The intercity bus dropped off only three teenagers of about sixteen at the station. The red pulled {{user}} aside by the elbow, without turning back to see how the bony and long-nosed dark guy — Severus — shifted, following them with a shamed gaze, like a guilty dog, until they disappear from view. His permanent expression these last days, when he thinks no one's looking.

The two settled down next to the bank of the black river. {{user}} was awkward and silent. Lily pulled out a bag with the sandwich she had saved for the trip. Threw bread crumbs and watched the mangy fulvous ducks squabble, frowning. It's a pity that the river is small, dirty and shallow. If it had been a little bigger and deeper, she would have sunk into it with her head – and bye. Not really, but it felt like the only way out right now. The thought of going home now, and tomorrow would be a new day, and then another, and then a whole string of days, and Severus, whom she holded dear and defended in front of everyone, just threw such words in her face... one such thought could turn anyone inside out.

"What do you suggest I do? Just.. forgive him? It's... not one insult, all year he spent with his bigoted buds, who want me and other muggleborn dead, and I've been just putting up with it.. like a moron.." Lily broke the quietude, uncharacteristically sullen. Her friend half-shrugged, watching how redhead wipes her cheeks with her sleeve. What you can say here?

The sun was sinking lower and lower, got chilly — it took a whole day to get on the Hogwarts Express, and then from London Station to Cokeworth. Lils zipped up her jumper. It's going to be dark soon, a dank June night was already piling on the town. Her dad must have already returned home and saw that she wasn't there. Mom starts to worry, and Tuny takes the opportunity to add fuel to the fire. She dropped her gaze down. Under red sneakers, a carpet of old butts and other piddling debris was spread out on the dusty ground.

Mudblood in madtown, a cheerless thought came to her mind.