I don't own it.

A big shout-out to Cherrybomb, for being the first (and only, at this stage) person to review. Thanks!

My first story, Concerning Nightmares, is finally finished! Also, there's a small one-shot on my profile as well. Check them out =)

Enjoy!

Defeating the Dark Lord: an 11 part chronicle.

Mistlands

"Did it work?" were the first words out of Harry's mouth.

Snape took a cautious step back on the foggy ground, eyes surveying the area. "I believe so." His nose twitched - once, twice - and then he nodded. "We're in your territory. Try adding another element."

Harry hesitated, and darted a glance behind them. "Severus? D'you think they can see us?"

Snape lifted a sardonic eyebrow. "If by 'they' you mean the entire rest of the school population, then I would say yes. It doesn't hurt to have someone keeping an eye on us." He rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Just ignore it, Harry. What happens here is between you and I... and our guest, once he arrives. No doubt they're still shocked into silence at the sight of us exchanging civil words for the first time in living history."

Harry snorted. "That's what they think, anyway. Imagine what they'll say once they know we've kept this a secret for years now."

He grinned at Severus, but sobered quickly and turned his attention to the task at hand. Harry took a deep breath, in...out..., concentrating fiercely on the one thing he wanted to see more than anything else in the whole world.

The mist swirled... and parted... and Lily Potter emerged.

There was a strangled gasp from Severus, and the hand on his shoulder tightened impossibly.

Snape looked like he was devouring Lily with his eyes, his face filled with a terrible aching agony.

The hand lifted from Harry's shoulder... Severus took a slow step forward... and another... and then his arms were around her, cradling her in the curve of his shoulder, running desperate hands through the shining hair, and he was trembling, shaking with anguish, and words came tumbling from his mouth, frantic with the force of his emotion, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry - "

He was gasping as sobs tore from his throat, tears running down his cheeks as he apologized over and over and over again.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry so sorry I'm so sorry - "

Lily rubbed slow circles on his back and murmured soft assurances, making hushing noises as he slowly calmed.

With one last sorry, Severus fell silent, tightening his embrace and resting his cheek against Lily's hair.

They stayed that way for some time, the dark ex-Death Eater clinging to his best - only - friend amid the fog. Eventually his grip loosened; he eased back, eyes focused with painful intensity on her face.

Lily smiled, a slow, sad smile, as her hand crept up to cup his cheek. He made a noise that was half laugh and half sob, leaning into the curve of her hand.

"You have to let me go." The words were soft, but an order nonetheless. "Sev? I've forgiven you. You need to forgive yourself."

He caught his breath: eyes glistening with tears, he nodded. Bending down, he hesitated a moment before placing a chaste kiss on her cheek.

Harry thought his heart would burst when she moved to stand in front of him.

"Hi, Mum," he said softly.

"Hi, Harry;" her smile was tender, "long time no see."

He gave a watery laugh. "Sounds like something Sirius would say."

Almost unconsciously, he raised his hand, tracing the planes of her face with the pads of his fingers; hoping that when she was gone, his muscles would remember her touch, the feel of her skin.

"I'm so proud of you."

Harry smiled sadly. "You said that last time. When I was dueling Voldemort."

"Well, it's the truth."

He laughed and moved closer to embrace her, burying his head in her shoulder and clenching his eyes shut against the sudden well of tears.

After a moment, they separated. Harry dashed a hand across his eyes and sniffed.

"I miss you."

Lily pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I miss you too. But I must go, and I don't want to see you two again for a very long time, you hear me?"

Harry chuckled as Snape's arm draped naturally across his shoulders, and they replied in unison, "Yes, ma'am."

She turned and was gone, clear laughter like the ringing of bells hanging in air behind her.

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