Time After Time.

A Harry Potter based fanfic by MCGEEandME.

Disclaimer: I don't own Severus Snape, or Lily Potter or James or Harry. But I do own Rose Griphons. And I own these events (well, most), and the actions these wonderful characters perform.

Note: I can't tell if this story is going slowly or fast…but I think the events are about to speed up. Of course, I know exactly how this will end, but making up twists in the middle will be more difficult.

Severus and Rose lay tangled in the sheets of Severus' bed. Severus awoke early, and sat there thinking, until Rose awoke as well.

Rose smiled in his direction. "I had a good time last night."

Severus returned the smile. "So did I."

The couple sat there for a bit, thinking about anything; everything.

-x-

Rose took Severus on tours around Muggle London over the next two days. But Severus' favorite part (he had to admit) was walking along the streets holding the hand of is (official) girlfriend. It was perfect.

But over the next week Rose was busy with job interviews (of which they all said they would contact her if she got the offer) so Rose only got interactions with Severus through the phone (but Severus did begin to master the telephone, which helped.) But then his spirits began to rise again when Rose invited him to a party at a neighbor's house.

-x-

The party was for couples only and Severus was proud to admit he was half of one. And it was a Muggle adult's party- instead of butter beers it was real beer and wine. Maybe there would be some dancing—but, sophisticated dancing.

And so Severus put on some casual clothing and went to go meet up with Rose at her house, and again, Severus brought more Roses for Rose.

"It never gets old," she said. "They're beautiful."

They entered the party to find it very casual: sophisticated music, some dancing, games, a few children here and there, food, drinks and jeans.

Immediately after entering Rose's face glistened with excitement. She stared at the dancers and then grabbed Severus' arm.

"Come on, let's dance!"

"I don't dance…." Severus frowned because he knew she was expecting him to say that. But then she leaned in and whispered, "Neither do I…now come on!"

-x-

Severus put his hands on Rose's back and Rose wrapped her arms around Severus' neck. Gradually, they began to sway back and forth to the music.

"I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
And I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you"

Rose looked up at him in the light and smiled. "I'm hanging by a moment here with you…" she mouthed. And she meant it.

-x-

What was love? Severus could not answer that. But just the thoughts of what love could be entered his mind….

"Sev, what do you think love is like?"

Severus knew exactly what he thought love was. He wanted to say, "Knowing that everyday is perfect just being with the one you love. Knowing that at any time, just seeing her, could make you smile. Knowing safety, hopefulness and courage from just one person. Knowing you're in the presence of something beyond you're control—like angels. Knowing you're in heaven everyday."

But he wouldn't say that. "I'm not sure."

"It's got to be amazing."

You have no idea, he thought.

It was now Severus' last day of his seventh year. Lily and James haunted his mind once again. He let Lily ago years ago. But, he still thought about her constantly. But that would change once he got involved with the Dark Lord. He would no longer have to think about Lily and her lover. It would all be different. But first he had something to settle something. It wouldn't change much, but it could maybe help….

"Potter," said Severus. But he didn't snicker this time.

"What d'you got to say?"

"Just, well, about Lily…"

"Gonna give me advice on the ladies, Snape?" (Notice the Snape, not Snivelly, James grew up as well) "Shouldn't you maybe giving me advice on the guys?" (Well, not completely)

"Just…take care of her and…well..make her…happy." James got an astonishing look on his face, but Severus didn't notice as he was looking at his feet. Severus gave Lily to James for Lily. He loved him that much. And the next time he ever saw her was at her wedding, from afar…her wedding….

Severus watched from across the bridge as James and Lily exchanged vows. He hadn't seen them in years. Lily was still as beautiful as ever. Or more, if it was possible. Her white gown reminded him of that snowy day they spent together during their first Christmas.

But he wasn't crying…he couldn't quite say what he was feeling. He wasn't smiling—no, he would never be happy about this. He wasn't crying—he admitted to himself many times that he no longer loved Lily—he didn't even like her.

But still, there was something there and the thoughts came back to him.

'I will never love anyone other than Lily Evans.'

But a new thought entered his mind….

Rose laughing. Rose smiling. Rose cooking. Rose dancing.

Before he new it, the song was over, and Rose let go of his neck.

"I'm going to get something to drink," he said.

He wouldn't admit he loved Rose, never.

-x-

The beer tasted funny—he wasn't use to it. But he didn't care. He wanted to put his mind to something else.

Not again, he thought. It's just like last time. Going to the Dark Lord to get away from Lily….

But he pushed those thoughts back out of his head and kept drinking. More and more beers—they piled on. He didn't care. He didn't even notice how drunk he was getting. Maybe Rose was looking for him—but probably not. She didn't give a damn about him.

-x-

He found his way back into the crowd. No one was looking at him, so he figured he couldn't look too horrible. Then he noticed Rose swaying to the music by herself.

"Hey, sugar." What was he saying? How many beers had he really had?

"Severus, is that you?"

"Ohh, there's two of you now. That's more fun. Come on, let's go find a closet or something…haha."

"Severus, are you okay? Let's get you home."

Was she trying to help him? "I don't need to go home, get away from me!" And with that, he shoved her to the ground.

"Severus!" tears were streaming down her face. His life was repeating. "I don't like you like this! Severus!" He could've been fifteen again for all he knew.

"I'm outta here."

-x-

Severus found himself in a room with people of which he did not know. He just wanted his coat—he was leaving for good.

"What'cha looking for, honey?" Severus turned around.

"Who are you?" he snickered. "And my jacket."

"Pamala. And you're wearing you're jacket. Now, tell me who you came with."

He mumbled something no one would be able to make out.

"Oh, so you had a bad time? That's ok, I can fix that."

And before he knew it, he was caught in a major lip lock with this woman he didn't know. She was fierce—but he didn't push away. Until he saw someone appear in the corner of his eye. Not until then did they break apart.

It was Rose. Tears were still streaming down her face. She had come looking for him and found this.

"Severus…" was all she could make out. But that was more than Severus could. He just stood there, finally realizing what he had been doing.

Then, Rose found her voice. "Fine. Just Severus, don't look back in anger this time." And she ran out of the room, balling.

Slip inside the eye of your mind
Don't you know you might find
A better place to play
You said that you'd never been
But all the things that you've seen
Will slowly fade away

So I start a revolution from my bed
'Cause you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside the summertime's in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
You ain't ever gonna burn my heart out

And so Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as we're walking on by
Her soul slides away, but don't look back in anger
I heard you say

Take me to the place where you go
Where nobody knows, if it's night or day.
Please don't put your life in the hands
Of a Rock 'n Roll band
Who'll throw it all away

I'm gonna start the revolution from my bed
'Cos you said the brains I had went to my head
Step outside cos summertime's in bloom
Stand up beside the fireplace
Take that look from off your face
Cos you ain't ever gonna burn my heart out

And So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as she's walking on by.
My soul slides away, but don't look back in anger
I heard you say

So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late as we're walking on by
Her soul slides away, but don't look back in anger
I heard you say

And So Sally can wait, she knows it's too late and she's walking on by
My soul slides away, but don't look back in anger, don't look back in anger
I heard you say

At least not today.

Song taken from Oasis (Don't Look back in Anger). (Song when they were dancing was Hanging by a Moment by Lifehouse)

How was it? Juicy, I know, but short.

PLEASE R&R, it helps.