A/N: Last one guys! Enjoy-see extended authors note below if you're interested in reading more of my ramblings.

He understands now, exactly what love is. It's not the dramatic stuff of muggle films, the force that drives people to dash through crowded airports or kiss passionately in the rain.

Love isn't nearly so conspicuous.

In fact, true love is quiet, nearly unperceivable.

It's a grove of lilies, replenishing itself slowly, silently, but surely.

It's a small boy, locked away in a cupboard under the stairs, his chest rising and falling in rhythmic sleep.

And it's a broken, lonely man, waking up each day and rising to his feet, picking up the pieces of his shattered life and building with them something solid, salvageable, something better than himself.

Love is mundane, love is grueling.

But Lily was right, Severus thinks, just like she always was.

Love is incredible.

A/N: Well, endings have always been tough for me, and this one was no exception. I hope I did justice to these two wonderfully complex characters. I've always loved Lily as a character, but it wasn't till I started writing this that I realized how much sympathy I had for Severus as well.

Anyway, I'll stop talking about myself now. Thank you guys so much for all the fantastic support you gave me all the way through. For everyone who reviewed, who favorited, who alerted, or even who just simply read this story, thank you guys so much! Reading reviews and watching the hits mount on this story was oftentimes the best part of my day! This story wouldn't have been nearly as fun and rewarding to write without you!

Also, keep this on your alert menu's! It bugs me that I've ended on an odd number of chapters, so if I get inspired I might add another drabble here or there wherever it fits chronologically. Keep your eyes peeled!

Thanks again!

~Jules