Title – The Sorrows of a Slytherin 4/?

Rating – PG

Disclaimer – I own none of this, it all belongs to Rowling. I just have the honor of using her creations in my story. No sex, slash or profanity.

Summary – Friends and Enemies

A/N – This will be the last chapter dealing with Snape's first year, Chapter 5 will be the first about his second year. Sorry about the delay in updating, blame the pressures of real life. I really do hope to update all my fics within the next week. All reviews, corrections, questions and suggestions are welcome. Read and enjoy.

The Sorrows of a Slytherin

Snape continued to withdraw various memories from his first year at Hogwarts; they were mostly encounters with the Gryffindors that would later call themselves the Marauders. Many of his early fights with Black and Potter had been just verbal arguments and a trading of insults. But the four Gryffindors quickly learned to work together and began to physically pick on the smaller Slytherin. Then the real harassment had started, as the Marauders perfected their pranking skills and subjected everyone, Snape in particular, to weekly pranks.

Never one to back down from a fight, Snape tried to give back as good as he got, relying on his vast knowledge of hexes and curses to deal harsh blows to the Marauders' pride. Without the support of his yearmates, Snape was still outnumbered and simply learned to endure whatever came his way. He had too few friends and too many enemies. Despite that social handicap he had adapted and more importantly, survived, which was more than he could say for some of his former tormenters, like Potter Sr. for example. What would dear, sainted Potter Jr. think if he saw his father from the point of view of someone who was at the receiving end of those "hilarious" Marauder pranks? Probably laugh and go off to play Quidditch.

Sighing, Snape put the next memory into the pensieve.

- - - - - - - - - -

Severus glared angrily at the back of Sirius Black's head as he followed the idiot Gryffindor down the path that led to the Hogwarts Lake. The first snowfall of the season was right around the corner and the late afternoon air was cool and crisp. Severus pulled his cloak a bit closer and wished he was back in his warm common room reading a good book. He heard faint grumbling from Black and scowled; if the boy had only kept his mouth shut in the first place they would not be here serving detention for fighting.

It had all started yesterday in their Potions class.

As usual Black and Potter spent most of their time whispering taunts to him instead of working on their laughing draught. Over the last few months Severus had grown adept at ignoring them, but one remark about his parentage had sent him over the edge. He had whipped around in his seat, wand out and hit Black with a curse that produced painful boils all over the smug Gryffindor's face. To his credit, Black had responded quickly with a tickling hex that dropped Severus to the floor, laughing hard despite the pain of the hex. Their fight was interrupted by a furious Professor Castor, who took off 10 points from their Houses and gave them each detention. When Black had tried to talk his way out of the detention, Professor Castor glowered at him and said they were thankful she was not turning them over to Filch for whatever punishment he deemed fit. Black had wisely shut up and turned to glare at Severus instead.

So here they were, heading down to the lakeshore to collect leeches before winter froze the lake and sent all the water creatures into deep hiding until the spring thaws. Professor Castor was conveniently low on fresh leeches so what better way to spend their detention out here in the mud hunting for the needed specimens.

When they reached the shore of the lake both boys sneered at the other and went in separate directions, determined to perform this dirty task alone. Fortunately there were no other students in the area to see them perform this embarrassing task. Severus pulled out a jar from his robes and set it next to a quiet, muddy stretch of shoreline. He glanced over at Black and saw him frowning distastefully at the mud, toeing it with a boot.

Smirking, Severus removed his school robe and began pulling off his own boots and socks. Since Professor Castor had forbid the use of magic during their detention and confiscated their wands, they would be forced to search for leeches the old-fashioned way, something Black was apparently not willing to do. Severus watched as the Gryffindor shot him one last glare and knelt in the water, combing through the mud with his fingers.

Severus had spent a lot of time in his youth helping his mother collect and prepare various potion ingredients, leeches included. Occasionally they would run low on the blood-sucking creatures and they would head out to the pond on the edge of the estate where his mother would show him how to collect leeches in a quick and efficient manner.

He rolled up his trousers up to his knees and moved out into the lake, shivering as his toes squished in the mud. When he had sunk almost up to his knees in the mud, Severus stopped and crossed his arms over his chest, watching Black dig around in the muck and make a bigger fool of himself than he already was.

Severus thought Black looked right at home digging through the mud and dirtying his clothes. Apparently he had neglected to cast an impervious charm before they handed over their wands to Professor Castor. He watched for several minutes until Black suddenly straightened and pulled out a long leech from the mud with a triumphant shout. Black dropped the leech into his jar and looked over at Severus.

"What are you doing Snape?! We're supposed to be serving detention, not just standing there you git!"

"I am serving my detention Black. Honestly, do you even have a brain in that big head of yours or do you enjoy crawling around on your knees in the mud?" Severus shouted back, looking quite smug. He stepped out of the lake and onto dry ground, looking down at his bare legs.

Leeches had attached themselves to his lower legs and Severus worked quickly to remove them, pulling them off before they had a real chance to feed and weaken him. He placed them in his jar and closed the lid then slipped it back into his robes.

"You sick snake! I knew someone like you would enjoy being food for a bunch of leeches!" Black called out, his face twisted in a mixture of disgust and surprise.

Severus tried hard to ignore the Gryffindor's taunts as he pulled on his socks and shoes and slung his robe back on. His jar was almost full and he knew Professor Castor would be most pleased with his efforts, despite the fact it was actually a detention he was supposed to be serving.

As he approached Black, who was standing in the mud looking quite frustrated and angry, Severus peered into the jar that contained a single leech and remarked casually,

"Looks like you still have a lot of work to do Black, I suggest you dig deeper. I'll be sure to tell Professor Castor you're having lots of fun playing in the mud."

Black took a few menacing steps closer and his hand jerked for the wand that was still in Professor Castor's possession. Realizing he could not rely on magic he raised his fist and said,

"Better watch that mouth of yours Snape, or you'll find yourself knocked right on your arse."

"Temper, temper Black. If you will excuse me I must go give the results of my detention to Professor Castor. Have fun Gryffindork." Severus replied with a smirk and moved to step past Black. His cautious nature made him keep his eyes glued to Black's clenched fist, but he was caught off guard when a leg reached out and tripped him.

Falling forward, Severus cried out as his right wrist was trapped between his body and the ground and a sharp pain shot up his arm. He lay there for a minute, stifling his tears and letting the sudden pain wash through him. He would not give the Gryffindor the pleasure of seeing him cry. Slowly climbing to his knees, Severus did a quick examination of his hurting wrist and saw it was not broken, just badly sprained. Choked laughter drew his attention and he glared up at Black.

"Oops, sorry bout that Snape. Better watch where you're walking; this mud can be dangerous." Black said, looking not at all guilty for his actions. Severus narrowed his eyes but did not reply. Instead he stood up somewhat unsteadily and used his good hand to make sure his jar was intact. It was and he sneered over at Black, wishing he had his wand with him so he could strike back. But Black simply laughed and turned back to the lake, intent on completing his own detention before dinner.

Severus scowled at the Gryffindor before beginning the painful walk back up to Hogwarts. The throbbing pain in his wrist was growing worse and although he had suffered much worse at the hands of his father this pain was enough to bring new tears to his eyes. 'Damn that Black,' Severus swore and angrily wiped his tears away.

Halfway up the path leading up to the castle Severus gave up and dropped ungracefully to the ground, cradling his wrist and wondering if he had enough strength to make it inside before Black finished his detention and saw him sitting here crying. He sat there for a while, ashamed at his weakness and angry that he let Black get the best of him again. His gloomy thoughts were interrupted by a warm, cheerful voice,

"'Lo there! Yeh should be getting ready for supper, not sittin' out here in the dirt! What's wrong?"

Severus jerked his head up with a gasp and his wide eyes met the concerned gaze of Hagrid the gamekeeper. He remembered the friendly giant from his first night at Hogwarts and Hagrid's easy smile helped put him at ease. Realizing Hagrid was waiting for his reply, Severus looked toward the lake and mumbled,

"I fell and hurt my wrist."

"Yeh fell? Well yer lucky I was headin' up this way meself. Do yeh need any 'elp gettin' ta Madame Pomfrey Mr. er -"

"Snape and no I don't need any help." As soon as he spoke his wrist gave another painful twinge and Severus released a gasp, unfortunately showing how much pain he was truly in.

Hagrid frowned and said,

"Beggin' yer pardon Mr. Snape, but it looks ter me that yeh need ta get ta the Infirmary righ' quick. Do I need ter carry yeh?"

Severus looked up at the gamekeeper in horror and replied,

"No! You don't have to carry me! I'm fine; it's just a sprained wrist. I'll go to the Hospital Wing later."

"I think yeh should go now. Sprained me ankle last month wranglin' a thestral and it hurt somethin' fierce til I summoned Madame Pomfrey and had her fix me up. So trust me on this and lemme 'elp."

Did Hagrid know what he was asking of him? There were very few people he could trust or depend upon and Severus was naturally wary of trusting anyone who looked like they could crush him like a little bug. But Hagrid was patient and moved in slow, non-threatening motions as he bent down and set the Slytherin on his feet. Severus looked up into that friendly face and decided to trust Hagrid for now.

"I suppose I could use some help getting to the Hospital Wing. But don't carry me!" He finally said. The gamekeeper grinned and nodded.

"O' course. Shall we get goin'?"

Severus felt a large hand settle on his shoulder as Hagrid steadied him and offered his support while they walked. He tensed a little at the touch, but relaxed when the hand continued to support him and did not push him back to the ground. As they walked up to the castle Hagrid chatted about his day and what he planned to do after dinner; something Severus was grateful for, as he had no desire to discuss his miserable day or the real reason he needed to see the nurse. The chatter also helped him take his mind off of his hurting wrist. They made quick progress through the almost empty halls of the castle, encountering a few older Hufflepuffs who smiled at Hagrid and continued on their way. Soon they arrived at the doors of the Hospital Wing and Hagrid ushered him in, calling for Madame Pomfrey.

"Poppy! I've got a young patient fer yeh!"

A witch in her mid-thirties came out of a side office and waved them over to an empty bed.

"Who do we have here and what seems to be the problem?" Madame Pomfrey asked. She surveyed Severus with a sharp eye and he tried not to fidget under her gaze.

"This 'ere is Mr. Snape. Found 'im outside with a badly sprained wrist."

"Sprained wrist hmm? Easy enough to heal. It was kind of you to escort him Rubeus."

Hagrid blushed under his bushy beard.

"Wasna problem Poppy." He told her.

Pomfrey smiled and motioned for Severus to sit down on one of the beds. Severus took a step away from the oddly comforting presence of the gamekeeper then turned back and tugged on Hagrid's sleeve as the giant went to leave. Hagrid stopped and looked down at him in surprise. Severus licked his lips nervously and said,

"Thanks for bringing me up here Hagrid."

Grinning broadly, Hagrid patted him gently on the back.

"Yer mighty welcome lad. Next time yer down by the lake come 'round to my hut for a cuppa tea."

Severus was sad when Hagrid left but happy that he had become someone's friend, even if that friend was an adult and not someone his own age. Hagrid was awfully nice and once Severus got over his admittedly irrational fear of being around someone stronger and larger than him, the gamekeeper was comforting company. Realizing the nurse was waiting for him Severus quickly sat down on the bed and peered up at the witch.

"Well, let me take a look at your wrist Mr. Snape."

Hesitating slightly, Severus appraised her and wondered if she was like any of the other healers he had met over the years. Sometimes when his father took out his anger on Severus or his mother they would require the discreet attentions of a healer. His father would summon a healer known through his disreputable business contacts and the healer would come and briskly patch up whatever injuries they had sustained. It was done quietly and quickly and Severus had had enough unpleasant visits from a healer to become wary and shy around them.

He stared at Pomfrey solemnly and could not stop his flinch when she reached for the arm tucked tight against his body. Her stern features softened immediately as she said gently,

"I can't help you unless you let me see and touch your wrist. I promise I'll make it as painless as possible."

Severus held out his swollen wrist and Pomfrey cast a numbing charm on it, taking away the throbbing pain. He sighed in relief and the nurse smiled,

"Now let me scan the damage and I'll have you back to normal in a minute." She held her wand over his arm and muttered various charms, checking nerves, bones and muscles and identifying which ones were sprained. "How did this happen Mr. Snape, if you don't mind me asking?"

"I slipped in the mud by the lake and fell." He answered promptly.

Madame Pomfrey glanced up at him with such a keen look that Severus was afraid she knew he was lying and would demand to know who had hurt him. But she said nothing else and continued with her scans of his wrist and lower arm. Frowning she asked,

"Have you broken this arm before Mr. Snape? My scans show that some of the bones have multiple healed fractures in them that could cause some problems in the future."

Severus tensed and told her what he told any healer who asked about his various injuries,

"I fell."

Pomfrey sighed and knew she was not going to get anything more from the clearly nervous boy. Her training told her she was dealing with likely abuse, but as she was fairly new with working with children she had no experience in helping such victims. She could only keep an eye on this particular child and hope to gain his trust enough so that someday she would be able help. She cast a couple healing spells and straightened.

"All done. The numbing charm will wear off in a few minutes and you will have full use of your wrist and hand then."

Severus turned and twisted his wrist, carefully inspecting it to the amusement of the head nurse. Satisfied everything was ok, he said,

"Thank you Madame Pomfrey."

"You're welcome dear." She paused and tapped a finger against her mouth in contemplation. "My door is always open Mr. Snape. Feel free to see me if you have any, and I mean any, sort of problem."

Black eyes stared at her out of an emotionless face until Severus finally murmured shyly,

"I better go now. Thanks again."

Madame Pomfrey watched the Slytherin youngster leave her domain and resolved to keep a very close eye on him indeed.

Severus left the Hospital Wing feeling better about himself than he had in weeks. He headed down to Professor Castor's office wondering if Black was still having fun in the mud and when would be a good time to visit Hagrid for that cup of tea.

- - - - - - - - - -

Snape allowed a very small smile to touch his lips as he thought of Poppy and Hagrid. They had always quick to offer a friendly smile or a shoulder to cry on and he was thankful he had their friendship.

Even now they were there to patch him up when he returned battered and cursed from a meeting with Voldemort. Hagrid would inevitably find him in the Forbidden Forest and help him back to the castle where Poppy would heal him before he had to meet with Dumbledore.

His thoughts then turned to the older wizard who was at the top of his very short list of friends. Snape supposed their relationship was special; the Headmaster was a unique mixture of mentor, friend, father figure and colleague all rolled into one. It had taken them many years to work out their differences and forgive past hurts, given that Snape could nurse a grudge like no one else, but in the end he was glad he had the earned the friendship of Albus Dumbledore.

But like everything else in his life, nothing was ever that simple or clear-cut. Previous good mood forgotten, Snape scowled and withdrew a certain memory involving a duel and a visit to the Headmaster's office.

-I don't know if there would actually be leeches in a lake in the wilds of Scotland, but seeing as it's a magical lake let's pretend there are leeches in there. :)

Next Chapter – A dueling club is started and Severus is sent to the Headmaster.

Reader Reponses –

Atana – Sorry to keep you waiting for this, I hope you enjoyed this part!

Kraeg001 – I've definitely got your fic bookmarked and will read it eventually! I can't wait to see how you've written our Sevvie! Thanks for the review and rec!

Lilith11 – I liked Sev's hex too. I've come up with a few other good, 'dark' ones that I'll use in later chaps. :)

Snapefan51 – How do I join the 'I am not a fan of SB' club? It sounds perfect for me. ;)

Fanfiction Fanatic – Thanks for the review!

Barbara Kennedy – My thoughts exactly. Everything depends on point of view doesn't it? Thanks.

Lady Sev – Yes, Sev's hex was very appropriate wasn't it? :)

Orientalis Draco – I lost the link actually. I usually punch in 'latin translator' into Google and try the first site that seems good. I could always use a reliable source if you've got another link handy! Thank you!

Mormiel – I'm very glad you find my OCs are believable. They seem to take on lives of their own as I write them. Go figure. (I created Prof. Spica during my astronomy class last semester. Spica is actually a real star) ;) Don't get too comfy now, things heat up with each year!

Ari – I don't have any evil plans for Lupin – yet. ;) And I'm glad you like Prof. Castor. More of her will be revealed in Ch. 6.

CuriousDreamWeaver – Sev's got some more nasty spells up his sleeve, as you'll see in the next chapter. :)

Weasleylover1 – I too thought the 3rd movie was by far the best of the 3. Lupin was the best of the new characters too, although Gary Oldman as Sirius was a close 2nd. There will be more Dumbledore and Prof. Fleming in Ch. 5 and more of Prof. Castor in Ch. 6, so stay tuned.

Kady Rilla Wholi – The next few chapters cover Sev's second year and will explore the connections between Sev and some of the older students/professors! Thanks!

Shadow Dragon Boss – Thanks for the review! I'm glad you are enjoying this!