Sweet Sev
Severus and Lily were with their families as they entered platform 9 3/4. The Hogwarts Express was as magnificent as the two children hoped for. They stared at the steam engine that lead to the school of their dreams. The two young mages watched other children with their parents and siblings, as they boarded the train. "Look Sev, it's real!" Squealed Lily in excitement. Severus giggled at his best friend's excitement. It took all of his self-control not to squeal too and jump up and down while clapping excitedly.
"I know Lils. I'm so excited but a little scared, there seem to be more students than I anticipated," he whispered to her. Tobias heard his son's worried confession. He knew his adorable son was shy and uncomfortable with crowds. The Muggle knelt and held his son by the shoulders.
"Sev darling, you're going to do great. Your mother said that housemates usually stick together, so I'm sure you'll make friends," he whispered to the pouting boy. Severus's mouth lifted in a shy smile and he jumped to hug his dad's torso. The man caught his son and held him back tightly.
"Thank you Da, I'm gonna miss you," said Severus, causing his father to coo at the sweet comment.
"I'm going to miss you too my little brilliant wizard," Tobias said proudly.
"What about me Sev? Aren't you going to miss me?" Eileen whined from behind her husband, annoyed that her baby was giving more attention to his father than her. Severus pulled himself away from his father and rushed to hug his mother.
"Of course, I'm gonna miss you Ma! Don't be sad! I promise I'll write as often as I can and I'll be back for Christmas," rambled the sweet child. His voice was quivering and he pouted as he stared at his mother, hoping to comfort her. Eileen felt her heart flutter at the wide, dark orbs gazing at her. She knelt and embraced Severus tightly. She was feeling very guilty for causing her son to worry but she was worried herself for her innocent child. Severus was shy and rarely made friends with people. Eileen was glad when he introduced her and Tobias to Lily. And when the Muggle girl proved to be a witch, that increased Eileen's fondness for her. The pureblood couldn't help but feel satisfied at the thought of someone going to school with Severus, that already knew and liked him. After all, although Eileen was confident her son would thrive at Hogwarts certain aspects put her son at a disadvantage. He was very innocent of certain things in the world even with knowledge from books and TV. Eileen had made sure to explain the expectations and etiquette required in the Wizarding world for both her son and Lily. The redhead was very understanding and open to the difference in societal behaviour. While the Wizarding world was undeterred by religion, race, gender or sexual orientation as many Muggle societies, they still cared for power, money and blood purity. As it so happened, both Severus and Lily were lacking in two out of three departments. So they needed to stick together.
"Sev if anyone bothers you, just write me a letter and I'll show them!" Petunia said, startling Eileen out of her thoughts. The Muggle girl was very protective of her sister Lily and Severus. Petunia was known around their area for picking fights with older students if they dared annoy Lily or bully Severus. Now, the oldest child was feeling helpless as she watched her little sister and the boy she considered her baby brother, heading off to a faraway school.
"Tuney! You're not fighting wizards, it's dangerous," Lily scolded her older sister. The Evans' just chuckled at their daughters.
"I promise to write Tuney, as long as you promise to write back and work hard on your art," Severus replied enthusiastically.
"Of course!" Exclaimed Petunia happily, ignoring her sister's disapproving gaze. "Give me a hug the both of you. I'm gonna miss you," said the oldest child sadly. The two children exchanged glances and tackled their sister into a hug.
"We'll miss you too Tuney." "Please take care," they said.
"Alright; I think it's time you found yourselves a compartment, otherwise the good ones might all be taken," ordered Eileen. Lily and Severus released Petunia and the two families walked up to the train. The fathers pulled the trunks up for their children while the mothers gave their children some last few words, reminders, warnings and comforting words. Lily and Severus finally got on the train and started searching for an empty compartment. It would be better to allow people entry into their space rather than ask permission to share one with others. The two first-years walked down the aisle looking left and right. They finally found a compartment free of any people or luggage about halfway through the train. They got in quickly and put their trunks up above their seats.
"There, that should do it," said Lily with a final shove at her trunk. They settled down with Severus by the window and Lily next to him. The children spotted their parents and waved their hands in farewell and the train moved only after a few minutes of the two sitting down. "Well, here we go," said Lily with a hint of nervousness.
"Don't worry Lils, we'll be okay," said Severus reassuringly. The girl smiled widely at her best friend.
"I know we will Sev but I can't help feeling nervous and jittery," replied Lily. Severus giggled with a hint of nervousness of his own. They watched their parents disappear as the train took the corner and began moving toward the school. Severus and Lily had heard many stories from Eileen on Hogwarts and each story caused their excitement to increase. From the Quidditch grounds to the Great Hall, the Dormitories and even Peeves made them jittery with excitement, now they were heading there.
Five minutes within the ride, the two childhood friends started playing UNO. The two were enjoying their time when their compartment door gently slid open. The two stared at it when a young boy their age slipped his head inside. The boy had a bed of messy hair on top of his head and round glasses on his face. "Hello, do you mind if we join you? The rest of the compartments are kind of full," said the newcomer. Lily and Severus exchanged glances, the girl telepathically asking if her friend was alright with it. Severus tried to appear confident when he smiled reassuringly at the redhead. He felt nervous and shy when he saw the boy, a blush climbing high on his cheeks. When Lily got the okay from Severus she turned back to the other boy.
"You may join us, as long as you're not rude."
"Of course," said the glasses boy. The compartment door slid open fully and three boys stepped inside. The first to sit down and claim the other window seat was a dark-haired boy with very good features that boded for a handsome face in the future. Then the boy with glasses took the seat adjacent to Lily and the final boy, who was blonde and appeared meek, sat next to the boy with glasses. "Hello, I'm James Potter," said the unruly haired boy. "This is Sirius Black," he pointed at the dark-haired boy who waved enthusiastically. "And Remus Lupin," the blonde shyly waved, reminding Lily of Severus.
"I'm Lily Evans and this is my best friend, Severus Snape," said Lily, introducing them. Severus blushed deeply and snuggled behind the girl's shoulder. "Sorry, Sev is very shy." The other boys exchanged glances at Lily's words, causing the pair to tense up. Then, the three boys cooed at the shy boy in front of them. Lily relaxed immediately, recognising the expressions of fondness. The redhead was all too familiar with how people perceived Severus. Though most adults found him adorable, children mainly disliked his nature and used it as an excuse to tease and bully him but when people adult or child looked at Severus with that expression, it usually meant they would like him.
"Would you like some chocolate?" Remus asked softly as he pulled out a small box of chocolates.
"Do you always carry that with you Remi?" Asked James with a chuckle. Remus rolled his eyes and returned his gaze to the two opposite him.
"Thank you," said Lily and she took a piece. Severus was more hesitant and stared at Lily as if asking for permission. Lily nodded and Severus reached his short arm to grab a piece of chocolate.
"Thank you," whispered the boy shyly with a smile. Remus melted at the boy's sweet nature and gave a grin.
"So how excited are you to go to Hogwarts?" Asked Sirius, breaking everyone's concentration from Severus.
"Oh, Sev and I have been waiting for this since we were so young!" Lily exclaimed.
"Forgive me for pointing it out but aren't your muggleborn? How did you know of Hogwarts?" Asked Sirius but his tone showed no rudeness so Lily and Severus took no offence but the latter tensed up a little. He recognised the surname Black immediately and hoped it wasn't the same Black that his mother forewarned about. The family was known for their prejudice and racism toward Muggles and Muggleborns as well as an unhealthy admiration for the Dark Arts.
"Well I am Muggleborn but Sev here is a half-blood so he knew about it and his mother told us about Hogwarts once we realised I was also a witch," Lily responded to Sirius's question with a serious tone, daring him to make any rude comment.
"Cool! It must be nice to go to school with a friend," replied Sirius. "I'm sorry for being nosy but which Wizarding family do you belong to?" asked the boy staring at Severus with curiosity and excitement. Severus tensed up at the strange behaviour of the boy in front of him, yes he was a Black, their family madness clearly inherited by the handsome boy.
"Siri you can't go asking that!" James reprimanded with a hiss.
"It's okay..." Severus interrupted the boys before they could start an argument. Everyone stared at him in anticipation except Lily who was worried. "My mother was known as Eileen Prince, now she's married to my father so it's Eileen Snape," whispered Severus whilst staring at his intertwined hands.
"Your mother is Eileen Prince!" cried Sirius with a grin. Everyone scolded him for the loud tone, seeing as Severus jumped and hid behind Lily in fear.
"Sirius!" "Black, what the hell?" "Siri that was unnecessary!" The three hissed at him and he held his hands up in surrender.
"Sorry, sorry I got excited," said Sirius with a wince at the three glares aiming at him. "Severus I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Please come out, I'm excited to meet someone in a similar situation as me," said Sirius in a very gentle and hushed tone. Severus pulled out from behind Lily and stared tentatively at Sirius. The other three gazed in confusion at the Black heir.
"What are you talking about Siri? You're a pureblood," said James in confusion.
"True but...well I don't know if Lily and Severus know this but my whole family is known for being dark and prejudiced against muggles and muggleborns. When they heard what happened to Eileen Prince, they scoffed and insulted her and warned us not to become like her or befriend her possible children," explained Sirius. His words weren't much of a comfort for Severus and Lily who still gazed sceptically at him. James was intrigued by his new friends story and Lupin just sat uncomfortably. "You see, I plan on breaking my family tradition. I don't want to be prejudiced against muggles or muggleborns, I think it's wrong."
Those words defused the tension and Lily smiled kindly at the handsome boy, while Severus relaxed and nodded his respect to him. It wasn't easy going against your family's ideals but it was the right thing to do if you couldn't agree with them. James and Lupin were impressed by the Black heir and James especially, registered Sirius as a great potential friend. "That's very brave Sirius. Aunty Eileen had warned us of the possible prejudice in the Wizarding world against Sev and I but may I ask, why do some families dislike us?" Asked Lily with curiosity. Eileen had never fully explained the mentality of these racist families since she never understood or agreed with them, leading to her decision to leave the Wizarding world and find love with a Muggle.
"A lot of old Pureblood families have a theory that muggleborns have weak magic and only purebloods can have strong magic," explained Sirius.
"That's silly. Ma always says that it doesn't matter what blood status you have, it depends on your core and health. And even muggles have discovered that marrying relatives causes an increase in unhealthy offspring. That's why many pureblood families are producing squibs and losing magical gifts, because they had too many consanguineous marriages. They need to marry outside of the pureblood pool to have healthier children..." Severus trailed off realising he's been ranting and giving a lecture to his peers. Lily didn't mind because she knew how smart he was and always enjoyed listening to him and appreciate his knowledge but these new boys may not find it as interesting.
Severus chanced a glance at them and saw their blank and shocked expressions. It took a few moments before the three broke from their shock. Sirius was first and he broke into a huge grin. "And you're my new best friend! I can't wait to write what you said to mother, she'll lose her marbles!" The handsome boy exclaimed, the other two smiled as well and chuckled at Sirius's enthusiasm. Severus blushed deeply but Lily glared and grabbed her best friend close.
"Back off Black, he's my best friend," she said with an emphasis on my. Severus's eyes widened and he stared with fear between Lily and Sirius. Sirius was taken aback by the girl's possessiveness and hostility but he understood, so he approached with caution.
"I know. But you're his girl best friend, can't I be his boy best friend?" He asked tentatively and gazed at Severus hopefully. The smaller boy smiled shyly.
"Lily, you'll always be my best friend and I'll always love you most I promise. Can I be friends with Sirius, James and Remus too?" Asked Severus cautiously, knowing how protective Lily is. The girl deflated at seeing the hopeful black orbs giving her the puppy eyes she was weak to.
"Oh okay. But you'll love me most," she stated in exasperation.
"Always!" Exclaimed Severus with a huge smile that made Lily melt and the boys coo again. This led to more conversations for the rest of the train ride.
By the time the train finally reached the Hogsmeade station the children had changed into their robes and gotten to know each other better. It was dark now and the older students were helping guide the first-years out of the train. Severus clutched onto Lily tightly, afraid of the crowd. Sirius and James were in front of them making a barricade while Remus was behind them, holding onto Severus's shoulders to support him through the crowd. The five exited the train with the rest of the students and began admiring their surroundings.
"First years come here, please first years follow me," a loud rough voice called and the five glances to its source. A very large man appeared with a large lamp. He was waving his hands and calling to the first year students.
"That must be Hagrid!" Whispered Lily.
"Who?" Asked Sirius and James.
"Hagrid, the groundskeeper," replied Severus.
"Come on guys we should go, we don't want to be left behind," said Lupin and the children agreed, heading toward the giant man.
"This way please," said Hagrid as he guided the newcomers with him. They walked out of the station and were led to a large river, where several small boats floated. "Alright, get on five in each please," ordered Hagrid and the five new friends scrambled to get into one boat together. Severus sat between Sirius and Lily and clutched onto both. He didn't like large bodies of water because he wasn't a very good swimmer plus it was dark and cold.
"You'll be okay Sev, I'll protect you," whispered Sirius and held him tightly. Soon the boats began to glide on the water and travel toward the huge castle, lit by lanterns. The first years stared in awe and excitement at their new school. It was out of a fantasy book for muggleborns and a dream come true for magical raised students. Lily and Severus held hands as they slowly approached the castle.
"It's real Sev, it's real..." said Lily in awe.
"It is," replied Severus just as amazed. Slowly the boats crossed the river until they reached the shore. It was a calm atmosphere but the students were all nerve-wracked.
“Alright first-years follow me,” said an middle-aged woman with magnificent emerald robes. The students followed her in a tidy formation with the help of Hagrid. Most of the students were far too nervous to be snarky or cheeky so the queue moved in a uniform fashion across the grounds, into the entrance and into a corridor with an open door. “Alright please remain in your places while we prepare for you,” said the Professor. Severus squeezed Lily’s hand pumping himself up for the sorting. It took a few moments before the woman returned. “We’re ready for you,” she said and they were lead into a large Hall.
The Hall was adorned with candles and five tables. Four were in a vertical assembly with the students wearing their house colours. Then a larger table was placed at the head of the tables in a horizontal fashion. The staff sat on the largest table with the Headmaster sitting in the middle on a golden throne. “Wow, look at the ceiling Sev, it’s exactly as we’ve read!” whispered Lily as she stared at the roof of the room. Severus also lifted his gaze to find the charmed ceiling that represented the sky outside. It was dark and filled with stars. The new students were all mesmerised by the incredible detail.
“Alright, please stand here,” said the professor. The students stood between the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables in the middle of the room and before the staff table. A stool with a raggedy hat on top of it stood in front of the students. Suddenly the hat jumped to life and it started singing.
“Welcome to Hogwarts
Where the Founders made
A never before teaching place
They sat and thought of those who come
Deciding how the sorting’s done
Bravery and nobility Gryffindor wished
While Ravenclaw Cleverest
and sharpest were cherished
Cunning and Ambitious for the Slytherins
But don’t forget the Loyal and Resourceful
For Helga Hufflepuffs candidates
Here I am put me on
And I’ll show you the way
for your new dawn”
When the hat completed the song the houses and staff burst into applause and even the first-years were very impressed. Severus bounced on his heels with Lily, waiting for their sorting. They’d discussed this many times before coming here and once again on the train with their three nee friends. James and Sirius wished to join Gryffindor, Lupin wanted anything as long as he got along with his housemates. Lily wished to either be in Ravenclaw or Gryffindor while Severus wanted either Slytherin or Ravenclaw. Although James as Sirius weren’t too thrilled with the idea of Slytherin for Severus, they decided it didn’t mean much if Sev remained their friend and believed his mother’s ideals towards pureblood and Muggleborn mages.
“Alright, I’ll call your name and you shall come and sit on the stool to be sorted,” the lady professor called to the excited first-years. “Avery Derek,” called the professor and a blond child with great confidence strode to the stool and sat upon it. The hat was carefully placed onto his head. It took only two seconds before the hat’s mouth opened.
“Slytherin!” It called and the blond boy smirked and took off the hat and headed to the table.
“Black Sirius,” called the woman. Sirius fidgeted as he went to the stool. He sat nervously as the hat was placed on his head. He squinted his eyes shut in concentration.
“Hmm…very well very well. GRYFFINDOR!” cried the hat and Sirius face filled with triumph as he raced to the table it’s the red and gold. Like that, the names were called one by one. Lily ended up in Ravenclaw. Remus quickly followed her to the house of blue and bronze. James was a few names before Severus and he joined Sirius at the Gryffindor table.
“Snape Severus,” said the woman and Severus nervously headed to the stool. He pulled himself on it and sat down as comfortably as possible. The hat was gently lain on his head but it was large enough to cover his eyes.
“Well hello young one,” spoke the hat. Severus gasped.
“You’re inside my head,” said the boy fearfully.
“I am don’t worry none shall hear our discussion. You have quite the unique mind child. So much intelligence and thirst for knowledge but also a lot of ambition, yes it is all here,” said the hat. Severus fiddled with his fingers nervously.
“I-I want to help people. Ma says I’m good at potions and spells, that I’ll be able to make incredible creations to help people,” said Severus in his mind. His main wish was to become an esteemed Master in the subject he thrived in, to both make money to help his parents and to create things to help people.
“Oh I know exactly where you shall be…SLITHERIN!” cried the hat and Severus grinned widely. It was his mother’s house after all and this way it’ll feel like he’s still connected to her even all those miles away. The small child took off the hat and walked quickly to his house table. He spotted Lily and Remus giving him thumbs up and waving. He waved back shyly and found a seat at the table next to an older student with beautiful golden locks.
“Welcome to Slytherin house, I am Lucius Malfoy fifth year prefect,” the older student said. Severus blushed and shyly extended his hand.
“H-hello I’m Severus,” he greeted. Lucius gazed at his flushed face and smiled widely as he took the extended hand and shook it gently. The sorting didn’t last much longer after Severus, with the last student being a girl named Cora Zambini who got sorted into Slytherin. Once all the students and staff were sat into place, the Headmaster stood up to greet the new and old students and invited everyone to dig into the feast. He waved his hands and dozens of variable dishes were served to each table. The new students gasped in awe at the variety and tasty looking food. Severus was told by his mother to seize the moment and have his fill as long as he minds his manners, so the boy dug in as politely as possible and began to eat.
After eating, Severus having filled his stomach to its maximum capacity to Lucius’s amusement, the Headmaster stood up once more, this time to properly introduce Hogwarts to the new students. Thanks to the very long ride and incredible food, Severus became sleepy and his eyes began to droop, he unconsciously leaned into a strong and warm arm. The child had closed his eyes and was barely aware of his surroundings. A strong and warm thing embraced him and held him to a broad and cosy surface. Severus snuggled into the warmth without care. He faintly heard a chuckle but wasn’t bothered by it.
Moments passed with Severus in this position until some noise started echoing all around him. Suddenly he was being moved by the strong grip. Severus was unable to open his eyes though and simply whined in protest as he got repositioned into mid air and held by the same strong and warm figure. Severus’s sleepy mind concluded that it must be his father carrying as he had done many times when Severus fell asleep on the sofa, so the child smiled and hugged the figure tighter earning another faint chuckle. Severus was barely aware of the journey he was on, until he felt the person laying him on a soft and smooth surface. Then, warm covers draped on his body and the child was finally able to slip into deep sleep, with dreams filled with singing hats and his four friends.