Chapter Seventy

A week later, Severus and Lily were at Spinner's End, getting ready to return to Hogwarts. Their hair had grown just slightly, and by now, they were used to having so little hair.

Lily was running her hand over her head, smiling. "It's going to be quite a shock when we return to Hogwarts."

Severus wished he could share her lightheartedness, but he knew he would be given strange looks and rude remarks would be made, especially by the Marauders. "At least you have a pretty face, Lily," Severus stated. "I can't say I'm looking forward to their reactions."

"Aw, Sev, who cares what others think? After all this time, after all you've been through and come out the stronger and better for it, you're worried about something so silly as hair?" Lily asked.

Severus briefly ran his hand over the stubble. "Please don't think I'm regretting it, Lily. I am still glad we did this to show support for your mum, but my hair... I was used to hiding behind it when I felt the need. There were still moments when I would."

Severus couldn't believe how shallow he was sounding, but he had never taken well to receiving attention, and coming back with little hair would definitely draw unwanted attention.

Lily came to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "You could always use a charm to grow it back in a matter of seconds, and besides, I think you're handsome either way," she said softly.

Severus snorted at her compliment and shook his head. "Absolutely not. Lily," he said, setting his jaw firmly, "we're going through this together. Your mum is the one who's really having a hard time, so every time I look in the mirror, I'll think of her."

Touched by his words, Lily kissed him. "It's not so bad. We'll get to grow our hair out together, and once Mum is better, her hair will come back... maybe curly or something. I've heard that people's hair can change color or become curly if it had been straight after they've lost it because of chemo."

"I didn't know that," Severus replied.

Lily nodded and then examined the engagement ring on her hand and smiled. "You know, I'm going to leave the ring on this time. School will be over in a couple of months. Don't you think it's time people know?"

The thought of more attention made Severus blush, but he wasn't ashamed. "Yes, leave it on," Severus said. If Potter just so happens to still fancy Lily, let him be jealous. "Every other bloke can brag about having a girlfriend, but I have a fiancee." Severus allowed a smooth smile to creep onto his face as he uttered "fiancee."

"Mmm, say that again, Sev," Lily whispered in his ear.

Her breath tingled his ear lobe. Suddenly, the stress from the last few months demanded release in the form of physical affection. He brought his lips to her ear, practically purring, "Fiancee." Taking her lobe in his mouth, he gave it a gentle nibble, then slowly ran his tongue along the outside of her ear, moving to her jawline, placing small kisses along it, coming to the corner of her mouth, teasing her with continued, little pecks. His lips barely brushed her sensitive skin there, and Lily moaned with pleasure, wanting more.

Feeling her knees growing weak beneath her, Lily reached for the buttons on his shirt, fumbling with them. She managed to undo the top three and then rubbed her hands over his warm chest. Severus had both hands around Lily's torso and moved them lower down her back. He slid them under the waistband of her jeans and gave her behind a squeeze.

Lily jumped, releasing a momentary squeak, and then leaned into him, her body responding to his touch. Her hands now roamed to his neck, then to his face, cupping his cheeks as she kissed him fervently. Severus's hands continued to massage her back under her top, and entwined, they made their way across the room to the couch, Lily on the bottom and Severus on top.

Lily unbottoned his shirt completely, pushing it off his shoulders. "You don't need this," she breathed.

Severus shrugged the shirt off, glad to be rid of it. His hands were now on her front, and he leaned down, nuzzling and kissing her neck, going lower to her collarbone, and pushing her blouse down, he kissed the tender skin a little lower. His hands explored to her front, going to her chest to gently feel her soft breasts. Lily's hands simultaneously went lower down his exposed back, and she held on to his behind and released a series of happy groans at his touch. Severus emitted a low growl, his hormones raging.

"Lily," he panted, "if we don't stop-"

"Sev, it's okay," Lily replied, sounding equally out of breath. "I want to."

Closing his eyes, Severus willed himself to calm down. She was still in school and so young yet. No, not yet.

"Lily, trust me when I say I want to... You have no idea, but... the time needs to be right."

Lily removed her hands from his back and let them drop. The heat of the moment lost, Severus mentally kicked himself and withdrew from lying on top of her. He sat awkwardly on the couch and buried his face in his hands, embarrassed, wishing his hair was long again so he could hide his flushed cheeks.

"Sev?" Lily asked tentatively. She touched his shoulder. "What's the matter? If you wanted to and I wanted to, I don't see what the problem is."

"Lily," Severus groaned in his hands. "I'm sorry. It's just... not the right time yet."

"Severus, look at me," Lily demanded, sounding hurt.

Severus withdrew his hands and gazed at her. She looked like she was put out and about to cry.

"Lily, no," he said weakly, taking her hands in his. "Please don't take this the wrong way."

"But I don't understand," Lily said, the tears now falling. "After all we've been through..."

"Lily, listen," he explained hastily. "Call me old fashioned, but- but I think we ought to wait until we're married first."

Lily sighed. "You sound like my parents."

"This summer, I promise you, Lily," Severus said, his heart thumping.

"You mean, you want to marry this summer?" Lily questioned, shocked.

"Lily, there is nothing I would rather do than spend my life with you; you know that. After Hogwarts, what's holding us back? Nothing. You can live here if you like. You'd be close to your family. I know the house isn't much..."

"No, it's perfect, Sev," Lily gently interrupted. "If you want to wait, I will, too. I understand. You want it to be special."

Severus managed a smile. He leaned in and kissed her. "We can talk about the details later... er, the wedding, I mean." He didn't think it necessary to discuss the details of love making.

"All right." Gazing at their bags, Lily murmured, "I guess we ought to get going."

"Let's just get ourselves straightened up first," Severus stated, reaching for his shirt. "It wouldn't do to return without a shirt on."

Lily giggled. "No, I guess not. At least we don't have to worry about brushing our hair."

Severus laughed.

A few minutes later, they were composed and ready to go. Grabbing their bags, they Apparated to the boundary of Hogwarts.

Once they had arrived, they began the long trek back to the school's main entrance. They had arrived before the train, so for a couple of hours, they wouldn't have to concern themselves with the surprised comments they would be receiving about their new hairdos.

The walk across the grounds was peaceful, as the day was simply beautiful. Spring was now in its full glory. The lawn was vibrant green from the March rains, littered with flowers here and there. The sun was out, warming them as they walked.

"What a lovely day," Lily remarked, sighing happily, closing her eyes and lifting her face toward the sky. She smiled.

"Indeed," Severus returned, his hand intertwined with hers. Instead of looking at the sky, however, he had eyes only for the flower next to him.

"Do you think we might take a walk outside after we put our things in our rooms?" Lily posed.

"That's a good idea," Severus agreed.

Eventually, they reached the stairs to the main doors and mounted them. Upon entering the castle, they were greeted with silence. The Entrance Hall stood empty before them, which was a strange sight to behold.

"Do you just want to meet back here in ten minutes?" Lily suggested.

"That sounds fine," Severus replied.

That way, they would save on time and be able to be back outside sooner.

Ten minutes later, the Head Boy and Head Girl strolled back into the Entrance Hall simultaneously.

"Good timing," Severus quipped.

"Come on, Sev," Lily said. "It won't be long, and this blessed silence will be gone."

Eager to return outside with Lily, Severus walked toward the door, Lily by his side. They made their way back down the steps, going along the path toward the gates, and then veering off to the right across the grass. The lake was still a bit of a distance from them.

Lily started walking faster, breaking into a run. She giggled as she took off, leaving Severus watching her, amused.

"Come on, Sev!" Lily beckoned.

"We're not little kids, Lily!" Severus called back, shaking his head as he continued to walk.

"Oh, where's your sense of a little fun, Sev?" Lily teased lightly. "No one else is around, and it's a gorgeous day! We've got the grounds completely to ourselves!"

"Well, all right," Severus gave in, smiling.

He ran after Lily, which seemed to spur her on. She ran more rapidly, laughing and challenging him to try and catch her. Adrenaline pumping through him, Severus's long legs and youthful burst of energy moved him along, steadily gaining ground and lessening the distance between them. Finally, catching up with Lily, Severus grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to the ground. She landed on him, and together, they laughed.

After their laughter died, Lily gazed down upon her fiance, smiling sweetly. She leaned in and kissed him. Severus gave into the urge, oblivious to the surroundings. In the midst of a war, Mrs. Evans's cancer, upcoming N.E.W.T.s, the uncertain future, and other ungoing struggles, sometimes it just felt right to let go for a little while. The two young lovers focused solely on each other.

Losing track of time, they drifted off in the grass, resting under a large willow tree not too far from the lake. A rude awakening came when an unpleasant voice interrupted their slumber, however.

"Oi! What's this?"

Severus's eyes snapped open, and his body immediately tensed. He instinctively reached for his wand, but his guard having been down, whoever had just spoken had nonverbally disarmed him. Severus felt his wand slip out of his grasp in less than a second. Beside him, Lily was rousing, and before she could react, her wand was gone as well.

Severus sat up, pulling Lily up with him, and together, they stood. Standing protectively next to Lily, Severus glared at their attacker.

Attackers.

Ten feet away was Masterson, leading the faction of students who Roger Mulciber had previously led.

Shit, Severus cursed. If it's not one troublemaking bastard, it's another.

"Taking Mulciber's esteemed place?" Severus asked snidely.

"You could say that," Masterson replied, smirking. "What'd you do to yourself, Snape? As if you weren't ugly enough before-"

"Shut up!" Lily barked, angered at Masterson's remark.

The smirk left Masterson's face, and he glared at Lily. "You'd do well to shut your filthy mouth, you Mudblood."

"Don't you dare-" Severus started to say.

"Looks like you're not so tough without your wand," Masterson continued.

"And how sweet that your girl has a haircut just like you," another boy, named Jacob Wade, taunted.

Just as Severus was about to tackle Masterson and try to retrieve their wands, Masterson's wand, as well as Lily and Severus's, went flying out of his thick hand. Caught off-guard, Masterson started to turn and was Stunned. Wade and a couple of others were about to attack, but they were disarmed and Stunned as well.

Curious as to who had stopped the Slytherins, Severus turned his gaze beyond the group of boys now lying on the ground. Much to his surprise, he saw James, Sirius, and Remus. Lily gasped, but then smiled.

"Thanks!" she exclaimed gratefully.

James approached them, handing their wands back to them. "No problem," he replied, unable to keep a slight smirk off his face. "Looks like you can't always be on top of your game, Snape, despite what you told us in those lessons."

Severus resisted the urge to retort, but James and his friends had just rescued them. To say he was shocked would be an understatement. The old grudge Severus felt toward James for saving his life over two years previously still simmered below the surface, but this time, he realized that perhaps James's intervention had been genuine. They were allies now, after all.

"Nice hair," Sirius said sarcastically, his laughter like a bark. "Did you finally decide your hair was too greasy, Snape? Such a cruel thing to impose it on Lily, though."

Lily frowned. "For your information, Sirius, we did this because my mum has cancer, and she's lost her hair because of the chemotherapy treatments she's been receiving. We wanted to show our support. And secondly, Severus's hair hasn't been greasy in a long time."

"Oh, uh, that was really thoughtful of you," Sirius said, feeling guilty, and looking directly at Lily.

James was rendered speechless, but Remus added, "I'm sorry about your mum, Lily. I didn't know."

"I didn't tell anyone, but it's been a while now," Lily replied. Not wishing to discuss her mum further in front of everyone, her eyes flickered to Masterson and the others. "What do you suppose we do with them?"

"Leave them," Severus said harshly. "Let them come round on their own."

"Aren't you worried about retribution, Sev?" Lily asked, worried.

"It's nothing I haven't already faced before," Severus sighed. "I'll inform the headmaster. Perhaps the lot of you should come along as witnesses."

"All right," James agreed, and Sirius and Remus nodded.

"Why did they attack you, anyway?" Sirius questioned as they began walking toward the castle.

"That's a hard question, Black," Severus said sardonically. "Could it be because they're supporters of You-Know-Who?"

"Right," Sirius mumbled, no doubt thinking of his own family. His face darkened.

"Come on," Severus sighed as they entered the castle. "Let just... get this over with."

The good mood from earlier was gone. His footsteps heavy, Severus led the others toward Dumbledore's office, knowing the two months left at Hogwarts would be no less burdensome than they had been before, and beyond Hogwarts, life was bound to become more complicated.

He met Lily's eyes and kept his focus there. Staring back at him was his light in darkness.

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