November 27, 1969
"I have a secret to tell you, Lily," Severus spoke up from where he was lying on the snow-covered ground. His new scarf– which Petunia had knitted him under the guise of 'practicing' for her boyfriend, Douglas Chips, a nice fellow living in the neighboring town–was soaked with condensation.
With Hermione's tendency to know everything (bonus: to also find anything she doesn't know suspicious) deeply ingrained within Lily's subconscious, she had tried everything to pester her elder sister till she told the truth. Petunia indeed made it with Severus in mind.
The soft scarf was navy blue cotton and had a comically large pompom hanging at the end. He had a matching woolly hat with a similarly large pompom on the top that made Lily giggle when he first wore it. Mrs. Snape secretly thanked Petunia with a ginormous potato casserole making Severus blush deeply and the Evans family stuffed with potatoes for the next three days.
"Hmm? Is it the reason why you refuse to wash your hair?" She joked, earning a glare from the pale boy.
"I'm being serious."
"You can't be Sirius. You're Severus." She chuckled but cleared her throat when he threw her a curious glance. "Okay, alright. What is it then?"
He sat up and looked at her solemnly. His eyebrows were drawn together and his lips were pinched earnestly as he thought of what he was going to say. It was quite funny on his face as it made him look constipated but Lily tried to contain her incoming laughter.
"I- Don't freak out." He looked at her nervously. "Or laugh. Or anything." He added and she almost rolled her eyes.
"Just get on with it, mate."
"I'm a wizard." He blurted and closed his eyes tightly as if waiting and ready for her to mock him like his father or freak out like the other kids.
Lily didn't know what to do. She already knew that they were magic. She thought of the best way to react but she just studied Severus curiously. His face was covered by his scarf and his hands but she could see them trembling slightly from fear that he would lose his only friend.
She felt sad that the other kids didn't like him. He was a great kid and was her best friend in a way that was different than how Hermione Granger felt with Harry Potter or Ronald Weasley. The bushy-haired girl had been more motherly towards Harry and had a crush on Ron ever since the end of their second year but Lily saw Severus more as a brother.
"Aren't you going to run away or laugh?" He squeaked, peeking over his shaking hands.
She grabbed them and pulled them towards her, leaning slightly forward excitedly. "So you can do hocus pocus? That's awesome, Sev!"
He stared at her with wide eyes before they filled with tears. He sniffed and pulled her tightly into a hug, sobbing. "I thought you would call me a freak."
"Why would I? You're my best friend!" She exclaimed, patting his back comfortingly with a wide smile. "I'll always be by your side."
"Always?" He smiled softly and pulled away to look at her. His cheeks and nose were extremely red from the cold and his eyes were puffy from crying but he looked adorable.
She ruffled his hair, hiding a grimace at the oiliness but didn't comment on it. While she teased him about it, she knew he couldn't wash his hair often because his father rarely paid the water and electric bills.
"Always."
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December 31, 1969
"Little flower, did you see my coat?" Her father grunted. He had turned half the mansion upside down to look for the single-breasted navy wool coat but he couldn't find it anywhere which is why he had recruited her, the sixteen-year-old Petunia, and the handsome Douglas. Lily quite liked Doug and hoped Petunia stuck with him instead of marrying the vile Vernon Dursley. Chips was a cuter last name than Dursley which sounds like mouth vomit.
"Papa we've searched most of the house and it's nowhere. Did you leave it in the car?" She asked. She and Petunia were supposed to be going down the hill for the annual New Year's festival in thirty minutes and she was still in her pyjamas.
Douglas and Petunia shared a look that made the former snicker and the latter glare.
"Mr Evans, perhaps you left it at the office?" Doug suggested making the frustrated man's daughters' give him hopeful looks. "And you could always wear a different coat? Spice it up a bit this coming year?"
"No! There's no way. It's my lucky coat! I always have my lucky coat with me." Florian insisted, glancing down at his watch once again. "Besides, that thing cost me a fortune. Your mum will skin me alive if she finds out I lost it."
"Dad, Mum is going to skin us alive if we're late for even just a second!" Petunia groaned when he told her to check the drawing rooms once again. Florian frowned as she pulled her boyfriend with her, muttering French under her breath.
Just then, the doorbell rang and Florian and Lily looked at each other with wide eyes.
"Go see who it is, flower. I swear if it's your mother..." He trailed off and shuddered as he pulled on his hair, darting off in the opposite direction of the front door. His heavy footsteps echoed up the stairs and Lily heard him grunting in frustration as he tried to rifle through the rooms to find his beloved wool coat.
Lily didn't know why her father was so attached to it but she somewhat understood. She was deeply attached to the bracelet Severus had woven for her as a Christmas present last year and a token of their stronger friendship. It was navy blue–almost black– threaded with silver and gold accents.
For this year, he had given her a dusty book about potions after discovering that she was also a witch when she had broken some bully's glasses in the summer. Tuny had been stupefied when she saw it on the way to the tea room and Lily had been afraid she would reject her like the Mrs Dursley in Hermione's memories did Harry but the blonde had hugged her tightly instead, saying she'd protect her.
The two of them agreed it would be for the best not to tell their parents yet.
Nevertheless, Severus continued to teach her everything he knew about magic whenever they would meet under their tree — under Petunia's supervision, of course.
She opened the door and… speak of the devil. She gasped in horror when she saw Severus shivering outside in the blizzard in nothing but his tattered trousers. His torso was painted black and blue, one eye swollen closed, and his nose looked severely broken. His lips were cut and frozen blue, teeth chattering from the cold, and there was snow covering his eyelashes and hair.
"SEV?! Bloody Hell- Come inside!" She ushered him toward the drawing room where the fireplace was already blazing with flames.
"What happened to him?!" Petunia quickly ran over as soon as she saw the shaking ten-year-old. "Dougles get as many blankets as you can from the cupboard near the bedrooms and tell Father to fetch some tea for the poor boy as well. Quickly!"
"Sev, talk to me." Lily fluttered around him worriedly, taking the fleece throws from the couches and wrapping them around his shoulders.
"I-I'll be a-alright, L-Lils." He tried to smile weakly, still shaking from the cold.
"You have to take off your wet trousers, boy. I'll try to find something for you to wear." Tuny clicked her tongue. "In the meantime, make sure he's comfortable." She ordered Lily who nodded in response, piling up the large cushions around him to keep the heat around his body.
Severus wordlessly shrugged off his drenched trousers, pulling the throw and some of the pillows closer around him. He was crying.
"What happened?" Lily whispered.
"H-He snapped. He f-finally went off the deep end. He - He tried to-" He trembled. Lily didn't know if it was from fear or the cold but she pulled him into a comforting embrace either way. She felt his tears through her shirt and felt anger build up inside her. How dare he. How dare that bastard do this to her… her brother! She wanted to hurt him as badly as he hurt her best friend.
"H-He tried t-to hurt mum. I-I stopped him and he…he got angrier." He finished. Lily felt her heart break for him. Severus and Mrs Snape deserved so much better.
"I'm sorry. I should've protected you." She held him tighter.
"It's not your fault." He scoffed but winced when the action put pressure on his bruises.
"Did he hit you with anything?"
He shook his head. Lily was relieved Tobias didn't use any objects. Severus could've died!
"I'm sorry it took so long, m'boy. Had to put the kettle on." Florian rushed inside the drawing room with the cherry wood serving cart, a steaming pot of tea, a bowl of soup on the top tier, and some heat packs strewn messily on the bottom tier. He stopped abruptly, inhaling sharply at the extent of the young child's injuries. "I'll call Kit and Mr Archer."
"M-Mr Archer?" Severus raised a brow.
"A physician," Lily answered quietly, standing up from where she was sitting on the ground and pouring a cup of tea for him. "Milk?"
"Thank you." He nodded. "Three sugars."
Lily smiled a bit remembering how differently Professor Snape in Hermione's life drank the beverage. She was sure Snape had taken it straight. It's astonishing how much he probably would've changed if she wasn't here.
"Are you going to go back?" She asked quietly as he sipped on his drink. He sighed and nodded again.
"I can't leave my mother alone. He'll k-kill her." His voice broke and he sniffed.
"Here change into these. It's Lucien's old spares but it may be a little too long." Petunia entered the room again, Doug in tow who was holding on to a mountain of blankets.
Tuny's boyfriend grunted as he dropped the covers on the ground and then proceeded to pile them one by one around Severus who eyed him carefully. The brunet gave him a sympathetic smile and whispered something Lily didn't hear but it made the tense boy relax somewhat slightly.
Petunia handed the heating pads to Severus after he changed into their cousin's old clothes from several summers ago while Lily went to fetch another cup of tea for her best friend. She gritted her teeth as she thought. Hermione regretted judging the stoic professor she had without knowing what he'd been through to become such a bully person.
I'm not Hermione Granger anymore. She tried to breathe to calm herself, sweat beading on her hairline at the familiar injuries but the vivid colors of bruises brought back not only the terrible memories of her childhood but the second wizarding war as well. Flashes of the Golden trio being caught by snatchers, Hermione being tortured by Bellatrix, the apologetic and regretful glances from their resident bully, and the scar that marred her arm. It was all too much.
"—ly? LILY! What's the matter?" She heard Tuny ask but couldn't answer as her throat started to close up.
She breathed heavily, trying to calm down but she couldn't. Her ears were throbbing, ringing with someone's cries. They called for Harry. For Ron. For the Weasleys. For their parents.
They're all gone. My family is gone. I'll never see them again. Gone.
"LILY, PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!" Someone shook her body but she couldn't respond. Not when Harry's gone. Her family was gone.
Gone. Gone. Gone. Gone. I can't go on. They're gone!
"LILLIANE!" Another person yelled. "LILY!"
She heard the sound of glass shattering.
She dropped the teacup she was holding and grasped her throat, wheezing, knees collapsed and she cried. Cried for all Hermione had lost and for what she would lose. "I can't. I-I can't."
She felt someone step closer and she screamed, yelling for them to get away from her. She clawed at her throat. She needed air.
A large pair of arms wrapped around her and she looked at the large emerald eyes staring at her worriedly and in panic. "Harry. Harry. Ron." She whispered. "They're gone." She wailed with the mysterious voice in her head.
Gone! They're gone!
The person pulled her closer and she heard his heartbeat. Steady. "Breathe with me, my flower."
She did as said and followed the rise and fall of his chest, inhaling and exhaling deeply.
Harry…
"That's it. That's it. Good girl." She felt large hands stroke her hair gently, the woman's voice fading away.
"Mr Evans, if I may."
"Lily, Mr. Archer will be coming closer, alright?" The person whispered and she nodded wearily.
"Ms Evans. I will only be checking your heartbeat." She heard the physician say and she flinched when the cold metal of the stethoscope came in contact with her chest. "Hmm."
The coldness was gone. Gone. Like them. Gone.
"Lily. Stay with me. Papa's here." She was swayed gently, the comforting hand on her hair never stopped and she was lulled into darkness.
…
"Did anything happen to Ms Evans while she was younger?" Mr Archer frowned. "Perhaps something similar before or something shocking?"
Kit and Petunia were holding to each other, tears falling down their cheeks as they watched the scene. Lily had shaken and clawed at her throat, screaming her voice hoarse, hitting anyone who came near her. Even Severus who was now standing not far away with concern in his dark eyes.
"No. No, I don't think so." Florian answered and looked at the battered boy swallowed by blankets standing behind Lily. "Severus?"
"We would only stay under the tree and read. Nothing unpleasant ever happened." The boy muttered. Streaks of dried tears reflected the soft light from the fireplace.
The doctor furrowed his brows in confusion. "It was a panic attack. Do any of you know what might've triggered it?"
"It's probably my fault." Severus sniffled.
Mr Archer finally looked at him and his eyes widened before he ordered the boy to sit down so he could check over his injuries. He diagnosed that the most he had was a broken nose, some bruising, and, fortunately, nothing too major.
"Your nose should heal in a few weeks," He said. "But I'm afraid the bridge will not be able to fix itself in its regular position without cosmetic surgery."
"Cosmetic surgery?" Kit asked worriedly.
"Yes, you'll need to make an appointment with a surgeon at a nearby hospital or practice." The doctor hummed. "It may cost a small fortune, but it will remove the hook shape your nose will settle in after it heals."
Severus gave a contemplative sigh before shaking his head. "I don't mind a hooked nose as long as I have one and can breathe through it fine."
"He'll be able to breathe fine, right?" Florian cleared his throat from where he was holding Lily.
Mr Archer chuckled and nodded. "The shape shouldn't affect his breathing."
The blonde man released a relieved sound, making the room's inhabitants shoot him amused looks, though those looks faltered when the girl in Florian's arms started murmuring agitatedly in her sleep.
"The panic attacks," The doctor spoke quietly. "If we do not know what caused it, it may be difficult to prevent it."
Lily was still on the ground, buried in their father's arms and murmurs ceased as Florian hushed softly.
Petunia squeezed Douglas' hands who gripped hers tighter in reassurance as she cried, her mother on her other side, quietly sobbing.
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January 1, 1970
Mr. Archer, Douglas Chips, and the Evans family looked at the grandfather clock in the corner that had just struck midnight, indicating the start of the New Year. The room was solemn, and none looked forward to the year 1970. The year that had started with chaos, unknowingly marking the start of a decade filled with magical adventures, friendships, love, loss, and war.
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January 9, 1970
Lily woke up with a start, heavily breathing and soaked with sweat. She had been having night terrors since the New Year filled with someone's –Hermione's, she reckoned– memories. She dreamt of being tortured in a dreary yet lavish sitting room. It was the dream that came the most frequent and she was usually woken up by one of her family members. She would wake up with a hoarse voice, bruised limbs, and red wounds she inflicted on herself. None so far have scarred, which was a good thing.
The nine-year-old jumped off her queen-sized bed and stretched.
She inhaled deeply, trying to calm her pounding heart, and rifled through her dresser room. She hummed a tune Hermione loved. She reckoned it was a song from the future but she couldn't for the life of her remember the name.
She found a dress in Sev's favorite color and giggled. She had convinced him the day before to dress in green for their birthdays which they would be celebrating together under their tree (his on the day, and hers in advance).
She had already prepared his present: a silver locket necklace containing a picture of the two of them. She was wearing her favorite blushed dress at the time, a bright smile on her face, and holding little Sev's hand. Her fiery red hair curled at the ends and was pulled back by a ridiculously large pale pink bow. Severus' hair was washed, and he was wearing black trousers, and a white long-sleeved shirt with sleeves slightly longer than his arms. He was smiling shyly at the camera.
Douglas had taken it on his new camera.
"He'll love it." She beamed and placed it inside the small navy box her father had bought the necklace in and she closed the lid gently.
"Lily, are you done? You can't make the birthday boy wait too long, can you?" Kit knocked and opened the door slightly. "Oh my-!" She looked at her daughter in surprise and amusement.
"Your hair looks like a bird's nest," Tuny commented as Mother tackled the long wavy tresses.
"You're ugly." Lily scrunched her nose at her older sister who put on a mocking face, making their mother chuckle and shake her head.
"Done," Kit dropped a kiss on her cheek. "Happy birthday, Lilliane."
Lily looked at the floor-length mirror and her jaw dropped. "Mum! I told you I'm a grown-up, already." She cursed her nine-year-old brain for whining instead of speaking more intellectually.
"The bow stays, little flower." Her mother gave her a stern look and fixed the lace again. It was a huge green one that matched her dress.
She pouted. She didn't know how her mother found it as she tried desperately to hide the ribbon under her underthings. Sighing, she looked at her reflection again and twirled. Let's be happy together, Hermione Granger. For everyone.
For Harry and Ron. The womanly voice answered in her head.
"Now go. The cake is in the kitchen." Her mother patted her back.
"Brilliant. Bye, mum, Tuny!" She waved and pocketed the necklace box in her dress.
She thundered down the stairs, passing through the portraits hall, stopping briefly in front of her family pictures again before breathing in and smiling. She took the box containing the small cake she baked for her best friend and ran down the hill, passing through some of her friends who greeted her enthusiastically, and into the park.
Lily panted and slowed down when she arrived, Looking around and glancing at the watch her father bought her as an early present, she wondered where Severus was. She checked under the white oak tree hollow but he wasn't there. She decided to wait for a few more minutes and sat down on the snow.
"Hmm." She looked around again after 15 minutes but there was still no sign of the thin boy.
Hesitating, she placed the cake inside the hollow before dashing away toward Spinner's end. She was wearing her snow boots so the concrete didn't hurt her usual bare feet.
"Lilliane!" Someone called her and she saw John Harrow, a tall boy a year older than her from school. He had the brightest blue eyes and a garish grin that showed off his white teeth.
Reminds me of someone. Hermione snorted in her head and Lily almost rolled her eyes at the thought of Gilderoy Lockhart.
"Yes?" She cleared her throat, eyes darting where the street of Spinner's End was just a turn away.
"I've been meaning to talk to you." He stopped in front of her. "I-"
"Look, Johnny. I'm really busy right now. Chat next time?" She pulled on a strand of her hair impatiently. The boy was blocking her way and she was getting worried about Severus. He's never late and his father had been off the rocker since New Year's. She shuddered and tried to avert her thoughts from what happened less than two weeks ago.
"I'll be quick." He blurted and gave her a pleading look which made her nod in defeat. He brightened and straightened his back. "I was going to invite you for the get-together tonight. The kids on the block really want you there. You can even take anyone you want."
"Oh." She scratched her cheek. "Err. I'm celebrating Sev's birthday today so…"
"That kid?" He frowned. "Is that where you're going right now?"
"Yeah. Is something the matter?" She narrowed her eyes at his expression. Was he going to call him names like the neighborhood bullies?
"You should be careful, Lilliane. I heard sounds of crashing inside their house an hour ago." He warned.
Lily was alarmed. "What?! See you around, Johnny!"
She heard the brunet call her name again but she didn't turn and kept running toward Severus' house, never minding the mud that splashed on her clothes. She tripped on a small pebble and landed on the wet concrete but quickly stood up to continue her journey.
At the end of the street, she saw the large brick house with dried plants and an eery feeling around it contrary to its neighbors. She panted and rang the bell of the iron gate, waiting for someone to answer. She rang again. And again. It was quiet.
"Are you here for someone?" A lady wearing a worn wool jacket too big on her asked. Her eyes widened when she saw the state of Lily's dress and coat but didn't say anything.
"Um, yes. Severus." She answered frantically.
"Well, there was an emergency crew here not long ago. They took Mr. Snape to the hospital, I think. His wife went with them. Poor boy was left alone and went somewhere but I'm not sure where." The lady explained, shaking her head. "It was gory, indeed. Blood was everywhere. I wouldn't be surprised if the drunk- I mean, the man, doesn't make it."
"Oh, okay. Thank you, ma'am." She distractedly said and went to walk away.
"No problem, dearie!" The woman called. "Be careful and don't slip!"
Lily was a little angry that the neighbors hadn't done anything about the abuse happening in the Snape home but she couldn't fault them for staying out of their business. She sighed and tried to think where her friend could've gone.
Don't worry. Professor Snape's a strong man who can handle himself.
Lily glared at nowhere in particular, irked at Granger's confident statement. Severus is a child and shut up. You're being annoying.
She heard Hermione's indignant scolding but she decided to ignore it to turn to the first person she saw.
"Excuse me, have you perhaps seen Severus Snape around?" She asked a man who was shoveling his driveway.
"Long black hair?" The man asked. He looked at the sky and hummed. "Yeah, he passed by. Your friend?"
"Yes."
"Well, you should find him fast. I tried to call him but he just ran away." He scratched his head, sniffing from the cold. "His father had it coming, I say."
"Did you know how it happened?" She was curious but it didn't seem like Severus was severely injured from what the neighbors were saying. She was angry and sad that his birthday turned out like this. She had it all planned. She was supposed to take him away for the day and eat cake at the park. She would give him his gift, they would spend time under their white oak, he'd teach her more about Hogwarts and the wizarding world (and she would listen even though she probably knew about magic more than he did), and at the end of the day, they would go back to the Phillipe mansion to eat dinner with their family.
Hermione scoffed. Talk about unrealistic.
Lily pointedly ignored the twenty-year-old in her head.
The man winced. "Eileen and Tobias were arguing again and I think little Severus was in the way so the man threw something at him. I don't know how the drunkard–the man got injured, though. Maybe his wife finally grew a backbone and threw something back."
"Thank you, sir." She sighed and went on her way.
She tried to look for him in the streets, behind the bins, on every corner and asked some of the people or children outside if they'd seen him. All of them said they saw him pass and she grew frustrated, groaning. Why couldn't Severus stay in place? She huffed and decided to go back to the park, stomping on the puddles.
Lily reached the snow-covered place and froze when she saw a figure going inside the hollow where she left the cake. She quickly jogged over, shouting at the cake thief. "Hey! Get away from there!"
She didn't have time to react before the figure launched at her, knocking her down to the ground. She tried to wriggle out from under the kid but he was putting his whole weight over her. It wasn't till she heard the sniffles that she stopped. She glanced at where Severus buried his head to her shoulder and she quickly wrapped her arms around him.
"I was looking for you." His shoulders were wracked with sobs.
"I went to your house. What happened, Sev?"
"I'm a murderer, Lily." He pulled away from her abruptly and sat up away from her. "I killed Tobias."
"What? The neighbors said-" Her hand hovered over his shoulder but he scooted away, still crying.
"He's dying. My mother said it wasn't my fault but it is my fault. I hit him with a vase. With magic."
She stood up and walked over to kneel in front of him. She held his shoulders firmly, making him look at her. Her heart squeezed as she saw his broken expression. His dark eyes were shining and his lower lip was trembling. Hermione wouldn't have ever imagined seeing her Professor so vulnerable. Lily hugged him tightly.
"It's not your fault, Severus. He was a bad, bad man. He would've died from alcohol poisoning at the rate he was going." She comforted. "He's not dead. You didn't kill him."
He nodded. "Thanks, Lily. I'm glad I have you."
…
"I have something for you." She spoke up.
He looked at her curiously as she dug into the pockets of her dress, trying to look for the tiny box. Truthfully, he wasn't able to get her anything. He had forgotten about their plans for today up until his father was taken to the hospital. He felt bad that she always gave him things but he couldn't give her anything back. The Evans were more his family than his actual one. His mother, although a kind woman, neglected him for the sake of keeping his father satisfied whenever he did come home. Lily was the light at the end of the tunnel. She was his sister. Even the arrogant Petunia. They had taken him under their wings and he swore he would protect them. He would always protect Lily.
"Here." He stared at the tiny box in her gloved hands. She motioned for him to take it.
Sighing, she opened it herself and showed him the contents. He inhaled when he saw the locket inside. He smirked when he saw the design.
"It's very…manly."
He's right. So manly.
Shut up. Lily internally rolled her eyes at the woman in her head.
Lily blushed and shoved him. "Shove off, you git."
"Language." He raised a brow and she slapped his arm, making him grin.
She laughed and took the necklace from the box to clasp it around his neck. It was long and almost reached his belly button but he was sure he was going to grow into it after puberty. He opened the silver locket and he felt his heart warming at the picture. His nose burned as he failed to contain his tears.
"I love you, Lily." He blubbered.
"I love you too, Sev." She chuckled fondly.
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October 24, 1970
Severus and Lily watched as Douglas Chips bustled after Petunia Evans. The birthday girl was frantically checking the last-minute arrangements for her party. She had invited her whole year from college as well as some people from Doug's town including Vernon Dursley – much to the chagrin of Lily/Hermione. The redhead was not looking forward to seeing the vile man – a teenager at the moment – in a bit. According to Chips, he was a decent fellow but was often made fun of for his large size. Lily didn't believe it for a moment. Douglas was just too kind to everyone to see people's true colors. Vernon Dursley was anything but decent.
"Dougles!" Tuny called from one of the rooms.
"Yes, beautiful?" The brunet quickly jogged towards her.
The two ten-year-olds snickered at the man's nickname and shook their heads. Kit placed a platter of sweets on the table in front of them and the two narrowed their eyes at each other, hands at the ready.
"Now, you two-"
"TEN!" Severus shouted and the two instantly grabbed the treats to shove them in their mouths, counting one, two, three, seven, nine, ten cookies and macarons. Florian and Kit watched in dismay at their children's antiques.
Lily stood up with her fists in the air, jumping in victory as she chewed on the ten pieces of gingersnaps, chocolate chips, macarons, eclairs, and more in her mouth. Severus glared at her as he furiously tried to swallow his food, pointing at her accusingly.
"You cheated!" He yelled. Florian guffawed at the amount of crumbs on both of their cheeks but stopped when Kit glowered at him. Severus crossed his arms and harrumphed, turning away from his best friend with cheeks burning with annoyance.
"I won fair and square, you sore loser." Lily stuck her tongue out.
"Everybody get ready! They're here!" Petunia squealed as she pulled her boyfriend toward the main entrance. She straightened herself and fixed the teenage boy's tie before standing imperiously.
Kit dusted the two children's faces and fixed their attires before ushering them out to the front door just as the doorbell rang for the first round of guests' arrival. Douglas opened the door with a smile and greeted his family with hugs. Petunia was attacked by kisses from her "future mother-in-law" which she accepted with a warm expression while Kit welcomed them happily. Their dad shook hands with Edward Chips, Doug's father, who had the same build and looks as his son.
"This must be Lilyana and Sev…?" The round woman looked at the two of them. Lily grinned in affirmation while her partner for the night nodded shyly at Candace Chips. She was an American woman whose father died in the war but she was able to settle in England with some distant relatives. She heard much about the story from Petunia's boyfriend himself and she was in awe of how strong the woman in front of her was and felt empathy towards her.
"Lily, madam. This is my best friend, Severus. Nice to meet you." She shook Mrs Chips' hands.
"Nice to meet you as well. I've heard quite a lot about you little troublemakers from my son." She winked before turning back to Kit who had called her.
…
With the party in full swing, the two children decided to go upstairs to Lily's room. They tittered quietly as they built a pillow fort, levitating the cushions from the sofa and the bed to pile them on top of each other. Severus had been staying with them since Eileen Snape needed to look after Tobias in the hospital. The man was hanging by a thread and Lily had been glad that it didn't seem to affect her friend as badly as it did on his birthday. It was in these moments that Hermione was filled with gratitude that she had a healthy family with loving parents and a nice sister (as nice as Petunia could be). Douglas too. He was already part of the family and Lily wished he stayed in it.
"Be right back," Severus whispered and he raced out the door.
Lily lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling which had Renaissance paintings of cherubs and flowers. It was barely seen with the soft light from the lamp but it was a reminder of the history of her family. Numerous members of the Evans line had used this room before her and it upset her that instead of a bright childhood, Harry was forced to grow up earlier than his peers simply because society deemed him the chosen one. He had no adults to rely on except the Weasleys who were already busy with their seven children and Dumbledore who eventually left him to fend for himself. Sirius died and Remus had Teddy. Additionally, Harry felt McGonagall was too busy with the other students to confide in which was why Hermione was left to be his pseudo-mother figure.
Lily wondered if that was the reason Hermione was born as her conscience. If it was because she had acted more maternal than sisterly to her first best friend.
We're not even certain if Harry Potter will come to be this time.
Of course he will.
Lily rolled her eyes (it was quickly becoming a habit with Granger's ridiculous inputs). Don't be so sure. So many's already changed. James Potter might find someone else better this time.
She had no idea if one's conscience could roll their eyes but Lily was fairly certain Hermione had.
Don't be so sure. The woman's voice replied mockingly.
Why you-
Lily jumped when a hand touched her shoulder and Severus eyed her weirdly.
"You okay?" He frowned.
"Yeah just lost in my thoughts again." She grinned.
The two of them went on their stomachs as the boy opened the heavy tome of Hogwarts: A History, her favorite book – both as Lily Evans and Hermione Granger.
"What house do you want to be in, Sev?" She asked when they reached the page explaining the four houses at the school.
"Slytherin. Everyone in my mother's family was in it." He answered, tracing the Slytherin emblem on the page. It highlighted the house's traits and he had a faint smile on his face. "They were a pureblood family. Prince."
"Prince?" She tilted her head.
"They used to be big back in the day but Mother got disowned and I think the last patriarch, my uncle, died without an heir." He shrugged and flipped to the next page.
"So you're basically the heir! You're the last Prince!" She looked at him, impressed.
"I'm not. I'm only a half-blood." He shook his head.
She scratched her chin and a brilliant thought came to her. "The Half-blood Prince, then."
"It doesn't work that way, Lily. They won't name me their heir because I'm 'not pure'." He finger quoted.
"But I'm not any blood at all. My parents aren't magic."
"They're muggles."
"Muggles?" She pretended cluelessly.
"Non-magic folk." He explained and pointed to a word in the book. "You're muggle-born."
"Oh. That's quite a funny word, isn't it? Muggle." She giggled and he smiled in return.
"What house do you think I'll be in, Sev?"
"I'm not sure. It'll be great if we're both in Slytherin." He hummed.
"How do muggle-born get their magic, then?" She asked. She already knew the answer, of course. 'Muggleborns' have at least one person with wizarding blood in their ancestry. Many were squibs and their magic skipped generations but it wasn't impossible for a witch or a wizard to emerge farther down the line.
"I don't know. My mum's old books say they steal magic but that's all codswallop."
Hermione was surprised. She would've thought him to believe it since he was a death eater in her past life but Lily was glad that her best friend didn't think less of her because was muggle-born.
"What if only you get the letter?" She asked again while Severus looked at the castle's facts.
"You'll get a letter. I'm sure of it."
Hermione snorted.
.
.
.
January 23, 1971
"Severus! Wake up!" Lily pounded on her best friend's bedroom door which was just across the hall.
She had woken up from her parents bursting into her room with gobsmacked faces. They had told her that a weird lady introducing herself as Minerva McGonagall was waiting for her with Petunia downstairs in between their pants. They didn't think to let her brush her hair or even change out of her pyjamas and quickly told her to follow them down.
The door opened with a creak revealing scowling Severus. "It's seven in the morning, Lily."
"I GOT MY LETTER!" She squealed and the eleven-year-old winced from the volume. He had stayed all night trying to finish the last book in the series Mr and Mrs Evans got him for his birthday. Dark circles shadowed his under eyes and he glared at his vivacious pseudo-sister. He almost wished he was back home in Spinner's End where no one bothered him if he stayed in his room for days. Almost.
"Brilliant." He mimicked her.
She launched herself at him and hugged him tightly, jumping up and down in excitement. Hermione Granger was appalled but Lilliane grew up with parents that encouraged this behaviour. "I thought I would never get it."
Calm down. All muggle-borns get their letters a day late. Hermione chided exasperatedly.
"Well? Where is it?" He grunted and tried to pry himself away.
Lily hopped energetically and pulled him with her downstairs to the main drawing room. She almost cried in happiness when she saw Hermione's strict head of house. Professor McGonagall wore her usual dark robes with green accents, her hair was slicked back into a tight bun at the base of her neck, and a tall witch hat was perched delicately on her head. She turned at the noise and stood up elegantly to approach her.
"Ms Lilliane Evans?" She asked and suddenly she was Hermione Granger all over again. She felt her breath quicken but quickly shook out of her trance when she felt Severus squeeze her hand comfortingly.
"Yes?" She replied breathlessly. She saw Petunia in the corner of her eye looking worried but in awe and Lily was mildly relieved she didn't immediately screech 'freaks' like Harry's aunt would have.
"I am Minerva McGonagall, deputy headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." The witch looked at her and she felt the urge to behave.
"Witchcraft?" Kit whispered in confusion before realization settled and replaced the emotion with stupefaction.
"Petunia?! Is this another of your pranks?" Florian bristled which surprised the firstborn Evans. "How much did you spend this time?"
"Just listen to her, papa!" Petunia replied placatingly in French. Their father rarely got angry and it was even scarier than their mother's.
McGonagall gave her parents a small smile before handing Lily an envelope which she opened with such care one would have when handling a baby or their most prized possession.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Ms Evans,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Lily released a breath and felt tears threaten to fall. She sniffed and glanced at the Professor in front of her who looked very amused at her reaction. Severus nudged her and raised his brows at her and she cleared her throat. "Yes."
"What is going on?! Somebody needs to explain or I'll kick this crazy lady out! Witch, she said!" Florian spoke up and glared at the Deputy Headmistress, making Lily, Severus, and Petunia wince. "How dare she call my daughter a name!"
"Calm down, Florian." Kit placed a gentle hand on her husband's forearm.
"It would be best if we are seated when I explain it all, Mr and Mrs Evans." Minerva cleared her throat and motioned to the sofas. "Ms Evans? Perhaps some tea?"
Petunia shakily said yes and peeked one last time at her family before going to the kitchen to boil some water for the tea.
…
"What on earth are you saying, Katherine? Witches are real? And you're a what?" Florian was about ready to faint at the onslaught of information he was trying to absorb. First, this old lady with pointy hat-wearing stuffy historical clothing barged into the mansion, insulting his youngest daughter by calling her a witch. He wasn't going to let her in but his eldest daughter had already ushered the woman into the drawing room, telling him to call her mother and sister.
Then, Lily and Severus seemed to know who the woman was. What was even worse was that his wife was suddenly claiming to be a squid! Oh, what the world has come to. He was almost certain he was going to wake up in his warm bed next to his wife who would still be asleep. This is all a dream. He was almost sure. Almost.
"A squib, darling. I wasn't going to tell you ever because I thought both of our children weren't magical." Kit didn't meet his eyes.
"You're clearly human. How are you a squid?" His face was scrunched in confusion.
"A Squib, Mr Evans, is someone who was born into a wizarding family but hadn't developed any magic. They're more common in pureblood families." McGonagall calmly explained, sipping on her tea.
"Is that why I never met your parents? Cause they were bigots?" He whispered the last word, afraid to accidentally offend his wife but Katherine just gave him a warm smile.
"Yes. I was disowned because I didn't have magic."
"If I may, Mrs Evans, who are your parents?" Minerva asked carefully.
"Gredorius Ollivander and Marriette Prince."
Florian saw the dark-haired boy and Lily gasp and he tilted his head at his reaction. "Something wrong, son? Little Flower?"
"Is your maternal grandfather Lewis Prince, maman?" Severus looked at Kit in wonder.
"Oh, no. My grandfather was Emeric Prince. His great-grandfather before him, Wyatt, was a half-blood who diverted from the main branch of the family. He married pureblood, though. A Crabbe, if I'm not mistaken." Kit bit her lip in concentration as she thought of the family etymology she was taught before they found out she was a squib.
"Squids, crabs. What next? Whales?" Florian muttered to himself in disbelief.
"What an interesting turn of events." Minerva shook her head in surprise.
"So what does that make us, then?" Petunia asked in confusion. Her head was swirling with the amount of vocabulary she had heard like her father.
"Well, unfortunately, darling, you're a muggle like your father. Lily is still considered muggle-born."
Florian exhaled loudly and stood up. "I need a drink. Be right back."