The Marauders

Chapter Three: A Genuine Witch

"My name is Severus Snape, by the way. I just thought you should know," the boy said as Lily was leaving his house.

"And mine is Lily Evans. I loved petting all your owls. I hope I will see you tomorrow," said Lily with a smile.

Lily ran back into her house and back into her room. She smiled to herself as she shut the door. She had made a friend. A friend Petunia wouldn't approve of. A friend who would be considered an act of rebellion. It felt nice to do something for herself. She had always existed in Petunia's shadow and was expected to follow her lead completely, so any act of rebellion was refreshing.

Lily spent the next few days with Severus. The two would spend hours talking and watching clouds above move slowly by. Petunia asked about Lily's whereabouts a couple times, but Lily simply made some excuse and Petunia decided to leave it alone. Mrs. Evans on the other hand had seen Lily and Severus together and secretly was delighted her daughter who normally preferred only the company of her sister had found a friend.

******

"There you are, Severus," Lily said, "I came by your house but you weren't there."

"I'm sorry. I would've told you, but I wanted some time to think by myself." the boy responded solemnly.

"What about?" Lily inquired.

"Just the fact that both of us are going off to different schools in the fall."

"Oh," Lily said sadly, "I am definitely disappointed about that."

"I know you aren't yet eleven, but I was hoping maybe when I got my letter you would get yours from-" Severus said before stopping suddenly.

"Letter?" Lily asked, "Sev, what are you talking about?"

"Nothing," he responded, "I shouldn't have brought it up."

Lily spent the rest of the day trying to figure out what Severus had meant by a letter and decided that maybe it was something that you had to be eleven to understand. After all, Severus was eleven and therefore knew much more about the world than Lily. Lily was to turn eleven in two days time and decided she would ask Severus about the letter then. She smiled to think what eleven was to bring. She felt that eleven was a very mature age to be and was very excited for her upcoming birthday.

*******

"Lily! Lil!" Petunia cried, "Wake up! Wake up! It's your birthday!"

Lily leaped out of bed and bounded downstairs to the kitchen. Her mum was making chocolate chip pancakes and her sister and dad were gathered at the table. The family shared a happy meal together celebrating Lily turning eleven. She opened some gifts and spent some time with Petunia before she decided to go see Severus.

Severus was waiting for her by a tree. She sat down next to him and watched as he twisted some flowers together. He placed the newly-made daisy crown on Lily's head and said, "A flower crown for the birthday girl."

Lily blushed and smiled and Severus pulled out a small wrapped parcel.

"Here's your present,"he said slyly, "but first you have to catch it."

He got up and waved the present above Lily's head and Lily jumped up and tried to catch it. She hopped around and he kept waving it just out of reach. The two were laughing and their cheeks were rosy, but Lily was determined to get the gift.

She almost got it when he swooped it away. She sighed and was about to give up when the present flew into her hand. It was like magic. Lily looked up at Severus in wonder, but Severus just had the widest grin on his face.

"Oh Lily!" he said, "You're a witch! A real genuine witch!"