Operation: Rescue Lily

SS/LE, AU, Marauder Era, Time Travel

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter 1 Just Me and My Patronus

Voodoo had failed me. Tracking down the Resurrection Stone after Potter just threw it away like a Droobles Blowing Gum wrapper had failed. Ritually sacrificing house elves had also failed. I remembered dancing naked around a bonfire during solstice at Stonehenge, but was that really a plan or just good, clean fun? Studying muggle genetics and trying to harvest Lily's precious DNA from that tainted dunderhead, Harry Potter, had failed me also. Going back in time to stop James Potter from being conceived was the worst due to the long-lasting psychological scars. Muggle cloning … never would someone call my Lily a sheep!

At last I retrieved my time turner, and after months of careful planning, I had a foolproof plan for making Lily Evans mine. It was simple really, and repeated on my earlier success with being her best friend. I would once again become Lily's best friend, only better. Much, much better.

Preparation is key. I have liquidated my assets, except for what I need to brew to transform me into my former self, only better. Much, much better.

Feeling lonely again, I summoned my Patronus to keep me company. It's not much of a conversationalist, but a very good listener.

"Remember Lily Evans? Oh, of course you do. We talk about her all the time. I have a new plan. What? A new plan? Of course I have a new plan, only better. Much, much better.

"Remember I still had that time turner? Well, no, it was never mine. But finders keepers."

He looked and saw the silvery doe staring at him, and replied, "Oh, you think so too. Yes, well I'm almost ready to begin phase one. I only need a name."

Running his hand through his, in his opinion, naturally sleek, glossy tresses, he thought hard. It had to be something he could easily answer to, in any situation. One that would never annoy him, and could not be turned into a juvenile nickname.

Looking at his companion, he asked, "What do you suggest?"

Pausing for an answer, Severus then replied, "Oh, don't you think that is too close to Severus? No, no, of course, you're right. You're always right.

"Well, I can no longer see any reason to delay putting phase one of the plan into action. I shall return. As surely as my love for Lily, I value your wise counsel."

Saying farewell to his only remaining friend was always hard for Severus Snape. He lingered a few moments, and then turned away as the silvery light faded leaving him in darkness once more.

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Given the known parameters for this journey, it was simpler to enter Hogwart's in present day, and then execute the journey through time. For pinpoint precision to arrive on the exact day, during hours that the magical book recording the name of future students would be alone, the Arithmancy was fairly simple, for him.

The book was in front of him, open to the correct page. He saw his own name, Severus Snape, January 9th, 1960, as the last entry. Just like the Goblet of Fire, a properly cast Confundus on the book, allowed him to make the next entry by hand, Seely Prince, January 9th, 1960.

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Phase two was almost completed. The necessary items were packed, including the money necessary to have him live in the comfort he never enjoyed as a child. He even splurged on a custom broom based on the fastest racing design currently available, to enjoy a touch of revenge on the side.

Of course, he planned to purchase some items once he arrived because they were more readily available then. But galleons had always been galleons. The rest was carried in his finely honed memory.

Phase three was ready to begin.

First was the carefully calibrated deaging potion to make him exactly eleven years old again. That was easy.

Second was the potion designed as a curse that suited his purposes perfectly.

Clothing was already laid out, ready to be donned.

Considering the full-length mirror had been nonessential to life in general till now, a scourgify was needed to remove the dust and grime that had accumulated upon it.

Studying the reflection, some minor adjustments were needed. Straightened teeth and lengthened hair vastly improved the image.

Now it was time for phase four. Infiltrating Hogwart's as Seely Prince, first year Gryffindor and new best girlfriend of Lily Evans.

AN: Sorry for a short first chapter. It's just an intro for a collaborative effort with my daughter. Some updates may take longer than others, but we intend to see this through to the end. Viva la gender changing fics!