A few days later Severus found himself leaving Hogwarts for the holidays for the very first time in his life. He was sharing a compartment with only Zacharias Zabini. All his other classmates had preferred to stay at Hogwarts.
Lilys last words still raged through his mind. She had told him she loved him. And even when he didnt answer back she hadnt become dramatically upset.
It wasnt that Severus didnt know what love was. He just hadnt loved anyone back before. He didnt know if he could. Yet Lily…
As usual Zabini, in his great sense of timing called Severus from his thoughts.
" I might be dropping by this Christmas, my parents owled me they had received an invitationto Malfoy Manner aswell"
"How utterly delightful and here I thought Id finally had a holiday away from you all" Severus said smirking.
"Oh Im sure you are , what business do you have there anyway?"
"I dont know actually, I only received an invitation from Lucius and you know its not wise to decline those"
"So Ive heared. Well I am sure youll have an excellent holiday all comforts well seen to. If I remember correctly, Lucius is in debt with you anyway"
Wich was true. In Lucius last year there was an embarrassing "accident" envolving a muggleborn Gryffindor first year and a hex gone badly wrong. If Severus hadnt told quite a few 'untruths" it would have been an early end to the Headboys young career.
So Zabini did have a point, Lucius Malfoy was in debt with Severus.
"So, do you love her?" Zabini suddenly asked.
Severus failed to reply, for the second time in his life he was lost for words.
"Oh come on, Severus youve gained actual weight, you sneak back into our room in the middle of the night and you actually managed a smile at Rosiers joke yesterday", Zabini said sounding very much so like a Wizengamot member.
"I hardly think its any business of yours what I get upto at Hogwarts is it?"
"Potter will kill you when he finds out or at least make your life completely miserable" Zabini said in a casual sort of voice.
"How do you – "
"Oh Severus, Rosier might be too thick, Avery couldnt be bothered, Parkinson is trying his best to get into the pants of anything pureblooded too notice. But Im rather, lets say – "
"Spying on people" Severus said, eyebrow arched.
"I take personal interests", Zabini corrected him, smiling.
Severus barely managed to hold down a sneer, his lip curling in displeasure and a few other mixed emotions.
"Youve yet to answer my question though" Zabini said.
"You seem so well informed, I would think you should know by now"
Zabini only smiled again, which greately annoyed Severus.
"Dont give me that look Severus. I will not telltale on your little redheaded secret. We al lget upto things that shouldnt be seen in the daylight."
Severus wasn t the sort of person to utter a word of gratitude but the nod he gave Zabini was worth a 1000 words. They spent the remaining hours of the journey with idle chitchat as the green landscape outside slowly made way for suburban and eventually capitol territory.
When Severus stepped out into platform 9 ¾ a House-Elf appeared out of nowhere, nearly stumbling over its own large feet.
"You is surely Mister Severus Snape" it squeeked, his batlike ears flapping with every word.
"I am and you are.. ?"
"Dobby, Sir, Dobby the House-Elf. Master has sent Dobby to meet his honourable guest Sir. And see to it that the young master is tend to his every need"
"I only need to get my luggage – "
"Dobby will see to that Sir"
"Fine. How will we travel?"
"I has this Sir", the Elf held up a small silver ornament snake., "It will take you to Master Malfoy as soon as you touches it Sir"
Oh great, another portkey, a magically nauseating way of travelling.
Severus took the silver snake from the Elf and could feel its effect almost immediately. A quick tug from behind the navel and off he was in a whirlpool of colours and sound only to land ungraciously on his backside.
A sea of luxury and expensive taste surrounded him. From the marble walls to the pure silver ornaments and accessories, a marvellous display of the nouveau riches.
Footsteps announced the arrival of a new person, by the sound of it male.
"Severus I am delighted to see youve arrived safely " came the silk drawl of Lucius Malfoy, who extended his slender hand in welcome. His cold grey eyes were glintering maliciously and his pale pointy face carried a smirk on its lips.
"I do apologize for not meeting you in person at Platform 9 ¾ but I had some…ah…last minute business to attend to" Lucius said.
"Thats quite alright, your house-elf was more then…effective"
"Ah yes, dreadfully usefull things arent they?" .
Severus could clearly see what made this former Hogwarts Head Boy such a success after only having graduated for 4 years. Lucius Malfoy walked with an air of selfconfidence, talked smoothly and oozed pride.
"My fiancee should be arriving home any moment now, she is a delectable woman but Im afraid she shares a surname you will not appreciate. She is one of the more noble Blacks" Lucius said eyeing Severus for reactions.
Instinct kept Severus face impassive and he merely said "Im sure she is the pearl of her family"
"She is indeed Severus".
And, with a great sense of timing, a tiny pop announced the arrival of the mysterious fiancee.
She was, as Severus had expected, a gorgeous woman. Thick, long blond hair ramined in place with every step she took, sparking blue eyes and a slim figure. Dressed, how else, in expensive robes.
"You must be Severus", she said, extending her hand, "Narcissa Black".
Severus made a small bow and placed a small kiss on her slender hand" He saw the approval on Lucius' face.
Dinner was a pleasant event at Malfoy Manor. Fattening food at Hogwarts was replaced by a more culinary meal.
After a small tour of the fortress that was Malfoy Manor, Severus retreated in a luxurious bedroom. The fourposter was twice as large as those in Hogwarts and if possible, 5 times as comfortable.
It took only a few seconds after Severus had put his head on the pillow before darkness overpowered him and sleep took hold of his body.
- - -
Lily was sharing compartment with Alice, as per usual. Alice was in extatic delight. Her boyfriend of long, Frank Longbottom had proposed to her and she was going to spend the next two weeks meeting the other half of the family she hadnt met yet.
"Franks mother Levina is such a wonderful woman. She is very strict but shes accepted me from the beginning and her brother Algee – "
She cought Lily paying no attention and changed course.
"Lily whats wrong?"
"Thats lovely Alice dear"
"Earth calling Lily, whatever is wrong with you?"
"Oh sorry Alice, Ive just been a bit preoccupied thats all"
"OWL's upcomming he? Well dont you worry,your grades are a good indication of what youll be facing so you dont have to worry about anything. "
If only she really didn have anything worry about. The fact still remained that Lily felt like she wasnt going home at all. She would be going to a home, but it no longer felt like hers. It looked and smelled like hers but it wasnt at all.
Alice kept most of the talk up, her plump face lighting up every time she mentioned Frank.
When the train had finally arrived at Kings Cross after what felt like weeks Lily got out. She had already changed into her muggleoutfit, much to the pleasure of Alice, who marvelled at the tight fitting jeans Lily wore.
Lilys mother had come to pick her up and on the way home they had gotten through the necessairy chit-chat.
Lily had put her trunk upstairs and on her way down she ran into Petunia.
"Just so you know, Vernon is coming to dinner this weekend. He knows nothing of your freak school or your abnormality and I would like to keep it that way".
It was the last drop for Lily, whos inner snake reared its ugly head and struck.
"Petunia Im sure that by now he knows Im related to you. Nobody can can miss out that abnormality"
Petunias boney face contorted with anger. Lily didnt even see it coming but Petunias skinny hand came down hard on Lilys cheek. It only angered Lily more and she grabbed for her wand, holding it out menacingly in front of Petunias horrified face.
"I know you cant do anything with that… thing. If you do theyll kick you out of that loony bin and …and …theyll find your father"
"That is a new low, even for you Petunia", Lily sneered.
Suddenly, with some fright, Lily realized how much she had just sounded quite like Severus. She turned her back at Petunia and went downstairs.
Her mother was fixing up Lilys favorite meal, Spaghetti. The kitchen smelled of tomatoes and basil.
"Your father should be home any moment now" her mother said, "he had to take the bus to arrange a few things at the ' Ministry' "
Apart from the fact that Lily didnt know her father to have any business with the British gouvernment she knew that by that exact emphasism, her mother had ment Ministry of Magic.
Other then that, what kind of bus would drive up to the Ministry of Magic?
The answer came with a roaring bang, a haze of purple speeding by and the meowing of a couple of cats (no doubt surviving a close encounter with the purple monster)
Her mother hadnt even noticed a thing while Lily believe the bang would have been heard all through Surrey. It explained why she was a bit startled when the front door slammed shut.
"Hello pumpkin"
"Hello dad"
There was something in her fathers face wich concerned Lily but she was unable to put her finger on it.
Dinner was probably a good reflection of how it was going to be in the future. Petunia igored Lily her mother was trying to engage everyone into talking to each other while her father was brooding.
Severus was on Lilys mind for most of the evening and it was the only thing that kept her going. She wasnt kidding herself in thinking she could ever have a normal relationship with Severus. (As long as they were in school anyway) There would be no holding hands or sitting under a tree for them. But she loved him nevertheless and there was always 'later'. Even though he would never say the same to her, she knew he did and that was all she needed. She never took the easiest way for anything. Had she wanted it easy, she would have chosen Potter.
"Cant get anything simpler then him" her inner snake said.
Before she fell asleep, the last thing on her mind was yet again, Severus.
- - -
"Get up you bitch!"
"No Tobias, please don't!"
"You useless heap of witch! Youve disgraced the whole family!"
"Tobias, I did it for Severus"
"Hes going to grow up as broken down and useless just like you if it wasnt for me!"
"Our son is just fine!"
"Shut up woman, how dare you talk back at me!"
"Tobias, please no!"
Severus woke up with a jerk and sweat was all over his body, even now it was dripping on the silk sheets. His stomached clenched unpleasantly and his head was throbbing.
It was the only thing Severus could remember of his childhood. His mother and father fighting, his father using the advantage of his length and size to tower over his mother, who was a fragile
witch.
There was never any sleeping for him after he had his nightmare again, it would consume his thoughts every time. So instead he went for a long hot soak in nextdoors bathroom. It was a large marble bath with silver tabs. It was quickly filled with a gentle scent of musk. He sank in a bit lower and closed his eyes.
Minutes passsed before he noticed her entering the room. She wore nothing but a namesake flower in her hair as her long legs carried her into the bath.
"Lily" Severus said, his spirits rising as she got into the bath. What was she doing her? How did she get in? She only smiled at him.
But when he reached out to touch her, she was gone and his hand only held a few bubbles.
"For Merlins sake get a grip on yourself Severus" he chastised himself and sank a bit lower in the warm bath.
A loud crack sounded in the bathroom and Dobby the house-elf appeared out of nowhere.
"I is sorry to interrupt Sir, but Master Malfoy requests your presence at breakfast " he said
bowing low.
"I shall be there in a good ten minutes" Severus said, grabbing the towl nexto him.
Breakfast was, as everything else in Malfoy Manor, an exquisit thing. French toast, fresh juices and Italian coffee.
"Now Severus, you are free to go as you please obviously but before you make up your mind on anything I should very much like to have a little word with you" Lucius said.
"Of course Lucius, I didnt have any plans today anyway" Severus answered.
"Excellent. Im sure you've been wondering why you were invited her for the holidays am I correct?
He nodded politely.
" Severus, what I wanted to ask you, do you know anything about your family?"
This was the last thing Severus had expected from Lucius and he looked into the grey eyes of the man before him. He was sitting in his chair like a king on a throne, the silver headed cane in his lap.
"Not much Im afraid".
"I thought as much Severus. But I'm hoping to make up for that with what Im going to say to you now. If you would be so kind to hear me out and I will answer all questions you have later."
Another polite nod.
"Now you probably dont know this but my father Abraxas, was appointed as your guardian a few days after your father passed away"
"You know about my father?" Sevuerus interrupted, forgetting his earlier consent.
"Only the things Ive been told from mine. They were friends. He was friends with both your parents for quite a few years. It was a close bond of friendship and they both requested my father to be your guardian should anything happen to them. Now, after you were left in his care my father had quite a few choices to make concerning you and your future. As I well know, he had little time for his own children so he wanted to make sure you still had everything you needed. So instead of putting you in some horrible orphanage, he took the very best of the Care-Witches and placed you under the care of one. It pained him greatly that he couldnt take care of you himself but he always kept more then one eye out for you. When you were excepted at Hogwarts he saw to it that you had everything you needed and more. "
Lucius paused, to give Severus some time to digest all this new information. If Severus wouldn't already have been that gaunt he would have turned whiter then a ghost.
"But why I am telling you this, Severus, is because after my fathers unfortunate death I became your guardian. I still am un till this day obviously."
"Do you have any more information about my mother or father? "
"Not much Severus, I can tell you everything my father told me… yet if you want more… there is a way we can find out but thats something we can do later on. I know that your parents and my father were part of a group of friends that called themselves the Walpurgis Knights. A group of pureblooded witches and wizards that came into action for the rights of Purebloods. They were often thought of as group of extremists and suspected of many crimes they didnt commit. As you know Severus, more and more our heritage is being invaded by people who thought magic was something muggles in top hats did to pull a rabbit out of their sleeves. They were the kind of group that pleaded for action for Pureblood rights as so many groups do for the rights of Mud…Muggleborns. " Lucius said, his face showing nothing but disgust. A usual sneer was on his lips.
"What were they suspected off?"
"Many things, each one more ridiculous then others. It caused quite a shock that the Pureblooded community wanted to stand up for themselves. It was said that they were selfish, amongst other things. Suddenly, it became a crime to fight for what was yours all these years. When many muggleborns ended up dying, ofcourse the first suspects were always those that didnt embrace them into the Magical world. "
"Do the Knights still excist?"
"Yes they do and they grow larger every year. Many purebloods want to stand up for their beliefs, for whats theirs, eventhough it labels them as "racists" and "biggots. Have you ever heared that history always seems to repeat itself Severus?"
"So they say"
"Well, many centuries ago our kind, as you undoubtably have heard in the fascinating lessons of Binns, had to go into hiding because we were prosecuted and killed for our talents. We were forced to hide out as only foul beasts do. Have you heared Severus, that nowadays the only places we can live are completely unmappable villages, unplottable houses or charmed houses that look like ruins? "
That had never really been on Severus mind, perhaps because his friends never talked about it. Yet, it did make sence. Ever since he came to Hogwarts and got sorted in Slytherin, muggleborns had been avoiding him as if he had something contageous. Well not all of them...
"I can see that you understand what Im talking about Severus. Its our fate apparently and when we try to do something about that fate, we automatically get labled.
"Not to be disrespectfull Lucius, but have you got any more information about my parents?"
"I have no good news Severus, Im afraid"
"I would still like to hear it"
"Your mother, Eileen, was a great person, my father always spoke very highly of her. When you were born she was immensely proud. She got killed. It was some action upon her own person. Up untill this day the Ministry has never been honest about who was responsible. The Ministry hides behind what they believe is acceptable and what really happened. She died only 2 years after you were born. Your father was framed for the murder"
"My father?"
"Yes, ofcourse its much easier for the Ministry to classify it as an act of abuse in marriage then to admit the fact that she was killed by a non-pureblood. "
"What happened to my father?"
"He waisted away. Grief. No matter how he and your mother used to argue, they always stuck up for eachother through thick and thin. He died in prison. Azkaban Prison. "
Severus couldnt reply, but Lucius didnt mind He kept silent for a moment as Severus struggled with the information that had just been provided. There was a tapping sound on the windows as an Eagle owl gently waited outside.
Lucius grabbed the letter as the owl waited patiently on top of a cupboard waiting for a possible response to the message it had just delivered.
"I understand this might be a lot for you to get to grips with Severus and Im going to leave it at this for now. We will talk again soon but for now I have a few urgent business matters that require my immediate attention"
"Ofcourse" Severus said.
- - -
When Lily woke up that following morning, she was well rested but her heart was heavy. Petunias (undoubtably equally) horrible boyfriend was coming over to dinner tomorrow evening. Not that she was afraid of anything they might throw her way but she missed Severus more then ever. Hoping he would miss her too she decided it was time the family would get an owl
"Dad"
"Yes pumpkin"
"Do we have an owl that I can use?"
"We dont pumpkin, are you in a terrible hurry to send a message?"
"Nothing life-threathening but …"
Her father smiled meaningful and got up.
"Il'l be back in an hour"
And indeed, one hour later as Lily was sitting under her favorite three the familiar bang sounded once more.
Lilys father came out carrying a large cage covered with a dark brown cloth.
"We needed one anyway you were right" he said, winking as he removed the cloth to reveal a gorgeous ashgrey owl.
"She's gorgeous!" Lily said.
"She's yours"
"I would have just been happy with a pack of owl treats to lure one out you know" Lily lied.
Her letter to Severus was short but clear.
Severus,
My holidays need a better start, meet me somewhere?
L.E
She rolled the little piece of parchment and whispered to the owl as she was tying it to his leg "Its for Severus Snape, I dont know the address but hes at Malfoy Mansion…will you find him?"
The owl hooted reassuringly and spread her wings for flight.
There was one last thing.
"Mother?"
"Yes darling?"
"Do we have room for one more dinner guest tomorrow?"
"I think we should be able to manage that darling, who did you have in mind?"
Lily should have known her mother would pick up the ' extra dinner guest' question immediately and she felt her face redden.
"Whats his name?" her mother asked, closing the book she was reading.
"Severus"
"From your school?"
"Yes, in the same year as me"
"In the same department - ?"
" They're called houses but no. Not from the same house as me but thats okay. For me anyway" Lily said.
"How long have you known eachother?"
"A couple of months now"
"Whats he like?"
"He's quiet, not really into sports, he reads a lot and he is very intelligent."
"Does he treat you well?"
"Yes… yes he does"
"Well then hes more than welcome here"
"Thanks mom", Lily said,kissing her mother on the cheek.
- - -
Severus decided to go for a walk. He obviously hadnt seen much of the nature on his portkeyed way down and perhaps some fresh air would help him put things in perspective.
So his mother had died by the hands of someone who the whole wizardingworld is trying to defend. And his father got set up for it. Severus thought of his only childhood memory he had and wondered for a second if his father was really innocent. Why would Lucius lie about a thing like that? And who would do something like that to his mother. He needed more answers but Lucius wasnt going to be around for a while. He needed some distraction right now before he could start to put things together.
A figure was soaring through the sky becoming more and more clear as it approached. The grey owl rested on a branch and sticked out its leg smugly. Severus read the tiny note and told the messenger "dont go anywhere" as he walked back inside for a quill.
On the back of the note he wrote:
Lily,
Meet me at Florish and Blotts at 10 am tomorrow.
S.S
- - -
Lucius hadnt even returned for breakfast that next morning. Narcissa was a perfect host but Severus was glad to get out. After Narcissa made him a portkey with coordinates of Malfoy Manor he took off.
Luckily, the holidays meant that most of the studentfolk was back at home with their respective parents, doing whatever they did during the Christmas holidays. The few witches and wizards doing some last minute shopping were adults.
Florish and Blotts was a mediocre bookshop, for mediocre students who read nothing but the default curriculum set out for the gentle souls by the tiresome Ministry.
He spotted his favorite redhead gazing through the display and wrapped his arms around her.
She spun around and smiled brightly up at him. He looked around quickly and kissed her lips. As her mouth opened willing to admit his tongue and his long fingers stroked her soft hair he couldnt care a sod about who could see them right now.
"I know somewhere quiet where we can go and be alone if you want to " he said.
"Id like that, I dont think well run into someone we know at this time but better safe then sorry"
He put his arm around her again, it was only a short walk to the Fork of Eltanis, they would be safe there.
"Severus, have you got anything planned for this evening?"
"Nothing yet, I am supposed to be at Malfoy Manor but up untill now Ive only seen my host for about 3 hours so I doubt Ill be missed. Why?"
"Well, I was wondering. This is completely you know… upto you. Eventhough you would do me a great pleasure by saying yes, I wouldnt be angry if you said no – "
" Lily… youre rambling" he said, putting her up against a tall tree and spreading his arms on her sides.
"Will you come to dinner to my house tonight…with me?"
His immediate answer would have been no. But even the wisest man would turn fool when she looked at him with her almond green eyes. He couldnt refuse her anything.
"Yes. Yes I will. Do your parents know Im coming".
"They do, I asked them nicely like any good daughter would"
She kissed him again, her hands were rubbing his back rhythmic and it made him purr slightly.
Their kiss grew longer, their tongues were fighting, the breaths were staggering, his hands wer grabbing her bum as she pressed herself closer to him. She nibbled his ear and put her leg around him. He growled slightly.
"Lily unless you stop right now Im going to have to do some very unspeakable things to you" he said
"Oh really?" she said, smiling mischievously at him.
He grabbed her other leg and put it around him aswell. Pressing her onto the tree he kissed her neck, smelling her usual perfume. She discovered a soft place in his neck and bit it gently. It aroused him even more and he could feel his heart pumping and his blood flowing down to other places in his body.
"Hello Lily….. Severus" an awefully familiar hoarse voice came from behind them. The heat that had been spreading through Severus body cooled down and his insides felt like a deflating balloon. He quickly put Lily down and stood infront of her. Lupin looked shabby as ever and he looked even paler then Severus, a large big scar on the leftside of his face.
"Lupin"
"Remus" Lily said with a hint of fright in her tone.
"Dont let me keep you from…whatever you were doing. I just thought Id wish the both of you a Merry Christmas" Remus Lupin said kindly.
Severus was waiting for more, this couldnt be it. It was just what his kind was waiting for. A chance to ruin everything for Severus. Yet Lupin merely smiled and walked away when Lily had bid him a Merry Christmas.
"Of all the sodding things to happen" Severus swore.
"Now what?" Lily said shivering slightly eventhough there was a small sun.
"I dont know…. I could either obliviate him or we wait and see what happens when were back in school I guess"
"Well wait…" Lily quickly said.
"Lets go before someone else unwanted pops out of nowhere".
The Fork was, as usually, almost completely void of visitors. Severus choose a spot for Lily and him in the very outer corner in a large comfortable leather couch infront of a fireplace which wasnt lit.
When Severus returned with two butterbeers he saw, to his surprise and shock, that there were silent tears running down Lilys face.
"Lily whats wrong".
"Oh Severus… first the mess at home and now here…if Remus Lupin talks to his annoying friends who knows what will happen"
"Well worry about that later, whats wrong at home?".
She started crying even harder now and Severus took her into his arms, into what he hoped was a comforting position.
"Its… my father", she sobbed uncontrollably, "he's… been luying to us all these years"
"About what Lily" Severus said, caressing her back.
"Everything. Hes been hiding things for years. Im no muggleborn Severus, Im a halfblood.." she said, tears streaming from her face now.
"What?"
"He's been hiding things from us for years. Not even my mother knew. He probably never would have told us if my mother didn't find his wand one day"
"But why ?" Severus said. He thought he couldnt have been surprised anymore but this was beyond anything he had heard lately.
Lily thought about it for a while….eventhough she would have loved nothing else then being honest with Severus… it could endanger him. There was a better time for it later…
"I dont know… wich is why it confuses me so much… after all the things that happened when I was young. The way my sister used to tease me and make me feel like a freak – "
"Hang on there, your sister did what?"
"She used to tease me a lot. Shed tell the kids in school that I was seeing things and talking to imaginary friends. Just because I saw things she didnt. Magical creatures. Kids used to tease me even more after she'd just been talking to her. She'd tell them I was short of a few bolts if you get my drift. Then when we grew up she found a few friends that were happy to join in with her. When they werent busy singing songs about "Loony Lily" they were busy ignoring me or talking behind my back. "
"Your sister sounds like a real charming person " Severus said, his lip curling in displeasure. "So even with your sister making you look like a fool, your father neither did or said anything?"
Lily shook her head.
"And those are the people I am dying to meet this evening?" Severus said, causing Lily to smile for a fleeting second.
"Well yes. But my mom is nice. And I do think its fair to warn you that my sisters boyfriend will be there too. I never met him though"
"Well if your sister is taken with him, I am sure he is a most charming person aswell"
"Im sorry Severus, if you dont want to come I understand."
"Actually, I'm looking quite forward to it right now to be honest" Severus smirked.
"Lily, darling", he said,- at wich she looked up shocked, he had never called her anything like that before, " I cant promis everything will be alright. I cant.. But I can promiss I wont stand for anyone ever hurting you again. "
She looked into his dark tunnels, her eyes were still filled with tears but she looked hopefull and even relieved.
"I love you Severus. I love you eventhough I know you wont ever tell me the same or not yet. I trust you more then I trust anyone and I will fight for every minute I can spend with you even if the whole school knows . I am not sure of much right now but I am sure about you Severus. I will never give up on you no matter what. " she said.
He didnt know what to say so he just held her in comfort and felt her relax against him.
Oh he looked forward to meeting the family alot .
- - -
They took the Knightbus back to her house. Lily had done quite a few morphing charms on Severus robes . Ofcourse the jeans and shirt she made for him had to remain black, obviously.
They suited him a lot, eventhough he wouldnt admit it it did look good on him.
"Well here we go" Lily said as they entered the house. Her mother was putting the finishing touches on the turkey. Or better yet, in the turkey. It must have been very ackward for Severus to see a women draw her fist from within a headless turkey. Lily managed to opress a smile at the look on Severus face.
"Good evening Madame Evans" he said extending his hand to the one that was turkey free and shaking it politely.
"Goodevening, Severus wasn't it?"
"Indeed"
"Well do sit down, the rest of the family will be here in a bit. I hope you like turkey Severus"
"I hope I do " Severus whispered in Lilys ear and answering "Im sure I will" to her mother.
Lily saw his eyes dart to all things that were new for him. From the television to the VCR to the stereotower and her fathers record collection.
"Its an amazing warm day, I think well eat in the garden Lily, will you and Severus help me out putting everything outside?"
"Sure mum" Lily answered and she and Severus got up.
Lily could see that Severus was impressed by the garden, as so many were.
"You have a marvellous garden Madame Evans, are those Bellis perennis? Severus said.
"Oh you know your plants and flowers Severus!" Lilys mother said delighted.
"Great one, you've got my mother charmed already" Lily whispered when her mother went back in for the knives and forks.
The backdoor opened again and Petunia stepped out followed by the beefiest man Lily had ever set eyes upon. He had no neck and a small funny moustache. His eyes were scanning the garden and narrowed when he saw Lily and Severus.
Petunia looked dumbstruck and when she gained her composure she legged her way upto Lily, pulling her by her arm away from Severus. Her grip didnt losen when she talked to Lily. Instead it got only more painfull.
"You have got to be kidding me, what is that horrible boy doing in OUR garden?"
"Hes here on my invitation and mum's too"
"I won't have two of your kind here, what the hell is Vernon supposed to think about that greasyhaired freak?" Petunia snapped, her grip on Lilys arm tightening. It was starting to numb the feeling in her arm.
"Frankly Petunia, I dont care what your 'boyfriend' thinks about Severus and would you let go of my arm now youre hurting me!"
Lily walked back and held her hand out for Vernon.
"Im Lily, Petunias sister" she said waiting for him to shake her hand. He didn't. Lily saw Severus eyes narrow dangerously. Then he focussed on Petunia who shoved into place nexto Vernon.
"And you're Petunia?" he said in low voice.
" Obviously" she snapped.
" I'm Severus, should you have the courtesy to wonder about my name" he said.
"Don't you smartmouth Petunia like that" came the grunting voice of Vernon.
"Oh you do talk! And just when I started to like the Mute act" Severus said, in mock smile.
Just in time to prevent an all out fight, Lilys parents stepped into the garden.
"What a crowded house we have today!" her father exclaimed.
He shook Vernons hand amicably and turned to Lily and Severus.
For a moment his eyes became as large as teacups, then he glanced at Lily and extended his hand nevertheless.
"Andrew Evans" he said as Severus grabbed his hand.
"Severus Snape"
Her fathers face was chalk white now and Lily was lost for words. Her father actually looked scared stiff for some reason but after a few seconds his face was normal again though when he spoke it was softer then usually.
"Nice to meet you Severus, Im afraid I havent been told much about you yet"
"Likewise Sir, though I have heared everything I need to know about you from Lily" .
Dinner was relatively quiet, which was logical seen as Petunia and Vernon only spoke to Lilys mother and father and Severus only spoke when spoken to and settled to glance around a lot.
When Lilys parents went inside to do the dishes there was nothing to stop the whole thing from going wrong.
"So youre both at that freakschool right?" Vernon said nastily.
" I thought you were so keen to keep that a secret" Lily said matter of factly to Petunia.
"Can't blame her about that, if I had a freak of nature in my family I wouldnt want the world to know either"
"Really Dursley , coming from someone like you I would consider that a compliment" Severus sneered.
"Whats that greaseball, were you insulting me?"
"Well yes, I was actually. Im surprised you noticed."
Petunia spoke up.
"Never mind Vernon, I wouldnt expect anything else from the sort of people Lily brings back home with her"
"Good one Petunia, I shouldn't be bothering with their kind anyway"
"Good, the least we have to do with you the better anyway" Lily said, feeling her inner snake rising nexto Severus.
"You are the biggest kind of weirdo I've ever had the displeasure of meeting, I can hardly believe youre related to someone like my Petunia" Vernon said extremely venomous to Lily.
"Why dont you be a man and adress me?", Severus said, "Or are you only man enough to insult a lady?"
"Did I ask you for your opinion, greaseball?"
"No but neither have we asked for yours and the record your act is growing old muggle" Severus said in his most dangerous tone. "
"What did you just call me?"
"I called you a muggle. Basically it means youre a talented, spineless coward, to cut it short."
Petunia shrieked while Lily was enjoying every moment of it, it fed her inner snake deliciously and she could smell the fight in the air.
Vernon had pushed Severus against the wall, his massive fist crushing Severus shoulder. But Severus was trained after all those years at Hogwarts, to expect an attack and had already swiped his wand out.
With a quick prod Vernon had backed away from Severus, gripping his own arm in misery. Petunia howled and ran towards them.
"What have you done to my arm?" Vernon squealed.
"It is only an Itching spell. Nobody will be able to see it… the more you scratch the longer it will take to fade. Perhaps now you'll learn some self control." Severus said in his most victorious voice.
Needless to say, the rest of the evening went along quite smoothly. Vernon Dursley had set of to home rather early and Petunia locked herself up in her room in protest.
The moon was clearly visible when Severus announced that he would have to leave aswell.
"I need to get back to Malfoy Manor before Lucius sends out a search party for me. "
"Can we meet again this holiday?", Lily answered, "As you can see, theres not much that keeps me here"
"I think that shouldnt be too much of a problem, I'll owl you as soon as I can" Severus said, holding Lilys chin in his hand. She smiled up at him.
They shared one last kiss before Severus waved and disappeared infront of Lilys eyes.
When Lily walked upstairs her parents were once again fighting behind closed doors. She had become used to it but when she heard her name she stopped dead in her tracks.
"I do not want Lily to see him anymore!" her father shouted.
"Andrew you wont be able to stop Lily from seeing Severus" her mother said, sounding tired and anxious.
"I dont care! She cant continue seeing him anymore dont you understand ?"
"Understand what Andrew, perhaps its time you actually were honest with us for a change!"
"Its 'his' son Rose!"
Lily couldnt stand anymore of this and banged the door open.
"Who's son?"