A/N: This chapter carries a few lemons with it, none to subtle.
Chapter 2. Owls
Night had long unwrapped its black velvet cloak before Severus fell asleep. Even then he felt troubled, green almond-shaped eyes were appearing frequently in his dreams. When he awoke he pushed them from his mind, trying rather to focus on the fascinating Potions lesson up ahead, where they would be brewing the "Draught of Peace". A potion that was, funny enough, often used to calm the students in dire OWL-stress. Severus found Zabini waiting for him in the dooropening:
"You seem preoccupied my friend," Zabini smiled, his blue eyes glittering suggestively.
" Thank you for your concern but this is merely the result of a startling lack of sleep" spoke Severus, waving his hand impatiently, making his way to the Great Hall.
Lily Evans was already there, lost in thought, jabbing her fork into her scrambled eggs without eating them. Around her the morning bristle had taken place. The beginning of the new Quidditch season was the latest subject, rumours about who would be joinging were plenty. Quidditch didnt fascinate her so she didnt bother paying any attention at all.
Alice Mckinnon, a 7th year Gryffindor waved her plump little hand in front of Lilys face, snapping her out of her dreamy stare. "What is wrong with you today Lily, you looked like you were trying to stare down a Hyppogrif" Nancy whispered.
"Oh nothing Alice, just a bit sleepy..."
" It hasnt got anything to do with your...'assignment' has it?" Alice said with a delicate stress on the last word, inclining her head not so subtley towards the Slytherin table.
"As a matter of fact, it hasnt," Lily answered and seeing the enquiring look on Alices face she continued, " It was quite ...enjoyable really, he is very intelligent."
"Its not his intelligence that bothers me ... " Alice began, but before any of them could persue the subject further, a flock of owls barged in carrying with them, the usual morning post. Several owls made their way to Gryffindor table, some unlucky ones sinking their claws into butter or bread.
A particulary proud looking barn owl nestled himself close to Lily and dropped a small white envelope on her lap. Lily immediately recognising her mothers handwriting, tore it open.
Dear Lily,
I know you have a lot on your hands and we did agree differently,but I must ask this of you.
Could you try and manage to get home for Christmas?
I cant tell you everything but something has come up, it has to do with your father.
Please write back as soon as possible.
Love, Mum
Lily froze, a bad feeling develloped in the pit of her stomach. This didnt sound like her mother at all. It was too secretive, too cold.
She could easily go home though she had planned to spend the first few days on studying and revising, in preperation for the O.W.L.'s. But she couldnt ignore this. After a moments thought, she hastely grabbed a quill and parchment and scribbled:
Mum,
Ill be there. Expect word from me on it soon.
Huggles Lily
The barn owl grumply allowed her to put her answer in his beak, ruffled its feathers pompously, and soared into the air again.
Severus was enjoying a steaming cup of Earl Grey, when a beautifull eagle owl landed gracefully infront of him. Slightly suprised, Severus took a folded brown piece of parchment from the owls extended leg, and unsealed it with a quick tap from his wand. The Gringotts logo glittered on top, some of the ink barely dry.
Mister Severus Snape,
You are hereby kindly requested to make your presence at Gringotts Bank as soon as possible, where a key to one of our vaults will be assigned to you .
Sincerly, Asgook Headgoblin.
"This had to be some kind of mistake", Severus thought, "I have no vault at Gringotts."
He was sure the Care-Witch, whom his father had left him with, after dissapearing when his mother had died, had no vault secured for him. Her feelings of maturnally love streched as far as to feed him and gave him a bed to sleep in.
This has to be a mistake, his mind repeated as Severus stuffed the parchment into his bag and made his way toward the Potions classroom, the Eagle owl flew off digusted by the lack of gratitude shown at the delivery.
Tuesday came round soon and Lily found herself in the library once again. She threw her long plait over her shoulder just as Severus's thin frame appeared in the corner of her eye.
"Severus," she said, nodding a greeting. "Evans."
They worked in silence, just like the previous time, translating ancient Latin text on how to bewitch the mind and influence free will, when Lily heard Severus whisper:
"You are quite ...gifted... in Latin, for a Muggleborn, that is. Muggleborns rarely have affinity with these matters "
"Oh... thank you" Lily said, feeling insecure of what to say.
" I am merely stating the truth. ."
He went quiet at what followed, completely baffled by her overemotional reaction.
Her voice was raised and her eyes were full of fire... "Are you stating the truth, or quoting something typically expected of a Slytherin? Because I didn't realize that you are acquainted with all the Muggleborns at Hogwarts."
"And that was a typically expected Gryffindor retort," Severus hissed.
"Trust me when I say that this coming from a person who hardly knows me, who is hardly aware of my existence, doesnt affect me that much," she said angrily.
There were nose to nose now and she was sure he was going to find another arrogant remark that would justify her slapping him, when he whispered :
"You are Lily Evans, 16 years of age, a very skilled witch who has an admirable hand in Potions, and exceeds us all in Charms. You also have the most beautifull eyes I have ever looked into and your smile brightens my day... But of course, I am not at all aware of your existence," he said, with his usual sarcasm.
Wordlessly she stared at him, suddenly shocked into complete silence... And he kissed her....
Lily did not object as his soft thin lips pushed hers apart and their tongues met in the middle.
For what seemed like minutes they just stood there, entangled in a passionate kiss wich he broke up. The world around them disappeared as they were holding on to eachother. Her tender frame was leaning agains his thin body.
"Not here," he whispered, hastily packing his things. A moment later Lily followed his example.
Lily paced nexto Severus as he lead her up to the 7th floor, where he started pacing before the tapestry of Barnabas the Balmy trying to teach trolls to dance the ballet. Muttering: "We need to be alone.. we need to be alone....we need to be alone..."
Panicking slightly, Lily thought hed lost it when a beautifull door materialised out of nowhere leading the way into a gorgeous high-ceilinged room surrouned by two large windows. There was a WWN-box wich was displaying a enchanting tune, a few darkred roses were spread here and there. Huge fluffy pillows replaced seats, the room itself ws filled with a warm navyblue carpet and one very large two persons couch.
"What is this place?" she uttered in amazement.
"This is referred to as the 'Room of Requirement'," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist, "I discovered it when I was in great need of peace and quiet"
"Its absolutely amazing" said Lily, turing around in his arms.
Their lips met again for what felt like an eternity and his arms grew more possessive of her body. She felt surrounded by him, his masculin scent filling up her nostrils a mixture of asphodel and ginger.
"Are you aware that this...envolvement...is going to be quite sensitive should certain people find out about it?"
"I know",she whispered,"perhaps it would be better if we keep it .." "To ourselves?" Severus finished her sentence.
For a minute she looked upset but she nodded nevertheless.
"Your Head of House for instance, will be very unpleased if she hears youre getting corrupted by a Slytherin" he mocked.
"Or perhaps shell think Ill have some good influence over you"
She relaxed and nestled herself in his embrace again.
"We have to get back, Im afraid" he spoke, gently kissing her cheek. "Unlike Potter... I do not have the Headmasters privilege of unlimited leisure time."
Potter...his brain reminded ... and by the look in her eyes she was thinking exactly the same. But before she could speak he shrugged stiffly and said, "Nothing I cant handle." though his dark eyes were set with a strange emotion.
Lily merely nodded as the Room of Requirement door opened and she made her way towards Gryffindor Tower, Severus watched her being berated by the Fat lady for waking the latter from her sleep.
Severus set out for the dungeons himself when a deep warm voice called out his name. He looked up into the face of Albus Dumbledore, whose blue twinkling eyes surveyed him cautiously.
"Headmaster." Severus stopped.
" I take it you have been working on your assignment with Miss Evans?" The Headmaster asked kindly. The library was nowhere near where Severus was at the present but he kept his face emotionaless.
"That is quite correct Headmaster" Severus said smoothly.
"Very well then" smiled Dumbledore his crocked long nose looking down on Severus.
"Good evening Headmaster" Severus parted in a final sort of tone as he resumed his way to the Dungeons.
Was there really nothing the old man missed?
It was like he was ever-present in this castle and knew about mostly everything that was happening around him. No matter what his housemates thought of the elder wizard, Severus knew that he was not to be underestimated..
He is a powerful wizard.
Some of his housemates called him a threat ...or an obsticle. Why, he didnt know - but he knew Albus Dumbledore wasnt a man you wanted to have as your enemy.
Chapter 2. Owls
Night had long unwrapped its black velvet cloak before Severus fell asleep. Even then he felt troubled, green almond-shaped eyes were appearing frequently in his dreams. When he awoke he pushed them from his mind, trying rather to focus on the fascinating Potions lesson up ahead, where they would be brewing the "Draught of Peace". A potion that was, funny enough, often used to calm the students in dire OWL-stress. Severus found Zabini waiting for him in the dooropening:
"You seem preoccupied my friend," Zabini smiled, his blue eyes glittering suggestively.
" Thank you for your concern but this is merely the result of a startling lack of sleep" spoke Severus, waving his hand impatiently, making his way to the Great Hall.
Lily Evans was already there, lost in thought, jabbing her fork into her scrambled eggs without eating them. Around her the morning bristle had taken place. The beginning of the new Quidditch season was the latest subject, rumours about who would be joinging were plenty. Quidditch didnt fascinate her so she didnt bother paying any attention at all.
Alice Mckinnon, a 7th year Gryffindor waved her plump little hand in front of Lilys face, snapping her out of her dreamy stare. "What is wrong with you today Lily, you looked like you were trying to stare down a Hyppogrif" Nancy whispered.
"Oh nothing Alice, just a bit sleepy..."
" It hasnt got anything to do with your...'assignment' has it?" Alice said with a delicate stress on the last word, inclining her head not so subtley towards the Slytherin table.
"As a matter of fact, it hasnt," Lily answered and seeing the enquiring look on Alices face she continued, " It was quite ...enjoyable really, he is very intelligent."
"Its not his intelligence that bothers me ... " Alice began, but before any of them could persue the subject further, a flock of owls barged in carrying with them, the usual morning post. Several owls made their way to Gryffindor table, some unlucky ones sinking their claws into butter or bread.
A particulary proud looking barn owl nestled himself close to Lily and dropped a small white envelope on her lap. Lily immediately recognising her mothers handwriting, tore it open.
Dear Lily,
I know you have a lot on your hands and we did agree differently,but I must ask this of you.
Could you try and manage to get home for Christmas?
I cant tell you everything but something has come up, it has to do with your father.
Please write back as soon as possible.
Love, Mum
Lily froze, a bad feeling develloped in the pit of her stomach. This didnt sound like her mother at all. It was too secretive, too cold.
She could easily go home though she had planned to spend the first few days on studying and revising, in preperation for the O.W.L.'s. But she couldnt ignore this. After a moments thought, she hastely grabbed a quill and parchment and scribbled:
Mum,
Ill be there. Expect word from me on it soon.
Huggles Lily
The barn owl grumply allowed her to put her answer in his beak, ruffled its feathers pompously, and soared into the air again.
Severus was enjoying a steaming cup of Earl Grey, when a beautifull eagle owl landed gracefully infront of him. Slightly suprised, Severus took a folded brown piece of parchment from the owls extended leg, and unsealed it with a quick tap from his wand. The Gringotts logo glittered on top, some of the ink barely dry.
Mister Severus Snape,
You are hereby kindly requested to make your presence at Gringotts Bank as soon as possible, where a key to one of our vaults will be assigned to you .
Sincerly, Asgook Headgoblin.
"This had to be some kind of mistake", Severus thought, "I have no vault at Gringotts."
He was sure the Care-Witch, whom his father had left him with, after dissapearing when his mother had died, had no vault secured for him. Her feelings of maturnally love streched as far as to feed him and gave him a bed to sleep in.
This has to be a mistake, his mind repeated as Severus stuffed the parchment into his bag and made his way toward the Potions classroom, the Eagle owl flew off digusted by the lack of gratitude shown at the delivery.
Tuesday came round soon and Lily found herself in the library once again. She threw her long plait over her shoulder just as Severus's thin frame appeared in the corner of her eye.
"Severus," she said, nodding a greeting. "Evans."
They worked in silence, just like the previous time, translating ancient Latin text on how to bewitch the mind and influence free will, when Lily heard Severus whisper:
"You are quite ...gifted... in Latin, for a Muggleborn, that is. Muggleborns rarely have affinity with these matters "
"Oh... thank you" Lily said, feeling insecure of what to say.
" I am merely stating the truth. ."
He went quiet at what followed, completely baffled by her overemotional reaction.
Her voice was raised and her eyes were full of fire... "Are you stating the truth, or quoting something typically expected of a Slytherin? Because I didn't realize that you are acquainted with all the Muggleborns at Hogwarts."
"And that was a typically expected Gryffindor retort," Severus hissed.
"Trust me when I say that this coming from a person who hardly knows me, who is hardly aware of my existence, doesnt affect me that much," she said angrily.
There were nose to nose now and she was sure he was going to find another arrogant remark that would justify her slapping him, when he whispered :
"You are Lily Evans, 16 years of age, a very skilled witch who has an admirable hand in Potions, and exceeds us all in Charms. You also have the most beautifull eyes I have ever looked into and your smile brightens my day... But of course, I am not at all aware of your existence," he said, with his usual sarcasm.
Wordlessly she stared at him, suddenly shocked into complete silence... And he kissed her....
Lily did not object as his soft thin lips pushed hers apart and their tongues met in the middle.
For what seemed like minutes they just stood there, entangled in a passionate kiss wich he broke up. The world around them disappeared as they were holding on to eachother. Her tender frame was leaning agains his thin body.
"Not here," he whispered, hastily packing his things. A moment later Lily followed his example.
Lily paced nexto Severus as he lead her up to the 7th floor, where he started pacing before the tapestry of Barnabas the Balmy trying to teach trolls to dance the ballet. Muttering: "We need to be alone.. we need to be alone....we need to be alone..."
Panicking slightly, Lily thought hed lost it when a beautifull door materialised out of nowhere leading the way into a gorgeous high-ceilinged room surrouned by two large windows. There was a WWN-box wich was displaying a enchanting tune, a few darkred roses were spread here and there. Huge fluffy pillows replaced seats, the room itself ws filled with a warm navyblue carpet and one very large two persons couch.
"What is this place?" she uttered in amazement.
"This is referred to as the 'Room of Requirement'," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist, "I discovered it when I was in great need of peace and quiet"
"Its absolutely amazing" said Lily, turing around in his arms.
Their lips met again for what felt like an eternity and his arms grew more possessive of her body. She felt surrounded by him, his masculin scent filling up her nostrils a mixture of asphodel and ginger.
"Are you aware that this...envolvement...is going to be quite sensitive should certain people find out about it?"
"I know",she whispered,"perhaps it would be better if we keep it .." "To ourselves?" Severus finished her sentence.
For a minute she looked upset but she nodded nevertheless.
"Your Head of House for instance, will be very unpleased if she hears youre getting corrupted by a Slytherin" he mocked.
"Or perhaps shell think Ill have some good influence over you"
She relaxed and nestled herself in his embrace again.
"We have to get back, Im afraid" he spoke, gently kissing her cheek. "Unlike Potter... I do not have the Headmasters privilege of unlimited leisure time."
Potter...his brain reminded ... and by the look in her eyes she was thinking exactly the same. But before she could speak he shrugged stiffly and said, "Nothing I cant handle." though his dark eyes were set with a strange emotion.
Lily merely nodded as the Room of Requirement door opened and she made her way towards Gryffindor Tower, Severus watched her being berated by the Fat lady for waking the latter from her sleep.
Severus set out for the dungeons himself when a deep warm voice called out his name. He looked up into the face of Albus Dumbledore, whose blue twinkling eyes surveyed him cautiously.
"Headmaster." Severus stopped.
" I take it you have been working on your assignment with Miss Evans?" The Headmaster asked kindly. The library was nowhere near where Severus was at the present but he kept his face emotionaless.
"That is quite correct Headmaster" Severus said smoothly.
"Very well then" smiled Dumbledore his crocked long nose looking down on Severus.
"Good evening Headmaster" Severus parted in a final sort of tone as he resumed his way to the Dungeons.
Was there really nothing the old man missed?
It was like he was ever-present in this castle and knew about mostly everything that was happening around him. No matter what his housemates thought of the elder wizard, Severus knew that he was not to be underestimated..
He is a powerful wizard.
Some of his housemates called him a threat ...or an obsticle. Why, he didnt know - but he knew Albus Dumbledore wasnt a man you wanted to have as your enemy.