They Didn't Know We Were Seeds

It's when he's alone for the first time since the end of holidays she approaches him. A smile on her artfully painted face, she slips into the chair across from him and says, "You're Severus Snape, aren't you?"

He closes the herbology book he's reading. Here goes his quiet afternoon in the library. Pushing forth a steely mask, he sneers, "Lucius asked you to speak to me, hasn't he? Tell him I'm still not interested in demonstrating my spells for him."

Narcissa Malfoy (or soon-to-be, anyhow) plays coy. "I don't know what you're talking about, Severus."

Severus sighs. "I'm not a dunderhead."

"Of course not," Narcissa replies, her smile stretching wider. "I've heard you are quite a clever boy."

He glares at her. Severus is utterly insulted that she thinks a few compliments will win him over. Even if he were truly twelve, he would have seen right through her patronizing act.

Narcissa's eyes alight with amusement. "You're going to give yourself worry lines before you're fifteen, sweetie."

"How old do you think I am? Five?" he demands.

She laughs. Then, suddenly, her face is sharp and serious as she says, "It has come to my attention you kept my little cousin company over holidays."

Severus pauses at the abrupt change in demeanor and conversation. This is highly unexpected. Narcissa never spoke of Sirius unless it was to disparage him during their time at Hogwarts the first time. While Severus wants to mull over what he's done that may have changed this, he's more concerned with how this information got to her. Who told her? Severus bets it was that damn Sage Montague. He's going to have to teach that little bugger the value of secrecy when he next sees him. "I just took meals with him a few times." And had a brawl with him. He and Narcissa didn't need to discuss that part, however.

"I wanted to thank you, is all," she says. Narcissa then leans in ever so slightly, expression one of turmoil. "I understand why my aunt and uncle are upset with Sirius, but to not invite him on holiday with our families…" she shakes her head, causing a few strands to fly away from the impeccable plait she has her hair styled in. "It was unnecessarily cruel."

He shifts uncomfortably in his seat. He doesn't know what to say. Do. Severus had eaten with Sirius for mainly selfish reasons – to avoid his housemates, not because he actually likes the mutt. "You're welcome," he finally mutters.

Narcissa smiles once more. "I'll speak to Lucius," she tells him. "Yaxley and his mates will stop pestering you."

Severus stares. "Why?" he asks, suspicious.

The blonde's eyes soften. "My family means a great deal to me."

That, Severus believes without any doubt. If Narcissa feels even a fraction of the same love she held for her son for Sirius, she's going to use whatever channels open to her to keep Sirius out of major trouble and in the good graces of their family.

Unluckily for Severus, it seems he's made himself that channel.

-O-

Walking into the Slytherin bathrooms, Severus smirks when he sees a dripping Montague step out from one of the shower stalls. "Hey, Montague!" he calls.

The boy freezes.

Smirk widening into a feral grin, he remarks, "I haven't seen you in a few days." Pulling his wand from his sleeve, he taps it thoughtfully against his chin. "I was wondering if you got lost in the dungeons." Walking forward, he says, "But, then, yesterday I had a lovely chat with Narcissa Malfoy about her cousin."

Severus is centimeters from Montague's face now. His grin is gone and a severe frown has taken its place. Despite wearing what Severus knows is an awfully mean expression, defiance still lurks in Montague's blue eyes. The slight tremor in Montague's jaw gives away his fear, however. In a low growl, Severus says, "I thought I told you to keep your mouth shut about Sirius."

"You said not to tell anyone about bringing him into the dorms. I didn't," Montague counters bravely.

He snorts. "I know you're not that much of a dunderhead. You know you weren't supposed to say anything about Sirius at all to anyone."

Montague purses his lips. "What are you going to do?" he demands.

Severus pulls back and smirks once more. "Thank you, I suppose," he says, "Narcissa was quite happy about the news and has promised to get Yaxley and his ilk off my back."

The boy's mouth drops open, incapable of hiding his surprise and shock.

Re-pocketing his wand, Severus turns his attention to the sinks and mirrors and pretends to fuss with his hair (as if he actually cares what it looks like). "I'm sure you were expecting a different outcome after you told her. Unfortunately for you, your plan backfired." Finished with his act, Severus says, "It's been a pleasure speaking with you. I'll see you around, Montague."

And with that, Severus turns his back on the gobsmacked boy and leaves.

-o-O-o-

They are in the unused classroom they claimed as theirs early in the year, working on their personal projects in silence. Now and again, Lily looks up from the Charms paper she's writing to smile at Severus. It makes him itch for a reason he can't quite place. Finally, after several minutes of her just smiling instead of talking, he demands, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

She puts down her quill and comes to sit beside him on the desk he's monitoring his simmering potion from. "Earlier, James was complaining about you. Sirius told him, and I quote, 'Severus's kind of a prick, but not Grindelwald incarnate. Quit talking about him like he is.'"

"Hm," he replies, not sure what else to say. Or feel, for that matter. He still doesn't like Sirius – isn't sure he ever will, but he does like that he's putting Potter in his place. The fact he's doing it in defense of Severus makes it all the better as well.

Lily bumps his shoulder. "I don't know what you did or said to him over Hols, but I'm proud of you. It's nice to see you're working to make this time around a more pleasant school experience."

Severus is left speechless for a moment. "Thank you," he finally croaks.

Her expression is sweet as she presses a kiss to his cheek. "There's no reason to thank me, Severus. It's all you."

How'd you like this chapter? I thought the end was especially sweet. What about you?

Thanks for reading (: