July 6th, 1991
"This was found in her possessions the night she died," said Albus Dumbledore, his piercing gaze on the wizard sitting in front of him.
With slightly shaking hands he took the letter from the headmaster and opened it slowly. At the sight of the familiar writing a soft sigh escaped his lips. As if just reading her words were magic in itself.
Oct. 26th.
Dear Snape,
I've written and re-written this letter at least a dozen times, not knowing the right words to say. But I hope the result finds you in good hands.
Mary McDonald visited last week, she said that you had apparently switched sides and joined the Order. I'll be honest I'm still not sure if I believe it. For a second, I felt hope. Hope like I use to feel for you back in school before you became a...
Is it true? Because if not.. what are you doing? I know I told you that your business was no longer my concern but you've gotta think about this.. many innocent lives will be put at stake! Though if it is true.. I'd like to hear it from you.
Anyway, I understand that we haven't spoken in over a year but... please know that regardless of anything I miss you. Everyday that I've woken I've felt as if apart of me has been missing. It wasn't until recently that I realized what it was. It was you; my best friend. Hopefully if we're left standing after this dreadful war, I'd like to rekindle our old friendship. Who knows maybe even introduce you to my little Harry! (He accidentally blew up a cauldron in the kitchen yesterday and I don't know how I feel about that).
Well until then take care.
Love, Lily
Severus Snape took a deep breath and hastily wiped the stray tear that fell down his cheek. It still felt as if it was just yesterday Lily Evans-no, Potter- was taken from him. Murdered. The pain was still there everyday he woke, fresh like salt on a wound. She never got to know he'd changed.
Rolling up the yellowed parchment and tucking it in his robes, he turned his black eyes up to meet pale blue ones.
"You're showing me this now after all this time?", he asked raising a dark eyebrow. His voice was little more than a murmur.
"Why yes, you see because her son Harry will be attending Hogwarts this fall and I need assurance that you will help me protect the boy. He's been through so much already... ", the headmasters voice trailing off. Behind Albus the first rays of sunlight peaked through the tall glass windows, casting an orange glow in the room. Off to the right Fawkes was perched inside his cage asleep.
Despite the serenity Severus felt his mood darken, "And why should I oblige?".
"Because Lily would have wanted it".
Just like that Albus Dumbledore had him. Just like that Severus Snape found himself trying to prevent any harm coming to Harry when Professor Quirrell placed a jinx on his broomstick. Continuously protecting the life year after year, and time after time, of the boy who looked so much like his childhood bully.
He did it for her. Lily.
Even now as he stared at James-no, Harry- seconds from death, he thought of his childhood friend. Her lovely shade of auburn hair, her soft ivory skin, her sparkling emerald green eyes. Emerald eyes that were looking back at him with such intensity as he took his final slow breath.
And just like that Severus Snape lived no more.
# Always
A.N.- May your soul find peace,
Alan Rickman (Severus Snape)
Feb. 21st, 1946- Jan. 14th, 2016