Potions Class, September 12, 1973.

"Lily, add the mistletoe berries in that container," says Severus pointing and complements: "And don't forget, you have to squeeze them into a fine paste."

"Okay, sir," said an amused Lily.

Seeing that she seemed to be holding back laughing, Severus quizzed with a raised eyebrow, "What's wrong?"

Not understanding Lily asked, "What?"

"You look like you want to laugh at something," asks Severus.

"Oh well...I was just contemplating that although you've changed a lot...Er...You still get very serious when you make potions," explains Lily nervously.

"If something has the potential to explode in our faces...", looking at Lily with a slight smile he continued: "caution will never be too much. You must agree with that".

"Well, I see your point... But Merlin, this is just a potion of oblivion, it's not that hard to make," said Lily as she crushed the berries with a pestle.

 "It is not so difficult?" he questions Severus and then points to another table saying, "Tell that to Black and Potter, I'm surprised they haven't blown up the cauldron yet," he concluded with a laugh.

Lily nodded and said, "Okay, maybe you're a little bit right"

At the same time, an explosion occurs and everyone in the room turns to look at what happened. They see a vision of two students arguing, both smeared with the potion, the floor, and the table a total mess.

"I told you to look at the book while I mixed it, Padfoot," James said slightly irritated.

"It wasn't my fault Prongs. I told you to wait for the potion to change color," Sirius justified.

Soon Professor Slughorn intervenes and takes points from both of them. Meanwhile on another table...

Severus looks at Lily with a smile and says: "You said?"

"Okay, you're absolutely right!" Lily agrees and laughs.

"Good to know," Severus said happily looking at Lily, seeing her smile he couldn't help but comment: "You look even more beautiful smiling, Lily"

Stunned, Lily didn't know how to react. Her chest-pounding threatens to jump at that unexpected comment from Severus. Her cheeks take on a slight tinge of red and her gestures betray shyness.

The silence was between them for a moment.

 Severus, who pretended not to notice his embarrassment and was concentrating on the potion, turns around and asks:

"What happened, Lily?" he questions with a worried look.

"Ohh, nothing…" Lily says and tries to justify: "Just the heat from the cauldron that didn't make me feel good. But I'll get better!"

Raising an eyebrow he asks, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," replied Lily.

Lily hadn't been expecting that, Severus had in the past given some discreet compliments, but never so openly. Coupled with the fact that she wasn't prepared and the mixed feelings for the dark-haired young man... her shyness was inevitable.

Trying to change the subject she asks, "Why did the headmaster call you yesterday?"

While mixing the potion, Severus says: "He was just curious about the fight between me and Potter. It seems that the gossip that walks in the halls has reached his ears."

Believing Lily didn't insist.

Severus couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Last night's conversation was unavoidable, if he had a choice he'd rather never have to deal with the old bastard. He reeked of intrigue and lies.

To win this game he will have to use a 3-pronged strategy:

First, it would have to prove controllable and useful for the 'light' side. While behind the scenes it gets as strong as possible.

Second, gain influence not only in the castle but also in the magical world. If he wanted to unmark Dumbledore, Severus would have to gradually discredit the old mage's public image while strengthening his own. A difficult task being just a teenager, people wouldn't take him too seriously. As for discrediting Dumbledore seems almost impossible, the old bastard has the fall of a Dark Lord on his resume and is still a cautious guy.

And third, finding a scapegoat to throw off the hook when things start not going as expected for Dumbledore.

The good news is that the first steps have been taken. Yesterday he proved manageable and useful to Dumbledore. Last summer Severus had also sent some things to the ministry and if everything went right his influence would also improve. And as for the scapegoats, he doesn't care, as there are so many pieces on the board and it would be easy to find one.

"Excellent potion Mr. Snape and Miss Evans. As expected from you two! 10 points to Slytherin and Gryffindor." Said a smiling Slughorn.

Seeing this, some students looked at the pair with envy. Two of them are Sirius and James, who looked like they wanted to 'burst' out of rage.

After class, Severus and Lily put their things away while they talk.

"What do you think of me introducing Remus to you today? He promised to try and get to know you" asked Lily hopefully.

Lily really wanted her two friends to get along and she would try to get the two of them to talk to leave their differences in the past.

"It's okay to me," said Severus, not caring.

"Amazing," said Lily who was smiling with excitement.

Just then a voice intruded.

"Mr. Snape, I'm glad you're still here!" Slughorn said while looking at Severus expectantly.

With a smile, Severus says: "Professor Slughorn, I thought you were gone. To what do I owe this honor?"

Seeing Severus' receptive attitude, Slughorn wastes time and says, "Your talents are truly extraordinary, Mr. Snape. Even though I've called in the past, I must insist again. Join us next week, I'll host a dinner party for a select small group of students. Miss Evans always attends our meetings and it would be nice to be there to keep her company."

In the past, Slughorn had asked Severus to participate in these meetings. He tried to attend some, but his discomfort at being among people made him not go anymore. In light of his newfound achievement, the astute professor decides to extend the invitation again.

"That would be amazing, Professor. You can count on my presence" says Severus gratefully

"Excellent, I'll wait for you then," said Slughorn as he said goodbye.

Alone again, Lily said, "So see you later by the lake? I'll call Remus for you guys to talk."

"Sounds good to me," said Severus.

Severus and Lily said goodbye with a hug. Both were thoughtful about this meeting.

what would come of it?