At lunch the next day, Severus saw Bhamini deep in conversation with James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter. He noticed the Ravenclaw table glaring at her. She didn't spend much time in her own house. Bhamini didn't seem to see the problem though. There weren't separate houses at Manchester, so she was used to being able to mingle with whomever she chose. Over the next two months, he saw her hanging out with the Gryffindor crowd much more. He still tutored her on Wednesdays, but it was strictly academic and neither brought up the "fight". He was too stubborn to initiate an apology.
Winter holidays were approaching and Severus dreaded the trip home. He knew his Mother would confront him about becoming a Death Eater. He wasn't entirely opposed to the idea. Being realistic, he knew that Voldemort's rise to power was inevitable and would occur within the next 5-10 years at least. But, like his father, he didn't really give a damn about those sorts of things. He just wanted to live his life the way he wanted, without interference.
After his last class wrapped up, he resolved to find Bhamini to come to some sort of resolution with her. However, she was nowhere to be found. Back in the Slytherin common room he overheard some 5th year girls talking about her. "Did you see that private coach that came for her?" "What a spoiled prat!" "…thinks she's too good for the train, does she?" "but no one actually saw her leave…" Severus didn't catch the last bit. So that's what happened to her. He sighed and went to his room to pack.
The next morning, he hauled his trunk out to the main hall with the other students leaving for the holiday. Now where the bloody hell is Mars? I may as well leave him here; he likes Hogwarts better than the house anyway. The other students were already piling into the carriages to get to the train station. Severus gave up on finding his cat and joined them.
The train ride was a familiar scenario. Severus found himself alone in a compartment near the back and began to read. About an hour into the ride, he heard a commotion next door. He stuck his head out, ready to reprimand the other students for unruly behavior. Suddenly, a rat ran out of the loud compartment, followed by a black cat, followed by James Potter (who was looking very amused). "What do you think you're doing with my cat, Potter?" James scooped up the rat and pocketed it before the cat could do it any harm. "This is your cat?" He paused, eyeing the feline. "You should watch it more closely then." He smirked, then went back into his compartment and shut the door.
"How did you get on the train? I was looking for you all morning." Severus picked up the cat and returned to his compartment. "'Oof. You've gained weight this year." Mars hissed at him and moved to the opposite seat.
Home was less dusty, but no more pleasant than when Severus had left it. The only plus side was that his parents kept their distance. His father constantly had business partners over and his mother was increasingly more involved with the Death Eaters. Severus spent most of the time reading in his room. At the end of the two weeks, he was packing his things when Keely came in. "Not trying to sneak another picture in, are you?" He glared at the house elf, who cowered and made a whimpering sound. "Your mother wants to s-s-spkeak with you…she's in t-t-the library." Great.
She was in one of the armchairs with Mars on her lap. "Sit down. I'm expecting company." Severus sat, looking around the room. His mother didn't say any more and it was quiet for the next 5 minutes before (CRACK!) 5 hooded figures apparated into the room. His mother stood up and bowed. "My Lord, thank you for coming." The middle figure extended his hand and placed it on her lowered head.
A cold, stern voice spoke from inside the hood. "So this is your son?" She nodded. "Yes, he does have potential. Come here boy." Severus stood up and faced the hooded figure. "Hold out your arm." He gave a confused look to his mother, but obliged. Before he knew it, a searing pain enveloped his left forearm where Voldemort had grabbed onto it. When he finally let go, he let out a high-pitched laugh, then disapparated with the other 4 wizards. Severus looked down at his arm in time to see a black skull with a snake running through the eyes and mouth, and then fainted from the pain.