October, 1981
He watched the cottage from across the street. There was light shining from the kitchen, making it even more inviting. Lily must be cooking something for that brat, who didn't appreciate her at all. It was awful outside. Rain was pouring for hours and although Severus charmed himself to be under a cover, it still felt muddy, rainy, wet and just generally like England countryside in October. The house was under Fidelius Charm, alright, but if one knows where to look, it wasn't hard to find. Especially, when that imbecile had to choose that rat as Secret-Keeper. Black was a lot of filthy things, but traitor he was not. Lupin was a dog, but rather trusty one. The idiot had to chose that scum Pettigrew. Any day now, Dark Lord was going to attack.
He heard some noise, as if an animal was lurking outside the house. Probably a mouse or an unfortunate animagus that was going to be killed by Severus the moment it approached the house Severus was observing night and day. Next thing he knew, someone invisible put a wand directly at his chest.
"Move or think a spell and you will be dead, is that clear?"
Severus nodded, raising his hands, so they were visible.
"My wand is in my cuff. "
"Which one, right or left?"
"Stop this charade, Lily. You know which one." Lily took the wand.
"No wandless magic."
"You have two wands in your hands. I have none. I think we are more than even."
"What are you doing here? Waiting for your master to arrive? Or do you have enough weight to be given the task to kill us yourself?"
"Lily, don't ask stupid questions and go inside."
"I have caught a Death Eater. I am not leaving my loot. I am turning you in to the Order tonight. Unless, you tell me why are you here night after night. Surely, one night is enough to kill us all, including my baby boy."
"Turn me in, Lily. Anything is better than your questions."
"Alright. I have some Auror training, before all hell broke loose, I actually had plans for my life. Put your hands together, I am going to bind you, so you won't escape."
"Alright." He put his hands together, so she could cast the binding curse easily. Lily took off the Invisibility Cloak instead. Severus felt his breath caught. He could only see shadows, but even that was enough for him to realize that even if Lily killed him there, he would not object it much. She looked magnificent, as always.
"Why are you not trying to escape?"
"I don't have to answer anything. Let the Ministry handle me."
"Severus, are you a Death Eater?"
"Lily Potter is interested in anything I do. My, my. Today is a very special day."
She turned around and walked back to the house, leaving him standing across the street, lost in the darkness of the dimly lit street.
Perhaps she was giving him a chance to escape, for old-time's sake. He could not leave. Not with Dark Lord ready to attack at any moment. He had to stay here. Potter could not stand to Dark Lord longer than a curse.
Lily re-appeared again at the door. She walked briskly over and shoved a hot mug in his hand.
" I once knew a boy with the gentlest heart. He is dead now, but I owe this to his memory. It's chicken soup. No poisons."