Remembering Lily

A/N: It took me a while to post this chapter I know. I had a little writer's block. Anyway…thanks to all my reviewers.

Disclaimer: If you haven't figured it out by now that I am not J.K.Rowling…I must declare that you should seek help immediately.

Chapter 3: Potter's Warning

Severus had never before felt happier. A friend was exactly what he needed and up till now, he had not realized why anyone bothered to make friends. Lily was everything he needed. She was kind, smart, polite, and tried not to hurt Severus's feeling. He wasn't her best friend in the world, since they had only met, but he didn't feel as lonely anymore.

The whole school seemed to notice this new friendship that was forming. Dumbledore and some other teachers nodded approvingly. Most students found it odd but left them alone. The Slytherins and the Gryffindors, well the Slytherins and James Potter, were the only ones who really had a problem with it.

On several occasions, Severus found himself in front of a group of angry Slytherins. He thought this was all very amusing. These were the same people who had taunted him. To think that his own House would stand up for him, but no. Now, these same people were calling him a House-traitor and threw snide comments his way. It wasn't as if he wasn't used to this.

Lily's problem was much simpler because she only had to deal with James. She did this quite well since she had six years practice. James would usually come up and yell a bunch of rubbish at him. Severus found it funny knowing that James was jealous. James had tried for years to make Lily like him, and he had never succeeded. Severus was on the spot for one day, and he instantly became Lily's friend. Lily, however, did not find it amusing, and Severus soon learned that he never wanted to be on the receiving end of one of her hexes.

So one day, several months into his 5th year, Severus was found in the library writing a Charms essay. He sat quietly until he heard someone call his name.

"Pssst…hey Snape!" a voice called from behind him. He turned around and saw a hand protruding from one of the bookshelves beckoning him to come forward. Severus sighed and decided to go along with the charade. He turned the bookcase and found himself staring into a pair of angry hazel eyes.

"What do you want Potter?" Severus asked exasperated.

"Listen Snape," James said coolly, "I'll cut to the chase. I don't want you anywhere near Lily again. She doesn't need someone like you to be her friend. I mean, who'd want to be friends with you? No one in your own House even like's you. Lily's just being your friend because she pities you. She really doesn't like you at all. And, well…why should she? So, I'm warning you…stay away from her. If you don't…well…let's just keep it a surprise. I'm sure you'll find out."

Severus stared at him angrily. "Now let me tell you something Potter! You're such a prat! I can see why Lily turned you down all these years. You always want what you can't have…Lily's what you want…but she's too clever for you. And now…you're trying to threaten me into giving up my friendship with her? You must be crazy! When have I ever taken any of your threats seriously? I mean come on!" And with that he turned and left the library.

James looked after him, furious. He didn't understand how Lily could be his friend. He didn't understand why she wouldn't go out with him. He didn't understand many things, but he was determined to make Snape's days at Hogwarts a living hell.

Severus was now on the grounds. He decided to go to the lake and pay a visit to the Giant Squid. Severus's head was racing with what Potter had just said. Lily's just being your friend because she pities you. She really doesn't like you at all. What if he was right? He quickly rid himself of that thought. He couldn't let Potter get to him.

He had arrived at the lake and saw a familiar red head sitting by the shore. He smiled and headed towards her.

"Hello Lily. Come to visit the Giant Squid?"

"Oh! Severus," she said, "I didn't notice you. Sit down. Yes, I really needed to get away from the caste. I couldn't concentrate and I didn't feel like finishing my Charms essay. I mean…I'm almost done…I just needed a break. What about you?"

"Same," he muttered. They sat together in silence until Severus finally asked her the question that had been bugging him. "Lily, why don't you hate me?"

"Friends don't hate friends, Severus," she said lightly.

"I know…I mean…why didn't you hate me from the beginning? Because I was a Slytherin?"

Lily took a while to respond. "I never hated anyone Severus. That's what drives us all apart. It's exactly what that new dark wizard…Voldemort wants. Let me put it this way. You are familiar with all the prejudice against muggle-borns, correct?"

Severus nodded and waited for her to continue.

"The purebloods believe they are superior because of their blood. Wouldn't it be also logical for a muggle-born to hate a pureblood because well…they're a pureblood? It's all very stupid…hating each other because of our roots. I find it all confusing and I don't understand why anyone has to be so prejudice."

They sat in silence pondering about this. It seemed to make sense to Severus now. It seemed so clear and simple he wondered why anyone had not brought it up before. He was now sure that she wasn't his friend just because she pitied him.

"Well…that explains a lot. You're wiser than your years Lily. And now if you do not run you'll soon be very wet."

Lily looked at him confusedly. Severus smiled mischievously and looked over at the lake. Comprehension dawned on Lily face, but she was too late. Severus had already grabbed her and pushed her into the lake.

Lily laughed and took out her wand. She charmed the water to repeatedly attack Severus. "Give up," she yelled.

"Never."

This continued for quite some time. All you heard was laughing and shrieking. It was a while before they both had calmed down and realized how stupid they had been. It had been a pretty chilly afternoon, and they both stood shivering. Severus charmed them dry and they headed back towards the castle.

Towards the end of dinner that night, Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.

"I have an announcement to make," he said and waited for everyone to quiet down. "This year's Head Boy and Head Girl, Amos Diggory and Molly Prewett, have decided to host a dance for the school before the Christmas holidays. The dance is open to 4th years and above, but you may ask a younger student if you wish. More details will come. Oh, but here's the catch. You must have a date to attend. All complaints may be directed to the Head Boy and Girl. That is all"

Some students clapped and cheered while others were plotting ways to seek revenge on the Head Boy and Girl. Some students didn't seem to care. Severus was one of these people. He knew he couldn't get a date and he really didn't want to embarrass himself. He snuck a glance over at the Gryffindor table and caught sight of Lily. She was eagerly chatting with one of her friends. Probably about the ball, thought Severus. He knew someone would most likely ask her, and he was surprised when this knowledge seemed to hurt him.

A/N: Please review. I need some ideas and I want to know if you like it. Do all the characters seem at least a little in character? Am I moving too fast? Do you have any idea what I'm talking about? Please…review this and tell me what you think! Love ya'll! Reem