Second chance a new choice

The bad impersonater

How can I smile so easily now? And about something as trivial as finishing exams? Warm, fresh air surrounded Severus as he left the castle. The practical Defence exam was easy. This feels like a bizarre vacation—just twenty-two years in the past.

Afternoon sun bathed the grounds in cheerful shades of orange.

I could leave. Several students streaked by, all cheering about passing their exams. I know enough to make it without N.E.W.T. grades, and there isn't much more Hogwarts can teach me.

But what about Lily? I must protect her as long as possible. She notices... the looks, the closeness. "I won't break," she'd said once. "And I'm not going anywhere, Sev. You've suddenly become quite the gentleman."

How am I supposed to act? I won't continue this charade around you, Lily. He sighed.

A breeze gusted and ruffled his robe as he passed a row of trees.

Hogwarts is secluded. It's safer here. I wouldn't have to worry about work, or housing. This place is the center of attention—where everything happens. I must keep an eye on it. What better way than to stay here? And I like studying anyway.

A few feet away three boys complained about the thick textbooks and how heavy they were. "Why do we have to use these things, anyway? They're just paper and ink."

Severus growled and hurried past. Dunderheads. They could gain knowledge, perfect skills. They don't have to steal time to learn while they struggle to feed themselves on a pauper's salary. What is wrong with these idiots?! Do they think if I had a choice, I would grade essays and teach classes instead of doing my research? Ha! Not likely!

The castle's shadow fell over him. He stopped. All around, grass swayed , and trees burst with life. He could almost smell magic's sweet zing in the air.

How can they not see the delight in understanding? To sit with a book on something so complicated as Defence Against the Dark Arts and have an expert explain it... And then to have them take time to assign essays and correct them so students understand what they're doing... He crumpled his robe sleeves. This is a privilege! They shouldn't take it for granted!

He circled away from the castle entrance.

They sigh and stare at the door through the entire class. Spoiled brats! They insult this great institution and me! His head throbbed as bitterness twisted his chest, and he growled at the students' ignorance.

"Snivellus!"

He stopped. Potter approached, winded. Black and Pettigrew followed close behind. Severus gritted his teeth; the urge to hex the trio's faces to resemble slugs rose. Such teenage vengeance. The rest of me wants to turn them to gooey mash. But that would beg a fight and make Lily cross. The trouble isn't worth my ten seconds of satisfaction. He frowned. "Potter."

Potter crossed his arms and glared. "What are you up to?"

Severus' brows furrowed. "I don't know what you mean."

"The tears were a great ploy, but I'm not buying it anymore," said Potter. "This has gone on long enough. I won't watch you hurt Lily with your slippery tricks."

Ah, so that's it. Severus' eyes narrowed. "You're angry Lily spends more time with me than with you." Grim satisfaction bolstered him.