/I don't own anything you recognize in this story. /

Chapter Four

The rest of my first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry passed quickly. All my classes were equally interesting, but probably the most interesting class of all was Potions class. It was fascinating to learn how the smallest things could make the most powerful concoctions in the world.

Finally going back down into the dungeons to my dormitory, I threw my bag onto my bed and started heading out again. I had a date with Dumbledore and I didn't want to risk being late.

As I was near the door about to head out, someone from behind me called out to me. Turning around, I noticed Lucius Malfoy hurrying towards me. He was a tall boy of five foot eleven pale blue eyes, pale complexion, and long, white-blond hair. He was something of handsome and all the girls in Slytherin mooned over him and even some of the girls from other houses, as well.

"I just wanted to let you know, Snape," Lucius began, "that I think you handled yourself well in Transfiguration today. They are nothing short of blood traitors and someone needed to break it to them."

I smiled softly. "Thanks, Malfoy. I almost thought my efforts went unnoticed."

Lucius smiled back. "I was wondering if somehow we could be partners, friends. You seem like a trustworthy person among our fellow classmates."

"Thank you for the gesture, Lucius, but I am afraid I'll have to continue this conversation some other time, I have an appointment with a teacher and I don't think I can be late. Apparently it seemed very important," I answered, hoping to finally shake this boy off.

Lucius shook his head. "Of course, you don't want to be on the wrong side of the teacher on the first day of school already, do you?"

"Of course not, I have to be here for the next seven years, obviously," I replied.

"Don't we all though?" he asked.

"You don't have any idea."

Finally saying goodbye, I headed out the door and headed upstairs towards Professor Dumbledore's room. As I got closer, I wondered why Dumbledore wanted to talk with me of all the people that he had to teach. Or maybe he did and had meetings all lined up throughout the day and week. Finally reaching the classroom, I knocked softly upon the door and heard someone call 'come in' from within.

Pushing my way foreword, I walked down between the desks and saw Dumbledore sitting at his desk, studying a piece of parchment in his hand. Looking up, Dumbledore smiled when he saw whom it was and stood up, holding out his hand to shake mine. I reluctantly took his hand in mine and shook it, wondering why he was being so kind, yet so formal.

"I was wondering when you were going to come in, Severus," Dumbledore exclaimed, smiling, "I almost thought that you forgot about our little meeting."

"I was held up by one of my classmates, professor," I answered.

"Ah, nothing more distracting than one of your own friends," Dumbledore said.

"He's not a friend, professor, I hardly know who he is," I said.

"And who might this person be, I wonder?" Dumbledore asked.

"Lucius Malfoy, sir," I replied.

"Ah, Lucius Malfoy. His family goes far back as any family can go. A very proud family," Dumbledore stated.

"So I've heard, sir, and very respectable. I'm sure one of the very few families that has such status," I retorted, "and they have a right to be. I would."

"I see you are very interested in family lineage. Such a powerful factor, families," Dumbledore exclaimed.

"How so, sir?" I asked, wondering where this conversation was going.

"It can create both friends and enemies, create long lasting bonds or destroy whole families. Be careful of who you befriend and who you reject, Severus, it can either aid you or hurt you," Dumbledore stated.

"Professor Dumbledore," a voice said at the door and I turned around as Dumbledore turned from my face. It was Professor McGonagall with James Potter and Sirius Black.

Walking swiftly down the aisle way while dragging the two boys with her. Finally stopping in front of Dumbledore's desk and pushing me roughly aside, McGonagall shoved both James and Sirius in front of her with a disgruntled look on her face.

"These two boys have been found in the broom cupboard trying to snitch off a couple of brooms to go to the Qudditch pitch, Professor," McGonagall exclaimed haughtily.

Dumbledore looked down at the two boys. Secretly I hoped that he would punish them thoroughly. They most certainly deserved it—after all, first years aren't allowed to have brooms, let alone use the school's ones.

"Boys will be boys, Minerva," Dumbledore stated.

"Yes, of course, Albus, but you have to consider the rules and they are in your house," McGonagall said haughtily.

Dumbledore turned to James and Sirius. "Why were you two trying to get brooms from the broom cupboard, you two?"

"Well, our first flying lessons were coming up and we thought we'd take a couple brooms out and practice, professor," James answered.

Dumbledore nodded. "Well said. I would have done the exact same thing myself if I was in your place. But you two must realize that first years aren't allowed to be anywhere near the broomsticks unless in lessons and I must have to punish you regardless. Twenty points will be taken from Gryffindor and both of you will serve two nights detention. Is this understood?"

The two of them agreed and Dumbledore nodded in satisfaction. I could hardly believe it. That was basically just a slap on the wrist and go on doing what you want to! But I didn't dare say anything; I didn't want Dumbledore to become angered with me.

"Well, go along then, both of you. Minerva, will you kindly escort them out? And Severus, I am afraid that I'll have to postpone our meeting for some other time, I have some things that I must do. Please leave quietly, all of you," Dumbledore said.

"All right, you lot, you heard what he said, let's go," McGonagall exclaimed.

Trailing behind the three in front of me, I turned to look back at Dumbledore again. Oddly enough, he was looking back at me, also. Once again, I wondered why he always seemed to be studying me curiously. Not wanting to be in the room for another moment longer, I turned and left the room quickly, leaving Dumbledore in my wake.