The Marauders and the Year it All Began

Chapter Ten: A Little Help

Spring had begun a mere three days ago and Hogwarts had never looked more beautiful. Flowers bloomed everywhere and the feel of magic in the air kept the whole place feeling alive. This was the exact type of weather in which Lily Evans shined. Unfortunately, something else was plaguing her mind on this day.

"I just don't know what to do," The sadness in her tone was infectious and Severus could not help but feel bad for his best friend.

"She'll turn around," Severus offered. "I'm sure she will write soon."

"I highly doubt that. She hates me now."

"She doesn't hate you, Lily, she's just jealous."

"But I don't know how to fix that, Sev! How am I supposed to have fun here while Tuney is back home upset with me"

"I am sure, with time, Petunia will get over it eventually. You're just going to have to give her some time."

Lily sighed but nodded regardless. "I suppose you're right." They continued their walk until Severus stopped dead in his tracks.

"Look!" Severus said pointing towards a field ahead of them. "It's daisies!"

"Oh, Severus!" Lily said sweetly. "Do you remember the first time you showed me your magic? After I made that daisy bloom in my palm," her eyes shone as she stared into the field of flowers remembering that day.

"As soon as I saw that I knew you were like me. I remember how amazed you were when I told you about the wizarding world. And then you were so happy when you were finally able to understand your magic. I only wish I had noticed before you showed your sister," Severus trailed off, perhaps regretting mentioning Petunia, but Lily chose not to comment on that.

"Come on, Sev!" Lily shouted, pulling his arm to lead him towards the daisies. Somewhat reluctantly, Snape allowed himself to be pulled into the field and he sat down next to Lily.

"I miss the summer," Lily sighed. "It was so lovely hanging out in the meadow and by the old tree. It feels like just yesterday we enchanted all of those leaves by the pond."

"It was pretty amazing how you could do that"

"Oh please, Sev, you cannot give me that much credit." She paused as she pulled a daisy out of the ground.

"Lily you're brilliant, who else could I give the credit to?" Lily shrugged so Severus continued. "You are top of the class in nearly everything."

"That's not true!" Lily said blushing. "You're ahead of me in Potions, Remus is ahead in Defence Against the Dark Arts, James"

"Ugh, I do not want to talk about James. He's such a pompous arse."

"Trust me, Sev, I know, but you cannot deny he's exceptional in Transfiguration. Even McGonagall admits that and I'm sure she cannot stand him."

"With all the pranks they pull," Severus said. "I'm surprised they're even still here."

"They almost got expelled last week," Lily's tone was slightly too nonchalant given the subject matter. "Remus told me the day after it happened"

"Can't imagine he was too happy about it,"

"Actually, he wasn't involved."

"Really?" Severus mused, "I know he hates the pranks and all, but he usually takes the fall with the rest of those idiots."

"It was a bit more complicated than that," Lily grabbed another daisy to add to the flower crown she was making. "It was a bit tense between them, that's why Rem sat with me for most of last week."

"I assume they've all made up by now," Severus pressed.

"Oh of course," Lily said, slightly shocked that Severus even felt the need to ask that. "I mean after a few days, when Sirius and James were properly calmed down, they all talked it out. Now they're back to normal, except the rest of them are still working off their detentions and..." Lily trailed off as her focus was diverted towards the flower crown she had now finished. "Here!" She handed the delicate flower crown to Severus.