Somehow, Severus made it outside into the fresh air. He felt sick but he also felt dizzy and emotionally drained. He'd managed not to think about his mother for such a long time but he supposed it was understandable that he should be reminded of her every now and again. She'd taught him how to brew potions and about different spells, charms, hexes, curses. Her aim, of course, had been so that he could defend himself against any potential opponents, but Severus had seen later on that her advice was misguided. A defensive boy makes for a friendless boy and Severus had learnt that all too well. At least, at the start of his Hogwarts career, he could claim to not presenting a hugely formidable appearance.

He'd been tall for his age but also incredibly thin. He'd been called 'quicksticks' because of his stick-like appearance and his speed when running away from any potential dangers. His nose hadn't been crooked until his father broke it in the summer of his fifth year. His hair hadn't been greasy until James Potter and Sirius Black, choosing to join the dark side in asking Bellatrix for a curse, cast a spell on it that meant it would be forever greasy and lank. It had been circumstances, nothing else, that had led to Severus' joyless existence.

"Severus?" Came a voice from far away. "Severus, are you alright?"

Of course it was Remus. It was always Remus.

"Severus!" The voice issued again and it sounded urgent. "He's extremely pale. Severus, can you hear me?"

Sleeping might be a good idea, Severus thought blearily. If he just lay down, it would almost be like he'd just drifted off to sleep. So saying, he closed his eyes and let sleep take over.

*

Remus stared in astonishment down at his friend who he'd, fortunately, caught before he'd fainted. Around him stood the Ravenclaw Quidditch team and George.

"He's such a drama queen," commented Fiona Bradley, marginally annoyed.

Remus had told her, very timidly, about Severus' boatload of detentions and, while furious, she could hardly berate an unconscious Severus.

"Should we take him to the Hospital Wing?" Suggested George.

Remus considered it.

"He's only fainted, he'll wake up in a minute."

"I'll be sure to let him know that it was your call, Remus," George grumbled.

As if on cue, Severus opened his eyes and winced.

"Welcome back, Severus," Remus said sarcastically.

"The glad tidings aren't returned," Severus muttered. "Can someone block the sun for me? It's rather bright."

A tiny second-year dutifully stepped in front of the sun's rays.

"What are you doing out in nature's kind embrace, Severus?" Remus questioned, staring down at his friend with amusement.

"I would call this a pleasure trip," Severus answered casually.

"Want a hand?"

"I'd love one."

Once back on his feet, Severus blinked at Bradley and her entourage.

"It was the try-outs today, wasn't it?"

"Yes," Bradley responded through clenched teeth. "It's a shame that you won't be around for the next month."

"Yes, that is a pity," Severus murmured, looking briefly away from the angry captain. "But I wouldn't worry about having to replace me."

"Very cocky, Snape," said Bradley, "and I don't like it."

"Well, I'm the Seeker," Severus pointed out. "I barely have to interact with the team. The Beaters have to ensure that I don't end up with a cracked skull and the Chasers score goals and you save the other team's goals. What's so hard to understand?"

"I'm not happy about this, Snape," Bradley hissed lowly. "It'd better not happen again and you'd better perform to the best of your abilities. This is my final year so if we don't win that cup..."

"I understand," Severus replied coolly, aware that he was being threatened. 

He walked off with Remus.

"Care to share?" The boy inquired pleasantly.

"Not in the slightest."

"It's good of Bradley to do that for you," Remus remarked.

"What, not fill my place?" Severus snorted. "She'd be stupid to fill it."

"If you weren't such a jerk, Severus, perhaps people would like you a tiny bit more," Remus suggested idly with a small amount of irritation in his voice. "It may be a fact that you're England's greatest Seeker but you don't need to boast about it!"

"Oh, yeah, you definitely follow me around because I'm a really kind person," returned Severus, firing up. "Admit it - you're friends with me because I'm good at things."

"I have to admit, Severus," Remus stated, raising his voice, "I have no idea why I'm friends with you! I've never met a more disagreeable, self-centred person in my life and I wouldn't want to because you're about as bad as it gets! Even James Potter doesn't boast as much as you. You're going to have to find another puppy dog; I'm out of here."

*****

A.N. This is a lot shorter than other chapters but I think I've left it at just the right place - Severus and Remus' first big fight. There'll be a lot of self-pity from Severus in the next few chapters.

This is dedicated to @Elviras06 for sticking with the story during months of procrastination on my part. xD

Thank you so much for reading!!! Comments would be greatly appreciated. :)