CHAPTER TEN The Snape in the Class
During the dwindling months of their first year, Sirius was sure to keep his suspicions about Remus in check, and it appeared as though his secret was still safe. Activities continued as normal in classes and it seemed as though James, Peter and Sirius became rowdier as the days got warmer.
Remus had his nose to the grindstone, taking notes almost word for word in preparation for the exams.
And so it remained that during the last week of classes, energy was running low, save for the pranksters.
"Is History of Magic one of those classes we're forces to take up to fifth-year?" James yawned loudly.
Sirius looked from Professor Binns back to his friend and grinned. "'Fraid so. They think we'll need this once we're out of school."
"Some of us will." said Lily through gritted teeth.
Peter lowered his voice a tad, actually concerned about disturbing Lily. "Did you notice Snape talking to McGonagall after class this morning?"
Sirius frowned. "Who?"
"The greasy-haired Slytherin boy." replied Remus absentmindedly, not taking his eyes off the parchment.
"Oh him." said Sirius, pointing to the fron of the classroom. As if on cue, Snape turned round in his seat and shot them a look of pure contempt. "Charming fellow. What about him, Pete?"
"He told McGonagall that he saw us plant the Bubbling Toads in the Great Hall last week."
James leaned forward, finally taking interest in the conversation. "How the bloody hell is that possible? We did it at midnight. Unless he was--"
"Following us." Remus finished.
"That's pretty pathetic, wouldn't you agree?" laughed Sirius. "The little prat has nothing better to do then sneak around after us."
"Maybe he wants to be your friend." said Talia suddenly.
"Hope not." scoffed Ophelia "He's kind of creepy. I don't want him hanging about us."
"Well you can rest assured, Phe, because I don't think that's it." replied Sirius.
On their way to lunch, the boys quickly overtook Snape in the hallway. "Hey Snape! Wait a bit!" called James. "I hear you were slinking about rather late a few nights ago."
The boy made a sound, somewhere between a hiss and a sniffle, as though he had a cold. "What I do with my time is my business." he answered coldly, continuing on to the Great Hall.
Sirius howled, almost doubled over with laughter. "Anyone else hear that noise he made, or was it just me?"
James took off his thick glasses and wiped his eyes. "Aww, it was like a crying little demon baby."
"Let's call him that." cried Peter, slapping his knees in amusement.
Remus shook his head. "Nah. It would take too long to shout after him."
"Well what's his first name?" asked Sirius.
Peter thought for a moment. "Severus. Severus Snape."
James clapped his hands together. "I've got it. Snivellus. His name will be the sound he makes. It's perfect."
"I only wish we had thought of this earlier in the year." said Remus.
"I wouldn't worry about that. We still have six more years with our little crying demon baby." replied James