𝑭𝑳𝑶𝑾𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑰𝑵 𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑯𝑨𝑰𝑹 - Severus Snape

EIGHT

8|HOGSMEADE

A sigh escaped her lips as she breathed out, enjoying the cool breeze that hit the back of her neck as she pinned her hair into a bun. The summer holidays were nearing close as the weather grew hotter each day.

"I love ice." Lily mused as she finished her third glass of fresh orange juice and ice. "It is was too hot today."

"They teach us all these magic spells but not one to cool us down." Willow complained, pressing her glass of ice against her burning cheek. "So, it's a Saturday. Want to go to Hogsmeade for some iced tea? I also saw this quaint shop that sold candles and books that I wanted to check out."

"That sounds like a great plan." Marlene agreed immediately, leaning over the table to steal fruit from Lily's bowl. "So it's settled. Get ready and meet by the gate in thirty minutes?"

"Lily, Snap is walking over." Dorcus piped in, watching the awkward boy slowly wandered towards the four girls.

"Hi, Lily." Severus smiled at his childhood friend before turning to face Willow. "Hi, Willow. I was wondering if you wanted to go to Hogsmeade with me? I saw this new drink at Hogs Head that I thought you might like."

"She would love to go to Hogsmeade with you." Lily quickly answered for the girl who was too stunned to speak. Dorcus and Marlene smirked to one another, mumbling about their shock how it was Willow he wanted.

"Can I meet you by the gate in thirty minutes?" Willow asked, finally blinking away her shock. "I just need to grab a few things before I go."

"I'll see you then." He smiled at her once more before leaving the girls to their breakfast.

"So, since when did that happen?" Dorcus stared daggers at the smiling girl, desperate for answers. "Like, don't get me wrong, he's handsome and smart but he's usually following Lils around like a lost puppy."

"I have my charms." She winked at her friend before excusing herself to get ready.

Willow threw another dress on to her bed, unable to decide which summer dress to wear to Hogsmeade. She knew how unpredictable the Scottish weather could be and didn't know whether to chance it with her favourite spaghetti strap lilac dress.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting." His eyes widened slightly as he looked her up and down, speachless and only able to shake his head.

"You look great." Severus coughed, finding the correct words before smiling. He immediately offered her his arm, leading her into the small village.

Willow mumbled a quick 'thank you' as their drinks were placed on the table in front of them. She took a small sip and hummed happily as the cool liquid slipped down her throat.

"This is really tasty." She complimented, looking up at the boy sat across from her. "Thank you for inviting me here."

"I thought you might like it." He shrugged it off, smiling as she took another sip, the drink spilling out the side of her lip. He reached across and handed her a napkin as her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. "Careful. Keep drinking that fast and you might choke."

"Ah, thank you." Her eyes suddenly moved to look over his shoulder, spotting three familiar girls squealing over his small act of kindness. "I'm afraid we may end up getting followed today."

Severus followed her line of sight and glanced over his shoulder, noticing her three friends staring at them. He lifted his hand and gave them a small wave before turning back to Willow.

"Probably just wanting to make sure the mean Slytherin doesn't attack you." He chuckled, pulling out a packet of cigarettes and offering her one.

"I would love to see you try." She laughed along with him, eagerly pulling a cigarette out the packet. "Although, no offence, but I hope my brother doesn't walk in because he told me I wasn't allowed to be alone with a boy till I was thirty."

"Have anything planned for the summer holidays?" Willow asked, changing the topic of conversation.

"Not yet." He admits, finishing off his drink. "I don't exactly want to go home this summer so I'm seeing if I can stay at Hogwarts. I usually spend most of it with Lily but she's staying with you this summer so there is no point going home."

"It's my year to have the beach house." She debated her next words, unsure whether or not she should say what popped in her mind. "If you don't want to go home you can come stay with me. I don't mind. Plus, you won't have to deal with my brother and his friends as they are staying home this summer since my parents are in France."

"Are you sure?" Severus questioned after a pause. She nodded her head slowly, not knowing what he was going to say. "Yeah, I'll come stay with you. Thank you."

"I look forward to it."