"Happy Birthday Lily!" Severus called, running across the playground to meet his friend. Lily looked up and glared.
Severus stopped and sat down on the sand where Lily sat. It was clear from one glance that she had been crying. "What's wrong Lils?" Severus asked.
"What's wrong!? Sev, today's my eleventh birthday and I still haven't gotten a visit!" Lily demanded in whispered tones. They always talked quietly when on the subject of Hogwarts. The pair didn't want to be overheard.
"Lily, it's not even August yet. Stop worrying." Severus soothed.
"But Sev, my parents are already sending in the forms for my next year at muggle school! I want to go to Hogwarts with you!" Lily cried.
"You will."
Lily looked up at him with big emerald eyes. "Are you sure?" Severus nodded.
"I have a birthday present for you."
"Really?! What is it?" surprised eyes glanced hopefully at her friend.
Severus reached into his bag and handed her a photo album. "I took some pictures of us last year, remember?" he answered her silent question as she took the album.
Glancing through the album, Lily's eyes began to tear up again. "Lils, don't cry! We'll go to Hogwarts and be in Slytherin together, don't worry!" Severus comforted. He leaned in to give Lily a hug.
"Severus Snape, you are my best friend in the whole world!" Lily exclaimed happily, hugging back.
"I love you Lily. Did you know that?" Severus asked, finally revealing what he was sure he had been feeling.
"Oh my gosh! I love you too Sev, you're like a brother!" Lily said quickly.
Severus shook his head "no". "Not like that Lily. I love you." A silence hung over them as a shocked Lily watched as Severus leaned in to kiss her.
"LILY EVANS!" Lily and Severus immediately separated.
"Ugh, it's you. Lily you need to come home, there's someone asking to talk to you and the rest of the family." Petunia sneered. Lily looked hopefully at Severus. He nodded and smiled encouragingly.
"Good luck!"
Giving him a hug, Lily got up and followed Petunia down the road and back home.
A/N -- let me know what you think, and I'll be updating Sirius's Story soon.
Much Love!
-- Onceuponawonderland