Library, England – July 3rd, 1975
POV Marcus
Marcus didn't know what to think about Snape—Severus, he corrected himself mentally. Although they had been at Hogwarts for four years, he was… peculiar. Ugly, yes, but ugly from neglect. Marcus was convinced that if Severus changed his habits and cared a little more about his appearance, he could actually be… interesting. Exotic, even, with that Roman look.
He shook his head, irritated.
What the hell am I thinking?
He watched Severus, focused on his book, and sighed.
"Need help with that?"
Severus shot him a threatening look.
"Mind your own business."
Marcus slowly shook his head.
"I know you're working on a spell, probably a dark one, so I don't mind helping you with it."
"And why should I show you my spell?" Severus replied with disdain.
Marcus smirked.
"For a genius, you're ignorant and stupid."
Severus glared at him. Marcus went on, calm but sharp:
"Tell me, how the hell did your spells end up in the hands of the Marauders and the Gryffindors? You know as well as I do that one only entrusts spells to people they care about. And I doubt you care for those idiots."
Severus froze, forgetting his annoyance.
"Or… was it your pretty redhead who taught them?" Marcus hinted with a poisonous smile.
Severus growled, clenching his fists."Lily is my friend. She would never betray me by giving my spells to my worst enemies."
Marcus looked at him seriously."I know you're in love with her. And I also know Potter bullies you with his pack of lapdogs. Honestly, I thought you would have killed or at least injured one of them by now. Frankly, Severus, it disappoints me that you know so much dark magic and still don't strike them from the shadows."
"We Slytherins are not cowards," Severus snarled, annoyed.
Marcus laughed softly."Attacking from behind isn't cowardice, you know. It's tactics. It's a hunter's instinct. It's what a serpent would do."
He shifted back to a mocking tone."And as for the redhead—"
"Her name is Lily," Severus said, irritated.
"Oh yes… Lily," Marcus repeated, with an ironic smile. "Don't let love blind you, Severus. She may be your whole world, your everything… but there's so much more out there."
Severus lowered his head. Marcus sighed."Come on, tell me. I'll help you with that spell, and I promise not to tell anyone."
Severus hesitated, but finally sighed in resignation and let Marcus sit closer.
Thus, hours slipped away quickly, sharing ideas about spells, dark magic, anatomy, medicine, and potions. By the time they noticed, Severus had filled entire pages with theories and diagrams for his new spell.
He had to admit it: it had been a productive day. And meeting Marcus had been an unexpected gain, though he hated to admit it.
As Marcus put his books into his bag, Severus heard:
"What are you waiting for, Severus?"
"What?" Severus asked, confused.
Marcus sighed and showed him his watch."It's 8:50 p.m. The library is about to close."
Severus stood up quickly and began gathering his things. Without realizing it, he started following Marcus to the exit. Both stopped when they saw the heavy rain and stormy sky outside.
"Bloody hell…" Marcus muttered. He looked at Severus with a crooked smile. "Any plan to get home?"
Severus went pale."Damn bad luck…" he muttered.
Marcus rolled his eyes, grabbed his hand, and started running toward an alley.
"What the hell are you doing?" Severus protested.
"Shut up, Snape!" Marcus growled.Once they reached the alley, Marcus Apparated, taking Severus with him.
The dizziness hit instantly, but Severus managed to control it.
He quickly pulled away, pointing his wand at Marcus."Where the hell are we?"
Marcus snorted."My house, idiot. Now put down your wand, go take a shower, and rest. You're staying here tonight. You're welcome, Snape."
Severus hissed."Bloody hell…" He lowered his wand, muttering under his breath, "Fine…"