Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any associated words, worlds, characters, scenes, or well known phrases regarding such. These are the physical and intellectual property of J.K. Rowling and her appropriate associates. No disrespect is intended in the writing or publishing of this scene and I have and will never ask for or accept compensation where it is concerned, financial or otherwise.
Severus Snape stepped cautiously along a path he didn't recognize. He knew he was dead, that blasted snake had ripped his throat out. Potter had gotten the memories and Severus had gotten to see Lily's eyes as he died; it was comforting to know that the Potter line had ended, as well. The insufferable Potter brat would need to sacrifice himself for the Dark Lord to die and that brought the dead spy true comfort; if he'd never been blessed with Lily's child, at least Potter's spawn wouldn't be around anymore, either. There was a rustling in the bushes just ahead and Severus stopped, not knowing what to expect in this unfamiliar place. To his shocked joy Lily stepped onto the path; his joy turned to confusion at the look on her face. That wasn't a look she'd ever given him before; he recognized it as the one James Potter had given him after Severus had called Lily a mudblood. Shaking off his confusion Severus took a shaky step forward.
"Lily."
Her expression blanked, and when she spoke her voice was without inflection.
"I've watched you with my son."
He didn't dare respond, and her face didn't change.
"He's going to live through this, you know. Right now he's claiming the stone. That's the final Hallow."
Severus knew his horror and revulsion showed despite his best efforts; that Lily didn't seem to notice or care hurt him deeply.
"The Master of Death must be Divine, for only the Divine may control the constant."
Severus let that sentence buzz around in his head, resolving to think it through at a later time. Right now he needed to hear what Lily had to say so that he could defend his actions and win her heart; at least he could have in death that which he'd so longed for in life. Why else would she be here?
"When he summons us, as we know he will, I will respond. Not only is he my son, he also controls all of the souls of the dead. I couldn't deny him if I wanted to."
Severus thought it very odd that one's stomach could sink when one was a disembodied soul in the Hereafter.
"You're just like your father."
With that Lily stepped back into the bushes and disappeared. Severus rushed after her but found that he could not step off of the path. His tearful begging and pleas for understanding were either ignored or unheard and finally someone else came along to shoo Severus down the path, scolding him as they went that everyone chose their path in life. Death echoed life in that respect, the shoo-er explained, in that the path begun in life must be finished in death before the Hereafter could be reached. There would be forks in the path, but never deviations from it. One's words and actions in life had no affect on the path of death, only the truths in one's heart. Eventually Severus found himself alone again; later still his mother stepped onto the path. It was no surprise to hear that her first words were Lily's last, and Severus accepted that there would be no hiding the truth behind pretty words any longer.
"You're just like your father."