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Music fills the air, high, tinkling notes, low, daring notes, pouring over the ball-goers. She heads towards the snack table, intent on getting herself a glass of punch.

She is wearing a long green dress, tight fitting until just below her waist, where a beaded belt cuts it off, and a long, swirling skirt swishes around her. The green color makes her eyes pop. It is rather low cut-but she assumes that for an occasion like this, a formal dress is allowed. Her flaming hair is piled on top of her head, soft tendrils falling delicately on the back of her neck and the sides of her face.

She takes a long drink of her punch, before filling her glass again.

"Thirsty?" I say, speaking up.

She turns quickly, eyes me up and down, then smiles pleasantly. "Very. I'm simply dying. It's so dry in here."

I smile at her. Two students pass by and gape.

She holds out her hand. "Lily."

I take it and nod. "I know. I'm Severus. Could I have this dance?"

She looks around, and then shrugs. "I don't see why not."

I pull her out onto the dance floor, and we begin to dance. She should feel awkward, dancing so close with someone she can't remember. But she doesn't. That's not the way she is.

I hold her closely, not wanting the inevitable to come. I hold her so close I fear I might snap her.

Her red hair tickles my neck as she rests her head on my shoulder. I kiss her head. I love her so much.

Then it happens the way it does every time. Just before I tell her how much I love her, he comes. The bane of my existence.

"Excuse me?" The tall, tan boy with the messy black hair and glasses says. "I'm James. Can I cut in?"

"No," I say, but it's as if he cannot hear me.

Lily looks at him, her emerald eyes wide, nods, and takes his hand. He pulls her from me, my heart shattering. James pulls her close and they dance close together.

I walk back to the snack table and look into the punch. Into the deep, swirling red punch bowl. It blinks, and I blink back.

I stare directly into the Dark Lords eyes. He laughs. "Your torture session is over. Get out of here, and see to it you make not one more mistake. I can think of much worse things to show you, Snape. Things that will rip your heart out."

"Yes, my Lord," I say quietly. I exit Riddle Manor. I return to my secluded house, climb into bed, and curl into a ball.

"Oh, Lily," I whisper. "I'm so sorry."