Severus Snape POV

August 21st

He loved her. More than anyone could ever imagine. If only he had told her. Severus Snape lay in his bed thinking about his crucial mistakes. Why did he have to tell You Know Who about the Prophecy? She could have still been here. Living with Potter would have even better than what happened to her 10 years ago. Severus Snape sighed and buried his face in his hands. Wait 10 years ago? Her daughter was to come to Hogwarts this year. Shit. He didn't forget what he promised Albus 10 years ago. He was to protect her. He was sure Albus hadn't forgotten their encounter many years ago. Young Lilly Potter was to be under his watchful eye as much as much as he didn't want it to be true. It was karma biting him in the ass for what he had done. He wouldn't let karma hurt him that easily he would be strong, but if she looked like her mother…It was bad enough they shared the same name…

'Lilly I'm sorry.' He whispered to the ceiling which he was staring at. He couldn't wait to get back to Hogwarts. The mirror of erised was there, his only way to communicate with his Lilly.

Semptember 1st

'Lilly Potter.' Professor McGonagall said. Severus's head shot up. A young girl stood up among the first years. Fuck. Severus thought. She looks EXACTLY like her mother. Her green eyes shone with excitement as she waved to the blonde girl she sat with and ran up to the sorting hat.

'GRYFFINDOR.' The hat yelled. The group of Gryffindor's clapped and cheered Lilly yelling

'WE GOT POTTER, WE GOT POTTER.'

Severus watched Lilly take a seat on the bench. McGonagall called out more students and finally the sorting was over. Severus saw Lilly sadly run to her blonde friend who ended up in Ravenclaw and give her a goodbye hug before taking her seat again for the feast. She sat with the Weasley brothers and a girl with bushy brown hair. Severus watched her closely. When she smiled the whole room seemed to light up. Her eyes were green and sparkled when she laughed. Severus never let his gaze wander from her.

Lilly Potter POV

Lilly sat at the Gryffindor table. She felt someone staring at her she turned and met eyes with a coal eyed professor. They stared at each other not breaking their gaze until Hermione the girl whom she just met tapped her shoulder.

'Lilly what are you staring at?'

'Nothing.' Lilly quickly replied.

Hermione shrugged her shoulders 'Okay' she said.

The feast progressed and Lilly quickly forgot about the 'coal eyed' professor. She met lots of new people. The Weasleys were all in Gryffindor and she liked almost all of them whom she had met, but Percy. Percy was strict and boring. Fred and George were her favourites. They were always cracking jokes. Ron was shy. The feast ended and Lilly turned towards the Ravenclaw table and saw Luna sitting reading the Quibbler talking to a few new found friends. Luna looked up and waved at Lilly, Lilly did the same. Lilly followed the crowd of Gryffindor's descend to the common room she followed them. When Hermionie and Lilly got up to their chambers they got out of their robes and crawled into bed too tired to speak.

Severus Snape POV

Why did she have to look exactly like her mother? Severus sat contemplating that late at night not able to fall asleep. Snape sat up and realized he would not be able to sleep that night so he put on his robes, got up and went for a walk to the mirror of erised.

'Lilly.' He whispered when he saw her. He sat down on the floor and stared at her. She smiled at him and waved. He touched her 'hand'. She smiled and laughed in the mirror. A tear rolled down his cheek. Then suddenly he saw himself appear in the mirror he grabbed her gently by the waist and pulled her towards himself. She smiled and leaned into his arms. He kissed her neck and she closed he eyes in delight. The real Severus sobbed quietly. He got up turned around took one last look at Lilly and walked away.

'It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live Severus.' Dumbledore said behind him.

Severus quickly made his 'poker face' and stared Dumbledore in the eyes. 'What do you want?'

'Just to make sure you remember your vow Severus'

'Yes.'

'Good.' Dumbledore paused 'Very good. You Know Who will return soon.'

Severus nodded and continued to his chambers.

'Severus, remember she is Lilly's daughter.' Dumbledore warned quietly behind him.

Shit. How does he know everything that goes on in this castle?

His subconscious reminded him then: because it is his castle.