Chapter Text
The resounding slam to the Three Broomsticks entrance, drew the attention of all its occupants. Severus Snape glanced around looking for someone, unaware of ogling eyes. To all who remembered him, he was as he'd always been; pale and slender but different, less sallow and gaunt. In forest green robes and long willowy legs, he was a fine looker.
His eyes stopped on a table of children and what seemed to be their parents. A smile graced his face as he strode towards them, recognizing someone.
"Draco, my boy. You've worried your parents to death." His voice was smoother than in his youth.
"Oh, my! Draco darling, who are your friends" Regardless of his scanning eyes, he finally looked at the people before him, and only just realizing his company, he became confused. The young blond turned to his friends to introduce them.
"This is Hermione, Ron and Harry, We're in Slyther-"
"Pleasure to meet you" He interrupted, sweeping his eyes over the children before smiling at the adults seated.
"And these must be the fathers?"
"Well, only ones of us, my nam-"
"Oh no, I don't care. As I was saying Draco, your parents are worried" He interrupted again, and turned on his heels to stride away. The young blond boy winced as he looked up to the men surrounding.
"Sorry, Mr. Potter, Mr. Lupin and Cousin Sirius. He's flighty with natural human communication," The three men laughed glumly.
"Things don't change" Sirius smiled wanly and looked between his two friends.
" Could be the company you're keeping, though, kid."
"I'm sorry, do you know him?"
"Yeah well, we went to Hogwarts with him. First right through to the fourth,"
"What do you mean? Only fourth year?" Confusion clouded Draco as he turned to them.
"Well, at the end of fourth year, he disappeared," Remus looked down at his coffee.
"Somehow, we might be to blame. We were rather horrible to him." Sirius said calmly, Only his face betrayed his shame.
"We were childish to him" Unwelcome memories flashed through James' eyes. Harry looked up at his father for the first time wordlessly and Hermione, familiar to bullies herself, pursed her lips and turned away.
"Don't be like that," Uttered Ron with a huff, accustomed to her over-reactions.
"So many years since then. They were children who did silly things. We all make mistakes and I'm sure that godfather could forgive you. Your adults now. Right Mr. Potter?" Draco smiled at his friends and their family. Sirius turned a feeble smile on the blond boy as
"I'm sure he would,"Remus replied, doubt coating his voice.
....
"This is all your fault Potter, You stupid dickhead!" James turned to Lily Evans, smiling.
"Oh, and just what have I done now? hmm, Lilypad?" Her eyes were cold and calculating, red rimmed and tear stained.
“Don’t act innocent with me you wanker!” Her shrill voice much to be desired, if you asked Sirius
“Oi, woman. I bloody haven't done anything yet. I haven’t seen him all day” James replied obnoxiously
“It’s got nothing to do with today, whatever you did last years’ finally fucking done it!” She hissed with utter hatred
“Well, I didn’t mean to. I’ll fix it and everything can go back to how it was,” He replied with a smirk
"THEN. BRING. SEVERUS. BACK." She snarled slowly. Every one in the Gryffindor common room stilled and ogled the unfurling scene. Sirius turned and glared, but no one seemed to care.
"Uh oh, Potter, what did you do now?" One of the seventh years crooned, his excitement palpitating.
"I have done nothing" He paused for a moment to think.
"At least I don't remember doing anything. Lily, What do you mean?" Remus, who was reading, put his book down and moved closer.
"I'm sure he'll be around somewhere, the new school year just started. He very well won't tarnish his perfect grades or attendance."
"He's right, the greasy git won-"
"Shut up. Black" She hissed, her face red and fiery like flowing locks. Realizing the audience, she turned left for the hallway, hoping the boys would follow. When she turned, the 'marauders' were waiting for her to speak. For the life of her, she couldn't utter a single word. Anguish and regret painted her heart as she finally looked up at them. She knew they weren't wholly to blame, but it hurt too much to consider her own part in it. She couldn't help being mad at him, he'd called her a bloody mudblood, for goodness sakes, Even if she was close to forgiving him. It didn't matter now, he was gone.
"He won’t be showing up. Bad grades or otherwise." Her voice was crackling, even to her own ears. Before anyone could ask, she pulled a folded parchment from her pocket and threw it at them.
"He isn't coming back. It's all your fault." Remus took the paper as Lily turned and ran off, trying to contain her tears.
"Alright then Moony, don't just stand there. What does it say?"
"Not in the corridor, too many prying eyes and ears." He glared at the nosy portraits, the Fat Lady not one of them. Once safely inside, he opened the parchment and began to read aloud.
....
Sirius inhaled deeply through his nose; Whether he wanted forgiveness, regardless if he gave them forgiveness, He knew they wouldn't deserve it. They all knew it and that was why Peter had changed. Why they all had, it was something they could not forget.