Hello all-

My name is Nick and I'm the current SOSS Fanfic Coordinator. Our president Amanda and I would like to announce the newest SOSS fanfic. I hope you enjoy reading our delightful story about our beloved Severus Snape. Before we get to the story, let's go over a few rules and introduce you to the topic...

Topic

James Potter bets Snape (in sixth year) that he can't get a date for Valentine's Day and Snape desperately tries to steal/enchant/beg for a date?



Rules

1. You must be a SOSS member to post in this thread.
2. If you are a member and plan on contributing, you must put a link to the feedback thread in your signature.
3. All rules of VTM apply to this fanfic.
4. This fanfic is in the Marauders era in their sixth year, which means Lily and James are not together yet. Please make sure you remember this.
5. Stick to the plot!
6. No creating characters, this story will be canon (if you absolutely cannot resist adding a new character, PM me about it)
7. Have fun writing!


If you have any questions, please feel free to PM either me.


-Nick
HJP
SOSS Fanfic Coordinator

Chapter 1
The Bet

“Prongs who are you going out with on Valentine’s Day?” asked Moony from behind a newspaper.

“I don’t know yet. I figured I’d pick the best snogger and give her a go, any suggestions?” replied Prongs, laughing at himself and grabbing a piece of toast while sitting down next to Moony, Wormtail and Padfoot.

“What about Lily?” asked Wormtail, his watery eyes sparkling with curiosity.

James face blushed briefly and then returned to his normal color, despite his racing heart. For he had asked Lily out on a Valentine’s date just before coming to breakfast and was, yet again, rejected. Noticing Prongs’ reaction, Padfoot patted him on the back.

“She’ll come to her senses mate,” consoled Padfoot.

At that time Severus Snape got up from the Slytherin table and began walking out of the Great Hall, his greasy nose buried in the piece of parchment he was reading.

“Hey Prongs, look who it is,” said Padfoot, inclining his head towards Snape who had just reached the doors of the Great Hall.

“Ah excellent,” replied Prongs with a big grin. “I could use some cheering up.”

Prongs and Padfoot got up from the Gryffindor table and hurried out of the Great Hall to catch up with Snape. When they reached the doors, they spotted Snape walking up the stairs.

“Snivellus!” yelled Potter. “Hey Snivellus wait up!”

Snivellus whipped around and drew out his wand, ready for a duel.

“Put that away Snivellus,” laughed Sirius. “Don’t make us hex you again.”

“Yeah, we just wanted to talk with our dear friend,” said James sarcastically.

“What do you want?” replied Snape, still pointing his wand at the two as they approached him.

“Seriously Snivellus, put that away before we make you,” said Sirius, slowly reaching for his own wand.

Seeing that he was outnumbered and not wanting to be hexed, Snape lowered his wand and glared at James and Sirius with all the loathing he could muster.

“What?” spat Snape, obviously disgusted with the fact that he’s actually having a conversation with the people he hates.

“Snivellus, why so bitter?” teased Sirius.

“You know damn well why I’m bitter,” replied Snape. “What do you want?”

“Well, Valentine’s Day is approaching and we were just wondering who you were going to ask out for a Valentine’s Day date?” asked James, grinning from ear to ear.

Snape went pale when asked about Valentine’s Day. He of course, fancied Lily, but there was no way that was going to work…but still. He had heard that she denied Potter the pleasure of going out on a date with her and they, after all, had known each other for a long time.

“Cat got your tongue?” joked Sirius, laughing all the while.

“It’s none of your damn business,” spat Snape.

“Bet you can’t get a date for Valentine’s Day,” said Sirius.

“I’m not betting with you,” replied Snape, disgusted with the two of them. “Especially over something as stupid as Valentine’s Day.”

“So you can’t get a date then?” asked James, trying to get Snape to take the bet. “I’ll bet you can’t get a date for Valentine’s Day.”

“And just to make the bet worth it for you,” chimed in Sirius. “If you do get a date for Valentine’s Day, we’ll leave you alone for the rest of the year.”

Snape was appalled by the offer that was on the table. On one hand he had to embrace Valentine’s Day and find a date, which would be incredibly hard and embarrassing. On the other hand, if he succeeded, he would be rid of the torment from the Marauders for the rest of the year.

“Alright, fine,” said Snape slowly, as if this was the last thing he really wanted to do. “If I get a date for Valentine’s Day, you guys leave me alone for the rest of the year.”

“All right Snivellus,” replied James, ecstatic about the deal they just made. “But until then…”

And James flicked his wand and Snivellus’ trousers fell down to his ankles, exposing his briefs and white, spindly legs. All those in the hall erupted with laughter as Snape, blushing pulled up his pants and stormed off.

“Oh come on Snivellus,” shouted James at the retreating figure of Snape. “We’re just trying to help.”

And with that the two boys went back to breakfast, laughing at the thought of Snape asking some poor first year out on a date.




Please leave some feedback!


-Nick
HJP
SOSS Fanfic Coordinator

That whole day, Severus glanced apprehensively at every group of girls he passed in the halls, on the grounds, in the Slytherin common room.

‘What am I thinking? I can’t do this!’ he thought bitterly.

He took one step toward a fifth year Slytherin, named Cynthia, whom he thought beautiful, with long, shiny, amber colored hair, stunning dark brown eyes framed with long, thick, black eyelashes, a creamy complexion, and full, natural ruby red lips, who happened to be studying by herself in a corner of the common room. She looked up at the sound of his approach and stared at him expectantly.

His stomach turned and he lost his nerve as soon as he met her gaze. He quickly lowered his head and turned around. He needed a bathroom, and he needed it now! He ran up the stairs as quickly as he was able. He knocked over a first year in his haste, without even any hint of an apology.

He found himself wondering if it was even worth it. His experience with Cynthia was by far worse than anything Potter and Black could dish out. He didn’t think he would ever be able to face her again.

He sat on his bed, leaning against the headboard with his knees bent, attempting to read a book. He sighed and closed it softly before reverently placing it next to him. He couldn’t focus. Faces of nameless girls he’d seen kept floating through his mind. There were several he admired from afar, but he could never approach them. He proved that to himself downstairs with Cynthia.

His thoughts rested momentarily on Lily Evans. He wondered if there could be some way he could ask her. They were friends, after all. Friends. The word caused his stomach to sink. What he wouldn’t give to have her as more than that.

His mind strayed back to Potter and Black, and every cruel prank they had pulled on him over the last five and a half years. Anger rose in his chest and his hands balled into fists. He would win this bet! There could be no other option.

With a new, fierce determination in his heart, he left the comfort of his dormitory and common room and set out on his mission. He would do whatever it took to get a date, and get Potter and Black off of his back.



Severus sat with his back against a tree, formulating a plan. In his lap was a list of girls he thought he might be able to ask. Lines had been drawn through a dozen of them. ‘What a joke!’ he thought bitterly. Four of them outright laughed, three of them claimed they had boyfriends, three more said they already had plans, and two of them had run from sight before he even had the chance to mutter a word.

He heard laughing in the distance. Potter, Black and Pettigrew stood in a semi-circle, pointing at him. Lupin sat on a bench behind them, studying.

The first three started toward him when they saw that eye contact had been made.

“Hey Snivellus!” shouted James. “How’s the hunt going? If that last display was any indication, I’d say it’s not going well at all,” he laughed.

“I think I saw that last one run behind a tree and vomit after you asked her,” added Sirius.

Severus felt his face grow hot. He jumped to his feet and whipped out his wand.

“Woah! Well, well. Would you have a look at this, Padfoot? It looks like Snivellus wants to play,” said James, with a look of glee etched into his face.



Hope you liked it! Feedback here!

~Dayna

Chapter 3
An Idea

Severus gripped his wand tightly, and before James could reach for his, Severus pointed and yelled, “Petrificus Totalus!” James went suddenly rigid and keeled over, face first onto the ground.

“You slimy, little git! You’ll be sorry for that!” Sirius shouted and fired, “Wingardium Leviosa! Tarantallegra!”

Severus’s body rapidly floated five feet into the air while his legs began to dance uncontrollably. Sirius then shot off a Twitchy Ears hex to Wormtail’s and the rest of the onlookers delight. Just as Severus was about to try out his newest spell, Sectumsempra, he heard James, who had obviously been released from the Full Body-Bind Curse, laugh and yell, “Furnunculus!” Immediately, boils began breaking out all over the length of Severus’ body. He was furious. He had vowed that he would never be the target of this much humiliation ever again.

Severus shouted, “Finite Incantatem.” And the effects of all the spells came to a complete halt. Unfortunately, he forgot to utter a cushioning charm and he landed quite hard on his backside. He winced and scrambled to get up, to the laughter of the assembled group, and rounded on Sirius and James, anger etched into his features. He pointed his wand alternately at James and Sirius, while they both had their wands trained on him, each wondering what the other might do.

“Why so angry, Snivellus?” James asked. “I thought the boils were a vast improvement, didn't you Padfoot?” He added, glancing over at his friend. “And the dancing…girls really fancy that you know!” He threw his head back and laughed with abandon.

Before anyone could let off another hex, Professor McGonagall appeared, her brown hair swept back in its usual bun and her eyes stern. She appraised the situation in mere seconds and ordered the group to disperse. They all backed away, eyeing each other warily, wondering if a curse would be thrown in spite of McGonagall’s presence, prior to turning and heading to their respective common rooms.





Severus retreated to the privacy of his shared bedroom, climbed up onto his bed and drew the curtains around him. Even if one of his roommates did come in, they would assume he was sleeping and leave him in peace. He was irritated with himself. Today’s torment wasn’t nearly as bad as the incident after last year’s O.W.L.’s, but it made Severus embarrassed to even think about it. How was he ever going to get a date now? He had been humiliated yet again. If only he could find a girl who hadn’t been a witness to his near constant mortification at the hands of Potter and Black. But who? Now, even the first years had seen him disgraced, not that he was considering a first year.

The only girl he knew who was about his age, that didn’t attend Hogwarts, was Lily’s stupid cow of a sister Petunia. She was an imbecile, even by muggle standards, but she was an option. Severus started devising a plan. Now that he had passed his apparation test, he could disapparate once he got to Hogsmeade, go back to his hometown, locate Petunia, confund her, and bring her back without her ever knowing what happened. He was sure her parents wouldn’t miss her. It was a decent plan, but could he really spend an entire afternoon with that insufferable dolt?

“Hey, Severus, are you awake?” Evan Rosier, one of Severus’ roommates called out to him upon entering their bedroom.

So much for peace, Severus thought. “Yes, I’m awake, Evan. What is it?” He grimaced.

“Merlin, you’ll never believe what’s just happened!” Rosier announced.



Thanks for reading! Please leave feedback here.

Chapter 4
Trouble

"What?" Severus exclaimed. Rosier rarely got excited like that. It must be something big.

"Potter cornered me in the Great Hall a few minutes ago!" Rosier cried. Severus was confused, and he voiced that thought.

"So? That happens everyday."

"What doesn't happen everyday is a conversation. About a certain bet."

Severus felt his insides writhe. No one else was supposed to know about it.

"I don't know what you are talking about," Severus snapped, as he stalked out of the room. Nothing was going his way.

***

He stormed down the hall and across the grounds to the spot he knew Potter would be. Lounging underneath the and impressing the girls.

The minute he saw his rival is blood started boiling. Before he knew what he was doing, he had whipped out his wand and stomped over to Potter. '

"What are you playing at?" Severus shouted, waving his wand menacingly.

James snickered. "You mean about talking to your little pal? I just didn't think you should keep it a secret from everybody." With that, he turned to the crowd and shouted; "Snivellus is looking for a date! Girls sign up here! Though no one is going to be daft enough to-"

"Sectumsempura!" Severus shouted. James Potter crumpled to the ground, blood sporting everywhere.

Severus looked on, as the crowd did, in shock. That wasn't quite the result he had anticipated. At least it worked.

The minute the teachers started swarming from the castle, Severus bolted. He ran around the edge of the lake and slipped into the Forbidden Forest. Now that everyone in the castle knew about the bet, there was nothing for it. Five more days until Valentine's Day, and no one liked him enough to go. His only hope was Petunia.

Severus tiptoed along the edge of the forest cautiously. He wasn't dumb enough to go deeper into the woods, and he certainly wasn't about to go back to the castle.

When he reached the majestic wrought iron gate, he paused. Did he really want to have Petunia as a date? Would she come? A cry startled him.

"Snape!"

***

Ugh. I think I ruined it. Nevertheless, leave feedback here please

~Kel

Severus turned around to see a furious girl with flaming red hair coming toward him. Oh, no Lily.

"Go away Lily!" he shouted. "I don't have to speak with you." He raised his wand to Apparate, but Lily caught up with him too quick. She grabbed his hand and took his wand.

"Oh yes you do! How could you? You're the one who agreed to the stupid bet. You should of known James and Sirius would do something like this." Lily's voice had finally calmed down. Though she was still glaring at him. Snape didn't have anything to say. Lily was right; he knew deep down, but he wanted to prove Potter and Black wrong just this once. "Well?" Lily asked.

"I know I should of, but it just seemed so tempting," Snape took a seat on the grass, "The only problem is, I won't be able to get a date." He wasn't going to resort to telling her his plan about Petunia. It was more embarrassing than he could ever imagine. Lily reluctantly to a seat beside of him and placed his wand on his lap. She put her arm around him.

"Oh, Severus!" Right there, she started to tear up and looked up at him. He looked at her eyes, and noticed something spectacular about them: they were a intensifying amber green, a color he had never seen before, but kept his eyes locked on hers' all the same. They sat there for a few minutes, neither of them saying a word, until Severus felt the tears stop hitting his hand.

"You know you don't have to," Snape started warily, "but you can talk to me about it if you want." She looked at him again.

"It's just, I wish things hadn't changed this way between us. It would be much easier if James and his friends didn't hate and tease you all the time. It's just, I was wondering if you wanted my help to get Potter back." At those last words, Severus could see the fury in his eyes and her tone madden. She was really serious about this.

"Umm, how exactly?"

"Well be my date for Valentine's Day, of course." Snape was stunned. She wanted to go on a date with him? This was absolutely perfect! But still...

"What will people think? I mean you're in Gryffindor and I'm in Slytherin. You'll be humiliated! I won't let that happen to you." Lily could see the seriousness in Snape's eyes, but she didn't care.

"Don't you see? I'm doing this at my own risk. If we do it right, then no one will care, James and Sirius will be furious, and your problems will be solved," Lily paused for a moment, "We just have to play it right. Will you do it?"

"Okay," Snape finally managed to get out.

"Great!" Lily seemed ecstatic. "Meet me by the Gryffindor common room door on that morning. We'll figure it out from there."




That Valentine's Day morning, Snape woke up extra early trying to make himself look somewhat presentable. We just have to play it right. Lily's words had been ringing in his head for the last couple days, and now, he knew they were the most important. He grabbed his robe, and walked out the door of his dormitory, ignoring Rosier's smirky comments about who he was seeing. He dashed around the staircases until he finally came to the Fat Lady portrait and saw Lily standing there. She smiled at him.

"Well, don't you look dashing. How do I look?" Lily asked him. Severus blushed. This was insane, he thought, It's never going to work. "Okay, so...." Lily started devising their plan as they made their way down the staircases to the Great Hall. He was trying to remember everything of what he was supposed to do, when he heard a great rumble of noise coming from nearby.

"Here, take my arm," Lily said quickly. She linked her arms through his as she strutted off into the hall dragging him by her side, with a smile on her face.

A loud chain of gasps came as the entered the Great Hall.



I hope you all like it. I'm sorry it's sort of long. I just wanted to add something interesting. Please leave feedback here!

James stared in disbelief as his eyes fell upon Lily and Severus. He sprang to his feet and marched up to the pair.
'What are you doing with that... that thing?!' he demanded. Lily smiled smugly.
'Did you hear someone speak Severus?' she asked her date in mock surprise.
'Just you, Lily dearest,' Severus giggled in reply. She followed Severus over to the Slytherin table where she drew looks of utmost disgust from many of those already seated at the table.
'So what are our plans for the day?' Lily turned to Severus.
'I have a few ideas.' Severus grinned, feeding Lily a piece of toast.

Filch stood with a long scroll of parchment, ticking off the names of those with permission to visit Hogsmeade. Lily smiled happily as she walked hand-in-hand out of the castle with Severus. The sun dazzled their eyes and the lake sparkled as the squid played eight-armed water-ball with a puffskein. A chill wind blew around them as they made their way past the winged boars and along the road to the village.
'Did you see Potter's face when he saw us?' Severus said gleefully. Lily smiled and gave his hand a small squeeze.
'Let's forget about him for a while. Just us.' she skipped a little, swinging their arms.
'So where should we go?' Severus asked, his heart light and and full of a joy he could never remember feeling before.
'I don't much fancy Madam Puddifoot's, pink isn't really my colour. What about the three broomsticks?' Lily replied. Severus nodded and as they appraoched the main road of Hogsmeade they turned left and along to the pub.

Madam Rosemerta's idea of Valentine's decorations was, in Severus's opinion, not as vomit inducing as Pudifoot's confetti but all the same, he would have preferred not to be sitting in a heart-shaped seat and being serenaded by a particularly pink choir of forest pixies. Each table was positioned to seat two. He had to admit, however, it was worth all the soppy love songs in the world to spend the day with Lily. They ordered a butterbeer each. Rosmerta approached their table a moment later, her face brimming with pleasure.
'Ahhh young love,' she sighed, beaming at them both. Lily grinned at Severus who thanked Rosmerta.
'Well, you won the bet.' Lily smiled as she sipped her butterbeer.
'Yeah, thanks, you did me a huge favour,' Severus returned the smile. Lily looked around, the warm smile not leaving her face.
'Looks like Rosmerta's been taking tips from Madam Puddifoot,'
'It could be worse,' Severus stared at Lily, entranced. She seemed to be enjoying herself. Did she enjoy his company? For a fleeting moment Severus enjoyed the wonderful image of standing at the altar in a church, pews full of guests with their heads turned, all staring at the astonishingly beautiful woman in the white, pearled dress, her long red hair tumbling down her back in elaborate waves.

'Sev?'
He snapped suddenly out of his daydream. Lily was looking at him, a bemused expression patterning her face. Severus realised just then that she had caught him staring.
'Uh, sorry, just a bit lost in the, er heat.' he stammered. Lily giggled. She sighed and rested her hand on the table. Severus watched her as she stared around again. Cautiously, he reached out his own hand, hesitated, then taking Lily's hand in his own. She turned back suddenly
'Sorry,' Severus muttered. But Lily smiled and leaned across the table, placing a light kiss on his lips.
'So did you hear my last question?' she asked, the warm, contented smile playing on her lips once more. 'I take it not, I asked what you did last Valentine's.' Severus shifted uncomfortably. This was his first date, not that he wanted to admit it.
Just then, James entered, Sirius and Remus in tow. James's features were lined with fury and he strode straight over to the table where Lily and Severus were sitting.
'You're going to pay, Snivelly.'






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Chapter 7
Sunset

Severus jumped up, knocking his heart-shaped chair back as he did, and whipped his wand out from inside his robes. He and James stood glaring at each other, wands extended.

“Whoa, Potter! You’re reneging on your bet! Back up…now!” Lily warned, insinuating herself between Severus and James. James was seething, his breath coming in quick pants. He took his eyes off Severus long enough to give Lily a bewildered glance.

“Um, she’s right, Prongs.” Remus agreed. “You did make a bet…and Severus won.”

At the reminder from one of his closest friends, James lowered his wand. He looked at Lily, disbelief written all over his face. “Why are you with him, Lily? He hates muggle-borns! He even called you a…you know what!”

“Yes, James, I remember! But that’s none of your business, is it? Now, if you’ll excuse us.” Lily turned her head towards Severus and extended her hand. He sheathed his wand and grabbed hold of her outstretched hand, lacing his fingers with hers. Together, they strode from The Three Broomsticks to murmurs and looks of shock from almost everyone in the place.

Once outside, they walked the lanes of Hogsmeade in silence for a while. They meandered past Zonko’s and Dervish and Banges, still holding hands, and finally stopped in front of Honeydukes. “Would you like to go in?” Severus asked.

“Sure, let’s go.” Lily smiled up at him and tugged his hand as she headed off ahead of him. Severus willingly let himself be led like a puppy on a leash into the shop. He didn’t mind in the least. He was even getting accustomed to the strange looks he had been receiving all day. He would endure anything to spend time with this gorgeous creature. This entire day had been like a gift; completely unexpected and appreciated more that the giver would ever know.

They stopped in front of a Valentine’s chocolate display where a crowd was gathering. There were dozens of red heart-shaped boxes with assorted chocolates inside whizzing to and fro, occasionally colliding with one another and creating new confections. Lily laughed as a chocolate covered caramel crashed into a pecan cluster. “That looks rather good, actually.” She commented absentmindedly.

“Well then, you’ll have to try it.” Severus asserted and snatched the box with the new pecan-caramel concoction.

“Oh no, Severus. You don’t have to…really!” Lily assured him, grabbing his arm and trying to get him to save his money.

Severus beamed, “I know I don’t have to, but I want to. I want to make you happy, Lily.”

They spent the next half hour sitting on one of the benches outside Honeydukes sampling the chocolates that were being invented in front of their eyes. Lily took of bite of now chocolate covered pecan-caramel cluster, declared it delicious and popped the rest of it into Severus’ mouth. She couldn’t have delighted him more if she tried. As things were going so well, Severus was beginning to feel playful, and decided to choose the next treat. He picked up a peppermint cream that had engulfed a chocolate covered cherry. He nibbled on it and then fed the rest of it to Lily, dribbling some of the juice down her chin. Laughing, he wiped it with his pinkie finger and then proceeded to lick it clean.

He looked up and found Lily bestowing the most welcoming smile upon him. He leaned in close, looking into her beautiful green eyes for a moment, before pressing his lips to hers. He gave her the most passionate kiss his inexperienced mouth could muster and she responded in kind.

“Oh, Lily…I lo-”

Suddenly, an unwelcome face popped into Severus’s line of vision. He really couldn’t miss it as it was inches from his. It belonged to his roommate, Evan Rosier. “Hey, Sev, great news!” Evan blurted out. “I’ve had word from Lucius Malfoy and-”

“Not now!” Severus cut across him.

“But Sev, Lucius said the Dark Lord’s heard of our devotion to him. He wants to meet us as soon as our formal education is completed!” Rosier exclaimed.

“What? Really?” Severus was beside himself. “Tell me everything!”

Lily was on her feet in seconds. “Severus! What are you talking about? You’re not still planning on becoming a death eater?” Her voice was harsh and her eyes were dark with accusation.

“Lily…you don’t understand.” Severus pleaded, rising to his feet as well and trying to grasp her hand. “You’ve got it all wrong. Becoming a death eater isn’t a bad thing. It’s a great honor. It doesn’t change how I feel about you or anything.”

Lily’s eyes narrowed. She jerked her hand from his and crossed her arms. “Don’t you see, Severus? It changes everything!” She cried. “I can’t believe it! I thought today meant something to you! I don’t believe this; Potter was right!” She turned just as tears began spilling from her eyes and coursing down her flushed cheeks.

“Lily, wait! Please!” Severus made to go after her but was held back by Evan’s words.

“Sev, let her go. This is the Dark Lord we’re talking about!”

Reluctantly, Severus did as Evan suggested and let Lily go. She didn’t understand what the Dark Lord could offer him. But there was time. She’d change her mind once she saw the man that Severus would become with the Dark Lord’s help. “She just doesn’t understand how much he can do for someone like me.” Severus thought as he watched Lily’s retreating back.

The sun was setting, signaling the students that it was time to head back to school. Severus and Evan fell in line with everyone else and sauntered off in the direction of Hogwarts. Up ahead, Severus caught sight of Lily’s flaming red hair. Her head was resting on James Potter’s shoulder, while he caressed her back, no doubt offering her words of comfort and traducing Severus at the same time. “It will be alright” Severus assured himself. “Once I’m powerful, she’ll come back to me. She could never fall for a toe rag like Potter. I’m sure of it; someday she’ll be mine.”




Sorry about the sad ending, but I couldn't think of any other way to end it so that it would match up to the canon way that things turned out. I hope it's ok. Please leave some feedback !