It was the last visit to Hogsmeade before Christmas and while many of Severus' fellow students were fussing over presents for family and friends, he was, once again, prowling in the darker allies of Hogsmeade.
He pulled his black wintercloak around him in an attempt to disapear completely in the shadows of the dingy streets. Out of nowhere a Jarvey crossed the street in a mad rushand Severus could only just avoid the weasel. It turned its ugly head to Severus and shouted "Oy! Watch where you are going you great useless prat!" before scurrying on.
This particular part of town had always fascinated him. The diversity of shops and their even wider selection on products far surpassed the mediocre town center of Hogsmeade. . The latter now far behind, his big boots ploughed their way through the continously growing level of snow. At the very last between The Atlantean Potions Supply Store and Prune's Fashion was the bookstore he had come to visit.
The shop was small at first sight but the books were everywhere, clearly magic involved to use every inch of space. Rows and rows of books. All classified in fields such as "charms" or "Hexes" or "Herbology". He noticed that the more back down the shop you orientated yourself the less "generally" accepted classifications of books could be found. he was now in a row called "Inexcusable Hexes". Here and there a book shuddered or small gasps greeted him when close enough to the book
"Severus! This is the second time you grace me with a visit in such a short time, do tell me to what I owe this pleasure" The delighted voice of Selena Black spoke from behind him.
"Madame Black", he answered politely,"what else but your large assortment on fine books and your charming presence?"
"Such a gentlemen you are Severus. Tell me, is that disgracefull son of mine still associating with the common bloodtraitors and halfbreeds he usually does?"
"I am sure he is, though I try to distance myself as far away as possible from your loving son" Severus answered,
"Her grey eyes slightly narrowed but she smiled nevertheless. I don't know where we went wrong with him I must admit. Though I consider myself lucky my youngest offspring is at least upholding the family honour."
"Regulus is a fine young man" said Severus sympathetic, grabbing a book on Asian Jinxes.
"Is there anything I can help you with Severus or will you be pursuing on your own course?"
"Perhaps you can. I am looking for a material on, shall I say groups throughout Wizarding History. Not the common ones such as the Ministry mind you"
The attractive woman looked down on him with malice in her grey eyes and beckoned him with a long finger. She took out her wand and said "Aparecium!".
Out of nowehere a large cabinet appeared, filled with dark coloured books, some of wich even had an extra lock upfront. Others having no visible means of opening the book to begin with.
"I'm sure you'll find this one very usefull in your….quest" she said handing over an extremely large black book with silver lignings. The cover read " An overview on Social Groupings or Gatherings throughout the History of Noble Wizarding".
"I think this will do perfect, thank you" Severus finally answered pocketing the book and making his way towards the counter.
" If there is anything more you need just owl me and I'll be glad to help you out" said Mrs Black after Severus had paid for book.
He walked out after bidding her farewell and promising he'd come for another visit soon. He still had 4 more hours left and decided to sit down for a bit of reading in a quiet café called "Fork of Eltanis".
There never were many people in their owing to the bartenders reputation of being a hothead and several people (unsatisfied customers no doubt) had claimed "poisoned food". Granted, the place was in dire need of a good Cleaning charm and there was the occasional dueling that took place but apart from that the dark leather chairs were comfortable and the place was perfect if you needed to be left alone.
Severus seated himself in a large highbacked leather chair and opened his latest purchase. He glanced over the book's index to see if he could find anything related to the puzzle his mother had left behind for him to figure out.
Lily had slept suprisingly well that night, after crying herself to sleep that is. Nevertheless the few hours of sleep she had lead her to wake up with a renewed vigor and her mind was made up.
The only priority she had was to ensure her mother was safe and she wasnt going to leave for Hogwarts if she wasnt convinced.
Before she had fallen asleep a lot of memories had rushed by, a lot of things had fallen in their rightfull place. The immense happiness from her father mingled with surprise from her mother when she received her Hogwarts letter was one. She had also cursed her own inattentiveness that she hadnt even asked herself how her parents managed to send the owl on their own a few weeks ago.
Her mind then turned to Severus, whos owl she still needed to answer. She needed him now more then ever, she longed to be with him. She has so much she wanted to share with him.. and so much she couldnt share. He himself was a mystery in her life to boot. Sometimes it seemed their minds were connected and other times it seemed like she couldnt grip what he was thinking at all.
She ventured downstairs to find the TV displaying her mothers favorite soap opera "Are you being served Sir?" to no one in particular. Raised voices came from behind closed kitchen doors but she knocked nevertheless knowing what she would find.
Her father was assuming his usual "Seriously endangered" position. His arms wide nexto his body, ready to take of from whatever trouble he had gotten himself into, his nostrils wide and flaring and his eyes unusually cold. Yet he managed a weak smile as she entered.
Her mother was clearly very angry aswell, her cheeks was rosy and her lips thinned in anger.
"Morning Lily darling" she said, sounding rather tired.
There was an eerie silence and the little kitchen clock interrupted it by chiming cheerfully.
Lily didnt know how to voice her thoughts, she just sat down and looked questioningly at her father.
"We need to talk" was all she could come up with. Her mother immediately sat down while her father retreated from his "seriously endangered" position. She only now noticed how he seemed to have aged 10 years overnight.
"Ive been thinking. And I wanted to ask you about what you mentioned yesterday. About our safety", said Lily.
"It is being taken care of Lilyth", her father answered," I have already been in touch with our Ministry about it. They have already been very assisting in renewing our old wards and putting up a few new ones."
"Thats it?" Lily asked.
"No. Weve still got our Secret Keeper who hasnt let us down as I expected"
"Who is it? Your secretkeeper?"
"It's someone I trusted my life to and I would do it again if I needed to. Albus Dumbledore"
Lily felt like the air was sucked out of her life and took a few heavy breaths in order to process
the latest bit of painfull information.
"You mean to say that even the Headmaster of my own school knows more about
my own life then I do?" she eventually said.
"He was Head Warlock at the time my case was presented infront of a Restricted Wizengamot" her father said.
"Who else knows?" Lily demanded abandoning all pretenses of niceness.
"Only one person, an enthousiastic chap, from the Department of Magical Catastrophes,Cornelius Fudge. He himself is bound by a Wand Oath so he can not give away any informaion aswell"
Lily was about to ask her father if he had neglected to pass out any other information when they were interrupted by a loud single knock on the door.
Perhaps McGonagall had been the neighbours cat all these years keeping an eye on them. Or little Professor Flitwick posing as a garden gnome...
She couldnt help but smile at that last thought.
But her smile was cut off by Petunia barging in, her grey eyes scanning the room.
"I just wanted to let you know, mother, that I shall be joining in with Vernon on dinner in Le Chateau tomorrow evening" she said, pretending Lily and her father werent in the room.
"Thats lovely dear",her mother answered
She turned her heels and Lily looked up at her mother lost for words.
"Her boyfriend",said her mother, seeing Lily's questioning gaze.
One hour, 2 butterbeers and a little riot further Severus had read a chapter on Egyptian Wizardry and wondered how muggles could actually believe that no Wizardry was involved in building the Great Pyramids. Still it wasn't what he was looking for. so he flipped the book to the next chapter "Dark Times for Noble Wizards" and started to read.
Altough many a witch or wizard would tell you that the hereafter mentioned group were a legend many other beg to differ and claim The Walpurgia Cnihts (or commonly known as The Knights of the Walpurgis) are yet until this very day alive.
Allegedly, the history of the Walperian Knights started around the first "Christian Millenium (for muggles), being around the year 1000.
As it is common knowledge (thanks to A History of Magic by M. Bagshot) , during those days muggles frequently hunted down, attempted burning or killed Wizards and Witches.
Following these course of events, drastic actions were taken to prevent any more brutal slaughtering of wizardkind by muggles, who seemed to grow more brutal as time passed.
While muggles didn't only take a few steps back mentally, they quickly forgot ingenious inventions made by their forefathers, the Romans and their lifestile delapitated, Wizardkind strived forward.
The greatest, and for muggles one of the most well known, happenings of that time was the invention of the Hebridius Boiles Curse . (Inventer unknown)
Although Wizardkind not only prevented but also effectivily treated this Curse, Muggles did not. It ended up destroying complete muggle villages (see also the works of H.G Quircke on "Muggles and Wizardkind, a constant war)
Nowadays Muggles refer to the Hebridius Boils Curse as "The Plague".
Not only did wizardkind use offensive measurements, aswell as defensive measurents . From several sources (see appendex) the Walpergian Knights were said to be a "group of solely Pureblood Wizards whos duties were to protect and uphold the honour of Wizardkind".
Through the ages, the Knights continued to grow, though after the Middle Ages, Wizard-procescution gradually dropped and so did the level of vigilance by the general Wizarding World.
The rumour goes that several of the original Knights made a vowel to keep up their duties, eventually via their offspring.
Severus took to reread the last line multiple times before it hit him. This was it.
Unless he was very much mistaken this is what he was looking for. Unfortunately this was the only bit on the Knights that was in the book and was out of time for today, he had to be back in Hogsmeade in ten minutes. He would have to take up Mrs.Black's proposal on sending her an owl for more books.
He followed the streets back into the Hogsmeade town and saw a small crowd of students eagerly compareing their freshly bought gifts. The allround plastic Christmas cheerfullness of it all made Severus sneer. What was it about a fatty in a buggered sleigh carried by several raindeers anyway. Then he sneered some more at the fact that students were compareing the size of gifts, because that obviously was a measurement on how much you liked someone.
"Petunia has….a boyfriend? A real boyfriend?", Lily thought, "Things can't get any more odd"
"Excuse me", Lily breathed, "I need some ...fresh air.."
She didnt bother waiting for an answer and went straight into the very welcomed fresh air of their garden.
The shady spot underneath the majestic oaktree had always been her favorite place to relax or be by herself.
When she was younger, the neighbourhood kids chose her as a favorite target for bullying. Either it was her red hair that doomed her or it was because she was "weird". Afterall it wasnt normal she kept seeing "things". Other kids didnt see "furry flying animals" . Lily remembered how Petunia said she could in the beginning, but in the end she had been pretending.
A rustling sound came from behind her as she squatted down on her favorite spot. It was her dad. All imaginary defenses aborded, tears were now streaming on her cheeks.
Her father took the spot nexto hers. He saw her tears and automatically put a strong arm around her shoulders.
"You knew...you always knew",she sobbed," all those times that I was being bullied, you knew why and you never stopped them. You never did anything. You knew I was feeling like a freak and you still didnt do anything"
"Lily I couldnt..." her father started, looking shocked for only a second as Lily started beating on his chest with her small fists. He did nothing to stop it.
"You knew it!", she shouted,"You knew there was nothing wrong with me and you never did anything!"
Her father didnt stop her from hitting him. He just looked at his daughter with a look so full of remorse and love but she did not see it.
"Lily thats enough",he finally said angry, grabbing her arms,"Youve had enough time to be angry with me, now its time you heard me out!" For the first time he sounded really angry.
"You have no idea how many nights I have been laying awake, just about to wake up your mother up and tell her everything. You dont know disgusted I am everytime I glance into the mirror.", her father said "And you most certainly have no idea what its like to live with the choice of getting a clear consience or endagering the lives of those that mean everything to you"
Lily looked upto him, she had never heared him sound as angry as he was now nor had she seen a look so serious.
"You think I was being selfish? It was never a matter of selfishness. I would have gladly told your mother everything. It would have only had a high price. Do you know how to balance a good will against better judgement Lilyth?"
Lily couldnt honestly answer this question, certainly none of the magnitude her father just presented. She shook her head.
"My darling Lily, I would have given everything to comfort you when you were in need. I just couldnt. It was such a pain to watch you struggle.
Footsteps approached, her father said "I think your mother wants to have a word with you" and took off.
Lilys mother automatically took the vacant spot. She didnt speak. Instead she rested her head against Lilys and both of them just sat there.
"I dont think I could ever leave this place", her mother said, "my heart is here…."
Lily knew her mother well enough to understand it was her way of saying she was going to stay and try to talk things out with her father, eventually. They would all need a lot of time to digest what had happened, no doubt it would take months or years but her mother was a strong woman. Lily only hoped she would have the same strenght.
"You really should get back to school as soon as possible" her mother said suddenly, catching her by suprise.
"I know you, youre working it all out inside your head and its no good. It wont help if you stay around and miss too much of school. People will only start to ask questions anyway, if youre missing for too long."
She was right ofcourse, no doubt the gossip would have already spread like Blue Bell Flames. Everything that needed to remain strictly secret was usually big news in Hogwarts.
"And its not like well have to wait a long time before we see you again is it?" her mother smiled.
"I just want you to do well Lily", she continued ," From what I can hear, its a terribly complicated world youll come to live in and I just want you to be somewhat prepared, if possible".
"I know you do. Im just worried mum, thats all" Lily answered.
"You can worry at school and finish your term at the same time " her smiled mother mischievously and Lily knew instantly that she wasnt going to win this one, she settled for a returning smile and nodded.
They remained seated for a bit longer. Both enjoying the sounds a garden usually makes. Soft rustling leaves, birds twittering and the occasional wind tossing around a few leaves. Not much words were exchanged but at the end Lily only said.
"Ill leave tonight".
Hogwarts was in full Christmasgear. The usual twelve threes were as magnificent as ever, with their live decoration (ice covered pixies and singing angels). Professor Flitwick was charming the last silver star up the treetop while Professor McGonagall was putting up thistle. Severus had never cared much about Christmas much for the simple reason that Christmas didnt care much about Severus.
The Dungeons were cold, fireplaces were never lit but several well placed Heating Charms always kept them comfortably warm. In the privacy of Severus room, a superior looking Eagleowl was waiting on his pillow. Grudgingly disappointed not to recognise Lilys writing he opened the silver envelope.
Dear Severus,
Trusting that this owl finds you well I would hereby like to invite you to spend the Christmasholidays (or part of it) in good company at Malfoy Mansion.
Transportation will be arranged at Platform 9 ¾.
RSVP,
Curtiously,
Lucius Malfoy.
Severus had only known Lucius Malfoy for a year. In his first year Lucius had been Head Boy and the epiphany of everything Slytherin House was famous for. Proud, ambitions, charming and talented. In the few years that Lucius had been out of Hogwarts, he had built up quite a reputation for himself. Ofcourse there was gossip, there always was gossip but this was an invite many people would covet. And ofcourse RSVP was nothing other then " I trust you will accept", such was it when you had just been invited to Malfoy Manor.
So Severus accepted. Both curiously and wearily he wrote a small acceptance letter.
Lucius,
Ofcourse I accept your generous invitation. I had made no plans for the upcoming holidays and look forward to some pleasurable company.
Greatfully yours,
Severus Snape.
On his way from the Owlery Severussaw a very familiar red head making her way through the halls. Her eyes suddenly met his and his stomach flinched from both pleasure and annoyance.
Severus scanned the Hall to see if there was someone close enough to hear them.
"I see youre back. I thought you were expected to stay away longer seen as you didnt answer my owl " he said sounding much colder then he intended too.
"Im sorry Severus, but I had no owl available to respond. Yours cleared off as soon as it made the delivery" she apologised.
He really wanted nothing more then to take her into his arms. He looked at her, her hair was out of the elegant braid she normally wore and her gorgeous eyes were rather red. Yet she was still the most beautifull girl around. Even with her robes missing a button and her shoes having a smudge of mud.
"Im afraid McGonagall is expecting me in the Commonroom in about 5 minutes " Lily said.
"Dont let me keep you from meeting your charming Head of House" Severus sneered, again sounding much too cold.
"Check your right pocket" she whispered as she left, pocketing her wand.
His long fingers delved into his pocket as he stalked towards the dungeons.
" The usual. 9 pm. L.E."
After carefull administration of the Disillusionment Charm it didnt take Severus very long to find his way upto the seventh floor, easily opening the door to the Room. She was already there. The room only contained a few candles and a leather couch. Big windows and darkgreen curtains surrounded them.
Her smile was so sincere as she saw him come in that he forgave her instantly for not writing him back, though he reminded a little bit grudgy. He sat down nexto her and she immediately leaned on his shoulder.
"Would I make it upto you if I told you I missed you", she said, "I know that look Severus and youre angry because I didnt write you back"
"I was just…" he started
"Worried?"
"Yes that too."
"What else?", she said her emerald eyes looking up at him expantly.
"Curious" he lied.
"Oh really Severus Snape?" Lily said, her eyebrow arching in a perfect imitation of the boy whos dark eyes were locking onto hers.
She saw the corner of his mouth twitch just for a second before his face became impassiveonce more.
"You know youre Inner Slytherin is really starting to work its way up" he said.
"I have an Inner Slytherin?"
"Oh yes, everyone has", he answered stroking her long hair as she had put her head in his lap, "Every witch or wizard has one, some of us are bettter at squatting the Snake then others"
"Even James Potter and Sirius Black?"
"Especially those two"he hissed. "They always seem to slither their way out of any delicate situation."
"Even me?"
"Yes, even you."
"What does my Inner Slytherin do for me then?"
"Keeps you out of trouble for one"
"Oh really?" she said, lifting herself on his lap completely now. She started rubbing his thin shoulders, he smelled like a mixture of musk and wormwood. His long fingers were grabbing her waist, his hands claiming her body firmly.
"All kinds of trouble?" she asked, her hands sliding down his robes, following his thin frame untill she reached underneath his stomach. She pushed herself closer to him, grabbing his slender hands and placing them gently on her breasts.
"Lily are you sure about this?" Severus asked, his voice sounding a lot different without the usual scowl or sneer.
"Severus I dont need to be sure right now… I need you"
"I cant promiss your inner Snake will get you out of this sort of Trouble Lily" he said, the capital T clearly present in his voice, like only Severus could.
"We wont find out untill we try wont we?" she whispered in his ear.
With a small pop an enormous four poster appeared out of nowhere.
Lily looked up at the bed and then back in those black tunnels where she couldget lostin for hours.
"I swear it wasnt me" Severus breathed in her ear.
"I know." She smiled mischievously.
Severus scooped her in his arms in one fluent movement and carried her of to the four poster.
As he sat down on the bed, Lily kneeled on top of him, her robes sliding up to uncover her long slim legs. Long fingers stroked the bare legs lovingly. She bowed down and their lips opened for tongues to explore eachother.
She opened the clasp on her robe and lifted them easily above her head.
She was the most gorgeous thing he had ever seen. Her skin was milkywhite with a few freckles on wellchosen places, her perky breasts were a handfull gently enclosed by a lightgreen bra. Her red hair was sliding down the back of her back, falling nicely into place. She was too beautifull not to admire so he gently rolled her back on the bed as to better look at his goddess.
For the years and years to come Severus Snape would never be able to forget those esmerald green eyes staring up at him. He knew she loved him. He could see it in those eyes, that always spoke the truth.
He looked at her, lost for words as she breathed softly and he watched her breasts gently heave up and down.
His hands were no longer cold, her skin warmed his hands up as he touched her arms, her neck, her sweet face. With a skillfull touch he undid her soft silky bra. Her nipples inviting as he brought his mouth on it. Lovingly kissing and biting them he heared Lilys breathing going faster. Her nails were short but they were carving into his back nevertheless.
Severus now undid his robes to. She looked at him and he saw in her eyes, a rare apraisal. He wasnt muscular but he wasnt skinny. His chest only held a few hairs, still not tasteless. He had a few scars on his chest from several magical accidents or Potions gone wrong. His hair was lanky and greasy as usual but she didnt mind. Her fingers gladly touched it. He wasnt tanned but she kissed his neck nevertheless.
His grey knickers made an odd contrast with the softgreen tiny knickers Lily was wearing but it seemed like she hadnt even noticed. Or cared.
Her hands had found the way to his knickers and her rhythmic rubbing only made his masculinity grow larger. His heart was beating in a crazed tempo that would soon have it burst from within its chest. He could feel himself loosing control over his lower body bit by bit.
With a smooth wave of his wand, they were both completely undressed and her pubic hair was just as dark red as her locks. How could any man resist this….
He kissed her neck, his tongue gliding from her earlobe, teasing her nipples and passed her bellybutton.
Unfamliar with what was coming, Lily hesitantly opened her slender legs. Severuss long hair blocked her view from what he would do next. Her lower body shaking slightly in surprise as his tongue found her lips. His large nose smelled musk and something resembling lavender soap. Even her smell was perfect.
He could hear her gasp for breath as his finger spread her soft lips and his tongue had found his exact way to her clitoris. He gently licked it and heared little sounds come from deep within her throat, they were calling him to go on.
Faster and steadlier he licked, kissing her thies gently and sucking her little love button with a passion he didnt even know he had.
Her lower body was know shaking uncontrollably her legs were strong and her voice wasraw as she screamed his name when her orgasm took hold of her body.
Her body in pleasure by him only aroused him more and he could no longer control his own hardness anymore.
"Lily …" his voice sounding nowhere close to his usual scowl.
She only nodded.
He brought himself in between the soft lips he had just pleased. She put her long legs around his back and he lost all self control. With a soft move he thrust himself into the woman lying beneath him. She was warm, all over and in. Her legs were locking him into an unusual embrace and he found himself incapable of thinking anymore. Her nails were clawing into his buttocks as she pushed herself forward, receiving him with every stroke. Her voice became raw again as she started gasping for air and calling out his name. They were one in body and when he also gasped out for breath calling her name, their souls were linked for a moment. She was his. Not Potters. But his.
"I love you Severus".