Chapter 247: Chapter 247: Snape, Why Are You... Dark? [bonus]
The second Wednesday of November, and the weather was still unreasonably fine.
Snape's mood was not. No particular reason, though if pressed, the weather itself counted. Sunshine made everything look harsh.
The bell rang. He left the Potions classroom and headed toward the dormitory.
The corridor was crowded. Younger students ran past, their footsteps bouncing off the stone walls. Older ones drifted by in clusters of two and three, chatting, laughing.
Snape walked with his head down, steps quick. He didn't want to talk to anyone. Didn't want to see anyone.
At the third-floor corner, the students ahead slowed, then parted.
He looked up.
James Potter stood in the middle of the corridor, spinning his wand between his fingers. Sirius leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, relaxed. Lupin and Peter stood a few paces back. Lupin was frowning. Peter's shoulders were hunched.
Snape's stride hitched for half a step, then continued.