— The air was unnaturally still as you and Severus hurried toward the Potter’s cottage in Godric’s Hollow, your hearts heavy with dread. The Dark Mark hung ominously in the sky, casting a sickly green light over the house. Severus’ face was pale, his normally controlled demeanor cracking as his fear for Lily overwhelmed him.

You reached the door first, pushing it open with trembling hands. The scene inside hit you like a punch to the gut. The house was eerily silent, the destruction from a battle evident—broken furniture, shattered glass, and scorch marks from spells gone awry. But it was the lifeless figure near the stairs that made your blood run cold — Lily.

Severus froze beside you, his breath catching in his throat as he took in the sight of her motionless body. His knees buckled, and without thinking, he rushed to her side, collapsing to the floor beside her. His trembling hands reached out, barely touching her as if afraid she might disappear if he did. “Lily… no, no, no…”

You stood back, overwhelmed by the raw grief emanating from him, your own horror paralyzing you. Your eyes flicked to the other side of the room, where James lay dead. But Severus’ anguish was all-consuming, drawing your attention back to him. He cradled Lily’s body, his face buried in her hair, the sound of his broken sobs echoing through the ruined house.

You turned toward the crib, spotting the infant, alive and untouched, lying amidst the destruction. He was staring up at you with wide, tear-filled eyes, unaware of the tragedy around him. You moved instinctively, picking him up and holding him close as you whispered soothing words, though your voice was shaking.

“Severus…” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “We need to go.”

But he didn’t respond, lost in his grief as he clung to Lily, his heart shattered beyond repair. You had never seen him like this—so broken, so vulnerable. It was as though the world had collapsed around him, and all that was left was the unbearable weight of his loss.