A/N: As much as I believe that Severus was in love with Lilly, I really hope that, if it does happen in the book, it's not cliche and fluffy. Also, I really don't want Snape to turn out to be Harry's father because that would be cliche. This fic, however, has been frolicking in my brain for awhile, so Ithought I'd write it. Enjoy. Please review.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

Promises

"It was a mistake," she says.

"Well, maybe not entirely," he is quick to defend, but he stops as her glaring eyes meet his. He takes her hand.

"I'm married," she says.

"Don't remind me," he replies, trying to lighten the mood; but she quickly rises and moves away from him.

"I have to remind you," she says, gazing out the window of his small living room at the sparse garden. "I have to remind you, or it may happen again." He stands as she speaks and moves to stand behind her. He wants to wrap her in his arms and tell her it will all be okay. He settles with setting his hand on her shoulder.

She places her hand on his and he rubs his thumb along it. A soft sob slips from her lips and he steps closer, preparing to hold her, but she shakes her head and he merely squeezes her hand.

"It will never happen again," he assures her. "We'll forget it ever did."

"I'm pregnant," she says, her voice soft. His hand falls to his side and she turns to him.

"What will you say?" he queries.

"That it's his child," she replies. He nods and turns away. "Don't," she adds, "I have to."

"Of course," he replies, not looking at her. "It's for the best." She nods and waits for him to turn back around. When he doesn't she leaves, easing the door shut as she goes.

.-.-.-.

Months later, she comes back. She sits before him; her son perched on her knee.

"I want you to promise me something," she says.

"Anything," he says, reaching his hand out to taker hers. She shakes her head and he quickly diverts his attention to entertaining the child.

"If anything happens to us," she says as her son begins to giggle.

"Nothing will-" he begins, but she raises and hand and he stops.

"If it does. Take care of him, Severus."

"Of course."

.-.-.-.

He was in a daze when he heard about their deaths. He listened to the rumors, to the facts, and to mysterious survival of their son, but the only thing he could really hear were her last words to him. Take care of him, Severus.