True colours by BekaJWP

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

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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He was not thinking about Lily…Evans. He was not thinking about Evans for the sixteenth time today. And he was certainly not keeping count of how many times he didn't think about her. Because she was a muggle-born. And she was with Potter. So the fact that she was beautiful, smart, funny and caring meant nothing. So he was not thinking about those things. And he most definitely, under no circumstances was thinking about the way she had kissed him.

Severus was sat, once again, in History of Magic wondering why on earth he had continued the subject to NEWT level. Pretty early on in school, he had realised it was simpler to take the day's work title and do your own work on it outside of the lesson. He actually liked History. But History with Professor Binns was something altogether different. So he tended to use the lesson to complete homework for other classes.

He had just completed his Transfiguration essay and realised with horror that there was still 20 minutes of the lesson left. He doodled absent-mindedly on his scroll and gazed around the class.

Lily was taking notes with an earnest expression on he face. Not that he cared it was Lily…it was just that she was one of the only people actually working and so stood out. Yeah right. So that was seventeen times today.

He looked back down at his work and tried to concentrate.

No. No way. He did not just doodle the name 'Lily' with a cute little heart around it.

He scowled blackly at the offending doodle, took his quill and scrubbed it out so hard that he made a hole in the paper. If only he could do the same thing with his thoughts.

The lesson ended when the bell blared out and as usual, Binns looked mildly surprised to see that there was anyone in the room with him. He made his way from the room as rapidly as possible, without looking at *her* even once.

He got back to the Common Room with no hassle, which was a pleasant change. There was a new notice pinned neatly to the notice board, right on top of the assorted messages and advertisements that usually covered it – club times, items for sale, items wanted. The fact that it obscured all of the others could mean only one thing. A Quidditch notice. And the only time there was a Quidditch notice was when practice had been added or rescheduled.

Sighing heavily, he went over to have a closer look, with a sinking feeling that his free evening was very likely not free at all. Scrawled across the thick parchment in bold, untidy writing, it said -

Quidditch practice: changed to 5.30 tonight

E. Larrikin (Captain)

He rolled his eyes. As if anyone could forget that Larrikin was Captain. He only mentioned it, oh, three or four times a day.

Severus was Keeper. He had only joined the team last year and had discovered a surprising aptitude for the position. Though sometimes he hated it with a vengeance. Like that time he had saved the quaffle eleven times, only to have the other team's seeker catch the Snitch and therefore win the match. He hated Seekers.

He scanned the other notes briefly as two girls from fourth year wandered past to their dorms. One was bragging to the other about something.

"…well of course he didn't want to, so I just turned on the waterworks and then he was sooo horrified, like 'it's okay, I'll do it, don't be upset Liz'…it was so funny!"

They both burst into peals of laughter over the sucker who'd fallen for her plan and Severus smirked appreciatively. It was amazing how stupid some boys could be.

****

Quarter past five found Severus striding purposefully towards the Quidditch Pitch in his green and silver robes, his broom held easily in his left hand. It was the newest available of course- couldn't have him showing up the family with anything less than the best. Gleaming mahogany all over, the only change being the logo, name and make that where inscribed in silver at the front - the Quicksilver 150. There were rumours of a take-over soon by one of the many smaller manufacturers…Comet he thought they were called.

He was nearly at the entrance to the field when he heard a loud 'psssst' from the side.

He turned deftly, his hand immediately on his wand and his eyes searching for the culprit.

Lily Evans stepped out.

They stared at each other for a moment. She gave a small smile, then said

"Don't go in. They've set up a prank. It'll only go off when the team leave the changing rooms."

This was…unexpected. Was it her way of keeping his mouth shut about what he'd seen? Or was it part of a bigger plan to get him with something else? He supposed he should say thank you.

"Thanks".

He stood awkwardly, wondering if he could leave yet without showing how nervous she made him. Yells of horror drifted across the evening air towards them.

" I'd better…"

He pointed vaguely in the right direction. She nodded, and replied

"Me too. See you around Severus."

As she hurried back to the castle, he stood still for a moment and collected his thoughts. Sighing deeply, he made his way over to his team-mates to see what the damage was.

****

Well it was an entertaining morning at breakfast the next day. The whole team, excluding Severus, had shoulder length pink and purple striped hair with little ribbons in it. They sat and glowered, whilst the Marauders looked undeniably smug.

Severus glanced up as hundreds of owls flew into the hall with the morning's post. An unfamiliar owl dropped a package in front of him. He hid something close to a grin. The latest copy of 'Potion's Weekly'.

He resisted the temptation to open it on the way to lessons, and walked with slow irritation behind a backlog of students ambling through the packed corridor. Potter's voice sailed back over the crowd, as loud as ever

"What's your letter say Lil?"

She obviously answered, though in a normal tone rather than his 'hey world! It's me, listen up' tone. His next statement was annoyed.

"Sheesh, makes me glad I haven't got any siblings. Be thankful there's only her Lil"

To give himself credit, it did only take him around ten seconds to realise the impact of that statement. Only her, spoken in relation to Lily's siblings. Lily's sib-LING in the singular. Something he'd heard the day before echoed in his head.

I just turned on the waterworks.

He'd been had. And he'd been had GOOD. Strangely enough, he wasn't angry. You had to respect that kind of ability. It had obviously all been part of an act, to hide something. He ignored the small stab of disappointment inside, that maybe she had liked him…

She started this. He would find out what was going on.

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*Hides behind screen* I would like to apologise for my holiday/festivals/starting-University inspired absence to everyone who was reading, and hope they enjoyed this. *wonders if it's safe to come out*

Hey, ya know what review rhymes with? You! You Review. It's fate man. Don't argue with fate.

BTW, Larrikin is a word for blusterer/boaster I found in the Thesaurus. Cool huh?

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Chozen Rogue – my thoughts exactly! Especially after the James of OotP

Andrea – I'll have you know they are very secret bunnies. And, much as I worship the mighty Severitus, this is not a response to that challenge. Though I may one day write one…

Snuffles55 – Thank you *beams*

Kate – Dang it woman, I will convince you of Sev's inherent goodness by the end of this fic! I swear it on the bunnies and their miniature t-shirts! I'm interested to hear about the status of the chant. I have reason to believe it may still be in the not-actually-started category *throws bottle, but nicely so kate can catch it*

Gusha – I think this chapter answered you :D

Songbyrd14 – Not the most romantic kiss ever…don't worry, the pairing says LE/SS and that it will be! Eventually… Glad you liked it.

Mystic Angel-Devil Queen – thanks :)

Crystal Potter – once again I think I have answered your questions in the chapter, Glad you're enjoying it!

Kateri – didn't she just? Lol

Nimrowdel – well somebody had to give Lily some character…hope you enjoyed this chapter too.