The Heart's Deepest Desires

He knew the dangers of the mirror. 

How men had rotted away in front of it. 

How hearts were broken, tears were shed, blood was spilled, and lives were lost.

He knew all the consequences.

But, without thinking, Severus Snape took a quick glance into The Mirror of Erised. In that split second, he saw her beautiful face smiling at him. He walked over to the mirror, longing for his love. He gazed lovingly into her eyes as she lifted her hand towards him. He reached for it, forgetting it was only a reflection, a mirror, merely a sheet of glass. But when his hand touched hers, the mirror dissolved into empty space. She was there. He stepped forward and he was with her. He held her in his arms, tears running down his face. He looked behind him and saw that the mirror was still there. He looked into it and saw the school. He saw Albus and Harry. He remembered the promise he made to Bellatrix to protect Draco. He saw Voldemort and all he could do to stop him, to protect Harry. He saw everyone he knew and had grown to care for. He looked down at Lily's angelic face, innocently leaning against his chest. He looked back at the mirror and his unfulfilled promises. He could leave now and continue his life as it was. Lily looked up at him and he realized that he wanted to stay here with her. He would never leave her side again. Lily was always his world and now, she was his to have and to hold.

But there was an odd look in Lily's eyes. They were glistening with a sense of rebellion and adventure. Filled with fear, Severus held her tightly. But she broke away and pulled him back to the mirror. She looked up at him with bright eyes filled with hope. Severus then realized that the mirror works both ways. To be real, alive, was Lily's desire. He frowned and shook his head. How could he let her? It would be too dangerous, too risky. What would people think? She asked one more time. Just once. Ever so gently, innocently. Severus sighed. Slowly, Lily stepped to the mirror. She placed her hand on the surface and the glass faded. She looked back at him and he stepped next to her. One, two, three. They both stepped into reality together.

Now that they were in the real world, he could finally hear her voice. "Severus," she said gently. He realized that now, Lily was no longer his. This is reality. She belongs to James. He held her one last time, one last hug, one last kiss, one last tear. One last "I love you." They heard a footstep from across the room. A faint shadow appeared. Now that Lily was real, of course, James was too. He stepped out from the darkness and swept Lily off her feet. Severus realized that, as much as he wanted Lily to love, all he really wanted was for her to be happy and now she was. He smiled at them. James saw Severus standing in front of them and looked up.

"Thank you, Severus."

Severus looked at him, remembering all James had done to him when they were students. His eyes filled with rage. But then he saw Lily, his eyes softened. James understood what Severus was thinking. 

"I'm sorry, Severus."

Severus forgave him. They understood each other. All was well.

Severus took James and Lily to the Gryffindor common room. Most students were away for the Christmas break. Harry stood alone in the room.

"Potter."

"Yes, Professor Snape?"

"There's someone you should see..."

Harry quickly put away the paper he had been studying. He looked stunned.

"Potter, what's in your hand?"

Harry slowly, and reluctantly, gave Severus the Marauder's Map.

"Professor, is this map always correct?"

"Yes, always. Why?"

"I was -umm- looking at it for...something...and I saw two people who...well, they were walking with you, professor. They couldn't be."

"Why do you have this map?"

"I was using it."

"For what?"

"Well... Keep your enemies close, right?"

"Who were you watching?"

"Sir, I..."

"Who. Were. You. Watching?"

"Draco Malfoy. But, that's beyond the point."

"Do not interfere with Malfoy. He is in a...difficult...situation right now."

"But, sir, the two people. Are they actually here? Are they who you want me to see?"

"What did the map say?"

"Sir, I'm not sure, but..."

"What did it say?"

"James Potter and Lily Evans, sir."

"Harry, the map never lies." Severus opened the door and let James and Lily in. Harry's eyes filled with tears.

"It-it can't be!"

James and Lily hugged their son and held him close. Severus slowly slipped away in longing for what could have been...