Least Likely Of All

Chapter Three, Part One: Bloody Hysteria

Severus couldn't remember the last time he cried; he was convinced that until the moment Dumbledore told him Lily had lost the baby, he had never cried; at least not like that. He was unable to stop the constant flow of tears running down his cheeks, even hours after he was told.

Severus sat with Lily long after the others had left. Madame Pomfrey tried to kick him out multiple times, but he refused to move. Professor Dumbledore finally gave him permission to sit with Lily as long as he needed, and told him he was excused from his classes for the next day.

Lily hadn't suffered a miscarriage; no one was quite sure what had happened, but Madame Pomfrey was positive it had been a form of magic. Lily's stomach was perfectly flat; there was no way a miscarriage could have taken place. As much as Severus wished James were capable of that powerful of magic so he'd have someone to blame, he quickly dismissed the idea, knowing James wouldn't do something as bad as that, even to Lily.

She awoke around 7 AM the next morning with a scream of terror. Severus had drifted off to sleep, but immediately rushed to her side when he heard her.

"Lily, baby, shh, it's ok... Madame Pomfrey's coming, shh..." Severus whispered, looking up to see the Hogwarts nurse come bustling up.

"Severus, go get Professor Dumbledore, he wanted to know when she was awake." Madame Pomfrey instructed. Severus gave one longing glance towards Lily before rushing out of the ward to get Dumbledore.

Madame Pomfrey busied herself with trying to calm Lily down, as she was now bawling loudly. Five minutes later, Severus and Dumbledore arrived, and Dumbledore immediately went over to Lily's bedside to try and help Madame Pomfrey.

"Severus, come here... She might listen to you." Professor Dumbledore instructed, waving his hand. Severus made his way over to her and gently took her hand, trying to will her to calm down. At his touch, she seemed to slow down a bit, and finally after a moment or two, she was crying softly.

"I'm sorry... I'm so, so, so sorry..." she mumbled beneath her cries.

"Lily, honey... Listen to me... Whatever they did to you, it's not your fault. Calm down, you have to tell us the whole story." Professor Dumbledore murmured, brushing a few stray hairs away from here cheek.

"I can't... I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry..." Lily was still hysterical, shaking her head back and forth.

"Lily baby, please... I'm here, we're all here... You need to talk to us, just calm down, please..." Severus begged, gripping her hand tighter.

Once again, Lily seemed to calm down at the sound of his voice. She turned to face him for the first time since she had woken up, and a fresh wave of tears overcame her.

"It hurt so much... He -- he took her from me, it hurt... I felt so bad... It still hurts..." Lily sobbed, resting her free hand on her stomach.

"Who took her, Lil? Who did this?" Severus said softly, his red-rimmed eyes now threatening to overflow once more.

"He.. he came up to me and forced me to go with him... He threw me to the ground and did some sort of spell... and then I felt her being ripped out of me... I heard screaming... And then I blacked out... It hurts... God, it hurts..."

"Lily, this is important. Who did this?" Dumbledore wiped her forehead with a damp cloth Madame Pomfrey had provided.

"Voldemort... He went and killed my baby..." Lily started crying harder.

Severus' eyes widened. "Voldemort? You don't think he knew and is trying to get back at me?"

Dumbledore shook his head, "Everything that goes on in Hogwarts stays in Hogwarts. He wouldn't have known. Your father -- He is a Death Eater, correct?"

Severus nodded, "He is in Voldemort's inner circle."

"Did you tell him?"

"Yes."

Professor Dumbledore shook his head, "Write a letter to your father, act as if he is the one that did it. Send it, and the moment you receive an answer, bring it to me."

Severus nodded, "Yes sir."

Madame Pomfrey then came into the room with a thick, steaming liquid. "Here, have her drink this; it'll give her a dreamless sleep." She then poured the liquid down Lily's throat, and within a matter of seconds, she ceased to cry and her eyes closed.

Dumbledore sighed, then sat on the bed next to hers. "This just gives me one more reason to want to kill that son of a bitch. Tom Riddle -- a great student, Head Boy in fact. However, he is now the reason Lily is suffering." He turned to Severus. "Are you still willing?"

Severus nodded vigorously, "I am more willing than I was yesterday, and I promise you, Lord Voldemort will be defeated."

Dumbledore nodded, "Good, good... Now go write that letter, and remember, come to me the moment you receive a reply."

Severus nodded, and with one last glance towards Lily's sleeping form, he went up to the Slytherin Tower and up to his dormitory, where Lucius Malfoy was sleeping.

Severus quietly got out a piece of parchment, and with quivering hands, he started to write.

Dear Father,

Why did my Lord, Lord Voldemort, insist on taking my child away from me? I wish to know why, for he nearly killed the child's mother in the process. Is it because she is Muggle born? Is it because we are so young, or is it because I told you I wasn't coming back home for the summer? I must have an answer, father, I must know why you chose this destiny for me. I shall be joining the Death Eaters in less than seven months, and I must know why my Lord chose this path for me.

As I said before, she is the kin of one of the greatest wizarding families of our time. If you think it matters and wish for me to tell you, then I will. Please Father, tell me why this is now my destiny.

Severus

He spent all day and all night in the hospital wing with Lily, only getting up to eat breakfast and await for his father's letter. Surprisingly, the very next day he received one, and before reading it he went directly to Dumbledore, who was now by Lily's bedside.

"Professor, he has written back." Severus announced breathlessly, handing Dumbledore the letter.

Dumbledore opened it carefully and began to read out loud, pausing every now and then.

"Dear Severus,

Your Lord wished for you to be strong; he believed having a family to support, especially an infant child, was too much for you to handle at such a young age. Instead of watching one of his followers, especially one with so much potential, become weak, he had decided to make sure your loyalty would not falter. He took the necessary precautions, and he was merciful enough to spare the woman. Be grateful she is still with you. Our Lord took pity on you, Severus. All he took was a baby that was not yet born; She had no value, she was still inside the womb. Do not think your Lord has betrayed you, for in fact, he is willing to make sacrifices to see to it you are happy. Thank him, Severus, for he spared her.

Sincerely,

S. L. Snape."

Professor Dumbledore slowly dropped his hands, his body shaking with fury. Severus, however, was now in a state of shock; his pale face had turned even paler, and his black eyes had a faraway look to them.

"It's my fault." Severus whispered, looking down at Lily's sleeping form. "It's my fault this happened."

Dumbledore shook his head, "You couldn't have know. It is not your fault, it is Lord Voldemort's fault, it is his own bearing."

Severus gripped Lily's hand. "No, no... You're wrong. It's my fault she's in so much pain; it's my fault the baby died... It's MY fault..."

Dumbledore stood up and set his hands on Severus' shoulders, slowly tightening his grip.

"Severus, listen to me. Are you listening to me? It is NOT your fault; it is only Lord Voldemort's fault. You couldn't have known, and I know you would have done everything in your power to prevent it."

Severus shook his head, "No, I left her... I left her in Hogsmeade... I told my father, and he told Lord Voldemort... I shouldn't have left her, I shouldn't have told him... God, it's all my fault." Tears were now silently streaming down his face and he didn't bother wiping them off.

"Severus, stop it. It is NOT your fault, nor will it ever be. Stop blaming yourself, you couldn't have known, there was no way. You can't change the past, do not blame yourself."

Severus turned his head up towards Dumbledore. "Then whose fault is it?"

"Blame Lord Voldemort; Blame your father; Blame the Fates; but do NOT blame yourself, for it is not your fault."

*

Chapter Three, Part Two: To Those Who Knew Me

The news of Lily's mysterious disappearance reached the Gryffindor House later that evening, as she had not shown up in any of her classes for the past two days. James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter made their way down to the hospital wing later that evening, prepared for the worst. Rumors were flying, some said she had died, other said she had lost limbs. James found some of them particularly amusing, knowing Lily knew the counter curse to many of the ideas suggested.

Once they reached the hospital wing, James and Remus went in while Sirius and Peter stayed behind. Finding Severus sitting in a chair next to Lily, who was starring blankly up at the rafters, James lingered back for a moment, until Remus motioned for him to join him next to Lily.

"What happened?" Remus asked Severus quietly, taking one of her hands.

"Voldemort attacked her."

Remus and James looked up at him, surprised. "But she's still alive?"

Severus sighed, "He only wanted the baby."

Remus felt as if his body had suddenly turned to ice, "You're shitting me."

Severus turned towards him with an ironic kind of look on his face. "You have no idea how much I wish I was."

James crept forward, touching Lily's warm cheek. "Lily... I'm sorry baby... Are you ok?"

After a moment of silence, Severus looked at James. "She hasn't talked in nearly 24 hours."

"But is she ok?"

"What do you think? She had part of her viciously ripped out, not only was it part of her but it was her baby. Physically, she's still hurting. Mentally, I can't even imagine."

Severus looked down at Lily, who was turning onto her side and drawing her knees to her chest.

"Are you ok?" Remus asked softly, looking up at Severus.

He shook his head, "No, but I'm not nearly as bad as Lily."

"You aren't blaming yourself, are you?"

Severus looked up towards Remus, refusing to answer. Remus shook his head, looking back down toward Lily. "She'll be ok."

"I hope so." Severus answered, gripping Lily's hand. "Lily baby... Remus and James... Can you say hi?"

Lily looked up, right into James' eyes. Her green ones, once full of happiness, were now empty. She then turned towards Remus and her lips slowly formed a forced smile. "Hi."

All three men smiled, "Hi Lily." Remus answered, stroking her cheek.

"Did I miss anything important?" Her voice was weak and her eyes were glazed over with a far off look in them.

"Nothing you can't learn in five minutes' time." Remus answered. She then turned back towards James.

"Did you have fun Sunday night?" Sunday night was the full moon, and Lily knew about the three friends transforming.

"Yes, we did, but we missed coming back and having you nag us." James smiled half heartedly, then glanced up towards the door. He then glanced at his watch and quickly decided something.

"Remus, we have to go. It's nearly 8 and we still have to eat." He turned back towards Lily. "We'll come and see you again later, ok?"

"Ok. Thanks James, thanks Remus," She then turned back over to face Severus, who was still gripping her hand. With that, the two exited the room.

Once outside, Sirius and Peter questioned the two about Lily's condition. Answering as many questions as possible, James and Remus led the two to the Great Hall, where Dumbledore met them.

"I see you visited Lily... Is she awake right now?"

Remus nodded, "She talked too."

Dumbledore smiled a bit, "I'm glad to see she's recovering. Thank you for your time." With that, he made his way out of the Great Hall and back down to the hospital wing, where Lily was now sitting up.

"Lily, I'm glad to see you're feeling better. Do you think you'll be ready to go back to the Gryffindor Tower tomorrow?"

She shrugged and then looked down at her hands. "Do I have to?"

Professor Dumbledore shook his head, "Where else would you suggest?"

Lily looked at Severus, who was now starring down at his feet with interest. "Somewhere that Severus can have access to."

"That would mean you would be living alone, Lily. Are you sure you want that? Being surrounded by friends would be best for you in a time like this."

Lily nodded, "Papa, please. We're both hurting here, and being separated isn't going to help anything."

There was a long pause, and he finally answered. "I'll see what I can do, Lily. I'm not promising anything, however." Dumbledore sighed, "You have six months of schooling left, it would not be healthy for you to alienate yourself from your piers."

"Papa, no matter where I am, I'll be alienated. The whole school's going to know soon enough, and sympathy is the last thing we need. My roommates -- they already knew about James, and I was constantly being asked questions. I do not need that, please Papa."

Dumbledore finally agreed with her, "I shall find an appropriate room for you, Lily, and if you're feeling better tomorrow, you shall be moved in to it."

"Thank you Papa." Lily smiled weakly, then laid back down and closed her eyes.

"Severus... A word, if you will." Dumbledore motioned for Severus to follow him outside of the wing. He followed, curious as to what Professor Dumbledore would say.

"Severus, I know this is hard on both of you, but try to be strong for her. I would modify her memory if I thought it would help, but I don't believe it would. This happened for a reason, a reason we might never live to know. As Lord Voldemort grows stronger, he gains more and more enemies. Hopefully you have now become aware of the terrible thing he is capable of. I will move her into a room close to the Slytherin Tower; I wish for you to visit her as often as you can and as often as she wants. If you must miss classes, tell me and I will inform your professors your absences are justified. I do not want James Potter around her, unless she specifically asks for him. Severus, do what's best for her, no matter what the costs. Do you understand?"

Severus nodded, "Yes Professor."

Dumbledore nodded, satisfied. "Very well. I shall make sure no one else finds out what has happened, and meanwhile, I suggest you get some rest."

Severus shrugged, "Madame Pomfrey said I could sleep in one of the beds."

"Very well... I shall see you tomorrow."

"Thanks, Professor."

"You're welcome, Severus. Just take care of her."

*

Chapter Three, Part Three: Here's To The Nights

She was surrounded by scarlet and gold, as a reference to her House: Scarlet sheets, golden tassels, scarlet curtains, gold fixtures, scarlet armchairs, and a golden desk. The floor was wooden, freshly swept, and a painting of a vase of lilies protected the door. Dumbledore had conveniently chosen the room that was adjacent to the Slytherin 7th Year Boy's dorm. Placing a passageway at the head of Severus' bed that led directly to the room, he warned them not to do anything they'd regret.

It was the day almost the whole school left for Christmas Holiday, three days after Lily was attacked and two days before Christmas. She had been moved to the room an hour previous, silently rejoicing at the fact she wouldn't have to face any of the three remaining Marauders. She still hurt, although not nearly as much physically as emotionally. She knew Severus blamed himself, although he had no reason to. He had done what any son would do; he told his father about what was happening in his life, confident his father would not betray him.

She lay on her bed, occasionally glancing out the window at the waning half-moon. She wanted desperately for Severus to come through the door, but no matter how hard she wished he hadn't appeared yet.

She hadn't cried since the day she had woken up and had to relive her experiences; she was too numb. She placed a hand on her now empty belly, trying to wish the baby back in. She still couldn't believe what had happened, after all she and Severus had been through. Overcoming James had been hard enough, and when she found out she was pregnant, she was terrified Severus would leave her. He hadn't however, and their relationship grew.

A creak interrupted her train of thought; she looked up to see Severus standing there, slowly closing the door behind him. He looked at her, his black eyes reflecting the little light in the room. He made his way over to her bed and she scooted over, making room for him. After he climbed in, Severus wrapped his arms around her and pulled her up against him, trying to get as close as possible.

"Are you doing ok?" he asked softly, resting his chin on the top of her head.

"I'm still alive... Does that count?"

"It's as good as anyone could hope for right now." Severus answered, a tone of sorrow filling his words.

"Can you stay with me tonight?" she asked, intertwining her ankles with his.

"I'll stay as long as you want me to." He answered, scooting down a bit and kissing her gently.

"We're going to be laying here forever then." She said with little humor.

"Then I'll know for sure I died and went to heaven." He kissed her once more. "Christmas is in two days... Are you going to stay in here the whole time, or are you going to come with me and eat something three times a day?"

She shrugged the best she could, "I'm not very hungry, but if you insist, I'll try."

"That's a good girl..." Severus tucked a stray piece of fiery red hair back behind her ear. "I don't suppose you'd want to stay in here the whole time, would you?"

"As long as I don't have to see James, I'll be ok."

"Why, what's wrong? He didn't do anything, did he?"

She shook her head, "No, but I feel... I'm not sure. Vulnerable, I guess, and I know he'd take advantage of that."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that if I were you, Lil... I know Remus would like to see you, he misses you."

"Let him miss me... I just want to stay here with you." She cuddled up to him, resting her hand on the nape of his neck and kissing him once more.

After a few minutes of this, Severus broke away and looked down at her. "Baby, are you sure about this?"

She nodded, kissing him once more. "I've never been so sure of anything in my life... Just trust me, Sev, you'll see."

Looking back on that night, Severus would have said it was more need than want. They both had cried, not from physical pain but from the memory of wanting something so badly, and then having it taken right out from under them. He had kissed the tears off her cheeks, but allowed his to spill down his own cheeks without remorse. With her, he felt alive; he wasn't the corpse he had been for the past 72 hours. Instead, he felt whole. Both pieces of the puzzle, when joined, were a piece of art. To both parties, it was no longer an action; it was an emotion. For the first time, they hadn't slept together... they made love.

So denied, so I lied, are you the now or never kind?

In a day and a day, love, I'm gonna be gone for good again
Are you willing to be had? Are you cool with just tonight?
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well

Here's to the nights we felt alive

Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

Put your name on the line along with place and time

Wanna stay, not to go, I wanna ditch the logical
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well

Here's to the nights we felt alive

Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

All my time is froze in motion

Can't I stay an hour or two or more?
Don't let me let you go...
Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well

Here's to the nights we felt alive

Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry
Here's to goodbye
Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

~ Eve6, "Here's to the Night"

*

Chapter Three, Part Four: Innocense

Severus sat on the edge of his bed, hand in his pocket. Thoughts were running through his mind like crazy; Should he or shouldn't he? It seemed right, like the natural progression of things. Not necessarily a step, but a progression. Thinking it out for one more moment, he swallowed his pride and checked to see if anyone else was in the dorm before he opened the door and walked into Lily's room. Seeing that she was awake, he smiled and walked over to her and sat down next to her on the bed.

"Merry Christmas Eve, baby." He kissed her and then drew back, a few last minute 'what ifs?' running through his head.

"Hey Severus... Excited about Christmas yet?" Lily asked, putting down the book she was reading.

"Nah, I've never had a Christmas to get excited about."

"Are you Jewish?"

Severus smiled, "No, but my family was never really into those kinds of traditions."

Lily nodded, "That's terrible... Are you spending the night tonight?"

Severus shrugged, "If you want me to."

Lily smiled, "Of course I do. Although I don't know if your presents will end up here or in your dorm..."

Severus smiled back, "I'm sure your Papa knows I stay here."

Lily agreed, "Seeing as how he made it possible..."

Severus paused and took a deep breath. "Lily, I have something to ask you."

"Shoot."

Severus took in a deep breath and got on one knee in front of her. Taking out a velvet box in his pocket, he opened it revealing a diamond ring.

"Lily, will you marry me?"

Lily was too stunned to speak for a moment. She looked into Severus' pleading black eyes, and finally broke out into a huge grin.

"Of course." She then kissed him and he put the ring on her finger. "I love you."

"I love you too, Lil, and don't you ever forget that."

Lily and Severus woke up the next day, Christmas, to two separate piles of packages at the end of Lily's bed.

"I guess our antics are fairly well-known." Lily smirked, poking Severus in the side before she crawled up to the end of her bed and ripped into the first package.

Severus sat up and blinked, nearly blinded by the bright light streaming through the window and reflecting off the golden furnishings in the room. The memory of the previous night came flooding back to him, and he smiled. He then crawled up next to Lily, who was holding out a purple silk dress with a look of interesting on her face.

"Mum definitely knows what I fancy." She stated, burying her face into the soft material. She inhaled deeply, catching the scents of home, and then set the dress next to her and ripped open the next present. Meanwhile, Severus was opening his presents with a lack of interesting, wondering why all his family bothered to get him was books and random articles of clothing, when his eyes fell upon a letter in the middle of the stack. Ripping it open with curiosity and reading the first few sentences, he immediately regretted it.

Dear Severus,

After many weeks, our kind has found out the relation you speak of about Miss Evans. As she is the kin of Albus Dumbledore, your Lord's greatest enemy, she is considered a threat.

Lord Voldemort has requested that you dispose of her immediately, or he will do so himself. He has been merciful enough to spare her once, days ago, please do not dishonour him and keep up your relations.
You are still permitted to acquaint yourself with her, however, anything more is strictly prohibited. You have one month. Please son, do as your Lord asks, as he will not be forgiving more than once. You are destined to be in his inner circle; he has great things planned for you, Severus. Do not disregard his request as you have often done in the past.
Respond with your course of action.

Sincerely,

S. L. Snape

Just as Severus finished, Lily tried to grab it from him, wanting to read. He immediately put it back in the envelope and stuck it in a book lying next to him.

"What was that about?" Lily asked, offering him a Chocolate Frog. Severus accepted and cracked it open to find an Albus Dumbledore card inside. At the sight of Professor Dumbledore, Severus' stomach lurched, threatening to dispose of its contents.

"Nothing, just a Christmas letter from home." Severus lied, guilt immediately flooding his insides like ice water.

"Ok then... Oo, you got Papa!" Lily gleefully took the card from him and smiled. "You know, we should go up and visit him right about now... I bet he's lonely. Besides, we have to tell him about us." She glanced down at the ring on her left hand and smiled.

Severus nodded numbly, "Yes, that'd be a good idea. However, we will see him in less than an hour; perhaps he is sleeping in? It is only 8 AM, Lily."

She shrugged, "Probably. He tends to sleep in as much as possible -- he's even worse than you." She poked him in the side once more, and then rested her head on his shoulder. "You know, this is the best Christmas I've ever had, regardless of everything that's happened."

Severus nodded, "Even with everything, this is by far the best Christmas I've ever had."

Lily sighed and laid down once more. "What are you planning on doing after you've graduated?"

"Marrying you, of course... Helping your Papa, perhaps become a teacher, maybe even here at Hogwarts."

Lily smiled, "You? A teacher? Professor Snape... Hmm, it does have a ring to it."

Severus laughed a bit, lying down next to her. "I suppose it does. How about you?"

Lily shrugged, "Marry you... Work for the Ministry, maybe. Help Papa, of course... Or if all else fails, stay home and have a gazillion babies."

"A gazillion? How am I supposed to keep up with you then?"

"It'll take pure skill, none of which you are lacking."

"Thanks a lot, Lil."

Lily grinned, "No problem."

*

Chapter Three, Part Five: Tumbling Towards Ecstasy

Severus and Lily walked down to the Great Hall hand-in-hand, expecting to see the four House tables, however they were pleased to find that a table set for twenty was standing in the middle of the Hall, with the four Marauders and a few teachers seated already. A fifth year Hufflepuff and a third year Ravenclaw were seated on the opposite side of the Marauders. Professor Dumbledore was seated in the middle of the table with two seats to his right empty. Once he saw Lily and Severus, he motioned for them to join him. Taking her spot next to Dumbledore, Lily sat down, her hand still intertwined with Severus'.

"Merry Christmas to you both!" Professor Dumbledore exclaimed, a goofy grin spread across his face. "I trust you both slept well?"

Lily kissed him on the cheek and nodded. "Yes Papa."

James shot a startled glance over towards Lily. She realized her mistake and avoided his eyes. Instead, she turned towards Severus, looking for permission to announce their engagement. He nodded, and she turned back around to her grandfather.

"Papa, look." She held out her left hand and showed him her ring. Dumbledore's smile grew wider and looked over at Severus.

"Congratulations to both of you... Congratulations." He looked up at the rest of the table, then stood up.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is a very Merry Christmas indeed. I hope you all are enjoying your day, and I would like to make an announcement." He smile down upon Lily and Severus, then continued. "My granddaughter, Lily Evans, and Severus Snape are getting married!"

The table was silent from shock for a moment, then a wild burst of applause and congratulations emerged. Lily glanced at James for a moment to see his brown eyes full of hurt. He stood up and walked out of the Great Hall without saying a word, with his friends and Lily being the only ones that noticed.

Lily was torn between following him and staying, and after a moment's battle, she smiled at everyone and excused herself, then trotted after James.

She caught up to him a minute later, "James... What's wrong?"

James turned around the face her, trying to hide his red rimmed eyes. "Jesus Christ, Lily... If you don't know what's wrong by now, then you must be stupider than a troll."

Lily sighed, "Please tell me you're not still mad about the fact we're only friends?"

James scoffed, "Yeah Lily, you're marrying that lousy git, you almost had his baby, and you never told me you're related to Dumbledore... and I'm mad about us being friends."

"I love Severus, and if you can't handle that, then why the hell even look at us?"

"Because..." James clenched his fists, "because I still love you Lily, damnit. Can't you understand that?"

Lily sighed, "I understand that perfectly... You have to get over me, James. You're too used to being the top of everything, and for once your enemy got the one thing you wanted."

"I SAVED HIS FUCKING LIFE!" James exclaimed, hitting the cold stonewall. "This is how he repays me... I could have let him see Remus; I could have let the werewolf tear him apart, limb from limb, but no. I warned him... I told him not to go. Next year, he gets my girlfriend pregnant and wants to marry her."

"I'm not your girlfriend anymore, James." Lily said softly, looking down at her feet.

"Do you have any idea how much I regret what I did to you? Do you have any idea what so ever? I go to sleep at night praying for a chance to turn back time, hoping that maybe Severus would make one wrong move and you'd dump him... Do you know how much I wish that I were the one giving you that ring? I would have, Lil, I was planning to, until he ruined it all."

Lily shook her head, "It's not his fault he loves me... It's my fault. Blame me, just don't blame him. He didn't do anything wrong."

James sighed, leaning back on the wall. "I miss you Lil... Promise me if anything happens with Severus, you'll come back to me."

Lily considered this for a moment, then nodded. "I promise... as long as you act human, I promise."

James looked up at her, then wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his robes. "I guess you'd better go back there."

Lily looked over her shoulder at the entrance of the Great Hall. "And I suppose Remus and Sirius are wondering where you went."

James stood up and started walking down the corridor, "Coming?"

Lily followed him, watching the back of his heels peak out from below his robes. The two entered the Hall separately, James walking to his seat next to Sirius and Lily walking to hers between her grandfather and Severus. Severus took her hand in his own and squeezed it softly, then leaned over to whisper something to her.

"He didn't do anything, did he?"

Lily shook her head, smiling at him with reassurance. She knew right then and there Severus was the one she wanted to be with, not James. She kissed Severus quickly, once again avoiding James' stare.