Hogwarts – October 31, 1981

Grumbles and stares at the empty plate in front of me, not really listening to Filius who is bragging about a seventh year Ravenclaw. Sighing and thinking about one person in particular, Lily. Glancing at Albus I notice he is standing up to make his annual Halloween speech, and then I see his face go white as he stares ahead of him. I took to see what he is staring at. It was the Minister's patronus.

"The Ministry has been attacked. Our numbers are falling."

A panic erupts in the Great Hall. I was too shocked and upset to even move. I come out of my trance when Albus all but smack me across the head.

"…What…" I scowl.

"Stay here Severus. I mean it, don't go anywhere. Make sure the students get to their common rooms, and stay there."

"…Yes, sir…" Glaring at him as he leaves. Stands up and orders the prefects to escort their housed to their room. Then stalks out of the Great Hall before anything is said. Enters my chambers, slamming the door behind me. As I start pacing I talk to myself, worried.

"I told him… Lily… I really did tell him. I warned him that it was going to happen. He didn't listen, Lily… Stay safe Lily…"

A few hours later I am still mumbling to myself, but instead of pacing I am sitting on the floor with my back against one of my potion cabinets. I lift my head out of my arms. The mark has been burning for a while now. Bored and tired of waiting for news I stand up and apparate to Godric's Hollow the moment I step off of the castle grounds.

As my surroundings get into focus I almost drop to my knees. Not from the searing pain on the arm, but from the sight of Lily Potter's house and the mark above it. Taking a deep breath I draw nearer to the house. Pushing open the already cracked door I step into the house, knowing the worse but hoping for the better. Slowly I take each stair one at a time. Stepping over James's body with only a glance I turn and walk slowly down the hall to the open nursery. Entering the room I automatically slide down the wall to the floor in agony as I see Lily's lifeless body next to the crib. Crawling over to her I pick her up and cradle her as I hold her body to mine as if it might bring her back. Not paying any attention to Harry in his crib, I continue to cry as I rock Lily. Hours pass, slowly I lay Lily cab on the ground and apparate just off castle grounds. Distraught I find Albus up in the astronomy tour.

"Albus! You said… you said you would keep her safe…"

" Lily and James put their faith in the wrong person Severus, rather like you… The boy survives."

"He doesn't need protection. The Dark Lord is gone!"

"The Dark Lord will return, and when he does the boy will be in terrible danger… He has her eyes. If you truly loved her."

"No one… can know."

"I shall never reveal the best of you Severus."

Without another word I turn and retire to my chambers. Hoping that I will never wake again.