Severus Snape was furious. He watched from around the corner near the Charms classroom as Lily walked out, holding Pendragon's hand. He growled softly under his breath, scaring a few first-year students as they walked by, as he watched her lean up and kiss Pendragon. That was supposed to be him.
He could practically feel his blood screaming for revenge against Pendragon. He followed them from a distance, observing as they met up with Bones and Black. His anger grew as they made their way down to the lake, where Lily sat on Pendragon's lap. Severus was ready to cut him down, just as he had done to his own father.
His thoughts drifted to the book in his bag that Lucius had given him at the start of the year. It was a book of dark spells. He craved the power those spells promised and couldn't wait to try them. He hoped Pendragon would be the first he practiced on.
Lucius had also spoken to him about joining the new Dark Lord, and the idea made Severus shiver. He would have the power to harm anyone, especially Muggles. He could think of a few in particular, like Petunia, who he'd love to dissect with his wand. She wasn't bad-looking for a filthy Muggle, after all.
His smirk turned into a scowl as he continued to watch Lily. Her small, delicate hand gently cupped Pendragon's cheek, and her other arm wrapped around his neck, pulling him close. Meanwhile, Pendragon held her around the waist, his mouth locked with hers. When Bones leaned in to kiss Pendragon as well, Severus barely noticed, but seeing Lily in Pendragon's arms enraged him. That should be him... didn't she see that?
He snarled softly as he watched them for the rest of the day. All he needed was to get her alone, away from that bastard, and then she would be his. But no matter how long he waited or how many days he followed her, she was always with someone else. By Christmas, he was grinding his teeth in frustration.
Harry had noticed Snape's presence from the first day he started following Lily. The girls had all picked up on it too, thanks to their heightened senses, and Lily was worried. A few times, she had glanced in his direction and caught a glimpse of him retreating behind a corner or statue, always with a dark leer on his face. She had started ensuring she was always with Harry or at least a couple of her friends whenever possible.
When Lily mentioned going to the teachers about Snape, Harry told her it would be a waste of time, and he had a point. How could they prove he was following her? For all the teachers knew, he could simply be going in the same direction. Harry also pointed out that the portraits around the school likely informed Dumbledore of most events, yet he hadn't intervened.
When Lily had first entered Hogwarts, she idolized Dumbledore. The books she had read portrayed him as a great man who fought for what was right, a hero who defeated a dark wizard in the forties, one said to be as powerful as Merlin. However, as the years went by, her admiration faded. All she saw now was a man well past his prime, overlooking many injustices. He sat at the high table like a king, looking over the hall with a grandfatherly gleam, but something didn't feel right about him—he seemed almost too good to be true.
She recalled their third year and the way he had treated Harry for not having a parental note to visit Hogsmeade. At first, she was just angry that he had essentially accused Harry of losing his parents. But the more she thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Dumbledore was the Chief Warlock and headmaster of Hogwarts, yet he claimed not to know about Harry's emancipation? Someone from a powerful family like Harry's, with an unusual familiar like his, would have been widely discussed at the Ministry.
Then there was the favoritism he showed, particularly toward the Slytherins and Potter's group of troublemakers.
Lily sighed as she sat by the lake on Harry's lap. It was just the two of them today, as the other girls had things they needed to do. Amelia was talking to Professor McGonagall about her homework, and Andie was off spending some time with her sister, Narcissa. So, it was just her and Harry, with their other friends busy as well.
She didn't mind, though. She always enjoyed being with Harry, no matter where they were or who was with them. Being with him made everything else seem fine. She thought back to Harry starting to teach them how to fight, frowning at the thought and the reasons he had given.
Flashback*
Harry was pacing in front of them in the Room of Requirement. He did this sometimes when he was deep in thought, hands clasped behind him, with Larry, his familiar, hissing in his ear. She had sometimes wondered what it was like to talk to snakes, like Harry could. What kind of views did they have of other species, especially humans? When she had asked him about it once, he simply said, "They don't like us much."
She looked around and noticed more people present than she had expected. There was herself, Andie, and Amelia. Remus stood next to her, watching Harry with a curious look. Cyrus and Isabelle were standing next to Andie. Behind them stood Frank, Alice, and Marlene. Her attention shifted back to Harry at the front.
"Okay, everyone, I've called you all here today because you are my friends," he began. Andie gave a small cough and a sweet smile, causing the others to chuckle. Harry, however, only gave the slightest smile, which set off an alarm among them.
"Yes, well, some of you are more than just friends," he continued, his tone serious. "But this isn't just a friendly gathering. Over the past few days, I've spoken with each of you about receiving some form of training from me, and you've all agreed."
They all nodded, and Remus raised his hand. "Harry, what aren't you telling us? Don't get me wrong; I'm glad for the extra help, but this doesn't just feel like a study group."
Harry glanced at Cyrus, who nodded slightly. "You're right, Remus. This isn't your average study group," he said, pausing thoughtfully. "There have been rumors and whispers over the past few years of a new Dark Lord rising. It started with disappearances, but has recently escalated to small attacks on Muggle villages. I'm afraid that within the next year, this threat may come directly to our doorstep. And it's already begun here in the castle; I expect it will only get worse."
Everyone paled at his words. "Harry, what do you mean it has already started here?" Amelia asked softly.
Harry gave her a reassuring smile that made all three girls relax a bit, a quality they loved about him. "As Andie and Cyrus already know, recruitment campaigns have started within Slytherin. A marginalized group of children is the perfect place to begin something like this, after all. It's only a matter of time before things escalate. Potter's hostility toward them only fuels the fire. What I'm here to teach you won't be on any OWL or NEWT exam. Now, let's begin."
End Flashback*
She sighed, leaning into Harry's chest. She felt his rough, calloused hand brush her cheek and gently move behind her ear. She looked up at his sapphire-blue eyes, giving him a small smile before resting her head on his chest again.
"What's wrong, Lills?" he asked, his deep voice vibrating through his chest.
She thought of brushing it off but knew he always sensed when something was wrong. "I'm scared, Harry…" she whispered.
He wrapped his arms tighter around her, resting his chin on top of her head. "Of?"
She clutched his shirt a little tighter. "Of this new Dark Lord, of Severus… of losing you," she admitted in a barely audible whisper.
Harry nodded slightly. "I'm worried too, Lily. More than you might think. I'm scared of losing one of you girls. You three mean the absolute world to me. Just know I would do anything and everything to protect you all—even if it meant facing an entire army."
She smiled a bit at that, knowing it was true. "As for Snape," he continued, "I'm sorry things turned out the way they did, but if he even thinks of harming you, I won't stand idly by."
She nodded, although it pained her to hear her fiancé speak of hurting her childhood friend. But she also knew something wasn't right with Severus. At first, she thought he had changed because of who he spent time with, but now she wasn't so sure she knew him at all. Wrapping her arms around Harry's neck, she pulled herself up for a soft, sweet kiss. Looking into his eyes, she murmured, "I love you, Harry."
"I love you too, my little flower," he replied, kissing her again as a small smile played on her lips.
Andie was sitting in the library at Blackmoor, reading a book on enchanting that Harry had gifted her for Christmas. This year had been wonderful, as Harry had spent a day with each of the girls individually. She couldn't help but smile as she thought of her amazing boyfriend, who treated them all with so much love that it almost hurt.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Sirius entering the library, looking rather down. He had been much happier since they moved to Blackmoor and were free from their abusive parents. Though she still missed her mother, she was glad they could visit often. Sirius sat across from her, and they exchanged a warm smile.
"Andie, can I talk to you about something?" he asked softly.
"Of course, Siri. Anything," she replied.
"I'm not sure I'm doing the right thing anymore," he said, not meeting her gaze.
"What do you mean?" she asked, frowning in concern.
"It's just… I don't feel right about how James attacks everyone he thinks is dark. It's as if everyone is dark in his eyes. Even you," he said, sounding frustrated. "Anyone who wears green, anyone who's okay with Slytherins, or, in your boyfriend's case, anyone who likes snakes. Though I think that's partly because of Lily."
Andie sighed. She could see that he was struggling with all of this. "Sirius, you need to grow up," she said bluntly.
He looked at her, hurt, but she continued. "I know you like Potter and all that, but you need to start making decisions for yourself. You've spent your entire Hogwarts life rebelling against your mother, proving that you're different from her and what she wants you to be. But you need to start thinking about what *you* want. I've heard you complain about not having a girlfriend…"
"Oy!" he exclaimed, blushing.
Ignoring his embarrassment, Andie went on, "You need to realize that women don't like men who act like children all the time. We want someone who's kind, caring, and loving... someone who makes us feel safe and protected. What I'm trying to say, Sirius, is that it's time to grow up. Stop worrying about defying your mother and think about what's best for you. And that includes deciding whether or not to stick with Potter. If you don't agree with what he's doing, speak up. And if he doesn't listen, maybe it's time to find new friends."
Sirius took in her words thoughtfully, gazing out the window. "Does Pendragon make you feel that way about him?" he asked, not with bitterness but with genuine curiosity. From what he'd heard from Lupin and others, Pendragon seemed all right, though he hoped his cousin was being treated well.
Andie's expression softened, her eyes dreamy. "He's so much more than I ever thought I could have. He's all those things... and more. And the way he makes my body tingle, I just want to jump on him and..."
"Okay, okay!" Sirius quickly interrupted, his face turning red. "I do not need to know the details. You're like my sister, and that's not an image I want in my head."
Andie giggled, her cheeks pink. "Yes, well, anyway… Like I said, you need to start thinking for yourself, Sirius. Make decisions based on what's good for you, not just to rebel against your mother."
Sirius nodded, mostly to himself. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I'll think about it, anyway. Thanks, Andie."
"Anytime, Sirius," she said, smiling as he got up to give her a hug. He left the library deep in thought, knowing he had a lot to consider