* 1982 *

Severus hadn't spent Halloween at Hogwarts in six years. This year he was able to glower at students, sweeping along the halls like an oversized bat, and straight into Hagrid and an oversized pumpkin.

"Impressive pumpk in, Hagrid," he said.

"Special fertiliser," Hagrid replied, although Severus didn't really believe him.

"Enjoy the holiday," he said.

"You, too," Hagrid rumbled.

Severus shook his hea d. A year since Black had betrayed his friends, the enemies Snape had betrayed his family for. It was not a day for celebration. He had his own life, he just wanted to hide in a corner and drink.

e