HP - Shadow Monarch! [BOOK 1]

Chapter 160 - Talking with Lily Evans.

[Chapter Size: 2000 Words.]

Third Person POV

Hogwarts.

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"Well, with that, we conclude our lesson. I hope you study these potions from pages 14 to 41 in your book; we will be using this content a lot until the middle of this year."

Professor Slughorn commented as everyone began to prepare to leave the classroom. At that moment, the lesson had just ended, with both Slytherin and Hufflepuff students present. However, the professor turned back to one particular student before letting everyone go.

"Mr. Snape, could we have a word? That is, if you're not in too much of a hurry for lunch, of course." He asked while looking at Snape, who stood beside Clarisse, still organizing her materials in the cauldrons.

"Of course." Snape replied as Clarisse glanced at him.

"I'll save you a seat." She responded, and he merely nodded before leaving with the other students. Soon, only Professor Slughorn and Snape remained in the classroom, with a few cauldrons still bubbling.

"I'm glad to have you back, finally. Professor McGonagall said she would speak with you; I hope she wasn't too harsh." His tone carried genuine concern for Snape.

Snape merely shook his head. "No, it's fine, Professor. Besides the 50 points she deducted, which I assume doesn't surprise you." He answered calmly.

Slughorn nodded. "Yes... Anyway, is there something you want to tell me? If you need anything, you can talk to me. If the Headmaster decides to punish you in any way, I can try to help, but I need to know in advance if something serious happened. I'd like you to be honest..." He said, observing Snape carefully.

The young man just shook his head. "No, I just had another problem with potions and was away for a month." He replied without showing any emotion.

"I see... in any case..." Not pressing further, Professor Slughorn changed the subject, and they talked a little more about other topics, including Snape's potion studies, before Snape finally took his leave.

"I need another batch; I heard the Potters are launching a hair lotion this year as well. But in my circle... your potions are quite popular." He said, watching Snape as he left.

"Alright, I'll take care of it soon." Snape replied, interested in selling even more potions—after all, he had loans at Gringotts to pay off.

As soon as he left the room, he saw someone waiting outside. And for the first time since returning to school, Snape wasn't sure how to handle it.

"Snape..." A female voice called, with a certain caution and timidity. She seemed nervous.

Snape stopped when he saw her. "Lily." He murmured, immediately noticing her condition.

It was Lily Evans, but she was clearly under the effects of a love potion. He would have to deal with this as quickly as possible.

"I... I..." She tried to speak, but Snape sighed and stepped closer, seeing her grow even more nervous.

"Let's talk somewhere else." He simply said, touching her shoulder. The next instant, they disappeared with a soft crack, reappearing directly in the Room of Requirement.

Once they arrived, Lily looked around, surprised by the environment that was shaping itself around them. Snape led her straight to the aviary, a quieter place.

An owl was flying overhead... "Your owl?" She murmured, looking confused. The setting felt strange and artificial, and upon seeing Shadow—the owl Snape owned—she recognized it, having seen it a few times before. She then turned her gaze back to him.