THC Round 3

House: Slytherin

Class: Astronomy

Type: Themed: Food: The inclusion and significance of food.

Prompt: Sunshine yellow (Colour)

Word Count: 1446

Lilies for Lily

After finishing a solitary dinner, Severus placed his plate and utensils in the empty sink. He turned and walked across his small dining room to a west-facing window. The sun had reached the optimal place and his humble abode was bathed in a warm yellow glow. For a moment, he stared meditatively out the window. September was creeping near, but this evening wasn't about that. Severus felt quite peaceful as he observed his surroundings. He then straightened his robe and stepped outside onto the cobblestone road.

The sun's late summer light washed warmth over his pale face and he exhaled heavily. He started to walk towards the setting sun at a brisk pace. As he walked, he kept his head down, ignoring the other people who were out enjoying the evening. A small, red-haired child waved to him from a window, but he gave no indication that he noticed the gesture.

Between the dreary rows of houses, the summer warmth permeated through the darkness. The summer warmth gave the rundown rows a new life. His destination was a fair distance away, but he welcomed the walk. During this time of year, Severus didn't mind walking past all the homes. It was peaceful and felt like home.

Once he had distanced himself from the cluster of houses, Severus relaxed his stiff posture ever so slightly. Under his feet, there was now lush grass. He had created a slight footpath from frequent use that he followed with ease. He knew the path like he did his own home. During this blissful time of year, light scattered through the trees, filling him with a sense of peace. Though he was certain he would never truly feel whole again, this sanctuary in the trees helped ease his pain.

Severus walked up a hill and then down into a wooded area. Birds and other small creatures rustled around him. They were enjoying the evening as well. Through the trees, he emerged into a clearing. There was a small body of water within, and wild lilies grew in intervals around the pond. Carefully, Severus crouched down beside the cluster of wild lilies. They grew in bunches of reds and yellows. He ran his fingers along the soft petals, taking in their vibrant colours.

From behind him, he heard a rustle of something that sounded larger than a woodland creature. He whipped around, not wanting to be observed in a vulnerable state. To his surprise, he saw a red-haired child. She was about seven years old and she had a bright smile on her face.

"I followed you," she stated in a matter-of-fact voice. "My mother told me you were kind."

Severus furrowed his brow, washed over by the memory that emerged in his mind. A young mother standing outside his home in the rain. She was all alone, and her baby had just been born. Severus had allowed her to step inside while she handed him the fussing child from inside her coat. She was a Muggle and Severus felt unbelievably out of place holding the tiny infant. The mother went into detail explaining that the infant was feverish and only a few days old.

Severus had taken immediate action, ignoring the rules set out by the Ministry and the wizarding community. He placed a cauldron over his fire and used a spell to gather his limited ingredients. All the while, the young mother stared silently as he worked. She had made her way to his kitchen table and sat down. As he worked, she lowered the hood of her jacket, allowing her fiery red hair to spill around her shoulders. Under her eyes were dark bags of exhaustion. Without asking, Severus had placed some bread, butter and strong tea in front of her, he then rummaged around and found some blueberry jam to add to the small offering.

Seeing the food before her she let out a noise of gratitude and eagerly spread a thick layer of butter on a slice of bread followed by a heap of jam. Though no thanks left her lips, when her eyes met with Severus's, they were filled with gratitude.

While she ate, her eyes kept wandering back and forth between the bubbling cauldron and his wand. Her eyes held no fear, but there were many questions written on her face.

Severus finished up the elixir as fast as he could and ladled out a small amount into a shallow dish to allow it to cool. As it cooled, Severus turned to the young mother. Before his emotions could get ahold of him, he wiped her memories of the last hour.

Once the charm took effect all she could remember was arriving. Severus explained to her that she had nibbled on some food and then fell asleep. The mother let out a weary laugh. She was more tired than she had ever been before.

With the potion cooled, Severus dropped some carefully into the baby's mouth. He then bottled up the rest and instructed the mother to give her child three drops every four hours until the symptoms subside. Already, the baby was showing signs of improvement and the mother's face was filled with relief.

The next morning, she had left a small bundle of yellow flowers on his doorstep. They still hung, dried above his doorway. A reminder of the gentle kindness some people still carried.

"You okay, sir?"

The child's words shook him out of thought and he forced a smile.

"Yes, just remembering the night I met you and your mother."

The child grinned. "Mother told me you saved my life! She said you're a doctor."

Severus nodded; his heart ached as he watched this red-haired child beam at him.

"What is your name, young one?"

He tried his best to speak lightly, instead of in the sombre tone he usually fell into.

"Rain," she answered proudly.

Severus felt a smile crease his face. 'Rain was a beautiful name,' he thought.

Unexpectedly, the child rushed at him and threw her arms around him.

"My mother talks about you all the time. I think she wants to be your friend. She's just too shy to say anything."

Rain broke off the hug as suddenly as it had started. She then started to run back up the hill towards the village.

"You're a nice man," she murmured as she ran off.

Severus watched the child disappear over the hill then settled himself on the ground near the water's edge, surrounded by lilies. There, he wept. He wept for Lily and what could have been. He wept for his past and his heart, which ached every day. This child had opened a whole new floodgate of emotion. Could this be what it would be like to be a father?

Her red hair burned in his heart and he felt a connection to the child. He knew he could easily love her as his own. More tears flowed at the thought. He knew at this point he could never grow close to anyone ever again. He was too involved with too many dangerous wizards. There was no way he could risk that, especially with a Muggle.

Staring up at the last golden rays of sun, he allowed warmth to permeate his mind one more. From the wild lilies, he picked a bundle of sunny yellow ones, and one single red one for the woman he loved. He clutched his bouquet in his left hand as he stood up from his place on the ground. Breathing deep, he gave one last look around the tranquil area. September was nearing once again and it would be many months before he could return to his place of peace.

Reluctantly, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Severus started his walk home. He moved at a slow, thoughtful pace, occasionally running a tender finger over the delicate yellow petals. As he walked back through the rows of houses, movement in an upper window caught his eye. Rain and her mother stood in the window waving. The mother stood back, shy, just as Rain described, but her face was filled with gratitude. Severus raised a tentative hand and gave a quick wave back.

Once back in his own home, he gently placed the lilies in a jar filled with clear water. They brightened his small abode and reminded him of what mattered. The single red flower was for Lily, but now it also represented the child who, for a moment, quelled the ache in his heart. It was not often Severus felt like a good man, but that evening, in the last glow of summer, he felt a spark of redemption.