IN ANOTHER LIFE (James Potter x Severus Snape)

Chapter 7 - Glimpse of Memories

1963

Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, a boy of only four years, was filled with excitement as he looked around the grand hall of Malfoy Manor. The ancestral home was being decorated for his upcoming fifth birthday party, a significant event in his young life. He was eager, not just for the party, but for what he believed would come. He had always wished to present as an Alpha, just like his father, Abraxas Malfoy. He wanted to see the proud look in his father's eyes when he was confirmed as an Alpha, to feel the pat on his head, and earn his father's approval.

But when the day finally came, Lucius' dreams were shattered. His presentation revealed him to be an Omega, not an Alpha. His father's face was hard to read as Lucius looked up at him, hopeful. But instead of the approval he sought, he saw a hint of disappointment in his father's eyes.

Lucius felt a lump in his throat, his heart pounding in his chest. The room seemed to spin. He turned and fled, running as fast as his little legs could carry him. He reached his room and threw himself onto his bed, tears streaming down his face. It was the first time he had cried in a long while.

Just as he was attempting to pull himself together, a small form appeared in his room. Dobby, a new, young house elf, had come to see what was wrong. The elf tried to comfort his young master, but in his despair, Lucius lashed out. He yelled at Dobby, telling him to leave. Dobby left quietly, but not before leaving a lollipop on Lucius' bedside table and wishing him a happy birthday.

After Dobby had gone, Lucius noticed the lollipop. And only for a moment, he felt a pang of guilt for how he had treated the elf.

It was not a 'Happy' Birthday at all.

But he ripped off the wrapper of the lollipop, shoved it in his small mouth and whispered a thank you, unaware that Dobby had heard him.

Lucius' sadness did not last long, however. His mother, Georgina Malfoy nèe Lowe, a stern but caring woman, came to see him. She sat down on the edge of his bed and held him, comforting him with soft words and gentle strokes of his blond hair. She reminded him that his presentation did not define him, that he was still a Malfoy and always would be. And for the first time since the presentation, Lucius felt a sense of relief. He still had his mother's love and support, and that was enough for him.

1965

The sleek, black carriage pulled by thestrals came to a stop in front of the imposing Black family estate. An estate that was clearly designed solely used only for business and gatherings. The Malfoys stepped out, Lucius sandwiched between his parents. The old stone manor loomed overhead, grand and foreboding, as if it was meant to intimidate all who approached.

Abraxas Malfoy, the stern patriarch, adjusted his expensive robes, while Georgina smoothed down her son's platinum blond hair. Lucius stood straight, his small chest puffing out with a sense of importance. He was only seven, yet he had a strikingly mature demeanor that belied his age.

They had been invited to a birthday celebration for Sirius Black, who had just turned five and, much to the delight of his mother, presented as an Alpha. Lucius had heard whispers about this from his mother. Walburga Black, the matriarch of the Black family, was practically glowing with pride and seemed to have gone out of her way to make this event a grand spectacle.

As they waited for their hosts to greet them, Lucius felt a twinge of curiosity and a pang of envy. He was an Omega, unlike Sirius, who was the Alpha heir of the Black family. This fact had caused some tension in his own family, and Lucius couldn't help but wonder what life must be like for Sirius.

Finally, the grand doors of the estate opened, and out strode the Blacks. Orion Black, Sirius' father, was a tall man with dark hair, and Walburga Black, a woman who exuded both elegance and power, was at his side. Sirius trailed behind them, a small, energetic boy with dark hair and bright eyes that sparkled with mischief.