Scorched Snake

A poem that explores the questions Severus has about his almost- relationship with Lily

by Galatyn Renner

Was I never good enough for you, Lily?

Did it have to be a Gryffindor?

Was it the Quidditch that finally made you decide

Or was it something more?

Did you see in my eyes that night

What I would become

Or did you just know, like you always knew

That James was the better one?

I don't hate Harry for your sake:

There's still no one I love more,

But he looks just like his father

And James I still abhor.

Lily, I revere your memory,

Lily, I love you still,

But did you have to go and marry James

And leave me Harry in your will?

Lily, I feel the need to tell you:

I wish you were beside me when I wake

But you left me my mind when you took my heart,

So you have only scorched this snake.

For J. M.

Author's Note: JKR: hers, not mine. "We have scorched the snake, not killed it." is the line from Macbeth that inspired this poem. Read your Shakespeare, folks. A powerful ally it is. And if the book is big enough, you can throw it at people and really do some damage.