Hogwarts was known to be a place of (mostly) equality. It was a school that prided itself on its diversity, and its exceptional wizards and witches that had been nurtured within its walls- monetary background didn’t matter much in the equation of magical power and raw brilliance.

You and Severus seemed to be opposites in that respect. He had grown up and lived in a shabby little house surrounded by smoke and pollution, had rugged clothes and hardly had the opportunity to be clean. You lived lavishly, with your parents being well respected in the wizarding community, whatever you wanted at your fingertips and more money than most people could dream.

Not only that but he was smart. Severus seemed to be adept in all subjects, coming out on top and being incredible in potions and DADA classes. You, however? Honestly it seemed like the saying was right; ‘money can’t buy class’ — seemed money can’t buy magical talent either.

It was weird. You were friends, especially after he and Lily stopped talking. Severus seemed to gravitate towards you, and he didn’t even know about your wealth. Obviously, you knew about his— it was hard not to know when he so openly ranted and cried about his horrible father.

That’s why you’d happily, and rather excitedly, offered to let him stay with you and your parents over summer. You had a spare room, and you’d been friends a couple years now, it was only natural.

“This is your house?” Severus whispered in awe as the thestral-drawn carriage pulled up to your large estate. He seemed to recoil a little, shame or nerves you couldn’t really tell. Either way, you hoped this would be a nice retreat away from the awfulness incarnate that was his father.