Time Turned: The Snape-Evans Paradox

Chapter 3: Back To Hogwarts

Without realising it, the time to return to Hogwarts came. Lily was very excited for the new year, but at the same time afraid because things were never easy at school for her friend. She was very sorry for everything he had to endure, she would help however she could but she couldn't be there all the time. Sometimes she felt the big weight of responsibility on her shoulders, she wished Sev had other friends he could count on, not like the ones in Slytherin, of course, that only took advantage of him. But real ones. Lily was really fortunate for being in Gryffindor and having good friends there, as well as not being picked on.

It was September 1st, 1975. Lily had just finished getting ready, she put on red flare jeans with a yellow belt, black boots and a white turtleneck. Her belongings were already packed and in about an hour they would leave for London. Severus was going to ride with her like every year and Petunia refused to go as usual. She was honestly glad for that, she did not want her there with her attitude. Lily gave a last look at her room, all white and neat, which she would not see until Christmas break. She took the big trunk, the carrier containing her cat Oliver and went downstairs. Oliver was her only pet, given by her parents on her first visit to Diagon Alley, purchased in The Magical Menagerie. He was a ginger cat with green eyes, very sweet towards her, she suspected he might be part kneazle because of his large lion-like mane. She loved him regardless. Severus was already in her house and they all had a light breakfast together.

''I bet you're excited about starting school, Severus'' said Mr. Evans with a smile ''Lily tells us you're one of the best at potions... that's like chemistry, right?''

''It has aspects that are very similar but I'd say it's closer to alchemy'' said Snape. ''So, how has work been, sir?''

''Very busy lately, I'll be sorry to lose one of my best workers''

That made Severus smile lightly. Lily's dad had offered him a job during the summer for the past two years and with that he was able to buy his second hand school supplies.

The trip to London was uneventful and they listened to the radio the whole time, they played some of Lily's favourite songs, ''Dream A Little Dream Of Me'', ''Starman'', and ''Come Together'' which she sang along to. When they arrived at Kings Cross station, Lily said her farewells to her parents. Severus was obviously distraught and so Lily walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry Sev, I have a good feeling about this year. Let's just make sure to take advantage of our time at Hogwarts, before you know it we'll both graduate" she smiled at Severus. It seemed to work and for the moment his mood lightened. They both got on the train and found an empty wagon, everything seemed to go well up to that moment. She let her cat out of the carrier and he went to Severus's lap.

''He really likes you, you know'' she said with a smile.

''I guess that's good, since very few do''he answered with an ironic smile.

''That's not true, Sev'' she said with a sigh ''You just need to let people in, be more... friendly''

''The complete opposite of me, you mean, I believe'' he muttered.

She was about to answer but at that moment three girls came to the train compartment, they were Marlene McKinnon, Alice Fortescue and Mary MacDonald. Lily gave Snape a look that said something among the lines of ''behave''. He nodded at them in a way of greeting, if it wasn't for Lily's warning look he would have ignored them.

''Hi, Lily'' said Mary, putting her trunk above their heads, ''Snape''

The three girls, like Lily, were fifth years in Gryffindor house. Marlene was tall, with raven black hair and an olive complexion. Alice, the shortest of the three, had blond hair, rosy cheeks and very fair skin. The last girl, Mary, was blonde, and her pale skin was spotted with constellations of freckles. It was evident that she had likely spent too much time in the sun over summer break because her skin had a red tint to it and her arms were still flaking.