Chapter 61: The OWL Year Begins
Lily did indeed aim to cheer up her boyfriend over the holidays. She attended the funeral with him, as promised, along with the rest of her family. Rose was a strong support for Eileen as well as Robin, whom relished a stiff beer with Trevor during the wake which was hosted at the Gobstones Inn, under the control of several mourning house elves from Prince Manor. Desdemona was given a traditional Prince funeral and was buried alongside her husband in the manor grounds.
"She's at peace, Sev," whispered Lily, during the wake, "I'm sure of it."
Severus didn't have much doubt about that, but it didn't make his loss feel any easier. He wanted he and his mother to have a lot more time with his grandparents, but the Higher Ones or whoever controlled life and death decided it was not to be.
"Thank you, Lils."
A few days of solitude later, Severus felt brave enough to leave his mother alone with her thoughts, after several reassurances that she would still be there upon his return. He went straight to Lily, and the young witch had many an activity planned or scheduled for the summer holidays; all to cheer up her mournful boyfriend, and to keep her promise to both him and Desdemona.
It was necessary for both parties to enjoy themselves as much as possible over the summer in any case, as the next year at Hogwarts was their most crucial to date: their OWL Year. Petunia, at one point, asked what the big deal was about OWLs. She was a little intimidated at the idea of Ordinary Wizarding Level exams, not to mention the following Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests (NEWTs.)
"You're lucky you don't actually need to do those, Tuney," said Lily nervously, "I've seen how stressful OWLs can be. Some students above my year in my House have had nervous breakdowns in the common room and most of them are people I would never consider likely to melt down so badly!"
"You don't need to oversell Muggle life, Lily," said Petunia seriously, "I can promise you CSEs and university are not exactly a walk in the park either."
"Do you know which university you'll be going to?" asked Lily.
"Possibly one in London, or something like that. I really don't like any of the local candidates," she said ponderously.
"Not too far from home, eh, Tuney?" pouted Lily.
"No chance, I need to be around when you are qualified to help me do Herbology. And I'm still holding you to your promise to show me a living, breathing unicorn!"
She poked her tongue out at that last remark.
"I only hope I can keep that promise," said Lily, "unicorns are not the easiest things to come across even in the Wizarding World. Maybe I can arrange something with Dumbledore and Hagrid one of these days."
"No hurry, we both have a lot of studying and toiling for qualifications to keep afloat in life," said Petunia.
"Tell me about it," grumbled Lily, "why did life have to become such a chore?"
"That's life, Lily," said Petunia drearily, "not easy, not fair, not always happy…"
"Speaking of happiness, is there anything more between you and Carly?"
"I don't think so," said Petunia, "we're much better friends than lovers. I've no doubt I like girls now, but Carly is like you to me. We're sisters, she's my best friend, and she helped me realize who I am but beyond that…I don't want more. I just want my friend. Besides, she has her eyes on someone else."
"Ooh, who?" asked Lily.
"Some slightly older girl from the cinema," giggled Petunia.
"Oh my! That short-haired one who stamps the tickets?"
"That's the one, and to be honest, I think Carly's in with a chance, from what I've seen of their interactions!"
Lily laughed and the two sisters continued talking.
An hour or so later, Severus arrived on his first visit since the funeral.
"Hey, Sev," said Lily, wrapping her arms around him, which he responded with in kind.
"Hey, you look cheerful," replied her boyfriend.
"Oh," giggled Lily, "just some girl talk with Tuney."
"Dare I ask?"
"Nah, let's go out!"
The two did so and Lily surprised Severus with a trip down to the nearby town for some ice cream and a trip to the cinema, inspired by her chat with Petunia.
"What we gonna see?" asked Severus.
"I've heard about this new film about a man-eating shark that came out last month," said Lily, "it's so popular, it's still airing, so I fancied checking it out!"
She looked so excited that Severus couldn't help but smile at her. He knew she was acting this way to try and keep him happy, and he just didn't have the heart to tell her he was in no mood for fun. He knew he needed to perk up before the OWLs began.
Some hours later, both boyfriend and girlfriend came out of the cinema looking pale and twitchy.
"I don't think I can ever paddle in the Black Lake again," she whispered hoarsely.
"I know, and…I don't think I can even have a bath again. The Hogwarts baths are just gonna leave me paranoid that a shark is lurking under the bubbles!"
Lily spluttered with laughter at the image.
"Very funny, I'm sure," quipped Severus sarcastically.
"I'm sorry, Sevvy, but that's an image that'll be hard to remove!"
"Only cos you like the idea of me in a bath," teased Severus.
Lily was surprised at his cheeky innuendo. She never knew Severus to be so outgoing in terms of their relationship before. But she liked it.
"Why, yes, maybe I do!" she replied encouragingly.
"Well…you'll just have to keep imagining it then!"
And with that, Severus took off as fast as his legs could carry him.
Lily laughed, shouted "Oi!" and followed.
As they finally caught up with one another, Severus observed something.
"Isn't that your sister's friend over there?"
Lily looked and squealed into giggles.
There was Carly Willett, talking pleasantly and even flirtatiously with none other than the same young woman who had stamped hers and Severus' tickets at the Jaws viewing.
"Ooh, Tuney may have been right," said Lily, and she explained.
"Oh, best keep well away then," chuckled Severus, and he pulled her back so they could avoid being seen by the clearly smitten pair.
"Tuney will be pleased to know that she was right about those two."
"Petunia's always happy when she appears clever," said Severus innocently.
"Oi!" She smacked his arm. "My sister IS very clever, I'll have you know."
"As much as you?"
"Nobody can say they are That clever," said Lily immodestly.
"Apart from yours truly, of course," smirked Severus.
"If you thought that shark packed a nasty bite, you wait till I get hold of you, Severus Prince!"
Laughing, the happy couple chased one another back to Spinner's End.
The rest of the holidays only got better and better for the pair. Lily had Mary sleep over for a few nights and Quincey came to visit Severus. The four of them doubled dated at a local café using their pocket money respectively.
Remus also came over, but only throughout the day when he was well enough, then he would Floo back home.
Severus asked him if his father's attitude had improved at all since his recovery.
"Surprisingly, yes, he does seem a bit more cheerful. I think he felt he had lost me completely to the beast and when I got better, he finally began to appreciate having me as I am rather than not having me at all."
Severus smirked with triumph that his pep talk to Lyall Lupin had actually worked.
"It's early days," added Remus, "but all is well for the time being. Making the best of it while it lasts."
"Hopefully it will be an everlasting thing," said Severus sincerely.
Remus smiled.
A big surprise came to both Severus and Lily a few days after that. Inside their Hogwarts letters were badges with P on them: they were made Prefects!
Severus had been quite shocked. He had never been considered as a prefect in his old life; he was too notorious for 'provoking' Dumbledore's precious Gryffindors. He never even entertained the possibility of this change until now. He was humbly honoured, while Lily was squealing in joy and telling her parents all about it within minutes.
They, Remus, Mary and Quincey all met up with James and Sirius at Diagon Alley on the last week of the holidays. Lily was pleased to see that Remus was made a prefect as well. They all enjoyed a Fortescue ice cream apiece and Severus even managed to remain civil, if somewhat friendly to the two Gryffindors, despite his own personal conflict of interest. He had to maintain appearances in front of Lily, and in spite of his ongoing estrangement with Lily Potter, he knew she was right about him not wasting his second chance by sabotaging it with the memories of his past life, difficult though it was.
Eventually, the first day of September came and the students all gathered on the platform to bid farewell to their parents and other loved ones.
"Good luck with your OWLs, Lils," said Petunia.
"Good luck with your own exams, Tuney."
"Be a good boy, Severus," said Rose.
"I'll see you later," said Eileen.
That wording reminded Severus that Eileen was going to be there at Hogwarts with him this term. He was still worried about her but was extremely grateful that he would be more able to keep an eye on her. He looked to Robin who smiled knowingly at him. Robin trusted him to watch over Eileen while he focussed on her business at the inn, alongside Petunia when she could.
"Goodbye, son," said Robin, hugging Severus just before he boarded.
"I'll take care of her, Dad," promised Severus.
"I know you will, son."
A few moments later, Severus and Lily were waving their loved ones off and went to find a compartment. Soon enough, they were sharing with Quincey, Mary and Melody. She was waiting for Regulus to find her, as he and Sirius had been dropped off by Andromeda and Ted. Narcissa was with them both still feeling utterly out of place.
Melody understood that Regulus needed some time with his brother and cousin to adjust to returning to Hogwarts.
Lily and Severus had to meet with the Head Boy and Girl and the other prefects, including Remus. It took over half an hour before they were sent to check over the carriages to ensure nothing was amiss among the rambunctious students.
It was then that trouble began brewing. They saw two large students hulking in front of a compartment. They hadn't noticed Lily, Severus and Remus approaching.
"-you deserve! You have no right to be on this train after what you and that cow have done!"
"We have done nothing wrong!" snapped Sirius.
"You were a wrong'un from the start, Black," said one of the figures: Avery.
"It's likely your fault as well as that bitch, Andromeda's, that Regulus and Narcissa have been corrupted," added the second: Mulciber.
"Take that back, Mulciber," said Sirius.
"Or what?"
"Or you will lose points for Slytherin before term has even begun, Mulciber," said Remus darkly.
"Ah, just in time to be a part of the Union beatdown," sneered Avery, before firing off a jinx in Narcissa's direction.
Regulus blocked it rapidly and positioned himself between the two future Death Eaters and his sobbing cousin who was making no effort to defend herself.
"Assaulting a girl before another man? Pathetic!" he shouted.
"Enough!" shouted Lily.
"Don't even think you can boss us around, you filthy Mudbl-!"
Avery never saw Severus and James' Petrifying and Stunning hexes coming. He was down and out in seconds.
"If you don't want the same, I suggest you drag your friend off somewhere you're actually wanted, Mulciber," said Severus in fury.
Mulciber could see he was now outnumbered by three Prefects and three other capable duelling students. He knew when he was outmatched and took Avery away, moronically by the scruff of his neck.
"How is this meant to be a good example of Slytherin?" muttered Regulus miserably.
"Oafish, brutish and stupid? Sounds about right to me, Reggie," jested Sirius.
Regulus replied with a harsh expression.
"Sorry," said Sirius, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"After all that's happened in fourth year, I fear they and the other Voldemort supporters will be more arrogant and active this year," said James with a frown.
"And I'm still fairly behind, so I may not be as prepared as the rest of you," said Remus mournfully.
Severus could see the haunted look in his eyes. He knew Remus was still depressed that he wasn't there for Peter as Peter had been there for him during his hospitalisation. He felt bad that he couldn't part with him. True, nobody really had the chance to say goodbye, but Remus was even further removed.
"Let's forget them," said Lily in an attempt of optimism, "Reggie, Mel was waiting for you in our compartment. Do you feel up to seeing her yet?"
Regulus looked to Narcissa, who was still a sobbing wreck in the corner near the window.
"I'll try her in an hour," promised Regulus, "but I think Cissy needs me for the time being. I hope she understands."
"I'm sure she will," assured Lily.
The prefects continued on their way, passing Avery and Mulciber's compartment, along with several other Slytherins, glaring vengefully at them as they went on, only Severus giving them the look of disdain in return.
"Ignore them, Sev," said Lily, "show them you're not bothered, then they will be less likely to bother you."
"These are Death Eaters, Lily," said Severus firmly, "they'll 'bother' us either way."
"Sadly, I agree with his logic, Lily," said Remus.
Lily knew they were right.
"But that gives us, the House Union, no reason to follow their example by giving them more excuses to increase their efforts."
Severus shrugged and Remus nodded considerately.
Melody was pleased to see Regulus when he finally arrived. By that time, they, Quincey and Mary were dressed into their robes. Severus, Lily and Remus had already changed to show their authority as prefects earlier. The seven of them sat for some time either eating from the sweet trolley, playing Exploding Snap or in Remus' case, settling for a nap.
When Severus and Lily recounted what had happened with Avery and Mulciber, Quincey and Mary were furious, and Melody grasped Regulus' hand tightly, as if afraid he would leave her to rejoin them out of obligation. But Regulus was going nowhere, and deep down, she knew it.
Eventually, the train arrived and the familiar summons of Hagrid to the first years echoed across the platform. The Union all disembarked and boarded the Thestral pulled carriages. Nearly all of the Union could see them now, and James and Sirius, though initially unnerved at the sight, eventually decided they were awesome.
Inside the castle, Severus led his fellow Ravenclaws into the Great Hall, while Lily and Remus led the Gryffindors. Slytherin and Hufflepuff followed suit. Ned Tozer was there without his now graduated brother.
Regulus, Narcissa and Melody felt extremely vulnerable at the Slytherin table, but sat as near to Severus, Quincey, Nora Waynefleet and Elizabeth Burns as possible.
As he sat at the table, Severus saw his mother sitting at the High Table, next to Flitwick and the empty seat that McGonagall normally sits in but was currently speaking with the newly arrived first years out in the Entrance Hall.
"I hope she's alright," he said softly.
"She will be, mate," said Quincey kindly.
Soon, McGonagall entered with the first years and as they gathered round, the Sorting Hat burst into song.
"I know you think I look a bit tatty,
But do not, pray, be so bratty,
Cos I have some noble words to say,
And if you all heed, it'll make my day,
For many years, the Houses four,
Have been dividing more and more,
But if we all stand together as one,
The dark tasks ahead may still be done,
Gryffindor, so brash and bold,
Hufflepuff, whose kids are never cold,
Ravenclaw, those wise young souls,
Slytherin, the ones who need to mould,
All of these Houses need to join,
If not, you shall all disappoint,
The Union that has recently borne,
Will find the way to bring peace reborn,
And now you've heard what I've had to speak,
And so now there's no need to squeak,
For because you see, I need to do my job,
To declare which House suits all you yobs!
There was a pause and then applause. The Sorting Hat, though trying to be humorous, was actually aiding and abetting in the Union's mission to unite the four Houses into a full family without the prejudices and disdainful feuds.
Severus and Lily smiled at each other.
Unfortunately, most of the Slytherins showed very little enthusiasm in the Sorting Hat's words.
"It would say that" muttered a third year, "it was owned by Gryffindor himself."
As the applause dimmed, Severus watched as McGonagall began calling names to be Sorted.
"Carter, Lisa!"
And it went on, in numerous order, until-
"Zagwold, Martin!"
This last student was the sixth to be a Slytherin and then they all began to mingle.
The awe of the first-year students always alighted Lily, thinking of how it was for her when she first became a Gryffindor student.
Soon, Dumbledore took to his stand to make his usual announcements.
"Welcome home to Hogwarts, students old and new! I need to speak some words before we feast ourselves on an exceptional dinner. First, I wish to introduce Professor Eileen Kennedy, who has been willing to take on the stance of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, in the absence of her husband, Professor Robin Kennedy, who shall return after the Christmas holidays. Welcome back to Hogwarts, Professor!"
Everyone applauded politely and Eileen shyly nodded in acknowledgement, not rising from her seat, but soon looking down at her empty plate.
Severus could see that she looked uncomfortable and couldn't help but fear that she was taking on more than she could handle.
Soon, the speeches and feasting were over, and everyone went to their dormitories and to bed. Severus and another Prefect from sixth year led the tired students, especially the first-years to their own. After giving the answer to the riddle, Severus showed the first-years where their bedrooms were and then when they went to bed for the first time, he collapsed into his seat, hoping things were not going to be so strenuous this year, but he knew better all the same.
The following morning, Severus and Lily received their timetables. What Severus saw surprised him immediately. He looked over to the High Table and saw Dumbledore smiling knowingly back at him.
"Sev," gasped Lily, "all the Houses are mingling into the same subjects together, in four groups!"
"I think this is one of Dumbledore's ways of getting the Houses to unite as we want," said Severus positively.
"Oh, I hope this works," said Lily, "and, hehe, I see Dumbledore ensured that you and I are in the same group! We'll share all our classes together!"
"Yeah, but um, look what we've got first," said Severus nervously.
Lily saw that their first class was Double Defence Against the Dark Arts.
"Ah, your mum. Still worried?"
"Yes, she didn't look at all happy to be here last night," he replied.
"Well, it has been some time," said Lily assuredly, "I'm sure she's just struggling to adjust. She'll make the best of it."
"I hope you're right."
After a hearty breakfast, the pair made their way to Defence, stopping to help some new students find their way to Charms as they passed looking lost.
They reached Eileen's classroom in good time and seated together, seeing that James, Remus and Mary were also in the class. Eileen approached and sat at her desk.
"Morning, class," she said nervously, which reminded Severus of the trembling Professor Quirrell back in Harry Potter's first year.
"Good morning, Professor Kennedy," said the class in unison.
Many faces were glancing between Eileen and Severus, seeing the family resemblance and wondering if either of them were okay, as everybody knew that they had lost Septimus the previous year. It was also in the Daily Prophet that Desdemona was also dead and buried over the summer.
"Now," said Eileen, "who can tell me the incantation for-?"
"Is it true that you are Snape's mum?" asked an eager Slytherin.
"Yes, but he is just a regular student like any of you while in this classroom."
"And is it true that your own mum died cos she missed her poor, dead husband?" sneered Mulciber viciously.
A loud gasp of shock echoed through the room. Eileen had gone pale, and Severus was now being restrained by both James and Remus, while Lily seized his hand to keep him near her person.
"Detention, Mr Mulciber," said Eileen pitifully, "and go and explain to Professor Slughorn what you had said!"
Mulciber smirked and went to leave.
"Mr Lupin, could you make sure he actually goes there?"
"Of course, Professor," said Remus, trusting James to keep Severus at bay as he escorted the now put-out Mulciber out of the classroom.
"Accio wand!"
Mulciber's wand shot out of his pocket and into Eileen's hand.
"In case you planned to attack Mr Lupin to avoid seeing Professor Slughorn."
Everyone was impressed at the visibly trembling woman thinking of every possibility of the potential enemy's actions.
Eileen tried to continue the class, but Severus could see she was doing her best to not break down in tears.
Eventually, the class resumed to flow nicely, albeit with only reading and summations of specific spells and curses.
The class ended with Severus chastising Lily and James.
"Next time, just let me-!"
"No, that's not the way, Sev," said Lily firmly.
"Lily is right, Severus," said Eileen, walking over, "don't let that wicked boy knock you down. If you take vengeance, you will be left open to punishment. Punishment that even Dumbledore may be unable to avoid."
"Besides, the Union needs to show its founders are above all this fighting," added Lily.
Severus sighed, outnumbered and defeated by the two most important women in his life.
James was tempted to mimic a whip, but kept his mouth shut to prevent any possible retaliation at Severus' already frayed temper.
"Alright, I'll keep away from Mulciber, but if he attacks me, I will then say I was provoked. Deal?"
Lily reluctantly nodded and Eileen, as a professional, advised a warning not to get into trouble.
Severus and Lily left the classroom to have their first free period before lunch. They decided to relax in their favourite spot by the lake, as Eileen had the kindness and/or distraction to not submit to the class any homework. And if memory served even roughly, there was going to be heaps and yards of it in the coming months.
Author's end of chapter talk: Hey all. I've now submitted Chapter 61. I hope it's worth the wait. Again, I apologise for the confusion of changing my account. It's annoying me no end too.
So, what to expect for Chapter 62? Well, in that chapter, Severus will be beginning his Occlumency lessons with Dumbledore! I hope that will keep the hype up until next time. Please review and enjoy!