Summary: 'Of course he didn't insult Lily Evans. He didn't need to. If he ever chose to reveal the truth, that- well that would do far more damage than any insult'
Pairing: LE/SS and LE/JP
Disclaimer: Thankfully I think JK is too busy with her millions at the mo to notice that I forgot to do this in the first chapter…well they're not mine. Don't pretend that surprises you. Woh, ooo, now has spoilers sorta for OOTP (one word for that book- wow!).
Rating: PG-13
" I'm on the outside,
I'm looking in,
I can see through you,
See your true colours
Cause inside you're ugly,
You're ugly like me,
I can see through you,
See to the real you "
- Outside by Staind
*********************************************************************
There was something exceedingly odd about Lily Evans, he decided.
It was lunchtime in the Great Hall, and the long wooden tables were filled with chattering students from the various years. Severus sat, silent, at one end of the Slytherin table, sipping his drink and watching Evans on the Gryffindor table. Much as he disliked having to face the Gryffindors, he had long learnt the consequences of eating with his back to them.
His grip tightened around the glass he was holding and his dark eyes momentarily flashed with hatred at the memories.
No. He carefully pushed the offending thoughts to the back of his mind, and wiped the emotion from his face. Over the last two years he had become adept at this. He prided himself that no-one else could ever tell exactly what he was thinking. It came in handy when trying to hide the fury, and desperation, and humiliation out of sight, when subjected to yet another 'harmless prank'.
It was a little better this year though, he reminded himself. Probably because over the summer, he had finally- after starting to think he never would- grown up. Literally. At over six foot tall, he was less of an easy target.
On the opposite side of the hall, Evans tossed her auburn hair and laughed adoringly at something Potter had said. Now this was what he didn't get. Under two years ago, whilst sticking up for him (as if that wasn't strange enough), she had spat at Potter
"I wouldn't go out with you if it were a choice between you and the giant squid".
He felt his face begin to burn as he recalled those events, and let his black hair slip down from behind his ears to cover his flaming cheeks. His hair was about shoulder length and, for the time being, clean and smooth. That would end as soon as he started his next potion he knew- the fumes always coated his hair. But he liked it long.
Anyway, Evans had hated Potter right up until near the end of Sixth Year, when, suddenly, she was all over him.
Potter certainly didn't question it; the idiot had been doodling 'L.E' everywhere he could for years. And in Potter's mind, how could she resist him, the handsomest, smartest, coolest guy in the school?
Yeah, he thought. Maybe he is handsome when he's not glaring at you like he wants you dead. Maybe he is cool when he's hexing the crap out of someone that isn't you. Personally he didn't see the appeal. He grimaced. I wonder why.
As he looked up, Potter and his entourage were leaving the table, laughing and talking raucously. As he watched, Potter slid a possessive hand around Evans' waist and gave her a squeeze. And just for an instant, Severus could have sworn he saw he mouth twist in dislike. It was replaced so quickly by a beaming smile however, that he wasn't sure if he had just imagined the whole thing.
Yes, there was definitely something odd about that girl.
Swallowing the last of his drink, he pushed his empty plate forward and moved gracefully from his seat, to stride towards the dungeons. Potions was next, and it wouldn't do to have the Marauders sitting behind him. The only reason they took Potions was because they needed it to become Aurors- which was fine by him. Aurors almost always met untimely and painful deaths. However it did mean that he had to put up with them in yet another lesson. And he got so engrossed in Potions, he was just asking for trouble.
****
He arrived at the heavy door to the classroom, and stood frozen, listening for a moment. He wasn't going in there alone if they had arrived first.
Only muted chatter could be heard.
He pushed the door open, and felt ashamed at the relief that coursed through him at the sight of only two fellow Slytherins. He nodded briefly to them, and walked silently to the back, left hand desk, next to the dark, damp walls. He laid his wand out on the stained surface next to his belongings, within easy reach, and smirked bitterly. He wasn't paranoid; they really were out to get him.
****
It wasn't until half way through the lesson that Evans caught his eye again. Potter came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist, murmuring
"Hey gorgeous, want to chop this for me? You're so much neater".
The tone she replied in was sweet and loving,
"Sure James".
But her eyes were devoid of emotion. And this time he was sure he wasn't imagining it. This was intriguing.
He decided to keep a closer watch on her for the next few days- subtly of course.
Yes, and that was going to be so hard, watching that perfect figure, that glossy hair, that…mudblood, Severus. He mustn't forget that. Blood was the most important thing. Yes. No. Yes.
Oh Merlin, he was talking to himself again.
*********************************************************************
Please oh please review! The bunny is getting thin…
Thanks to Verygreatkate, Lunatic, Selke, ParadiseOrPoison and Kateri- I love u guys.
