Staring into space not really having anything on the mind. --- tbd

"Yeah." Severus said, tossing his hair back out of his face. "There is someone...but she's a pureblood, and from what I've heard of her family, they keep a strict eye on who she dates. Mind you, I don't think they know exactly how she acts around here...rude...bossy...obnoxious...I don't know how many times she's frightened first-year students half to death...but there's a good person in there, Lily. Underneath all of that, there's a good person hiding underneath all of that brattiness."

I smiled, " Well, at least you can see that there is a good person underneath it all. " I said, " She seems like quite the case. So, what are you going to do about it?" I asked knowing that if I got the answer out of him, he may move on from me. Or just go for someone who is clearly dying for the chance. I think I know who he is talking about. " You should go for it Severus, you may have a surprise outcome." I told him hoping to help build up his confidence.

Severus shook his head. "I don't know, Lily. She's too different from...er....I mean, I have nothing to offer. I'm Greasy Snivellus, that's all. I might be good at a couple of Potions here and there, but..." He sighed heavily. "As much as it kills me to say this, I'm thinking I might have a little chat with James as to how he managed to...you know. Merlin, look what I've come to! Now I'm wanting to get on friendly terms with Potter and the rest of them!"

He laid back on the grass and stared up at the sky. "I never thought it would come down to this. I must be a glutton for punishment, Lily...the moment I try being civil to James and his group, I guarantee you they're going to pull a big one on me. Either way, I'm screwed."

I put my hand on his shoulder. " You're not screwed Sev. James will help you where you need it." I told him, with a smile on my face. " I know he will." I repeated. " It'll work out for the better." I added with an extra nod. " It seems like we've been in this place forever and it just seems now that everything seems to work out better. " I said as I looked back out onto the water.

"You're right. I should just be myself." Severus replied, sitting up again. "Anyway...do you have any exams coming up soon? Never mind, don't answer that--if you didn't, you wouldn't have all of your books with you." He grinned. "I have a Charms exam in a couple of days. Then I need to talk to Slughorn about that other thing..." he added to himself.

Smiling " Good assumption Sev." I let out a small laugh. " You okay?" I asked him, he seemed all pepped up now. Which is nice to see. It was so nice to not see him look so glum. Now I would just have to plead James to give Severus a hand. Which....shouldn't be a problem. I hope.

"What? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. I just need to ask Professor Slughorn about borrowing a bit of boomslang skin for something I'm trying." replied Severus. "I got bored one day and had an interesting idea, so...hey, I wonder if a bit of Felix Felicis would help?" he joked, letting out a laugh. "Can't you just see that?"

I raised an eyebrow, " Sounds like an interesting idea." Wondering why he would need boomslang skin, shrugging it off. I laughed a little, " Would work....it would get things to definitely be interesting. " I smiled.

"You're right...again." Severus smiled. "Er...I just hope my crush doesn't get shouted all over the school, though. Oh, well. If it does, it does. What's the worst that can happen? She says no, right? Life goes on."

Exactly, it'll be out in the open. Nothing can go worse. "The most that can happen is you get told no. Remember that, Sev." I told him with an added nod of my head.

"I knew there was a reason I enjoy talking to you so much." commented Severus, then sighed. "I just wish the Daily Prophet had some good news for once. Never read that paper if you're in a good mood." he added.

" Agreed, especially with this new Dark lord as e calls himself. " I pointed out. This guy was ridiculous, killing off people and telling people to call him the Dark Lord. I can't even remember his actual name. I shrugged, " IT definitely brings down the mood."

"His name is Voldemort." Severus replied, then grew somber. "Most people are calling him the Dark Lord because they're scared of him, and with good reason. Another Muggle family was killed...mother, father, and all five children." he added. "It happened last night in London. They're thinking that about four Death Eaters did it." He felt his face grow white. "They were each dismembered after they were killed, their body parts scattered around the house."

I took a deep breath, " That's awful." I couldn't get the image out of my head, " Fear of a name does increase fear itself."

Severus nodded, then looked at Lily and sighed heavily. "The thing is...Lily...there are some students here who agree with what the Dark Lord did. Most of them are in Slytherin, but there's one in Gryffindor...I think I know who he might be; he's always asking me stuff. Just be careful, all right? You and James and Sirius and Remus...stay alert."