"And young James..."

Julius Snape reminds you of his son, and you instinctively hate him. He may be drowning, but he is still a shark and he'd tear your limbs off if he thought it would help his cause.

You shake his hand, and smile. Over Julius's shoulder, Lucius grins at you, amused at the little playlet.

Several hours later, he pauses by your side. "And young James..." he drawls, mimicking Julius's tone.

"Lucius."

Malfoy's eyes are calculating, but he's relatively sober, and relatively amusing.

"What on earth have you done to poor Severus, James? All summer, he was spitting venom about James bloody Potter. More than usual, I mean."

Saved his life. Nearly died in the process: you still wake up with the sensation of Remus's fangs brushing your leg, in the instant before you escaped.

"Nothing."

"As always, James, your 'nothing' is even more impressive than any effort you might expend."

"I'm just special."

"Of course you are."

Lucius drifts away, distracted by Narcissa's smile, and you watch him leave. Your father would be proud of a son like Lucius: beautiful, dangerous, Slytherin.

Your father is speaking to Julius Snape. Their voices are soft, but Snape no longer warrants the privilege of privacy as your father refuses to offer help.

He smiles at Snape's mother, and Julius shudders.

Unwillingly, you meet Severus Snape's eye. He sneers, and walks away.

You watch your father for a moment more, and then you grab a couple of bottles of Butterbeer and follow.  >> next chapter >>