A/N: I can't believe I'm going to start another project, but I am in the mood to write. This fic was burning in my mind ever since the scene of Snape's memories in DH2. I don't yet know how long it will be or anything, but there's no way to move on without a beginning. This is totally OOC, AU, etc.

Review, please :)

Family Ties

Chapter 1: A Gruesome Discovery

31 October 1981

Severus Snape pushed the front door of the house belonging to Lily and James Potter open with great difficulty. Voldemort had told him that the attack had gone swimmingly, but what did that mean? He glanced around the lower level of the home, seeing that everything was in shambles. Fear incased him as it had never done so before. His entire body felt like ice, and he found it difficult to move as he pulled out his wand and headed towards the stairs.

Immediately, Severus saw a body toward the top of the stairs. To his relief, it was not Lily's, but James Potter's body. He let out a shaky breath as sadness filled him. This man had once been his personal torturer; the swine that made his safe haven of Hogwarts another form of Hell. And yet, he looked so helpless and fragile as he lay on the stairs, his wand still in his hand. He had tried so hard to protect his family.

There were books, parchment, and clothing strewn across the hallway floor, and Severus barely noticed the flash of lightning and loud rumble of thunder as he walked, glancing into every room as he went.

The door to the room was closed. The handle seemed to burn his hand as he turned it and pushed the door open. He felt nauseous. Taking a step into the room, he saw a small figure laying facedown in the crib. The baby. Her baby. His heart shattered because he knew how Lily must have tried to protect the child.

To his amazement, he saw Voldemort's body laying on the floor, his wand inches from his fingers. There was no possible way, was there? Voldemort could not really be dead.

Severus was pulled from his thoughts by a loud whimper from the corner of the room. He glanced over to see what he feared he would never see again. Lily. His Lily. She looked pitiful, covered in blood and tears as she clawed at the wall, attempting to get away from whatever dark force was now invading her home...him.

"Lily," he breathed out, taking a few, slow steps towards her. "Lily," he repeated, much louder this time.

The redheaded woman looked deranged. "Don't touch me!" she cried, turning into the wall. "Please God, don't hurt my baby."

Severus froze, glancing back at the crib. Tears formed, stinging the corners of his eyes, as he watched her cower and push herself as far from him as possible. "Lily," he attempted again. "It's Severus..." His voice was weak and shaky.

Lily gasped and looked at him, disbelief in her eyes. "S-severus?" she asked, shaking. "D-did you...did you do this?" she asked.

He knew what she was referring to. He shook his head. "No. Merlin, no. I would never..."

"You're one of them, Severus. You helped them do this. You destroyed my family," she cried.

Severus allowed the tears to run down his face as he shook his head with fervor. "No! I swear to you, Lily, I had nothing to do with this." He reached a desperate hand out to her, praying she would take it.

Lily stared at him, unsure of what to do. After a few moments, she practically launched herself into his arms, sobs shaking her small frame. Taken aback, Severus had to put a hand behind him to keep them from falling back. Once steady, he put both of his arms tightly around the woman, rocking her slowly.

"What of Harry?" she asked, quietly after a moment.

Severus did not speak, terrified of hurting her more.

"I know James is dead. What about Harry? I don't hear his cries..."

Severus looked at her, pain in his eyes. "I'm sorry..." he whispered.

Lily shook her head. "No...not him too. Severus, he's taken everyone from me..." she cried.

"You still have me." His words were incredibly quiet.

"Don't ever leave me alone, Severus," she begged.

He knew the words were spoken out of need and terror, but they meant so very much to him, even in such a horrid time. He shook his head. "Always. I'll be with you always. I promise."

The pair sat in silence; the only noise were Lily's sobs as she hung desperately onto Severus's robes. How long had he dreamt of her in his arms? It seemed like an eternity, and yet, he never wanted it to happen this way. She was hurting and broken. He had to find a way to fix her...no matter how long it took.

After some time, Severus heard aurors starting to arrive. He wiped away the evidence of tears on his face and lifted the woman gently into his arms, bridal style. He held her close, hoping she would not be able to see the baby lying still in his crib.

Severus made his way down the stairs with the woman in his arms, meeting several aurors on the porch.

"It's Snape!"

"He's in on this!"

"Who's he holding?"

The voices pierced his head violently.

"Put her down, Snape!" Mad-Eye Moody. He'd recognize the man anywhere.

Dumbledore moved forward and spoke. "Severus just arrived a few moments ago. His apparation spell is still fresh." The man looked at him. "Take her to Hogwarts. You may both stay as long as you wish."

Severus nodded gratefully. "V-voldemort. His body...it's upstairs."

Dumbledore's eyes went wide. "Did you...?"

Severus shook his head. "No. It was like that when I got here."

Dumbledore nodded, clearly confused. "Very well. On with you."

Severus apparated to the outskirts of Hogwarts. He carried Lily to the castle as quickly as possible. Minvera McGonagall met him at the door. "Severus?" she asked, having not seen him since his school days. "What in Merlin's name? I-Is that Evans?"

"It's Potter..." Snape spat. "I need a place for us to stay. Dumbledore sent me here."

"She needs to go to the Hospital Wing." He felt Lily's grip tighten on his robes.

"She's not injured. I can care for her," Snape growled, possessively.

Minerva nodded. "Very well. There is an empty teacher's chambers...down in the dungeons."

Snape grimaced. "Wonderful. Password?"

Minerva eyed him cautiously. "What makes you think I should just-"

"Password?" he repeated, annoyed.

"Lemon Drop."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Right," he said, turning on his heel and heading down to the dungeons. He was thankful that it was early morning and there were no students roaming the halls. "I'm going to take care of you, Lily," he promised as they descended another set of stairs.

A/N: Well, there is the first chapter. Let me know...should I continue it?