Heya! Quick author notes this time. I just wanted to thank those who left a comment on the previous chapter and any who are interested to see where this story goes. Reading them gave me a good feeling for what's to come.

If you haven't seen the tags, this story is adventure mystery and of course, fantasy. I will not neglect the romance side of things since I'm pretty invested in it. Just note that it won't be the sole focus. As far as mysteries go, I'm a novice but I'll try and make it suspenseful. It won't be there just for kicks though.

You'll see that I write certain things for a reason. In fact, I can't wait till you guys see what I've cooked up for 4th year. The year may be subject to change but the plot is set. This will be similar to the original series in the sense that each year will lead up to the end.

Now without further adieu, have fun and enjoy.

"It's happening again…"

He had experienced this early on in life. The dreams used to come every other day, but as he grew older, they became less frequent. He'd had dreams of the lucid sort, like an out of body experience. He was never really certain of what he'd seen but the final thing he saw was usually the same. That was why it was also the only thing he could remember.

In his dreams, a dark silhouette loomed before him, their long hair whipping in an unseen wind. They were shouting… desperate, frantic. But their words were lost, distorted, as though submerged beneath deep water. Muffled syllables, urgent yet indecipherable, clawed at his mind before dissolving into silence. It always seemed like they were panicking about something but he could never quite ascertain what. Then, he would blink, and the image would blur before fading into nothing.

And when he woke, he was usually met with the dull, grey ceiling of his dilapidated home on Spinner's End. To his surprise, what he saw instead was the most beautiful shade of green he had ever seen.

"Good afternoon. Were you having a bad dream?"

He blinked in confusion and rubbed his eyes, trying to clear the haze from his mind. A moment later, his vision cleared, revealing that the shade of green he saw belonged to a pair of curious eyes that were unabashedly observing him.

It was the girl. The one he'd often see do magic at the park. She was also the one he often tried to talk to. Although he hadn't really tried per se. It's more like he watched her from a distance. Most of the time he was just hiding behind the tree they were currently under. He must have fallen asleep while trying to scrounge up the courage to talk with her.

She was also quite small, now that he can see her from up close. He wasn't that much taller but her big doe-like eyes just made it more apparent. She was wearing a yellow sundress alongside a summer hat that covered her fiery red hair.

But alas, that isn't what's important. What is however, is the fact that she was crouched right beside him. He sat up in slight alarm, slowly inching away from the girl who had been too close for his liking.

"What are you doing here?" He winced when he realised that he stuttered. He didn't want her to think he was afraid or anything, although she didn't seem to mind. Instead, she continued watching him as she crouched with her head tilted sideways. She stared at him with a silent intensity that didn't quite match her small, round face.

He reciprocated the gesture since the redhead was keen on keeping silent for a bit. It didn't seem like a stare down, or even a staring contest. She didn't even notice that he was staring. He had a feeling that whatever this was, it would break the moment he looked away from her eyes.

"I asked you first."

He blinked… and just like that, the moment shattered. Whatever strange, unspoken understanding that passed between them was gone, replaced by an awkward awareness of reality. Yet, something about it lingered… a feeling of something not so unpleasant.

"Well, I'm not really sure what you're talking about."

She gave him a look that plainly said he was the stupid one in this conversation.

"You're weird." He bristled slightly and almost gave a scathing retort but he opted to shrug in silence instead. He didn't want to make her mad. She was the only one just like him.

"Yesterday… I know you saw me." Yesterday? What happened yesterday?

"Why are you so confused? I know you saw me have a row with my sister. You were standing right there." she pointed to a spot behind her and that's when he remembered.

'Oh right, that's when I…'

"You called me a witch. But before I could even say how rude you were, you just left and Tuney pulled me back home."

She leaned in closer, shifting onto her knees, closing the space between them without hesitation. Instinctively, he shuffled back, unsure whether he was retreating from her or from the unfamiliar warmth curling in his chest. He wasn't used to people getting too close… he had always been the one watching from afar. And yet, a small, inexplicable part of him wanted to lean in instead.

"I didn't see it clearly yesterday but even right now you're not treating me any different. You must know what I am then? You don't think I'm weird?"

Her eyes held such hope. Expectations of finally finding something. He thought about what to say. How would he explain it? He looked around, trying to think of something when he saw a dandelion puffball near his leg.

He plucked it and held the stem between his fingers, his palm facing upward. He closed his eyes and felt the magic stir deep inside him. A wish was made in his mind. A wish to show something magical. Something that would prove that he and this girl were one and the same.

And his magic answered his call.

He gave the puffball a slight push upward and let it go. Contrary to what the girl expected, it didn't fall. It didn't. Instead it was floating in place, undisturbed by the wind.

Her eyes widened, shimmering with an almost childlike wonder. Slowly, as if afraid to break the spell, she rose to her feet. She reached out hesitantly, fingers hovering just above the floating puffball. Then, with the smallest flick of her wrist, she swiped beneath it, then above, then to the sides… testing, searching, certain there must be some trick. When she realized it wasn't, the look she gave him was that of unbidden excitement.

He gave her a small smile in return and nodded towards the flower. She quickly turned her attention back and wondered what else he was up to. She stretched out her hand and tentatively touched the seed.

Once she did, the puffball exploded. At first it sent its seeds in every direction before it suddenly started following a path. She watched in bewilderment as the floating seeds flew around her as if she were its center. They surrounded her and gently tickled her face.

Pure joy graced her soft features. She laughed in excitement and ran around, trying to see whether they would follow her. When she realized that it did, she simply giggled and kept running and twirling and having the best time of her life.

The boy just looked on. Amazed at what just a little bit of magic invoked into one girl. He wasn't used to this at all. But when he listened, truly listened…

He felt like he could enjoy it as well.

Her soft tinkling laughter, the summer breeze that serenely ruffled his shoulder length hair and the image of this redhead frolicking around with a bunch of dandelion seeds on her tail.

It felt like a reward.

"You…"

He blinked and looked at her once more. She stood in front of him and he strangely looked down on her. He hadn't realized he stood up as well.

"You're like me."

He gave her a smile. One that conveyed how he felt about it as well. He was overjoyed, probably even more than she thought he'd be.

"I'm Lily, what's your name?"

Lily

The name stirred something deep within him, something raw and unfamiliar. It shouldn't have meant anything… it was just a name. But in that moment, it felt like a tether pulling him toward something beyond himself.

"Severus… My name is Severus."

"Hiya Severus! You finally came! I almost thought you broke our promise already." Severus laughed nervously as Lily pouted.

"Sorry about that. I just had to do a few things at home. You know it's only been a day Lily."

At the time, there hadn't been a chance to talk any longer due to Lily's curfew. They promised each other to meet again whenever they could. Under the willow tree at noon every day if possible. While Lily managed to visit daily, Severus had more limitations. That hadn't stopped him from coming, though.

"Well whatever, you're here now so what can you tell me about our powers?" She'd been waiting for this day. So much so that she couldn't even sleep! It's been on her mind ever since they met.

"Magic Lily. We call it magic." He corrected.

"We? So there are others just like us!?" Oh boy…

It seems like he'd have to start from the beginning. He should have known it'd be a challenge. It's through no fault of her own but he wished he had some help. He knew a lot of things… from the stories his mother told him, random notes he'd found hidden in the attic and even the rare times when he could get his hands on the daily prophet. But even that wasn't enough to explain everything. After all, he had just as much experience with the magical community as she did.

Which is to say they had none.

"I'll tell you everything I can Lily. Come on." He gestured for her to come sit with him under the cool shade of the willow tree. It was unusually hot today so it's either the shade or getting sunburned. Lily complied and plopped down in excitement. Watching him in wide eyed anticipation.

"There are words that you'll have to learn eventually. Like how you and I are witches and wizards who have the ability to use magic, those who can't are called Muggles."

"Muggles? What does that mean exactly?" She furrowed her brow in concentration, trying to guess the meaning. Perhaps it stood for normal people?

"It means non-magic folk or non-magical people. My mom calls them that all the time."

"Your mom is also like us?" For Lily it was like a dream come true. More people who wouldn't think she was weird or a freak.

"Yes, otherwise I wouldn't have magic." Although, now that he thought of it…

"Huh? But my parents don't have any powe- I mean magic like we do. So how come I'm the only one? Even my sister doesn't have it."

"I'm not really sure but they say that people like you stole magic away from them."

"But I didn't steal anything!" Severus flinched at her outrage. He hadn't meant to make her mad!

"I'm not saying you did but my mum said that some people think of it like that. I really didn't mean to get you mad Lily. I'm sorry." she huffed quietly, her angered expression melting into that of slight annoyance.

"I'm sorry too, I'm not mad at you Severus. But can you explain? Who is 'them'?"

"You know how there's the queen of England as well as its many aristocrats?"

"What's an aristocrat?" Lily tilted her head in confusion whilst Severus' jaw just dropped. His dumbfounded look annoyed her a tad.

"What?" She asked pointedly.

"We need to get you some books."

"Severus!"

They gave each other playful glares before bursting into tinkling giggles. It felt… nice . This is the first time she ever met someone that didn't just run for the hills and actually wanted to talk to her and not her sister. It felt wonderful to have a friend.

Severus was just as happy as she was. He felt light. Something he only rarely felt with his mother. He didn't know what it meant but anything that felt this good could only be something fantastic. He'd be a complete dunderhead to let it go.

"To answer your question. Aristocrat is just another word for nobles or rich people. They're what we call purebloods. Not all purebloods are rich however, the most common example being the Weasley's."

"I think I get it. That means you're a pureblood then?" Severus shook his head no, which only enhanced her confusion.

"How many types of wizards and witches are there?"

"There are quite a few and perhaps even more that I'm unaware of. There are purebloods, like we talked about earlier, half-bloods, Muggle-borns and Squibs. I'm a half-blood. Which means one parent is magical and the other isn't. You however, are Muggle-born. That means both of your parents are Muggles. The last one I know of are Squibs. Apparently they are people who are born from a wizarding family but have no magic. As a whole we call ourselves the Wizarding World."

He was about to continue to give little facts that he read about but when he noticed her looking like she ate a lemon, Severus decided that he shouldn't rush. It wouldn't do to overwhelm her with too much information.

Lily meanwhile, was trying her darndest to remember these new terms her friend just introduced her too. 'Muggles, half-bloods, pure-halfs, Squib-bloods… wait. Wasn't it purebones or was it purity?' She rubbed her head in frustration. Seeing this, Severus rubbed her arm in what he hoped was to convey his support.

"Easy Lily. Here's an easy way to remember it. Muggles are your parents. You are a Muggle-born, I am a half-blood and the one you haven't met yet is a pureblood. You can just forget about the last one for now. I'll just remind you about it once you got this down." Lily nodded in relief. Now that she didn't focus on the word itself, it was much easier to remember. But one thing he said kept repeating itself in her head.

This was the first time that she met someone like her and now this person is telling her that there is a whole group of people just like them! But he also mentioned that some of them believe that people like her, Muggle-borns she reminds herself, stole their magic.

"Hey Severus…" He looked at her worriedly. She looked a bit put down. It didn't suit her at all.

"Does it really matter?" He raised an eyebrow. "What does?" he questioned.

"Does it matter that I'm Muggle-born and you're half-blood?" He was about to answer in the negative because he firmly believed that anyone with magic is entitled to it. But as he was about to do so, he caught a glimpse of her face. She looked worried. About what exactly he wasn't certain but he had the strangest feeling that it was important. Not just for her but for himself as well. So he gave it a bit more thought and stayed still.

When Lily was about to ask him another time, he answered.

"I'm really not sure myself… after all, I have never been anywhere close to the magical world just like you. But thanks to mom, I managed to get a glimpse into it. She still gets magical mail and I like to read those as well. It's largely uninteresting stuff but I do know this…"

He looked her in the eye intensely. He couldn't lie to her. Even though he wanted to. He knew how people like her and people like him were treated. He wanted to put a wool cloth over her eyes and preferably have her never deal with that kind of stuff. But even he knew that wasn't possible.

And in thus doing so, Severus took his first step.

"Purebloods and their lot... People in high places, whether it be an aristocrat, a shop owner or even a hairstylist… they'll look at you and they'll act as if you aren't one of them. That's how much they hate Muggles and Muggleborns. For them it doesn't matter that you have magic. As long as you have a connection to muggles in your family, they will think of you as dirt ."

There, he said it. He just hoped she wouldn't be too disappointed. He was too when he first found out. He looked down and shuffled his feet, awaiting a response. He didn't dare look at her face. He didn't want to see her disappointment.

"Thank you Severus." She giggled when she saw his dumbfounded look. "What?"

"Oh it's nothing. I was just… worrying over nothing I guess." She gave him a pout.

"Nothing worth worrying over isn't nothing, Severus." He stared in incredulity.

"What does that even mean Lily?"

"It means, you book for brains, that we share our worries and help each other!"

"Share our worries?" It wasn't a question based on understanding. It's just that he had no faintly clue over why they should do so. Worries were problems and problems were to be solved, not shared with other people!

"Yep! It's what friends do!" She grinned brightly.

Friends.

This would be the first time where he'd had one of those. He used to think that the so-called friends some books talked about were a rarity. No child in cokeworth ever wanted to be his friend. In fact, they rather liked messing with him on a weekly basis.

"You're my first friend Lily." Her smile grew larger when she heard that. Judging by the awed look on his face, she was rather certain that he hadn't meant to say it out loud. She giggled.

She found herself a silly boy as a friend. No, that wasn't quite right… A friend is too simple for them. That meant there wasn't anything special about what they had. She snapped her fingers in delight when an idea crossed her mind.

"I have a better idea! We aren't friends! We're the best of friends. Best friends for life!" She showed him her pinky and stared at him in doe-eyed expectation. Meanwhile, Severus just looked like a deer caught in headlights.

But when he thought about it, truly thought about it… that didn't sound bad at all. Best friends. It had a nice ring to it and it's not like he had anything to lose. He gave her his pinky and the deal was set. A bond was forged that day. One that will have to test the trials of time. Until it either snuffs them out or they prevail…

"From now till forever, we will never stop being best friends!" He smiled, she was truly one of a kind.

"Never."

Never before did Severus think that coming back home could feel so exciting. Every day after elementary school or whenever he had to come back home, he'd feel like he's being suffocated.

Days like these were rare. It's not because he's excited about what he'll find once he's there… not at all. It's just that meeting Lily was the best thing that ever happened to him. So much so that not even this run down hovel of a home could dampen his mood.

"Severus…" The smile on his face fell. He spoke too soon.

"Mum.." He muttered as he turned around and saw his mother standing in his room's doorway.

She seemed like a frail lady, thin but not yet emaciated. More due to a lack of an appetite rather than a lack of food. Sure they would never be able to afford certain luxuries but they had enough to satiate the needs of a family of three. In the case of eating habits, his mother was on the unhealthier side. He would admit however that he was the same. It's not that he wanted to eat less. It's just that the food was limited. Not so much in quantity as it is in quality. He was simply sick of eating toast and eggs thrice a day on particularly bad months.

He was very akin to his mother when it comes to personality. They were both cool headed, calm, and dare he say it, intelligent. But when it came to looks? It was a fairly mixed bag but if he looked like any of his parents then it'd have to be his father.

He had the same black hair as he, the same facial structure and even the same skin. He'd seen his father's picture from when he was young. He was what society would deem as a handsome man. He didn't know if his mother was considered just as beautiful when she was young. She didn't have any pictures. Or at least, not any he could find.

The only things he inherited from his mother were her magic, her eyes and her aquiline nose. She once mentioned that he looked like his grandfather, her dad.

Though how that's possible he wouldn't know. His mother had platinum blonde hair after all. He assumed it's just how wizard genes worked. In his rather short 8 years of life, he'd never seen a muggle with blonde hair and midnight black eyes like his mother. Sometimes, he wished he were blonde, like his mum.

"You look happy…" As if he wasn't before.

He wasn't too sure what he expected of her anymore. These days she was just so dark and quiet, where at times he'd almost forgotten what she was like before. Sadly, he can only vaguely recall those memories because he was too young to fully understand. He believed he was 4 when he last saw his mum smile.

"Yeah, I met someone at the park a few days ago…" Severus nervously glanced up at her. He wasn't sure if he should say it, seeing as it's a rather touchy subject whenever his father was home. "She's also a witch, just like you." At this revelation, Eileen's dull dark eyes seemed to spark.

"And what did you say her name was?" Severus didn't really mind answering her questions at this point. She didn't seem to have a problem that he met a magical person.

"Her name is Lily." He said nonchalantly. His mother meanwhile, just stood there. After a minute of silence, he assumed the conversation was over and continued with what he was originally planning to do.

Find a god-darned book of Hogwarts and anything else that could help him explain what being magical entails. They hung out for two whole days and he totally forgot to mention Hogwarts of all things! Sadly, he'd never been successful in finding any kind of magical book. All he could show her were some newspapers but that's rather bland. He'd rather not ruin Lily's first time experience by showing her some random wizard's face that none of them would ever care about.

"Severus…" He turned towards his mother, surprised that she was still there. He was about to question her over it but when he looked at her face, he audibly gasped.

He'd never seen that face on her before… not even when he was younger. He wouldn't really know since he was pretty much a toddler back then. However, that face she was making was more of a rarity in his limited memories of those times.

Eileen, his mother, was giving him a soft smile. Her eyes seemingly sparkled like fireflies on a starlit night. She was looking at him as if she found something. What it is she found he could only wonder.

"Severus, come with me. We'll be leaving the house for a bit." She softly motioned for him to follow her. Severus had no qualms with this but he was concerned.

"But mum, what about dad?" She glanced back at her child, smile still in place.

"We're going grocery shopping. Your father won't mind too much if we aren't at home if we come back with food to stock the fridge." He still sent her a sceptical look. Even if what she says is true, he wasn't about to view it in a positive light. His dad will simply find other things to complain about. If it's not about food then it's about himself. Always something to say about Severus Snape.

Still, he followed his mother when she left the house and walked towards the grocery store. It was about a 20 minute walk if he were to take it leisurely. For an adult it'd take 12 minutes. His mother seems to want to do things quickly so he had to jog to catch up with her. It seems she was rather excited...

"Mum, what's wrong?" He questioned while holding her hand.

"You are still 8 years old, Severus. Your Hogwarts letter isn't due to arrive until your 11th birthday. But I want you to practice before you get there. I think you're old enough to do so. And there's no way for you to teach your little friend if you know nothing."

"Well yeah that's true but I don't even have a wand yet. Not to mention, we don't have any books for me to study from."

What was left unsaid was the fact that they had no money to buy any. Even as they were currently browsing through the grocery's produce, he noticed that his mother would gravitate towards any item that was on sale. The only thing she would buy without some kind of sale was milk, eggs and bread. Anything else was too expensive if bought on a weekly basis. Like sausages, potatoes and fresh meat just to name a few.

"The Hogwarts curriculum doesn't really change all that much. An odd book or so if the professor deems it necessary but the essentials stay the same. I'm not much of a teacher but I will help you when necessary."

"Sure…" He said when he was in fact, not as sure as he claims. "But what about a wand? And it's not like you remember much of what was taught back then mum. I haven't seen you use magic for a long time now."

His mother was being weird. There was a pep in how she walked and a smile plastered on her face and it seemed like nothing could rid her of it. It's not like he disliked the change. He quite enjoyed it. It's rare for his mum to show happiness. But that hadn't changed how confused he was feeling.

"You can simply use my wand. I've told you about the trace, correct? What I haven't told you is that it cannot differentiate or accurately depict the user. Only when magic is being used and that only for minors…" She was about to explain further but noticed the lost look on her son's face.

"...right, I forgot how young you are. In any case, you can just use my wand and the ministry will be none the wiser. As far as books go… whoever said I didn't have any?"

He blinked but simply nodded along, not really understanding why the ministry was so important. He did understand that his mother was allowing him to use her wand to do magic. Her having books surprised him though, since he hadn't found anything of the sort whenever he went magic hunting in their house. He needn't ask further over when to use the wand. He knew his fathers habits inside and out. Just like his mother— judging by the beer bottles she's placing in the cart.

It seems like she's enabling him to use magic by making sure his father is too drunk to attempt anything except for sleep. Of course, it doesn't always work but she did this if his father experienced a particularly bad day. And a bad day for him was a bad day for us indeed.

It seemed like today was when he'll get to taste the feeling of a wand in his hand. He wished he could share this feeling with Lily.

Once they returned, groceries in hand, Eileen quickly placed the contents into the fridge and shelves with a normal household spell. Something that surprised Severus immensely.

It wasn't the fact that his mother was using magic that interested him, it was the fact that she did so without a wand and without an incantation. He thought that both were needed to perform magic. Clearly he had much to learn if such a thing was possible.

Ignoring her gawking son, Eileen motioned for him to follow her to the attic. Severus, seeing where they were, questioningly eyed his mother. In response, she flicked out her wand out of her long sleeved dress and made him watch her hand motion. It was a little twirl of the wrist that made the tip of the wand do a circular motion. He also noticed how the back of her hand was now facing upward and not her palm like when she began.

"This is the revealing spell, Revelio. I want you to mimic the hand motion and how I pronounced the incantation." Without further fanfare, she handed him her own wand and waited.

Severus tentatively grasped his mothers wand. It felt curious. It felt like the wand just greeted him nicely. It didn't feel like a perfect fit but it was comfortable nonetheless.

He did as his mother asked and like always, his magic responded in kind. He successfully casted Revelio. On his first try no less. As the name suggested, the spell revealed what was hidden. A shimmer appeared in front of him, as if reality itself was being redefined. Once, where there was nothing, now stood an old emerald green trunk with an interesting emblem stitched on its front.

It was a snake with wings on its back. He'd never seen a creature like this before and he was fairly certain that this wasn't the slytherin emblem. As if reading his mind, his mother took it upon herself to explain.

"This emblem is important, Severus. Once you enter Hogwarts, I will have to remove this emblem and leave your school trunk blank."

"My school trunk? But isn't this yours? And why would you remove it? It looks really cool."

"Every choice has a meaning. This is just one of those things where we can't say why, my little Prince."

My little Prince.

She used to call him that all the time when he was younger. He didn't understand it at first but thought of it as just a nickname. She used to tell him bedtime stories about the little Prince. A muggle bedtime story and he assumed that his nickname stemmed from that book.

Now, he wasn't so sure.

"This will be the first thing you will have to figure out once you enter hogwarts. It's a part of you, Severus. One that I… no that doesn't matter right now." She glanced away from him briefly.

In a way, she was acting like she used to but also not like she used to. The confusion must have shown on his face since she coughed a bit to get his attention.

"In any case, once you get to Hogwarts, I believe this emblem will be your first hint in finding out who you are. But never speak of it. Not even a peep! Do you understand, Severus?"

He did, he just wanted to know why. He was just Severus. What more was he supposed to find?

"Trust me Severus. I know how difficult that is for you but if there is anything you can trust in this world then it's the truth. There's a reason why you're here, there's a reason why you're not like the others. You are my little Prince ." She bent down and hugged her only son tightly.

It felt like a thousand years since she'd last given him a hug when truthfully, it was closer to 4 years. Living in Spinner's End was difficult. Maybe it had been worthwhile back when the industrialisation was still going strong. This place specifically was known by its rather large wool spinning industry around 50 years ago.

A pretty long time for a product to survive and even more so for newer, better factories to be built in other locations. Essentially, the factories that offered jobs are losing it due to innovation in other places where there are better factories and better safety measures.

His father simply arrived at the wrong place at the wrong time and it eventually led to one too many drinks.

"One day you'll understand. But for now, take these books and learn from them. Your father never enters your room so it should be safe there if you hide it in the closet."

He simply nodded in her arms. Severus understood that she wouldn't be giving him any answers. For reasons he wasn't supposed to be privy to yet or information that he can only access once he's in Hogwarts. Whatever it is, he won't question it and potentially risk losing access to so much magical material that he could share with Lily.

"Thanks mum." She smiled. He liked it when she smiled

"Whenever you need to practice with my wand, you'll find it in your room. Now I better go make us dinner before your father arrives home."

He watched her go in silence. He glanced back at the beautiful, if old, looking trunk that his mother left for him. He glanced back at the door where his mother just left.

'She never even told me what that emblem actually is.' Curiosity grew inside his chest. He'll have to use those books to give himself a head start then. Severus smiled in excitement. A feeling he rarely, if ever, gets in this house.

A few days later he met up with Lily once again. This time, equipped with the foreknowledge of most of what Hogwarts has to offer. That being said, he hadn't even talked about Hogwarts itself yet.

"Hey Severus! Come sit with me." He saw Lily wave at him as he approached the willow tree which they turned into their little meeting ground.

"Lily! You wouldn't believe what I just got my hands on." Before she could even speak he lifted up a book.

A book with moving pictures.

Lily stood up in shock. She rushed over, nearly toppling him with the hug she gave him. They then sat down and looked at the book in excitement. She knew they were magical, she knew there was a whole society of people filled with people like Severus and her.

But this…

This was undeniable proof. If it wasn't then Lily would cry for an eternity over how cruel god was. To have given her all of this, only for it to be what… a dream? She'd be crushed.

"Severus… this is amazing! Where did you get it?" She fired off excitedly as she bounced in place. The dark haired boy simply laughed and gestured towards the base of the tree. The little space that was walled in by the tree's roots. A perfect place to read a book in peace or take a lovely afternoon nap.

"I forgot to tell you about this before because of the excitement but this is important." She noticed how serious he was being and listened aptly. She was shivering in joy. What could it be? Is he about to tell her that dragons existed as well? Maybe some kind of old wizarding folk tale?

"Well? Spit it out already!" She simply couldn't hold it in. She needed to know! She needed to know about everything.

"Hogwarts Lily!" She tilted her head in confusion? Was that supposed to mean anything? She waited for the explanation that eventually followed.

"Hogwarts is a magical school. One where every magical child in Britain will go to once they turn eleven. Unlike muggle schools, they won't teach us how to speak English, math and whatever else they teach there. At Hogwarts, we get to learn how to cast charms, brew potions, care for magical animals! All kinds of things that we could never do here! Can you believe that? We're going to be magical students!"

And what followed was simply sublime. Every word he spoke, every new bit of info uttered… It threw her off her socks! There had to be more… like how did it work, who was in charge, what else would they learn!? So many questions and it felt like time was moving too fast!

This is it. This is what she was searching for.

Finally she got it. A friend who was just like her.

"Severus… thank you." she said quietly enough so that only he could hear. He glanced up and looked at her questioningly, not having heard what she said at all.

His reward for his low attention span was a little stab on his stomach. Sadly for him, he was very ticklish. And luckily for her, she liked tickle wars.

But she let him off the hook for today, more interested in what else he had to say.

"I was wondering how that worked? Would my parents have to enroll me or something?" He blinked and knocked his head, as if to rattle his brain awake.

"I completely forgot. They don't tell Muggle-borns anything before your 11th birthday. In any case, I said 11th birthday because that's when you'll get mail delivered to you via owl post. As long as you've proven yourself to be a witch, that's all you'll need to get this letter. All it says is that you're basically welcome to join Hogwarts."

"This is literally the best day of my life! We're really going to learn how to do magic? Right now it just happens at random or when I really really want something."

"That's accidental magic for you. It happens to everyone."

"Well, what else can you tell me about Hogwarts?"

"Why tell you when I can just show you." He looked at the book that was placed between them.

"Hogwarts: A history. By Bathilda Bagshot." Lily mumbled as she read the book's title. On the cover page was a castle of sorts with plenty of moving pictures flowing around it. Like those little brooms witches sat on.

He opened the book and went directly towards the first chapter. The Hogwarts houses.

"When we get there, the first thing they will do is sort us into one of four houses."

"Like an actual house where we will sleep in?"

"Not exactly. More like a club you could say? Did your dad ever watch a football match?"
She rolled her eyes in slight annoyance. "Yeah, only every Friday or so. Can't remove him from the couch whenever Manchester or Liverpool is playing."

"It's similar to that. Apparently, a hat gets to choose which house you'll join and stay in for the next seven years that we're at Hogwarts."

"Oh yeah? How is a hat gonna do that?"

"They say it can read your mind and judge your inner self before shouting the name of one of the four houses. It's said that that's the only thing it can say."

"What are the houses all about then?" Severus flipped a page and gestured towards the 4 large emblems that were depicted and pointed at the top left one first.

"This one is called Gryffindor. The house of lions or those who have courage, nerve and determination. The house of the brave they say." He then pointed at the emblem shown on the bottom left of the page.

"They are known as Hufflepuff. The members in the house of the loyal badgers are known to be friendly and fair. Although, most treat them as extras. They believe that the truly special ones are the other three.."

"That's not nice at all." Lily frowned.

"We won't really know until we get there and meet them ourselves. But on the top right corner, that blue emblem with the eagle… they're the house of intelligence called Ravenclaw. That's where all the smart people go. Those who come out of there are usually researchers who expand magic into what it is today. Respectable folk."

Lily sent him a sly grin at that one. He seemed to like them a lot. She could have three guesses why and only need one of them to get the right answer.

Severus only snorted in amusement. Of course he'd like them, they're his second choice after all. He continued nonetheless and gestured towards the bottom right. The emerald green of the emblem took his attention for a moment. He eyed it with a sort of reverence that you'd see whenever a child would look at his most favoured singer. He treated it as if it were glass as he touched the sigil with a care that most children weren't inclined to apply on a book page of all things

"The last one is the house of Slytherin. The home of the cunning, ambitious and leaders in the wizarding world. It was said that most ministers of magic, the leader of wizarding Britain, were mostly Slytherins."

She watched him speak for the past ten minutes and not once did it hold such reverence for any topic other than this. It was basically a done deal. Severus wanted to go to Slytherin, that much was clear. And she'll simply follow. That was also a done deal.

He mentioned that they'll be there for seven years. That's seven years too long to be separated by something so uncertain like house values.

"You want to go to Slytherin then? Ok I'll join you!"

She said it so matter of factly, Severus almost believed her. He would love that of course. Absolutely. Nothing would have made Hogwarts better than having his first friend right next to him in every class.

Honestly he was unsure of her chances. He didn't know anything about everything to correctly guess what would happen. The hat might take student wishes into account or it might not. Even so, to be in Slytherin means the desire to excel. Not in studies, but in life.

His mother told him that Slytherins were the best at their chosen field, there are no alternatives except for success in one's ambitions. That's what it meant to be a Slytherin. Survive. Because no one will live your life for you.

Lily didn't really seem the type. He could easily see her in every other colour but unlike the green of her eyes, the Slytherin uniform just doesn't fit.

He didn't know why he felt that way… it's just that simply imagining her in slytherin green seems weird or maybe even wrong. But either way, who truly knew. Maybe the hat really will send her to Slytherin. That would be a dream but for now, all he can do is give her the warmest smile he could muster, which wasn't all that bright from the outside looking in, and continue to read the book.

"Sure Lily, I'd like that."

Three years had passed since their friendship began. In that time, Severus had felt weightless, as if he'd been walking on air. If this was what contentment felt like, then he never wanted to leave its embrace. But he'd come to realize that sweetness always carried a bitter aftertaste. For every slice of pie, there was always the taste of the vilest of fruits.

He'd almost forgotten what it was like. To live every day where he'd had to worry about what to say. Worry about when the next beating would come… Worry about a lot of things really. It seems that fate has proven once more that all good things come to an end.

It was a sunny day on the 8th of January 1971. Unusual because it usually rained a lot during the colder seasons. At first, he believed it was a stroke of luck… That he could avoid his father's ire if he managed to get the post before he woke up from his drunken stupor.

"I see you got your letter." He was mistaken…

The smell of his alcoholic breath reached his nose before the man even decided to speak. So Severus could prepare for this confrontation at least a little bit. He entered the kitchen and watched as his father sat on the dining table with his letter in his hands. He stood still as his father appraised him.

"Father…"

They stared at each other, both knowing where this would end up going. There hasn't been a single day where it didn't. Everytime when magic was mentioned in this house, Tobias Snape would inevitably get heated. Sometimes to the point where he would even hit his own wife and son.

"I asked you a question, boy. Or are you truly not my son at all? How a twig like you came from me is beyond me."

And he was right in a way. Where he was thin and gangly, he was big and robust. They couldn't be any more different. Even his mother wondered why because her parents never had his body type as well. Of course, their limited food supply would be an obvious culprit but it wasn't like he was starving every day of the week. Maybe a day or two but that's hardly worse than what he'd already seen.

"Yes father, the letter of my being accepted to Hogwarts should have arrived today." Tobias narrowed his eyes.

"I'm not blind boy. I'm holding it right here," he waved it around just to prove a point, "it's that posh accent of yours that is irritating me. What, do you think you're one of them?"

He didn't say anything… really, he actually couldn't say anything. Any answer he could give would be a forced admission or a lie at best. What could he even say?

Yes he definitely would want to be like them. Anything really. Anything but… this.

"Your silence is answer enough boy. I don't need your abracadabra to know what you're thinking. I'm sober enough to know that there's nothing I can do about this too." The man looked at him and cringed as he gripped the edge of the table.

"Make no mistake, once you're there in that shiny castle of yours… they'll know."

Severus fought to keep his expression blank, weathering his father's onslaught as he always had. He had endured the venom in his words for years, swallowing the bitterness as he clawed for acceptance.

What he's saying isn't false. He knew this. Deep in his heart he simply knew that he was different. Even between himself and Lily he could silently acknowledge it. He was just…

"To them, you're just another slave to exploit. Wherever you go… My name will follow. You are Severus Snape. A gloomy boy stuck in his books on the wrong side of town."

Severus took a step back and lowered his head. Sometimes, he wished for the punches and the belts and the slippers…

His father knew where to cut and when to do so. Today of all days, right before he could even read his letter.

And that meant one more thing…

His father stood up and walked towards him. His tall frame dwarfed him like a giant to an ant. Once he stood before him, he stretched out his hand to give him the letter.

"And Severus." He looked up to his father, emotions carefully blank. He should have known though… that his father would have one last thing up his sleeve. "Happy birthday."

Tobias left the kitchen with those parting words, leaving his son to stare at where he was in shock.

Rage filled him.

He had never once said 'Happy birthday' to him in all his years except for today. Today where he knew it would hurt the most. Because Severus knew it wasn't meant as a congratulatory remark. His father knew that he was just begging for time to speed up. For time was the only thing between his father and hogwarts.

But now? The day finally arrived. The most joyous day, short of attending Hogwarts itself.

Ruined.

All because of a measly 'happy birthday' from the one person he never expected it from. How absolutely ridiculous.

Severus rushed away from the kitchenette and towards the stairs where he knew his father was headed.

"WAIT!"

A desperate plea, even if it was filled with utmost loathing, rose from the depths of his soul. He stood in front of the stairs, looking up at his father who didn't even bother to turn around and face him.

"WHY!" Tobias gave him a sidelong look.

"Why what?" The newly minted eleven-year-old heaved as he glared up at the man in defiance.

"Why now… why today! You've never said that before! What have I done to you! Tell me what I did wrong! So that I can fix whatever this is!"

"Finally grew a backbone kid? Well, I guess you're old enough now." Tobias tilted his head slightly, as if considering the question for the first time. Then he exhaled, long and slow.… "What you did wrong huh…"

Severus braced himself. This was it. Finally he'd know. He was too afraid to ask before but he couldn't wait a second longer. After that shite of a 'congratulations' earlier, he was simply too fed up to wait.

Today he'd know, and then he'd finally…

"I guess it's the fact that you exist."

… What?

His breath hitched as he sank to the floor. All his rage, all his indignance, all his fire… It was lost.

Lost in the words that he couldn't even fathom. His body felt numb, like you could stab his heart and he wouldn't even feel it. He couldn't get it out of his head.

'Because I exist?'

Those words looped like an endless cycle as he blankly stared at the floor. He wanted to give up right then and there. That wasn't something he could simply fix? Unless he died. He knelt there for what seemed like hours but was only a measly ten minutes. When he next looked up, his father was already gone…

Today was supposed to be his. His birthday. His letter. His victory. Instead, he was reminded of a truth he could never escape. No matter what he did, he would always be Severus Snape. The Snape boy from Spinner's End.

Joy is something he decided was an emotion that needed to be cherished. He'd received it and hopefully given it whenever he hung out with Lily over the time they'd known each other. Every day he spent with her was bliss. Two and a half years of it. Sadly, it was accompanied by dread whenever his father was around. It hasn't been as bad as it was before he met Lily. That was something he could thank his mother for.

It seems like she herself changed for a reason unknown to him. Perhaps she regained her conscience? Nevertheless, ever since that time, she'd been teaching him magic. Advanced magic from what he could gather. At least it's never been shown in the first year's magic books.

Even outside of magic she'd been treating him differently. Nothing new but something more nostalgic. Something akin to an actual mother.

He'd been having thoughts about her ever since they secretly started casting magic within the snape household. He'd wondered where she came from and how she ended up here of all places. He was able to make a few educated guesses but never really had it confirmed. Whenever he asked, she would clam up or tell him to wait till the first of september 1971.

And that day has finally arrived.

With his trunk packed and given a feather-light charm, he made his way to the kitchenette where he knew his mother was waiting. The train would be at the station at ten o'clock and would leave no later than an hour later.

It was still the early morning and his mother already planned to apparate them close to the station so there was no rush.

That just begs the question— why oh why was he forced to wake up at seven in the morning of all days!? He'd have rather slept in if they were going to apparate anyway…

"I see you're well rested today. Excited for Hogwarts?"

With an eye roll that he didn't even attempt to hide, Severus sat down at their dinner table. It was amusing at first but it got old after almost three straight years of his mother's brand of humour.

"Naturally. I've been waiting for this my whole life." And it certainly felt like he did. From the moment she first mentioned Hogwarts, he'd been dreaming of it. A golden castle hidden from the muggle world. Completely impenetrable to anyone but magicals. If there was a place where he could flourish then it was there.

Although anywhere would be better than here, he'd still felt a bit reluctant to go. Now more so than ever.

"You look like you have a few reservations." Trust his mother to see right through him. He wondered how it was possible. Was it just because she knew him since he was born? Is it as simple as just knowing who a person is for a long period of time?

Well, his father knew him just as well as his mother so that's one more point to that particular theory. The only difference is that one uses it to help and the other…

He shook his head, trying to clear away from depressing thoughts. Especially on a day like this.

"You're worried about your father and what it means for me to be here alone with him." She sighed when she saw her son wince at her comment. It's not like she can blame him for it too. There had been times, though long since passed, where life for them both was a struggle.

She had no one to blame for that than herself. But it was difficult for her and likewise difficult to explain. She'd been putting it off for a while but there were a few more things she had to say before she could let him go.

Doing it in the early hours, where her husband was still asleep, was definitely the only way she could have this conversation without interruption. Although there was no reason not to make it more secure.

Severus was contemplating on what to say and held his mouth shut until he either found the words or his mother would do it for him. He was just about to do so when he felt a sliver of magic being activated.

He looked around in wonder and saw nothing out of the ordinary. His mother tended to do that and it also left him wondering what exactly she did. After all, he had her wand now.

She gave him a secretive smile when she saw him eyeing her in curiosity.

"I don't want your father to overhear us on the off chance that he wakes up. In any case, there are things I need to tell you, Severus. Things that you can not tell another. Not even Lily."

His eyes widened in slight surprise. Not even Lily? "Sure mum. What is it about?" Honestly it was probably some last minute tips and assurances over what to expect.

"Before that, tell me Severus. Do you still wish to be a Slytherin?" Severus nodded in affirmation. She knew this. He'd said so in the past and that would hardly change the day he was supposed to get sorted.

"I see… Well I've told you this before but never really in detail but I do believe that you know what I'm talking about?"

When it comes to Slytherin and its students then the only thing she was talking about was thus.

"Purebloods and how you think they will treat me."

"Correct. This isn't a game, Severus. They will treat you like dirt for no other reason than having a muggle for a father." He understood what she was trying to say but it felt like a bitter pill to swallow.

Here he was, joyously hoping for a wonderful time in Hogwarts, only to be told that his future house mates would treat him like dung on their soles? He would stay cautious but he wouldn't believe it until he was there.

"Father was right then? No matter where I go, his name will follow me like a curse?" Even though he didn't want to think about it, it would still creep up from time to time. Moments where he was reminded of who his father really was were chief of those times.

"You are more than the sum of your ingredients." A clear analogy of potion making. A little thing potioneers love to say.

"In any case, this is the perfect time to mention it. Do you remember the symbol on your trunk that I removed?" He thought for a bit and vaguely remembered a snake with wings but for the life of him, he just couldn't remember the name of that beast.

"Occamy. I've told you this before but now more than ever I need you to remember… If there is anything left that you need to know, then it is the ingredient you know so little of."

His mum.

He knew who his father was. He knew he worked at the wool factory. He knew he went to the local bar to get drunk. He knew he'd buy beer bottles every Friday in bulk and restock two weeks later. He knew he was a lousy muggle father and he knew there was nothing he could do about it.

He knew all these things but when it came to his mother… he only knew that he would prefer it if she packed her things and left this place alongside him. As far as her origins go he knew next to nothing.

"You're in luck. If there was any place for you to learn about me, then Hogwarts would definitely be the place. Much simpler if you end up in Slytherin yourself."

"Why can't you just tell me about it right now?" Honestly, it would be so much easier than to go on a wild goose hunt within a centuries-old castle. What's more, he'd be hunting for knowledge on his mother— whose maiden name he didn't even know about!

"Names have power. It just so happens that mine is in a bit of a bind." She chuckled a bit at her son's confused expression.

"It's something to talk about for the future. Just know it's currently impossible for me to tell you."

Severus narrowed his eyes in thought, curiously wondering whether this was important or not. She was being a bit too blasé about things as it stands. Not the type of tone he would use to convey something of importance.

"I'm not really sure what you'll find in Hogwarts but you can not mention my name. Especially not to purebloods. A witch named 'Eileen' that was lost for more than two decades is just asking for trouble. And before you ask, yes it is incredibly important that nobody knows who you are. And for that to happen, nobody is allowed to figure out that I am your mother. Do you understand my little prince?"

"Yes mum." He was confused and curious. She promised him he'll find out anyway so there was no point in interrogating her on the 'why'. Besides, It's not like he wanted to share information about himself anyway. In Slytherin, that meant giving your competition weapons to use against you.

He was already at a disadvantage just by existing. He'd rather not widen the gulf any more than it already is.

"I'm not entirely sure who's still at the teaching staff and to be perfectly honest, I was never truly close with any of them in my time. I do know that professor Dumbledore has been the Headmaster for a while now and that Minerva is teaching Transfiguration in his stead. You may have to worry about the Slytherin head of house. Out of all the professors that still work there, he'd be the most likely to recognize you. We may not share many physical attributes but you look like a pureblood if you truly tried. Akin to a Black if I were honest. But alas just be careful about people commenting on your eyes. Ours is unique even in wizard society."

"Yeah? What's so unique about them? They're just black."

"True but then again, there are no muggles with black eyes. They only have the darkest of browns but none as truly light engulfing as our own midnight black pools. You should research wizarding genetics. A fairly interesting read if it doesn't take too much of your time."

He pondered over her words for a moment. He did find it weird how his hair was just pure black compared to his mothers near white. A topic for later then.

"It's time…" she stood up abruptly and gestured for her son to grab her hand. He did after securing his trunk. After that, he felt as if the world spun around him and gave him a feeling of vertigo. Had he not experienced this beforehand, he was sure he'd be on the ground, releasing today's breakfast.

He looked around in a daze and noted that they were hidden in an alley furthest from the station, though still visible. Most families floo straight to the station without ever needing to mingle with muggles. Only Muggleborns or those like him, without a connected fireplace, needed to take the long way.

"I can't go any further than this." Eileen spoke softly, as if dreading what is to come. He looked up at her as if looking at a puzzle. Honestly he was getting really suspicious over what his mother was hiding.

"It's as you suspect Severus. There is more to us than being a simple witch who married a random muggle and their half-blood son. There is so much more." She said it in such a wistful tone, he wondered what memories she was reliving.

"Hopefully you'll understand by the time you figure everything out. But until then, tell no one. No exception. It's for your own safety." He gazed at her intensely. This was not what he expected to have dropped on him today. But he couldn't help but be curious. He'd always wondered where his magic half came from. But all her warnings and words of caution were making him wary. There shouldn't be a problem if he kept his mouth shut. Which shouldn't be difficult seeing as he never really had it in him to talk with other kids.

"Of course mum. Can't say you gave me any hints though. I mean an Occamy? Really? What am I supposed to do with some mythical beast as a hint? Research about their breeding grounds?"

"I'm sure you'll figure it out. I'm quite certain you already have a plan. But again, just as a fair warning. Be careful with whom you speak. Sometimes, silence is as much an answer as a misplaced lie."

"Don't worry mum. I'm a Slytherin! Having a silver tongue is basically in our house values." She gave him a baleful grin at that one. Already knowing that it wasn't quite true but allowing Severus to experience it for himself.

"Well I'm off now. Can't miss the train now can't I?"

"Indeed."

Severus turned around and went on ahead, excitedly thinking about what he'll see. An entire year at the most magical institute for students to learn magic. An entire year…

An entire year where his mum was alone in that wretched house.

His previously joy-filled steps slowed to a halt. His eyes downcast as he remembered the person he would leave behind. In that sense, he understood what Lily meant when she worried over Petunia.

He didn't want to go, not really. Not when it meant leaving his mother alone with that man. But even he knew that that wouldn't be logical. The best way to get his mother out of this mess was to excel. Turn Hogwarts into his own personal playground and come out on top. That's the only way a nobody like him could ensure a future for his mother.

For now, all he can do is drop his stupid luggage, run back with a waterfall of tears on his face and hug his mum for all he was worth. If his mum ever talks about today to Lily then he will deny the free fall of tears with extreme prejudice.

Eileen simply smiled as she hugged her son in perhaps the most depressing location she could imagine for this day. She bemoaned their circumstance but given the choice, she would never take anything back.

As she watched her son wipe his tears and promise her that he'll become the greatest wizard to ever live, she smiled and gave him a nod in acknowledgement. She had absolutely no doubts at all. If they were anything alike— no…

If he was who he was then that was a promise. She knew Severus. Known him for a long time. She was every bit her son. From the eyes to the nose to his personality and even his sensitivity. She just hoped others would see it too.

'Apple of my eye, hope of our kin… Though black and white your path…' She closed her eyes, a teary smile on her face. 'May the Last Prince bask in crimson and gold.'

"Until we meet again, old friend."

Now don't run away! I have my reasons for giving Tobias that specific line taken straight out of James mouth. It's not just for shock effect. Ofc I won't tell why. You'd have to read further to know.

I hope you don't feel this is too rushed but I really wanted to get into the meat of things and I feel like this chapter managed to convey the important bits for now. Little building blocks going forward.

Next chapter will mostly explore Severus as he gets used to life in Hogwarts and his friendship with Lily. I still have to decide on what I'll do with Lily to be honest. Not sure if it's wise to write it down. On the one hand, I can keep it a secret and have a big reveal, on the other, I'll be missing out on something interesting. Decisions amiright?

As it stands, you might be in for a treat, next chapter.

But for now a bid y'all goodbye and hope you enjoyed this one. Don't forget to rate and review! Those comments keep me going xD.

IMPORTANT:

I will mainly focus on AO3 when it comes to updates and keeping things uniform. If you have noticed, I was forced to shorten the chapter title cause has a limit on how long it can be. AO3 has no such problems. Not to mention, I've fixed some mistakes from the first chapter on ao3 as well. Simple stuff like misused tenses and some grammar but it goes a long way.

has become such a bad site that I implore my readers here to just switch to AO3. I myself thought I wouldn't bother changing sites cause I was fairly happy with till now but after fiddling with AO3 and reading a bunch of fanfics there, I came to the decision to move my "base of operations" so to speak. I will not post my old stories there since they won't be getting updates anyway.

You will also not find this part of the author notes on AO3. This is just for my viewers to know that I'll prioritize AO3 from now on.

As a last bit of info, I will also post chapters on AO3 first before . Yes I will continue to post it here but for the optimal reading experience, please read this fanfic on AO3 instead.

I go by the same name and the story title is the same as well. Thanks for reading and till next time!