A/N: I am terribly sorry for the delay in updating this story! It's been a very busy few weeks, and time somehow got away from me. I hope this chapter is worth the wait!

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

I don't own the Harry Potter universe.

Imperfection

Lily was curled up on her bed by the time the other girls made their way to the dormitory. Kathleen looked relieved to see her.

"There you are," she said. "Where have you been?"

"Right here," Lily replied. She looked at Dana and Olivia miserably. "I took your advice."

Dana and Olivia exchanged a look.

"You talked to Sirius?" Olivia asked.

Lily nodded.

Kathleen looked between them all with a frown. "What is going on? What are you talking about?"

"Lily has –" Dana began.

"I'll tell her," Lily interrupted. "I have a friend who's a Slytherin."

Kathleen's eyes widened.

"Olivia and Dana said I should talk to Sirius about what that means."

"And, did you?" Kathleen asked, sitting down on Lily's bed.

Lily nodded, tears filling her eyes. Kathleen reached for her, and Lily leaned her head against her friend's shoulder, struggling not to cry.

"What did Sirius tell you, Lily?" Olivia asked, sitting down on her other side.

"Sort of what you did – that it's weird," Lily said. "He also …" She trailed off, wiping at a tear that made its way down her cheek. "He said it's like racism."

"I guess it kind of is," Kathleen said quietly.

Olivia frowned, but Dana shook her head, discouraging the question that Olivia was clearly on the verge of asking.

"Look, Lily, not all wizards – even Slytherin wizards – think that way," Dana said.

"But, you said … and Sirius said …"

"If Severus is your friend, then that's that," Dana said. "Don't make this into something that it's not."

"Even if he is my friend …" Lily swallowed. "It's wrong to hate people. Especially for things they can't control."

"I know," Kathleen said, hugging her again.

"But …" Lily buried her face in Kathleen's shoulder. "Does he?"

Severus spotted Lily as she and her friends crossed the Great Hall after breakfast the next morning. Hoping to say hello, he started toward her, nearly jogging as he tried to close the gap between them.

"Lily!" he called. "Hey, Lily, wait up!"

She kept walking.

He slowed to a stop, frowning slightly. "I guess she didn't hear me," he muttered.

Shaking his head slightly, he adjusted his bag on his shoulder and changed direction to go to his History of Magic class.

"That was rude," Olivia said bluntly.

"What was?" Lily asked.

"You heard Severus calling you. The least you could have done was to say hello."

"I didn't want to."

"It's rude," Olivia said again. "It's not like he's done something to make you angry. It's not like you had a fight. You're ignoring him for something he can't control – the very thing you were all upset about the Slytherins doing last night."

Lily stared at her, suddenly feeling terribly ashamed.

"She's right, Lil," Dana said. "It's not his fault the Sorting Hat put him in Slytherin."

"I know," Lily said in a little voice. "I'll talk to him later."

"What's going on with Lily?" James asked, watching from his desk as the girls made their way into Transfiguration.

Peter shrugged. "I thought you didn't like Lily."

"I'm not saying I like her," James said quickly. "She just … seems upset."

"Did you do something to her?" Remus asked Sirius.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Must you always think the worst of me?"

"Yes," the other three boys replied at once.

Sirius grinned. "That stings a bit."

Remus rolled his own eyes. "We know you talked to her last night. Today, she's all upset."

"Coincidence?" James picked up. "I think not."

Sirius shook his head. "I didn't do anything to her. She's just upset about the slimy git of a friend of hers being in Slytherin."

"Snivellus?" James asked.

"Yeah, him."

James made a face. "Why does she care?"

"He's her friend," Remus replied. "Of course, she'd care."

"Yes, but –"

"Good morning, Gryffindors."

Their conversation ended as Professor McGonagall stepped to the front of the room. Although her brief lecture about the spell they were going to attempt gave James time to mull over Lily and Snape's bizarre friendship, it was completely driven from his head as the feather he had to transfigure landed on his desk.

"Hi."

Severus looked up from his Potions book as Lily sat down next to him in the library. "Hi," he replied.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to talk to you this morning," she whispered. "I was afraid I'd be late for Transfiguration if I stopped."

He frowned slightly. "I figured you didn't hear me."

She inclined her head. "No, I …" She exhaled. "Can we go somewhere else to talk?"

Severus nodded and shoved his book into his bag. He followed Lily out of the library and down the corridor to an empty classroom.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"I … lied," Lily said, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red. "I'm sorry for that."

"Lied about what?"

"I did hear you," she said. "And, I knew I wasn't going to be late for Transfiguration. I just … didn't want to talk to you. And, that was rude. I'm sorry for doing it."

"Why didn't you want to talk to me?" he asked, utterly bewildered.

"I … I have friends. In Gryffindor, you know."

Severus nodded, still completely lost.

"They don't understand why I'm friends with you," she said. "Or, rather, why you're friends with me."

"Why wouldn't I want to be friends with you?" Severus asked, even more confused than when she had started talking. "You're great, Lily. I love being your friend."

Lily allowed herself a small smile. "It's just … you're in Slytherin, Severus. And, I'm … my parents are Muggles. Those two things don't go together."

Severus' eyes narrowed. "Who told you that? I never did."

"It's not like it was at home, Severus. You're not the only one who explains things about the magical world to me anymore."

"I would think that you'd believe what I tell you," he said a bit stiffly. "I told you a long time ago that it didn't matter –"

"And, I've learned differently," Lily said, cutting him off. Her eyes narrowed. "So, really, you lied to me."

"I was just trying to …" Severus' cheeks flushed scarlet. "Who told you that? Those Gryffindor girls?"

"Yes," Lily said slowly.

"But, they're not the only ones!" Severus exclaimed. "Tell me who, Lily! Who convinced you that we can't be friends?"

"I didn't say that!" Lily cried. "I still want to be your friend! It's just … after what Sirius told me, I got worried!"

"Sirius Black?" Severus' eyes glittered angrily. "Jealous, is he? Ashamed, now that he's the first in his family not to be in Slytherin?"

"Not at all," Lily said. "He doesn't want anything to do with Slytherin House, or anyone in it."

"And, he's told you that that's the best way to be."

"He explained to me that your House is opposed to … people like me."

"That doesn't mean that I am."

The fact that he couldn't even defend his House made Lily sad. She bit her lip.

"Lily, listen," Severus said. "We can't do anything about how we're Sorted. It's … destiny, I guess. Are you really going to be angry with me over something that I can't control?"

"No," Lily said. "That's what the girls told me I was doing. That's why I came to apologize. I am sorry for ignoring you. And, I'm sorry for being upset about what House you're in. You're right; it's our destiny. Isn't it?"

He nodded. "Yeah. It is."

Lily nodded. "Okay, then."

"So," Severus said slowly, "friends?" He held out his hand.

Lily grinned, and took his hand, using it to pull him into a hug. "Friends."

Severus hugged her tightly, his smile that she couldn't see lighting up the room.

"So, did you straighten everything out with Severus?" Kathleen asked as she and Dana joined Lily and Olivia at the Gryffindor table for breakfast.

"Yes," Lily replied, smiling. "Everything's good now."

"Good," Olivia said with a giggle. "He can go back to being your boyfriend."

"He's not my –"

"Sure, he's not."

Lily shook her head. "You are so annoying. You're as bad as Sirius."

Olivia grinned and helped herself to another piece of toast. "It's good to have everything back to normal."

At the other end of the table, James watched the girls talking. Lost in scattered thoughts, it was a moment before Sirius' question registered.

"How are you coming on Flitwick's essay?"

"Done," Remus replied. "I finished it last night."

James looked scandalized. "It's not due for two more days! Why do it so early?"

"Why save it until the last minute?" Remus shot back.

"James!" Peter sat down heavily next to James. His breathing was labored, as though he had run to the Great Hall. "Flying lessons are today!"

"Really?" James grinned. "Excellent!"

"And you'll help me learn to fly?"

"Of course," James said. "I said I would, didn't I? When are the lessons?"

"After lunch. We're with the Slytherins."

Sirius laughed. "Brilliant! We'll get to see that git Snape on a broomstick. I hope his greasy hands can hold on."

James laughed with him. "Oh, this could be more fun than I thought."

Remus frowned. "What has Snape done to you?"

"Have you met him?" James asked.

"Yes . . ."

"Enough said," Sirius grinned.

Peter laughed, but Remus frowned again. He looked away from his friends, studying his open Transfiguration book without actually seeing it. If James, Sirius, and Peter were this cruel to Snape for no good reason, what would they say if they found out about him? That could never happen. He'd never say a word.

"Don't look like that," James said. "We're not bad people, Remus. I swear."

Remus attempted a weak smile.

"All right, Remus, look," Sirius said. "It's … he's a Slytherin, you know? I just can't like anyone from that House."

Remus nodded slowly. At least that explanation had something behind it. Knowing the sort of family Sirius came from, it made all the sense in the world.

Adam approached them with a grin. "Hey, guys."

"Hi, Adam."

"How's everything going for you?"

"Great," James smiled.

"Perfect," Sirius grinned.

"Good to hear," Adam replied. "Look, Remus, Dumbledore wants to see you during lunch break today."

"Why?" Sirius asked.

Adam frowned. "I don't remember your name being Remus. I'm sure it's none of our business." He turned back to Remus. "Anyway, Remus, McGonagall told me to let you know."

"Thanks," Remus said weakly. He was sure he knew what this was about, but there was no way he was going to tell his new friends. He sighed softly. The full moon - his first full moon at Hogwarts - was only three days away.

Remus refused to go to the Gryffindor table with the other boys for lunch. Rather, he went to the staff table, where Professor McGonagall was sitting alone.

"Professor, I'm looking for Professor Dumbledore," he said.

McGonagall looked at him over her square glasses. "Right, Lupin. I'll take you to his office."

Remus nodded, and followed her out of the Great Hall.

"You know, I've been very pleased with your progress this year," she said.

Remus smiled faintly. "Thanks."

"You're going to be an excellent wizard," she continued. "As long as you can deal with certain pressures, you'll do very well for yourself."

Remus nodded silently. He had been dealing with "certain pressures" since the age of six.

They arrived at the entrance to Dumbledore's office. McGonagall gave the password, and gargoyle guarding it sprang to life, revealing a moving staircase. McGonagall ushered Remus on, then climbed on behind him. At last, they arrived at Dumbledore's office door, which was standing open.

"Ah, Mr. Lupin," Dumbledore said with a smile, leaving his seat behind his desk to greet his guests.

"Hello, Professor," Remus said.

"Please, sit down. You, too, Minerva." Dumbledore pulled up a chair for himself, and sat down across from Remus.

It was somehow comforting to sit with Dumbledore without the desk between them. It reminded Remus of the visit they had had that summer – of the happiest moment in his young memory.

"Remus, this is Madam Pomfrey," Dumbledore said, indicating the room's fourth occupant. "She is our school nurse."

Remus nodded politely. He had seen Madam Pomfrey before, but had not known her name or position.

"I'm sure you know why you are here," Dumbledore said, resting his long fingers together.

Remus nodded again. "It's only a few days until the full moon."

"Correct," Dumbledore said. "Now, as I told you and your parents during our meeting over the summer, certain precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of the other students."

Remus' expression turned sorrowful. He hated that everyone thought of him as a danger to others, and hated even more that he had to admit to himself that it was true.

"We have taken steps to ensure that you and others will be safe," Dumbledore continued, watching him closely. He stood up. "Come here."

Remus followed Dumbledore to the window. Dumbledore pointed out a tree a little way from the castle.

"Do you see that tree?"

"Yes, sir."

"It's called a Whomping Willow. Its branches will move to attack anyone who comes close enough to make it feel threatened. We've planted it this year to guard the secret tunnel that leads to a building where you can transform. The building is secluded, and you will be alone, so there should be no danger."

"How will I get past the branches?"

"There is a knot at the base of the tree. If you press it, the branches will freeze."

"I see."

"Professor McGonagall will come to Gryffindor Tower to collect you on the night of the full moon each month at five o'clock. She will escort you outside, where Madam Pomfrey will meet you. She will escort you to the Willow, and will bring you back to the castle in the morning. You will, of course, be excused from your classes the day after the full moon.

"Only Professor McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, and I know this entire plan. The other teachers know of your particular challenge, of course, and that we are dealing with it safely. I don't want more people to know than necessary."

Remus nodded. "I won't tell anyone, Professor."

"You gave me your word over the summer, Remus. I trust you."

Remus allowed himself a small smile.

Dumbledore smiled. "Professor McGonagall tells me you are doing very well in your classes."

"I'm trying to, sir."

"Your best efforts are certainly leading you to success. I ask you to show that same sort of dedication in dealing with your circumstances. You have been given a curse, which you must overcome. Your mind is certainly strong enough."

He paused, and studied the young boy over his half-moon glasses. When he spoke again, it was softly, with compassion and concern in his voice. "Good luck, Remus."