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: Not mine. 'Nuff said.

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

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She doesn't love him.

This was the only conclusion Severus could draw after watching Lily Evans for the past four days. In fact he would even go so far to say she didn't even particularly like Potter very much.

Potter shows off…he turns to see her reaction…but the admiring grin sent his way has just a hint of condescension.

Potter does something idiotic…and he can practically hear Evans mentally counting slowly to ten in her head before answering.

Potter kisses her, touches her, hugs her- never the other way around.

A million little things that betrayed her, but never anything obvious enough that anyone but he would notice. Perhaps only someone removed from…well, everyone, could see it.

But that wasn't the big question in his head, why nobody else had noticed her odd behaviour. The big question was WHY? Why on earth was she with Potter when it seemed she could barely tolerate the idiot? She was pretty, she was smart, she was talented, and she could have any boy that she wanted in the school- well save for a few pureblood snobs (Did that include him? He wasn't so sure anymore.)

There was only one solution, and that was to confront her.

His stomach lurched uncomfortably at the thought. Sheesh, it's not like he was asking her out or something. Just to bare her soul to her boyfriend's worst enemy.

And it would certainly be difficult…she didn't exactly like him either. All he'd done was call her a mudblood, just that once- he hadn't hexed her or anything, which was more than you could say for most Gryffindors. And she pretty much hated him ever since.

He pulled back the dark sleeve of his robe to check his watch. Yes! Nearly the end of the lesson. History of Magic was always a good place to mull things over, anything rather than listen to Professor Binns. The lesson ended and the room emptied quickly. He swung his bag onto his shoulder, and headed down the emptying corridor to lunch.

As he turned the first corner, he didn't get two paces before he was tripped. Even as he fell, he subconsciously tensed for the familiar jarring impact of the stone-slabbed floor, and prepared to grab his wand. He didn't need to turn to know who  it was.

"Alright Snivelly?" jeered Black's voice.

Severus picked up his fallen bag and slowly stood, wincing slightly as he moved his bruising knees. As he turned to face them, a hand caught his shoulder and shoved him forcefully backwards into the wall. Potter's face was close to his own, but the other two where nowhere to be seen. Pettigrew was usually there to egg them on, Lupin…well he didn't join in. But he didn't stop them either.

"What, no cheerleader today?"

He sneered back to them. Lunch was starting, and the two of them had friends and girlfriends to meet. They didn't have time to do anything serious. He hoped.

"Why d'you keep looking at Lily?"

Potter Demanded, ever subtle.

He answered with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"It's the idea of a pureblood and a mudblood together Potter. Just fascinates me."

As expected, Potter's features tightened in anger, his eyes narrowed. Black was looking at him more shrewdly though.

"So it's not 'cause you fancy her then Snivellus?" he asked.

With all the disgust he could muster, he spat back a vehement "NO!".

Black smirked to Potter.

"Told ya Prongs. Reckon Lily's a bit too…female for old Snivelly. I mean look at Florence- she's got more facial hair than me!"

Inspiration hit for his parting shot. Carefully changing his expression, he languidly looked Black up and down.

"What's with all the interest in my love-life Black?"

He asked, in a lower tone of voice, raising one elegant eyebrow and smirking suggestively.

It was classic. Black somehow managed to look horrified and disgusted simultaneously. And miracles of miracles, he was speechless.

"If you'll excuse me…"

He stepped swiftly between the two of them, biting his lip to keep from laughing, and headed to his room. It wasn't until he was sat on his bed that he began laughing, until his stomach hurt.

Well, whatever they wanted him to do he would always do the opposite. His mind was now set on talking to Evans. They had Potions last thing today…hmmm. Well it was just amazing what a bit of the wrong ingredient in the wrong place could do. Having to scrub melted cauldron off her desktop would certainly keep her behind long enough for him to talk to her.

He had a plan.

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Sorry about the lack of updates- next chapter will be out much sooner I promise!

 Yeah reviews! Fat bunny J. So, Thank you Bookofdays, Dylan.S.Thompson, A bit of old parchment, Crystal Potter, Selke, Kathleen and Kateri!

Songbyrd: Yeah, I got sick of the goody-goody lily mwohah

ParadiseOrPoison: OotP was just amazing for Sev content! Def made me love him all the more…poor young!Snape

The Desert Fox: don't worry, it's not concentrating on LE/JP, cause I don't like the pairing either!

Gusha: Aww thanks, now the bunny's fat AND has a friend…just hope I don't get bunny babies…

Verygreatkate: Youthful high-jinks? *splutters* Does this mean I can do the same to you and be forgiven *rubs hands in glee*? I sense a certain bitterness in your review…since yours is the longest, you are the main feeder of the bunny. What do ya want, a certificate? Me and my two bunnies will join the cult- but you have to provide bunny t-shirts. BTW, since there are now two bunnies...twice as much words please :p

I love reviews…I love you guys. It really makes my day to read them :D