Ahem, yes. I know. No need to tell me. Besides, I've been twisting my brain to try and figure out how to add as much of OotP as possible without having to change my story.

Anyway, I was hoping I'd get summer done in one chapter, but it's gonna be two, so those things Lily where supposed to find out; Next chapter.

The chapter title in this one should be a given…Enjoy

Oh and there's a Metatron reference in here somewhere. I challenge you to find it (shouldn't be too hard)

***

Chapter 13 – Summer Nights

***

Even though Lily usually spent the better part of her summers longing to go back to Hogwarts, it was always a good feeling to drop her bag onto her bed again. Her room hadn't changed much in the past six years; the same pink wallpaper, a small collection of teddy bears and a bookshelf full of books related to animals and animal care. A few magic-related books had been added over the years, but they were well hidden. Not that anyone but Lily and her mother ever came into the room. Petunia seemed to be afraid she would be cursed just by opening the door, which suited Lily fine since she really didn't want her sister in her room in the first place.

She lay down on her bed staring up at the ceiling, thinking about the year she'd had. Memories of Severus and Marianne kept drifting in and out of her mind until Lily fell asleep, clutching her blanket.

*

The Snape residence hadn't changed in about two hundred years, so Severus was not surprised to find it hadn't changed this year either. His trunk was almost torn from his hands by their house-elf, Nofu, leaving Severus with nothing to do but sink into his favourite chair in the library. He pulled a random book from the shelves and started reading. His mother left him alone, for which he was grateful. He knew he would be giving full account of his school year soon enough, and right now he needed to be alone. His eyes might be on the book, but his mind was somewhere completely different. He didn't like admitting it to himself, but he was more than a little nervous about meeting Lily's parents. Something told him he wouldn't quite fit into a muggle family. And he'd seen that look on her mother's face. He imagined he'd be seeing it again when he was properly introduced to her. He really couldn't blame her though; he doubted he looked like the ideal son-in-law.

And Petunia… Though, he was actually looking forward to meeting her. If she was really as freaked about the magical world as Lily had told him, she might have been right; it would be fun.

*

"I've invited someone to come visit," Lily told her mother later that day. "A... friend from school."

"That's wonderful, dear," her mother smiled, handing Lily another plate to dry. "When will she be arriving?"

"He," Lily corrected her, going flushing red. "He's coming some time next week."

Her mother turned to look at her.

"He?" she asked. "Do you mean he's your?"

"Boyfriend, yes," Lily muttered.

"Well... How long?" Rose demanded, utterly surprised. "Why haven't you told me?"

"Since before Christmas, "Lily said, still scarlet-faced.

"Oh, is it that James Potter?" her mother asked, suddenly interested. "I always thought he was a handsome one."

Lily sighed. "No, it's not James Potter. It has never been James Potter, and believe you me; it will never be James Potter!"

"All right, all right" her mother laughed, "I get it. It's not James. But who is it then?"

"You saw him at the station," Lily said.

"That boy who wished you a nice summer?" Rose Evans frowned for a short second.

"Don't judge a book by its cover, mum," Lily said. "Severus is great."

"That's an interesting name," Rose remarked. "He's a fullblood wizard I take it?"

"Yes, and he's in Slytherin," Lily added. Her mother froze.

"Didn't you say all of them were dark wizards?"

"Almost all of them," Lily said. "Severus isn't."

Rose eyed her daughter carefully.

"Well, I'm sure you know what you're doing, Lily," she said at last. "And Severus is very welcome."

"Who is Severus?"

Lily turned and smiled at Petunia. "My boyfriend from school. He's coming to visit next week."

What little colour Petunia's face had, drained immediately.

"What?" she almost whispered.

"My boyfriend," Lily repeated. "He's coming to visit next week."

"But, but… he can't," Petunia stuttered. "Mum, he can't. You know Vernon is coming next week."

"I don't see how that's going to be a problem," Rose shrugged. "We have plenty of spare rooms."

Petunia clearly had a comment ready, but she just bit her lip, shooting Lily a very nasty look.

"I wouldn't worry about Vernon," Lily said, ignoring it. "He's a big boy; he can take care of himself."
Petunia didn't answer, only turned on her heel and left the room.

*

The rest of the week passed all too slowly. Petunia was still furious with Lily, and giving her the silent-treatment. Not that they talked much as it was, but Petunia had taken to pretending Lily didn't exist, which really suited Lily just fine. She had nothing to apologize for, and at least now she didn't have to suffer those (very few) comments she usually got.

On the day Severus was meant to arrive, Lily was on her bed reading, when Petunia's head popped in the door. She looked like it had taken her a lot of effort.

"Yes?" Lily said, pretending nothing was up

Petunia scanned the room quickly, as if she was afraid Severus was waiting to jump out from somewhere.

"I was just wondering," she said nervously. "When will he be arriving?"

Lily checked her watch casually.

"He should be here any minute," she smiled. "Why?"

"Just curious," Petunia said quickly. "More importantly, how"
She was interrupted by a loud crack, and Severus appearing only inches from her. Petunia shrieked and ran from the room, leaving Severus behind staring after her.

"Your sister, I take it?" he asked, stuffing his wand in his pocket.

"The one and only," Lily sighed, swinging herself of the bed.

"I see someone passed his apparation-test," she smiled, greeting him with a kiss. "I didn't know you'd turned 17. When was your birthday?"

"February 4th," he muttered.

"And you didn't tell me?!" Lily burst out.

"Well, I didn't think… it wasn't that important," Severus shrugged. "You had so much on your mind."

"Well, that means I owe you a present," Lily said firmly.

"You don't," he protested.

"Will you let me get you a present for once?" Lily interrupted. "You've been"

"What's all this screaming about?"

Lily spun around to face her father. Severus' arm slipped swiftly from her waist. Thankfully, John Evans only smiled.

"Ah, you must be." He paused, searching for the word. "Sirius."

Lily felt like she could have sunk into the floor. Severus seemed to take it a lot nicer than her though.

"Severus," he corrected John.

"Of course, yes," Lily's father smiled apologetically. "I'm terrible with names, sorry. John Evans." He held out his hand, and Severus shook it.

"Pleasure to meet you."

'So far, so good,' Lily thought to herself.

"Well, Severus, I wish I could say I've heard a lot about you," John smiled. "But Lily's been very good at keeping you a secret."

Severus only nodded, clearly not quite certain how he should reply to that.

"Severus, why don't I show you to your room?" Lily suggested before her father had time to question him any further. She grabbed his hand and dragged Severus from the room, leaving John Evans behind, chuckling.

"I am so sorry," Lily said as soon as her father was out of earshot. "I've told him your name a million times."

Severus only smiled.

"Don't worry about it," he whispered, and then added with amusement. "I'd love to see how Sirius had taken it though."

*

Petunia was nowhere to be seen at dinner that night. Rose tried to excuse her, saying she had to go off to see a friend who was ill, but Lily knew she was doing her best to avoid Severus.

She wasn't missed though. Lily had been a little bit nervous about how her parents would feel about Severus, but five minutes into dinner it became clear she had worried for no reason. He had managed to get Lily's father talking about his veterinary practice, and was now listening with what could only be genuine interest. Rose caught Lily's eye and winked. Clearly, she too liked him.

*

The next morning Lily came down to breakfast, and found Severus was already there. "Someone's up early," she remarked.

"Severus was just telling me he wants to become an Auror," John said, clearly having no idea what it was but being very impressed none the less.

"You never told me that," Lily frowned, diving into the fridge for a bottle of milk.

"You never asked," Severus shrugged.

The conversation was interrupted by Petunia entering the room. She spotted Severus all too late to make an escape, and with what must have taken all her strength, she smiled at him (if you could call it a smile).

"You must be Petunia," Severus said, getting up to shake her hand.

Petunia only nodded nervously. Well aware her father was watching her, she took Severus' hand, but only for a second and with an expression that made it look like she was not expecting to get it back.

"Nice to meet you," Severus said, throwing Lily a quick glance which clearly stated 'you were right'.

Petunia didn't answer him, but just hurried over to the corner of the kitchen where the toaster stood. Severus excused himself and left the room.

"Where was he going?" Petunia asked nervously.

"Oh you know, he has to stick fresh pins in his voodoo dolls every morning," Lily muttered sarcastically.

John Evans laughed, but Petunia nearly dropped her coffee.

"I was kidding," Lily sighed.

"Well, he better be on his best behaviour tonight," Petunia said, her voice shaking. "I wouldn't want Vernon to think."

She stopped at the look her father gave her, and grabbing her coffee and toast she disappeared from the room.

*

Lily and Severus were upstairs in her room when the doorbell rang later that night.

"Vernon," Lily concluded when she looked out the window.

"Your sister's boyfriend?" Severus asked, and Lily nodded.

"Fiancée actually," she sighed. "And they're a match made in heaven, just so you're warned."

"This should be interesting then," he smiled. "I'll be right down."

Lily entered the hall just as Vernon was hanging up his coat. She smiled as warmly as she managed at him, and he gave her a sort of nervous grin in return.

"How are you, Vernon?" she asked.

"Good, good," Vernon hurriedly replied, before adding out of politeness (but clearly with a bit of effort). "And you?"

"Oh, just fine," Lily smiled. She didn't feel much like giving Vernon an account of the last six months of her life. Luckily, Severus came down the stairs at that moment, and Lily waved him over.

"Vernon, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Severus," she said. "Severus, this is Vernon, Petunia's fiancée."

Severus reached out his hand. "Nice to meet you."

Vernon surveyed him with critical eyes. Finally, he took Severus' hand.

"Nice to meet you too," he practically grunted.

"Lily," Petunia hissed in her ear. "Mum needs us in the kitchen."

"Of course," Lily smiled. "I'll leave you two to get better acquainted."

Neither of the boys looked like they liked the idea much.

"How dare you!?" Petunia whispered furiously as she dragged Lily towards the kitchen.

"How dare I what?" Lily asked, well aware of what Petunia meant.

"You, you just can't." Petunia took a deep breath. "You can't just introduce Vernon to Severus like he's a… a… "

"Normal person?" Lily offered.

"Exactly," Petunia nodded. "What'll Vernon think?"

"Oh come off it," Lily snorted. "You've told Vernon I'm a witch long time ago. He's bound to figure out about Severus."

"Exactly," Petunia hissed. "Isn't it enough with one of you in the family?"

Lily chose to ignore her.

Dinner was a fairly awkward affair that night. Lily's parents tried to engage both Severus and Vernon in conversation, but Vernon didn't seem his normal, chatty self. He kept grunting nervous replies, and shooting worried looks at Severus, as if he was expecting to be cursed at any moment.

"So, Vernon. How's your family?" Rose asked, in the desperate attempt to get conversation going.

"Good, good," Vernon grunted. "My sister, she's just gone into dog breeding."

"Really?" Severus asked, and Vernon flinched at the sound of his voice. "My uncle works with animals too."

"He does? What sort?" Vernon asked, seeming glad there was something normal he could talk to this absurd-looking fella about.

"Dragons," Severus said casually.

Vernon had just taken a sip of wine, but now it came bursting back out, showering his plate. Both Rose and John had a hard time keeping a straight face, and Lily had to cough into her napkin to hide her laughter. Petunia went pale as a sheet and threw Lily a very nasty look, which Lily was too busy trying to stay serious to take any notice of.

*

"I don't think Vernon likes me much," Severus said later that night. He and Lily had snuck out into the garden to be alone.

"That's hardly a surprise," Lily smiled. "I did warn you."

"You did," Severus agreed. "But really, I thought you were exaggerating, even if it was just a bit."

"I wish I had been," Lily sighed. "If it's any comfort, my parents seem to like you."

"Well, that's good," he nodded. "Aren't the in-laws supposed to be the worst?"

"I just wish…" Lily's voice trailed off.

"So do I," he muttered.

*

Severus had just gotten ready for bed that night when there was a soft knock on the door. Wondering who on earth it was, he went to open it.

"Lily?"

She grinned, slipping through the open door and kissing him.

"What are you doing here?"

"What do you think?" Lily whispered. "Now close the door before someone sees me."

He did, and while his back was turned to her, Lily slipped her arms around his waist.

"Don't your parents sleep in the next room?" Severus smiled, turning to face her.

Lily smiled back. "I had a little fun with this room before you got her. You know, testing my skills…"

"Clever," Severus muttered, finding her lips. "I guess we'd better investigate how good a job you did."

They lay awake for a while afterwards, Lily's head resting on Severus' chest.

"So next week, I'm visiting you, right?" she asked.

 "No, not next week," he said hurriedly. "My uncle is there, and"

"He won't approve?" Lily finished, slightly disappointed.

"To say the least," Severus muttered.

"I though what your family would say didn't matter," Lily pointed out.

"You haven't met my uncle," Severus sighed. "I don't want you to go through what he'd have to say."

"I put you through Vernon," Lily smiled, and Severus had to smile too.

"The week after then," she said sleepily. "I'm looking forward to meeting your mum."

"She's looking forward to meeting you too," Severus lied.

*

Lily was awoken the next morning by a thin ray of sunlight escaping through the crack between the curtains. Severus was still sleeping, and not wanting to wake him, Lily crept quietly out of bed and got dressed. The clock on the wall said it was half past 5. Lily closed the curtains, and snuck out of the room.

She closed the door as quietly as she could, and was about to head back to her own room when someone coughed behind her. She spun around to face Petunia.

"Well, well, well," her sister triumphed. "Won't mum and dad be pleased to hear about this?"

 "You wouldn't dare," Lily sneered.

"Oh but I would," Petunia smiled nastily. "Their precious, innocent Lily... You had us all fooled."

"They won't believe you," Lily said. "They know you'd do anything to make me look bad."

 "I don't have to, you're doing a pretty good job at it yourself," Petunia hissed. "I mean, look at yourself. And this Severus character." She gave a little snort of disapproval. "What are you thinking?"

Lily slapped her.

"I never asked your opinion," she said coldly. "I love Severus."

Petunia flinched.

"How can you?" she asked. "I mean, if he was anything like Vernon. Or someone else decent."

"Severus is 100 times the man Vernon is," Lily spat, and added with a nasty smile. "Except perhaps in radius."

She ducked Petunia's hand just in time.

"Isn't it time you grew out of this magic-nonsense?" her sister asked. "You're 17, Lily. Isn't it time you grew up?"

"What do you know about me growing up?" Lily countered. "What do you know about anything concerning me? We hardly see each other, and when we do you never speak to me. Let's face it; you don't care."

"I care when it affects mum and dad," Petunia said.

"How convenient," Lily spat. "You think I don't care about them? You think I like the fact that I can't do what they've always wanted me to? But this is my life, and I've gotta make the best of it."

"And Severus is the best, is he?" Petunia asked in disbelief.

"Yes, he is" Lily said. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't."

She stopped. There were some things she would never be able to share with Petunia.

"Let's face it," she said instead. "You and I are too different to ever get along. I stay out of your life. How about you stay out of mine?"

Before Petunia could reply, Lily turned and hurried down the hall to her room. Only when she had closed the door did she dare to let her tears flow.

*

Severus crawled back into bed, shaking his head. Lily hadn't exaggerated one bit when she had told him about Petunia. He doubted he'd ever met a more unpleasant human being. And that said a bit, he thought to himself, coming from someone who shared a dorm with Lucius Malfoy. He wondered if he should go check on Lily, she had sounded upset. But on the other hand, he wasn't sure this was a conversation Lily had wanted him to overhear.

***

Again, thank you to all my reviewers.