Chapter 5: Chapter 5 - First Week
Serena took a deep breath as she settled into her seat at the Slytherin table. The Great Hall was abuzz with activity as students chattered excitedly, eagerly awaiting the Sorting Ceremony to conclude. As she glanced around, she noticed eyes turning in her direction.
Her new and past classmates were looking at her, some with curiosity and others with surprise. To her astonishment, a few older students even smiled and waved at her, as if they were genuinely glad to see her. It was a stark contrast to the way they had treated her before.
A wave of confusion washed over Serena as she realized that most of the students who now welcomed her with open arms were the same ones she knew would eventually turn out to be Death Eaters. They were the ones who had cast her out of Slytherin student cliques because of her association with a muggle-born. Yet, here they were, looking at her like she was some kind of tiny kitten they had found on their doorstep.
A smile tugged at Serena's lips as she observed their behavior. It struck her as both strange and funny how people's judgments could change based on appearances and gender. It seemed that her own transformation, from an outsider to a fellow Slytherin, had altered their perceptions of her.
As Serena pondered this unexpected turn of events, she couldn't help but feel a sense of irony. The very people who had once rejected her were now embracing her, not because they had changed, but because she had. It was a reminder that appearances and stereotypes could be deceiving, and that one's true character should never be judged solely on external factors.
With newfound confidence, Serena decided to embrace her new role in Slytherin. She would prove that she was more than just a label or a friend of a muggle-born. She would show her housemates that she possessed the cunning, ambition, and strength that Slytherins were known for, but she would do so on her own terms.
"Hello!"
Serena turned towards the person who called out to her and she found herself face to face with a fellow Slytherin. The girl had long, wavy light brown hair and piercing brown eyes. She had a delighted smile on her face as she extended her hand.
"Hey there! I'm Evelyn," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Looks like we'll be sharing this table for the foreseeable future."
The girl looked familiar but Serena didn't seem to remember her being in Slytherin in her past life. Serena's surprise quickly transformed into a genuine smile as she shook Evelyn's hand. "Hello…Evelyn. It's nice to meet you. I'm Serena."
Their conversation flowed effortlessly as they ate their dinner and indulged in the delicious desserts that adorned the Slytherin table. Serena found herself feeling at ease, and the initial reservations she had about her new housemates began to fade away.
As Serena and Evelyn continued their conversation, discussing their favorite subjects and sharing stories about their magical upbringing, Serena couldn't help but wonder about Evelyn's own background.
"So, Evelyn, what's your family background like?" Serena inquired, her tone filled with genuine curiosity.
Evelyn's brown eyes shimmered with a mix of nostalgia and pride. "Well, my full name is Evelyn Sallow, I come from a long line of pureblood wizards and witches. My family has been rooted in the magical world for generations."
Serena listened attentively, her curiosity piqued. She had heard stories about the Sallow's during her time as Severus. They've been neutral in both wars just like the Greengrass family. She heard that they hid in their old homes in Feldcroft, somewhere close by Hogwarts castle.
"How do you feel to be sorted into Slytherin?" Serena asked, her voice laced with genuine interest.
Evelyn's smile softened as she leaned in closer, her voice taking on a more earnest tone. "It has its challenges, no doubt. There are those within the house who hold onto outdated beliefs and prejudices. But I believe that being a pureblood doesn't define who I am as a person. It's about the choices we make and the values we uphold. I, for one wanted to be in Ravenclaw but the Hat decided that it would be best for me to be here instead."
Serena nodded, appreciating Evelyn's perspective. It was refreshing to hear someone from a pureblood background speak against the stereotypes that often plagued Slytherin House. It made Serena feel hopeful that she could find a friend in Evelyn.
As the feast neared its end, Serena's attention was momentarily drawn away from her conversation with Evelyn. She noticed Lily, her best friend, smiling and waving at her from the Gryffindor table. Serena returned the gesture, her heart filled with warmth at the sight of Lily's unwavering support.
Meanwhile, as the prefects began to lead the way towards the Slytherin dormitories, James shouted her name across the Great Hall, desperately trying to catch her eye.
Sirius and Remus exchanged amused glances and proceeded to drag James along with them as they led the way to the Gryffindor dormitories.
~~~
The first week of classes at Hogwarts was a whirlwind of new experiences for all the first-year students. The vast castle was a maze of corridors and staircases, the professors were a motley group of eccentric geniuses, and the subjects were like nothing they'd ever studied before.
For Serena Snape and James Potter, the week was a series of intricate dances around each other. James was drawn to Serena like a moth to a flame.
At first, James had always believed that individuals who ended up in Slytherin were inherently dark and harbored evil intentions. However, his perspective underwent a significant shift when the person he found himself attracted to was sorted into Slytherin.
The moment the Sorting Hat declared 'Slytherin', he was at a loss. He didn't know what to think. But when he remembered how he had spent time with Serena on the train, in those fleeting hours, he quickly realized that Serena defied his expectations and there was no trace of malevolence in her demeanor. Contrary, James found Serena to be really innocent and cute. A tiny girl that could do no harm and needed protection. At that instant, James reached the conclusion that maybe, just maybe, not all Slytherins were bad. Or Serena was the only exception.
Overwhelmed by this newfound realization, he couldn't help but smile to himself as he devised a new purpose for himself—to forge a deeper connection with Serena, getting to know each other!
In Potions class, James had made his first move to get closer to Serena. He'd tried to claim the seat next to her, but Lily Evans had already taken it. Lily, with her bright eyes and fiery hair, gave no chance to James.
Transfiguration was no different. James had walked into the classroom, his eyes immediately finding Serena. But before he could approach her, someone named Evelyn Sallow had already claimed the seat next to Serena. Evelyn, with her friendly demeanor and open-mindedness, provided Serena with a refuge from James's relentless pursuit.
James's friends, the Marauders, watched his repeated attempts to get closer to Serena with amusement and laughter. Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew, a new addition to the group, let James lead the way. Sirius and Remus were supportive, even encouraging of his interest in Serena, while Peter merely observed, not quite sure what to make of it all.
Charms, Herbology, Defense Against the Dark Arts – in each class, James's attempts to sit next to Serena were thwarted. And each time, he was met with the same icy stare from Serena, a stare that was starting to grow on him.
Despite the discouragement, James didn't lose his spirit. He was determined to get to know Serena better, to understand why he felt this pull towards her. He was drawn to her intelligence, her wit, and her hidden kindness that he had gotten a taste of. But more than anything, he was intrigued by her resistance and why she was avoiding him.
And so, the first week of classes at Hogwarts was a series of missed opportunities and failed attempts for James. But he was not deterred in the slightest. Afterall, James Fleamont Potter carried an unwritten legacy within his name, one that he desired to incorporate Serena's name into.
~~~
The morning sun bathed the castle, bright beams streaming through the windows and illuminating the hallways of Hogwarts.
Serena Snape was walking towards her first flying class with her new friend, Evelyn Sallow.
"James Potter again?" Evelyn asked, watching as the ink-haired girl's face pinched in annoyance.
"Yes, again," Serena confirmed, her voice cold and indifferent, but the irritated wrinkle of her nose betrayed her true feelings. She constantly found herself baffled as to why James seemed so determined to pester her.
She was so close to her snapping point.
In her past life as Severus, she had been endlessly tormented by James and his band of Marauders. She had hoped, as Serena, to escape the unwarranted attention. But it seemed James was still a thorn in her side, albeit in a perplexingly different way this time.
She glanced back over her shoulder, catching sight of James's messy brown hair and hazel eyes. He was trailing behind them, chatting animatedly with his friends but keeping a watchful eye on Serena. It wasn't the kind of attention she wanted or needed.
It was starting to draw the wrong kind of misunderstandings and attention from the other students and even the professors.
"Maybe he's just trying to get to know you better, Serena," Evelyn gently suggested, her brown eyes full of understanding.
Serena shook her head. "He should get to know Lily better," she retorted, feeling a pang in her heart as she recalled James's deep, mutual love with Lily Evans in her previous life.
As if on cue, James caught up to them, his broad smile illuminating his handsome face. "Morning, Serena!" He greeted cheerfully, seemingly oblivious to her icy demeanor.
"Potter," Serena acknowledged briefly before turning away, but not before she noticed the twinkle in his eyes. It was as though her rejection was a challenge he was eager to accept.
James watched Serena's retreating figure, a small grin tugging at his lips. He felt a peculiar satisfaction in her company, one he couldn't quite place.
Even though Serena was determined to keep her distance, James was equally resolved to break through her icy walls. Both still unaware of the unique bond that already existed between them.
Serena's life at Hogwarts was far from simple, but in this parallel world, it was certainly more interesting. And for James, the pursuit of Serena Snape was becoming an adventure he hadn't anticipated but was more than ready to embark upon.
~~~
The walk to the flying class was filled with a mix of excitement and dread for the first-year students. The Gryffindors and Slytherins were to have the class together, a fact that did nothing to ease Serena's worries.
As they reached the large, open field, Serena's heart sank at the sight of the broomsticks lined up neatly on the green grass. She had never been particularly good at flying. Her balance was off, and she lacked the natural affinity that some witches and wizards seemed to have with broomsticks.
She much preferred the precision and control of apparition.
The lesson began under the watchful eye of Professor Elric, the stern but fair flying instructor. He had a hawk-like appearance and a no-nonsense attitude that immediately commanded respect from the students.
"Gryffindors, step forward," he called, his sharp gaze sweeping over the students. The Gryffindors, including James and his friends, stepped forward, their faces a mix of excitement and apprehension.
The Alphas of the group were the first ones to successfully call their broomsticks to their hands. They each commanded "up," and their broomsticks instantly jumped into their extended hands. James, in particular, looked exceptionally proud, his broomstick held high, his hazel eyes shining with accomplishment.
Serena watched from afar, the dread in her heart increasing. She knew she would have to step forward soon and attempt the same.
Her gaze fell on James, his confident posture and his easy smile. She felt a familiar surge of annoyance. Why did he have to be so good at everything? Tsk. Potters and their talent for flying.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Evelyn's encouraging nudge. "You can do it, Serena," she said confidently, her brown eyes full of reassurance.
As Serena reached out her hand towards the broom, she could feel James's gaze on her, encouraging and curious. She shook off the distraction and focused on the task at hand. She would not let him, or anyone else, see her falter.
The rest of the class took turns trying to summon their brooms. Some succeeded after a few tries, while others, like Serena, struggled. This stupid broom! No matter how many times she commanded "up," her broomstick stubbornly refused to budge.
The students watched with a mix of pity and encouragement as the tiny girl's frustration grew.
"Come on, Snape, you can do it!" one of the Gryffindors called out, earning a glare from Serena. She didn't need their pity or their encouragement. She could do this on her own.
As the lesson continued, Professor Elric announced the next part of the class. "We will now move on to the flying loop course around the castle," he declared, gesturing towards a series of hoops floating in the air. "I want each of you to partner up."
Serena's heart sank further. The last thing she wanted was to embarrass herself in front of a partner. But before she could protest, Professor Elric continued, "Miss Snape, since you're having trouble, I think it would be best if you partner with Mr. Potter. He seems to have a natural talent for flying."
James's face lit up at the suggestion, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He didn't hesitate, immediately flying over to Serena, his broomstick effortlessly gliding through the air.
Serena, on the other hand, was questioning her reality. Why, out of all the people, did it have to be James Potter? She shot Professor Elric a look of betrayal, her eyes conveying her silent plea to reconsider. But the professor simply nodded, his expression firm.
"Alright, Potter, let's get this over with," Serena said, trying to keep the irritation out of her voice. She reluctantly mounted her broomstick, her heart pounding in her chest. This was not how she had imagined her first flying lesson to go. But she would endure, just as she had endured everything else in her new life.
James, for his part, was all too eager to help. He landed next to her, his broomstick smoothly touching down on the grass.
"Don't worry, Serena," he said, a reassuring smile on his face. "I'll make sure you don't fall."
Serena rolled her eyes, but deep down, she was grateful for his reassurance. As long as she doesn't die from falling on a broomstick. With a deep breath, she gripped her broomstick tighter, determined to conquer this challenge, with or without James Potter's help.
As they waited for their turn, James started offering Serena tips on how to control and balance on a broom. "It's all about feeling the broom, Serena. You need to connect with it, trust it," he advised, his eyes dancing with an enthusiasm that was infectious.
Serena, despite her initial reluctance, listened to his advice. She found his confidence reassuring, his words instilling a sense of calm in her. "If you fall, I'll catch you," he promised, his gaze steady, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Hmph, you better!" She demanded.
When it was their turn, Serena took a deep breath and pushed off from the ground, her broom shakily levitating. James was right beside her, his broom gliding effortlessly.
They started the course, flying through the hoops that surrounded the castle, the wind whipping their hair and robes.
James was a natural on the broom, navigating the course with ease. He kept his promise, staying close to Serena, his eyes constantly on her. But despite his vigilance, an accident was unavoidable.
As Serena tried to fly through a hoop, she misjudged the distance and her broom hit the edge. She lost her balance, her broom tilting dangerously. She let out a gasp, her hands slipping from the broomstick.
But before she could fall, James was there. He swiftly maneuvered his broom and caught her by the waist, pulling her close. His arms were strong and secure around her, his grip unyielding.
The class ended with Serena still clutching James, her heart pounding in her chest. She was embarrassed, frustrated, but most of all, she was grateful. James had saved her, just like he promised.
She wanted to let go, to regain her composure, to thank James and move on. But her Omega instincts told her to hold on, to savor the safety and comfort of the Alpha's arms. She cursed silently, hating the weakness she felt, the vulnerability that threatened to expose her true nature.
But for that moment, suspended in the air, held securely in the arms of an Alpha, Serena Snape allowed herself to feel safe. She allowed herself to rely on someone else, even if that someone was James Potter. She held onto him, her lifeline, her unexpected hero. And for a moment, she allowed herself to hope that maybe, just maybe, she could conquer her fears, one hoop at a time.
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