Chapter 206: Snape’s Dilemma

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

- Author notes -

Chapter 206: Snape's Dilemma

Severus Snape walked through the halls of Hogwarts with nervous steps.

The closer he got to her door, the more nervous he grew.

Seeing Lily at Hogwarts had been extremely shocking. The Headmaster had not said a word to him until the day before classes started.

After that… the two of them had not exchanged more than a few words.

He had expected her to hate him, or at least be angry with him, but that didn't seem to be the case. Or at the very least, she was being polite about it.

He knocked on the door.

"Come in."

He heard her voice and opened the door.

Lily welcomed him with a polite but somewhat cold smile. Nothing like the ones he was used to receiving when they were friends.

"I'm almost done grading these tests. Make yourself comfortable; we can leave after I finish," she told him.

Snape nodded and sat down in front of her desk. He tried to avoid staring at her too much… she was still as beautiful as ever.

Today, they were going to Hogsmeade.

After more than two months since classes started, he had gathered the valor to request a private meeting with Lily.

He told her there were some important matters they must discuss.

Snape would have been fine with talking here, in her office.

It had been Lily's idea to visit Hogsmeade together on the last weekend.

Snape concluded that this was Lily's way of telling him that she was willing to make peace and perhaps give their old friendship another chance.

He doubted she was going to retain those thoughts after hearing what he had to say…

But even so… this was something he must do.

"Okay, I'm done," Lily said.

"Oh…" He had been so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't even notice. "Then, let us go," he said, awkwardly. His social skills appear to have degraded… not that they were great to begin with.

The two of them walked through the castle, mostly in silence. Except for the occasions when Lily was greeted by some students.

Despite having only been here for three months, she was a very popular teacher.

Snape had been teaching at Hogwarts for over a decade and no one had ever greeted him with such joy.

Slytherin students would only offer a casual nod of respect or a contained smile at most.

As soon as they left the castle, he was hit by the cold winter winds.

He found them unpleasant to say the least. Snape preferred the coziness offered by the dungeon walls.

"Are you okay, going outside with your usual robes?" Lily asked.

To tell the truth, he didn't even think of that until now. He waved his wand over his clothes, creating a temporary warming charm. "I'll be fine."

Lily chuckled. "I see."

Snape didn't know what she found amusing but… he was glad to hear her laugh.

When they arrived at the village, Lily guided him directly to the Three Broomsticks.

Personally, he would have preferred the Hog's Head. It is quiet and more low-key. But he understood why she preferred this one.

At least it was only around one-third full when they went inside.

He and Lily sat down at a cozy table, close to a fireplace, and ordered some drinks.

"So, what have you been up to for the last… mmm thirteen years?" Lily asked.

"That's quite the question to start with," Snape complained.

"Had you sent me some letters over the years, I would not need to ask this," Lily rebuked.

Snape frowned. How could he send her letters?... even if they had left on good terms with her…

"But to be fair, I don't have much to tell. After the war was over, I came to Hogwarts to work. I don't leave the castle often, only when I need delicate ingredients that I cannot trust an owl to bring."

"You should go outside more often then. Your skin is too pale. A bit of sun will do you good," Lily commented.

"Outside is not exactly safe for me." He looked around to make sure that no one was listening.

"I put a privacy charm around us. No one will hear what you say," Lily showed him her wand.

Snape stared in surprise. He didn't even notice her taking out her wand, much less casting a spell.

"I have a good teacher," Lily answered the question he didn't ask.

A wave of displeasure filled him. He could not help but think of James Potter when she mentioned having a good teacher.

"Anyhow… as I was saying, the outside is very dangerous for someone like me."

"But you left his organization," Lily pointed out.

"No one who abandons the Dark Lord can remain safe."

"I learned from Dumbledore that you even removed his mark," Lily said.

"I did… found a method in an old book. Very painful process, but I would say it was worth it. Still, even without the mark… many still remain loyal to him and would gladly kill me, even if just for some useless revenge."

"Mmm… well, I suppose that's also how we've lived for the past thirteen years. Me and the children rarely leave the house. Only for the occasional trip to Diagon Alley. If only that bastard had just died that day, instead of Alice and Frank !" Lily spat the word with such vitriol that even Snape was taken aback.

"Maybe we should talk about something… better. But first, let's hear that important thing you had to tell me." She said after calming down a bit.

Snape nodded. "Yes… there is no easy way to say this. It's about your son."

"Harry?!" Lily exclaimed.

"Yes, of course, I mean Harry."

"No, look!" Lily pointed at the entrance door.

Harry had just walked in with Pansy still clutching his arm.

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