Saturday couldn’t come fast enough in Severus’s opinion. He awoke that morning earlier than he had during the week. He had a few surprises for his best girl that still weren’t quite ready. First off—still in his pajamas—he ran to the kitchens to make sure the House Elves would be ready on time. When he was satisfied, he went back to his room and fished under his bed…
----------
Lily was up before the sun, earlier than she usually got up, but she was so excited she couldn’t sleep. Why? she thought. It’s just Sev and our homework. But she knew the reason. It was because she would finally get to spend the day with her best friend. No pressures, no Petunia to bug them.
The tired girl rolled over and groaned. Petunia! She’d ruined the week Severus stayed with the Evans’ that summer. He’d never been to a muggle house before, and although Stephen and Goldie had treated him with infinite kindness—Mr. Evans shooting questions about the wizarding world every chance he got—Petunia’s attitude towards the “freak” made Lily’s blood boil.
Then Petunia had brought Vernon over and they’d egged each other on. Worse, they followed the witch and wizard everywhere, taunting them and teasing dear Severus. Finally, Lily hadn’t been able to take it anymore and she confronted her sister, but it only made things worse. Any attention given to Severus and Lily by their parents was immediately seen as a personal insult to the older daughter. It had almost been a relief when Severus had disappeared into the fireplace at the end of the week. Petunia’s childishness was internalized once again.
I just don’t get it, Lily thought. I want to love her, but it’s really hard to love someone who’s mean every day. I don’t understand how my being a witch is so hard for her, except maybe she feels less, special, or something. I don’t know.
She sighed, and sat up. Throwing back the curtains, she noticed that the sun was just ready to rise over the lake. It’s going to be a perfect day. She quickly made the bed, chuckling again that the House Elves had thought to decorate the room in her house colors. It helped her feel a little less isolated from the tower she’d called home for so many years. Last but not least, she gave Gorgeous a big hug and placed him against the pillows. The soft, white teddy bear had been a gift from Severus four years ago, and she’d followed the ritual every morning since.
Glancing in the mirror, she rolled her eyes at her hair, which was now quite oily from having been slept on. She pulled it into a messy ponytail and resolved not to look at herself in the mirror again until after her morning shower. Out of sight, out of mind. Lily threw on some comfortable clothes, grabbed her shoes, and tiptoed into the common room.
The clock above the fireplace read five-fifteen. As she tied the laces on her shoes, Lily wondered briefly what James would be doing that day. No doubt goofing off with his friends and not doing his homework. How that boy get such good grades is beyond me.
She ran through the corridors to the main hall, hoping she wouldn’t be late. Just as she thought, the large-nosed Slytherin was waiting for her already.
“Nice headband,” she teased.
He shrugged and winked. “Got it from someone pretty wicked.”
Lily winked back. “Probably got tired of watching you get your exercise by brushing the hair out of your face while you run.”
“Probably.” Severus was smiling now. “But at least I wait for you to show up before I start running.”
“True,” the red-head conceded. “Let’s go outside.”
Their Saturday morning run had long-since been approved by both their Heads of House, so the tall boy pushed the doors open and they walked down the steps to warm up.
“So,” Lily asked as she stretched out her calves. “How are the Larsens? Really sorry I didn’t get a chance to visit them this summer.”
“So were they. They’re doing all right.”
“Bet they’re sad both their boys are away at Hogwarts. I know they miss you, and now that Rees is here they’re on their own.”
Severus extended his left arm in front of his chest and pulled it close with his right hand. “Actually, they’re overjoyed. You know the Larsens. They kept saying things like ‘Now we can go on that second Honeymoon.’” He extended his right arm to repeat the process. “I think they’re just glad that Rees can be here while I still am.”
“And so are you.”
“Yeah. He’s a good kid.”
Lily rolled her eyes and leaned over to touch her toes. “That’s an understatement. Sorry he’s not in Slytherin.”
“Me too, but I think Hufflepuff is a better fit. He’s the most loyal kid I know—next to you. Doesn’t mind sharing his parents on bit.”
“Why should he, with you as his big brother? I’ve seen you with him, Sev. You’ve made sure he knows that you won’t try to steal his family.” Her eyes glittered wickedly. “In spite of your Slytherin tendencies.”
He stopped rolling his head around and looked at her with a mock-menacing stare. “Excuse me?”
“Oh! Sorry!” She put on her most contrite expression. “Forgive me?”
“We’ll see.” He shook out his long limbs and said, “Ready?”
“Yup.”
The pair slowly jogged toward Hagrid’s hut, establishing a breathing rhythm. Severus didn’t mind holding back to stay level with Lily. After all, his legs were longer than hers. When they reached the garden, they stretched out a bit more, then took off around the outside of the Forbidden Forest.
“Hey Sev.” Lily said, not yet out of breath.
“Yeah?”
“Have you ever been tempted to go in there?”
Severus glanced over at the petite girl. “Where? The Forest?”
“Yeah.”
“Nope.”
“Really?”
He swallowed, but was not about to admit he was starting to get winded. “Yeah.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“You’re just scared of coming face-to-face with a werewolf,” Lily joked.
The Slytherin almost stumbled. She had no idea how true that was. “Do you want to go in there?”
“No.”
“Why?”
Lily shrugged and said, “They told me not to, so I don’t.”
If it were anybody else, Severus would have told her she was lying. “What’s with you and rules?”
“Isn’t it nice to take some stuff for granted?”
“I don’t take anything for granted. Can we not talk for a little bit?”
She pretended not to notice her friend’s slight puffing. “Sure.”
They ran along in silence until they reached the lake. The school stood on the other side, and its gleaming towers were reflected in the large pool. It was Lily’s favorite spot, especially so early in the morning. Everything seemed brand new.
Severus slowed to an easy jog once again. He watched the freckle-faced girl gaze at the castle in wonder. Never will get over the shock of finding out she’s a witch. This place is the embodiment of magic for her. I wish we could stay here together forever. Don’t know what we’d do, though. Her hair was limp, her skin glistened with sweat, and her t-shirt was starting to cling to her body. She is so beautiful, he thought.
Just then, Lily blurted out, “Why don’t we ever bring water with us?” She thought her throat was going to collapse in on itself. “The lake is torturing me!”
“Oh yeah. Silly us.”
The pretty girl looked at her friend, eyebrow raised. He never used the word “silly.”
Severus smiled back, then his eyes got wide and he pointed at something behind her. “What is that?”
She spun around and saw a little open-front tent on the edge of the forest. Underneath it was a table with a large pitcher of water, and two cups. A nervous-looking house elf was standing to one side.
It was all Lily could do not to laugh. “Sev!” She looked at him appreciatively as they jogged to the oasis. “You’re the best!”
The house elf handed her one of the glasses, and began to pour the water—no small feat as Lily refused to stop walking. She wasn’t done with her workout.
“What is your name?” She asked the little hook-nosed creature.
“Jinkies, miss,” he replied humbly.
Lily was impressed that he hadn’t spilled any water yet. “Well, thank you, Jinkies. I really needed this!” She continued to walk around the tent as she sipped slowly. Water never seemed to taste so good as when she was dying of thirst!
The pink creature seemed to be having a more difficult time serving Severus. Not only was the dark-haired boy taller than Lily , but he seemed to be a little annoyed by the eager creature.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to just fill up the glasses and then give it to us?” Severus asked.
Jinkies’ large purple eyes grew even more round as the simplicity of Severus’ suggestion sunk in. Suddenly he shoved the pitcher into the Slytherin’s hands, fell to his hands and knees, and began bashing his nose against the hard packed dirt.
Lily was shocked. She didn’t have a lot of experience with house elfs, and she never knew what to do when they spontaneously beat themselves. Instinctively, she reached down and tried to pick the poor creature up. “Stop it! Stop! Stop!” Jinkies was struggling to stay on the ground. Lily lost her balance and tripped over him, landing face-first in the dirt.
Laughing, Severus placed the pitcher back on the table and pulled his dusty friend up. She looked a little put out, but at least Jinkies had stopped banging his nose. “You all right?”
“Yeah.” Lily looked warily at the mournful little elf. “Thanks for the water,” she said. She drained the last of it from her cup and started off.
Severus drank his cupful and sprinted after her. “Sorry. That didn’t work out quite as well as I hoped.”
Surprisingly, considering the new bruise forming on her elbow, Lily was chuckling. “That’s okay. It was a really good idea.” She shook her head. “Why are they all like that?”
“That’s just the way they are, I guess.”
She winked. “This from the man who claims not to take anything for granted.”
“I don’t. Not the important things.”
“Like what?”
“Oh, like family.”
“Right.” Severus had every reason to appreciate his family. The Larsen’s had been friends of his parents. When the Snapes were killed the boy had only been eight years old, and the loving middle-aged couple had adopted Severus as their own, raising him as their son. “That’s important. And you have a great one.”
He smiled thoughtfully. “I know. I owe them a lot.”
“And you love them? Don’t you?”
“Yes.” Most of the time he tried not to think of those first few years, when he had been so lonely and felt so abandoned. He didn’t know how he would have come to terms with his parents’ death without the Larsen’s kindness and compassion.
Lily noticed how quiet and pensive her friend was becoming. Trying to change the subject a little, she asked. “What else is important?”
“You.” It was almost a whisper. Severus looked down and focused on his breathing. He wasn’t going to cry again. Not here.
“Me? Oh right. I’m the one you let fall over a house elf!” She really needed him to start laughing again.
Now is not the time. He took a deep breath and forced himself to smile. “But you look so nice covered in dirt. Of course,” he continued, with a mischievous twinkle in his chocolate-brown eyes. “I could fix that for you?”
Lily raised her eyebrow suspiciously. “How?”
Grabbing her arms he pushed her toward the lake, but held onto her so she didn’t fall in. “I could always push you into the lake!”
A gale of laughter exploded from her mouth. “That sounds like something James would do!”
Severus froze. Now why had she said that? It seemed to come from nowhere. He let go of her arms and kept walking toward the school.
“Sev?”
“Yeah,” he said, without turning around.
“Is something wrong?”
He stopped, realizing he should wait for her. “No. Just tired, I guess.”
The green-eyed girl hurried to catch up. “Oh.” She glanced at her watch. “Holy smokes! It’s almost eight o’clock! We better hurry if we’re going to make it in time from breakfast!”
After one final stretch, the two split up and headed to their rooms. Severus couldn’t stop thinking about what Lily had said about James.
She’s never mentioned him before, he thought as he stepped into the shower. Why would she do it now? He tried to justify it by reminding himself that James was Lily’s roommate, so of course they would get to know each other better. Still, it was strange she had brought him up right then. He wanted to ask her about it, but he was afraid what her answer would be.
Severus rolled his eyes at himself. She’d probably just laugh it off. She’s friends with practically everyone. Why should this be different? He dressed quickly, and hurried down to breakfast with wet hair.
He couldn’t deny he was jealous. He didn’t want to share Lily with anyone any more than was reasonable. He was being unreasonable enough as it was.
----------
I hate being a girl. Thank goodness for charms. The ten-and-a-quarter inch willow wand was pointed at her hair, blowing hot air on the wet locks. She couldn’t stand the slight wave in it (it wasn’t curly enough to leave curly, but refused to stay straight on its own) so she blew it straight every morning. At least her wand was faster and more efficient then Petunia’s hair dryer. I bet boys don’t worry about their looks like this. James looks like he just gets up and goes with out touching his hair. Wish I could.
Not wanting to wear her uniform, Lily looked through her wardrobe for something less severe. After a few minutes, she started laughing. Everything in her closet was black! Guess I need to stop by the robe shop during my next trip to Hogsmeade. She threw on some lighter robes, and her favorite strappy sandals, and headed down to breakfast.
“Lily! Hey Lily!” Lizzie was waving the red-head over to the table.
Lily sat and grabbed a piece of toast. “What’s up?”
Barely able to contain her excitement, the bubbly blonde blurted, “I got permission from Professor McGonagall to direct a play!”
“Really?”
“Yeah!” Lizzie leaned in. “I’ve been asking her since last year, and this morning she said it would be okay! I’m so excited! We’re going to do Hamlet and auditions are Tuesday night. Will you come?”
The freckles on Lily’s face grew paler as the blood drained from Lily’s face. “I could never do that! Stand up in front of all those people?” The blue-eyed girl made a move to protest. “Plus, with Quidditch practice and my duties as Head Girl, I don’t think I’d have time.”
“Being Head Girl can’t be that much responsibility, can it?” Lizzie pleaded, but seeing the truly terrified look on her fellow Ravenclaw’s face, she decided to let it drop. “Okay, but do you think Severus would try out?”
“Severus?” Lily turned to glance at her friend—who she was surprised to see happened to look up at her at the same time. She shrugged and faced Lizzie again. “I don’t know—“
“Would you ask him Lily? I bet he’d do it if you asked. He’d be a perfect Laertes.”
Knowing her best friend the way she did, she knew it was the kind of thing Severus wouldn’t be excited about at first, but he’d probably like it if he tried. “I’ll ask. But I’m not making any promises.”
“Oh good!” Lizzie hugged the petite Head Girl. “I’ll have information on where and when and what to do posted before lunch. I’m so excited! It’s going to be so much fun!”
Lily smiled. “Can’t wait to see it. When do you think you’ll perform?”
Beaming, the sun-kissed girl said, “Probably just before Christmas.”
“I’ll be there.” Lily promised. She scraped some raspberry jam on her toast and took a bite.
Sev would be wonderful. She mused. His dark hair and mysterious eyes make him the perfect villan. Plus, he has such a beautiful voice. She giggled. Not to mention I bet he’d look great in tights! Though, Lily took another bite of her toast, I probably shouldn’t mention that part. I wonder if he would actually do it.
----------
Severus kept noticing that Lizzie Craven and Lily kept peeking at him strangely. He was beginning to feel it had something to do with his hair. So what if it looks greasier when it’s wet? Nothing I can do.
His frown deepened when he saw Malfoy also looking at him. What does he want? He keeps cornering me everywhere, talking about the Ministry. The thoughtful Slytherin couldn’t help but feel that whatever Malfoy intended, it wouldn’t be good. What was it?
Then there was Sirius Black. The slightly more stout Gryffindor never missed an opportunity to make some sort of snide remark towards the leaner Slytherin. If he mentions some stupid animal name one more time. . . Severus wished the boy didn’t irk him so much, but something about him—
“Ready to go, Sev?” Severus jumped, a bit startled, but saw Lily’s green-eyes shining down on him.
Pushing his plate away, he stood. “Yes.” He glared at Malfoy, who was now looking at the pretty red-head. “Let’s.”
They took there homework outside, back to the spot by the lake that Lily loved so much. It was a perfect day. Just a little cloudy, but still warm. The animals in the nearby forest were busy getting ready for the coming winter, making all sorts of noise, but it was still peaceful for the two students.
Lily and Severus kneeled around her cauldron watching the ingredients boil.
“You know, when Snell started with the Boiling/Freezing potion, I thought I’d be able to handle potions for once, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get this one right.”
Smiling reassuringly, the dark-eyed wizard said, “You will. Just remember, the trick to Veritaserum is mixing snake blood with the cherry root before you add the feathers.”
“But they look the same.”
“They’re not. Trust me.”
She winked. “Of course. You’ve never steered me wrong before. Okay snake blood and cherry root…do the feathers have to be from ravens? Can’t I just use chicken feathers? They’re so much softer.”
“That’s exactly why you can’t. The truth is hard. You have to take it—and the potion—seriously.”
He sounded so earnest. “You really like potions, don’t you?”
Severus shrugged. “Sure. Doesn’t everyone like what they’re good at?”
“I guess so. You are really good with potions.”
“I wonder if I could make a living with it somewhere.”
“Why not? You could start a business, mass-producing Veritaserum for politicians.” Lily sprinkled a handful of feathers into the mixture, thinking how gross it would be if she ever drank any of it. “If all else failed, you could be an actor.”
The tall boy snorted. “Is that another plea for me to read to you? You’re not getting out of your homework that easily.”
“No,” the Head Girl answered, rolling her eyes. “And thank you for keeping me on track. Actually, Lizzie asked me to talk to you. McGonagall gave her permission to direct a play, and she wants you in it.”
“Me? Why?”
Lily smiled sweetly. “Because you’re so talented and mysterious.”
“‘Mysterious,’ right.” Now he rolled his eyes. “You’re such a bad liar. What’s the play?”
“Hamlet. Lizzie thinks you’d be brilliant as Laertes, and I agree. Oh, and I’m not lying. I really think you’d be great, and I think you might even have fun.”
To his own surprise, Severus found himself considering it. “Are you going to be in it?”
“No.”
“Why?” With her pale skin and large eyes, she’d be a perfect Ophelia.
She squirmed a little. “Me? In front of all those people? I could never…I just…I mean—“
“All right, I get it!” Severus laughed. “Too bad, though. Like you said, you might have fun.”
“And I might forget all my lines and throw up.”
The brown-eyed Slytherin winked. “I’d bring my hat for you.”
The two laughed for a few minutes. No matter how many times he said it, that joke never seemed to get old.
Lily wiped a tear from her cheek. “By the way, I never did get to say ‘I’m sorry’ for that time—“
“Don’t worry about it. I didn’t like that hat anyway.”
After a few more hiccoughing chuckles, Severus noticed the potion was done simmering. “You ready to try your potion, yet?”
“Ew! No way! I know what’s in that stuff. Why don’t you try some first?”
“What? You don’t know enough about me?”
“I don’t know,” she teased. “You’ve been keeping some secrets lately I’d love to get to the bottom of…”
Severus grimaced. “I’m not ready to talk about that just now.”
The slender girl cuffed him lightly on the shoulder. “Okay. No pressure. You’ve just never kept anything from me before—“
“I know. And you’ve always been really honest with me.”
“Then, what’s the problem?”
“It’s complicated.”
A pause. Then Lily said softly, “If you say so, Sev. But I’m here if you need me.”
“I know. Thanks.”
“So, who should I try this out on?”
Severus thought about it for a minute. “You could give some to Potter later if you wanted. It doesn’t lose potency when it cools.”
“Good idea. Now let’s get started with Transfiguration.”
Severus groaned. “Can’t I just read to you instead?”
“Only if it’s out of Advanced Transfiguration.”
“All right. I’m ready. What first?”
“Turning iron into gold.”
“Why would I want to do that?”
Lily rolled her eyes again. “I don’t know. Because it’s in the book.”
“Right. Great reason.”
“I thought so. Now start on chapter four…”
----------
Perhaps I’ve been going about this the wrong way, Malfoy thought. Severus is rather attached to that Ravenclaw. If I were able to use that to my advantage… She doesn’t seem to feel quite the same way, but he’d do anything for her. I wonder if she knows… Malfoy smiled slowly. I wonder if Severus has been brave enough to tell her.
----------
“Congratulations! You did it!” Lily threw her arms around her now-grumpy friend. “I knew you would!”
Severus blushed. “I’m not dumb.”
“I know it, but you sure were frustrated. Can you do it again?”
“Yes.” Severus touched his wand to the iron bar. “Alchemio!” The bar turned into a perfect pile of golden galleons. “Look, I’m rich,” he commented drily.
Lily rolled her eyes. “Look at that.”
”What keeps me from doing this all the time and being ridiculously rich?”
“The law. You have to be a licensed Gringotts Goblin to do this full-time. They leave a certain mark on it. Yours would only be valuable if you melted it down into jewelry or something.”
“Interesting. I think I’ll do that. Can we stop now?”
“Sure. What do you want to do?”
The long-haired boy shrugged. “Maybe we could work on my audition for a little bit.”
Lily clapped her hands. “You mean you’re going to do it?”
“Audition? Yes. I don’t know if I’ll do the play, though.”
“But you’ll be so good!”
Severus blushed slightly. “You’re just saying that because you’re my friend.”
“Yep, and that means I know what you can do. What are you going to do?”
“Um...maybe something from Romeo and Juliet?”
“Won’t everybody do something from that? It’s one of the most well-known plays of all time. Then again, it is very emotional and passionate.”
“All of Shakespeare’s plays are. What do you suggest?”
“Well if you’re going for passionate—do you want to do something that will really surprise people?”
Severus smiled shyly. “Why not?”
Lily smiled mischievously. “Then maybe…”
They worked on Severus’s monologue for the rest of the afternoon. Lily laughed heartily at his hammed up faces, and his different voices. By the end of the session, Severus felt more or less confident that he wouldn’t make a gigantic fool of himself, and Lily knew every girl in the school would fall for him. Why not? He’s such a good guy. Thoughtful, intelligent, sensitive, protective…
“What are you thinking about?”
The red-head blinked and looked at her friend. “What?”
“I said, ‘What are you thinking about?’”
“Oh, just that when you fall in love, the girl you pick better be good enough for you.”
Severus realized that Lily wasn’t teasing this time. “I hope so, too.” Now? he wondered briefly. Should I tell her now? “Same with you. If the boy you choose doesn’t feel the same way, he’d have to be crazy.”
Lily blushed and smiled. “Ah, that’s so nice.”
“I mean it.”
Both were feeling just a little uncomfortable. She’s not ready, yet. Neither am I, for that matter. But soon…
“Um…well, what do you want to do now?”
“I dunno, what do you want to do?”
“I dunno—wait, now don’t start that!” Lily giggled.
Severus laughed. “Alright then, what do you want to do?”
Lily’s stomach growled. “Well, since we missed lunch, maybe we should head over to dinner.”
He immediately stood and reached for her hand, pulling Lily up. “Good plan. I didn’t realize how hungry I am!”
They gathered their schoolbooks and made their way back to the school.
“Oh! That reminds me!” Lily suddenly remembered.
“What?”
“What what?”
Severus shook his head. “What reminds you?”
“Going to drop our books off. James and I decided we can tell our friends where our common room is.”
“Really?” Severus tried to contain his excitement. “Where is it?”
“I’ll show you. You can leave your stuff there, too. But we’re not really going to have visitors. We kind of figured since you and James’s friends don’t get along…”
Severus nodded quickly. “I get it. But at least I can walk you to and from again.”
“Yeah. I kind of missed that. You couldn’t drop me off at my common room then either—the Ravenclaws would have murdered me—but at least we had our special spot.”
“Is the new place anywhere near there?”
Lily winked. “Nope. You’ll just have to see. It’s pretty wicked.”
They walked for a few minutes before reaching the stairs. Severus gave Lily a funny look when she stopped in the door-less corridor and yelled “Blathering blatherskite” at the staircase. Then he jumped when the stairs began to move.
“Well, that’s impressive.”
“I thought so. Wait here a sec—“
“Oh! Hey Lily!” James called, stepping into the hallway. “Hi Severus. Welcome to ‘The Haven.’”
The long-haired Slytherin smiled faintly. “Thank you for agreeing to let me come.”
“No problem.” James smiled, and Lily noticed a faint dimple in his right cheek. “You’re one of the people I know we can trust to keep it a secret. Wouldn’t want everyone storming the place at once, eh?”
“I suppose not.”
Lily looked from one to the other. She felt the tension coming from both, and wished they would tell her what it was about. “I’ll just go drop off our stuff, then.” She left the two boys in the hall.
Severus, not inclined to say anything to the too-cheerful Gryffindor, just stood silently, staring at a silly painting of an alligator wearing a helmet and shield. The gator seemed to be defending his hallway, silently brandishing a sword at the two teenage boys.
It was Potter who broke the silence. “Been having a good day?”
“Yes.”
Having expected a longer answer, the lanky Head Boy paused a little, confused. “Spend it all with Lily?”
“Yes.”
“Did you have fun?”
“Yes.”
Potter was now feeling a little sheepish, so he said, “Good. I guess I’ll see you later, then.”
“All right.” Realizing he had been rude, but only caring because Lily liked the man, Severus looked at Potter and said—not frowning—“Later.”
The wild-haired boy walked away just as Lily came back into the hallway. The stairs moved back into place and she noticed James was just walking away. Seeing the slightly distracted look on her friend’s face, she decided not to mention it. “Yay! Dinner time! I’m starved.”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, me too.” Severus smiled down at his friend and moved to walk next to her. “What’s with the alligator?”
“You mean the picture? I know!” She laughed. “I don’t get it either. Bet one of the former Headmaster’s grandkids painted it.”
The boy’s brown eyes twinkled. “Or maybe it was the Headmaster himself.”
She laughed again. “Maybe. Hey, after dinner, what say you read to me some more?”
He looked at her witheringly. “Didn’t you hear enough of my voice this afternoon?”
“Or you could sing to me…”
Severus rolled his eyes. “Or you could sing to me.”
Lily made a face. “I don’t want you to go deaf, Sev.”
“Guess not.” The Slytherin sighed dramatically. Then he laughed. “You really aren’t that bad.”
“Whatever!” She playfully jabbed her friend in the ribs. “You really must be my best friend. No one else would make up crap for me like that!”
I want to be so much more, Severus longed to say. Why is it so hard to just say the words? I LOVE YOU!! “I’ll always be your best friend, Lily,” he said. “No matter what. I’ll always take care of you.”
Lily looked up at her dear Severus and saw the sincerity shining in his eyes. “I know, Sev. I’ll always be here for you, too.” She suddenly grabbed the broad-shouldered man into a tight hug. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
She didn’t notice the tears threatening to spill onto Severus’ cheeks as he wrapped his arms around her and held her for a brief moment. “Let’s hope you never have to find out,” he whispered softly, and kissed the top of her head.
He quickly wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. They smiled at each other for a minute, and Severus’ heart ached. I have to tell her. I just don’t know how.
“Let’s hope?” Lily gave her friend a quizzical look. “Are you planning to abandon me anytime soon?”
“Of course not.” Severus smiled faintly. Maybe I won’t have to. Maybe she’ll just know.
The little red-head linked her arm in his. “Good. I need you with me.”
They spent the evening just walking the halls and talking about everything and nothing. After working so hard all morning and afternoon, it was nice to just be able to relax—no pressures, no discomfort.
