And here is Sirius, letting you know who owns it all.

Sirius: She owns nothing.

Me: Oh, yeah? Then who does?

Sirius: The honorable Lady Rowling.

Me: Surely you can't be serious?

Sirius: I am Sirius. And don't call me Shirley.

Yay, I'm back! Did ya'll miss me? No? Hmm, probably cuz I've been talkin to ever' one practically every day. Well, let me rephrase that: I've been talkin to those lovely people who reviewed. Those lovely people are the best in the world—they are Marauder3Moony, Snapes' True Love, and Lyssa Snape. You guys rock! Well, reckon I'll quit wasting my time and get out of your way. Now, on with the show! And no, I'm not listening to The Phantom of the Opera while I'm writing this... okay, maybe I am. Wanna make somethin of it? grins I just love Gerard Butler.

Chapter Three

"Severus! Breakfast is ready!" Eileen called as she knocked on his door.

"Nnnpphhhhh."

"Severus, darling, are you awake?"

"I'm up," Severus yawned.

"Hurry and get dressed. Breakfast is on the table. We've just enough time to eat and get there in time."

Severus climbed from under his blanket and threw on a pair of faded black jeans and a black sweater. What was so important about today? After all, something was supposed to happen, but he just couldn't remember what...

Tying his shoelaces, he realized what was so important about today—today was September first. Today was the day he left to go to his new school. From what his mother had told him, Hogwarts sounded perfect. He couldn't wait to get there and see it for himself.

He raced downstairs and skidded to a stop in the kitchen. Hearing her son's race through the house made her look up from the eggs that she was currently dividing between the two of them.

"Good morning, luv. How was your night?"

"Perfect."

Eileen laughed at her son's blissful expression. "Was it, now?" She placed the two plates on the small table and they both began to eat in a comfortable silence. Eileen had prepared eggs, toast, and bacon because she knew how much her son loved it. As soon as they were finished and the dishes were put away, the two turned to each other.

"How are we going to get there?"

"We'll take the night bus, of course. Now, run along and fetch your things and we'll be off."

Sometime later found the two of them standing at Kings Cross between platforms nine and ten. Severus looked around but didn't see the sign announcing nine and three-quarters.

"Mum, where is it?" he asked.

"Just here, between platforms nine and ten. See the barrier between the two?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Walk into it."

"Ma'am?" Severus was starting to fear for his mother's sanity. After all, who ever heard of having to walk into a brick wall in order to board a train?

"Remember, things are not always as they appear in the magical world. Trust me. Here, hold my hand and we'll do it together. Ready?" He nodded. "Count of three. One, two, three, go," she confidently walked forward and Severus went along with her. He braced himself as he neared the wall and closed his eyes as he walked, but was surprised as he did not collide with anything.

Opening his eyes he was amazed to see a platform that had not been there before. Looking behind him he saw a brick wall. How had that happened?

"Come along, dear, or we'll be late," Eileen smiled softly.

Severus nodded and started forward, dragging his trunk behind him. They made their way across the crowded platform towards the large train. Once there, Eileen stopped and turned to her son.

"Oh, Severus, you're going to have so much fun there. Do remember to write."

"Of course I will, Mum."

Eileen sighed wistfully. "My little baby is of to his first year of Hogwarts. You're going to be so happy there. You'll make friends and you'll learn so much new stuff and...and..."

Severus was afraid she was about to burst into tears for a second before she noticed someone behind him.

"Eileen, darling, so good to see you again. How have you been?" smiled a woman looking to be about the same age as she was.

"I've been well, Christine. You?"

"Lovely. And who is this fine young gentleman?" Christine asked as she gazed down at Severus.

"Have we really been apart so long? This is my son, Severus. He starts Hogwarts this year."

"Does he really? Simply amazing. I assume he takes after his father in appearances?"

"Unfortunately, yes," Eileen laughed. "Severus, dear, this is your Aunt Christine Prince."

"Not anymore, love. We have been out of touch, haven't we? It's Christine Malfoy now."

"Malfoy? Ah, so you and ole Charles finally got together, eh?"

"Yes, we did," laughed her sister.

"Always knew you'd end up together. So, what brings you here?"

"I also have a son attending Hogwarts. He is, however, in second year. Lucius, come meet your aunt and her son," she called over her shoulder.

Lucius Malfoy soon appeared at his mother's side. His flowing white-blonde hair was flowing down to his waist and his cool grey eyes held Severus in awe as he gazed at him.

"Hello. Lucius Malfoy," he stated as he held out his hand.

"Severus Snape," he replied as he shook the offered hand.

"Know which House you'll be in?"

"House?"

"Guess you never really know until you're sorted, though, do you?" Seeing his cousin's blank expression, he added, "You do know about the Houses, do you not?"

"Should I?"

Lucius sighed. "Come along. I'll explain everything on the train." He took hold of his trunk and waited for Severus to do the same before turning to the women.

"Good bye, Mother. See you at Christmas."

"Bye, Mum."

"Have a good year, darling," Christine nodded.

"Don't forget to write, Severus. Don't get into too much trouble."

"I won't, Mum."

"Don't worry. I shall look out for him. After all, he is family," Lucius nodded to Eileen as he placed an arm around Severus' shoulders.

"Thank you, Lucius. I would appreciate it."

"You had best hurry, boys, or the train will leave without you," Christine pointed out.

"Of course. Come along, Severus, and we shall find us a compartment to ourselves."

Severus waved to his mother as he followed his cousin. They walked along the corridor before finding an empty compartment near the back. After the trunks were stored, they sat opposite each other and let their pets out of their carriers. Lucius had a beautiful white owl that was named Herod. It took only a moment to teach Mugsey to leave the bird alone, although it appeared that he would rather rub his head against it than eat it.

The train soon began to move and they were silent for a bit longer before Lucius turned to him.

"So, how much do you know about Hogwarts?"

"Just that Mum went there to learn magic. Not much more, really."

"Well, Hogwarts is divided into four Houses. They are Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor," Severus couldn't help but notice the disgust in his voice when Lucius said the last.

"I take it you don't like Gryffindor?"

"No self-respecting person does. No, the best House is Slytherin. With any luck, you'll be placed there."

"Is that where you are? Slytherin, I mean."

"But of course."

The rest of the journey was passed by Lucius telling him all he could about Hogwarts—the students to avoid, the teachers, the subjects, and even of meals in the Great Hall. The only breaks were when the lady with the snack cart came by and when a couple of Lucius' friends came by to talk for a moment.

After they were silent for a bit, Lucius stood and announced that he should change into his school robes, as they would be there in a few minutes. Just as he had said, about ten minutes later they had pulled to a stop and the first years were being called aside by a giant of a man.

"See you at the Sorting," Lucius nodded as he went off with his friends.

Severus stood for a moment before climbing into the small boat in front of him. Lucius had warned him that first years were escorted across the lake, but he still was reluctant to enter the boat. He definitely did not like water.

He looked up at the castle as the boats started to move. He was looking forward to his first year at Hogwarts. From what Lucius had told him, he was in for an interesting year. Little did he know, his life was about to change drastically. This very night, something would happen that would change his life for ever.

TBC...

AN: Yay! We're at Hogwarts! Sorry it took so long. Please don't kill me! cowers So, th-th-th-that's all, folks (this chapter, mind). Review and tell me what you think of it. (beg, much?) And don't worry, Severus and Lucius will be evil. Lucius is just waiting until the time is right to show his true colors. Severus will be whatever Lucius influences him to be. So, yes, he will eventually be eviler. (is that even a word?) Once again, many thanks to those who have reviewed. To those who read and don't review, I do know you're there. Please at least drop by and give a message of at least one letter, or even a blank one with your name on it. It will make me feel much better, and I just may even update a bit faster (just a hint). NEhoo, reckon I've bored you enough, so...

TTFN