'It's what's on the inside that counts…'

A gurgling cauldron was bubbling quietly in the dark, dreary room filled with jars of preserved organs, insects and small mammals. Severus Snape was sitting at his desk, waiting for the currently white potion to turn into the clear, translucent colour of veritaserum. The night before, Dumbledore requested that Snape make some incase he needed it throughout the year. Snape did not question the headmaster at the time but as he sat watching the potion simmer, he wondered why Dumbledore would need veritaserum when his skills at Legilimency were more than sufficient to obtain the truth from any unsuspecting victim. Perhaps there was information he needed from someone? Something important…

Snape's trace of thought was broken when a silver phoenix flew into the room and spoke: "Severus, come to my office immediately. Password is 'chocolate frog'". The phoenix disappeared as Snape leapt off his chair and hurried out of his office. Snape did not know why he was running so fast; his heart was pounding against his chest, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. Somehow, he knew something was wrong. Thankfully it was still the summer break, no annoying children to avoid.

Snape halted in front of the gargoyle and panted "chocolate frog". The griffin jumped aside as Snape ascended the stairs. Without even knocking, Snape pushed open the door and stopped dead at the sight that greeted him. An old wizard was slumped in his chair, his silvery white beard tangled among his robes, his eyes closed, chest heaving deep, rattling breaths. Without speaking, Snape ran forward examining the headmaster, staring avidly at the dead looking hand, withered and black. Having read about the powerful, deadly curse several times, Snape began to mumble incantations under his breath, his wand in hand. After a few minutes, a beam of blue light exited Snape's wand; he knew the counter curse had worked… for now. Conjuring a cauldron out of thin air, Snape summoned several carefully selected herbs and potions ingredients from his stores and began concocting a golden potion that he tipped down the wizard's throat an hour later. As the old man swallowed the potion, Snape looked up from his cauldron and saw a pair of bright, blue eyes watching him, a smile of thanks clear upon his lined face.

"Thank you, Severus. I don't know what I'd do without you." Dumbledore whispered,

clearly shaken by his injury. Snape stared into Dumbledore's eyes.

"What happened? That curse is one of the most deadly; it would have killed you had I not got here soon enough!" Snape was clearly agitated.

"I was a foolish man, Severus," replied Dumbledore pointing at the gold ring sitting innocently on his desk, the Sword of Gryffindor lying beside it. Snape hadn't noticed the objects before, but stared at them now, confused.

"Did the ring contain the curse?" Snape asked slowly, not taking his eyes off the ring.

"Yes, but I-"

"Did you wear it?" Snape's head snapped around to look at Dumbledore; his anger was rising.

"Yes, but you-"

"And you knew it would likely have a powerful, deadly curse upon it?"
"Yes, Severus and I-"

"Do you realise that you only have about a year to live?" Snape asked aggressively; livid that Dumbledore could have been so senseless.

"Severus, please calm down and listen to me." Snape continued to stare at the man but remained silent.

"I do understand that the consequences of my actions are severe, Severus. As I have said, it was my foolishness and lack of rationality that tempted me to wear the ring. However," Dumbledore looked into Snape's still furious face, "what's done is done and besides, there are more important things to consider at present."

Snape tried to argue.

"Don't question me, Severus, I don't have time," Dumbledore said in a strong, however calm tone. "I understand that Voldemort has ordered Draco to kill me sometime this year, is this correct?" Snape nodded, not quite liking where the conversation was heading. "Well assuming that Voldemort doesn't expect Draco to succeed, I suppose he plans for you to kill me in the end?" Dumbledore's blue eyes x-rayed the black ones.

"Yes, that is his plan."

"Well, this makes life a while lot easier, doesn't it?"

"What do you mean?" Snape asked slowly, not knowing is he really wanted the answer.

"Severus, you can't possibly think I would want Draco to fail trying to kill me, you know Voldemort will punish him most severely if he fails and I live another year. I will not have the boy die or tortured due to my survival. No. Severus, I am asking you a favour: when the time comes I want you to kill me; that way Voldemort will have no doubt about whose side you're on, Draco won't be killed and you would be of even more use to the Order which would-"

"Wait," Snape interrupted, hardly believing Dumbledore's stupidity, "you actually think the Order will listen to me? What use will I be if they think I am the murderer who killed their leader? You do realise Dumbledore, that if I kill you- and I am not saying I will- but if I do, I will no longer be able to help the Order?"

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Severus."
"I am not going to kill you, Dumbledore-"

"I'm going to die anyway, Severus."

"So why can't we just wait it out?"

"I would rather a quick, painless death than a long and painful one."

"Well do you want me to kill you now then, Albus?" Snape asked, sarcasm drenching his tone of voice.

Dumbledore smiled. "No, Severus for there are still many things I must do before you kill me."

"I'm not going to kill-"

"Severus," Dumbledore interrupted as if slightly impatient. "I need you to promise me that if the time comes you will prevent Draco from killing me and you yourself will do it instead. I will not have the boy's soul torn apart because of-"

"What about my soul, Dumbledore?" Snape persisted, feeling somewhat childish.

"You'll be helping a friend die a quick, painless death." Dumbledore answered calmly.

"Oh, it's that simple is it?" Snape snapped back.

"I never said it would be easy, but yes, it is simple."

"This is ridiculous- this is absurd; without you the order won't stand a chance against the Dark Lord!"
"But remember Severus, I am already dying; you killing me would just speed up the process. Anyway, it is Harry who needs to defeat Voldemort, not me."

"So you think an underage wizard of mediocre standards has a chance against the Dark Lord?"

"Yes," Dumbledore answered quietly.

"Do you have a plan then?" Snape asked somewhat aggressively.

"Yes and I intend to share my ideas with Harry this year."

Snape paused, contemplating. "What's your plan?"

"I cannot tell you, Severus as it doesn't concern you-"

"Doesn't concern me? During the past fifteen years I have followed your every order, your every request, I have risked my life for you, I've just saved your life and you still don't think I have earned the right to know of the plan or understand why I must tear my soul apart for you!" Snape yelled furiously.

Dumbledore took a deep breath as he looked at Snape with his bright blue eyes.

"There is one thing I do want you to know-"

"What is it?' Snape asked eagerly, trying to keep the contempt out of his voice.

"And," Dumbledore continued, still staring avidly into the black eyes, "you must promise me that you will do everything in your power to tell Harry, when the time is right, about this because it's very important."

Snape nodded. His heart was racing; anxious to know what was so important.

"The night Voldemort tried to kill Harry the curse rebounded off him and hit Voldemort's already damaged soul which tore apart. One piece of his soul was separated from the whole and connected itself to Harry. Harry's access into Voldemort's mind and his ability to talk to snakes is a consequence of this. So… while that portion of his soul is protected by Harry, Voldemort cannot die."

There was a pause.

"Hang on!" Snape's face contorted with disgust, "does that mean Potter must die before the Dark Lord can be killed?" Snape stared into Dumbledore's eyes as if daring him to answer.

"Yes."

"So that's your brilliant plan? To offer him as bait? Allow him to be killed for the greater good?"
"Severus-"

"What happened to the plan of keeping him alive? You told me I could redeem myself and make it up to Lily if I helped you! I have spent the last fifteen years protecting him and now you tell me it was all for nothing? I do my absolute best to protect the boy and it turns out that not only have I wasted my time, but that he will die anyway? Do you realise that when you die, I will be the only person who knows my secret?"

"Isn't that what secrets are? Something only you know?"

"That's beside the point, Dumbledore! With you gone, no one will know what I have done the last fifteen years!"

"Does this mean you want to tell people why your true loyalties lie with the Order?" Dumbledore inquired peering over his half moon spectacles.

"NO!" Snape yelled defiantly. Dumbledore continued to stare. "Don't look at me as if you know better than I do! If Potter dies, which he undoubtedly will, how else am I going to make up for what I did? Lily's sacrifice would have been worthless and I will never again get the chance to redeem my actions."

"You helped him get this far, Severus. It is his destiny, can't you just accept that you've done everything in your power to ensure he is prepared for the battle that lies ahead?"
"NO! BECAUSE I WON'T BE THERE! I WON'T BE ABLE TO HELP HIM PREPARE BECAUSE I'LL BE WITH THE DEATH EATERS, I'LL BE A MURDERER TO HIM AND HE'LL NEVER FORGIVE ME FOR KILLING YOU DUMBLEDORE, I KNOW HE WON'T! AND IF HE EVER FINDS OUT THAT I AM THE DEATH EATER WHO TOLD THE DARK LORD ABOUT THE PROPHECY, WHAT HOPE DO I HAVE? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO HELP HIM? HOW CAN I DO MY BEST? HOW AM I GOING TO TELL HIM WHICH SIDE I AM TRULY ON? I WON'T GET THE CHANCE TO EXPLAIN-"

"So you do want him to know how you felt about his mother?"

"NO!"

"Well, why do you care so much? Why does it matter that he knows the truth?"

"I just want Lily to know-"

"But Lily is-"

"I know! But I just want someone- I want her to know what I have done- know how sorry I was- that I tried my best."

"But why tell-"

"You have always told me that she lives in him," tears filling the dark eyes, "you always told me Potter was a lot like his mother and his eyes are exactly like Lily's and I just- I just want her to know how sorry I am. So telling Potter is the closest I'm ever going to get to telling her but now you're telling me that I'm not going to get that chance to redeem myself? I'm just going to be a Death Eater, murderer, slimy git forever?" Snape looked away from the headmaster, shocked that he had said so much, had finally told Dumbledore his plan, his feelings.

"Severus?'

Snape looked up, a tear falling down his cheek.

"Pick up the ring."

"Why? What do you want me to do with it?" Snape snapped somewhat aggressively.

"Go somewhere private and turn the ring over three times in your hand."

"Why? What will happen?"

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled. "You'll see, but promise me you'll bring it back- it'll be very important for Harry's survival."

Snape nodded and picked up the ring, examining it closely, his eyes only centimeters away. The ring was made out of solid gold, its black stone had a crack down the centre where, Snape assumed Dumbledore had attempted to smash it with the sword. Snape had no idea why Dumbledore gave him the ring and why it was so important, but felt drawn to it as he rose out of his seat. As he walked he walked towards the door, Snape turned on his heel "this conversation hasn't ended, Dumbledore. I still refuse to kill you."

Dumbledore smiled and nodded, "I know, Severus."

Snape turned towards the door and left the headmaster's office.

Snape glided into his dungeon at a fast pace, haphazardly extinguished the fire beneath the now clear potion and sat at his desk. His hands shaking slightly, Snape slowly turned the ring over once- twice- three times…

Snape felt his hair blow somewhat as if a gust of wind had entered the room. Snape looked in front of him, to his right and left, but couldn't see anything, yet he was sure something just happened; he could feel it. Feeling slightly anxious, Snape stood up from his desk and walked towards the door, as if preparing to run for it. After looking up and down the corridor, the ring still clutched in his now sweaty palms, he turned around and his heart jumped inside his chest. Staring at him from behind his desk was a beautiful young woman of about seventeen, her long dark red hair escalating down her shoulders, her bright green eyes staring at Snape, a gorgeous smile that she only ever reserved for him emanated from Lily Potter. She was there, in his office and out of instinct, Snape slammed the office door and locked it with his wand.

His jaw dropped as he slowly approached the still silent Lily, not quite believing what he was seeing. Although she was not solid and therefore not alive, she was definitely there, more than a ghost as if she were a memory; someone he could see but not touch or speak to. He continued to stare into her eyes, mixed emotions filling him up, those of love, sorrow and grief. She looked exactly as she did the last time he saw her, their last day of seventh year, but more beautiful- if that was possible. Snape walked around his desk and was glad to see that she was standing, rather than floating on the spot. For the first time in fifteen years, Snape smiled. Lily continued to smile back.

But as quickly as his smile began Snape's face contorted, ashamed and guilt ridden and suddenly the memory of what he had done settled in the pit of his stomach as he stared at the floor. Since the day Lily died, Snape had planned out in his mind what he would say to Lily if he ever saw her again. He thought about apologizing, telling her how he felt and still feels about her, even though he knew she wouldn't be able to respond. But Snape couldn't bring himself to speak and braved a look into Lily's gorgeous, green eyes once again. Although he still loved the woman before him, he didn't feel love but hurt and guilt as if the reality of what he did fifteen years ago was only now being realised. The ghost-like form of Lily Potter was still smiling at him as if encouraging him to smile again. But he couldn't. The corners of Snape's mouth lowered as he frowned, contemplating what he should say to Lily- it did not matter whether she heard him or not, he just had to say something.

"Why are you so miserable, Severus?" Lily asked, greatly amused by the expression on her friend's face.

Snape looked up, shocked that the beautiful sound of Lily's voice was not lost in her death; he thought he'd never hear her speak again.

"You- you can speak?" Snape asked stupidly.

"Of course I can speak!"
"Well why haven't you said anything in the last ten minutes that I have been standing here looking at you?" Snape asked, slightly annoyed.

"I was completely content with watching you, Severus. I never thought I'd see you again."

"Oh… well I didn't think you'd want to see me again," Snape mumbled.

"That's crazy, Sev! Why wouldn't I want to see you? Talk to you? We were best friends, remember?"
"But I thought after I called you a-" Snape couldn't say the word; the day he lost his friendship with Lily still haunted him.

"Mudblood," Lily helped him along.

"I thought you hated me- no longer wanted to be friends with me."
"Yes that's what I said, but I was angry, hurt and embarrassed because you proved James right- that you really were a muggle-hating, dark arts lover." Snape bowed his head. He thought about arguing with her to try and justify his actions that day, but there was no point; there was no excuse for calling her such a terrible name.

Desperate to change the subject away from James and his childhood, Snape asked: "So, what is this ring? How did you get here?"

"That stone in the ring isn't any old stone, Severus; it's the Resurrection Stone!"

"What? The Resurrection Stone?"

"Yes, the one we read about in the Tales of Beedle the Bard during our first year."

Snape smiled at the memory. Then becoming serious again asked: "So basically, I have reawakened you from death?"
"I guess so; you can see me and we can talk to each other. Even though I am dead, I feel pretty alive, it's kind of cool don't you think?" Lily asked excitedly, expecting Snape to laugh and smile. However, Snape was lost in thought.

"Why did you come here?"

"Why wouldn't I come and speak to you, Severus?" asked Lily looking concerned. After a few silent moments, Lily continued. "Do you remember how we used to wonder who we'd resurrect if we had the chance? We always said we'd resurrect each other if the other had died?" Snape nodded. "Well you've kept your word haven't you?" Lily smiled.

"Lily?"

"Mmmm?"

"You don't know what my Patronus is, do you?" Even though Snape knew it was a strange question, he had to ask

Lily couldn't help herself, she smiled broadly, her green eyes glittering as she nodded. Snape had only ever produced his Patronus once in his life, and that was only three years ago.

"She's beautiful isn't she?" Lily said dreamily as if remembering the lessons she'd conjure the doe and the many times she used it when she was in the Order of the Phoenix.

Snape was still anxious that Lily would bring up the circumstances under which he conjured the Patronus. When he saw his Patronus for the first time he was shocked, but having seen the Patronus many times before, conjured by Lily, he had no doubt as to why his Patronus was also a doe. But-

"You're very silent. You used to talk a lot when we were at Hogwarts. You okay?"

"How do you know about my Patronus?"

"I saw you conjure it."

Snape's heart sank. "But you were dead when I conjured it for the first time."

"I still saw it."
"But-"

"Do you think that your Patronus simply means that you love me? No, Severus, it means that I live in you; like I'm a part of you." Snape felt happier than he ever remembered feeling; Lily didn't only live in Potter, but in him too. After all these years, he never thought that was possible…

"Do you want to talk about why you decided to conjure the Patronus that day, or do you want to leave it?"
"I'm not proud of it."
"I know," Lily smiled, encouraging her friend to speak.

"When I became conscious that night and saw the Dementors leave the lake because they were being chased by a stag, I had no qualms about who conjured it. But Potter was only in his third year and nowhere near capable of producing a corporeal Patronus so I concluded that it was an illusion; that it was just someone else. But deep inside, I knew it was Potter's Patronus- I hated to admit it to myself. I had never produced a Patronus before, even in seventh year, it was the one thing I couldn't do- I couldn't think of a happy enough memory. But after seeing your son's Patronus, I was determined to produce one; I couldn't stand your son being able to do magic that I couldn't. So after many attempts I finally managed to produce the doe…"

Smiling, Lily replied "well if you were ever willing to admit it, you could have seen me everyday, whenever you looked at Harry-"
"As well as the uncanny resemblance he has with his father," Snape interrupted. "Do you realise what it is like to look at Potter and see James' body with your eyes? How do you expect me to be nice to someone who looks like that?"
"Well, why not?" Lily demanded, affronted by Snape's attack on her husband and son.

"Nothing- don't worry," Snape said quickly, not wanting to fight with Lily.

"Do you, after so many years still have something against James? I know he was terrible to you when we were at Hogwarts, I won't defend his actions. But he- we have been dead for fifteen years and you still haven't moved on? I have watched you Severus, I see you teach your students, how you obviously favour the Slytherins over every other student. It's okay to favour your own house, but you make the other students' lives miserable! You don't even care!"

Snape was feeling worse and worse by the minute. He wished he could argue and defend his actions, but there was no defence; he knew she was right.

"Remember when you were young, Severus? And you were being bullied by James and Sirius? You hated it! But you only fought back when they attacked first, they started and you followed. You didn't want trouble and you had pity for others who became victims of their tricks! I remember you talking to me about it, oh how I hated them for what they did to you! And now look at you. Nineteen years later you are the bully, making everybody hate the subject you teach because of the way you treat them and intimidate them! You made no exceptions for my son or even for Neville as I'm sure you know about the fate of his parents? And I know you'll just say that you're a spy for Dumbledore, that you have to pretend to hate them so that the Malfoy boy and the other Slytherins won't suspect your true loyalties but even when they had detention with you, you couldn't be nice once, not once in your life! Put aside your past for one second and show them the decency that James and Sirius never showed you! Don't you sympathise with them? How do you think I feel when I watch you treat my son that way?"

"Lily," Snape wished she would stop; it was becoming too painful to bear.

"You've changed, Severus! What happened to the guy I used to be best friends with? Laugh with? Sit, eat and talk with? What happened to you?" Lily's green eyes were swimming in tears.

Snape couldn't stop the tears prickling his eyes as he replied quietly.

"Of course I have changed, Lily, it's been nineteen years since we left seventh year, I'm thirty-six now! I look at you and you're just how I remember you as a seventeen year old- you haven't lived through as much as I have."

"So that's an excuse to be rude and deceitful to my son and his friends? Not to mention the thousands of students who must enter this gloomy dungeon to only be tortured and mocked. You've changed, Severus- changed so much that I hardly recognise you! What's happened to you?" Lily demanded again.

Snape couldn't take it any longer as his sorrow, regret and anger boiled over.

"You died, that's what happened!" he yelled, grief and pain tearing at his heart.

Lily's face froze as if considering her friend's answer, not quite knowing what to say. There was a long pause.

"Severus-"

"It does not matter anymore; the damage, as you have clearly pointed out, has already been done, Lily."

"But, don't you want to talk about it?" asked Lily, still shocked by her friend's outburst.

Snape shook his head "it's just who I am now and I'm not sorry for being me."

"But this isn't you, Sev! I knew the real you, which apparently was lost the day I died!" Lily was upset that her death not only meant her absence from the world, but the loss of the best friend she used to know and love.

"I felt guilty- was completely distraught that I lost you- that you died and for weeks I thought I died with you- but then I realised I hadn't died, I just needed to release my anger and pain. I took it out on my students and yes- that is still continuing to this day- perhaps I am the mean, despicable, dark arts lover your husband always thought I was!"

"Severus!"

"And I don't care what you say! Self pity and guilt is the worst possible feeling and I have tortured myself long enough to know pain so don't tell me your son's life and those of his friends have been worse because of me; the pain I inflict on them is NOTHING compared to what I inflict upon myself!" Snape was breathing deeply as he stared into Lily's eyes.

"I understand that life hasn't been easy for you, Severus and I am so sorry you had to go through that without telling anyone except Dumbledore as to why you were so traumatized by my death, someone you loved. Keeping secrets is very difficult; it takes a lot out of you and yet you have been working as a double agent for Dumbledore for so many years. To keep such a huge secret reflects your strength, bravery and your understanding that the pain the secret causes you will, in the end, be worth it. I totally understand why Dumbledore's request for you to kill him would have troubled you; your sacrifice, it seems, was for nothing- that pain was all for nothing. But it WAS for something, Severus. It may have led to many years of traumatizing students, but ultimately you demonstrated the fact that loyalty, keeping your word and love truly is more powerful than any magic created by a wand and that is something I would never have expected from a Slytherin. Honestly, I think Dumbledore was right in saying that Hogwarts sorts students into their houses too soon." Snape looked up at Lily, shocked that she remembered the small, passing comment Dumbledore said to him only two years ago.

"Imagine if you were in Gryffindor, Sev? Obviously Dumbledore thinks you should have been and so do I. See? You proved something, it wasn't a waste!" Lily was smiling at Snape, hoping that he would become slightly cheerful at this perspective.

"I have proven something good to you and to Dumbledore, but everyone else already does or will think I have proven that I am the worst of men, that I am worse than most Death Eaters, a coward and betrayer of Dumbledore. Lily, I don't feel like I've proven anything."

"Well why don't you tell people what you have-"

Snape sneered. "You think they'll believe me? What will I say to your son? 'Oh and by the way Potter, the memory you saw in the Pensieve last year is my worst memory because that was the day your mother stopped talking to me- and also, I loved your mother and didn't want her to die'. I'm sure he'd really believe that." Snape said; his voice full of sarcasm.

"I'm sure he will," Lily replied defiantly.

"I was being sarcastic-"

"But I wasn't, Severus. I think he will listen to you if you say it with feeling."

"Look, there is no point in talking about this because I am never going to talk about it with anyone, not even your son!"

"Well how are you going to prove yourself to people if they don't know the real you- if they don't know what you have done?"
"I don't know, Lily! It doesn't matter; there are more important things to worry about."

"But what if you die before you get the chance to tell him? You'd regret not telling him, won't you?"

"Perhaps, but that'll be my choice won't it?"
"Well, maybe not Severus; by the sound of things Voldemort is getting more powerful by the day, I'm sure a battle will rage very soon, you could-"

"I won't die-"

"But if you think that you may, please promise me you'll try and find Harry and tell him about the past, our past. Do it for me if not for yourself."

Snape paused. Finally he nodded.

"I'll do it for you."

"Thank you, Sev."

"So what do you think I should do about Dumbledore's plan? Do you think I should kill him, if the time should come?" Snape asked his friend eagerly, hoping she'd have an answer.

"I think you- I think you should, but only because I believe that Dumbledore's plans usually work and if that means the end of Voldemort's reign, then perhaps making that sacrifice again, killing another friend, would perhaps be worth it. Even though my son would hate you for it, in the end doing what Dumbledore asks makes you that much stronger, more courageous and very loyal to the greatest wizard of all time- and if my son knew you were following Dumbledore's orders, not even he could hate you for it."

Snape looked doubtful.

"It will be a terrible blow to the wizarding world when Dumbledore dies, but remember he is dying anyway, so you may as well make it appear like you are killing him as your enemy rather than your friend- Voldemort will love you for it won't he?"
"Doing something that he couldn't do? I doubt it…"

"Well regardless, he'll have no doubt that you are on his side and as we already know, love is much more powerful than magic. Perhaps one day you'll get to talk to Harry and reveal your loyalty to me and to Dumbledore and when that day comes, I think the two of you will be able to thwart Voldemort easily."
"I think you're being a bit hopeful," Snape couldn't help smiling slightly.

"Perhaps, but isn't it worth a try?"

"Maybe," Snape agreed half heartedly.

"Well whatever you decide to do I'll be with you all the way. And also, try not to let your anger get the better of you, I know it's hard, but just try to be a bit nicer to Harry and his friends this year, okay?" Lily asked with a slight plead in her voice.

"It sounds like you're leaving."

"Well, only if you let me; you've got to drop the stone before I can go."

"But-" Snape didn't want Lily to go; he wanted to talk to Lily for the rest of his life.

"It's okay, Sev. I'm not really going, I'm just disappearing, I guess. You can't see me, but I'm still a part of you." Snape nodded.

"Well, I loved talking with you Severus… I really miss you, you know?"

"I miss you too," Snape whispered under his breath. Lily smiled.

"Good luck, Sev," said Lily in a more serious, however loving tone

Snape nodded in response; not trusting himself to speak incase he lost control of his emotions.

"And if you do happen to get the chance to tell Harry about us, show him your Patronus. I know that if he saw our doe, he'd listen to you, give you a chance to speak. He knows that a Patronus reveals the good within the conjurer- they never lie. You can't fake your love for me and Harry will see that.

Snape nodded.

"Bye, Sev."

"Bye, Lily" Snape dropped the ring as Lily's dark red hair, bright green eyes and loving smile disappeared before his eyes. Picking it up again, Snape pocketed the piece of gold, and with tears pouring silently down his pale face, Snape left his office slamming the door behind him.