Title: Warmth of Summer
AN: No lie, I'm not super knowledgeable of the details that is Harry Potter in contrast to many here on FF. So forgive any little mistakes you may find here and there.
Though McGonagall was certainly a powerful witch, Severus knew he could end this with one great swoop of this wand. He clenched his jaw as he retreated from her attacks, fighting the strong temptation to forsake his duty, his purpose, all for his pride. They don't know. They don't understand, he tried reminding himself.
She was advancing more aggressively now, leaving him less and less room for retreat. With a sharp exhale, Severus knew the best way to end this was to leave. He took out his frustrations on the windows, shattering the glass as he departed.
Tonight's air was cooler than last's, Severus observed as he made his way around a very familiar place, though it had been a while since his last visit. The cemetery in Godric's Hollow was comfortingly quiet, allowing for only the sounds of his faint footsteps and an occasional breeze through the trees. He looked around to ensure his solitude and once it was confirmed, stopped in front of Lily Potter's gravestone.
Well, it was her and James' gravestone, Severus knew that. But he visited so frequently that by now, he was able to forget that she was buried with her husband, forget that James Potter's name was engraved next to hers, and even blur out her married name. To Severus, the only thing engraved on that slab of marble was Lily.
He sat down across from Lily's name, as if she were right in front of him. It was in this usual position where he would confess his struggles of living a double life, seek her forgiveness, or simply reminisce. It depended on the day.
He tightened his robes; it was getting colder.
"Here I am again, Lily," Severus spoke softly. "I hope you don't mind another late visit. Quite a lot has been happening lately…" He almost scoffed at himself. Trying to make light conversation with the dead?
"But I am sure you know all about it." Severus shook his head and rubbed his temples. He was absolutely exhausted.
Severus reached out and ran his fingers over her beautiful name. "Remind me again, Lily," he sighed. "Remind me that I am doing this for you."
He sank back onto the cold concrete with his head buried in his hands. Suddenly an unseasonably warm wind burst from nowhere, wrapping around his torso before gently caressing his face. As Severus closed his eyes, he immediately brought himself back to the last summer he spent with Lily before he inadvertently ended their friendship with one word.
They spent their last day of summer by a pond, shaded by a willow tree. Lily was chattering excitedly about returning to school. Although she seemed to be speaking a thousand words per minute, to Severus, she was moving gracefully through molasses. He occasionally nodded and smiled, all the while not hearing a single word she said. Rather, he burned into his memory her sparkling green eyes, her perfect grin, and the way her brilliant red hair outshone the setting sun. There was never a time when Severus felt more warm, more of himself, than at that moment.
Severus opened his eyes as the warm wind left him for the trees and the cold air settled back in. A small smile formed on his lips as he stood up. He placed a conjured white lily at the foot of the gravestone.
"Thank you, Lily," he whispered before leaving.