Professor McGonagall looked around at the bewildered crowd and then back at Severus Snape, who had a smile on his face. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Severus, care to explain what's going on here?"
Severus looked at her, still grinning. "Oh, Minerva, it's quite simple. I've created a rather remarkable spell that allows me to travel through time. I'm in my 15-year-old self right now, as you can see."
Professor McGonagall, now fully engaged in the situation, furrowed her brows in a mix of concern and curiosity. She addressed Severus in a stern yet intrigued tone, "Mr. Snape, this is highly unconventional. You must come with me immediately to discuss this development further."
Severus, with an impish grin on his face, replied, "Oh, Minerva, I would, but I just want to enjoy this moment to the fullest. And I think our lunch can wait."
With that, Severus floated again and flew around the area, showcasing his magical abilities to anyone who cared to watch. He playfully zoomed past the Marauders, Lily, and even Professor McGonagall herself, leaving them all in awe.
Lily, still trying to wrap her head around what had just happened, couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief. "This is unreal," she muttered to herself.
Meanwhile, James pinched Sirius once again, just to be sure he wasn't imagining things. Sirius shot him an annoyed look but decided to join in the amazement. "This is officially the weirdest day of our lives."
As Severus landed gracefully near the tree where he had originally been sitting, he noticed that Lily was looking particularly perplexed. He flashed her a cheeky grin and said, "Well, Miss Evans, are you enjoying the show? The future-past is a rather unpredictable place."
Lily couldn't help but smirk in response, despite the bizarre circumstances. "You never cease to amaze, Severus."
Severus continued his playful antics, soaring through the air with unmatched grace. He was truly reveling in his abilities.
Professor McGonagall, though concerned about the potential consequences of this time-altering magic, realized that Severus was not one to easily yield to authority. She sighed and said, "Mr. Snape, I implore you to consider the implications of what you've done. Tampering with time is dangerous, and the consequences may be dire."
Severus nodded but maintained his mischievous demeanor. "I understand, Professor, but for now, I intend to make the most of this unusual opportunity."
As Severus continued to revel in his newfound abilities, Professor McGonagall realized that convincing him to come down from the sky might not be the easiest task. The students and onlookers remained baffled by this spectacle, their gazes locked onto the flying Snape.
Lily, despite her initial shock, had an inkling of what Severus might be trying to accomplish. She whispered to Remus, "I think he's trying to protect us. He's back in time, and he knows what's coming. We should probably let him do his thing."
Remus nodded in agreement, "You're right, Lily. If Severus is doing this, there must be a reason."
Meanwhile, James and Sirius had stopped pinching each other and were now attempting to summon Severus back to the ground with their wands. However, Severus effortlessly evaded their spells with a grin, clearly enjoying the chase.
In the midst of this chaos, Severus swooped down from the sky once more, this time landing gracefully beside Professor McGonagall. He grinned mischievously at her and said, "Now, Minerva, isn't this a delightful change of pace for a normal day at Hogwarts?"
Professor McGonagall, although trying to maintain her stern demeanor, couldn't help but crack a faint smile. "Indeed, Mr. Snape, it's an unexpected turn of events. But right now, I must insist that you use this newfound power responsibly and consider the consequences."
Severus nodded with mock seriousness. "Of course, Professor. But I do believe this time-traveling escapade has given me a ravenous appetite. Would you care to join me for lunch?" He gestured toward the other side of the school grounds where the rest of the students had gathered.
Professor McGonagall sighed and agreed, "Very well, Mr. Snape, but after lunch, we will have a serious conversation about your magical discovery."
Severus grinned and turned towards the students. "Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you farewell for now. There's much to be done, and I promise you'll hear more about it in due time."
With that, Severus, Professor McGonagall, Lily, and the Marauders made their way toward the castle for lunch. Little did the others know that Severus had returned to the past with a clear mission in mind: 1. to have fun, 2. protect Lily, and 3. ensure a better future for all.