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Severus and Lily went to Coventry to enjoy the local street fair a year after they graduated. Severus was surprised that she gave him an olive branch of sorts. “What changed your mind?”
“I had missed you, Sev.” She gave him a small smile. “We have been friends for years, and I just wanted to see if there was a chance to reconnect.”
“What about Potter?” He spat out.
Her eyes turned hard. “Can we just enjoy ourselves without getting into a fight about them?”
Severus grumbled as he closed his eyes to take a deep breath. “Fine, just don’t bring them up.”
“Very well.” Lily sighed before shaking it off. “Shall we try to have fun?”
“I’m happy that you are giving me a chance, Lils.” He smiled at her. “I’m glad to get out of the house and come here in Coventry.”
She dipped her head. “I know you don’t like living there.” They started walking through the streets and enjoyed the tents filled with homemade treasures and fun little games. He won her a little teddy bear, which made her smile.
They decided to get some fish and chips in one of the chippies. They ordered their food and took a seat at one of the tables.
“Are you having fun, Lily?” Severus asked her.
“Yes, loads.” She smiled at him. “Thank you for this.” She held up the teddy. “I will cherish it.”
He smiled at her. “You are welcome.” One of the counter people brought over their lunch. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Enjoy!” He went back to serve others.
Lily’s eyes lit up at the malt vinegar, and she laid it on the fish and fries, which confused Severus. “What?”
“I thought you didn’t like anything on your fries?” He took the bottle from her to add some to his food.
The fry stopped at her mouth. “Oh, um, Remus got me to try it for the first time.”
“Of course he did.” Severus rolled his eyes.
They ate in companionable silence, briefly murmuring their agreement on the good food. Severus got up and threw the trash out. “Thank you for the fish and chips. It was very appetising.”
“Thank you.” The clerk smiled. “We have been busy despite the street fair.”
“I hope to return one day.” Severus gave them a slight smile before looking over at Lily. His eyes narrowed when he saw something flickering. “Are you alright, Lils?”
“Oh, yes, Sev.” She rose from her seat. “Shall we walk around some more tents and maybe get some kind of token for this day?”
“Sure.” He gave her a soft smile. They went out and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon with him watching her closely.
“I’m having so much fun, Severus.” She beamed at him as she puffed her shirt. “I think we need a drink.”
“Sounds good to me.” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Let’s go to a pub for a drink.”
“Brilliant.” They went to one near the bus station and grabbed a table. “A half pint please.”
“Be right back.” He went up to the bar and held up two fingers, “Half pints please.”
“Right away, sir.” The barkeep poured their drinks, and Severus paid him. “Enjoy.”
“Here you go, Lily.” Severus set their drinks on the table before taking their seat.
“Thank you, Severus.” She took a sip. “Oh, is this an IPA?”
“No, it’s an ale.” Severus quirked. “You don’t drink beer often?”
“No, I try to stick to butterbeer, but the boys like their whiskey.” Lily shook her head before popping up. “I’ll be right back.”
He watched her go into the women’s loo. He went to the bar to get two IPA half pints after finishing his own beer. Severus sat back in his chair when she joined him again. “Everything alright?”
“Yes.” Lily smiled at him before finishing her first drink. “Oh, thank you.” She took another sip and was pleased with it. “This one is better.”
“Hm, it is.” He hummed as he slowly drank his. “How did you do on your N.E.W.T.S.?”
She paused a moment to think, “Oh, I passed them.” She tilted her head. “You?”
“Oh, I had Outstandings in Potions, Defence, and Divinations.” He replied off-handedly.
“Excellent.” She raised her glass for him to clink. “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” Severus finished his drink. “Do you want another?”
Lily smacked the glass on the table and shook her head. “Oh. That wasn’t wise.
“Oh? Why not?” He leaned forward. “What’s wrong, Lily?” He could tell that the beer was affecting her.
Her green eyes flashed yellow. “Why are you calling me Lily? She grumbled. “I’m Mystique!” She bristled as her body went back to normal.
Severus flicked his wand to make her invisible and led her out of the bar quickly. He guided her towards the alley and pushed her against the brick wall. “Who are you? Who sent you?”
Her glassy eyes widened. “You got me drunk.”
He pulled out his wand and stuck it under her chin. “Cut the chase and tell me!”
“I’m sorry, Severus.” She sighed. “Magneto asked me to befriend one of Lord Voldemort’s Death Eaters to see what his plans were across the pond.”
“Who the hell is Magneto?” He snarled.
“We are mutants.” She answered. “I’m a shapeshifter.”
“You have no worries then. He just wants to dominate the wizarding world.” He stepped back. “You can find your own way home, wench.” Severus disappeared and went home. He went down to the potion lab to experiment with Polyjuice some more. He threw one of his mother’s cauldrons against the wall. The shattering noise caused him to drop to his knees as he cried out in anguish over the loss of Lily, once more.