Loving Lily: A Snily Story

Chapter 51 - A Dangerous Edge

Thank you for reading! I don't own any of Harry Potter! Please let me know if you enjoy! Updates every Saturday!
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Rumors of Sirius Black sightings plagued Britain's wizarding world as Harriet's third year at Hogwarts continued.

She paid little mind to the news and instead focused her attention on keeping a look out for the evil boy who sought to destroy everyone she held dear.

At school, Harriet allowed the adults' promise that the castle remained the safest place to permeate her thoughts and dictate her actions.

Weeks melted into a month.

A month turned into two.

During that time, Harriet spent her nights writing to Tom Riddle and her afternoons feeding Anuman after Quidditch practice, usually with Ron and Hermione somewhere nearby.

Ellery settled in as best he could, though he was fairly lonely for the majority of his Hogwarts days.

Between the issue of the diary, Sirius Black's escape, and his son's social awkwardness, Severus's nerves remained painfully on edge.

While he watched the students closely during mealtimes in the Great Hall, many whispered to one another about how much more severe Professor Snape's scowl had recently become.

The tasks of protecting Lily and fighting the war seemed almost comforting to Severus.

He had never known the meaning of the word "stress" until he had become a parent.

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Hogwarts' winter break was welcomed by all of its students, most who eagerly returned home.

Much to Harriet's displeasure, her family was once again invited to the Malfoys' annual holiday party.

Harriet viewed their attendance as a bitter necessity and nothing more, although she proudly wore the red, velvet dress to the party that Lily had purchased for her.

Ellery stuck closely to her side as they walked into the Malfoy dining room that night and took their seats.

Voldemort watched the party from the head of the table.

The Malfoys had been seated parallel to the Snapes.

Harriet heaved a great sigh as she found herself staring at Draco, who frowned in his chair directly across from her.

While the adults engaged in deep conversations, Harriet stared down at her plate as Ellery popped quiet bites of food into his mouth.

Draco took full advantage of his opportunity.

With Harriet's eyes turned away, his grey gaze flickered over her.

Silently, he delighted in how shiny her dark hair seemed in the glow of the candlelight, how supple her shoulders looked, and the scooped neckline of her......

A harsh voice snapped him out of his reverie, "What are you staring at, Malfoy?"

He became transfixed by Harriet's burning, emerald gaze as she glared at him.

"I.....I just can't get over how dowdy your dress looks, Snape.....My grandmother wouldn't have worn something that hideous." Draco snapped with a sneer so hateful it could have wilted flowers.

"I think my sister's dress is nice." Ellery frowned as he courageously defended Harriet, "She and Mum spent all day shopping in Hogsmeade. It made them very happy when they found it."