Hello! As per requests, I have decided to continue the story! I hope you all enjoy it! I cannot take credit for all of this however, I owe the idea of this chapter to the wonderful Marriage1988!

FYI: This story takes place in Harry's 6th year. And it's going to take me a little longer with these chapters, but they're almost like little one-shots in and of themselves anyway.

(If you were one of the first people to read this story when I first put it up, look at the ending of the last chapter, you'll notice I took some stuff out).

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter story or any of its characters…just Lillian. :)

Chapter 2

Halloween. Horrid day, that. Everyone dressing in ridiculous garb, dancing; muggles thinking that by chanting some ditty they'll get candy. Well, he—that is, Severus Snape—never had anything to do with the frivolous "holiday." He hated it, to be honest. He hated it because having any other opinion would, for one, possibly make the faculty members fear for his sanity. And two, he could never enjoy this holiday…it would never be the same for him. He hated to think about what happened on this day many years ago. Still, he always did; couldn't help it. The memories would fall over him like dark, heavy blankets. He felt that way most holidays…well, all holidays. Regretful, somber…and alone.

Currently, all of Hogwarts was participating in the Halloween Party…all of Hogwarts except him, of course. He never attended…unless Dumbledore made him, the meddlesome man. Albus had, as usual, requested that Severus be present. So, he grudgingly acquiesced.

Snape now stood in a corner, brooding…one of his pastimes of late. All the dunderheads were behaving just as expected. Goggle-eyes at their partner, practically drooling. It made him sick.

However, he noticed on the other side of the room that little Lillian Peters seemed to be having a good time. She had no partner and wasn't dancing, but was making conversation with Hermione Granger…of all people. Since the small Slytherin was only in her first year, she could not attend parties like these without the invite of an older student. Apparently, Miss Granger had invited her…how peculiar. The know-all certainly would be a horrible influence to the red-head. However, young Lillian did need a friend desperately. He supposed the Granger girl would have to suffice for the time being. Not that he cared anyway.

Oh Merlin, they were slow-dancing. He had stayed long enough; if Dumbledore was angry that was his problem, but the old man would be cleaning vomit off the floor if he forced Snape to watch this any longer. Turning on his heel the dark, dour man made his way out of the Great Hall and out onto the grounds of the castle.

Lillian was chatting amicably with Hermione Granger. They didn't socialize often, mostly because Granger didn't want her friend to be teased for associating herself with a Gryffindor…or vice versa. Lillian however, didn't seem to care. She would simply say that Malfoy and company would tease her anyway.

Out of the corner of her eye Lily noticed Professor Snape standing in a corner. He looked miserable. His lip was curled slightly in disgust as he watched the dance progress. Her heart went out to him, and she wished that she could do something to cheer him up. Lily noticed him glance her way, maybe he wanted to talk! That idea was soon stifled however, as he looked away and sneered at the slow-dancing that had begun. Lillian watched as he stalked out of sight toward the castle entrance.

"What are you looking at?"

Lillian's head snapped back to her friend to answer, but Hermione had already followed her line of sight and caught the tail end of the professor's billowing cape.

"Ah, Snape's leaving. Don't worry, that's normal for him," Hermione informed the younger student.

"I'm going to go see if I can cheer him up," Lillian decided. She would try to talk with him whether he wanted to or not. For some reason, the red-head couldn't suppress the need to try to help the lonely man.

Hermione gave a look that clearly stated she thought the young witch had lost her mind. "You…what? Are you mad?"

Lillian gave a somewhat reproachful look in return. "No. He's just lonely. I think he wants someone to talk to."

It didn't seem possible that Hermione could've contorted her features any more…but somehow, she did. After a second of speechlessness, she shook her head. "Okay," she intoned, firmly convinced now that her hypothesis about Lillian's sanity—or rather, lack of it—was correct. "Do you want me to follow you to make sure he doesn't eat you alive or something?"

Lily arched an eyebrow at the Gryffindor, almost like our formerly mentioned professor. "He'll do nothing of the sort. But…you'd better not follow me," she decided. "If he caught you, he just might eat you alive."

After a chuckle, Hermione conceded. "Alright, if you insist. Come and find me later though, I'm interested to see how this is going to turn out."

Lillian agreed, although keeping in mind that if Snape did open up to her, she could not tell Hermione about it as much as she might like to. She was sworn to secrecy. The first-year Slytherin made her way to the Great Hall's main entrance and opened the doors. Technically, she wasn't allowed outside at the moment, but if Snape was going to punish her for it then…well let him.

It was dark. The moon had risen, and Lily tried to shut the great doors as quietly as possible. She certainly didn't want to be caught by The McGonagall! No, the girl would choose Snape over her any day! None of the students understood that…Lillian supposed she didn't either. McGonagall was just…she didn't know. At least Snape spoke his mind; McGonagall would stare at you for a while first and it gave Lily the shivers!

Well, I suppose Snape can stare too…but, it's sort of different. Maybe because I know that he can be nice if he puts his mind to it—

The girl's musings were cut short when she realized that she had been wandering toward the Black Lake. To her luck, a dark figure was sitting atop a bench fairly close to the water. Lillian stepped soundlessly closer. She was a Slytherin after all and wasn't going to expose herself too soon when she could observe his mood first.

Snape was hunched over slightly, with his hands clasped in his lap. The young red-head knew that something must be wrong; Snape was always upright and intimidating. With a bush—that was behind and to the side of the bench—concealing her, Lily tried to get a look at his features, but they were shrouded by the blanket that was his unruly black hair. She considered leaving him alone, but eventually decided against it. Severus Snape or not, he really looked in need of company.

Lillian plucked up her courage. "Professor?"

The Potions Master started slightly, having been surprisingly unaware of her presence. Clutching his wand out of reflex, he straightened up and replaced his unfeeling façade.

"Who's there?" he snapped.

Lillian ventured forward, however slightly timid. "Um, me—Lillian…sir," she said quickly.

Snape replaced his wand and turned to her. "What are you doing outside so late," he demanded with a frown, still slightly perturbed that she had sneaked up on him.

"I—I was—" she cleared her throat. Relax, Lily! He's not going to eat you! "I n-noticed that you weren't dancing—" she barely restrained a cringe. Lillian, you moron!

Snape snorted in interruption. "Of course not. Why would I be?"

The girl blanked. "Uh…I dunno." Lily mentally winced. Could that have been any lamer?! For Merlin's sake, you don't want him to think you're stupid!

A moment of awkwardness passed between them. Then Lillian spoke up.

"Um, may I—sit down…sir?" She knew he liked to be called "sir," so the young Slytherin was trying to use it as much as possible without being obvious.

An odd look flashed across the professor's face at her question. It seemed to be a mix of surprise and confusion. Snape was a smart wizard, Lillian knew, so why on Earth had he not figured out the reason for her visit? Why else would she have come all the way out here than to sit and talk with him?

Snape's moment of expression was short-lived however, and he spoke up in his usual deep, silky voice. "I suppose."

Now he was looking somewhat dubious!

Wizards.

Lillian was sure she would never figure them out! Especially not this one. Nevertheless, although she was slightly confused at the man's behavior, Lillian was pleased that he had agreed to letting her stay. After Snape scooted over—although he did not need to—the girl took a seat contently beside him.

Some time passed. The Potions Master had assumed that she wanted to talk, but now he wasn't quite so sure. The little red-head was simply sitting there next to him, looking happily out at the simmering water of the lake. Should he say something? He didn't know. When was the last time he had to actually initiate a conversation with someone? He could not recall. Perhaps a better question: when was the last time he had actually wanted to initiate a conversation. Hmm, right about, um…never.

Finally, the tension was too much for him; this was becoming ridiculous. "All right," he began, breaking the silence. "What is it?"

Lillian turned to him with a confused countenance.

"Don't give me that. You must want something of me."

The girl was about to protest, but decided against it when Snape shot her a look. She sighed. "I—I just wanted to keep you company," she admitted.

Snape looked surprised and maybe even touched for a moment, but then frowned and looked back toward the water.

"I find that hard to believe," he responded coldly. "I am not good company."

Lily shook her head slightly at that, almost as if she were the professor, and he the student. She did not answer though, but looked at her lap.

The Potions Master huffed. He simply could not understand why she was here, and it annoyed him. "Miss Peters, it is late. You should be in your dormitory."

Lillian cocked an eyebrow. "What's with this 'Miss Peters' rubbish?" she asked, slightly annoyed. "Why can't you call me Lily like last time?"

Snape glared at her, but the girl remarkably didn't flinch. Then, his face softened slightly, and many different emotions crossed the professor's features. But, to hide them all, he settled on anger.

"Because last time was a mistake." A show of weakness, he thought. "It will not happen again." Snape stood abruptly. "Now, head to your room. Goodnight." With that, he stalked away.

That went well, Lillian thought.

She wasn't about to retire however. Snape needed her, and she had a mission to complete. Jumping up, the girl ran after the dark figure. He was incredibly quick with his large strides, but she managed to catch up and grab his sleeve before he had gotten far.

Snape scowled down at her, she was seriously pushing her luck. "What are you doing!" he demanded.

"I—I—what I really wanted…was for you to tell me what's wrong. You're not yourself tonight." She hadn't really meant to ask him that yet, but supposed that it might be the only way to keep him from leaving.

Snape scoffed. "You don't know anything about me."

Lillian stood her ground and looked him in the eyes. "I know something's wrong."

Snape's emotional wall was wearing thin; and he honestly looked quite put out. Lily was starting to see some of the sadness he was feeling become evident on his features. Suddenly, without saying word, The Potions Master made his way back to the bench; Lillian followed him.

She sat down a little closer to him than he would've liked, but Snape let it slide for reasons he didn't really understand. He was glad that she had come after him…he did like her company.

Lillian was going to need all her faculties in full working order to converse with Snape, but unfortunately, she had forgotten her coat and was getting quite cold. Thankfully, Professor Snape had allowed her to sit a little closer to him so she could shield herself from the wind. However, it didn't help much. What she really wanted to do was snuggle up next to him in his warm cape. Lily was reminded of her father…she had always wanted to snuggle him, but that would surely never happen.

Snape was watching the girl intently. She was looking at his cape, but her mind was obviously elsewhere. Using his great skills in Legilimency, he tried do discover what the matter was. However, what he saw greatly surprised him.

She-she wanted to…snuggle? Well, she wasn't going to snuggle with him, now or ever. How ridiculous. Severus Snape…cuddling with a little child. He almost gagged…almost.

Just then, the girl shivered.

Something tugged at Severus' heart for a moment. She was cold, and she was out here just to keep him company. Him…the so called Greasy Git. The least he could do was—what on Earth was this world coming to? Was he honestly considering…? She came out here without a coat…so she had to deal with it. Right? …Right.

Lillian suddenly snapped out of her reverie, and returned the professor's gaze. She flashed him a brilliant smile that was full of warmth and fondness.

That annoying thing yanked his heart again. A look of affection like that was never directed toward him; and somewhere in his walled-off heart…he almost wished it was. After a moment, Snape rolled his eyes and sighed. Then, grasping his cape, he held it out like a mother bird would hold out a wing to her chicks. Lillian's expression had shifted from confusion at his eyeroll, to utter shock.

After not hearing anything from the her, the perturbed Potions Master turned his head sharply back in her direction. He might have laughed at the look of shock on her face…but of course did not.

She now looked at him very doubtful, most likely wondering at his intentions and if this was a joke at her expense. How Slytherin.

Snape sneered. "Don't make me change my mind." Because he was seriously considering it.

Lillian's look of doubt vanished, and was replaced by surprise. And then, for a moment, he thought that he saw the girl look moved. She scooted over and—after risking a glance up at him to make sure he wasn't angry—rested her head on his chest.

Lillian felt him stiffen and she cringed, sure that she had blown it…but, when he did not reprove her, she supposed that she was wrong.

Snape had been surprised to say the least at Lillian's affectionate gesture, but he found that it made him…well, happy. It was odd, but yes…it made him happy to know that someone liked him. Not that he would ever say so. It sounded weird enough in his mind, let alone on his lips.

After checking his surroundings to make sure no one was bearing witness to this uncharacteristic and very humiliating behavior, The Potions Master awkwardly lowered his arm to rest on his and the girl's lap; effectively covering and warming her with his cape.

Trying to get his mind off of these insufferable emotions, Snape uttered, albeit not as intimidating as he would've liked, "Next time bring a coat."

The girl laughed softly. "Yes, sir."

He frowned. "That was not intended to be a joke."

This time, Lillian chuckled. "Sorry."

Snape exhaled sharply. He didn't like it when people laughed at things that weren't funny. He never knew if they were actually laughing at him. Deciding to let it slide—again uncharacteristic—he looked out at the water. Its dark and almost sorrowful ripples reminded him of his mood; reminded him of what happened on this day many years ago. Severus sighed involuntarily.

Lillian noticed the slight change in his demeanor, and ventured, "Professor, what's different about tonight?"

Snape immediately frowned and cursed himself for letting down his guard in front of this girl. Why was he even still allowing her to stay?

"That is none of your concern," he snapped, then looked down at her. "You know, you're quite nosy. You should learn to keep that…" he said, poking her nose. "Out of other peoples' business."

Unfortunately for The Potions Master, his mini tirade did nothing but make the first-year Slytherin struggle to contain laughter.

"What in Merlin's name are you laughing about now?" Snape demanded, extremely irked at this point.

Lily gathered herself enough to say, "You booped my nose!" before returning to laughter.

Severus was caught off guard, and sputtered, "I—no-I…I most certainly did not!"

"Did too!" the girl exclaimed.

"Did n—" Snape caught himself. Was he seriously about to start that? Wow.

Lillian's laughing spurt came to an end, and she addressed her now sulking professor.

"I'm sorry…sir. I didn't mean any disrespect."

Snape gave a quick glance down at her, but said nothing. When he didn't answer her, Lily sighed and returned to her thoughts. With a side glance in his direction she observed as he looked out toward the lake. He was unusually quiet tonight, she thought. Granted, he never liked talking to people but he had plenty to say once he was addressed. She noticed his blanket of black, and—according to popular belief—greasy hair shielding his expression once more. She had always wondered if it really was greasy, or if it just looked that way.

Might as well, I don't have much to lose, she thought.

"Professor?" came her query.

His head tilted toward her, eyebrow arched. She hated it when he looked at her sometimes. As with many—if not all—students, once he looked at you, you lost most of the courage for the thing you wanted to say or do.

"Um, I…I can I—"

"If I promise not to punish you," he began in his silky drawl. "Will you stop stuttering like that?"

Lillian blushed; she hated stuttering. "Uh, I…perhaps, sir."

"I promise," he said. "Now, please continue. Can you what?"

"Um, can I…can I touch your hair?" she finally finished.

Snape was not in any way expecting that; he frowned in surprise. "What on earth for?" he questioned.

"Well, um…I wanted to see if—if it's…"

"If it's greasy," he finished for her.

"Uh, well…yes. Sir."

Snape sighed. Well, time to affirm the rumors. "Fine," he hissed. "You may touch my hair."

Lillian was surprised he had allowed it, she had thought he would say no. Not wanting to lose her chance however, she reached out, and gently felt a lock of his black hair.

She tilted her head in surprise. "It's not greasy at all! It's soft."

Snape looked on in surprise as well, he had been waiting for her to vomit after touching it. Then he noticed the girl about to place his hair against her cheek and Snape pulled his head away.

"Don't do that," he chastened, befuddled at why she would want to cuddle his hair too!

"What? It's soft!" she answered innocently.

He opened his mouth to retort, but ended up just shaking his head at her and scoffing in confusion. He could do absolutely nothing with his ridiculous mop, and she thought it was soft. There has got to be something wrong with this girl.

Well, Lillian finally got to file that question away in her brain. His hair was soft! Unfortunately, he still hadn't told her what was wrong. Perhaps she should change her angle? Maybe if she told him something about herself, he would tell her.

"Well, tonight's different for me," she spoke up suddenly. Before continuing however, she dawned a somber expression as the memories washed over her. "I—my father is…well he's not around much. And, when he is, he doesn't talk to me, really." She smiled wanly. "He…doesn't like me very much."

Although he didn't show it, Severus was shocked at her confession. How could anyone not like this little girl? He couldn't understand it.

He was about to reply when Lily continued, suddenly looking incredibly sad.

"Today is…" her voice caught accidently, and she swallowed. "Today, is my birthday. And…it's today when I always miss him the most."

Her eyes welled with tears, but she willed them away. If she had known this would strike her so hard, she wouldn't have shared it.

Severus didn't know what to say. He didn't realize that she had gone through such sadness at such a young age…just like him. He did notice however, that Lillian had pulled away from him so he wouldn't see her cry. She took a deep breath to settle down, but he could see that she was retreating into herself.

Reacting on instinct, Severus spoke up quickly. "Don't withdraw." When she shot him a confused look he added, "You may talk to me." Although his tone was gruff, the tender expression he wore spoke for itself.

Lillian understood what he meant; he wanted her to open up. And—although it was against her will—she spoke, and the tears finally broke free.

"It's just…I try—to be as good—a-as good as I can be! I listen, and-and—but it doesn't matter! All-all I want is for-for h-him to l-love me. But-but whatever I-I do he—he still…" she trailed off. Finally, after taking shaky breaths to calm herself, she whispered, "He still hates me."

Many emotions swirled in Severus' mind. He was regretful, saddened, compassionate—which was weird—and most of all angry at this man who couldn't see what he was missing. The wonderful little girl he was losing.

His tone was soft when he spoke. "Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't make some people happy. I…I understand."

The girl looked at him with an expression he couldn't quite place. Then, without any warning, she enveloped him in a hug. Snape stiffened involuntarily; he still wasn't used to these things.

"Thank you," she whispered with emotion.

Snape huffed and tried to suppress the stupid, weird heart-tugging thing…again. "Don't thank me. I didn't do anything," he said rather curtly.

"You would be a wonderful father."

Severus' breath caught in his throat. He couldn't deal with the emotions that were churning throughout his mind, his being. When she hugged him, it made him almost cry, he didn't like that. He was letting down his guard again…not good. So he pulled away from her. "Alright, enough of all that sentimental nonsense. I see one of the reasons you were sorted into Slytherin is because of your skill in the realm of flattery," he said, not believing at all that she meant what she had said.

After a beat, Lily answered. "I was being honest."

"Really," he drawled, trying not to sound interested.

"Really," she answered, and although she truly did mean it, her mind was still elsewhere.

Severus could plainly see how sad and conflicted she still was; and he couldn't have that. He was enough of an internal basket case for the whole school. It certainly didn't need another.

He nudged her somewhat playfully—for Snape, that is—and flashed a little smirk. "Hey. You made me smile last time…now it's your turn," he said.

Lillian laughed slightly, and ended up smiling in spite of herself.

"That's better."

He looked back at the water, listening to the rhythmic sound of its rippling waves. The Black Lake was usually quite still, but it was windy that night. He watched as a squirrel buried its precious nut and thought of how much Lillian had told him about her past. He supposed it was only fair for him to answer her previous question about his.

"I…many years ago today, I lost someone. And it was my fault. It's my fault she's gone," he began solemnly.

He opened his mouth to continue, but paused when he felt Lillian's head gently slide onto his shoulder. Looking down Severus saw that the sweet girl had fallen asleep. It was then that he realized just how tired she had looked after her confession, and how her breathing had steadied into sleep just before he started telling her his own woes. Odd for him not to have noticed until now.

She was such a vulnerable little thing; so kind to everyone. Unfortunately, she was teased for it…regularly. He was still trying to rap his mind around that. She was the kindest person he knew. People truly will tease for anything and everything; if anyone knew that…it was Severus. He just hoped that Lillian wouldn't end up a lonely, grumpy person like him. He knew she wouldn't though…she was a much different and better person than him…than he could ever be. But in some ways…in some ways they were similar.

Severus rose, and in a manner much gentler than he would ever admit to, tucked a stray lock of red hair behind Lillian's ear. Not wanting to wake her, the gruff and acerbic Potions Master took the girl carefully into his arms.

He walked back to the castle and—although it was well after curfew by now—took the long way. The last thing Snape wanted was to be seen by a teacher, or worse…a student.

However, all was quiet in the Slytherin common room when he arrived. His Snakes usually did not dare disobey curfew as they knew that they would be caught; unlike some…*cough* Potter.

The Potions Master entered Lillian's "private bed chamber"—she still had no roommates—and set the girl onto her bed with care. After "tucking her in," he sat next to her on the bed. Severus' nights were filled with turmoil and nightmares. He was glad that she seemed peaceful…at least for tonight. It was then that he noticed afresh just how lonely he truly was. She was all he had now. There were times when Severus would wonder if after the war things would be different. If maybe he would have a friend…or perhaps even two. However, wishful thinking like that did not last long. He couldn't be distracted from his tasks.

Severus looked at the sleeping girl before him and bent down to kiss her brow; he remembered when his mother used to do that. The Potions Master had bent just slightly…before straightening.

Have I gone mad?! he thought, standing and turning to leave.

He looked back…what would it hurt?

Then, Severus bent down somewhat awkwardly and placed a chaste kiss on her head. What he saw next surprised him. The corners of Lillian's lips slowly twitched into a smile…almost as if she couldn't help it.

Just in case she was waking up Snape swiftly exited the room, hoping that she hadn't felt the kiss; because if she brought it up, he would deny it immediately.

As he strode down the halls and began his trek down the dungeon stairwell, he thought in amazement about her smile at his kiss. Granted, she had been asleep…but anyone inside Hogwarts' vicinity would have vomited at the mere thought of a kiss from Severus Snape. Even if it was only on the forehead. He had a mess of impossibly greasy hair—although for some reason Lillian thought it was soft—he was cynical, sallow-skinned, and…and just ugly; overall what the students would refer to as an oh-my-gosh-you're-ugly-mean-and-nasty-don't-touch-me…you-know-what-don't-even-look-at-me type of person.

As he lay in bed that night Severus wondered about Lillian's family. He was angered that her father couldn't see her for who she truly was. Someday, Severus knew that the man would regret the time he had lost with his daughter. He hoped that "someday" came soon.

Snape was also surprised at the girl's confession. She had said that she missed her father. After a scoff, his thoughts continued on. How could she miss him? Was it possible that she still loved him? Well, that wouldn't last long. Although he hadn't even known what the word meant until he got to Hogwarts, Severus had "loved" his father until he became old enough to see and understand what the man really was. His father hated him, and from the way he treated Severus' mother…he must have hated her too.

Well, Snape hated him back. And he thought it was foolish for Lillian to think of her father the way that she did. She still saw him through slightly rose-tinted glasses; but, he supposed, that was the only thing of her father that she had left.

The girl had told Severus that he would make a good father. Him, The Greasy Git…Bat of the Dungeons…she certainly couldn't have meant that. Snape had decided long ago to never have children; he was too afraid that he would hurt them the way his father had hurt him…and the way Severus had hurt the only one he had ever loved, along with everyone he came into contact with. He supposed, one of the reasons he remains alienated from everybody is so that no one will be hurt by him. But then, he hurt them anyway…with his nasty personality. He just couldn't win.

With a sigh, Severus drifted to sleep; welcoming the nightmares he knew were to come. However, they did not. Instead of his nightly terrors, Severus saw a red-headed, hazel-eyed little girl who looked into his dark eyes, his unloved eyes, with admiration and affection.

Lillian opened her smiling eyes. She had awoken as soon as The Potions Master had picked her up, and had witnessed everything. It comforted her to know that someone cared about her, especially someone as supposedly unfeeling as Professor Snape. He had been so careful when picking her up…and when he kissed her cheek, she couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, Lillian heard a rustling to the right of her bed. It sounded like cloth. Looking toward the source of the noise, she jumped when she saw Hermione Granger appear out of nowhere. The brunette looked completely shocked.

Finally finding her voice, the first-year piped up. "Hermione! Wha-what are you doing here?"

Hermione blinked multiple times before answering. "I-I well…I borrowed Harry's invisibility cloak to sneak over to your room. But then Snape came in, and…" she trailed off, but after a moment of silence, continued. "Am I going mad, or did that actually happen?"

"You're not going mad," Lillian replied. "I told you he isn't as nasty as everyone makes him out to be."

Hermione shook her head with wide eyes. "I believe you now. But how on Earth did you get him to…" she paused as if discussed. "to kiss you?"

"Well, he thought I was asleep. I don't think he would've ever done it otherwise. He doesn't like to show when he's being nice. And you make it sound so horrible! It was just on my forehead!"

Hermione decided not to comment on that last statement, but still held firmly to her opinion that it didn't matter where Snape kissed you, it would still be horrible.

"Did you find out what was wrong with him?" she asked.

Lillian realized that she had fallen asleep before getting do what she originally meant to. "You know what, no. I never did get to ask him."

Hermione suddenly laughed, apparently still thinking about how soft he had been. "Harry and Ron'll never believe this! I still don't believe it!"

Lillian frowned. "You can't tell anyone. Especially not Ron and Harry."

"What?" the know-it-all asked in disbelief. "Are you telling me I have to keep that a secret?!"

"Yes! I promised him that I wouldn't share anything he told me! He'd probably never speak to me again if he heard rumors going around! He would think I started them, and hate me forever!" she exclaimed, desperately not wanting to lose her friend.

"Alright! Alright, no need to get your knickers in a bunch. I won't say anything." Hermione answered, then mumbled again, "Honestly. The Greasy Git himself acting nice and giving kisses," she made a face as she said it. "and I have to keep quiet!"

"I wish you wouldn't call him that," Lillian said defensively, then smiled. "And his hair is soft, not greasy."

Hermione scoffed. "I don't believe you." She then froze as a fresh and appalling thought popped into her head. "Wait, you actually touched it?!" she exclaimed.

"Well…yeah."

Hermione shook her head and looked as if Lillian had done the unthinkable. "You're weird, Lillian. And for the record I still don't believe you," she added.

"Well, you could ask him to let you touch it, but I don't think he'll comply." Hermione busted out laughing and Lillian added, "However, I'd love to see the exchange so feel free."

Shaking her head again as the last of her laughing spurt ebbed away, Hermione smiled at the red-head. "I'd better get back before people start noticing I'm gone."

Lillian promptly got out of her bed and gave the Gryffindor a hug. "Thank you. You're such a good friend."

Hermione smiled. "You're welcome. Goodnight Lillian."

"Goodnight Hermione."

Thank you all so much for reading this and sticking with me! I know it took a while, and I was actually supposed to have this up around Halloween…oops.

If you have anything you'd like to see happen in this story (or a one-shot prompt), feel free to PM me or leave it in a review!

Speaking of, I absolutely love reading reviews from you all! Not kidding! It makes me so happy! Please let me know what you thought, or what your favorite parts were, or if I need to fix anything…whatever! One word is all it takes! :) Reviews keep me going!

And for you guest readers out there, just in case you don't know, you don't have to be a member to review! :D (Just letting you know because it took me a bit to realize that before I had an account).

Thank you again, and big huge thanks to Marriage1988!

Here was Marriage's prompt to me if you'd like to see it:

"It is Halloween and Severus is quite melancholy this time each year since it reminds him of Lily Potter's death at Voldemort's hands. Little Lillian finds him sitting alone and sad outside of Hogwarts and sits with him. She doesn't know his history or why he is depressed, but she is a sensitive child who only wants to provide consolation and cheer where she can. I will leave the rest up to you."

Thank you all again! Please review, follow, and favorite!

~ FaithfulWarrior