Snape and Lily sat beside each other on the sofa, simply enjoying one another's company, as they now so often did. They were watching some awful muggle television and Snape loved it.

Then something horrible happened.

Snape heard a popping noise. He spun around to see five masked Death Eaters who had mysteriously appareated into the house, despite the protecting charms placed upon it.

Snape stood up at once. He out stretched his arms, expanding himself and his black robes, like a giant black bat.

"Severus? Severus Snape?" said a Death Eater in the middle: Avery. "Explain yourself!"

"After you, my friend," spat Snape.

"Seeing that her mate went out tonight, we thought we'd eliminate the mudblood," he growled.

"Well you can't have her."

"Why not!" someone said, angrily. Snape recognized the voice as MacNair's.

"This one is my pet," said Snape, darkly. "Isn't that right, my dear? Put that wand down. No one's going to hurt you. Not when you please me so."

Lily, who had always been smart, recognized Snape's lie and played along. She dropped her wand, wore a terrified face, and drew near.

Snape grabbed hold of the back of her neck and yanked her close. "Now, my sweet, give the men a smile. Show how lovely you are," Snape whispered menacingly.

She smiled weakly at the Death Eaters.

"Oh, I see," said Avery, "You've gotten yourself a plaything." They all laughed. Snape heard a womanly cackle. Could it be Alecto Carrow? Bellatrix Lestrange?

"Prove it to us!" bellowed a Death Eater named Nott. Then he busted with laughter. "Why don't ya give a little smooch!"

"Yeah!" agreed another, "Giv'er a good snog."

"Gladly," said Snape.

He tightened his hold on the back of her neck. Then he pulled her in.

Her lips were very soft. He kissed her greedily and demandingly, though he wanted to be gentle. He kissed her for a good time, though he wanted to stop. He closed his eyes, drowned out the Death Eaters whistles and chants. He pretended it wasn't his best friend he was hurting under his grip. He imagined it wasn't Lily he was tormenting.

He pulled her face away. "There you are. Now, if you don't mind giving me my privacy…"

"Ah, Snape, your not ganna share her?" joked Nott.

"May I suggest you try the widow on 180 Spinet Street," Sanpe advised.

"Alright, Snape. Have fun," said Avery.

Then the five disappeared.

Snape hurried over to the fireplace and got a hold of Dumbledore.

"Professor, 5 … They're heading to 180 Spinet Street"

"Thank you, Severus. I'll send some men there right away," said Dumbledore, calmly as ever.

Snape pulled his face from the flames. He stood, facing the wall and not bearing to turn around and toward Lily.

Pop. James appareated into the room. "Lily? Oh, thank God."

Snape didn't turn around.

The sound of hugs and kisses, then of James voice, "Lily, what happened? Lily… Snape? What happened?"

The fire cackled before Snape's eyes. "They came to kill her, they knew you weren't here. I was able to convince them I had uses for her, and led them to a trap. They didn't touch her."

"Okay, erm… Thank you," said James, "but I think you should leave."

Without turning and looking at either of them, Snape left the house.