Disclaimer: I don't own any of J.K.'s stuff.

Five years had past since Voldemort had disappeared. Severus knew that he was still out there as his Dark Mark still marred his forearm. He was starting his sixth year as the dreaded Potions Master of Hogwarts.

Right then though, he was relaxing in the shade of his garden at his summer home in the Okanogan in British Columbia. He took up residence there just this summer as he had wanted a place far away from Hogwarts with little risk of meeting up with any students. He truly loved his garden with all its herbs and potion plants that grew wonderfully due to the amazing soil found there. It gave him an opportunity to experiment with hybrids in order to revolutionize potion experimentation.

He wasn't happy though; he still had nightmares that made him unable to sleep until he was so exhausted that he fell asleep in inopportune places. He avoided the use of sleeping potions due to the addictive qualities they possessed under continued use. He thought moving away might remove the pain and terror had caused him.

He shook himself awake from his reverie. Severus smoothed back his shaggy, longish hair that was hanging in his eyes. He got up and brushed the dirt off his old, ripped and faded blue jeans and took off his dragon hide gloves placing them on his potting bench. He kicked off his Birkenstocks as he walked through the sliding door into the cottage and started to peel off his sweaty, black t-shirt, heading for the washroom. He took a cold shower and sat on his bed. He saw the spot of sunshine on the made bed as he looked for his clean shirt and allowed himself a moment to lie down and enjoy it. He fell asleep the moment that his head hit the mattress.

--

Severus was in a cold, damp dungeon, He was knelling at the robes of another man.

"Severus, my servant, thank you for telling me this prophecy. I am extremely disappointed that you did not capture it in whole," The man coldly smiled at Severus. "Crucio."

Severus writhed on the floor in agony as the man continued, "I'm still going to reward you, if you find this child."

"Sir, my lord, I believe it to be the Longbottoms' child," Severus stuttered out.

The other man in the room with the white blonde hair and steely grey eyes chose this point to make his presence known as he said smarmily, "My lord, I believe the Potters' child also fits the prophecy."

"Good, Thank you Lucius," Voldemort replied. "I think I'll use that family. He's a half blood, so they won't see it for anything other than another 'hate crime'."

"Thank you, my lord," Lucius replied slimily. "May I make my request now?"

"If you must," Lord Voldemort allowed with a slight glare.

"I want the mudblood, Lily Potter."

--

Severus woke with a start. The sun was down and the clock read two in the morning. He got up and poured himself a glad of water. He was still shaking as he made himself some eggs.

He had tried everything to clear his head and alleviate his guilty conscience, but the truth was there, he had killed Lily.

A.N.:

Short for now, the chapters will come as I finish typing them. First posted fanfic in a LONG time. Constructive Criticism Welcome.