IN ANOTHER LIFE (James Potter x Severus Snape)

Chapter 6 - Lucius Malfoy

The library was a safe haven for Serena Snape, a place where the noise of the world was hushed by the whispered secrets of the ancient texts. It was quiet, none of the hustle and bustle of the Great Hall or the incessant chatter of the dormitories.

Serena sat at a secluded table, deep in thought, her hands absentmindedly flipping through the pages of a heavy tome. Her mind was not on the text before her, but on an event that had happened two weeks ago.

The memory of the flying lesson made her cheeks heat up. She could still feel James Potter's grip on her waist, holding her steady as they soared through the air. His laugh, bright and exhilarating, echoed in her ears, and his scent, a mix of fresh grass and something uniquely alpha, was still ingrained in her senses.

She rolled her eyes and muttered a curse under her breath. She was an Omega, yes, but that did not mean she had to succumb to the allure of an alpha, especially not James Potter. He was obnoxious, too sure of himself, and far too much ego. But, she had to admit, he had been her savior that day. She owes him another life debt it seems. She shook her head, a small sneer playing on her lips. The world must have gone mad for her to even consider thinking positively about James Potter.

"Rena?" The soft voice broke her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Lily Evans, her best friend, standing in front of her, a concerned look on her face. "You've been staring at that page for ten minutes. Are you alright?"

Serena blinked and looked down at the book in front of her. She hadn't registered a single word. "I'm fine, Lily," she replied, trying to sound as casual as possible. "Just lost in thought."

Lily didn't look convinced but she nodded, letting the subject drop. Serena sighed in relief. She wasn't ready to share her inner turmoil with anyone, let alone her best friend who was likely to blab it out to James. She turned back to her book, determined to get some studying done. But her thoughts kept straying back to the flying lesson and James' laugh. She scowled at her book. She was Serena Snape, a reincarnated version of Severus Snape, and she was not going to have anything to do with James Potter. Not in this life, nor any other.

~~~

Serena was halfway through her research on Basilisk fangs when she sensed a presence in front of her. Looking up, she was met with the sight of Lucius Malfoy, standing tall and intimidating in his Slytherin robes. His icy blue eyes held a mysterious glint that was both intriguing and unsettling.

He was more feminine than she had remembered him as Severus, his beauty bordering on ethereal. His hair was like spun silk, his skin like fresh snow. In the weeks she had been at Hogwarts, she had noticed his detachment from the usual group of future Death Eaters he used to hang around with. It was strange and it stirred curiosity within her.

"Are you Serena Snape?" Lucius's voice was as smooth as velvet, but there was a hint of authority in it that demanded attention.

She nodded, "That's me."

"Professor McGonagall has requested to see you. Follow me." His words were crisp and to the point, leaving no room for questions.

She looked at him for a moment, wondering why the professor would send Malfoy of all people to fetch her. But she pushed those thoughts away and swiftly collected her belongings, said her goodbye to Lily, and stood up to follow him.

Lucius turned on his heel, leading the way out of the library without another word. Serena trailed behind him, her mind running with questions about what this unexpected summon could be about. As they walked through the corridors of Hogwarts, she couldn't help but steal glances at Lucius. His aloof demeanor and the way he held himself apart from the others piqued her interest. What was his story in this life, she wondered?