Turning Time (A Harry Potter Fanfic)

Prank Wars, pt. 1

Harry couldn’t let Severus go to school in the state he was in. He offered to buy school supplies for Severus and healed him as he slept. He told Severus go with Lily to King’s Cross, and he’d talk to Petunia beforehand to make sure she didn’t tell on him. 

“Look, they didn’t do anything, and he had no choice, he wasn’t safe at home.” 

Petunia pursed her glossed lips. “I suppose I won’t tell. But only because he’s your friend.” 

Harry sighed, relieved. “Thank you.”

“So, you’re still coming for the holidays?” Petunia rocked slightly on her feet. 

“Er, yeah.” Harry couldn’t meet her gaze. 

“You’ll have a great time. We’ll decorate the tree, and mum makes terrific mince pies!” She smiled, head tilted a little. 

“Petunia!” Mrs. Evans called. 

“Coming!” Petunia looked as though she’d say something else, but changed her mind and ran back inside.

Later, in the Hogwarts Express, Lily and Severus searched the compartments for Harry, who had arrived early. “Oh, hello, Jacob!”

“G’morning! I saved you a spot.” He hadn’t seen Lily since the end of school; she must’ve grown nearly two inches. There was something different in the way she held herself, too. Severus looked much better than he did yesterday; the scrapes had toned down, and his formerly sallow skin was now healthy.

A minute after Lily and Severus joined Harry, Remus walked past. He stopped to say hello, fumbling a bit with the conversation and staring too much at Lily. Harry bet he’d only talked to his family all summer. 

“Oi! Remus!” James stopped when he spotted the group. “Why are you talking to them?” James’ voice was a bit lower, but he hadn’t grown much compared to Remus. “Morning, Lily,” he said, in a much smoother tone. 

“You’re looking rather big-headed today, James,” Lily said, crossing her arms. 

“You’re looking radiant today, Lily, as always.” James replied, leaning in the doorway, grinning. 

“Leave, James.” 

“Okay, okay.” James ran a hand through his hair. “I take it you won’t want to join us? Where your beauty will be appreciated?”

“James,” Lily repeated, taking out her wand. 

“I’m going!” He left, taking Remus (who shot the three an apologetic look), along with him. 

“Wait up, James!” Peter, who just got on the train, followed them, panting heavily.

Harry checked his watch. “It’s five to, I wonder where Raven is.”

 As if on cue, Raven slipped through the door and slid it closed. “Sorry I’m late, I—”

“…sit with some Slytherins then, I’m not talking to you if I can help it!” Sirius’ voice carried into their compartment. 

“SIRIUS BLACK HAS A HUGE STASH OF—” Regulus began at the top of his lungs, before Sirius shushed him.

“Fine. You can sit with us.” Their voices faded as they moved down the train. 

Raven sat down next to Harry. “That was Sirius’ brother, Regulus, if you were wondering. He’s actually not as annoying as he sounds. He tells me all of Sirius’ secrets.” 

She looked at Severus in surprise. “Oh no, what happened to your face?” She reached out, as if to touch his cheek, which held the trace of a bruise, but pulled it back.