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For a fleeting instant the sky turned purple as a streak of lightning split across the heavens. Storm clouds rolled overhead, and she knew the rain would follow any second. Pulling her jacket tightly around her shoulders, she continued walking briskly down the dimly lit road, her heart beating frantically in her chest. In her left hand she clutched a smooth metal object; a Prevoscope. It detected the presence of any magical being within thirty yards. Still, every now and again, she tossed a nervous glance over her shoulder to be sure she wasn’t being followed. A few drops of rain began to splash gently against her jacket just as she made it to her destination.

The park was dark and ethereal. An eerie wind caused the seesaws to teeter and the swings to sway. An old, rusty fence gave a high pitched groan as she pushed it open. Her eyes scanned the darkness in front of her until they landed upon the shadowy silhouette of a man who was leaning against a bench near the slide. She began moving towards him, first walking quickly, then breaking out into a sprint. When she had covered half the distance to him, she called out his name, unable to control herself. The man shifted at the sound of his name being called, and in an instant he was crossing the park at an increasing speed.

The two bodies collided, arms entwined and lips pressed hard onto any surface they could find. For a moment they seemed to be one entity, one living, breathing being, and then they pulled away.

“Did anyone follow you?”

“I don’t think so.”

“You don’t think so? You have to be certain!”

“I don’t think so! It was dark, and the road was draped in shadows. I don’t think so, but how can one ever be certain in times such as these!?”

A guttural sob escaped her lips as the rain began to fall harder. The man collected her in his arms, stroking her matted, red hair and rocking slightly.

“Lily, I’m sorry. You did brilliantly. I just couldn’t imagine if something were to ever happen to you because of me. I couldn’t bear it.”

Her cheeks were a mix of rain and tears. He kissed them lightly, nuzzling her into his neck. They stayed like this for a few moments, ignoring the weather that swept angrily around them. Then Lily pulled away.

“Severus, are you sure about this?”

Her eyes were wide, emerald green, and filled with a terror he’d never seen.

“I’ve never been so certain of anything in my life. You will take Harry to the Order headquarters. I’ll meet you there at first light. We’ll get away from Britain; we’ll go to the States, just the three of us. We’ll hide as Muggles until this passes. I swear to you, Lily.”

“But what about Him? Defying him by running… You’ll be hunted down for sure. I can’t… I can’t…” Her voice was carried away by a howling gust of wind.

Severus grabbed her face roughly with both hands and pushed his mouth forcefully down onto hers. Mouths gently parted, he massaged her tongue with his own and ran his fingers softly down her back. Both now thoroughly sopping wet, they remained connected, nibbling and licking and drinking their fill of each other. Finally, mustering all the self-restraint she had, Lily pulled away, her chest rising and falling with each breath.

“Things will never be the same, will they?” she asked, her eyes like giant glowing orbs.

Severus could only shake his head, a white-hot stab of pain burned within his chest. If she only knew...

Severus was thankful for the rain as tears suddenly spilled down his cheeks. His gratitude was multiplied as she reached a hand up to his face, the mix of tears and rain indecipherable beneath her touch.

“You should go…” Severus whispered, his own breath shallow and ragged.

Lily nodded.

“I love you, Lily,” he choked, taking her fingers to his lips and kissing them softly.

“I love you, Severus.”

Their lips met desperately once more before Lily turned and began to head out of the park. Severus watched her until she was a mere speck in the distance. The wind and rain seemed to stop the instant she was out of sight.

Defeated, Severus collapsed onto his knees and released a cry of anguish. Tonight would be the last time he would ever see the love of his life.