I'M SO SORRRY. Blame my school? I've had GCSE exam's these past couple of weeks and have been revising like crazy, I know it's been way too long, (I've also suffered quite a bit a writer's block for a while) but here's Chapter five for you lot :') hope you enjoy it :D (Sorry again for any grammar mistake, just ignore them !)

Lily,

I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to do it. I just couldn't control it.

I would never hurt you on purpose, I promise.

I'm so sorry, I hope we can be friends again.

Miss you.

Sev

Severus sat on the swing, rocking back and forth, a frown set on his face. Did she even get the note? He thought over and over, maybe she really doesn't want to be friends anymore. He sighed heavily.

"What's that for, Mr. Grumpy Pants?" Said the only voice Severus wanted to hear.

"LILY!" He shouted, jumping off the swing and pulling her into a hug before he could stop himself.

"It's okay," whispered Lily in his ear, hugging him back tightly, before dragging him over to the swings. It was the best day Severus had ever had, and followed into the best months.

"Lily, look!" Severus shouted on an unusually warm January morning, running excitedly towards her.

"What is it Sev?" Said Lily curiously eyeing the large leather bound book, and patched bag Severus was carrying.

"Well," he began enjoying Lily's bright eyes on him, "when we had our fight, which I am still really sorry about," Lily rolled her eyes, "I went up into the attic and found a load of my mother's old magic stuff, this one in particular I thought you would be interested in. It's all about potions and has even got recipes in it! We could have a go if you like? I have ingredients and a small cauldron in here" he said, pulling the items out of the bag and placing them in the shade of the tree.

Lily was completely lost for words, even since Severus had told her about the different types of lessons Hogwarts offered, Potions had intrigued her the most. Instead of saying a word, Lily smiled, brilliantly at Severus, who immediately took that as a yes.

"Here, you pick one" he said handing the book to her.

Lily took it, being ever so careful, she could tell the book was very old by the way the pages frayed and the ink looked as if it had ran. She turned each page gently skimming through the potions on each of them.

"This one" she said simply, pointing to the page as Severus leaned over and read.

Peace Draught

Ingredients: Includes powdered moonstone and syrup of hellebore.

Description: Calms anxiety and soothes agitation.

"Looks good," Said Severus, he eyes Lily carefully, "but why that one?" he asked his curiosity getting the better of him.

"I'm not entirely sure; I was just drawn to it. Look," she took the book and pointed to the picture, "look at how beautiful it is, and it doesn't seem to difficult to make"

Severus watched how Lily's eyes became soft as she stroked the picture, he continued to gaze at her as she moved closer to the book, trying to decipher some slightly blurred words.

"Powdered moonstone and Syrup of Hellebore, do you have them Sev?" she asked looking up. Severus quickly averted his eyes.

"I do, but we'll have to powder the moonstone ourselves" he said pulling objects out of the bag.

20 Minutes later, Severus and Lily were laying in the shade, waiting for the potion to brew. Lily had closed her eyes, and smiled peacefully as small rays of sun broke through the leaves.

"Tell me more about Hogwarts, Sev" Severus smiled and launched into stories about the wondrous school. Suddenly, a loud bang made the two of them jump up, Severus automatically stood in front of Lily.

"What was that?" she asked, clinging on to Severus's hand.

"I think," he said taking a step forward, "I think our potions done"

They looked at each other before breaking into hysterical laughter. They laughed until their sides ached. After what felt like an eternity, the laughter ceased into small giggles. Severus, struggling to take control of himself, opened his mouth to speak.

"Well, that could've gone better" he said making them both burst into laughter again.

As they put the items back into the bag Severus had brought them in, a shrill voice could be heard shouting across the park.

"LILY! LILY! WHERE ARE YOU?"

Lily rolled her eyes.

"I'M OVER HERE!" she shouted back, packing the last jar into the bag and handing it to Severus.

"About time, I've been looking for you everywhere!" said Petunia emerging through the trees. "Oh, it's you" she said sourly, spotting Severus.

"Yes, it's me" he replied, eyeing her with utter hatred.

"Stop it you two, what is it Tuney?" said Lily, giving them each a stern look. Petunia glared at Lily.

"Mummy wants you to come home now, dinners nearly ready and Grandma and Granddad are due to arrive any minute, so hurry up!" she said before stomping away, glaring at Severus as she did so.

"Um, I'd better go" said Lily. Severus noticed a type of sadness in her eyes.

"Oh, yeah, bye then" he said gently, offering her a small smile.

"What? Is that it?" she asked smiling brightly before flinging her arms around his neck. Severus felt his face go very hot, but returned the hug whole heartedly. Lily nuzzled her face into his neck.

"See you tomorrow, Sev, I'm glad you're my best friend" she whispered.

"See you Lils, I am too" he smiled at her as she ran off after her sister.

Severus made his way home with a dreamy smile upon his face.

"Good Evening Severus" A deep voice came from the living room as Severus entered his house. He froze as the voice spoke again; "Come in here, son" Shakily Severus entered the room to find his father sitting in the armchair, a cup of tea in his hand and his feet resting on the battered footstool. His mother sat on the sofa, again to be seen patching some old trousers.

"G-Good Evening, Father" Severus said his voice trembling, as his father looked at him. There was a long uncomfortable pause; it had been a very long time since Severus's father had attempted to be civil. Tobias coughed breaking the silence.

"Happy Birthday son, this is from me and your mother" he said handing him a parcel, wrapped in newspaper and string. Severus stared shocked, then looked to his mother, who smiled kindly. He had completely forgotten it was his birthday; his eyes darted to the battered, grimy calendar on the wall.

9th of January 1970

"Well? Are you going to open it or gawk at it boy?" his father asked sternly.

Severus took the parcel and gently removed the newspaper to reveal a black box, which was a little battered. He undid the clutch on the box and lifted the lid, the box contained an old text book entitled, 'Advanced Potion-Making', and a small piece of folded parchment was sitting on the top. Severus placed the box down took the parchment, it read:

Dearest Severus,

I noticed a few books a miss from the attic the other morning when I was up there, I could only assume that you had 'borrowed' them. You won't need this certain book until your sixth year at school, but why not get a head start? (I noticed the majority of books missing are Potions books). I hope this teaches you as it did me.

Happy Birthday my darling,

Your Mother

Under the elegant script that was his mothers handwriting read another message in an untidy scrawl:

Severus,

Your mother assured me how important this Hogwarts place is for you, and said that this was the most perfect present for your 10th birthday.

Happy Birthday Son

Father

Severus was at a complete loss for words. It was a full 5 minutes before he spluttered out a thanks.

"T-Thank you, so, so much"

"Your welcome, come on, dinner then bed" said his mother leading the way into the kitchen.

Severus snuggled into bed, his birthday present sitting on the pillow next to him. He felt completely happy; until he heard a sharp slap, a small strangled scream and the bang of the front door come from downstairs.