Start with a happy chapter, and now here's a depressing one! Ya gotta balance 'em, ya know? Enjoy!

10 years earlier…

Severus Snape's steps pounded on the pavement as he hurried through the streets of Godric's Hollow. Apparition forgotten, he ran as fast as he could towards the sound of screaming, following the trail of green light.

"I can't be too late, I can't be too late-" He muttered as he flew through the open door, then stopped at the sight of the man on the ground.

James Potter lay prone upon the carpeted floor, glasses askew and expression one of shock. A baby blanket clutched loosely in his limp fingers, pieces of furniture knocked about and scattered throughout the ruined sitting room. Severus found himself kneeling beside his old enemy, hand reaching to fix the glasses.

"I… I never wanted… this wasn't meant to happen," He stuttered, as if James could hear him. He took a shuddering breath.

"I'm sorry," He whispered. "I'll… I'll protect her…"

His mind was snapped out of the shocking reverie as another scream pierced the air. He jumped to his feet, running once more as he took the stairs two at a time.

"No, please, not Harry! Kill me, but don't hurt Harry!"

Lily had tears streaming down her face, arms outstretched to block the cradle behind her. The tiny Potter was wailing, not liking the sound of his mummy being so frightened. Voldemort had his wand at the ready, pointed straight at the witch. Severus put on a burst of speed, and dove in front of Lily.

"Stop!" He cried. "You promised! You promised she wouldn't be hurt!"

"Severus," Voldemort snarled. "Tell her to get out of the way, and I won't touch her."

"Never!" Lily yelled, now bending over the tiny infant as Severus provided cover for her.

"Then she must die!" The Dark Lord said, his gaze shifting between the two adults.

"She will not!" Severus said, fists clenched as he stepped backwards to hide the pair more effectively.

"If you do not move, I shall kill you as well," Voldemort said, wand now pointing as Severus. He glared at the Dark Lord, eyes locking steadily with him.

"Go on, then. I will not allow you to hurt them."

Lily's sobs were nearly drowned out by Harry's cries. Voldemort shook his head at Severus. "You had potential, Snape. But defying me?" His cold laugh sent shivers down the pair's spine. "You will regret this. Crucio!"

Severus screamed as his spasming body was lifted into the air, then dropped to the ground as the curse stopped. He lay there for but a moment, then got shakily to his feet.

"You… will not… hurt them…"

"You are strong," Voldemort regarded him with a hint of surprise, "but you can't protect them forever."

Severus drew out his wand, hand shaking as he pointed it towards the Dark Lord. Voldemort simply laughed. "You don't understand, do you?" He strode closer, grabbing a fistful of the greasy black hair and forcing him to look into his eyes.

"Let me make this clear: you are going to die. I will kill those two, and then I will burn this place to the ground."

He shoved Severus backwards, who then had to be supported by Lily. "I now see the Killing Curse would be too merciful for a traitor like you." He smiled a cold smile. "What was that one spell you showed the Death Eaters… the one you created in school? Ah!" He brandished his wand menacingly. "Sectumsempra!"

Severus' wand fell to the ground, blood dripping slowly onto the floor as thin red lines appeared, crisscrossing his entire body. He collapsed, too weak to move as the Dark Lord advanced. Voldemort made a point to step over his broken body disdainfully as he drew closer to the Potters.

"...N...no…"

Lily sobbed, holding the baby closer to her chest as she sought to protect him with her own body. Voldemort had held it out long enough. He cried aloud, screaming into the night, "Avada Kedavra!"

There was a blinding flash of green light, and for a silent, terrifying moment, nothing could be seen. Then, as the light faded, the small Potter's voice rose in pitch once more. Lily stood confused for a moment, then quickly hurried to kneel next to Severus.

"Sev…" She choked, trying to calm Harry as he squirmed in her arms.

"Is… is he gone…?"

She nodded. "Yes. What..." She took a deep breath. "What happened?"

Severus coughed, blood dripping down his chin. "I… I don't… know…"

Lily reached out and wrapped her fingers around his outstretched hand, forcing a smile through her tears. "Well, it doesn't matter… Harry and I are fine… and you're going to be, too."

"L- Lily…"

"Shh…" Lily blinked her tears away, running a comforting hand through the child's untidy black hair. "You're okay, Harry. You're fine, Sev…"

"Lily!" A loud voice came from downstairs. The familiar sound, usually boisterous and full of laughter, was now shaken and broken.

"Up here!" Lily called. The man entered the room moments later, immediately checking Lily.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded silently. He his gaze brushed over the strange scar the ran across her arm and Harry's forehead. He then noticed Severus.

"Snape," He muttered. "What…?"

"He needs help, Sirius." Lily looked up at him with pleading eyes. "We have to bring him to St. Mungo's."

Sirius Black nodded slowly, the pride he was swallowing almost visible as he knelt beside his old nemesis. "Alright." His eyes widened when he saw the damage, then brought out his wand. "I'll Apparate there… I'll bring back help." He hurriedly pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You stay here. Stay safe."

"You, too." She whispered, and he vanished.

Severus struggled to keep his eyes open, but they were growing heavier. "Lily…"

"It's okay, Sev," She repeated, more to herself than to him.

"I'm… sorry…"

One final look into those beautiful green eyes, then everything went black.

The next chapter I do not have written up, so there's gonna be a longer wait for it. Thank you MadameBeast for your review, and everyone else who has already started following the story!

No, really. I love reviews. All of y'all, review. It makes me less depressed. And feel better about skipping math for this.