Note: Well, we're getting down to it. This is the second to last chapter. I know it was rather short, huh? Well, I wanted it to be short and simple from the start. Well, the editing might be a bit rush becuase I'm trying to get this all done before I leave for Japan. I also really do not know what is happening to the spacing and tabs I put in. They always seem to disappear when I upload it. Sorry about that. At any rate, I hope you like it : )
Chapter Six
The Teenage queen, the loaded gun
the drop dead dream, the Chosen One
A subtle kiss that no one sees;
A broken wrist and a big trapeze
It's funny how you just break down
Waitin' on some sign
I pull up to the front of your driveway
With magic soakin' my spine
Can you read my mind?
Woman, open the door, don't let it sting
I wanna breathe that fire again
She said I don't mind, you don't mind
'Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
Put your back on me
The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun
Can you read my mind?
Getting up and brushing he robes off, he began to creep out from his hiding space only to see Lily standing there peering around the side of the stone sculpture. Severus was so shocked he cried out and tumbled back onto the floor. Lily laughed with a hand over her mouth and moved to help him off the ground.
"I thought I saw you behind here…" She smiled, grasping his hand and helping him up. "Whatever are you doing?"
"Erm…. must've… lost…uh…some sort of…. Something…" Snape murmured. She made no reply as he looked at her face. She was smiling and staring at him. Thrown off by her odd behavior he coughed. "Anything wrong?" He asked gruffly.
"I've missed you… How was your holiday?" She lead him out from behind the statue and into the crowded corridor.
"Dreadfully boring." Snape said, sounding morose. "How was yours…"
"Wonderful, my family and I went to Ireland. I saw all sorts of things. Where's your next class?" She asked, moving down the corridor.
"History of Magic." Snape muttered, walking beside her awkwardly.
"Oh, I've got Transfiguration. It's right on the way. What made it so boring, anyway?"
"Eh? Oh… I just…read the entire time…" He replied.
"You read for three weeks straight?" She asked in disbelief, starting to ascend the stair case to the third floor. "About what?"
"Advanced forms of magic, actually…" He tried not to sound like he was bragging, "Have you heard of Legilimency?" Snape asked, feeling suddenly in his element. Lily shook her head, but looked interested. "Oh… I suppose it something like… what Muggles call 'mind reading', but rather different. It allows you to purge and search the memories of others. It can be quite useful if you want to see if someone's lying or not." Lily looked awestruck.
"You… can read peoples minds?" She asked in hushed voice. "Scary… Is it very difficult, then?"
"Somewhat… finding specific memories is quite trying, but once you've got the hang of it-"
"Can you teach me how to do it?" She asked, suddenly breathless. Snape considered it momentarily.
"Yes, I suppose…" He nodded, a stir of excitement buzzing in his mind.
"Oooh, that's fantastic!" She said smiling, "Let's go!" She grabbed Snape by the wrist and suddenly veered off course.
"Right now?" Snape was jarred as she pulled him along. "But what about class?"
"I'm nearly sixteen years old and I've never cut class. Might as well do it once, eh?" She ran down the hall and through the corridor. As they ran through the corridors Snape was aware of some students watching and pointing at them. They went through a door and into a deserted stone hallway. Lily opened a door to their right and craned her neck inside. "It's empty, come on…" She gestured, stepping inside. Inside it was incredibly dusty and dark. Shades blocked lights from the windows and a stack of old desks was pushed against the back wall. An old desk was falling apart beside a filthy old chalkboard.
"Wow… this place is ancient…" Lily speculated. She stepped lightly over to the old desk and cleaned it with a wave of her wand. She took a seat on top of it and crossed her legs, looking very lady-like. "Ready?" She asked, looking as expectant as a child on it's birthday. Snape nodded a bit, wondering where to begin.
"Well, like I said… It's looking into the memories of another person… So at first… you never really know what'll happen." He explained.
"Can you show me?" Lily requested. Snape looked at her curiously.
"You want me to show you how it works? But, I wouldn't want to invade your thoughts or anything…" He traced his lips nervously.
"It's all right, I give you permission." She said, not sounding bothered in the slightest.
"Well, if that's what you want… You had better brace yourself…" He warned, taking a step back and produced his wand. He smiled at bit… He was alone in an abandoned classroom with the most beautiful girl in school, while class was going on elsewhere. James Potter would've given all the galleons in Gringotts to be where he was right now. Lily took a breath and nodded, her hair sweeping the side of her face gracefully.
"I'm ready…" He voice was confident. Snape took a breath and readied his wand.
"Legilimens!" He uttered, focusing his mind with great ease. At once her memories came pouring into his head like photographs from an old album fluttering in the air before him.
A young Lily pranced about in a satin pink dress at a party… A bony faced girl with a fearful look in her eyes and Lily stood arguing with one another… A group of girls at a Muggle school ran from Lily screaming, their faces covered in green boils… Lily sat waiting in a Muggle hospital, her eyes moist…. Lily dove courageously into a frozen lake, wand in hand…
Severus heard Lily whimper and he was immediately was driven out of her mind. The cloudy memories faded from his mind and his eyes were flooded with a sight of the present-day Lily stood, looking pale and shaken, her back against the filthy chalk board.
"Lily! Are you all right?" Severus rushed to her side, putting a hand onto her shoulder. When she looked up at him fear and exhilaration swum in her eyes.
"I-I'm fine… that was… crazy… Could you see everything that I saw?" Her voice quivered a bit as Snape nodded. She breathed a nervous but passionate sigh. "That felt so weird…" Severus laughed a bit at her words.
"I warned you…" He told her earnestly. She looked at him with a sheepish glance suddenly and giggled a bit tensely.
"Erm… would you mind if I tried it…?" Snape was suddenly taken aback.
"Oh… well, if you can pull it off… I don't… mind so much…" He felt extremely anxious at the thought, but didn't want to deny her. "Just focus your mind… like an arrow and let the memories come to you… if you try to reject it, it'll stop…"
"Ok." She breathed, grasping her wand. "It's 'Legilimens', right? Um, All righty… Legilimens!" Nothing happened at first. Snape felt a sort of buzzing in his head but that was all.
"Focus…" He assured her, "Concentrate and it'll be simple…"
"Legilimens!" She tried again. Snape's mind went white for a moment, but he regained his footing immediately.
"Oh… I think I'm blocking you out…" He admitted with a smirk. "Try once more…" With an extremely determined look, Lily lifted her wand.
"LEGILIMENS!" She shouted with force. Snape relaxed and let her penetrate his guard.
…He was a small boy reaching for the hands of his mother, she didn't notice him… He was six years old, lying on the ground of his home, clutching his bleeding arm and weeping… His mother was wrenching open the door behind him… He was eleven watching a dying bird wriggle in the grass outside his home… He was at Hogwarts being held by Sirius Black as James Potter cursed him over and over…. Snape sat on the ground, clutching his bleeding mouth… James Potter's voice echoed in his ears like an eerie recording…'Lily could never love you. Never. You know why? Because you're a cruel, hideous-'
Snape shouted and immediately shut his mind off, shaking with shame. He shut his eyes, trying to purge the memory from his being…
"S-severus?" Lily spoke up nervously. The air was extremely thick. Severus opened an eye and looked over at her. It was blatant and out in the open now… there was nothing he could do… He wondered how she might react, feeling as if he could never look her straight in the face again. She looked wary, but hopped lithely down from her perch and floated straight over to where he stood. Her expression was distressed and sorrowful. Snape swallowed nervously; she was extremely close. "Was James the one… who… beat you up that one night…?" She began warily. Severus nodded, staring into her eyes as if under a spell. He felt her fingers weave into his.
"That was very wrong of him…He shouldn't have… said the things to you." Severus could see the bands and freckles in her eyes, he could feel her soft breath. "Please let me apologize…for… everything he's ever done to you… on my behalf…"
This can't be happening… this isn't happening… Why was she so close?
"He was wrong, you know..."
He could feel her warm body pressing against his. His hands were like white spiders whose legs were tangled with hers delicate fingers. Lily closed her eyes and gently leaned in. Shaking madly, Snape too closed his eyes and leaned towards her. A deafening crash from the opposite end of the classroom jolted the two apart. They both jerked their heads in the direction of the door and saw Cleo standing in it, light from the corridor pouring in behind her.
"I thought I saw you skulking around here… but really… Snogging during class? That isn't like you at all. She crossed her arms and looked at him with a crooked grin. Snape, trembling, shot a nervous glance at Lily, then to Cleo. He could stand it no longer. Sweeping from the room while looking daggers at Cleo, he shot down the hall and back into the school. Lily stared stunned at Cleo.
"Who… are you?" She sounded angry and disappointed.
"A friend of Severus." She waved her hand and eased up to Lily. "We've got… quite a history together, actually… Although I must say, I didn't know he had a girlfriend." She raised an eyebrow, sounding vaguely interested.
"Oh, I'm not really… his girlfriend or anything, actually." Lily looked shy and clasped her hand together behind her back.
"No? Really?" She looked quiet surprised. "Because… that's what everyone's been saying, you know… Nasty rumors, you know… If I were you I'd set about…" Cleo put an arm around Lily and she felt a prick of pain from the top of her head. "…Quashing them…" She finished softly. Lily looked slightly alarmed and uncomfortable.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Lily asked dubiously. Cleo shrugged.
"Nothing really. All I'm saying is that you're giving people the wrong idea… you're giving him the wrong idea…" She shot Lily a dark look. Lily moved away from Cleo, backing up slowly. "I mean, it's not really kind to lead him on like that…"
"Lead…. Lead him on!?" Lily squawked, "What do you take me for? I'd never do that!" Cleo laughed openly, her mouth curling up at the ends.
"Don't be silly… I wasn't accusing you of anything…" She purred. "Look, what I mean is… He's a very lonely person, you know… he'd take your pity as something much… much different…" Cleo said delicately, flexing her fingers.
"Stop beating around the bush and get to your point." Lily challenged, her cheeks puffing out slightly. Cleo's demeanor changed noticeable and she stood up very straight.
"I mean that bloody dolt fancies you and you should back off before you break his innocent little heart…" Cleo hissed, glaring at Lily.
"I think the only one with a wrong idea around here is you!" Lily retorted, looking ruffled but fearsome. "Don't think just because he's not as confident as everyone else that no one could… could be attracted to him!" As soon as Lily stopped speaking, Cleo pounced.
"So you admit it!" Her eyes were wild. "You're actually in love with that overgrown bat?"
"Of course I am!" Lily yelled in her face with rebellious pride. "Not that you could ever comprehend the concept of caring for someone besides yourself!" Cleo circled her, a grin on her face.
"You don't even know me, sister." She breathed, totally unabashed. "And you don't know Snape either… I don't know what he's been telling you but he's been mixed up in things that'd make a goody-two-shoes chick like yourself wet her pants. Back off now or you'll be sorry…" Cleo warned, bristling. Lily puffed herself up in anger.
"I've had just about enough of you!" Lily moved towards the doorway and balled her fists up. "You stay away from me or I'll show you just how scary a goody-two-shoes can get, you hear me!?"
"All too well, Miss Lily…" She grinned maliciously, shrouded in the darkness of the classroom. Lily shot her one final glare and pounded away down the hall. Cleo glanced over at the spot where she'd seen Snape and Lily had been minutes ago. "Well, I guess it's to come to this, then…"
Severus sat in the common room, lost in thought. The day's events had more than overwhelmed him. He was still having trouble believing what had almost happened between himself and Lily. This turn of events was making him ponder deeply about his future actions. Was she still just pitying him? Or did she have genuine feelings for him? As much as he wanted to believe the latter, he couldn't grasp why it would be true. But then why would she execute such alluring actions? The dilemma was more than just a bit vexing. Snape felt someone slide in beside him and once again the sight of Cleo's crooked but attractive grin met his eyes. He frowned at her immediately.
"What are you doing here? Haven't you caused enough trouble today, girl?" He spat her.
"Not nearly enough, no." She smiled, she put a thin white hand onto his leg and looked at him directly. "What were you two doing, anyway?"
"You were always one for subtlety, Cleo. It was nothing that even remotely concerns you…" She gave him a doleful look and her eyes widened.
"But… it does…" She suddenly sounded so sorrowful. "I don't want you to end up with a Mudblood like her… or anyone else for that matter…." She whined. Severus turned to face her, she looked hopeful and anxious. He lowered his eyebrows and leaned away from her.
"What are you trying to say?" He said, sounding guarded.
"You know exactly what I mean." She moved in closer. "Listen, Severus… She's a Gryffindor… She's a Muggle-Born… She's doesn't have any idea of what it's like to have lives like ours… You two… well, you're just not suited for each other. But you and I… We could go places… With your talent and my cunning… We could bring the new age in…" She grasped his hand and put her lips near to his ear. "…Together…" For a split second Severus was more than tempted to take her up on that offer. He pushed back and looked at her delicate pale face and the sleek dark hair that bordered it. She smiled at him alluringly.
He knew she was right. He knew that he and Lily were worlds apart… but he still loved her so… He gazed unsurely into Cleo's face, not knowing what to say.
"What do you say… Severus?"
Snape looked at her soberly. At once an idea overcame him. He searched through he robes and found the handle of his wand and murmured an incantation, still gazing into her eyes. He pierced her mind and feelings, searching swiftly for what he needed to see. She struggled against him, but Snape grasped her wrists and held her tightly, not letting her escape. As if discovering a key in murky water, Snape uncovered the section of her mind he wanted to penetrate.
"What are you doing to me?" She said in a strangled, terrified voice. When he confirmed his suspicions he withdrew his enchantment and released her wrists. She immediately drew away from him, tearful and trembling. Snape smiled at her bitterly.
"Liar." He said with cold seriousness. "You don't even like me at all. You're a foul temptress." Snape got to his feet, towering above Cleo's shivering form. She looked paralyzed with fear, her usually calm complexion contorted in terror. Snape gave a quick glance around to make sure there were no prying eyes watching the two of them, then rounded on Cleo, grasping her shoulders with a powerful force. "But since you were so kind enough to offer, I have half a mind to take what I want." He hissed in her ear.
"N-no! P-please!" She squirmed, looking pathetic and remorseful. Snape gave her an icy grin. His scare tactics were working perfectly.
"Then maybe you should stay out of my business… entirely…" She nodded vigorously. "You wouldn't want me to loose patience with you, would you?" Her nods jerked into shakes. Snape smiled genially and released her briskly. "Excellent." He slithered away from her, smiling. She quickly darted out of his range, looking violated. Meandering away from him, she gritted her teeth, but spoke almost inaudibly.
"You'll pay for that, you slimy little serpent…"
Snape moved with purpose down the hall. He had had stayed up all night, thinking of the perfect words. It was time. He knew that all to well. He grasped a piece of paper between his pale fingers. The words folded neatly into the piece of paper had been revised time and again but no matter what combination he tried, they never seemed to sound perfect, but he was convinced that this was as good as it could get. He stepped through the double doors of the library and scanned the tables. Students from all he houses sat studying at the tables, some perusing the shelves or whispering with their friends in the corners. Then he saw her. In the center of the room, working studiously at a table by herself was Lily. Snape drew closer to her, quieter than spider waiting in it's web. He stood before her, not wanting to disturbed her in anyway. Lily Evans was totally immersed in a charms book. She could be heard muttering to herself every so often as she hastily scribbled something down on her parchment. Steadying his nerve, Snape slid the folded parchment in her direction. By the time her eyes caught notice of the paper, Snape had already turned to leave. Lily caught sight of his black robes disappearing behind the library. Perplexed, she slid the parchment off of the table and unfolded it. Her heart began to beat faster as she read the words on it.
"Lily, I've found that charms book you wanted. Misplaced as usual- What's that you've got there?" Lily's friend Alice bustled out from behind the bookshelf and laid her charms book down on the table Lily was working at. Without stopping to explain what was happening, Lily looked direly at Alice.
"Alice…This is it…He's finally asked me to make a decision about... about us..! Oh, I'm so nervous!" Lily breathed. Alice's face glowed in excitement.
"Oooh, James Potter!? Oh, Lily, I'm so happy for you!" Alice chorused.
"James? No, Severus." Lily said vaguely.
"Severus Snape?" Alice grimaced, looking utterly counfused and taken aback.
"Oh, Alice…. Should I go right now? Or-- or should I wait?" Lily's voice shook. Alice looked slightly abashed, but smiled genially.
"I'd… er… wait on that one…" She said nodding and patting Lily's shoulder, trying to sound polite as possible.
"You're right… I'll wait… ooh, I just can't think straight… I've got to go… to class or something, don't I… Yes, yes…" She muttered distractedly, picking up a Hufflepuff boy's homework assignment and stowing it in her bag unknowingly. She scurried out of the library, still talking to herself. Alice sat, scratching her head. She turned and saw a Slytherin girl with very neat, dark hair smiling at her.
"Acting a bit odd, isn't she?" Alice said amiably.
"Quite…" Said the girl, drifting away from the scene. She sped out of the library and looked about for her friend. Bellatrix and Narcissa rushed to meet her as soon as she wandered into the hallway. The formed a quick huddle.
"I'm doing it tonight, girls. Keep Evans away from Snape at all costs. Understood?" Narcissa nodded grimly, her white-blonde hair glinting with a beautiful luster. Bellatrix, however, looked quite distracted.
"What do you think you're looking at, Potter?" She spat down the hall. The other two girls turned to see James Potter halfway through the door to the library. He shrugged and continued on his way.
"Blood traitor…" Narcissa drawled at his retreating form.
"Don't worry, Cissy. Their times will come, one by one. However, tonight we have other lives to ruin… Come on, let's go."