Title: Lily

Severus was the first to arrive. The house was dark, the damage invisible. He hoped, fingers crossed like a child. He prayed for the first time in years. One hand rested on the fence post, holding himself up.

The snake in the sky curled grotesquely, another reminder. Something had happened here, something bad. And someone, someone would be dead.

Please, not her. Not Lily. Please. She can't be. Not Lily. Please.

Severus' thoughts were a constant stream, pleading with a higher power. He opened the front door, painted green, and stepped into the dim hallway. Harsh wandlight fell across the body of James Potter, sprawled on the floor – wandless and lifeless.

Not Lily, anyone but Lily. Just James. Please.

The stairs creaked and he gripped the banister tightly. The nursery door was wide open, hanging at an odd angle. The corner of the house was destroyed, splintered wood thrown everywhere. A wail made him jump and turn. Baby Harry stared up at him.

He looked down. She lay spread eagled by the cot, her face smooth and serene.

Lily.

He knelt to the floor next to her, rocking the body in his arms and crying.

Lily.

Life wasn't worth it any more.