So, it's been a while, but I hope someone is still out there reading this story. If you are - pretty please review :)

I've been really busy and thankful for anytime I have to spend on my family, things I like to do, and my own sanity (instead of just working, studying, and chores.) So, getting this chapter up is awesome!

As always, thanks to my beta ObsessedRHShipper for all the awesome help with grammar.

The Snape's Love Story

Ron, Ginny, and their parents arrived in Hogsmeade and quickly made it to the Snape's flat. The living room was filled with Order members and also Draco Malfoy and the twins.

"How's Harry?" asked Ron.

"Dunno. Estella and Hermione are up with them," answered George.

"Lily asked for you to go up to be with Harry," stated Professor Lupin.

Ron went upstairs quickly. He had been so familiar with the Snape's flat because he had been there as a kid for holidays. He remembered jumping on the bed, getting funny glares from Professor Snape when he caught Harry and him in some sort of mischief, and Mrs Snape reading stories and teaching them about muggles. Yet, the place seemed foreign to him today and the fondness of those memories dissipated completely as he entered the Snape's bedroom. The mood inside was hard to describe. It was strangely sorrowful, depressing… despairing. Professor Snape mumbled some sounds as he wriggled in pain on the bed, but he didn't scream in the way Estella had when she had been cursed. Mrs Snape held onto him with tears streaking down her face. Harry sat next to his dad and had his baby sister in his arms. Estella stood next to the bed and wrote notes on a leather-bound book with her eyes red-rimmed. And then there was… Hermione. She stood behind Harry with a hand on his shoulders. She looked tired, her eyes were puffy, and yet… she was so beautiful.

The moment Hermione noticed him, her eyes became glazed with tears. She turned away from Ron almost instantly, looked towards the Professor, and began to sob. Ron didn't know what to do. He wanted to talk to her and hold her, but this was not the time. Harry turned and looked at him. "Hi," Ron croaked awkwardly.

"Hi dear," Mrs Snape managed to muster between her tears. "Sit for a bit. Severus wanted to see you."

"Right… uh, Professor."

Lily leaned towards her husband and then talked to the group. "He wants to speak with Ron and Hermione alone for a bit." Lily cast a sonorous charm on her husband before leaving with Harry, baby Cassi, and Estella. The moment they were alone, the professor mumbled breathlessly. "I want… a prom… promise."

"Profe —" Hermione started to say, but cut herself short as Severus gave her a glare. "I mean… Severus, please stay calm and —"

"And I'm… dying. That's… all there is… Hermione. I just need to… hear you'll help my children. Tell me you… you'll help…"

"Of course we will!" Ron said.

"You're… strong. Both of you… the Dark Lord… doesn't…"

"Harry will defeat him. I know it. Please, don't worry," Hermione stated.

"I… I just want him… safe. Promise… to protect him… and Cassi… with Estella. Say you…"

"I promise," both said at the same time.

Severus' face suddenly achieved an incredible expression of relief. Yet, he rapidly became more pale and shaky. His eyes looked vacant and even with the sonorous charm Ron and Hermione could hardly hear him.

Hermione leaned close to him and heard his whispers, "Lil... Lily… Lily."

"Go get Lily," Hermione ordered.

Ron sprinted downstairs and got Mrs Snape. She quickly went upstairs while holding onto her daughter and with Harry behind her. For some reason, Ron couldn't stop himself from following them. As he arrived in the room he noticed Hermione holding the professor's hand and talking with him. Once the Snapes were together, Hermione moved away and signalled for Ron to step out.

They closed the bedroom door and left the grieving family caring for Severus. Ron then took the opportunity to talk. "Hermione, I just wanted to say… I… I didn't know about Anna. I swear. And you and I—"

"Don't. I don't want to discuss us. I mean… it's… it is just that –" she uttered and then began to tear.

Ron pulled her to him and embraced her. But she quickly pushed him away.

"Let me go," she said as she cleaned her tears and recovered.

"Hermione."

"Don't… just don't. We have to realize that there is… no us. I want you to think of how to help Harry. Severus gave me instructions. We'll be around each other to help Harry," she stated firmly. She looked straight at him with determination, but the tears appeared to return in full force. He moved closer but she walked away, then down the corridor and into the guest room.

Ron stood in the middle of the hallway not knowing what to do. He went downstairs and reported that the professor was not doing well to the anxious Order members in the living room. He sat on a couch and suddenly felt like he couldn't breathe. Hermione was right - they had to help Harry, but he wanted to see her. He wanted to hold her and love her and he bloody couldn't! He felt like this room was too small, like the world itself just sucked and he needed to get out. He had to get away to think, to scream, and to do whatever was necessary to release the tension. So, he quietly walked out the backdoor. As Ron made it outside he overheard two people arguing.

"I... I… never mind."

"What is it about Harry?"

"Nothing, Harry is one of my mates; like another little brother."

"Oh please, that is not what I mean. I want to know why it seems to bother you that I have to spend time with him. You know we share the amulets."

"I know and it's fine. I… I know the… I have to go."

"George just —"

Then Ron heard a pop. Estella sighed and then noticed Ron's presence.

"Sorry I didn't mean to overhear. I just walked outside and —"

"Don't worry about it. It's not like we were exactly being quiet. I just hope Harry and Lily didn't hear anything."

"I don't think they did. They're upstairs."

"Good. I don't get why George is acting this way. He's never been possessive and this is horrible timing."

"Well… sometimes we just get jealous," Ron said.

"We… meaning?"

"Weasleys. I saw Charlie once almost punch someone who kept trying to flirt with Dena. And when Hermione—never mind."

"I suppose my current issue with George is nothing compared to what you and she are dealing with right now. Have you two talked yet?"

"Sort of."

"Maybe I could —"

"Don't. I don't think she wants to talk."

Ron and Estella stood outside in silence for a bit until Harry walked out into the yard. He was crying and looked a bit crazed.

"Harry?" Estella questioned.

"He's gone. Dad is dead!" he yelled. "Bloody McDavol!"

"I'm sorry," Ron and Estella both said.

Harry then just broke down and cried. Estella ran to him and hugged him as Harry repeated between tears, "It should have been me. It should have been me."

Ron finally couldn't contain it anymore and he let tears fall.

Two days later, the Snapes returned to their muggle home in Surrey. Severus was buried in the town, in the back of the small chapel where he and Lily had been married. Hermione, Ron, and Estella constantly stayed around Lily, Cassi, and Harry.

It had been three weeks since Severus passing. Lily sat in their Hogsmeade flat feeling… sad, empty, but most of all anxious. It had been so long since she felt this kind of fear. The fear of uncertainty about the future. Still she had some amazing angels that had come to help her. Molly had practically taken over ensuring they were all fed and clothed and able to function. Estella, Ron, and Hermione were also always trying to help and acting as the constant support for Harry. She smiled. They reminded her of Cassi, James, Sirius, and… so many others. That was her fear. In the past, her friends had not been enough. She had needed her Slytherin love to survive. Without Severus, she would have died. She would have never known the happiness of marriage and children. He was her everything and now he was gone and the world was an uncertain place. Worse of all, she herself was uncertain… of her magic, her strength, and her abilities. Am I capable of protecting my babies on my own? How do I help my Harry? He won't even talk to me right now. Oh Sev, I need you.

"Lily," called Molly.

"Yes."

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Is Cassi still sleeping?"

"Yeah."

"Good."

"I'm sure she'll sleep better tonight, Lily. If she doesn't, I'm a floo call away to help."

"She just misses daddy reading to her before bedtime. She'll get used to me doing that for her soon."

"Yeah, she will. Give me a minute and I'll serve some tea and biscuits before heading to the Burrow."

"I'm really—"

"You haven't eaten anything all day. I am serving tea and biscuits," Molly stated.

"Right, that sounds like a good idea."

Molly went to the kitchen and returned with the food.

"How is Harry?" Lily asked.

"He's fine."

"Tell me the truth."

"You don't need to worry."

"Molly, you have children. You know it's my job to worry."

"Fine, he still doesn't want to talk to anyone. Sweet Estella managed to get through to him for a bit and used her power on him. He actually relaxed and went to sleep. He's coming around. He'll talk soon enough."

"Estella can't continue to help him that way. I'll get through to him."

"Good. I know you can. You're a strong woman and a great mother."

"I don't know, Molly. My son's emotions are always so intense, just like Sev. And he's so pig-headed sometimes."

"Like you."

"Sev would say so. But, I need to protect him and stop him from rushing into fights. He's obsessed with avenging his father and that is not healthy."

"We are all watching after him, dear. We won't let him do anything foolish."

"I know, Molly. How are the other kids? Poor Estella. I worry about her using her powers so much. Was she okay after helping Harry?"

"It's good you ask because I think we should put a stop to that. Once Harry was asleep she stepped away and drank some calming draught, but she didn't look so good. I had Ron take her to see George. We know he's like a magical cure for that girl."

"Yeah," Lily said with sadness and then let a tear drop. Lily closed her eyes and became immersed in the first memory of loving Severus. The memories of the heaven that started after Regulus Black's death and knowing of Severus' spying and his love for her. The memory of being sheltered by him when they were in their most vulnerable state, when they were desperate to escape from Voldemort and his evil.

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Lily walked down the stairwell slowly, noticing the peeling paint and worn wooden banisters. A part of her couldn't believe she was in Sev's home in Spinner's End. It had been bad circumstances that had brought her here. All those awful attacks and getting away by the skin of her teeth. And yet she was thankful this had happened. They were friends again. They avoided the topic of their more-than-friends feelings, but they were friends and allies.

She made her way down to the living room quietly. It was a bleak place, lit only by a streetlight outside and filled with furniture that was old and worn. She saw Severus, sitting in silent vigil at the window. He was still, his back straight, and his body held rigid - the image of discipline. His wand was held steadily in one hand on his lap. He looked like a cobra, ready to strike at the smallest of movements. She got closer and he turned, wand at the ready. Severus eyed her for a moment as she sat beside him. Then his gaze fell back outside.

"He'll find us, won't he?" asked Lily.

"You'll meet with Russell and Ralph tomorrow. The Swansons will protect you."

"But, you still think he'll find us, don't you?"

"I hope not."

"What if I stayed here?" she asked, almost pleading.

He looked at her in disbelief and simply said, "No."

"I know you'll keep me safe. I want to be here with you. Why not let me stay?"

"Because…" he trailed off, but then recovered. "Lily, if he finds out about me, if I get kil–"

"Don't say that!"

"If I do, you have to get away. Disappear without a trace… different country, different name, everything."

"What about the Order? What about –"

"Must you always care about everyone more than you care for yourself! I… I can't… He'll look for you, Lily. He'll look for you and for Cassi. He's obsessed! You have to hide! You have to get away!"

Lily stared at him. She had forgotten how Severus was when he was convinced about something. He wouldn't consider any other options besides what he had decided upon.

"Will it ever be over?"

Severus didn't answer. He just looked at her, his eyes filled with an emotion that she couldn't quite suss out. He looked unsure, almost… vulnerable. It was scary to behold. He had always been so set in his ways, but now he seemed unnerved and that terrified her.

"Look at me, I'm shaking," she said. "Some Gryffindor, huh? You must be awfully disappointed."

"No. Never."

They looked at each other in silence for several minutes, then Lily spoke again, her eyes luminous in the dark.

"Sev, the woman that you are engaged to... Miranda... what is she like?

"She's intelligent and quite good at Dark Magic."

"That's not what I meant. Is she… special?" she asked.

He gave her a confused stare.

"Do you love her?"

"No," he answered mechanically. Then he added, "Never."

"Never?"

"Never," he said with conviction.

"Oh…" she said and then looked at him, studying him. "Was there… is there… someone else?"

She knew the answer to that question. She knew, but she couldn't just tell him to be honest. This was Sev; she had to get it out of him with finesse. Severus looked away, outside the window. She scooted closer to him and put her hands on his shoulders and back. He immediately tensed as if burned by her gesture. She felt sad as realization came to her. Sev was not used to this. He didn't know how to receive affection.

"So much pain," she said as her hand traced his shoulder.

"Pain can be controlled. You just… occlude," he answered with finality and moved away from her reach.

"So you feel nothing!" she stated with anger. Finesse be dammed!

"It's better that way. No one cares."

"I care, Sev! I care very much!"

Severus took a long, slow breath before he spoke, but when he did his voice had a new quality, an unfamiliar tenderness. "After our fall out, once I became a spy, Cassiopeia gave me a picture of you. I've never known why. It was a muggle photo. You were sitting by the river, by our spot, but you weren't smiling. You looked pretty but kind of… sad. I've always wondered what you were thinking at that second." He closed his eyes and reached towards her. His fingertips traced the contour of her nose, chin, and cheeks. "I memorized every line, every curve..." He opened his eyes, looking right at hers. "I've never loved my fiancé. I've never loved or been close to any woman because… of you. I've always loved you."

Lily sat still, looking at him quietly as tears filled her eyes. Severus then looked away.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said—"

"Sev…"

He stood from the couch they had been sitting on and she followed him as he moved away. Then she pulled at his arm and made him turn and face her. He looked wretched, as if he had confessed his worse possible sin. Lily leaned forward and kissed him. Severus stayed frozen, his face unmoving. She continued kissing him tenderly and gradually he began to respond. Then it was as if a dam had broken and he couldn't contain himself anymore. He held her in a tight, trembling embrace, clinging to her like life itself, kissing her like she was his only hope.

Severus picked her up and carried her to the couch. She kissed his neck and face, tracing his every feature with her lips. He unbuttoned her blouse very slowly and Lily guided his hands, showing him how to touch her, how to love her.

The events that followed were indescribable. It was a kind of love that Lily had never felt before. Yes, she had had sex before, with James. But this experience was completely new. It wasn't just the electricity of their touch or how she climbed on him to become his. It wasn't just the way he had held onto her and kissed her breasts ferociously as she rode him in a frantic and desperate pace. It wasn't simply how they had grunted, moaned, and screamed love promises as they bodies released. The truth was that the most amazing part of this night was how their hearts seemed to beat together…how their breathing was synchronized… how their eyes locked and spoke more than any actual words could. It was the fact that they had unleashed a latent love that was explosive, torrential, and endless. From that moment on, Severus and Lily became one and were consumed in the divine agony of worshipping each other - always. From that moment on, they gained the strength needed to battle all evil, including Voldemort.

After their bodies had collapsed from the repeated delirium of being together, they stayed in each other's arms covered by his black cloak. Lily mused on what had happened between them while lazily lying across his chest. She surveyed his face as his eyes began to close drowsily. Then she shifted slowly and accidentally grazed his ribs. He squirmed instinctively.

"You're still ticklish."

"Ticklish?" he questioned as if she was speaking non-sense.

Lily got a devilish grin on her face as her hands got lost under the black cloak.

"What are you doing?"

"Making you beg for mercy."

Severus tried to seem unperturbed, but after a while he couldn't help, but squirm underneath her. "I don't think I like this."

"You're not supposed to."

A grimace spread across his face and slowly become a grin. Then he let out a full laugh while trying to escape. But she didn't let him. She continued to tickle him mercilessly until they fell off the couch and collapsed on the floor, laughing together. Lily gazed at his grin, a glimpse of the Sev that might have been in another life, a life without houses and rivalries, without his awful parents, and without war and pain. His black eyes looked gorgeous when he laughed. She decided right then and there that she would do everything in her power to always keep him like this – happy, satisfied, and grinning.

"Beg for mercy or I'll start again," she teased.

"Maybe I'll make you beg," he threatened.

"Is that so?"

"You seem to forget, Miss Evans, I'm a rather fast learner."

"Meaning?"

She got her answer as his hands began touching her between her legs. And she did eventually beg, but not for mercy. She begged for him to love her again and he did until they were interrupted by the Order members that were taking her to Swanson Mansion.

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As tears fell from Lily's eyes, she looked at the picture on the side table in the living room. The muggle photo of her by their spot. The photo that Sev had held onto for so many years and returned to her when he broke the promise he had made and told her about James' reasons for leaving her. The photo Cassi had taken while Lily was thinking of her lost friendship with Sev. Was it possible for a picture to capture such emotion? To hold the essence of longing?

"Oh sweetheart," said Molly as she hugged her friend.

"Molly, I… I just miss him so much. I thought… surviving the last war meant… I got to keep him. But now…"

"It's going to be alright. Severus is watching after you. I just know it. Don't despair."

"I know, Molly. Is it mad to say that I… feel him?"

"No. It is not mad at all! I believe firmly that he wouldn't just leave you and his children. He's protecting you wherever he is. And you're going to be fine. Somehow, you and your children will survive this war and you will see them live happy lives. Mark my words."

"You're right. I'll be okay. I think it's just… Estella and George. When you mentioned them, it made me nostalgic. She was Sev's best pupil, like him in many ways, and seeing how George brings out the best of her… It reminds me of us. Gryffindor and Slytherin, so opposite, but perfect for each other."

Well, this is a sad one, but necessary for the plot to continue. Up next: the gang returns to Hogwarts.

Reviews are always welcome. I'll try to update as soon as possible (trying within a month, but it's hard).