Chapter Text
Severus stared into space as professor Binns dragged on, something about ancient civilization using natural substances for spells. The Slytherin next to him had drifted off from pure boredom. In the back corner of the room he could pick up on the sound of a few boys whispering and giggling. Severus rolled his eyes but looked back anyways, his eyes landing on the four boys who had made his Hogwarts life a living hell. His eyes immediately locked with James Potter's, the leader of it all.
Severus’ left eye twitched as he watched James’ lips curve into a shit eating grin. He swerved his head back towards the front, a scowl now settled on his face. Hair fell in front of his eyes as he shook his head in irritation. Then his eyes landed on her… Lily, his best friend, well ex best friend. His scowl turned to a frown and he felt his heart thud against his chest.
Before he could mentally scold himself for getting worked up in class, a wad of parchment smacked the back of his head. A hand came to touch where the paper hit before turning to pick it up. He didn't bother looking where it came from, he already knew. He unfolded the parchment and his scowl returned. ‘Creep’ was written on the tan paper. He crumpled it back up and dropped it to the floor, If anything that was them being nice. He didn't know why he still reacted so harshly to their torment.
Severus' eyes shifted to stare at the wall, tapping his foot as he counted down the minutes until class was finally over. When it was he grabbed his books and flew out of the doors. The History of Magic classroom wasn't too far from the doors of the castle so that's where he headed. It was cold but it's what he preferred. He lazily tossed his books into his satchel and yanked out his scarf. He tossed the piece of warm fabric around his neck, burying his nose underneath it. He let out a small breath as he walked down the stone path towards hogsmeade.
It was a long walk but he had all the time in the world, 2 free periods gave him that. He didn't care much about missing lunch, he'd done it several times before. He crossed over the small bridge that led into hogsmeade and immediately headed towards the three broomsticks. He tapped his pocket making sure his money was still there, he'd earned a little over the summer. A butterbeer seemed like a good way to spend some of it.
The warmth hit him instantly, setting his skin on fire from the extreme temperature change. He made his way to a table that had just 2 chairs, one chair lodged between the wall and table, facing the bar. the other with its back to everything. He set his bag down on the table and slumped into the chair next to the wall. He let out a sigh of relief as he could finally relax… for now.
Severus handed over two sickles, ordering a single butterbeer. He tapped his foot as he scanned the room. There was one other student, a Hufflepuff girl sat at the bar picking at some chips and sipping on a butterbeer. In the corner of the restaurant were two older wizards chatting, one wore purple robes the other brown, they had faded with age.
The doors swung open again, immediately drawing Severus’ attention away from the two older men. He felt his body tense instantly, folding over himself slightly to keep his head down. Two Gryffindor boys had just waltzed into The Three Broomsticks, Potter and Black, the demon duo. He didn't think they'd noticed him, not yet anyways, so he quietly began to down his butterbeer in hope of sneaking away before either of them did spot him.
Luck was never on Severus’ side though was it? The chair in front of him pulled out from under the table and a tall idiot fell into it, James bloody Potter.
“Drinking all alone Snivvy?” The Gryffindor chuckled. “No friends?” Severus’ eye twitched, his nails dug into his palms. He stared hard at the table, his gaze so intense it could burn a hole through the wooden surface. He didn't react though, surprisingly, it's what he wanted isn't it? A reaction? So why would Severus give him that?
James didn't give up though. “Did Evans not want to join you?” He tilted his head in an innocent way, almost like a puppy. He wasn't cute enough though. “Oh wait.” He couldn't see it but Severus knew that, that same shit eating grin that he always wore was plastered on his face. His fingers twitched as the anger boiled inside of him.
Yet he continued to ignore him, instead grabbing his butterbeer and chugging the rest. He placed it down, snatched his bag and stormed past James, and a laughing Sirius Black. He pushed past the doors and back into the cold, pausing for a moment before heading back to the castle. His hogsmeade trip was ruined, he really couldn't have anything nice, not even now.
There was one place in the castle he knew the Marauders didn't dare to enter, the Slytherin common room. He could use a nap before dinner anyways. Though the walk felt longer than it needed to be. The snake entrance finally opening made his muscles relax slightly. He hurried to his dorm, throwing his bag onto his bed and then falling down onto it himself. He didn't bother changing before burying his face into his pillow, only kicking off his shoes. He let out a sigh, before closing his eyes and feeling sleep wash over him almost immediately.
He'd go to dinner later but for now he slept, forgetting all about Potter and his stupid friends. His dreams filled with what life would be if he hadn't lost the one person who truly cared for him.