#*severus

Dear Severus,

You’re probably wondering why I’m sending this considering we now sit two tables away from each other at breakfast instead of several counties away at separate schools. For one, old habits are hard to break. I’d usually be sending you a start of term letter and care package about now. I have a good track record of writing you regularly, it would be a shame to break my streak. Not to mention that everyone likes to receive mail and I wanted to make sure you got some. Feel free to make a big show of opening this and brag to your housemates that it’s from someone terribly interesting and important. I’m sure you’ll lecture me later about how this is “silly” and “unnecessary”, but I’ve already sent it so there’s nothing you can do about it. Plus, this cost me nothing since I used a school owl. I picked one of the wee ones that everyone passes by to deliver this. He puffed up and looked awfully proud of himself before he took off, so please thank him for a job well done.

I know we were both hoping it’d be Slytherin, but now we get to be school rivals which is fun in its own way. I might have to start actually caring about Quidditch (God forbid) just so I can boast about our team beating yours.  I’ll need some practice with the vocabulary, but for now: Hit the bludger, throw the quaffle, go team, etc., etc.

Everyone is Gryffindor has been nice so far. Not to sound juvenile, but I’ve made a new friend. Remus Lupin has a fabulous taste in music (congratulations, you’re finally free from forcible Carole King listening sessions) and he’s quite sharp. I think you’d like him. I hope you’re getting on with everyone in your house.

We haven’t had the chance to properly spend time together yet and I haven’t explored the grounds much. I was thinking we could go on a walk together. After the feast maybe, 9 PM? If that works let me know, I’ll meet you in the Entrance Hall.

Love always,

Lily

xx

Behind Lily, the Entrance Hall was dark. She could hear the echoes of conversation as students made their way to their respective common rooms after the feast or lingered over dessert in the Great Hall. The flicker of torchlight lit the way up the staircase. 

The grounds were dark, only certain strips of grass illuminated by the light that seeped out of the windows.  In the distance, a sliver of hazy purple hovered over the horizon as the sun finished slipping behind the mountains. Lily inhaled deeply, taking in a breath of the last scents of summer. There was a hint of a chill in the air, the promise of autumn rapidly approaching. 

It was surreal being here. After years of primary, rigorous exams, the entire application process– it was finally official. Lily Evans, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry student. A proper university enrollee. 

Smiling to herself, Lily looked down at the Gryffindor patch embroidered on the breast of her robes. Speaking of surreal. She had spent a lot of her life navigating the judgments of other people for being muggleborn, sometimes for being a woman. It was strange to have yet another identity marker. 

Lily jumped, a shift in the light casting a dramatic shadow across the lawn. She whipped around to see the culprit was friend rather than foe. An expression of surprise gave way to affection and she took a step towards the wizard who had just arrived. 

“Severus,” Lily greeted, a teasing note in her voice. “I gave up a gorgeous slice of chocolate cake for you. I thought you’d be more prompt.”