There was a loud knock at the door.

Lily Violet Evans turned to her husband fear in her eyes. "Who could it be – surely not-" but she didn't finish. Another loud set of disturbing knocks occurred, harder then before.

"Don't worry, You-Know-Who would not take the time to knock- he'd just come in."

Lily agreed with this, so she allowed James to get up and open the door.

As she heard the door open she picked up Harry, whom hated to be on the floor alone. She walked over to the doorway. James had frozen with surprise. As Lily looked toward the doorway anger filled up inside her.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE" Lily yelled, forgetting Harry.

Harry covered his ears, but did not cry. Harry never cried. "Mummy lou-d" Harry said, emphasizing the fact he could now use the letter'd'. He was ignored.

At the door was Severus Tobias Kevin Snape, a death eater, and Lily's former best friend. He stood tall, and Lily could not escape noticing, fearful. As she peered deeper into his eyes, she could also see a flicker of loneliness.

Instead of waiting for Severus's answer James spoke. "More importantly, how did you get here, the fidius charm means you must have heard-"

"Peter give the Dark Lord you address, he just summoned all of his followers to announce that he is going to kill you" said Severus nodding at James, "And more importantly to him anyway, Harry. You must leave at once!"

Millions of thoughts went through Lily's mind. "Why would you tell us, this is a trap isn't it?" She stared coldly at Severus.

"Lily, you can talk after you leave with, there isn't time now." James spoke quickly. "Take Harry as well, it isn't a trap, trust me, trust Severus"

Lily was shocked, not only did James call Severus by his first name, but James wanted her to trust him. No words came to her, as much as she wanted to reply.

Severus looked shocked as well. "You aren't coming?"

"Only one of us can go – and I owe you so much – you saved my life twice now, and I yours only once. I will delay the Him as long as possible. And Lily, I know you want to speak now, but there isn't time go, GO!"

But Lily wouldn't go just yet. She gave James one last kiss on his check, knowing that either her and Harry would die, or it would be James. James then walked calmly back into the living room, leaving his family behind.

Immediately Severus grabbed Lily's arm and before she could say 'let go' they had disapperated. Moments later they arrived outside Hogwarts. Severus let go of her and quickly cast a patronus, sending it into the castle.

Wait a minute Lily thought to herself that patronus was not a doe, was it?

Severus started walking closer to the gate, and Lily reluctantly followed. "Are you going to tell me what is happening?" asked Lily, sounding as grumpy as she possibly could.

Severus did not turn to face Lily as he responded. "I told you- I saw peter give the address to the dark lord, though since I was present that included me as well, and I apperated to your doorstep directly afterwards and told you he was coming."

"I meant for you to tell me why he was coming as well." Responded Lily coldly.

Severus pretended he hadn't heard this, and continued to stare at the gates, and, as Lily glanced there as well, she could she a lantern floating over, so she knew someone was coming.

"How can you ignore me like this?" Lily burst out, realizing too late that she hadn't covered up the hurt and other emotions, which were layered into her voice. She added quietly "Especially after what you did."

Severus, still not turning around, responded. "And how could you not listen to me, when it was I who needed you too?"

Lily opened her mouth, but realized she didn't know what to say. As she looked down at Harry, she noticed he was a little bit sick, from the effects of the apparition. There was an aggrieved silence until the gate opened, revealing Dumbledore.

"Come inside, we don't have much time, James never seemed to catch on to ligilimency."

Once back at the castle Dumbledore spoke. "All the students are at the feast, so we will be alone if we discus matters in my office."

No body questioned this, so minutes later, after hearing Dumbledore tell the gargoyle 'Liquorish Wands', they were all seated in his office.

"So Severus, an update"

"Peter Pettigrew was just telling Tom the address, which I overheard. I then went directly to their house where I told them all to leave immediately. However, James insisted he stay to delay Tom, so Lily and Harry could escape with me. Then we came here, and I sent you the patronus, and now here we are." responded Severus.

"I see" Dumbledore paced around in his office, apparently deep in his own contemplation. Behind him Fawks was licking his feathers clean of the ask around him.

"Lily, Severus, would you two consent to coming on at Hogwarts as teachers?"

"A teacher?" Severus sounded revolted at the idea.

Dumbledore smiled. "Yes Severus a teacher or do I need to spell it out for you? T-E-A-"

"O.k., I get the point fine I'll do it o.k.?"

"And you Lily?"

"Sounds uplifting."

Harry was now fast asleep in Lily's arms.

"Good- now has Severus explained why he warned you?" Dumbledore looked as if he was slightly saddened when he said this.

"No"

"Well he joined the order as a spy for me-"

"Not for you" Severus interrupted.

"Fine," continued Dumbledore. "- as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix, which I run in case you didn't notice Severus."

"Why?" asked Lily

"Because of you"

Lily glanced at Severus who was glaring coldly at Dumbledore. "You said you wouldn't tell any one! You never keep any of you promises! Your brother was right about you."

"Well you should have told her your self Severus."

"That doesn't matter"

"We'll either way, what is done is done. I shall send the order to your old home, Lily, and you and Severus can go see your new rooms. The posts that are currently available are Potions, and Astrology. You both did well in these you figure it out for your selves which you would prefer. Good night."

As they left the headmasters office Lily turned to Severus. "What was you patronus? I couldn't see it clearly in the dark."

Severus took his wand out of his pocket and silently cast it again. A doe appeared. "You" replied Severus simply.

"But why? How? Since when?"

"Why- well that's a tough question- because you're the smartest, nicest, and most beautiful girl I've ever known Lily. And as for how- you were the only person who ever cared about me- and your last question I have always loved you Lily, even before we came to Hogwarts." Severus turned to look at her. There was a desperate, lonely look in his eyes. "Please forgive me my past mistakes Lily. It hurts so much not to be able to be near you. I miss you so much. Please, please forgive me."

Lily looked into Severus's eyes. When she realized he spoke nothing but the truth, she gave in to her heart, which always had loved Severus. Though she did not yet trust him enough to tell him this. Lily smiled. "Forgiven."

Once they had reached their rooms, which, coincidently, were side by side, they stopped walking. "Severus?" asked Lily.

"Yes" replied Severus.

"Could you- stay with me tonight- I don't think I am comfortable sleeping alone- and now that James is dead-" Lily's voice broke.

"What ever you wish."

And since neither of them had clothing to change into, nor stuff to unpack, they went to sleep right away, Lily in Severus's arms, Harry in the crib, which coincidently had been set up because a guest to the school from the ministry had needed it just two days ago.