"Professors McGonagall and Moody kept them working until the very
last second of their classes too, and Snape, of course, would no sooner
let them play games in class than adopt Harry."
Severus took a deep breath, and turned the stone thrice in hand. Before him appeared Lily Potter, just as he remembered her.
"I- Lily." Severus dropped to his knees. He had tears in his eyes. "Lily, I'm so sorry. It's all my fault.." He put his face in his hands, crying for the first time in years.
"Severus," Lily got down next to him. "I forgive you. For everything."
He looked up. "You- you do?"
"I've always loved you, Severus. I never stopped."
"I.. I love you Lily."
"I love you, too. And, Severus?"
"Hm?" Severus looked up.
"Please, take care of Harry for me.
"I.. Of course."
Lily stood up, but bent down and kissed his cheek.
Severus stood, determination in his eyes. He wouldn't disappoint Lily again.
"Severus?" Albus called through the floo later that same day.
"Yes, Albus?"
"Please step into my office."
Severus sighed, but stepped into the fire place.
"Ah, Severus, my boy. I need a favor of you."
"Yes, what is it?"
"Harry Potter has not written the Order for two weeks. He usually writes daily. I will need you to check on him at his mother's sister's house. I will also be lifting the apparation wards until you get back so if there is an emergency, you can come back here faster. Please hurry. I'm hoping no one will realize the wards are gone, but you never know. "
"Bu-" Severus stopped, and remembering what Lily had said, and his promise to himself, said "Alright. I'll go right now."
Severus turned and walked out the door immediately, not being able to see Albus smiling proudly.
Authors Note: Thanks so much to Joleigh13 for the advice on the story :)