Hello there, darlings! Yes, this is very rare for me to post in my own stories. This is just as awkward for me as it is for you. Anyways, this is just a friendly reminder to check on my profile for updates! Usually chapters are pounded out in pairs and within a few weeks of each other. Chapter doesn't come out in a bit? Unsure if I'll carry the story to term? When in doubt; always check my profile. If I get intriguing reviews or questions, I will most likely answer them there. How neat.

-Montosse

(Disclaimer)

Lily slowly awoke. For once in a long while, she had a restful, dreamless sleep. She was already in the clutches of her enemy, what was the worst that could happen? Lily felt sick from hunger. When did she eat last? She deeply regretted the cigarette. Her throat felt dry and the taste lingered unpleasantly in her mouth. Lily covered her head with the heavy blankets. She still couldn't escape the stench. It infiltrated the bedcovers and the pillowcases. It gave her a terrible headache. The headache, combined with a growling stomach, quickly ruined the euphoria of a restful sleep.

Many years ago, Lily remembered when her and Severus were still children. They were both playing near the murky river, trying to find smooth stones. Lily found an empty bottle of scotch and a boot. Severus stole a pack of cigarettes from his father. Lily remembered scolding him, telling him to put them back; they would make his tongue fall out and his dad would be furious. Severus only grinned and offered her one. Lily turned her nose up. Of course, when he said Petunia would be too scared to try it, Lily had no choice but to take one. She had never seen one up close before, let alone hold one. In the city, cigarette butts littered the streets. Her parents were cautious to keep the girls away from any drinking or smoking. If her mum could see her, Lily would get grounded for the rest of the summer.

It was hard for her to imagine that Severus grew up surrounded by it. She watched him light his. He coughed and his face turned red. Severus said it was bloody disgusting. Lily never got a chance. Petunia showed up, screeching that she was going to tell mother. Lily threw hers in the river, said a rushed goodbye to Severus and had to sprint back home before Petunia.

Of course, once they got to Hogwarts, Lily remembered Severus would always smell horrible on the first day. Eventually, at the end of the year, the stench of stale smoke and mildew faded away completely from his robes. Lily remembered being so happy to go back home to her family; whereas Severus was bitter beyond any comfort. Who could blame him? They were not well-liked in the neighborhood. He wasn't well-liked in his own home. They were infamously known as "the raging drunk with his crazy wife and urchin child." Tobias would be gone for days, sometimes weeks. That was when Severus was the happiest. The whole street was alerted when his father came home. He would either be passed out on the pavement, or screaming at his wife and son.

It didn't surprise Lily that Severus picked up the habit. She drowsily reminded herself to tell him to air out his room.

"He's not your friend." Her conscience snapped. "He yelled at you, and you fucking smacked him. He's a bloody Death Eater. He's not your friend."

Lily rolled over. It was impossible to tell what time of day it was. The heavy black drapes blocked out any light that could be from the outside. It was still dark. The fireplace wasn't lit, and she couldn't make out any lamps. She could faintly see the tops of the black leather armchairs. Lily wondered how long she could be hidden in this bedroom before house elves and Death Eaters started looking for her. She must have been asleep for at least half a day, surely Marlene would know she was missing from the kitchens.

Empty relief. In this temporary moment of bliss, Lily was forgotten by the world. She was captured by the Death Eaters, but none could disturb her behind a locked door. Marlene would be too exhausted from dealing Mrs. Malfoy all night to wonder what became of her best friend. Petunia wanted nothing to do with her. Her parents, however, Lily hadn't seen them since Petunia's engagement party. In this moment, no one was looking for her. No one jerking her out of bed and fussing over her. Lily didn't have to keep herself awake and vigorously cover her tracks. No rules and horrendous punishments for displeasing anyone. Lily could just lay here in purgatory as long as she pleased … or until she would be forced otherwise. Lily savored every moment. She didn't know how long Severus would keep her around. This would most likely be her last peaceful rest before one more eternal looming.

"I have to get out of here." Lily whispered to herself. But first, she needed to talk to Severus. Clearly, he knew where they were, and how this mysterious castle was run. He had to know a way out. Lily knew that in magic, there was always a loophole. She knew that muggleborns were taken in alive, and they usually left in pieces. How did the Death Eaters get in and out? Eventually, Severus would have to come back. Lily knew him. Countless petty arguments in the afternoon, but by dinner, they would be chattering about their lessons as if they never argued at all.

What went wrong? Lily remembered the skinny boy on Spinner's End who showed her this world of magic. Those innocent days of laying under the tree by the river were far behind them. The boy turned into a bitter young man who grew to despise her just because of her blood status. Often times Lily wondered when exactly did Severus change his mind about her? When did he decide that having a muggleborn for a friend was unacceptable. How? After so many moments of laughter and shared secrets, how did their friendship become disposable? Lily silently cursed the Death Eaters. Underneath the black hood and mask, she knew Severus was still the same skinny boy.

Her new objective was to survive. If presented with the opportunity to escape, Lily promised herself she wouldn't hesitate. But she wouldn't leave without saving Marlene and the other enslaved girls. Lily forced herself out of bed. A hint of daylight was peeking behind the heavy black drapes. She tied the drapes back and looked outside; her first glimpse of natural light in what seemed like an eternity. It was pouring rain. The glass was icy to the touch. Dark gray clouds loomed above the fog. She could faintly make out mountains above a forest through the fog. Thankfully, she was on land. The cool light flooded the tiny, round room. Lily speculated that she might be in a tower.

There was a writing desk. Loose papers and books were sprawled carelessly on top. Lily smirked sarcastically at the shelves. Every space was filled with books; a small comfort compared to the fragile figurines at Potter Manor. More papers were scattered across the floor, along with cigarette butts, dried leaves, and ash. Clothes, dirty with either dried filth or blood were shoved under the bed. It was obvious Severus wasn't receiving any housekeeping services. Lily wondered if it was because he was feared amongst the maids, or because he outright refused it. She believed it was both. Lily recalled Marlene telling her the night before that Severus never took girls upstairs. He was mostly the brains behind the Death Eaters. And from her childhood, he had his own chaotic methods of organization that did not tolerate different hands.

"Step one;" Lily thought to herself. "Clean this bloody mess up." As long as no one was looking for her for the time being, she might as well make an effort to earn a favor with one of the Death Eaters. Severus would eventually have to return to his room. Lily would patiently wait for him to return.