Without realising it, the time to return to Hogwarts came. Lily was very excited for the new year, but at the same time afraid because things were never easy at school for her friend. She was very sorry for everything he had to endure, she would help however she could but she couldn't be there all the time. Sometimes she felt the big weight of responsibility on her shoulders, she wished Sev had other friends he could count on, not like the ones in Slytherin, of course, that only took advantage of him. But real ones. Lily was really fortunate for being in Gryffindor and having good friends there, as well as not being picked on.
It was September 1st, 1975. Lily had just finished getting ready, she put on red flare jeans with a yellow belt, black boots and a white turtleneck. Her belongings were already packed and in about an hour they would leave for London. Severus was going to ride with her like every year and Petunia refused to go as usual. She was honestly glad for that, she did not want her there with her attitude. Lily gave a last look at her room, all white and neat, which she would not see until Christmas break. She took the big trunk, the carrier containing her cat Oliver and went downstairs. Oliver was her only pet, given by her parents on her first visit to Diagon Alley, purchased in The Magical Menagerie. He was a ginger cat with green eyes, very sweet towards her, she suspected he might be part kneazle because of his large lion-like mane. She loved him regardless. Severus was already in her house and they all had a light breakfast together.
''I bet you're excited about starting school, Severus'' said Mr. Evans with a smile ''Lily tells us you're one of the best at potions… that's like chemistry, right?''
''It has aspects that are very similar but I'd say it's closer to alchemy'' said Snape. ''So, how has work been, sir?''
''Very busy lately, I'll be sorry to lose one of my best workers''
That made Severus smile lightly. Lily's dad had offered him a job during the summer for the past two years and with that he was able to buy his second hand school supplies.
The trip to London was uneventful and they listened to the radio the whole time, they played some of Lily's favourite songs, ''Dream A Little Dream Of Me'', ''Starman'', and ''Come Together'' which she sang along to. When they arrived at Kings Cross station, Lily said her farewells to her parents. Severus was obviously distraught and so Lily walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry Sev, I have a good feeling about this year. Let's just make sure to take advantage of our time at Hogwarts, before you know it we'll both graduate" she smiled at Severus. It seemed to work and for the moment his mood lightened. They both got on the train and found an empty wagon, everything seemed to go well up to that moment. She let her cat out of the carrier and he went to Severus's lap.
''He really likes you, you know'' she said with a smile.
''I guess that's good, since very few do''he answered with an ironic smile.
''That's not true, Sev'' she said with a sigh ''You just need to let people in, be more… friendly''
''The complete opposite of me, you mean, I believe'' he muttered.
She was about to answer but at that moment three girls came to the train compartment, they were Marlene McKinnon, Alice Fortescue and Mary MacDonald. Lily gave Snape a look that said something among the lines of ''behave''. He nodded at them in a way of greeting, if it wasn't for Lily's warning look he would have ignored them.
''Hi, Lily'' said Mary, putting her trunk above their heads, ''Snape''
The three girls, like Lily, were fifth years in Gryffindor house. Marlene was tall, with raven black hair and an olive complexion. Alice, the shortest of the three, had blond hair, rosy cheeks and very fair skin. The last girl, Mary, was blonde, and her pale skin was spotted with constellations of freckles. It was evident that she had likely spent too much time in the sun over summer break because her skin had a red tint to it and her arms were still flaking.
After putting their things away they all sat, Lily moved to sit next to Sev which she noticed made the others look relieved. She did not like that. So she did her best to start a conversation and try to include Severus in it, maybe he could be friends with her friends, right?
"So, Sev? Did you hear about Mary's trip to Egypt?" Lily asked, trying to begin a conversation.
"No," he replied dryly.
"Go on Mary, tell Sev what you told me about Giza. I'm sure he's dying to know!" Lily said, smiling.
"Sure am," Severus said unenthusiastically.
Lily's smile wavered slightly and she elbowed Severus as a way of saying "behave".
Mary seemed oblivious to Severus' disinterest in anything she had to tell him and talked at length about how her family had travelled to Egypt since her grandfather had made a discovery in the tomb of Abu Simbel. "My grandfather took us through a maze underground which led to the pharaoh's tomb."
"Did you see any mummy's?!" Asked Alice Fortescue.
"Of course! They had their insides removed after death and placed in jars!" Mary responded.
"Whoa" the others responded. Severus rolled his eyes.
"But the best part was that my grandfather had made the discovery that the ancient Egyptians used magic! And it was likely that the reason why they held cats in such high regard was because they were magical too!"
"Are you saying they might've had kneazles?" Lily said as she looked over to Oliver who seemed to smile with his eyes back at her.
"Sev, isn't that amazing?" Lily asked.
"Astonishing" he said as his eyes remained fixed on the compartment's window. They were now well away from any city and the Idyllic countryside of northern England, with green hills and the occasional farm house, zoomed past them.
Lily was out of ideas and Severus wasn't making it easy for her. She couldn't understand why he had to be so difficult. Everyone was having a good time, telling stories and jokes, everyone but Severus who looked as if he was experiencing physical pain. Anytime they tried to include him in the conversation he would only offer short responses, he clearly was not interested in anything Lily's friends had to say. So she decided to leave him alone.
At some point during the ride, Remus Lupin showed up to the compartment, wearing his shiny red prefect pin on his robes. He looked very sick and his face had recent cuts, his friends always excused it saying that he had a cat, however she had never seen said cat.
Severus seemed to be one of the few who had caught on and for the first time so far during the entire ride actually initiated conversation. "Picking on animals now too, Lupin? I'm surprised you didn't get your Marauder buddies to help you. I thought ganging up when picking fights was part of your rules?"
"Sev, that's not nice,"said Lily. And upon hearing this, his demeanour lightened and his gaze shifted to Oliver, who was now kneading on his lap, preparing for an inevitable nap.
"It's alright, Lily. Seems like Severus here is still upset by some of James and Sirius's pranks" said Lupin unbothered, taking a seat next to Lily. "I've been doing my rounds but I wanted to come by and say hi. How was everyone's summer?"
Mary once again began to talk about her trip to Egypt but was quickly cut off by the arrival of the trolly witch, which marked the middle of the trip.
"Anything off the cart, dears?" She asked everyone in the compartment.
Everyone except Severus began listing off all the sweets they'd like. "I'll have two chocolate frogs and a pumpkin pasty," said Marlene.
"Can I get some liquorice wands?" asked Alice.
"Of course dear."
"I think I'll have a cauldron cake and two chocolate frogs," said Mary.
Lily asked for Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and jelly slugs.
"Do you have any butterbeer?" Lupin said jokingly and the girls giggled. "I'll have some pumpkin juice and a chocolate bar, madam".
She smiled and handed him the pumpkin juice and chocolate bar. The trolly witch then turned to Severus, "And what about you, dear?"
"I'm fine" he responded, not wanting the others to know that he had no money for sweets.
Lily noticed that Severus had been eyeing the chocoballs.
"Actually, can I get a chocoball as well?" She asked the trolly witch. She took the chocoball and handed it to Severus with a smile. "Here you go, Sev, I almost forgot that you left your money in my dad's car."
He smiled for the first time since they boarded the Hogwarts express, "Thanks, Lily, but I'm really not feeling hungry right now. I'm still full from breakfast."
Lily nodded but still slipped it inside of his bag when he wasn't looking. They all kept talking for a while and enjoying their treats. She thought everything was going extremely well, even though Sev wasn't talking much, she thought that was better than fighting with Remus. She looked at him and noticed he was sound asleep with Oliver still in his lap.
''I'll see you in the castle, I need to keep doing my rounds. Thank you for having me," said Remus, as he finished the last of his chocolate bar.
Everyone, including Severus, seemed to be in a good mood and the Hogwarts Express now raced through the Scottish highlands. The train curved along the glenfiddich viaduct, and they were growing ever closer to their final destination. Green rolling hills made way to ancient mountains whose peaks had been worn away by millions of years of erosion. It seemed to Lily that the train ride to Hogwarts was magical in more than one way. Not just for the fact that they had departed from a hidden platform in King's cross station, or that hundreds of young witches and wizards were aboard, all eager to learn new spells, potions, charms and jinxes. No, what really stuck out to Lily was the feeling of travelling backwards in time and the landscape reflected this notion more and more as their journey progressed. They were far from the world of muggles. There was no sign of civilization for hundreds of kilometres. No streetlights, automobiles, grocery stores or shopping malls. No muggle families, like her own, crowding around the TV after evening tea to watch the news, talk shows or game shows. Instead they were moving towards a world of carriages, ghosts and fantastic beasts. A world where photos in the paper moved and paintings had a life of their own. Where outcasts and "freaks" (as Petunia would call her) could call home. And although she loved her family and would miss her mother and father very much, she always felt that Hogwarts was her real home.
"I think it's about time we change into our robes, Lily," Mary suggested.
"Oh you're right!" Lily responded, still absent minded, deep in reflection and anticipation of returning to the world of magic.
"Ahem" Mary grunted, intended for Snape to catch the message that he should leave the compartment so that the Gryffindor witches could change.
"I guess I'll be going then." Snape answered, finally getting the hint after more urgings from Mary to leave. "I'll see you when we arrive at Hogsmeade, Lily".
"Okay" she responded cheerfully. They changed into their Gryffindor house robes and after a few minutes of palpable anticipation, the train whistle blew loudly, informing Lily and the rest of the witches that they were approaching their destination, Hogsmeade station. Lily said her farewells to Mary, Alice and Marlene as they shuffled off the train and onto the platform and Lily made her way out to Hogsmeade platform as well.
Waiting there was Dorcas Meadowes, a fifth year Gyffindor, she was tall with dark skin and curly black hair. Lily was surprised she didn't sit with them during the ride to school, so she approached her.
''Hey, Dorcas'' greeted Lily.
The girl turned around and smiled at her, ''Hi, Lily. How are you doing? How was your summer?''
''It was good. Hope yours was as well'', said Lily ''How come I didn't see you on the train? I was sitting with Marlenne, Mary, Alice and Severus''.
''Well… I decided to ride with James, Sirius and Peter. We hung out a little over the summer, so we are all friends now. James invited us all to his beach house in Mallorca. Marlenne and Alice were there too''.
Invited us all? She felt a little bit of jealousy knowing that everyone had been invited but her. However, she was not friends with Potter and she couldn't picture herself hanging out with him after everything he and his friends had done to Severus.
''He is not that bad, you know?'', said Dorcas ''James, I mean. He is actually very nice and funny''.
''I bet he is. I bet he can be really nice when he is not being a bully'', said Lily dryly.
At that moment she saw Severus approaching, he looked annoyed and she knew something must have happened while they weren't together. So she said her goodbyes to Dorcas and met her friend.
''Why that face, Sev? Did something happen?'' she asked worriedly.
''Potter'', was all he said, showing his wrist, he had a weal there, like a scorch mark. ''He wanted to give me a 'welcome gift', so as you can see my year is starting just great''.
''Oh, Sev'', said Lily, ''I'll give him a piece of my mind when I see that toerag''.
Severus shook his head and got inside the carriage, Lily followed him. Inside there were two older Ravenclaw students.
''Why not?'', she asked, ''they can't just go around attacking people, I'll tell him…''
''What exactly are you going to tell him? Not to attack me? You have done it in the past and see how much good it has made'', said Snape sarcastically.
''I'm just trying to help'', Lily said.
''I understand, Lily, but he is not going to stop and you know it. It will just make things worse,'' he said.
"Fine. Have it your way, Sev. I won't say anything" Lily responded, but she would do something, she thought to herself. They sat in silence as the carriage made its way towards the castle. The carriage rolled steadily on its way to the large mediaeval building, and as the travelled around the black lake lanterns began to ignite and light the path forward. Eventually, they reached the front of the castle and the seventh year Ravenclaws were the first to disembark from the carriage, Lily was next and Severus let out an audible sigh before exiting last.
Lily and Severus made their way to the Entrance Hall and stopped at the front of the Great Hall, which was bustling with students both new and old. "I'll see you after the feast Sev" Lily said cheerfully. Severus grunted in response, his way of saying "sure".
Lily made her way to the Gryffindor table and was greeted by her friends.
"We saved you a seat, Lily!" Mary said, patting an open spot on the bench.
"Thanks".
"How was the ride in? I see that you and Snape came in together. Is there something going on between you two? You seem awfully close." Marlene grinned and wiggled her eyebrows, then pretended as if she was going to throw up.
"Oh, come on! You know we are just good friends" she laughed.
Lily looked over and spotted Severus across the hall sitting next to Emma Vanity, captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team. His stoic expression never faltered but he seemed to Lily to be engaged in whatever conversation they were having.
A slow hush fell over the students and everyone turned to see Profesor Dumbledore approach the owl lecturn to give his usual welcome speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts to both new and old students. Before we start with the sorting ceremony, I'd like to make a couple of announcements at the request of our groundskeeper, Mr. Filch. First, in light of last year's incident, I feel it is prudent to remind students that access to the forbidden forest is strictly prohibited. Second, curfew is 10 pm for all students but prefects, anyone not in their common room by that time will receive detention" said Dumbledore, which made Filch smile "Mr. Filch wanted me to also remind you not to cast spells in the corridors. Now that that has being sorted out, I'd like everyone to welcome our new Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts, Mrs. Cleo McMillan"
Everyone clapped at this, and Mrs. McMillan, a grey haired witch wearing a red robe, gave a small smile.
"Professor McMillan is very skilled and has years of experience as an auror. She studied at Hogwarts when I was still a Transfiguration professor, and if I might, I believe she was one of the best chasers I've seen. She was, in fact, paramount to Ravenclaw's success and won four quidditch cups in a row." It seemed like Dumbledore was going to continue when he was interrupted by Professor McMillan, who looked embarrassed.
"Come now, headmaster, let's not stand on ceremony all night. I'm intrigued to see where our new students will be placed and I'm sure they are as well."
"Alas, Professor McMillan is not one for beating around the bush. In that case, let's sort our first years and introduce them to their new houses.''
Lily watched as nervous first years made their way to the sorting hat and one by one the hat would yell "Gryfimdor…better be Ravenclaw…Hufflepuff….Slytherin" She watched a blonde first year named Gildaroy Lockheart be sorted into Ravenclaw. She and the rest of Gryfindoor cheered and welcomed each addition to their house. She felt bad for the first years sorted into Slytherin as the reception they received was quite the opposite. After the sorting had concluded Dumbledore walked back out to the owl podium and said "Welcome again to our first years!" and he led the hall in clapping for the new students. "And now, dig in!"
As he said the words a bountiful display of extravagant meals appeared before them on the long tables. "I never get tired of that," Mary laughed.
While she was having fun being reunited with her friends and meeting the new first years, Lily couldn't help but think of Severus. She hoped that he would enjoy this school year and that he'd make new friends, better friends than Mulciber or Avery.
After the feast, everyone had to retire to their common room and their class schedule would be given in the morning. But Lily could not think about classes, surprisingly, at that moment she could only think about sleeping, after all it had been a long day and a big meal. She waved at Severus as she followed the rest of her housemates to the Gryffindor tower and out of the Great Hall. She had just turned around for a second and then she heard boisterous laughter.
"That will teach you to keep your nose out of our business, Snivellus".
Lily turned to see that it was none other than Severus' biggest tormentor, James Potter, who had just cast Engorgio on her friend's nose, causing it to grow three times as large. Lily was in shock, school hadn't even officially begun and they had the nerve to bully Severus on the first night in front of everyone. Even after what Dumbledore had said. Potter truly believed he was above any rule. Lily's initial shock quickly turned to rage as her face turned a bright red, now matching her hair. She did not realise her wand was out nor that she was pointing it directly at Potter.
"Engorgio!" She yelled.
James' head ballooned and he could no longer support the weight of his now massive cranium, and toppled over, knocking over Peter Pettigrew that was standing next to him.
"I see your head is finally the size of your ego, Potter" she said venomously.
"I can't believe she just did that to someone in her house" a Slytherin student down below cackled. Even Snape displayed a wide grin at this.
Peter in shock and without much thought grabbed his wand and pointed it at Lily "Oh, yeah, how about-"
"Impedimenta!" bellowed Severus "don't even try it, you brainless dunce".
Once again Pettigrew toppled over, this time directly on James, who let out a loud groan. At the sight of this, all the Slytherins erupted in laughter and many patted Severus on the back. Lily turned to see that all of Gryffindor house was staring open jawed at the spectacle they had just witnessed. Lily felt her face getting red again, this time because of embarrassment, even though she knew her actions were justified, she could now see that she had lowered herself to Potter's level. Was she any better?
The commotion caused by this brought attention to prefects and professors alike who quickly dispersed everyone except Potter, Pettigrew, Severus and Lily. Sirius Black refused to leave the side of his balloon head friend and insistently argued that Potter had not done anything.
"Professor McGonagall, look at all the facts. First, everyone saw Evans and Snivellus throwing spells at James and Peter. Fact. Second, Snivellus is a lying snake. Fact. Third, his nose has always been that size. Fa-"
"That's enough, Mr. Black", said McGonagall and it was apparent to Black that she was starting to get annoyed, as her eyes became thin like the temples of her glasses and her brow furrowed "However, it is true that no one saw Mr. Potter cast a spell on Mr. Snape, even though I certainly know he has done it in the past. Therefore-"
"I don't find it at all surprising that you are favorizing, again, someone that has been attacking me on a daily basis for the past 5 years," Severus sneered, with his nose still three times its size, "I believe it is pretty clear that I got attacked by Potter, unless you want to suggest this'', he pointed at his nose, "is normal".
"It definitely is, Professor McGonagall. Snape's nose has always been as big as his obsession with me. If anything he probably did it to himself" said Potter angrily.
"You're such a liar, Potter! Everyone heard you saying those mean things about Sev. Professor McGonagall, Potter always gets away with his bullying. This is unfair, this is-" started to say Lily getting really flustered.
"Enough! All of you!" snapped McGonagall, "I'm really disappointed, Ms. Evans. I would have never expected this of you. Even though I understand both of your frustrations", she looked at Severus and Lily, "my hands are tied. No one saw Mr. Potter. They did see you as well as Mr. Snape casting spells, so I will have to send the two of you to detention."
Black, Potter and Pettigrew were smiling victorious while Severus and Lily were furious. How could they get away when they were the troublemakers? Lily could now understand Severus' frustration and how unfairly he was treated.
''We will discuss it further tomorrow morning'' said McGonagall, ''Now, everyone go to your common rooms''
''But-'' Lily started and was quickly cut off by McGonagall.
''Ms Evans! Shall I deduct points from Gryffindor?''.
''No madam'' said Lily in a defeated tone.
Potter, Black and Pettigrew snickered. ''It's going to be a great year. Don't you think, Snivellus?" Chided Potter as he and the marauders ran ahead to the Gryffindor common room. Lily glared at Potter, her face so flush with anger that it blended in with her red hair. Severus stared blankly at the floor then let out a weak sigh.
"I'm sorry Lily"
"You're sorry? They should be apologising Sev, not you!"
"No, you got in trouble because you stuck your neck out for me. You didn't have to do that."
"You're right, I should've cast levioso on James' head to make him float like a balloon."
"Now that would've been funny," Sev chuckled. He and Lily laughed off the encounter with the marauders.
"I'll walk you to your common room"
"Thanks Sev" Lily smiled, ''But first, let me fix your nose'' she whispered Reducio and Severus' nose returned to a normal size. Severus placed his hand on his nose to make sure and gave her a small smile, ''Thank you''.
They made their way up the Grand Staircase, pausing occasionally to allow the stairs to shift positions until they arrived on the seventh floor. They walked the corridors and stopped in front of the portrait of a portly woman who guarded the entrance to the Gryffindor common rooms. She was wearing a pink, Victorian dress and was too preoccupied, swirling a glass of red wine in her left hand while lowering a bundle of grapes into her mouth with her right, to notice the approach of Lily and Severus.
"Ahem" remarked Lily softly to catch the attention of the Lady and alert her to their presence. Yet, the Fat Lady didn't seem to notice them as she was too focused on her grapes.
Severus cleared his throat loudly, ''Excuse us, madam.''
The Fat Lady finally looked down, her eyes slightly glazed from the wine. ''Oh! My apologies, dear. Got lost in the taste of this exquisite vintage.'' She giggled a little. ''Password?''
''Phoenix Feather'', said Lily.
The portrait swung open, revealing the warm, cozy interior of the Gryffindor common room.
''Lily…Thank you for standing up for me today, you didn't need to. I hope this doesn't cause a rift between you and your housemates.''
Lily placed a reassuring hand on his arm, ''Potter and his gang might be popular, but they're not the entire house. And besides, right is right. I won't stand by and let them bully anyone, especially not you.''
Severus looked into her eyes, seeing the fierce determination that always shone brightly. ''You're truly one of a kind, Lily.''
She grinned, ''And don't you forget it! Now, off you go before the Fat Lady decides to lock me out for the night.''
He chuckled, ''Goodnight, Lily.''
''Goodnight, Sev.''
As she stepped into the common room, a few of her friends immediately surrounded her, praising her for standing up to Potter and his gang. While some were apprehensive about the potential consequences, most admired her courage and conviction.
Severus turned to make his way back down the Grand Staircase and towards the dungeons. The portrait swiftly closed behind him and he could hear the Fat Lady call out to him, ''Such a gentleman, walking a lady to her house, hic! Whoops, I think I finished the vintage… perhaps I should go get another bottle…''
''No, I think you had quite enough, dear'' remarked a female portrait.
Severus shook his head and continued to descend the Grand Staircase. After several minutes, he reached the dungeons. He stood in front of a stretch of a damp stone wall and uttered: ''Silver Serpent''. A concealed stone door became visible and slid open revealing the entrance to the Slytherin common room. The room was almost the antithesis to Gryffindor's common room. In place of the warm and welcoming nature of Gryffindor tower, Slytherin's was cold, dark, and only illuminated with green lamps. The main features were ornate carved stonewalls, low backed black and green button-tufted leather sofas, skulls, and dark wood cupboards. Furthest from the entrance there was a large window that looked out onto the dark, murky waters of the Black Lake. Most would find the place inhospitable, Severus found it oddly charming. He made his way to his dormitory. In Slytherin, each student had its own private room. Upon entering his room, he disrobed and changed into his pajamas. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he fell into a deep sleep.