Severus wasn't aware of the transformation, but it was almost as though his persona were becoming animalistic. His already pale features looked sunken in and almost twisted. Even Lily had noticed, despite trying her best to ignore her former best friend, and it frightened her. They had not spoken since he had called her that word, and she still didn't want to. Especially now.

The boy she knew was gone and had transformed into...something else.

Severus, on the other hand, had never felt more at home before. He had friends. He had his ambitions. He had everything.

Save one thing.