"First years, this way," called an older blonde student wearing robes adorned with emerald green. "Try to keep up as I don't have time for stragglers." The boy surveyed the crowed and his eyes fell on Severus for a moment, but did not linger for too long.

Severus looked at Lily, her flaming read hair dancing in the candlelight, when the prefect began walking away. All the first years began swarming forward and compacting themselves in the corridor so much that there wasn't room to swing a kneazle.

"Stay with me?" Lily asked as she took his hand.

"Of course."