Chapter 410: Snape Cornered, and the Rescue [bonus]
For months, Snape had told himself that everything he had gained was proof that he had climbed on his own. His skill with Potions, the new robe, the Silvermoon badge, and his place among the pure-bloods had each put another step between him and the boy he used to be.
Black had only opened a door early.
That was the story Snape preferred, even though he knew it was false. A fourteen-year-old half-blood did not simply walk into an apothecary and earn that kind of opportunity. Black had made it possible with a word, perhaps barely more than a suggestion.
Snape had always known.
Tonight, he could no longer ignore it.
The pure-bloods had mocked the Ministry, blood traitors, and anyone else they pleased, yet the moment Black's name came up, their voices died. Snape had seen that kind of fear before, but never understood what caused it.
Now he had a better idea.
Power.
Whatever Black possessed, it was something that made younger students move aside, older students show respect, and a room full of arrogant pure-bloods avoid even speaking his name carelessly.