A few hours later, Severus and Lily sat in the Three Broomsticks, enjoying a pint of Butterbeer each. They'd had rather a busy morning.

Lily had of course demanded they go to Scrivenshaft's because she needed a new quill and parchment and Severus was hardly going to say no. Also, with Severus' new bank balance, he was then able to browse for books in the local bookshop without having to debate which of five to get. Instead, he could just get all five and not worry about going without food. It turned out that Dumbledore was, unsurprisingly, fairly well-off.

Severus had known, of course, that Albus had written and co-written a number of scholarly articles and academic books as well as being Supreme Mugwump and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, assisting the Ministry of Magic in ways which had surely earned him money over the years. Furthermore, the Ministry did give Dumbledore both a salary as Headmaster and an allowance for the school which had probably gone towards staff luxuries like Ogden's Old Firewhisky for the end of year staff celebrations and Slughorn's Crystallised Pineapple at one point or another. However, to be so wealthy as someone who had, like Severus, grown up with only one source of income (from Severus' father and Albus' mother respectively) while the other parent was otherwise incapacitated, was fairly monumental in and of itself.

Lily had gone to get a table while Severus ordered two Butterbeers and then they sat simply enjoying the hustle and bustle of the large pub and their drinks before Lily started to speak.

"You never did say why your name is Dumbledore now," Lily said softly, looking at Severus across the table with large round eyes.

Severus put down his mug uncomfortably. He wouldn't get into the specifics now but it was still a bad topic of conversation for him.

"It's rather simple, really," Severus replied as calmly as he could, ignoring the discomfort he felt. "Professor Dumbledore agreed to be my guardian."

"But why?" Lily persisted.

Severus shrugged.

"My father is never around and he didn't sign my Hogsmeade form because he's so distrustful of the wizarding world. It was easier for Dumbledore to take over as my guardian."

Lily leant forwards.

"Even if your father is never around, surely he's still your guardian? He may be a Muggle but he has a say in the matter, doesn't he?"

To Severus' displeasure, Lily actually sounded indignant on his father's behalf. Oh, if only she knew.

He shrugged again.

"It was only in terms of making things easier for me," he lied. "It means I can go to Hogsmeade, participate in things that I need a guardian's permission for and also makes it easier for me to trial and market my potions. All these things need a guardian's signature and my father wasn't going to give one. He didn't want me to come to Hogwarts and he knows nothing about the wizarding world."

Lily nodded in what she hoped was an understanding manner but Severus could tell she was still frustrated. If there was anybody who would ever fight for Muggles, it was Lily.

"I've enjoyed this morning," she smiled gently, changing tack.

"It's been good," Severus agreed.

She took a deep breath and said "Happy Valentine's Day, Sev," rather quickly.

Astonished, Severus mumbled it back. Lily seemed to be internally debating over something but she soon made her mind up. She reached for his hand.

Something snapped in Severus all of a sudden. He couldn't do this. He just_ couldn't.

"Severus?" She asked, sounding hurt but also concerned, withdrawing her hand.

Sweet, naive Lily...

"I'm sorry," he gasped, feeling suddenly hot and dazed.

He stood up and pushed past confused people to get to the door and away into the cool air of the outside. He didn't wait around in Hogsmeade. Instead, he hurried down a back alley and promptly Disapparated back to Hogwarts.

*

Meanwhile, Remus and Petunia had enjoyed a peaceful walk back from the Shrieking Shack and now planned to enjoy a similarly quiet pint in the Three Broomsticks. However, when they arrived, they spotted Lily sitting alone in one of the booths.

"Lily?" Petunia asked, concerned.

The younger girl had tear tracks running down her face. Several people had noticed and were staring, although the trio paid them no heed.

"Severus just... ran out," Lily said, aghast. "I thought... I thought he was going to tell me that he liked me," she admitted.

Remus stood awkwardly as Petunia went to comfort Lily.

"I'm afraid there's something you need to know. Both of you."

*****

A.N. I think I should probably make an updating schedule since I'm so bad at sticking to an update once a week. I hope none of you are mad. xD

Is Lily angry at Severus? Find out in the next chapter! :)

This chapter is dedicated to @VP8891 because of their lovely comments. I said I would update soon and I didn't, so I'm sorry, but I updated eventually!

Thank you so much for reading and please comment if you like!