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Chapter 15

The School Year Begins

Hermione and the other transfer students were officially sorted the week before the train came. She had not needed to persuade the hat into anything, though it did whisper, "done this before, eh?" before shouting out a loud, "Gryffindor!"

There were a few Slytherins and Hufflepuffs in the bunch, and apart from Hermione there were a handful of Gryffindors, all younger students; however, the majority of the transfer students remained in the Ravenclaw dorms, wise enough to know a good thing when they saw it.

Upon her sorting, she was officially introduced to Lily Evans.

Hermione had a knack for sussing out a person's personality traits within an initial conversation, and she was able to determine that she and Lily Evans might get along well, just as she thought Calliope Cohen might make a good study partner who wouldn't ask too many questions.

Lily and Hermione shared some similarities. They were both studious, intelligent, cared about grades, weren't afraid to speak their mind to their friends, and had a soft heart for those less fortunate than themselves.

As much as she found a friendly affinity with the other young woman, it was accompanied by a number of feelings. Some jealousy, that Lily could inspire such long-lasting love from Severus, as well as shame for feeling jealous. Sadness at the thought that such a bright, lively person would be dead in a few years, leaving an orphaned son behind, and guilt at the knowledge that Hermione would do nothing to prevent that death.

"Here," said Lily. "I'll show you around Gryffindor Tower." She must have been unaware Hermione had already been staying there prematurely, as Lily had her own separate suite.

Hermione followed to the girls' dormitory and met the McKinnons, fraternal twins who were easy to tell apart. Marina McKinnon was the newly-appointed prefect who had replaced Lily, since Lily now had additional Head Girl duties. Marina was petite, curvy, and bubbly, while her sister Marlene was tall, wiry, and athletic. They both had the same straight medium brown hair and wide smile.

Hermione smiled nervously and waved.

"Do you think you'll go out for Quidditch, Anna?" Marlene asked excitedly. "We'll need a few new players this year. I'm the keeper and we've already got Potter as seeker, but the other positions are up for grabs."

Hermione shook her head. "Oh no," she smiled weakly. "I'm terrible at flying and I'm quite afraid of heights."

Marlene looked disappointed, but Lily and Marina were enthused. "Oh good!" Marina said enthusiastically. "I'll have someone to talk to when all the talk turns to players or teams or the World Cup chances." Lily smiled knowingly and nodded.

After a few minutes of the girls getting to know each other and appearing to get along well, Marina perked up and nudged Lily lightly.

"Say, Anna!" Marina said. "You should join our study group. We could help you with any of the new material and you could teach us some Italian magical practices."

Hermione smiled shyly and agreed. Another friend.

XXX

The study group consisted of Lily Evans, Marina McKinnon, Calliope Cohen, and another Ravenclaw girl named "Ellie" who would arrive on the Hogwarts Express. Lily joked to Hermione that the girls were her gang of four, since friend groups at Hogwarts often tended to arrange themselves into fours.

"Oh, really? They do?" Hermione asked. The girls were all in the library that afternoon, as the August heat was sweltering.

"I mean, it just seems to happen." Lily shrugged. "Not that you aren't welcome to join, of course! It'll be better to have a fifth anyway, in case our schedules don't line up on a given day. I've got the Head Girl duties to check in on the transfer students this year, Callie and Marina both have prefect rounds, and Ellie is the Ravenclaw beater, so she'll have practice to keep up with. It is odd that there are a few groups of four around here," she finished thoughtfully. "It's not a particularly magical number either, like three, or seven, or thirteen."

"There's the Marauders and- Ooh, we should have a group name as well!" Marina chimed in. Callie huffed and rolled her eyes. "Don't scoff, Cal. If the boys can call themselves the Marauders and have special codenames for themselves like Moany and Proudfoot, there's no reason we can't as well." Hermione held in a snort.

"Firstly, we're a study group. There's no reason to have secret nicknames." Callie said flatly, turning the page of the book in front of her. "Secondly, I have no desire to compare myself to those attention seekers. Let's not and say we did. Or better, let's not even say we did. Please never say that we have to be 'like the boys' again."

Lily laughed. "Hear, hear!"

Hermione grinned. "Who are the Marauders?" She asked, even though she well enough knew the answer.

Lily made a face that was supposed to be a grimace, but her eyes shined amusedly. "James Potter, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. It's James and Sirius who are the troublemakers, really. Remus isn't a bad egg at all, he just gets roped into joining them sometimes. I think he goes along to keep them from getting killed or expelled, so he softens the blow, and everyone gets detention. Peter too, I think. He's shy and nice, but he's not good at saying no when he needs to."

"They're more than troublemakers, here they're almost legendary. Last year they gave half the Slytherins antlers!" Marina giggled.

"Technically, they never found out who did that…" Callie frowned thoughtfully.

"Oh, it was probably them," Lily said, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "James is Head with me this year and he keeps trying to convince me he's matured. We'll see if he can follow through on that." The rest of the girls giggled.

The day before the train arrived, Hermione and the rest of the study group ("No, we do not need some sort of moniker, Marina!") were reading and practicing Charm work down by the lake. They were enjoying the last bit of summer before classes started and had been out chatting and sunbathing all afternoon. Hermione had been hoping for a bit of alone time to study, as she never was normally so social, especially with other females, but this was an easy way to keep an eye on Lily. Inwardly, she resigned herself to the fact that Anna Perri might have to be more extroverted than Hermione Granger.

It had been some time since Hermione had seen Severus by the lake, but she did remember he had changed his mind about a post-workout swim.

Just as the afternoon sun bore down and the breeze from the lake faded away, the girls were joined by the three Marauders who were currently at school. James had brought his broom and was chatting with Lily as Sirius regaled an enraptured Marina with his adventures at the Potters over the summer. Remus nodded politely to Hermione and Callie before slipping under a tree to hide behind the book he was holding.

Suddenly, James jumped up and grabbed his broom. He jumped on it, racing it away over the lake.

"Look!"

"What's that?"

The others quickly gathered near the edge of the lake, craning their necks up to see what had sent James flying.

There were two figures in the air, both on brooms. They were shooting spells at each other and trying to dodge the flashes of light coming from the other's wand. James was zipping towards them on his broom, the water rippling below him as he dashed.

Red sparks, then blue, then white illuminated the afternoon sky like fireworks as the brooms and riders dashed rapidly over the water. Hermione was trying to make out who the duelers were, but the sun was behind them, casting their faces into shadows as they ripped through the air.

She had a sinking feeling in her stomach, call it intuition, that one of them was-

There was a yell and one of the figures stiffened. As if in slow motion, the stiffened rider fell backward off the broom they were riding and into the lake with a loud splash, the broom toppling down into the lake after. The watching figure in the air turned quickly and zoomed away toward the castle.

James went into a dive and followed the one who had fallen into the water, creating a large wave as he did. A soaking wet James managed to pull a sopping, stiff student out of the water, half dragging them on his broom til he reached the shore.

It was Severus.

"James!"

"Oh, my goodness, what happened?"

"It's Snape! What was he on about?"

Hermione pushed her way in front of everyone else. "Move! Out of the way!"

She did what she knew best and started directing. "James, put him down here! Lily, remove the body bind and start CPR! Remus, Marina, get Madam Pomfrey and… who is head of Slytherin- Slughorn! Get them here now, maybe Professor Dumbledore too!"

Everyone stood frozen for half a second too long.

"Well?" She cried. "Move it!"

Remus and Marina ran back towards the castle and James set Severus down on his back on the shore.

"I- I don't know CPR!" Lily stammered, her hands shaking.

"I do." Hermione quickly settled herself beside Severus, who was not moving even though James had countered the body-bind curse.

She half-wondered if it was a good idea to touch him like this when she was trying to keep her feelings hidden.

There was no time to worry about that now. First, breathing… she'd have to put her mouth on him to open his airway…

No, wait!

Immediately, she recalled what she had read in Medicinal Magic: A Helpful Guide for the Aspiring Mediwitch. "Velox incutio!"

Chest compressions were started, followed by the modified bubblehead charm. Hermione grabbed Severus' wrist to try to feel for a pulse.

12345…please please Severus, 678910…

Hermione's mind raced back to the Shrieking Shack and seeing him bleeding out on the dusty floorboards. Her chest tightened and her heart groaned that familiar refrain: dead and dying, dead and dying, dead and dying.

Is it possible I've messed something up? Did I alter the timeline somehow?

Out of the corner of her eye she saw James put his arm around a quavering Lily. She wasn't sure where Sirius and Callie were, but they could be behind her.

I have the Time-Turner. If I have to, I can go back and save him! Yes, yes, it'll be alright, everything will be okay in the end.

Her throat closed up and she tried to figure out how she could possibly go back in time and keep him from drowning when everyone had just seen the entire event unfold.

After Hermione felt she might pass out herself from holding her breath, she felt his pulse beneath her fingers. Severus gave a rasping breath and lurched upward, cancelling the chest compression spell. He turned over, spitting out water, his chest heaving.

Hermione felt all the muscles in her body relax, and it took everything in her power not to grab him and pull him into her lap and hold him tightly. He's safe, he's safe, he's safe.

Remus and Marina rounded the corner just then with Madam Pomfrey, Slughorn following and wheezing in the distance. Hermione heard shouting around her as those by the lake directed them this way, screaming that Snape nearly drowned and Anna had saved him.

Amidst the shouting, Severus turned to look at Hermione. His eyes were wide, and he was breathing deeply, struggling to catch his breath.

"You…" he whispered.

She felt tears slip down her cheeks as she looked back at him, hiding none of her relief he was safe. Severus lowered himself back down to the ground in exhaustion.

Soon the Hogwarts Express arrived, and the rest of the students noisily took over the castle. Hermione kept trying to subtly shoot glances at Severus across the Great Hall during the welcome feast. After a night and day in the Hospital wing recovering, Madam Pomfrey had reluctantly released him for the festivities, telling him to rest up over the weekend. The first of September was a Thursday that year, so Friday would be used only to hand out class schedules and get acclimated, and classes would begin Monday.

Severus was speaking to some of the other Slytherins at the table and they all had their heads put together. She saw a few almost-grins on his face and was somewhat put out.

Dumbledore's welcome speech introduced Professor Karkaroff, reminded the students to behave and show the new transfer students the famous Hogwarts hospitality, and mentioned that there would be some exciting changes and new events at the school this year. This was not followed by any explanation other than, "Let's hope you are sufficiently surprised. Now… dig in!"

After enough eating time had occurred, mingling between tables was allowed, and Hermione finally met the last study group member.

Elpida Dalton, or "Ellie", was tall and broad shouldered and had short dirty blond hair that was cropped just under her ears. She had the perfect physique for a beater, yet she had also inherited the bookish gene, and she was the kind of girl who was prone to frantic, anxious energy. She struck Hermione as the kind of person who signed up for too many responsibilities because she was bright and capable, but naturally ended up overextending herself and breaking down when it all became overwhelming. Nevertheless, Ellie was very kind and affable, and Hermione thought she could also get along with her.

It's a good thing, too. Hermione thought. I haven't had to deal with any Lavender or Parvati types yet. No girls gossiping about boys or the latest fashions from Witch Weekly.

She met a girl who fit the bill that night.

If Hermione had experienced twinges of jealousy when it came to being near beautiful and intelligent Lily, it was nothing in comparison to Arabella.

Arabella Cook was the last seventh-year Gryffindor in the girls' dormitory, as Lily now had her own suite. Arabella had deep chestnut-colored hair, elegantly stacked in curls on top of her head. Her nose was long and thin, and she had perfect pouty lips. Her brown eyes were the same color as her hair, reminding Hermione of molten chocolate. She had a sort of Old Hollywood glamour about her, having an appearance and movements as effortless as a 30's movie starlet. She oozed confidence and femininity without appearing to be trying too hard.

She looked just enough like Hermione for someone who didn't know either girl to think they could be sisters. In Hermione's mind, Arabella Cook looked a step or two more elegant than she did in every way. Just enough to make her feel completely inadequate.

"Nice to meet you, Anna." Arabella Cook smiled regally at her. "Marlene tells me you're from Italy. I'd love to hear all about it sometime. Especially about the Italian men." She winked at her and gave a knowing look. "Well, all," she turned as she announced to the room. "I'm off to check on the men here we've all been saddled with. Hopefully, none are too disappointing this year."

"Oh please," Marina called from across the room as she hung up her robes. "You're just going to go flirt with Black as usual."

Arabella gave a tinkling laugh. "Only if he flirts first," she called before sashaying out of the room.

Hermione gruffly opened her trunk and got out her night clothes and toiletries. "Is she always like that?" She asked Marina, comfortable enough with the girl by now to confide in her about the small things.

"Like what? You mean… flawless?"

Hermione looked sheepish but nodded.

Marina laughed and Marlene shrugged. "You get used to it." They said together.

Hermione was remembering what Slughorn had said months ago to her, but years in the future.

"…Professor Snape fancied the Cook girl…"

The younger Severus hadn't even looked at her in two weeks, if you didn't count those moments after coming out of the water. Hermione's heart ached in her chest.

It was going to be a long year.

Hermione got her class schedule the next day. The classes were all mixed-House at the N.E.W.T level, so she was sure to see some of her new friends in everything. She was no longer taking Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Muggle Studies, or History of Magic, though she still felt confident enough in her individual study that she could get an E or higher on those N.E.W.T tests without the classes.

Would it matter, anyway? Dumbledore had said that her student record showed evidence of her time travel. Perhaps because it listed her N.E.W.T scores as Anna Perri?

She managed well enough in the classes she attended on Monday, not raising her hand to answer every question or trying to call attention to herself in any way. At one point, this exercise in patience would have been exceedingly trying to the Know-It-All Gryffindor, but now she was glad that being unremarkable was part of the mission. She allowed herself a break from perfection; after all, she couldn't tip too many people off in the future that Anna Perri and Hermione Granger were the same person.

Slughorn threw a wrench in her plans when he approached her after the first Potions class.

"Ah, Miss Perri, is it? I'm inviting you along to my little club I have organized here, just the who's who among Hogwarts students and alumni. It's in a few weeks, near the end of the month, so plenty of time for me to invite all the promising students. You did quite well in class, Perri, and I saw some of your heroics down by the lake. You are going places, I'm sure. Best remember you!" He laughed jovially as Hermione's heart plummeted. She was going to have to work on him.

That afternoon, she joined her girl's study group in the library, chatting good naturedly with the others. Marina had not arrived yet, so it was only Elpida, Calliope, and Lily currently in the library when Hermione arrived, discussing their own classes and how they played into graduation.

"Hi Anna!" Ellie greeted her with a cheery nod, waving her over to their table. "How did you like your first day of Hogwarts classes?"

"Oh, they went well," Hermione said, still puzzling over how to make Slughorn forget her without trying to flunk the class. Failing was not an option.

After a few minutes of Hermione being lost in her thoughts, she realized the conversation had shifted back to the events of last week, rehashing them for the umpteenth time. Marina had also appeared at some point, and Hermione gave her a smile and nod.

"…and James swears he didn't get a good look at the one who cursed Snape, but he's sure it was a bloke." Lily finished telling Ellie.

"Sure, of course that's what Potter says. That certainly narrows down the list of suspects." Callie rolled her eyes and looked back at her Transfiguration homework. Lily looked a bit put off at the jab to James.

"But you saved him, Anna, they tell me! That's fantastic that you knew those healing spells. Did they offer healing magic courses in Genoa?" The girls all turned to Hermione at Ellie's question, and she had to think quickly on her feet.

"No, uh no. My mother taught me some. She um… she works as a healer." Not an absolute lie… a dentist was a muggle healer.

"Oh, you should talk to Arabella," Lily responded. "Apparently healing runs in the family, so she's expected to follow in the family tradition and work at St. Mungo's. She's great at Herbology and Charms, but she'll need help with the other healing N.E.W.T requirements, especially Potions."

"Is that right?" Hermione said, desperate to change the subject off herself. "What are your career plans after school?"

Lily, Callie, and Marina shook their heads, still considering. "I think I want to work in the Ministry," said Elpida quietly. "There are research positions and advocacy jobs… I just have trouble deciding, it all sounds exciting!"

"I could consider being an Unspeakable," Callie said thoughtfully. "It's difficult to get in, though; you have to be recruited."

"I think you just like the idea of being mysterious, Cal," Lily smirked. "I'm sure it's actually far less glamourous…" Lily trailed off as she looked past Hermione's shoulder to the library doors.

Hermione turned and saw Severus Snape walking into the library.

This was the best look at him she had gotten in a while, when he wasn't wearing his old workout robes. These robes he was wearing now were tailored to fit him perfectly, and Hermione tried not to think about the body of the man she had become familiar with by now.

Severus stalked in confidently, flanked by a few other Slytherins. His hair was pulled back in a tie and his thin lips were pulled tightly in determination.

He was an image of power, if less refined than he portrayed himself in the future. When she looked at him, she could see the man coming into being, if not yet fully there yet. It felt almost intimate to look at the young Severus Snape, knowing how he would mature.

Hermione's face flushed with a mixture of pride and pleasure.

"Who is that?" Elpida whispered, a little too loudly. The other girls shushed her.

"It's only Snape," Lily said through gritted teeth. "We were just talking about him, weren't you listening?"

"No!" Ellie's blue eyes widened. "What? I didn't even recognize him! He looks so different this year. What, did he get a haircut maybe?"

"Certainly, some grooming tips," Marina chimed in. "He's been working out and he walks differently too. He used to always have his head down and keep to himself, but he's been in a group mostly now."

"Of course, he has," Lily hissed. "He's hanging out with all the wannabe Death Eaters who are making him over into one of them."

"We don't know that they're Death Eaters," Callie said levelly, pushing her large glasses up on her nose. "We shouldn't assume-"

"Fine, Dark Arts afficionados, if you like." Lily retorted. She turned to Hermione, trying to explain her ire to the new observer. "I didn't want to say earlier, since it wasn't the right time after he was hurt… We used to be friends- good friends, actually, but he called me a Mudblood in front of everyone after I was only trying to help him."

"No!" Hermione said, horrified. Severus never mentioned this had happened. He must still love and care for Lily anyway though, to later change his mind and leave that life, all for her?

Lily nodded firmly. "Just proof of his prejudices. If he isn't a Death Eater, he's well on his way. I don't condone trying to drown him in the lake, but…well… See those with him? The tall blond one is Evan Rosier. He's a good dueler but he is a firm believer in their cause, thinks muggles are scum. The one in the middle there is John Avery III, a stuck-up prat who acts big, but he's a coward when there's no one else around. That last one is Milton Mulciber, he has pulled some of the worst pranks here, if you can even call them that. I heard he implanted false memories in a girl after he knocked her out and she had to be obliviated to be able to sleep at night."

"Now hold on." Callie closed her book and looked up, frowning. "I don't think those rumours were ever substantiated. If we look at the facts-"

"What?" Lily almost snarled at Callie, who looked startled. "I'm a Muggleborn, Calliope, don't you know? It's my kind that they're talking about getting rid of or re-educating or whatever the talking points are now. This is exactly why I stopped being friends with Sev- Snape. You can't believe I'm better off dead while you're smiling and making nice to my face."

Hermione was taken aback by the quick change of tone at the table, but she completely understood where Lily was coming from. She had been wrestling with this herself. She wasn't enthused by the idea that Snape was a Death Eater because he bought the rhetoric.

In fact, she thought. The only reason I can feel for him now is because I know he won't stay like this. I know he has a good heart. He can change because I already know that he did, I've seen it. If I were in Lily's place now, I might have done the same.

"Uh, Lily," Marina said nervously. "You might want to finish with that talk. They're heading over."

Sure enough, the group of Slytherins began walking toward the girls' table, Snape leading the way. Snape walked all the way up to the table, while the other three stayed a few paces back, confirming they were simply there for back up.

"Ladies." Severus nodded curtly. Callie returned the nod with raised brows. Marina began to wave but lowered her hand slowly as Lily kicked her under the table. Ellie simply stared at him confusedly, and Hermione bit her lip.

"Perri," he said quietly. "Might I speak to you in private?"

"She stays here, Snape." Lily chimed in before Hermione could speak, glowering at him. "I don't trust your goons."

Hermione frowned and made a face at Lily, taking offense at being spoken for. Severus ignored Lily's demand but didn't ask anything further and simply turned his back on her and faced Hermione.

"I simply wanted to thank you, Perri, for… assisting me last week." Severus said stiffly, clearly frustrated at the audience. "Let me know what I can do to… return the favour." He met her eyes only briefly, but Hermione saw the same familiar dark waves crashing in the irises. Before she could get lost in his eyes, he turned his head, not waiting for her response.

Severus nodded sharply before he turned fluidly and walked away. Mulciber, Rosier, and Avery sneered and glowered at the girls before turning on their heels and following him out.

"Well, that was… almost… that was nice of him." Hermione said, breaking the silence at the table after a few long seconds.

"Not exactly," Callie said, pushing her large glasses up her nose. "It's his half of the contract. He owes you."

The others all turned to look at Callie.

"What do you mean, Cal?" Ellie said, confused.

"My Uncle was in Slytherin, that's how I know. It's basically a rule that nothing is done for you without something being expected in return."

Lily wrinkled her nose. "Of course not. There isn't any such thing as just being nice for those people."

"Wait, so Snape owes Anna something for saving him last week? This is brilliant!" Marina said exuberantly. "You need to think of something good!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Hermione said. "I am perfectly fine with just being nice. Besides, better save it in case he ever does return the favour in some way. Instead of me owing him back again, it'd just be even then. I'd hate to be in debt to a Slytherin for something."

The others murmured and nodded in agreement before finally returning to their schoolwork.

I wonder if this means he has a debt to James Potter too, Hermione thought. He did pull Severus out of the water to begin with.

Severus left the library with the others behind him, pausing to separate at the entrance.

"Don't forget our deal, Snape." Avery said quietly. "Oh, and Wilkes wants in too if you have the time." Severus pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes but nodded.

Avery and Mulciber slipped away together, discussing potential consorts. Rosier stayed behind and turned to Snape.

"I hope this won't become a problem, Severus." Rosier said, stepping close to him to avoid being overheard.

"Of course not, Evangelos. I'll turn it around to my benefit in the end," Severus replied steadily. "Besides, the transfer students are our best bet for recruits this year, so it can hardly hurt."

"Be sure it doesn't," Rosier said, grinning. "I'd hate to answer to the handler for a foolish mistake like owing a debt to a Gryffindor."

Snape raised an eyebrow. "You've figured out who the handler is?"

"Hah. No, I'm not that unlucky. You behave yourself, Snape, or we'll all have to answer to the handler. Maybe the Dark Lord himself after that."

As Rosier walked quickly away down the opposite corridor as the other two had, Severus turned around to be met by the four banes of his existence stalking straight towards him.

Wonderful. Just when I need the idiots, they all leave.

"Snape." Potter's eyes were icy as he surveyed him. "Looks like the lake did you some good. Your hair has lost most of the grease."

Pettigrew laughed and Severus fingered his wand in his robe pocket.

"Wait a minute James," Black said in a mock jovial manner as he slung his arm over his friend's shoulder. "As one from a family of Slytherins, I seem to remember something about their notion of tit for tat. Eye for an eye, that kind of thing. Just remind dear Snivellus here that you're the one who pulled him out of the lake when he was incapable of swimming."

"Sirius…" Lupin chimed in warningly. Who the fuck cares? Snape thought, at least feeling superior over Lupin in his own current social standing. Your friends don't. Your bark has no bite, wolf. They're never going to listen to your mothering.

"Leave off a minute, Moony," James said. "Is that true, Snape? You owe me again? I already saved your life once, didn't I?"

"You undid that debt fairly quickly, Potter." Snape sneered. "Or haven't you forgotten your past… indiscretions? I'm sure Evans hasn't." The taunt worked and James' face contorted in rage.

"You sneaky, slithering bastard! You stay away from Evans!" Potter was held back by Lupin and Black as he attempted to lunge forward towards Severus, who smirked in satisfaction.

"Calm down, Prongs. Don't react now," Sirius countered with a feral grin. "This debt still counts. I'll help you come up with a price for repayment."

The four shuffled along together into the library, Lupin looking almost apologetic and Pettigrew looking smug while the other two glared and whispered conspiratorially.

Severus watched them walk over to the girls' table he had just left.

Interesting, he thought as he watched the Marauders' approach. Perri doesn't like them either.

The girl had nearly jumped when she saw them coming and began to squirm in her seat. When Sirius Black leaned in with a wide grin to talk to her, she actually did jump up and excuse herself.

Severus smirked. Perri had risen even further in his esteem already just for that reaction. As he watched her hurry out of the library, he admired her figure (she has curves under those robes) and decided she looked very pretty when she blushed, even if her hair was a bit unruly.

Hmph. Another thing we have in common- impossible to manage hair.

She didn't even notice him standing there watching her until she nearly collided with him.

"Oh, my goodness, I'm so sorry! I- I just…" She finally noticed whose chest she had nearly run into.

She is the perfect height too, he thought as she looked up at him.

He cleared his throat. "Miss Perri."

She smiled brilliantly up at him and her blush returned in a light pink. "Mr. Snape."

God, the way she looks at you, Snape. Maybe you can get lucky soon, you fuckwit.

"I've noticed we have a mutual… thorn in our side, shall we say." He jerked his head towards the library, indicating the Marauders.

"Oh, oh you mean… James and Sirius… oh no, no they're fine… just." She bit her lip and looked away.

Severus angled closer to her, speaking softly. A thrill ran through him when he heard her breath hitch ever so slightly. "You don't need to lie to me about it, Perri. Go ahead and pretend they aren't bothering you when you're surrounded by the yes-men of Gryffindor. Slytherins don't care about hurt feelings."

"I… oh well… yes. Yes, Sirius makes me a little… uncomfortable, but they're all friends with the girls, so I'm… making nice, I guess."

Severus was a new man this year, not the bullied nobody of the previous six years at Hogwarts. He had decided to stand and fight for himself, like his mother hadn't. So, he had finally accepted Lucius' offer last semester and started building up his status so he could join up. Pureblood etiquette lessons, new clothes, tips on self-care, workout routine and broom. These were all pieces of the new and improved no-one-can-murder-me-now Snape. He had to protect himself, fight for himself because no one else would.

Severus Snape was well on his fucking way. He had his own posse now to protect him from the Marauding morons and he had built up his confidence over the last six months.

Severus Snape bloody hell went for it.

He stepped closer to her, making his meaning clear. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

Her mouth opened in a small, round 'o' as she looked up at him. She didn't step away.

"Yes," she whispered. "But I rather like that."

Severus' eyes flashed at her and his mouth formed a smirking smile. She bit her lip, stepped sideways from him and began walking away.

"See you around, Snape." She smiled at him cheekily over her shoulder.

Oh yes, this is going to be a fucking fantastic year.