Severus Snape treaded cautiously in and around the vegetation of the mostly shady undergrowth.
I hope that isn't poison ivy!
His midsection already in knots, he instead tried to let his nose seek out what he was looking for.
It had been a difficult day.
When the notice sent home the night before suggesting the elementary students wear their holiday best...
For Thanksgiving maybe.
The wide, white collar was more Puritan than All Hallows Eve and the stress of standing out more than he usually did...
Ugh. At least there wasn't a hat.
The thought nearly cost Snape the success of his hunt.
Until he heard -
Crying?
Walking even slower now; craning his head around the tree trunk to see that
it was someone resembling a green striped cane or - wait...
Lily Evans?!
"What are you doing here?"
Severus' surprise, obviously dissolved any resemblance of behavior, relating
to tact.
Visibly shaken but obviously relived to see who it was, Lily attempted to reply.
"Rough day."
Nodding in empathy, Snape stepped into better position to have a better look.
What in the name of...
The shoes weren't so bad.
Her dress meanwhile was two shades of green stripes - it looked more like a failed attempt at bamboo camouflage.
"I know -" Miss Evans tearfully exclaimed. "It's *awful* ain't it?!"
Isn't it.
"It's not so bad -"
"Sis said I looked like a lizard!" Lily wailed before dissolving into tears again.
Severus sat next to her, trying to cheer her up. "Try being dressed like a rook."
"A what?"
"A chess piece. Looks like a horse.."
I feel like a horses a-
"You look nice," Lily's voice was calmer. "Guess your mum read the notice same way mine did."
Nodding, Snape felt a chill whip through the trees, shivering slightly he lurched forward and offered her his cloak.
"Go on..." he urged. "It will keep you warm."
And from blinding me.
He picked off a few of the leaves which had stuck to the corse ebony fabric.
And slipping into it, Lily gave a little brave, smile.
"I feel like a princess."
Looking at his hands, Severus realized he had woven some of the colorful leaves and vines into a braid.
And if he tied the edges together...
"You need a crown."
He twisted some holly on the end of a long stick.
"And a scepter..."
He helped her to stand up.
Putting them into position, Snape stepped back to admire his handiwork.
Beautiful.
Lily smiled so brightly and the afternoon sun lit around her; like a golden spotlight.
Illuminating her hair making it glow -warm as an ember.
And -
"You may kiss me if you like." she said, offering her cheek.
Severus blushed slightly and acted quickly; rather than risk the possibility of his morning alarm ruining the moment...
Savory.
Short.
Sigh.
They shared a special moment.
Lily smiled again until realizing how late it was. She shed the layers quickly and embraced him.
"I gotta go - thanks for...everything."
Alone again, Severus had to squint in the dim light, attempting to locate the nearly hidden clump of emerald leaves.
No not a lizard.
He inhaled the sweet scent.
A spearmint princess.
Trick or treat.
