No one ever really asked Lily why she chose James. Why wouldn't she? He was smart, beautiful, loyal, brilliant and completely devoted to her. He was perfect. No-one ever really wondered why Lily did not choose Severus. Why would she? He was greasy, a Slytherin, cynical, reclusive and a coward. He was Snivellus.

To Lily, each man was neither of these things. James was arrogant, selfish, a bully and the man who she thought she might despise above all others. Snape was her best-friend, thoughtful, bright and the man who introduced her to the world of magic.

One man changed for the better.