Second chance a new choice

Talk about werewolves

Sweet Merlin! Wizard robes! Good quality wizard robes. Fresh from the shower, Severus admired the robe choices the house-elves brought him: elegant brown, emerald green with orange lining, midnight blue. He pulled on the black set. Holy Graces, I've missed this feeling. He smoothed the long sleeves. The material was thin due to the summer heat, and to keep them from billowing around Severus like a crazed balloon. Though not as fine as the robes from his former life, they still far exceeded the muggle clothes he'd been wearing.

Everyone puts far too much thought into their clothing, but this is like slipping into my own skin again.

Clean and now in his preferred attire, Severus left his old dorm for the common room. No one was downstairs, so he left without interruption.

Hogwarts' school grounds lay quiet as a warm summer breeze swept the yard.

Severus made for the lakeshore and sat beneath a tree, something he'd done as a student, but once a teacher only dared do during the summer holiday when he could go unseen. I've missed this too... He leaned against the gnarled trunk.

I should try to contact Lily. But is that safe? There's no telling if the Death Eaters know we're friends—or live down the street from each other. Another breeze rippled over the lake. It's either write to her soon or face her fury when next we meet. He folded his hands and sighed. Not good options. She must stay safe—that's the most important thing. I suppose that means no writing to her... and that she'll be angry. Oh, I don't look forward to that. He winced.

What do the Death Eaters want with me? Did they find out how much I know—that I gave vital information to Dumbledore? Do they want me to join them early?

Lupin, wearing clean, brown wizard robes, sat under another tree opposite Severus and didn't attempt any small talk. He stared straight ahead, deep in thoughts of his own.

Best way to spend time with him. If he's quiet, I can pretend he's not there. A small part of Severus warmed at Lupin's presence. Not being alone is rather... nice? Not as nice as if it were Lily though... At least he stays of his own free will.

Is Lily safe? He clasped his hands tighter. If only I could know for sure.

You're a lot like her, aren't you, Lupin? You see the best in everyone too, even if they can't see it in themselves. Is it because of your curse? All the prejudice, the contempt. Wizards can be cruel lot, with their undisguised hate for half-breeds, and whatever else they don't understand.

I'll say it. I'm terrified of werewolves—of the monster you can become, Lupin. But I know you too well to fear you as a person. This... condition... isn't your fault. How old were you when you were bitten? It was long before you came to Hogwarts; I know.

Images of Evelyn as a fluffy, sandy-furred pup locked in that tiny cell in the Ministry dungeon troubled Severus. Merlin, is it bravery? Or Foolishness she has in abundance? Such a tiny vessel for so vast a content. What will she endure in times to come? Could Wolfsbane affect her in ways we didn't consider?

Evelyn Clearwater—the child who insists she's a warrior. I hope I've made a difference for her. Maybe her life will turn out better. She can grow up, come to Hogwarts. They'd sort her into Gryffindor—without doubt. Can't say I like the house, but Evelyn is so much a Gryffindor it pains me to think about it. He smirked to himself. She'll walk the halls, head high, ready to bite anyone who dares speak against her, or her friends. She'll glare. They'll cringe. She'll make all sorts of foolish trouble and be a headache to the teachers—of which I will not be one.