner.

"What did he want?" he asked quietly.

"Nothing," Lily said, trying to sound calm despite her anger.

Severus didn't look like he believed her.

"If he made any suggestions or anything," he started, but Lily just laughed.

"Really, it was nothing," she assured him. She looked quickly around the hall, and kissed him. "C'mon, let's get out of here."

*

Saturday came with bright sunshine from a cloudless blue sky. The school was buzzing anticipation, especially the Gryffindor table. Rawenclaw had unexpectedly won the cup last year, and the Gryffindor team felt it their duty to bring it back. Sirius was going on about how he was going to knock Lucius Malfoy off his broom, Jonathan Wood listening intently. Wood loved Quidditch, but sadly he was no good at it himself. His girlfriend Nancy was though; she was one of Gryffindor's three chasers.

Lily was sitting next to James, who was in deep concentration. He had a bunch of drawings spread around him on the table, all filled with stickmen zooming around on broomsticks. He looked pale, and extremely nervous.

"You'll be OK," Lily tried to encourage. James didn't answer. 

Severus was at the end of the Slytherin table listening to the team discussing their defence. They all seemed more concerned with stopping the Gryffindors scoring than actually scoring themselves, he noted. He had no plans to go see the game, knowing very well how it would end. Gryffindor would win, as they always did. And James Potter would get his glory, as he always did. Severus left the breakfast table, and headed for the office, intending to do some homework.

*

"Are you sure, Lily?" James asked, looking surprised.

"Yes, I'm not feeling too good," she nodded. "I think I'll catch some sleep now that the tower will be empty."

"You'll miss one hell of a game," he said, sounding slightly disappointed.

"I will," Lily said. "Do me a favour will you? If you get near enough to Lucius, knock him off his broom."

James smiled. "I think Sirius' already has that covered."

*

Severus had only just sat down at the desk when the door opened.

"Thought I'd find you here," Lily smiled, closing it behind her.

"If you've come to get me to go to the game, you're wasting you time," he said, opening his copy of 'Runes of Eldest'.

"I haven't," Lily said. "I've come to be with you instead."

He looked up, surprised.

"Thought this was 'Game of the year'," he said, teasing. "How can you miss it?"
"There are more important things," Lily replied, kissing him.

"Won't they wonder where you are?" he asked.

"I told them I wasn't feeling well," Lily shrugged. "I hope I wasn't interrupting your work."

"There are more important things," he smiled.

They sat down in front of the fireplace, Severus wrapping his arms around her.

"What did Avery want with you that day?" he asked.

"I told you, it was nothing," Lily said, avoiding his eyes.

"Lily, I've known you long enough to be able to tell when you're angry," he said. "You were furious. What did he say?"

Lily sighed.

"He knows, Severus," she said slowly.

"What?" Severus whispered.

"He knows about us," Lily said, staring into the fireplace. "And he wanted to talk to me so he could tell me that I should break up with you before I ruin the longest line of purebloods in the country."

"You're kidding!" Severus whispered, his voice furious.

"No," Lily sighed. "He told me straight out." She imitated Avery's sleek voice. "Some things just aren't meant to be."

"Well, he's and idiot," Severus said, holding her tighter. "I couldn't care less about my bloodline… or yours."

"Your family will," Lily pointed out.

"My family doesn't have a say in this," he said, kissing her. "We're the only ones who do."

"I can't lose you, Severus," she whispered.

"You're not going to," he assured her, kissing her neck.

Carefully, he slid his hands down her back and up underneath her sweater. He half expected her to stop him, but she didn't. His lips moved to hers.

"Imagine if someone walked in on us right now," Lily whispered, and he smiled slightly

"They won't," he assured her. "I put a spell on the door. We're the only ones who can see it."

His lips moved down to her neck again, his hands carefully unbuttoning her shirt. She made no sign that she wanted him to stop.

"Are you sure?" he asked softly.

"Absolutely."

*

"Was is…"

"It was good."

"Just good?"

Lily leaned over and kissed him.

"It's not supposed to be better than 'good' the first time," she assured him, and he smiled.

"I guess we'll just have to practice then," he whispered, kissing her back.

She rested her head on his arm and looked up at the watch.

"Oh, I have to get back," she said, getting to her feet. "The match is probably over, they'll wonder where I've gone."

She started getting dressed hurriedly, Severus watching her.

"I'll see you here tomorrow," she said, giving him a quick kiss.

"Of course," he smiled.

Lily hurried towards the door, trying to straighten her hair. She had just reached for the handle when his voice stopped her.

"Lily."

She turned to face him.

"You're wearing my robes," he smiled.

Lily looked down at her front, and realised that instead of the Gryffindor lion, the Slytherin serpent was looking up at her.

"Oh God," she sighed, quickly starting to unbutton them. "Thanks for telling me."

He got up from the sofa, picked up her robes, and helped her put them on.

" Can you imagine if I'd gone out there," she said.

Severus just smiled, and pulled her into his arms.

"Relax will you?" he whispered. "They can't tell by looking at you, you know."

"I guess not," she admitted. He kissed her softly.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

*

Lily spent five minutes outside the portrait thinking up an excuse for where she had been. But when she entered, it soon became clear she was not going to need it. The common room was fully of celebrating students, and flags and banners had been hung from every possible place, some of them just floating in the air. Someone had clearly been to the kitchens, there was a table full of food. Why Lily hadn't spent the day in bed like she had intended was the last thing on anyone's mind.

"I take it we won," Lily smiled, getting herself hugged by several people.

She didn't see James watching her from a corner of the room.

*

The Slytherin common room was for the most part empty. Lucius sat in a chair in the corner, holding a piece of paper to his nose.

"Sirius' work," he said when he saw Severus.

Severus couldn't help but feel pleased at the thought of what Lucius' nose would look like in the morning.

"I take it we lost," Severus said. Lucius only nodded.

"I didn't see you at the game," he pointed out.

"You know I'm no big fan of Quidditch," Severus shrugged, and added in a sarcastic tone, "Why? Did you miss me?"

"No, I just thought it was an odd coincidence, that's all," Lucius smirked. "Especially since I overheard Potter telling Black that our little Miss. Evans wasn't feeling well, and had stayed behind at the castle."

"Your point?" Severus said, heading for the dorm.

"You know what my point it," Lucius said, following him. "What are you doing with her?"

Severus didn't answer. He was not going to let Lucius provoke him into saying something he might regret.

"What's she like then?" Lucius continued. "Is she good?"

"I wouldn't know," Severus said shortly.

"I guess there is more of your father in you than people thought," Lucius spat. "It's a wonder you're a Slytherin at all, considering that it seems you've inherited his love of mudbloods."

It was the final straw for Severus. Before Lucius knew what had happened, Severus pulled out his wand.

"Expellimarus," he yelled, sending Lucius flying across the room, and knocking him into the wall. Severus moved swiftly over to him and pointed his wand at Lucius' face.

"Never mention my father again," he hissed. "Or I assure you, you will find out just how much of him has passed to me. Need I remind you he knew more dark spells than any wizard in the country?"

Lucius looked about ready to say something, but thought the better of it. Severus turned and headed for the stairs.

"Hope your nose gets better," he said. "Maybe you'll learn to keep it out of things from now on."

***

Thanks for all the lovely reviews, keep 'em coming. Dunno when the next chapter will be up, I've got an exam coming. Wish me luck you guys.