56

Chapter 56

All of My Memories

Lily's POV

I went into his office and tore it apart. I couldn't find anything! Then I saw the picture on the desk. It was the one I'd given him for Christmas. He always told me how much he loved that picture. I picked it up and took out the picture. A letter fell out. I quickly opened it and read it.

Lillian,

I know that terrible things will happen this year. And I know there is a chance you will never forgive me for what I must do, but I have no other choice. I've told you before that everything I do is to protect you. If I lost you it would kill me. I've made so many mistakes already, and it cost me your mother. I won't make the same mistakes with you. You will live a long and happy life, I'll make sure of that. But I'm also doing this for Draco, so that he never has to kill anyone. I love you so much Lily, please believe that. This war will end, and when it does I will do everything in my power so that we can be a family again. Your brother is the only one who can save us now. You must help him, Lily. I've taught you things that no one else knows. Don't worry about Draco and I, I promise you I'll keep him safe. I've sent him into hiding, he's safe for now. Just focus on protecting yourself and your brother. I love you Lillian Rose. And I'm sorry.

Your loving father

I knew there had to be an explanation. And I also knew that no one would ever believe me or him. But I believed him. My father had always been the first person I trusted. And I knew in my heart that he would never do this unless he had no choice.

"I love you daddy. I'll find you and Draco. I promise."

There was a soft knock on the door and I turned. Luna was there. She smiled softly but sadly.

"I'm sorry Lily."

"He wouldn't have done this for no reason."

I walked over and held out the letter. She read through it and smiled a little.

"Everyone always thought Professor Snape was just a bully. But if you took the time, you could see he felt love. Love for his daughter. You're all that matters to him. I know because I have no mother, only a father. I mean the world to him, and he means everything to me. I think I might understand more than anyone else how you feel. I truly believe he did this to protect you. He loves you very much."

Tears came to my eyes and Luna hugged me. I knew I had to keep my father safe. Which meant I would have to make him believe that I hated him.

"He's protecting me, and now it's my turn to protect him."

She stepped back.

"What're you planning to do?"

"I have to make him believe I hate him. I know my father, and I know he would try to contact me or see me. I don't want him to risk getting caught."

She took my hand and gently squeezed.

"He's a powerful wizard, and a very intelligent man. He'll be alright. I know it."

"You're the best friend I've ever had, Luna. Thank you."

She smiled again. She was always smiling.

"I… I'd like to be alone now."

"Of course. You know you can always talk to me."

I nodded and he squeezed my hand once more before leaving. I sat down at his desk and took his quill. Then I had an even better idea. I ran from the room and found Luna.

"I need your help."

She nodded and I took her back to dad's office.

Snape's POV

I stood in my daughter's room. I knew I had to leave, but I wanted to remember. I walked through the house, remembering when she was a little girl. She would run through the living room, sometimes I would chase her. And as she grew older, she would spend hours in her favorite chair reading. I looked at the chair and I could almost see her there, a smile on her face. I heard a tapping on the window. It was a barn owl. I opened the window and it flew in. There was a parcel with a holes in it and I heard something scratching inside. I opened it slowly… it was Lily, in the form of a weasel.

"Lillian!"

She had a piece of parchment in her mouth. I took it from her and read it.

In this world you tried

Not leaving me alone behind

There's no other way

I prayed to the gods, keep him safe

The memories ease the pain inside

Now I know why

All of my memories keep you near

All of my memories

All of my memories…

I looked at her and she nodded. I stroked her little head and she closed her eyes.

"I love you, Lily. Be brave and be strong. I promise you we'll be a family again. And I promise you Draco is safe. Can you ever forgive me for what I've done?"

She nodded her head, it surprised me.

"Thank you. Now, I need to get you back to Hogwarts. Get back in the box."

She climbed back in and I sealed it carefully.

"Be careful Lily."

I attached the box to the owl and watched it fly out the window and out of sight.

"Be strong. My baby girl." I whispered.