Lightening struck the dew-covered branches of nearby ferns. A cool October breeze billowed through his leather jacket. The carrier in his hands rocked back and forth.
Severus marched up the road to the cottage on Godric's Hollow. If that rat, Pettigrew, had lied, he'd truly Transfigure him into vermin and throw him in the cellar until the end of his days.
There were candles flickering in the jack-o'lanterns outside the cottage. Even in the rain, kids in makeshift costumes over winter coats ran in groups from house to house, yelling 'trick or treat' and other absurdities and getting handfuls of candy.
He followed a group of kids dressed as vampires and witches as they walked through the open gate, chortling and sharing how many bags of chips and caramels each received. Severus had grabbed a garbage bag, for decency, hoping to pass up as a half-decent single father.
The front door opened and the red-head in a cat mask dropped chocolates into the bags. When she looked at Severus, she froze.
"Lily."
"You shouldn't be able to see me-"
"Cut the crap and let me in." Severus pushed his way in. In the living room, James Potter was chewing on popcorn and rocking the cradle holding their little boy. The entire image was, nauseating at best.
"What are you doing inmyhouse," James said, reaching for his wand. "Where did you get that baby?!"
"Living in a safehouse doesn't make you a homeowner."
"Stealing a baby doesn't make you a father."
Touche.
Severus wished he could have relayed the message just to Lily, but...now that the prick was in the picture, he'd have to exercise charity. "The Dark Lord is coming. Tonight. It's in your best interest to change location."
"It's a Safehouse, Snivellus," James said. "I forgot...you don't know much about houses-"
"-shut your-"
"-BOYS!" Lily's eyes darted to her. One moment and she had him in her arms. "How much time do we have?"
"None. But if you leave now, I can stall him." Severus lifted the carrier, the baby inside charmed into an easy slumber.
Lily's eyes held a million questions, but she was a smart witch and put two-and-two together quickly. "Come on James."
James stood up, squaring his shoulders. "I think I'll stall him as well."
Severus grinned. "You?"
"Yeah me. Or you've forgotten who kicked your arse all throughout dueling club?"
Lily was at the fireplace. One handful of Floo powder in, she mouthed the name of a location both couldn't decipher and she and baby Harry were gone with the green flames.
"You better be telling the truth, Snivvy," James muttered, polishing his wand with his sleeve. Severus placed the name-less baby in the living room cot, tucking him into the blanket.
They didn't have to wait long; footsteps ascended the porch and a white light illuminated the keyhole. James' eyes narrowed.
A figure cloaked in black velvet opened the door and let itself in. Underneath the hood was an incredibly handsome gentleman with the sort of face that instantly inspired trust. Not in James' case. His eyes darted around the room, searching for backup, but Snivellus was nowhere to be found.
The last James saw was the ceiling of the cottage before the world faded to black.
The handsome figure entered the living room. One swift wand movement and an 'Avada Kedavra' and the baby was burned to a crisp. He laughed.
"Seems like the Prophecy wasn't true after all, was it Trelawney?"
Branding the scene with a floating green skull in the sky, the figure disappeared into the night. Out of the shadows, Severus appeared. All was said and done. It was as easy as stealing a baby from a candy. Err...or however that expression went.
A knock sounded at the door, a few faces in masks stood with crinkling bags.
"Trick or treaaaaat!"
"Candy's out," Severus said, closing the door.
And now, onto his next mission: locating Lily and the baby and making sure they were moved as far away from here as possible.
A/N: Yet anouther AU, yes I'm on a bit of a roll. Rewatching the originals just in time for Spooky Season. This time, Severus takes the leading role.