A short reminisance.
It was dark in the office. A single candle was lit at the end of the large oak desk Its flame shimmered steadily, a small tear of wax slid slowly down the side.
The only sound was that of the snoring headmasters at the far end of the room.
Snape put down his quill. He studied the room with a glance and then his eyes settled on the flame and his mind was transported back to his 4th year at Hogwarts.
The smell of the pumpkin and cinnamon wax drifted around the room filling every knook and hole. The fire crackled and sparked. The room was empty save for one person.
"Severus!"
The young girl smiled brightly as she turned to him. For a split second the fire went cold and the room went dark, and all the warmth radiated from that small smile and all the light from her shining eyes.
"I'm glad you're here," she moved her books off the settee, "It'll be nice to have someone sensible to talk to for a change.
Snape grinned crookedly and took the place next to her.
"How have you been? I haven't seen you in a while," her emerald eyes sparkled.
"Coping. Have you started your potions essay yet?" Hoping she hadn't as he had, but knowing she had indeed started.
"Yes, but only the first paragraph."
"I'm sick of Potions," he looked down at his hands. "I can't wait until the Defence Against the Dark Arts class begins."
"Well, you're good at both so don't get discouraged." Her perfume was intoxicating.
"Yeah but you're brilliant at everything," he blurted.
She smiled and blushed. "Are you going to Quidditch this afternoon?"
He frowned, "no." He knew she would only go with Lupin and Pettigrew and then swoon over Potter and Black. His thoughts turned to them and his clenched his fists.
"I wish you would."
Her quite voice shook him out of his venomous mood." He looked at her sadly, "I'm sorry Lily...I...I can't."
She nodded reluctantly. "I'm sorry Severus," and with that she stood up, collected her books and walked away with a small backward glance that was full of pity.
He hated it. He hated the Marauders. He hated the jests, the sad looks, the petty sympathetic talks people bestowed upon him. He hated her...and loved her, more than she could ever know.
"I'm sorry too, Lily." He looked over at one of the candles, stared at its flickering flame, and blew it out.
"Lily..." His voice cracked.
He was alone in this world. He had been for 17 years since Lily had been kill-...
He stopped. A single tear leaked from his eye and he briskly brushed it away.
He picked up his wand."Expecto Patronum!"
A beautiful white doe erupted from the wand tip and danced gracefully around the room, filling it with a cold white light. Snape smiled sadly and held out his hand. The doe approached happily and rested it's non-existent head upon his hand.
A knock disturbed the scene. The doe dashed frightfully behind Snape, blowing out the candle, and vanished. Scowling, Snape called, "Enter!"
McGonagall stepped into the room. Her face was drawn and resigned, she looked ten years older.
"I hope I have not disturbed you," she said sarcastically.
For a moment Snape was too lost to answer. McGonagall just looked at him coldly.
He collected himself. "No Minerva, you didn't."
Now it was her turn to look lost. She had expected the usual bitterness of his tongue but was instead greeted by a weary sigh. She looked into his eyes and intead of anger she saw sadness.
"I... brought those scrolls you wanted." She said.
"Good..."
She placed them on the chair neerest to the desk and started back down the steps.
He watched her go and turned towards the window. McGonagall looked back over her shoulder and felt a sudden pang of pity.
Without moving Snape snaped, "Well? Are you going tonight?"
She glared at him, all feelings for him gone, and walked stifly out of the office.
When the door closed he looked back. "I'm sorry...Lily."