The dim candlelight flickered on the tables of the Great Dining Hall, casting shadows on the stone walls. Severus walked between the rows of students, feeling the marauders' gaze boring into his back. The murmurs and snickers were always the same.

He sat at the far end of the Slytherin table, awkwardly pushing his robes aside. He closed his hand into a fist on the black cloth. He didn't look at anyone. He didn't have to.

“What the hell are they looking at?” he muttered through his teeth.

Severus lowered his head, staring at his empty plate. He was no longer hungry. His hand trembled on the robe, and he hated himself for it.

“Just a few more years...” he whispered almost without moving his lips. “Just a few more years and I won't have to see them anymore.”

Hogwarts was small when you were surrounded by enemies. And Severus knew that all too well.