A/N: Wow, so FFN actually fixed the issues for once and much quicker than I expected! So much for my all so dreary note, I'm back to posting apparently. Woohoo!

Xxxx

Severus yanked his wrists out of the man's grip the second he landed. He'd cooperate, he wasn't an imbecile, but there was no need for such tight restraint. The auror gripped him anyway, enough to let Severus know who was boss, but lighter than before. Severus' upper lip lifted into a sneer, but he kept his protestations to himself as he was shoved in a miniscule and bare cell.

The force behind the push caused Severus to fall to the ground, colliding with the hard stone without a hand to catch himself. He rolled onto his back and sat up clumsily. He could smell the fresh blood trickling from his nose without a way to stem the flow.

The man turned around with no instruction, no word at all, leaving Severus alone in the empty room. His arms were still wrapped in the magical binding and he fought against them fruitlessly. The spell was inescapable, that was the beauty of it when it came to criminals, which he wasn't. Yet the fighting served as a distraction. His involvement with the Dark Lord had been suspected since he started as a professor, by both the staff and students, and he had just proved it to them all.

He had no doubt that the few witnesses that morning would allow the rumors of his arrest to spread like wildfire and he was positive there'd be several embellishments to the story. That nearly bothered him more. He'd have plenty of information to dispel when he got back.

He hated that the event had been entirely unavoidable. As a teacher he had no option but to escort the troublesome kids. Severus had no doubt that the auror had been waiting for him all along. Perhaps he should have returned home on the first opportunity after Dumbledore revealed that the Ministry was looking for him. He could have avoided all of this, every last miserable, embarrassing bit of it if he'd just been arrested there instead.

There were many disadvantages to the situation he was in, but although it shouldn't be a top priority, the thing he despised the most was that Lily had seen his doe. He hadn't had the option of course, Dumbledore needed to know, but oh how he wished to have done it differently. He groaned, the way she had gaped at him as he disapparated told him enough. She would have realized that they shared the same patronus, or rather that she was his patronus.

There'd be no denying the feelings he shared for her now, not to himself, and not to her. As much as he'd tried to fight it, to pretend that wasn't the case, he bloody loved her and now she had the proof

He was rattled from his thoughts by the sound of clanging metal as the cell door was pulled open again. Severus had kept his head down, staring at the cracked concrete floor, but now jerked it upwards to see the new visitor.

"You're lucky." The same auror as before ground out. He stepped inside, lifting Severus roughly from the ground. He passed through the door and found Dumbledore waiting for him a short distance away.

"Thank you, Dawlish." Dumbledore was all too cheerful about the situation and Severus wished to smack the smug grin off his face.

He felt a release as the bonds were broken and his arms were allowed to return to their usual position. His hand went first to the nose he expected was broken, dabbing at the still wet blood, before he rolled his shoulders and rubbed at the already red marks in his flesh. He and Dumbledore were led to what he assumed to be an interrogation room before the door was slammed shut.

"You are aware just what exactly this man has done?" Dawlish spoke brusquely as if Severus wasn't even in the room.

"More than most." Dumbledore's tone, despite being chipper, was gruffer than before. "Now, if you're quite done with my client we have some things to attend to."

Dawlish turned to Severus, finally acknowledging that he was there. His eyebrows knitted in anger and he leaned towards him ever so slightly, dropping his voice an octave. "One toe out of line and it won't be a holding cell waiting for you. We're watching you, Snape."

Severus remained unfazed, unimpressed by the weedy man. Should he be willing to "step that toe out of line" he was confident he could easily take the man before him.

"Has he been given a date? Or were you planning to ship him off with the others?" The Headmaster broke in, ignoring the threat.

Dawlish's answer wasn't immediate. He simply watched them, calculating his words carefully. "The minister has ordered those that have been named specifically." He nodded at Severus. "To be sent to Azkaban without question. There is no need to waste time and resources on known murderers." He spat with a grimace.

Dumbledore glanced momentarily at Severus who had remained silent throughout the exchange. He'd had no desire to interject his own opinion and risk being imprisoned all over again. He loathed the necessary help, but knew it was his only option.

"It seems I'll have to have my own little chat with her. Master Snape's situation is rather…different, shall we say. If he suffers a similar fate it will only be after he's found guilty by the Wizengamot." Dumbledore stood abruptly, effectively ending the conversation. Severus followed after, exchanging a venomous glare with the auror that had accosted him.

The men wandered through the dark, winding hallways. They were plagued with the inextinguishable scent of mildew from being so deep underground. Severus kept his eyes forward, ignoring the whispers and stares sent in his and Dumbledore's direction. He had never intended for his reputation to inflict damage upon Dumbledore's.

Xxxx

She enveloped him as soon as the two of them stepped into the office. She felt his body go rigid beneath hers and released him. Looking up she took in the crooked nose and dried blood that had run down to the scowl on his lips. Her eyes wandered further up his face, settling on his coal black eyes. They were the clearest she'd seen in months. Despite the frosty anger he displayed, there was a fiery warmth in his eyes.

As he stepped from her grip his wand was aimed in the direction of his nose. There was a momentary crack and a wince as it was set straight again. Dumbledore passed him a wet rag which he used to wipe away the blood before murmuring something about being grateful it was Saturday. "How many people saw?" He demanded of her.

She was hesitant to answer, knowing she had nothing good to say, even one person would be too much for him. "Several professors and a rather large group of students."

The door was opened again suddenly and all three of them turned to see the new comer, their conversation coming to a halt. Professor McGonagall made a beeline for him. The way she hovered over Severus reminded Lily of something a mother would do. "Is it true?" Her Scottish brogue held a hint of concern Lily had so rarely seen from her.

"Not in the sense I expect you're asking, Minerva." He dabbed at his nose one final time before allowing his hand drop.

"You did always have a tendency for trouble." McGonagall tsked, with a shake of the head. "Albus has taken care of you?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Lily fought the smile that was threatening to break out at his sudden change of character. It was like looking at a school boy all over again. He seemed desperate for approval and afraid to lose McGonagall's trust. Her old head of house turned to look at her suddenly, surprised at Lily's presence. "Mrs. Potter." Came the lovingly familiar, clipped tone. McGonagall's mouth flattened into a thin line as she looked between her and Severus. "I see." The surprise faded from her features.

"Minerva." The headmaster interrupted. "I'm afraid we were in the middle of a rather delicate discussion. I have no doubt that you care for the boy." He indicated to Severus. "But, I believe the less you know of the situation the better."

She nodded quickly before reaching out and momentarily giving Severus' hand a reassuring squeeze. "Take my night off, take care of yourself, and be ready for Monday's interrogation."

On any other person, the grin he gave would have been considered small. Coming from Severus however, it was huge. His eyes found Lily for a split second before he uttered a thank you. Lily could see him visibly relax, the tension in his shoulders dropping. It would do him good to be free of his prison for at least a few hours.

The appreciative smile lingered after McGonagall had left them to their conversation. Lily felt a budding happiness at merely seeing the temporary relief McGonagall had given him.

"Minerva does have a point. You've been under a tremendous amount of stress recently. If she's willing to give up her night then I am willing to consent to it. But, first, we have some things to discuss." Dumbledore turned to Lily, bringing her into the conversation. "Mrs. Potter expressed her desire to be apart of this, to help you."

Severus' previously relaxed look curdled into something sour at the mention of her involvement. "I've already discussed this with her. I won't allow it."

"Would you rather be imprisoned? Azkaban changes people, Sev. If you go there you won't come back." Lily urged him. She was afraid of the alternative.

"It's a risk I'm going to take. The chance of endangering the lives of you and your child further are too great. I can't ask that of you."

"Severus." She sighed in exasperation. "You need to stop worrying about everyone else and take care of yourself for once. You can't protect everyone."

"I have to try. I alone made those mistakes-"

"Severus." She commanded so forcefully that he abruptly shut his mouth and allowed her to continue. "I can take care of myself. Harry is mine, he's my responsibility. I would never endanger him for the sake of anyone else, but you need to realize that not everything needs to be done by yourself." The muscles in his cheeks flexed as he clenched his teeth. He dropped his gaze, looking at the floor beneath her feet instead when something occurred to her. "This is about more than our safety. You've never accepted help from anyone. The one time I tried to you-"

"Fine." His voice was gruff and Lily could see the reignited anger in his eyes.

"Go, Severus. We can establish the details at a later date. The important thing is that you agreed" There was a gleeful tone in Dumbledore's voice. He was clearly relieved to have badgered Severus into the decision. "I'll inform you when I have more details about the situation. For now, allow Lily to alleviate some of your misery."

"Thank you…Albus." The words were rough, forced, and defeated. He was displeased with the way things had gone and Lily couldn't help feeling guilty. It would pass, he would come to realize how necessary her help would be, she was sure of it. With all this talk about making up for his grievances, maybe it was time she did the same.

He was more different than she'd ever expected. He was sardonic and occasionally cruel. She was disappointed in the things he had done and the person he had temporarily been. But, in spite of his constant reassurances that everything was his fault, Lily was beginning to disagree.

Xxxx

"I've been away from Harry long enough. Mum agreed to watch him under the impression it was a short trip." Disappointment surged through her at the thought of leaving Severus. Each time they were together she became less inclined to leave than the last. He was silent and she risked a glance at his face. Lily was surprised then to see a similar look of displeasure on his features, the typical thin line of his mouth now turned downwards and the sparkle of his eyes had dulled.

"Bring him here." His voice came suddenly. "I see no point in my returning home if…" He trailed off, growing quiet.

If you're not here. Lily finished for him. She found him growing more and more dependent on her and shockingly found that she was enjoying it.

They'd come directly to his home, together. On their way out of the grounds she had trailed a distance behind him like before. It was close enough, however, to notice that Severus had ceased his typically caustic statements, rather ignoring the watching students instead. Ignoring taunts was not a specialty of his and in light of what had happened that morning, suspicious whispers seemed to follow him. Yet he didn't rise to the bait. Had they not been the very children he'd sworn to protect, Lily wondered how long it would have taken for his wand to slide into his hand once again.

But, it hadn't. Instead he gave no indication that he'd even heard the words following him. Every time she thought she was beginning to understand him again, he behaved in a way she hadn't expected, leaving her more confused than before. His doe patronus certainly didn't help. She had her suspicions, but she was afraid to ask in case she was wrong.

"Lils." Her named was utter softly, barely above a whisper. His tone lacked his usual forced confidence and she felt a warmth spreading in her veins. Looking up at him, she found him closer than before, a silent question in his eyes. Lily bit her lip, thinking through the best course of action when she realized that exactly was the problem.

James was dead. She loved him, she missed him, she always would, but that wasn't something she could undo. She spent all this time around Severus with James on her mind, afraid what he would think. But, the truth of it was it didn't matter anymore. She couldn't live her life based on what he would think when he couldn't even tell her. Lily was far from ready to be intimate with anyone, but when she allowed her mind to stop it was clear what she was ready for and right now that was Severus.

The corners of her mouth lifted into a genuine smile at seeing him inches away. It was the answer he'd been looking for and quickly wrapped his arms around her. Her eyes fluttered shut at the touch of his smooth lips pressing on hers. She returned the kiss eagerly, reaching up and placing her own hands at the nape of his neck before moving them upwards to wrap in his hair.

The placement of his hands dropped, going instead to the back of her thighs and lifting gently. There was a passion in his touch that hadn't been there the previous time. She was pulled up slowly and allowed her legs to wrap around his waist, all the while never breaking contact. She kissed him fervently, knowing logically that she should stop while needing the compassion of another human being just as much. It was only when she felt his breath growing ragged beneath hers that he finally broke away.

He held her limber frame still in his arms, unwilling to return her to the ground. Lily pushed the thought away that they were making a mistake and allowed the touch. She was left conflicted, physically wanting more, but mentally unable to get it. By the way Severus was looking at her she suspected he felt the very same thing.

"Bring him here." He whispered again. "Have dinner with me."

The grin on her face stretched farther, unable and unwilling to turn him down. "We'd like that very much."

Xxxx

Severus ran a hand through his hair as she disapparated. That had entirely not been his plan for the day. She brought out something in him that was indescribable, that made him lose all rationality. Her safety, and now Harry's, had always been his top priority, but he was growing to care for her in a way he hadn't for some time.

He cleared his throat, attempting to compose himself for her return. He'd told himself this couldn't happen again, that it wouldn't happen again. He was strict even with himself, never allowing change or a bend from his standards, yet he'd allowed his bloody physical desires to take over.

He changed hurriedly from his rigid robes. Usually they provided stability, a sense of control, but now they were like a prison of their own. He was anxious to rid himself of the day's stress. Perhaps it would make him more approachable for her child. He paused, that wouldn't have been a concern of his before. He wouldn't have done any of this before. He shook his head, the things she did to him, had always done to him. It drove him mad.

A pop echoed up the stairs, signaling her return. Severus finished pulling his shirt over his head before exiting the room and thudding down the short staircase. His steps were excited, quicker than his usual purposeful stride and he felt a stupid smile budding onto his face which he quickly wiped away.

"There you are." Lily's voice was cheerful, grinning as she saw him. He noticed her gaze drop to the exposed skin of his arms and her smile falter for a split second. He realized then he had chosen short sleeves and was suddenly self conscious about the marks on his arms.

Things between them were tense again. After such a passionate moment not long ago he felt suddenly naked in front of her. He so desperately wanted to continue the intimacy, but the presence of Harry made that unlikely.

Instead he sat on the floor and she plopped down beside him, watching the young boy play. He had no idea what to say to the child, how to interact with him. He'd never been around babies, but toddlers scared him even more.

"He has a broom." Lily spoke suddenly. "He takes after his father."

Severus gave her the side eye. "Isn't he a tad young?"

"Yes." She breathed, seeming relieved by his input. "I said the same thing, but James and his Uncle Sirius insisted. Harry does quite well on it." She leaned over so that her head rested lightly on his shoulder.

"What are we doing here?" He asked finally, put off by the unexpected touch. "I'm not aware of the proper etiquette when it comes to a widow." From his position he could see the small scrunch of her nose at his use of the word.

"No one has called me that before." Her voice was meek, but she didn't move away from him. He sat there, unsure how to proceed. It was Lily who finally broke the silence. "He was my husband, Sev, we shared everything."

He moved his head slightly so he could more easily meet her gaze before speaking in an even tone. "That's what the ring on your finger signifies. I thought the two of you were just shacking up."

Lily rolled her eyes mockingly. "I mean that I'm not sure of this either. It's been different, to say the least, not having him around…This was certainly not what I had expected to happen, particularly so soon. But, it feels…right." Severus ran his fingers through the hair that hung down her shoulder as she continued. "James and I…being in hiding put us under a lot of pressure. Towards the end we we're fighting a lot more. We had different ideas on the best course of action and it took its toll on us. We we're having problems and I'm not sure if that makes his death harder or easier. There are so many things I'd like to tell him, to yell at him for. But, I also want to-" The words stopped short, for that he was grateful. He had no desire to know the more intimate details of her relationship with James. He could acknowledge that those feelings were there without them being said aloud. "Harry asks for him less and less. In the first few weeks it was constant, he was regularly upset, but I think he's starting to forget him." Lily's voice was tight and she shifted uncomfortably beside Severus. She'd swiveled her face away from his, but it didn't take a genius to know that she was upset.

Severus lifted his arm, draping it across her shoulders comfortingly. It was meant as a friendly gesture and nothing more. He stared ahead, watching Harry chatter nonsensically to his stuffy as Lily sniffed beside him.

He felt her fingers on his arms unexpectedly, tracing the scars that marked him. "Cigarette burns, mostly." He explained as her touch moved farther up. He didn't have to look to know which one she found next. It was long and jagged, etched along his bicep. "Beer bottle." He said simply, offering no other information.

Lily wiped her eyes as she opened her mouth to ask for more when her attention was suddenly commanded by something else. She straightened and his arm dropped as Harry climbed into her lap, showing off his toy. His unintelligible jabbering coming to a halt as he stared at Severus.

Severus simply stared back, not sure what to do with the toddler. He fought to look past the undeniable James quality of him, to recognize him for who he was, a different person entirely. He hoped that little Harry didn't take after his father in other ways. Lily watched him intently. "He won't hurt you."

The obvious phrase made him laugh out loud, something he rarely did. He gave in, plucking the child from her lap and placing him on his. The simple act drew a wistful smile from Lily. She snuggled back down into the crook of his arm.

He was comforted by the mere touch of her skin against his. After the increasing strain of what seemed to be his life, he took solace in the fact that in this moment he could relax, even if he couldn't entirely be himself. He shifted too, leaning his head on top of hers and closing her weary eyes.