Author's Notes: Song Prompt: The Rose
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Severus was walking. His black robes billowed as always, through the dark tunnel. There was no wind, and it was neither warm nor cool. It was the same as always and yet for Severus, it was different, new. He was following it, the light, but he didn't know where it would lead him or why. It was pure instinct.
He could hear voices, whispers, suddenly. Voices who lead him onward and those who told him to turn back. He didn't know where the voices came from, but Severus was always wont to listen to listen to his subconscious. He could hear men with deep voices, shouting, and women, coaxing softly. Severus was always more inclined to listen to a man than a woman, but something about the voice intrigued him.
"Severus," she said, "Please. Go toward the light and all shall be restored. Remember your honor." That, for reasons unknown to Severus at that moment, struck a chord and he listened, obeyed with fervor. The voice was familiar, and suddenly he found himself running. As he got closer, he started to feel a joy he'd rarely felt in his life. It was so profound, Severus felt his heart beating faster. He couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry.
As he rounded a corner, a woman gleaming in silver light appeared, arms wide in acceptance. "Severus," she breathed, her face obscured by the light. But Severus knew her voice, knew her body, her hands, and he would always, in darkness and in light.
"Lily," he said. After all this time, it was all he could say. Tears streamed down his pale face, just as laughter threatened to bubble up. Here she was, as beautiful as ever. He watches that perfect smile as it blooms just for him. It was if he was eight again.
"We must go," she said, taking him by the arm. Her emerald eyes sparkled as she wrapped her arms around him. "There is no time to waste."
"Where are we going?" Severus managed, amazed he had the strength to get four words out. He felt faint.
Lily supported him as they walked into the glowing silver. She was silent and gave no answer except for a stare. Bathed in radiance, Severus asked again, "Where are we going?"
"Home."