Another update for you all. Hope you enjoy!

Rated T for swearing.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own the characters, even though I love Snape to death. It's quite sad, really.

Prompt #13 Waiting

I had waited my whole life for this moment. The moment that, I knew, would change my life forever.

I waited patiently the entire first term of our fifth year, eager for my chance. Never giving a hint that I had any kind of feelings other than friendship for her, I played my part well. She would never expect it.

Once back from Christmas Break, I kept to the shadows so I could survey my competition. One after the other, she turned down each suitor who tempted her to go to the Ball with them. Flowers, candy, sweet notes left for her. None of them caught her eye. Shockingly enough, she kept telling me how much she absolutely hated being "bribed" to go on a date. Hmm, I would have to remember that.

Before I knew it, the night before the Ball crept up on me. She had yet to accept any offers, saying she was waiting for a certain person to ask her. It was now or never. Plucking up all the courage I could muster (which was not very much), I owled an anonymous note to my love asking her to meet me at the top of the Astronomy Tower that night at nine sharp. Only time would tell if she would actually show. Merlin, how I hoped she would.

My robes were freshly pressed, my shoes shone, and I'd even gotten rid of most of the grease in my stringy hair. I was as ready as I would ever be. I checked my pocket watch. Still fifteen minutes early.

Waiting got harder and harder. My palms started to sweat, my heart sped up as adrenaline pumped through my veins, and I began to perspire. I was nervous, and anxious, and hopeful, and worried, and fearful all in one. So many emotions to feel at once, no wonder I couldn't stand still.

I checked my watch again. Ten minutes until nine. I pulled myself together and left the common room with a flourish of my robes. Scurrying along the corridors, I realized I would have just enough time to make it to my destination if I kept up the pace.

As I neared the Tower, I slowed my steps. By the light of the moon, I could see her leaning against the railing, head tilted back to look at the stars. Her brown hair flowed beautifully around her, giving her the appearance of an angel. Just as I was about to call out to her, another annoyingly familiar voice beat me to it.

"Evans…," James Potter's drawl carried through the wind, strong and confident, as always.

'Shit,' I thought, the anger and frustration and desperation I felt nearly burning me up inside, 'Why him? Anyone but him!'

Lily had been infatuated with the Golden Boy Potter for the past few years. She never thought he would take a liking to her because they argued and bickered incessantly. I secretly hoped she was right. I wanted Lily for myself. I needed her to want me, too. Going to the Ball together happened to be the perfect opportunity to express my feelings, seeing as I never was good at that kind of thing.

Lily turned her head and met his gaze, shock evident on her face, "Potter? It was you? You sent me the note?"

He nodded and crossed over to her, "Look, Ev.. er, Lily. I know we've had our differences. You think I'm a tosser, and I don't blame you, honestly. I can be a real prick sometimes, but let me show you the other side of me," he gave her that stupid lopsided grin that never failed to charm the ladies, but sickened me every time I had the displeasure of seeing it, "Go to the Ball with me."

'No!" I wanted to scream, 'He's lying to you! It was me, Sev! Your best friend! It's always been me. I love you! Why can't you see that we belong together?'

But I didn't even open my mouth. I couldn't bring myself to form words. Tears stung my eyes, but I forcefully blinked them away. My stupid Slytherin, self-preserving self couldn't bare to put myself out there, to lay my emotions on the line, for fear of being shot down. I didn't cry out to the girl I loved because I was too afraid of not being chosen. If she picked him over me, that would make me second-best to Potter. Again.

Lily pulled him into her arms and smiled happily, apparently forgetting all of the rude comments he used to make, all the times he made her cry, and all the times she said she was never good enough for him. Just like that, she opened her heart to him, and I felt mine start to break.

"I'll go with you," she whispered. That was the last I heard of their conversation.

I turned and ran as fast as I could to the dungeons. Once inside an empty classroom, I flung myself into a desk and put my head in my hands. I was too late. I waited too long, and now I would never get my chance with her. He had won. Again.

"Why does he always fucking win?" I shouted in agony, "Why? What's so great about James BLOODY Potter? What does he have that I don't?" The anger rolled inside of me, consuming me. I hated him. I hated him more than I had hated anyone ever before. And I wanted him to pay.

'But what about Lily?' my conscience intruded, 'Don't you want her to be happy?'

"She can't be happy with him! He'll only hurt her! I'm what's best for her. Me! Why can't she see that?"

'She loves him, Severus. You're her best friend. Be there for her. Congratulate her. It's for the best,' my conscience was pleading with me.

"I can't believe I'm having a bloody conversation with myself. Bollocks, I've gone 'round the bend," I sighed in frustration and heaved myself out of the desk only to start pacing the second I reached my full height.

"She loves him? How could she? He's a selfish, ignorant prat. All of his incredibly pompous friends strut around this castle like they own it. Lily's smarter than that," I ran my hands through my hair, trying to think about what to do, "But I love her. We've been best friends since I can remember. I know she would never forgive me if I stopped talking to her just because she's going to the Ball with Potter. It doesn't necessarily mean they'll start dating. Maybe she'll see what an arrogant wack-job he really is and stop fawning over him! Yes, yes!"

I made up my mind. No way was I going to sit around like a bump on a log and let Potter sweep Lily off her feet. I would not give up. I loved her too much to just let her go. Oh, no. Potter would not get off that easily. One day, I, Severus Snape, would have my beautiful little Lily.

So, there we go! This one will be continued in another prompt at a later time.

Let me know whatcha think!

Thanks for reading.

xoxo Princess