Always (SNILY): Angst, Multiple POV, Dark Romance

Chapter Eleven

"The Three Broomsticks?" Lily peered up at Severus, her eyes filled with confusion.

Lily and Severus stood side by side, the autumn breeze whistling around them, the scent of candied corn and sweets drifting to their senses.

Hogsmeade.

There was something sacred about Hogsmeade in the Fall. Witches and wizards bustled about with their cheeks flushed from evening enjoyment. It felt like traveling back in time. A time where the war didn't exist.

"We're owed a night of revelry," Severus brushed his finger along the underside of her chin. "Would you agree?"

Lily could admit she'd lost sight of any sense of normalcy. The pressure of the war had been crushing down on them day after day after day. Who was she outside of a war strategy meeting? Lily wasn't sure she remembered.

"I'm not going to argue with that logic."

Severus continued to hold her gaze, his eyes darkening. "Good."

Severus had insisted that Lily be disguised. Being caught in public together was the last thing either of them needed. Tonight, Lily was a death eater. She'd deal with her own moral backlash later.

The dark robes of the faux attire felt surprisingly comfortable as she strode into the entrance of the pub.

"Evenin' to ya, Severus!" Madam Rosmerta yelled through the crowd, her hands readying to prepare a drink. "What'll it be?"

Severus' hand moved to the small of Lily's back. The possessiveness of the act sparking a heat inside her chest. "It's the lady's choice tonight, Rosmerta."

Rosmerta raised her eyebrows at that, "Never seen you in here with a lady, Severus. The war softening you up?"

Severus laughed, "Something like that."

Lily felt suddenly insecure, realization washing over her. They were waiting for her to speak.

"Oh, erm... I'll have some mulled mead, please." Lily's voice was shaky and foreign. She didn't know how she was supposed to act.

Severus' hand began slow circles over the robes of her back, the sensation easing some of her discomfort. She was tempted to lean into that touch.

"Ah, good choice 'eh." Rosmerta nodded her head, a warm smile spreading over her youthful features.

"I don't get it." Lily whispered to Severus. "It's like they've got no clue we're in the midst of a war."

Severus smirked, his hand suddenly holding its movement. "When tomorrow isn't promised... we can only hope to enjoy today."

Lily peered up at him with slight disbelief. "That's surprisingly optimistic coming from you."

Severus let his features lighten from their usual cadence. "Perhaps you underestimate me."

That was rich.

Finding their seats at a booth in the corner of the pub, Lily slid in across from Severus. She wasn't in the mood for small talk. She was curious.

"Are you worried about going beyond the veil?" She dared to ask, taking a sip of her mead.

"I've been subjected to worse things," Severus spoke, bringing the glass to his lips, "I am, however, worried about... other things."

"Oh?"

Severus' gaze lifted above her head as he caught the eye of someone from across the room. The air between them suddenly taut.

"What is it?" Lily looked around anxiously.

Severus sneered, taking another sip of his drink. "Our room is ready."