A/N Howdy all! It feels a little weird to be writing this fic, to tell you the truth, but I've never written story that portrays Snape as anything but a bat-like git, so I thought I'd give it a crack! Hope you like it : )

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, but please don't rub it in!!

It was supposed to be the proudest moment of his life, but all he could see was a pair of bright green eyes. He was standing in the centre of a crowd of Death Eaters, all wearing hoods. He stood firmly, staring into the face that would soon be his master. Lord Voldemort raised a hand to deafen the chatter from the Death Eaters, and stared into Severus's face.

"You are distracted." It was not a question. Severus took a deep breath.

"No, my lord, not distracted." Voldemort began to pace in front of Severus.

"Do not lie to Lord Voldemort, Severus. You are distracted, but this must change. Nothing must come between you and your devotion to serving me." Severus nodded. Occlumency would be crucial from now on.

"Yes, my lord." Voldemort looked satisfied.

"Kneel." Severus did as he was told. As his knees hit the hard earth, a memory came to the front of Severus's mind.

The library was almost empty, curfew was drawing near. Lily and Severus were the only ones left, studying by candlelight. Lily's bottom lip had a dent in it from the amount of times she had bit it. After a few moments, it got too much, and she gave a loud cry of frustration. Madam Pince scowled at her from the bookshelf opposite.

"I can't do this, Sev! It's too hard!" Severus gave her a look of mock surprise.

"Sluggy's potions princess, stumped on one of his essays? No, never!" Lily glared at him.

"Oh, drop dead!" She frowned, and started to write again. Both worked silently for while, until they were distracted by the sound of a pile of books tumbling from their shelf. A disgruntled-looking Sirius Black emerged, followed by a fuming Amanda Brittle.

"I can't believe the size of your ego!" She was screaming, "I ask you to help me with me with my Charms, and you assume that I want to…You perverted freak!" Lily and Severus sniggered as Amanda whacked Sirius's head with a copy of 'Quidditch Through the Ages'.

"Oh, come on Mandy…" Sirius groaned.

"Don't you ever, EVER, call me that!" Amanda turned on her heel and marched out of the library. Madam Pince, who had been mysteriously absent up till now, seized this opportunity to charm the heavy book so that it continued whacking Sirius as he rushed out of the library. Lily was still giggling as she went back to her work. Severus put of a mock look of sorrow.

"Well, Lily Flower, I'm afraid the object of your affections is somewhat preoccupied…" Lily elbowed him sharply in the side.

"Oh shut up, you!"

As Severus recited the vow put to him by Voldemort, he wondered what Lily was doing now. He had not seen her since the wedding, but surely she was with her friends, maybe sharing Hogwarts memories. The thought of what she would say if she knew what Severus was doing now made him feel sick to his stomach, but it was too late now. Besides, he thought as Voldemort pressed his wand to Severus's arm, and was filled with excruciating pain, Lily was right. They had parted ways. If she was too weak to accept the offer of power, so be it.