1.

AT LILY'S HOUSE (NUMBER 4 PRIVET DRIVE)

Wiping a tear from her eyes, Lily Evans picked up her quill and began to write.

Dear Sev,

I'm sorry, but I can't do this anymore. My parents, they just – it's hard for them, having me, you see, I'm... different. They don't know how to explain it to everyone anymore. They're growing to hate me, and it's... it's getting hard. And I'm 17 noq, I can do whatever I want with my life in our world. And Mrs. Potter offered, and Sirius is already there... I love you, you're like my brother, and I would never, ever do anything to hurt you if there was a way around it. But I'm moving there – to the Potters' in Godric's Hollow – over break. I'm sorry. Please don't hate me for this, but it's my only way out.

Lots of Love,

Lily

Shaking her head, she gently folded the letter and gave it to her owl. "Please, Athena," she whispered, "Take it quickly. And wait there and don't come back until you have a reply. I'll be at James'." Lily opened her window and let the owl fly away into the dark. A shadow covered her writing desk.

"Lily?" James Potter said tenderly, "Are you ready?"

"Yeah." she replied, pulling herself together. "I wrote to Sev. Athena knows where to find me. I'm worried about him, though, James. He's going to hate me for this."

"Listen," he said, hugging her, "You explained you reasons. If Sniv – er, Snape – hates you for this, he wasn't worth your time anyway."
"I guess you're right." she smiled sadly. "Let's go then.

AT HOGWARTS

Severus read the letter. He screamed. Loudly. For a very long time. "How could she do this to me?" he asked Maya, his other best friend and the only other Slytherin staying at Hogwarts for the holidays.

"I don't know, Sev, I really don't. I'm sorry. I know how you felt about her."

"Sorry isn't enough anymore, May." he said sadly. "I don't think I can bear to talk to her. I'm writing back now."

"Don't do anything you'll –" Maya was cut off.

"What, regret? Snape laughed, a soulless, toneless laugh. "I've given her my heart, May. What could I regret more than that?" And with that, be picked up his quill and began to write.

Lily:

How could you do this to me? I've told you how I felt, or did I not make it clear enough for you? Merlin, I can't even... Oh forget it. Just remember this, Lily: You're a Gryffindor. I'm a Slytherin. We'll make our houses proud now. (Translation: I hate you. Never speak to me again, you filthy Mudblood.)

Severus Snape

Angrily, he folded up the letter. "Go on, take it, you stupid owl," he said. Athena hooted angrily and bit his hand, hard, before she flew away.