Chapter 7
Severus glared at the Prefect as he stood up and left the common room. He knew that Lucius had a point, but he did not want to admit that out loud. He had always gone to Madam Pomfrey for the more...severe incidents, but this was not a severe incident, and he would be more than able to heal any sort of bruises that decided that they wanted to show up over the night. That was presuming that he obtained any further ones. He truly thought this entire insistence that he go to the Infirmary was simply ridiculous. He did not understand what Malfoy's angle was, but he knew for a fact that there was one, even if he was uncertain as to what exactly it was. Huffing, he pulled himself up from the couch. There was no use dwelling on the situation now, especially since it would happen the next day and there was also nothing that he could do to actually stop it. As a result, it was useless to get upset, angry, or agitated. It would merely lessen the energy that he had to do other things.
Moving towards the bedroom, he wondered what he should do. He had agreed to some proposal, more or less, with Lucius Malfoy, and goodness knows that was unlikely to end well. Lucius was not known for his kindness, after all, and nor was he known to actually adhere to most of his contracts. Sure, he did in the most technical way possible, but Severus knew that there was something else going on here, something else that had caused Lucius to decide to help. Severus may be a bit helpless in many things, but he was not entirely stupid. Lucius, and really all of the Purebloods-particularly the heirs-never did things that did not lead to them managing to get something out of it. What it was did not really matter, it was that they managed to obtain something of value or import. Severus just had no idea what he could really offer. He knew that Lucius claimed it was just a memory, but he doubted that. There had to be something more to it.
He snuck into his dorm room, rushing towards his bed and hastily putting up the wards, as many as he could remember at the moment. Ward swere one of the first things he had begun to look up when it came to his magical studies. His mother had not been much help, though one would think that she would at least try to help him learn magic in the first place if nothing more than to protect himself but alas, she was useless as per usual. Of course he loved her, cared for her, and she was important to him, but at the same time...she really grated on his nerves. Why would she keep his magic a secret for so long? Sure, he figured things out himself, but he should not have had to. Why would she act as though she was helpless when she really was not, and even more so, why would she stay with his awful father when she had more than ample opportunity to leave. It was even easier for her than it would be for a muggle.
He shook his head, dislodging the discomforting thoughts from his mind. He should stop toying with those useless questions. He was not going to be getting an answer anytime soon, he knew. Furthermore, it had so much to do with just the general emotions of things, and his mother was always one who relied heavily on her emotions, much to the dislike of Severus' own self. Furthermore, while there was little that could be worse, he knew that things could indeed be worse. At the end of the day, he was really lucky that he only got off with being beaten by his father ever so often, and then neglected by his mother continually. He knew some children did not have that same arrangement with their families.
He sighed at himself. This ridiculous situation that he had somehow managed to get himself in. He still was somewhat reeling. He was not sure that he believed Malfoy would make good on his promise. It would be idiotic to trust the Heir at his word. Malfoy never did anything if it was disadvantageous for him. There was even less that he was willing to do of his own free will if there was no benefit to it. Lucius was quite the benefit oriented person. If he could not get something out of doing something else, he simply would not bother with it. Severus understood the mindset, which was also partially why he was so wary, despite entering the agreement with the elder.
In the end, there wasn't much else to do other than to be vigilant. He would have to be wary of Malfoy's moves, as per the norm, careful of who he interacted with-not that it would be much difficult now that he and Lily were...no longer friends. Severus felt his shoulders drop at the reminder. I saw the slight smile. As much as others may try and make excuses, I know she has a crush on that Potter boy. She is more frustrated that I am getting in the way of that, than anything else. Not to mention, I know she has been talking about me behind my back. I thought, previously, that we would always be upfront with each other, but...I suppose not. I know I should not have called her...that...but...Snape shook his head. He would go and apologize, of course, but he had a feeling, this was the last end of their friendship. She has been finding reasons to stop hanging out with me as of lately, anyways. Well, outside of getting help in studies of course. Not to mention she gets all angry and righteous when I am around my housemates, which I don't know what to tell her about that...I sort of have to be around them...furthermore, I am not entirely stupid...She flirts with Potter just as much if not more than she tries to help me anytime she runs on scene. Severus sighed as he thought about it. She has also been gossiping with those gryffindor friends of hers, listening to their gossip, instead of just asking me, and then accusing me without any evidence other than heresay. I suppose, our friendship was long in ending. Even if I did not make the mistake, it would have ended soon enough.