My Achilles Heel

[Severus Snape]

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Will open later.

And it was true, the rumors. He could see that it is so. He followed her from time to time, but this is the first time he could see the truth with his own eyes. She chose that snott Potter over him, and she had reasons to do so too. She had even said her reasons aloud to some people, who were more than happy to repeat them, especially if he were nearby. And he was rarely nearby anyone from these parts. He became reclusive. He had to, as his line of work is not exactly up to any good that is approved of legally nor socially for that matter.

He looked at Lily, and she is beautiful even now, but it is the idea of Potter's seed growing inside of her that turns his stomach. She'd be even more beautiful, more radiant, had it been his own. He sighs, and then he chokes down his emotions. He'll take his wand and rip the memory of this sight of her, right out of his head after he returns home. Let it fall down upon the ground, to return it to naught forevermore. But she is so beautiful...it will be hard to not place his memory into a Pensieve. He acquired his Mother's old one. She almost never used it during her lifetime. She hadn't ever felt happy enough, he supposes. But Lily looks happy. She looks like an Angel. Being near her, he can sense that her presence still feels like an Angel. 'Why did she turn her heart over to Potter, the exact opposite of herself?'

There she is in plain sight, proving to him that she is actively sharing her life with someone else, when Severus wanted so much to share with her much much more. He offered it, -at least he believed he was clear about it,- and she suddenly turned her back on him.

Severus Snape stands behind the nearest column which supports the slate awning that hangs over the cobblestone marketplace. He wonders what Lily is seeking to buy here. He wonders, 'What is she? Five months now?' Once he heard from his sources that she comes here, it has become hard to keep away, and just sit at home, or smite filthy muggles or squibs with Voldemort and the gang!

Lily breathed in deeply. The cart next to her held bunches of flowers, all different in color and smell. She smiled at the cart's owner and greeted them before going back to admiring the selection before her. Most of these had just burst into bloom, whether by magic or more natural causes, and she contemplated whether to bring some home with her. She absentmindedly rubbed her stomach, something she did often. It was a loving gesture and one that would alert anyone that couldn't already tell that she was with child. Deciding that she would get flowers on her way out of the market, she moved on to the fruit cart next to it.

It was a rather pleasant day today, and she was glad to get out of her house in Godric's Hollow. It had taken a little coaxing to get James to let her come out on her own. She smiled and shook her head slowly thinking of her husband. He was ever worried for her and their unborn. The work he was doing with the Order made him extra cautious, as it should, and despite all the work he did for them he never let it interrupt his time with her. She was so lucky to have him.

Lily pointed to some of the apples on the cart, knowing that James would enjoy them. The cart-keeper put them into the bag along with the strawberries that Lily had already picked for herself. She handed over the galleons to pay and moved on. Enjoying the warm sun on her face, and perfectly content within her own thoughts, Lily found a decorative bench to sit and people watch. With the war against Voldemort at full force, afternoons like this were rare and she wanted to enjoy it as much as possible.

[Severus Snape]

Doesn't it just figure? Isn't this just like her? Had he expected a miraculous change in her, perhaps? A glance, which he doesn't even need lift a finger to earn? Had he expected her gratitude for his stalking her? Had he expected that he would not need to beg her to even notice him?

At once he contemplates turning over a stand in her direction, just so he can spring into action and save her from the impending impact. But he surely foresees that she will see right through the event, realizing that he is to blame for it. Then she might accuse him of attempting to unsettle her demon Potter seed.

Instead, from behind the column still, he reaches for a bouquet of roses from a nearby vender's cart, and plucks a bud from the lot. He withdraws his wand and floats the bud over to Lily. In front of her face, he makes it bloom, and hover. He hopes that she will take hold of it.

Lily sat quietly, watching the people pass on their errands. It was a scary world they lived in and she thought it almost showed in the urgency apparent in most everyone's steps. It's hard to find time to enjoy yourself when you don't know who is a friend and who is an enemy. Voldemort's power to strike fear into the hearts of so many people only saddened Lily. However, her sadness hit on an even deeper level when she thinks of the friend she had lost to the Dark Lord.

Snape. She had hoped not to think of him, as it pained her to remember the loss. They had been such good friends. He had helped her not take her sister's hurtful words to heart and to be proud of her gifts as a witch. Voldemort's views on magic blood and status had stolen her sweet Severus from her, and even to this day the loss left a large painful void in her heart.

Snapping back to the present, her eyes focused on a rosebud floating through the air in her direction. When it paused in front of her, her immediate thought was that James had followed her to the market, and was now making a loving display of affection. He was so thoughtful in this way, and she lifted her hand up to the bud. It burst into bloom before her, and she lifted her palm under flower plucking it from the air. She smiled down at it a moment, admiring it's beauty. James always knew how to make her smile.

She stood then, keeping the flower safe in her hand, and walked in the direction she believed her gift had come from. She didn't see James, but he could be hiding. He still embraced his inner child, something she found so endearing and lovable. Moving forward, she stopped, not knowing that just on the other side of the pillar was Severus, and looking around she was a bit disappointed that she didn't see her husband.

"James?" she inquired, wondering if he would appear from hiding just at her call.

[Severus Snape]

The sight of her smile took him back to the days of his youth. It wasn't often someone like him were free to touch upon beauty and allow themselves to actually and thoroughly enjoy the experience of it. And he did so this very moment. Severus smiled at the sight of her reaction to his presentation of the rose. It was just like he showed her in the garden the day he had met her. He thought she would remember it just as he did...

BUT...

Then it happened that his heart wrenched in his chest, when he heard Lily Potter utter the name of James, her husband. Severus choked instantly. Tears began in his eyes, then suddenly, as he clenched his teeth in pain, they stopped all together. He forced them to stop, unable to allow this dreaded feeling that crept into him and clutched him, to truly evolve and take hold of his being, like it seemed to want to do. He wondered if James was actually as sweet with Lily as Severus himself used to be with her. And he thought about how James had won her. He won. James was...is her baby's father.

Severus, with his back turned toward Lily, stepped out from behind the pillar, and began to make his way away from her. She seemed to be the embodiment of the most difficult realization ever to surface in his life.

He still loved her. He never thought about it much really, as plain as it was. There was her, and there was him. In his mind all that was is them. She used to be his shadow, or perhaps it really was the other way around. He still obsessed over her. He wondered why she could not just admire him for the things he managed to Master, instead of dejecting him; like he would ever hurt her! That was James talking! Severus would NEVER!

He took a few steps toward the other pillar, and he could feel her nearness to him. How could he look at her now, after she clearly wanted James?

Lily frowned when James did not present himself. She held the flower delicately, wondering where her husband could be hiding and why he would insist she looked for him. She moved past the cart she was near to see if he was hidden behind it, but it was just the cart keeper who raised an eyebrow at her. She just smiled at them and turned back, wondering where he could be. Perhaps he was hiding behind the pillar? It would be much like one winter's eve when he had done a similar trick in school. Circling the pillar to remain just out of view as she walked around it looking for him.

A grin came to her face as she moved to the pillar and tried to quickly maneuver around it. She was about to double back to go the other way, hopefully tricking her love out of his hiding place, but before she could she caught sight of a familiar figure moving away from the pillar itself. Lily felt as if a bucket of ice water had been thrown on her. Was that.... Severus?

Her eyes fell back to the flower in her palm, the sudden realization coming to her. It must be Severus, who else could it be? She moved without thinking then, following quickly after him before he could disappear, taking her free hand to let it fall on his shoulder. Her eyes were wide, and she felt almost anxious, not just because this was an old friend, but also because this was one of the Death Eaters that the Order knew of and had been seeking.

[Severus Snape]

He sensed that Lily was following, and so he wanted to turn, but felt that he couldn't look into her eyes. But suddenly there she was with her hand touching his shoulder and he felt something strange inside of himself, something he hadn't really experienced in a long time; he felt like something melted or broke down inside, as he could no longer resist the urge to turn to face her. He trembled for a moment as he stood there before her, when he realized that he had to catch himself from motioning to lean in to kiss her. She was gloriously beautiful. And so as he stood there looking into her eyes, he remembered what it was to be a child again. He just wanted to lead her away, maybe go to the playground where he met her, where maybe there, he could bring her to her senses, and she would see how honestly and intently he worships her.

His lips quivered, but he managed to whisper her name aloud.

She heard him whisper her name and another wave of emotion washed through her. She could see in his face, the one so many others would describe as stone and void of emotion, that he as beside himself as she felt now. What was there to say? What could she say? He had chosen his path and she had taken hers, and now, they were enemies.

She just stood there for a moment, looking at him, as people passed them back and forth. It was a blur of motion to her, as both of them stood still, neither saying anything and her own name hanging in the air. That one word he had uttered said so much. It was how he said it, the tone so much like when they were young and still best friends. It broke Lily's heart hearing it, even now.

"Severus," she said, her voice sounding somewhat weak. She knew she should be alerting someone of the Death Eater before her, but being caught off guard coupled with the emotions that laced the air caused her to pause," What are you doing here?"

[Severus Snape]

His name uttered by her delicate lips, he watched them move to form the sound of his name, and then he closed his eyes to blackout further vision, because he was overwhelmed by her, as it seemed no simple gesture for her to permit herself to speak to him. And he felt like a wave had hit him like a wall. Every fiber of his being trembled with the sensation long ago burned into his memory, and he recognized it instantly to be the sensation she inspired within him, her presence.

"You know, we are intertwined with our own nostalgia," he said aloud, while he waved his hand ever so hardly noticeable, to cast a silent spell to surround them and protect them from seeking destructive eyes. Voldemort had entertained Severus, informing him that he shall have his desire as his own. And Severus could not see the extreme insult Voldemort represented to the muggle population. Severus was captivated by the extent of power alone; and in his mind, Voldemort was against people like Severus' father, cruel and stupid muggles, not such wonders as the likes of Lily, a powerful Witch, victim of Severus' love.

And his heart almost stopped as he came to the realization, that he had long ago memorized the color scale which makes up the iris of her eyes. And he could not help himself but to utter a soft coo of surprise as he looked deeply into hers. His mouth hung slightly agape as he did so, and the smell of the rose she held in her hand filled his senses, and he saw the girl he once knew standing in front of him. He only wanted to see her smile, never a scolding expression, which he could also remember she once wore. "Oh, Lily. I never wanted you to be so far away, as you are."

Lily looked around as the bubble of privacy encircled them, before turning back to Severus. She knew she should be more worried about the threat he had become, but even now she knew he would never truly harm her. At least not physically, for he had hurt her.

"Oh, Lily. I never wanted you to be so far away, as you are."

What was she supposed to say to this? That all was forgiven? That she knew the statement to be true in his heart, but his actions were the ones that drove her away? Why did she still feel like she somehow needed to protect him, when he had made it clear that fateful day that she saw his true colors?

"It may not be what you wanted Severus," she said finally, realizing that she couldn't let her past dictate her decisions now. Too much had happened since then, and she was a different person," but unfortunately, it is the way things have become. You made your choices, I made mine, and here we are."

She held up the flower, still sitting delicately in her palm," Blooming flowers may hold hope and significance, but they don't mend the scars of past battles."

[Severus Snape]

Severus believes in Voldemort's promise that James will be taken out of his way, and Severus and Lily will be freed of him, so that they shall live happily ever after. No matter what Lily says right now, none of it will cast shadow upon this fact, Voldemort's WORD. He believes Voldemort to be the strongest Warlock alive. And He would not lie. And Severus is so very favorable in the Dark Lord's sight, that certainly He would assure to see His promise to fruition! Such a powerful Warlock would accept nothing less than Mastery of His own promises! All shall pass into Severus' palm, without Severus even so much as making any changes to himself. Lily will just see the light, and turn her heart towards his own. Severus can just sit back and watch it happen. This promise, he lives for.

Still, even as Lily draws away from his advances, he is mesmerized with her. And he cannot understand why she will not forgive him for the ONE thing he said to her years ago. "Lily, you act as if we were just children yesterday." Why can she not accept his apology for insulting him that day? Afterall he has never done anything else directly to her! "How else have I crossed you Lily, any way that I have not apologized for and to you personally, that you should feel compelled to chastise me for a lifetime?"

He conjured her a butterfly for her flower. "It is you which is the reason beauty itself exists. It cannot be seen anywhere throughout my life, were you not to have some place in it." He looks as deeply into her as he can manage, as close as he can come to the feeling of her breaking him in two...and he does not see himself anywhere inside of her today. "If our past is all that you believe we shall ever have, then at least let it be the best of it that you remember."

Were the words from Severus said years before, they would likely have angered Lily. But she was past that now, she no longer felt anger for what Severus has done, only pity. Pity for a man that could not see how his actions effect others, and pity for his dwelling on the past. He felt she could not forget what had happened, but failed to see that he was the one who still defined his life by that moment.

"You're a smart man Severus," she said softly," You can't truly believe that I still hold that day against you. It was never about that day."

Before she could continue he motioned to the flower in her hand, and she watched as it transformed into a butterfly. A beautiful spell that was much like the one she had used to give Professor Slughorn a goldfish to remember her by. It moved up to her finger and sat there, moving it's wings slowly, the colors bright and vibrant.

"It is you which is the reason beauty itself exists. It cannot be seen anywhere throughout my life, were you not to have some place in it."

These words hit Lily harder than she had expected. Of course she knew Severus loved her. Looking back on their childhood, it was obvious. And as much as she missed the person who had helped her so many years before become confident in her powers as a witch, she could not overlook the fact that it was now James who continued to help her grow as a person.

"If our past is all that you believe we shall ever have, then at least let it be the best of it that you remember."

"I remember you, as you were Severus. The friend I cared deeply for," she said," I just wish I was strong enough, that I could have shown you the path you were on was the wrong one to take. You chose the dark arts over our friendship, and you continue to do so to this day by staying with the Death Eaters."

She paused a moment, debating if she wanted to steer this conversation the way she was thinking. It would have to happen sooner or later. She wished briefly that she had James here with her, being pregnant she was not a fair match against one of the Dark Lord's most trusted.

"What are you hoping to accomplish here Severus," she said finally. Her tone changing to business," You realize that I have to tell the others I've seen you right? That they could be here any moment."

[Severus Snape]

Every syllable she uttered hit him like a tidal wave of delight, a reminder of who he used to be. Just to stand before her to hear her voice ring through his ears took him back to a place where he could feel his heart begin to race like a school boy. His Soul croons. But the meaning behind her words sends his mind racing. Her statement opens-up his mind like a sinner just realizing his guilt, as he realized their truth, a truth which he trusted only she could define for him and he could accept it only coming from her; and yet, he felt that she misunderstood him entirely. His life's purpose, his threshold of glory upon which he stands, she cannot see it because James has cast a shroud over her essence, limited her to his so-called perfect or better yet normal world. She knew that Severus wanted POWER. But she never can see the world as he sees it. He, on the other-hand, does under-value the POWER behind Love. And along with his heart being reached by her words as she renders them, his eyes too, soften a great deal at suddenly touching upon her level of view of himself, so that he almost tears.

Then she turns the mood sour, and he feels stricken all the more as she sternly states directly to his face, 'What are you hoping to accomplish here Severus? You realize that I have to tell the others I've seen you right? That they could be here any moment.' He's been judged and now threatened by her...

Severus stands before her there, and his mouth drops slightly agape. The look of deep rooted internal emotional pain is replaced with shock. His eye search hers in hope of understanding, and he felt his body begin to tremble at the suggestion to which she might be alluding. She always stood by him during their youth, and this is the first time he thought she might actually wish him personal harm. "Would you see to it then?" he asks her shamelessly taunting, and he realizes that her sudden spunk is deeply thrilling even to the core of his bones.

Lily stared at Severus a moment after he told her to see to it. Slowly, she pulled her wand out, still watching him. A part of her didn't want to do what needed to be done, but it couldn't be helped. She waved her wand and from it's tip appeared a doe, her patronus. It stood there for a moment, between the two of them, glowing with silver wisps spiraling from it.

She watched Severus's reaction to this. She knew he still disliked her husband, more than she felt he really should, and he would no doubt recognize the form her patronus took was a reflection of James. She finally took her gaze away from her old friend to the doe, and instantly it was in motion, bounding through the air and off to deliver her message.

Lily watched her patronus disappear, only looking back to Severus when it was out of sight. She gripped her wand, waiting for him to do something. It would only be moments before her backup would appear, and she knew she would have to be prepared to defend herself til then. She didn't really know what Severus would do now that she had actually alerted the Order.

[Severus Snape]

Severus watched as she lead him down a rollarcoaster of confused emotions. There he had been teasing her, subtly flirting, and she sent for help? "How you do flatter James, My Dear." The mere thought of James as the protector amused him. "What needs protection here? Is it your honor then, Lily? Do you find my interaction distasteful now that you have wed? How you have changed towards me, listened to the voices which surround you, where I have not changed at all." It is true that Severus did know a grandiose manner of Magic when he met her in their youth, and learned from his Mother a former Slytherin. He knew nothing of what others deemed as socially acceptable or not.

He had the notion, and he acted on it, without hesitation... Severus Snape quickly drew his wand as well, as fast as he could hope to before Lily could counter his movements. And hastily he created his own Patronus, the exact image of Lily's own. He stared firmly into her eyes. His Patronus did reflect the same value to him, as Lily's own meant to her. Only the one his reflected upon was her personal value within himself; and he knew she never saw it before, because he had never shown her. He left it to dance around sporadically between them. His would go nowhere off in the distance, for it found its object standing before him, which was Lily herself. And it dissipated finally, showering over her visage.

"You don't trust me? You don't trust my Protection Charm that sits around us? I find you devastating, and you take my conversation for threats?" He let out a subtle snicker as he lowered his eyes to the ground, and shook his head as if to discharge the reality of the negativity he felt streaming from her being. But he still felt the flicker of hope when remembering the Promise of His Lord. "What have I ever caused you, that you should fear me?" he asks almost inaudibly, his feelings marred.

[ Click for OOC Comment ]

It would probably be uncannon to answer, and a perfect time to be intruded upon.
Dumbledore, let us stage this before Severus learns about the Prophesy.

Lily said nothing when Severus talked of honor and mentioned James. Even if he tried to hide it, she could still hear the venom in his voice at just saying the name of her husband. This fact angered her more than any of the previous moments of their conversation. After all this time he still blamed James for the events from school? Was he only able to view himself as the victim and never the one at fault? And then to further the blame, he thinks her mind was changed only because of the things that James and her friends said, and not decisions she made with her own mind and opinion?

Before she could get a comment out however, he had produced his own patronus before her. A doe, like hers. It stood between them now, and she could not take her eyes from it. She needed to keep her tears back, but the thought that Severus still held so much emotion for her that his own patronus was a twin to hers was too much.

She continued to stare at the patronus now, as he questioned her motivations. She couldn't look at him, if she did she would likely lose what little control she had left. What could she say? She couldn't be sorry for how things turned out. She was so happy with James and she couldn't wait to see their child. Was she sorry about what had happened with Severus? Of course she was, but not enough to want to go back. She couldn't say this to him however, no matter how badly she hoped he would understand it was apparent he wouldn't.

[ Click for OOC Comment ]

Hope you don't mind me popping in :)

The recent years had taken a toll on Albus Dumbledore; Voldemort's power growing, the wizarding world in chaos, fear spreading like a plague. At times it seemed that this would never end, they would be subject to a world where terror ruled forever. But Dumbledore knew, better than most, that all things must end. And Voldemort's rule would end, it had to. The man was mad, unstable, but also dangerous, a man with a purpose. But he was not the only one; Dumbledore had a purpose as well; to destroy Voldemort.

It hadn't been easy, building up the Order of the Phoenix, keeping Hogwarts safe and free from outside influence, but he'd made it his mission in life to stop the Dark Lord, and that was what he was going to do.

A rare lull in the fighting had prompted Albus to pop in on James and Lily Potter, two Order members who were expecting a child in the near future. The afternoon was lovely, and although Albus did not particularly like to visit Godric's Hollow, he felt that it was necessary.

When he arrived however, James informed him that Lily had gone out. The two men had talked for a while, and had just broached the topic of invisibility when James glanced at the clock upon the wall.

"Hmmm... I think Lily should be back by now," he said, worry creasing his face. It was clear how much he loved his wife, and Dumbledore nodded in agreement, standing. Just as they were preparing to leave a gasp escaped from James and Dumbledore turned to him, worried, before glancing up and seeing the doe canting towards them. "Come," Dumbledore said, and they followed the doe out of the house, towards the small market in the town square, Dumbledore felt a pang of sorrow, he remembered this market from when he was a boy, all those years ago. Godric's Hollow had born the years with a few obvious scars. The small chapel and bell tower had collapsed, an inn Dumbledore had frequented as a youth was boarded up, and the people looked more gaunt and exhausted than he remembered.

The doe lead them towards a corner of the market. James looked worried, probably for the safety of his wife, but Dumbledore had more pressing matters on his mind, and he approached the corner with a grim look of determination.

He sensed the magic before he saw them, the gaunt, hollow man and the young, beautiful woman, standing together, but so far apart at the same time. Dumbledore's wand was out in an instant, as James rushed to Lily.

"Are you all right?" James asked Lily, placing a hand on her shoulder and staring into her eyes in concern, before looking at Snape, "what are you doing here?" He spat, his eyes showing more than a hint of malice.

Dumbledore stepped forward, studying Severus. "Now now James, there is no need to take that tone, although the question is indeed a good one." His eyes bore into Snape's, "I would think your master would want his favourite lap dog close by his side Severus. I doubt he will be pleased when he learns about your whereabouts."

[Severus Snape]

He stands before Lily, as his Patronus meets her in every way that he can only wish to, for it physically and emotionally touches her. How he wants to just feel the touch of her skin. "When we were younger, we would hold hands..." he states this with an air of great loss, almost pleading for a movement towards himself on her part. "How we have both grown since!" His hands are surely greater in size than her own. His natural desire was always to protect her. And by his hands he would so much wish to prove himself to her. His eyes do not lose track of hers, even though she cannot look up at him, and such does not escape his realization. He reaches out to her with his one hand, most hopeful that she will place her hand in his, if only for just a moment.

Severus grits his teeth and takes a fighting stance when James approaches and questions him. He holds his wand slightly in front of him at hip height. But his stance is moreso one of self defense at the sight of Dumbledore who is identified as Voldemort's chief enemy. To get even one shot off on the old man, even weak one, Severus knew would surely grant him special privileges from his Lord.

"Did you fear to have lost your woman, James? You should know by now that I want for nothing of the scraps which fall from your table." Feigning to even so much as glance at lily's baby lump, Severus returns, "How quickly you have defiled her." [ Click for OOC Comment ]

So sorry, Lily; but you know how it has to be.

His eyes grow colder with the mere thought of the reality of his true loss of her. "I would have thought this world a better place without such an effect upon it." [ Click for OOC Comment ]

Maybe it is in actuality, myself who is just plain evil. ~?

He cannot manage to look at Lily furthermore. She was practically tearing only a moment ago, and he knows that his comments now to James should only cause her to feel a complete 180 and enrage her. He comes to the realization that he would rather behold her angry than depressed on his account. Lily's eyes have always exorcised the habit of burning into Severus' memory, not merely their physical appearance, but the state of her every emotional tempest. Yes. Yes. He would rather she feel anger towards him, than show sadness on account of his doing.

Severus does not know who to watch most, the old man or James. Each holds their own intense reason to dare the attempt to hex him. But he makes the mental note to not become the first to take a step backward, so as to not be labeled the coward for it. Not that anyone else would see anyhow, his protection charm still engulfs their vacant corner, until someone within shall counter it. And the patrons seem far too busy with normal daily routine at the moment, that they possess no thought to uncover it. For Severus it is to his advantage that no one can see him, for his ties are suspected, and surely there would be any number of men here who might join in and challenge him.

"Whatever has become of this world, Master Dumbledore," he begins with a menacing tone, "when one cannot so much as walk the market without being harassed? I have done nothing to Miss Lily, as you can see by her state." He casually motions a hand toward Lily, to challenge his proof of his innocence to any offense toward her in regards to her appearance.

Lily turned when she heard the quickened steps of Dumbledore and James approaching. She felt relief rush through her, not even realizing til that moment how tense she had been. Seeing her old professor's face and the face of her husband made that tension melt instantly. James came straight to her, his hand on her shoulder making sure she was alright. She hated seeing the worry etched on his face and she put his hand to his cheek insisting she was fine.

She froze however as standoff between Severus and James heated up, both obviously harboring protective instincts. She imaged that Severus would have to be on the defense now that he was outnumbered. How quickly his tone changed upon the appearance of the others.
"Did you fear to have lost your woman, James? You should know by now that I want for nothing of the scraps which fall from your table," he said with a glance, "How quickly you have defiled her."

"Now just one second, Severus Snape," Lily said, her anger taking over instantly at the statement," If you think for one secon...." She stopped when James' grip tightened on her shoulder and she looked at him instantly. His face was stone still and it was obvious he was holding back his own anger at the statement. She brought her own hand up to the one he had on her shoulder, squeezing it and biting back her words.

Now they both stood quietly as Dumbledore took the situation and he and Severus started their back and forth. Lily still couldn't look at Severus, mostly because she didn't know what she would do... would she yell? Cry? She just wanted to leave at this point. Leave and forget this. Turning to James she said quietly," Let's just go okay?" She met James's eyes so he would know her thoughts, and she was relieved to see his understanding. Turning they both walked away, leaving Severus and Dumbledore behind.