Before Harry Met Sevy

Chapter Six: A Ray of Hope

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Severus was sitting at the breakfast table the morning his letter came. The family owl swooped onto the windowsill of the kitchen with the post, and Silias began looking through it disinterestedly. His hand stopped as he reached a square envelope, and his eyes darted disbelievingly to his eldest son's face. Severus, almost sure of what the letter contained, said nothing, and hoped his silence would be rewarded with his letter. Silias sneered contemptuously as he tossed the letter to his son, and Severus scooped it up eagerly to examine it. It was addressed to him, written in loopy green ink, and the seal was the Hogwarts crest.

"I'm surprised they've accepted you," Silias said with a sniff. "After they see what an undesirable brat you are, they'll send you packing straight back here." Severus waited impatiently as his father finished breakfast, then Disapparated, leaving the boy free to tear eagerly into his letter.

Dear Mr. Snape:

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed you will find a list of supplies needed for your first year. Term begins on September the first. We look forward to hearing your reply, and will expect your owl no later than August the first.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Severus looked up from the letter and grinned. Without finishing his breakfast or waiting to excuse himself, he ran out of the door and across the yard to Lily's house. He rang the bell, shifting from one foot to the other impatiently. When Rose finally opened the door, he grinned like an idiot.

"Lily home?" he asked quickly, trying to peer around her.

"In her room," Rose said with a slight frown. "What are you looking so giddy about?"

"I'll explain in a bit," he promised as he raced past her and up the stairs. Bursting into Lily's room, he found her laying on the floor, a book propped open in front of her.

"Morning, Severus," she greeted as she remained focused on her book.

"Morning yourself," he said excitedly. "Did you get it?" Lily frowned.

"Get what?" Some of Severus' excitement diminished as he saw the confused look on her face. He handed his letter to her silently, watching as her face fell to match his. "I didn't get one," she said softly, her disappointment evident.

"Well, maybe yours will come with the Muggle post," he offered. "I don't know how it works with Muggles." She brightened slightly, then re-read the letter.

"Where will we go to get all the supplies?" she asked as she perused the second sheet.

"Diagon Alley," he answered, sitting cross-legged on the floor beside her. "I know he won't take us, and your parents don't know how to get in. I'll see if Mum will take us."

"If I get a letter," she said softly.

"You'll get one," he assured her.

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But when the post came, there was no letter for Lily. She tried to hide her disappointment as she trudged back upstairs, but Rose had noticed something was wrong.

"What is it?" she asked, joining the children on the floor. They exchanged glances, then Severus held up his pinky to remind Lily of their vow made six years earlier.

"Nothing, Mum," Lily answered sullenly. "I was just hoping for a letter. I expect it will come tomorrow." Rose smiled and left the room. As soon as she'd gone, Severus reassured his friend once again, though he was not as confident as he sounded. What if she didn't get accepted to Hogwarts?

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By dinnertime, both children were sullen and quiet. They did not respond when Rose and Albert addressed them, and when Petunia made a comment about their wits being gone, they ignored it as well. As they were clearing their places, there was a gentle rapping from the back door. The inhabitants of the house exchanged confused glances before Albert went to answer it. Severus felt a small twinge of hope that this was what they had been waiting for, and his thoughts were confirmed when Albert returned with their visitor. Severus knew right away the man was a wizard. He had flowing silver hair, with a beard to match, and the robes he wore were a deep purple. The wizard smiled kindly, his light blue eyes twinkling over his half-moon glasses as he looked at the children.

"Can we help you, sir?" Rose asked, looking at his outfit with a bemused expression.

"Yes, I believe you can. My name is Albus Dumbledore," he said as he extended his hand. Rose took it without hesitation.

"Would you like to have a seat, Mr. Dumbledore?" she invited, motioning towards the living room. "Why don't you children go upstairs?" she instructed.

"Actually, I would like to have a word with the entire family, if I could," Dumbledore requested. Rose, looking slightly confused, nodded.

"Very well. Children, into the living room. Would you like something to drink?" Dumbledore smiled and shook his head.

"No, thank you. I would like to get right down to business. This is not, unfortunately for me, my last stop this evening." He sat in an armchair as the rest of the family settled themselves onto the couch. Severus pinched Lily's arm lightly, then grinned and gave her a thumbs-up sign. Once everyone was seated, Dumbledore spoke again. "As I said, my name is Albus Dumbledore, and I am the current headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He paused, as though to let his words sink in, then withdrew a letter, looking very similar to the one Severus had received that morning. He looked from Lily to Petunia, then handed the letter to Lily. "I believe this is for you," he said with a wink. Lily's hands shook with excitement as she opened the letter, then gave a squeal of delight and hugged Severus, catching him off guard. Her eyes shone with happiness as she showed the letter to her parents.

"You've just got to say yes," she begged. "Severus and I have talked about it for years. I've just got to go!" Rose and Albert read the letter carefully, then looked up at their daughter.

"What does all this mean, exactly?" Albert asked carefully.

"It means, Mr. Evans, that your daughter Lily is a witch. She has been accepted into Hogwarts, where she will receive training in all aspects of magical learning. This is, of course entirely your decision, but I am here to answer any questions you may have." The Evans family was silent for a moment. They looked stunned. Petunia looked as though Christmas had come early as she looked from her sister to her parents. Severus narrowed his eyes as he watched her. She was no doubt hoping that Rose and Albert would decline Dumbledore's offer.

"Where is this school?" Albert asked.

"It is in the north," Dumbledore replied vaguely. "We do not like to give it's exact location, for fear of an unsuspecting Muggle, or non-magic person, stumbling across it. I assure you it is very safe."

"Oh, we don't doubt that," Rose said immediately. "It's just so - strange."

"How do we know you're not some nutter who wants to kill her?" Petunia said suddenly. Rose and Albert looked at her, horrified.

"Petunia!" But to their surprise and relief, Dumbledore chuckled.

"It is very good to see that you are so concerned for your sister," he said with amusement. "I have no proof that I am not a - nutter - as you said, except my word."

"He's not lying," Severus said suddenly. Every pair of eyes turned to him. "I'm going to Hogwarts as well. I got my letter this morning. My whole family has been there. Steven will go when he's old enough. It's a real place." His eyes burned with excitement as he spoke. "It's going to be fantastic."

"You must be young Mr. Snape, then," Dumbledore appraised. "I am delighted that you have such enthusiasm for school. I daresay many of our students are not quite so exuberant."

"I've been waiting to go my whole life," Severus said quietly, suddenly very aware of everyone's stares.

"Well, I hope that your experiences at Hogwarts live up to your expectations," Dumbledore said with a smile. Severus did not respond, but exchanged a look with Lily. He knew that she understood why he was so anxious to get to Hogwarts without him saying it. She gave him a small smile before turning again to her parents. They were looking past her at Severus, who began to shift uncomfortably in his seat. He'd never imagined that they wouldn't allow Lily to go.

"How long have you known that Lily was a witch?" Rose asked.

"The first day we met," he answered quietly.

"Witches and wizards aren't supposed to tell Muggles about the magical world," Lily explained. "But I told Severus about some things that had happened, and he told me." She turned to Dumbledore. "I never told anybody, though. It was our secret." Dumbledore said nothing, but was eyeing Rose and Albert with interest. Lily's parents looked at each other, then looked down at their daughter, her eyes shining with excitement. Finally, Rose sighed and smiled.

"We will miss you," she said. Lily leapt from the couch with a shout of joy, and Severus felt relief flooding through him. He hadn't wanted to leave Lily behind when he went to school, and he was happy now that he wouldn't have to. Dumbledore smiled at the gathering before clearing his throat to get their attention.

"She will be needing her school things, of course," he began.

"Oh, I can help them with that," Severus offered immediately. "I'll ask my mum if we can take them to Diagon Alley."

"That's very generous of you, Mr. Snape," Dumbledore acknowledged as he stood. "If you have any further questions, you may reach me by owl at Hogwarts."

"By owl?" Rose asked, confused.

"No doubt young Mr. Snape can explain," Dumbledore said with a smile. In the blink of an eye, he'd Disapparated, leaving the others chattering excitedly.

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"I don't have time today, Severus," Rebekah said shortly as she bustled around the kitchen.

"But it's only two weeks until term begins," he protested. "We have to go to Diagon Alley at some point. You keep saying you'll take us."

"I will, Severus. But not today."

"When?" he prodded, his arms crossed angrily over his chest. "Rose and Albert are starting to worry that we won't get our supplies."

"Don't be ridiculous," Rebekah snapped. "I won't send you to school without your supplies. Go find your friend, I'm much too busy to talk about this now." Kicking the table leg in aggravation, he ignored her admonishment as he sulked his way out of the kitchen. Lily was waiting outside, her eyes expressing her anxiety.

"What did she say?" she asked quickly.

"What do you think?" he retorted. They sank onto the ground in defeat. "I'd take you myself except that I don't have a key to our vault," he moaned. "But you'd be alright. Your mum and dad could exchange Muggle money at Gringotts."

"Add to that the fact that you've not actually been to Diagon Alley, and we'd have ourselves a right mess," she said with a sigh. " We'll just have to wait until she'll take us is all." Severus didn't respond. He didn't want Lily to know the reason behind Rebekah's procrastination, though it was all too clear to him. Silias had expressly forbidden her to associate with the Evanses, and so she kept coming up with excuses to delay their trip, in the hopes that they'd find somebody else. No doubt she would take Severus the day before term, conveniently forgetting his friend. It just wouldn't do for the Snapes to be seen with a Muggle family, he thought to himself with disgust. He began to tear up handfuls of grass as he stared into the sky, not noticing the figure approaching them until he spoke.

"Doing a bit of yard work, Severus?" The boy spun around to see his uncle smiling down at him.

"Hullo, Uncle Sebastian," he greeted him warmly. "Where have you been? You haven't stopped by in ages!"

"I've been away on business," he answered. "What has you two looking so worried?"

"Mum won't take us to Diagon Alley," Severus said tersely. "We've only got two weeks before we leave, and she still won't take us. Lily's parents don't know how to get there, so they have to rely on her. It isn't as though they know any other wizarding families." Sebastian rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then snapped his fingers as though he'd just thought of something.

"I've got the answer, my boy."

"Really?"

"I'll take you myself," Sebastian explained. "Are your parents free this afternoon, Lily?"

"I believe so. I'll just go and check," she said breathlessly. Severus watched as she raced over to her house.

"I don't have a key to our vault," he said sullenly. Sebastian simply laughed and patted him on the back.

"No worries, Severus. I believe I can spare a few galleons to further your education."

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Twenty minutes later, they had congregated in the living room, trying their best to ignore Rebekah's disapproving stares. Sebastian held out the jar of Floo powder, and instructed Severus to go first. The boy took a handful of the powder, tossed it into the fireplace, then stepped inside.

"Diagon Alley!" he shouted. He was instantly traveling rapidly through the Floo network, his eyes shut tight against the dust and ash. Before he knew it, he was spilling out onto the floor of the Leaky Cauldron. He stood and brushed the soot from his clothes as best he could, then stepped back and waited while the others arrived. Lily came next, sputtering and landing face-down. Severus hurried to help her up, then tugged her out of the way as Petunia came spiraling out. Severus and Lily laughed at the sight of prissy, meticulous Petunia covered in filth from head to toe. Not long after came Rose and Albert. They waited for Sebastian, but he did not come immediately after. The group began dusting each other off, and laughing at each other's appearance, but by the time they'd finished, he had still not arrived. Severus looked at the fireplace worriedly. "I don't know what could be keeping him," he said. "He knows at which grate to get off." As he finished his sentence, Sebastian emerged from the fireplace, looking a bit haggard.

"I apologize for keeping you all waiting," he said shortly. "Shall we head to Gringotts, then?" Lily and Severus exchanged confused looks before following the rest of the group into Diagon Alley.

"Maybe he came home," Severus suggested as they made their way towards the imposing white building at the end of the street.

"Maybe," Lily agreed distractedly. She was staring at the shops they were passing, filled to the brim with anything anyone would need in the magical world. Shops which sold owls, wands, broomsticks, potion ingredients - the two of them exchanged a grin as they soaked it all up. They climbed the steps to the bank, stifling laughs as Petunia shied away from the diminutive goblins guarding the entrance. Sebastian led them to a queue which formed in front of a large counter, with a sign reading : Muggle Exchanges.

"I'll leave you here for a bit," he said to the Evanses, "And I'll just take Severus down to the vault. We'll be back in a few moments."

"We'll wait for you here, then," Rose said. "Thank you again, Mr. Snape, for escorting us."

"Think nothing of it," he replied. "Didn't want these two to head off to school unprepared. Now, if you'll excuse us?" He led Severus to another counter, where a goblin sat stamping a sheaf of parchment. Sebastian handed him a key, then the two of them followed the goblin down to the awaiting mine cart. Severus looked at his uncle thoughtfully, then raised his voice to be heard as they began to barrel along the track.

"What kept you back there?" he asked, hoping he sounded casual. Sebastian looked at him sharply, his eyes slightly narrowed.

"Do not dwell on it," he said simply. "It was nothing of importance." Severus rolled his eyes with annoyance.

"If it wasn't important, why won't you say?" he shot back. Sebastian fixed a steely gaze on his nephew, his eyes fathomless.

"It does not concern you, boy. Do not meddle in the affairs of others." The cold tone of his voice chilled Severus to the bone. He'd never heard him speak like that to him, not once.

"You're beginning to sound like him," he said tersely, turning away to stare at the blurring scenery. Sebastian said nothing until they'd collected a bagful of coins from his vault. As they were speeding back towards the entrance, he laid a hand on his nephew's shoulder.

"I apologize, Severus." The boy turned to stare at him, unsure of what to say.

"Okay," he finally replied, turning back around. They continued on in silence for the remainder of the cart ride.

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If the Evanses noticed a change in either of their attitudes, they did not mention it, and for that Severus was thankful. He didn't particularly want to share with them the fact that his complete confidence in his uncle had been shattered. From Gringotts they went to Ollivander's for wands, and from there to Flourish and Blotts, but the excitement of the day was dimmed in the shadow of his uncle's startling reaction. What had made him so angry? And why was he keeping so quiet about what had held him back? As he stood in Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, he studied Sebastian's face. He was busy talking to the Evanses, and seemed not to notice his nephew's penetrating gaze. He seemed to be in a better mood, at least on the surface. Maybe he had simply over-reacted to the entire thing. After all, everybody was entitled to get angry every now and again, right? Chimes rang through the store, marking the arrival of another customer. Severus looked towards the door to see a boy his own age, with neatly trimmed light brown hair, looking around nervously. He was standing with his parents, who looked equally as uncomfortable. Severus nudged Lily as the boy was directed to the spot next to him.

"Hullo," Lily said brightly, extending her hand across Severus and earning an admonishment from Madame Malkin. The boy looked at her as though she were going to bite before timidly shaking the proffered limb.

"Hullo," he said quietly, his large brown eyes not quite meeting hers.

"I'm Lily Evans. And this is my friend, Severus Snape." The boys nodded greetings, each eyeing the other warily. "And you are?" she prompted when the boy didn't respond.

"Oh, sorry. Remus Lupin."

"Starting at Hogwarts this year?" Severus asked, feeling stupid. Of course he's starting, or he wouldn't be here getting fitted, would he?

"Yes," Remus replied, his eyes flicking to his parents. His mother smiled up at him, then jumped slightly as Sebastian introduced himself and the Evanses.

"They're a bit nervous," Severus observed with interest. "Are they Muggles?" Remus shook his head, but didn't offer any further explanations.

"My parents are Muggles," Lily offered in an effort to get him to open up. "They were quite surprised when Professor Dumbledore showed up to tell them about Hogwarts." The boy's eyes lit up at her words.

"You've met Professor Dumbledore?" he asked with awe. Lily nodded, as did Severus. "He's a good man, you know," Remus finished. Severus furrowed his brow in confusion as he looked at Lily, who shrugged.

"How do you know Dumbledore?" Severus asked. "You said your parents weren't Muggles."

"They aren't," the boy answered quickly. "I just know him from the famous witches and wizards cards."

"Oh, right," Severus said, though he thought there was more to the boy's story than that.

"Which house do you think you'll be in?" Lily asked him.

"I hadn't thought about it much," Remus replied. "I'm just relieved to be able to go to Hogwarts at all." Severus eyed the boy with interest. There was obviously something he wasn't telling them. From the sound of it, Dumbledore had something to do with his acceptance at Hogwarts. It made Severus wonder what had been barring his way.

"I'm hoping for Ravenclaw," Lily revealed. "Severus has told me all about the houses, and I think I'd do best there. But like you, I'll be happy wherever they put me."

"What about you?" Remus asked, his gaze fixed on Severus.

"Slytherin, I suppose," he answered absently. "My family's been there for generations." Their conversation was cut short as Madame Malkin announced that both Severus and Lily were done. They stepped down from the platform, then bade their new acquaintance farewell.

"We'll see you on the train, Remus," Lily called as they exited the shop. "He seemed nice," she commented as they made their way to the Owl Emporium.

"Yeah," Severus said, looking back over his shoulder, "a real bubbling personality."

"Look who's talking," she said, giving him a playful shove. Severus feigned surprise.

"Whatever do you mean? Are you saying that I'm -"

"A bit awkward when you meet someone new? Yes." She grinned at him. "But once they've met you, they learn what a delight you are." He shook his head at the sarcasm in her voice, then chose to ignore it as they entered the Emporium. He selected a fierce - looking eagle owl as his pet, and Lily chose a well-mannered barn owl as her own. It was as they were leaving that they ran into a very unwelcome sight. A tall man stood next to an equally tall boy, both eyeing the congregation with amusement. His white-blonde hair was cut very short, making his cold gray eyes stand out. The boy next to him was nearly identical, though his chin ended in a severe point. The man spotted Sebastian and smiled, though it did not fool anyone present. His eyes remained cold and calculating as he waited for Sebastian to acknowledge him.

"Braeden," he acknowledged, with a short nod. The man nodded back.

"Sebastian Snape. I didn't think I'd ever see you traipsing about with a group such as this."

"Severus is my nephew," he said shortly. "I brought him and his neighbors to get their supplies for school. My brother was - unavoidably detained."

"I can imagine," Braeden replied, his eyebrow arched. "You've met my son?"

"Many years ago," he affirmed. "You're looking well, Lucius."

"Thank you, sir," though his tone was polite, the boy's eyes held the same aloof coolness of his father's.

"A Snape at Hogwarts again, eh?" Braeden said, looking Severus up and down. "You will be in Slytherin, of course?" Severus shrugged.

"I guess. We won't know until I get there, right?" He felt his uncle prod him in the back, and he looked at him, confused.

"Indeed," Braeden replied archly. "Well, every other Snape for generations has been in that most hallowed of houses. It would be a shame for you to break that tradition. What would your father say, I wonder?" He smirked as he gestured to his own son. "Lucius is a prefect this year. He'll be sure to look out for you, won't you, son?" Lucius nodded, and Severus thought he saw a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth.

"That's very courteous of you," Sebastian replied stiffly. "We must be going now. If you'll excuse us?" Braeden and Lucius stepped aside to let the group by, but Severus felt their eyes on him as he walked away. "Don't look back," Sebastian instructed shortly as Severus began to do just that. He snapped his eyes back in front of him, not at all sure what had just happened.

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By the end of the day, they were laden with packages, and utterly exhausted. They made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron, grateful to be going home, but equally grateful to have had the experience. Severus stepped up to the fireplace to go through, but his uncle's hand held him back.

"Why don't we let the Evanses go through first?" he suggested. Severus stepped back, watching as first Albert, then Petunia used the Floo powder. Lily went next, followed shortly by Rose, and then Severus stepped forward again. "Not just yet, boy." Severus turned and faced his uncle, wondering why he wanted to wait. "Severus, I wanted to discuss the Malfoys with you."

"Who?"

"Braeden and Lucius."

"Oh."

"They are a very dangerous family to get involved with, do you understand that?"

"Why?" he asked, curious. He'd heard Silias talking about the Malfoy family from time to time, saying how much he admired them, and how he aspired to be considered their equal. But that did not explain why Severus should keep away from them.

"They've been pureblooded for as long as anybody knows," he explained. "Their family tree doesn't hold a single Muggle. Because of that, they feel superior to other wizards."

"How does that make them dangerous?"

"Their influence with the Ministry is unparalleled. They hide behind their wealth and bloodline, presenting that facet of their lives to the public. It is the life they live behind their own doors that you should be wary of. Watch yourself around the boy. You've got only three years at school with him, but there is much that can happen in that time." Severus frowned.

"What do they do behind their doors?"

"Just be careful, alright?" He nodded reluctantly.

"Alright," he said. "I promise."

"Good lad," Sebastian said, smiling and patting him on the back. "Let's get you home. The others are probably worried about you."

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Later that evening, Lily and Severus were going over their school lists once again.

"I know we got everything, but I sort of wish we hadn't," she said with a sigh. "Diagon Alley was amazing!"

"Yeah," Severus agreed, still thinking about what Sebastian had told him in the Leaky Cauldron.

"Did you see the apothecary?" she asked in an attempt to get him talking.

"Yeah. Pretty neat."

"What are you going to name your owl?" she asked, giving a treat to her own.

"I don't know just yet. What about you?"

"Jovianne," she replied at once. He stifled a snicker as he looked at her.

"You're serious?" he asked, his mouth hanging open.

"Yes, I'm serious!" she retorted. "It fits her perfectly. At least I've got a name for her." He shrugged.

"It's your owl. "

"How about Kacela?" she suggested as she watched his eagle owl floating above them.

"I think it's a male," he said idly, picked up his Defense Against the Dark Arts book.

"Ok, then how about Zeus?" He gave her an I-am-not-amused look as he shook his head. "What?" she demanded. "What's wrong with that?"

"I am not naming him Zeus," he said shortly.

"Well then, you think of something," she retorted. He watched as his owl floated easily across the trees, and at once he decided on a name.

"Kenoa," he whispered. "Free." He examined his train ticket, then looked up again at his owl, looking forward to the day when he too would be able to fly away.

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