Illustration for magnificent fic, written by Kirin K ( [link] ), wich called "A Life Worth Dying For" ( [link] ). Moment from chapter 16 ( [link] ).

".....With that, Severus' strong arm seized Lily by the waist, pulling her swiftly against his broad chest. And just like what he should have done twenty-three years ago, the secretive Slythetin threw seemly sense of self-restraint aside and kissed the woman he loved with a combusting passion in his heart, right in front of the same group of people who had brutally ripped his chance apart a lifetime ago.....

Left breathless by the stolen kiss so passionate it had rendered her oblivious to the presence of the two audience, Lily casted a rueful look to her former housemates: one stunned, the other seething with anger. The disgusted look in their eyes ignited something in her that had turned an apologetic glance into a defiant glare.

Severus' voice drawled on, "as you can see, I did not quit simply because I had a…bad dream." Lily felt the arm around her waist tightened up just slightly. "I risk my life leaving because the thought of losing her forever made me realize… that she is worth much more than any immense power, eternal fame, or vast fortune the Dark Lord can bestow."

To Severus' surprise, the atrocious idea of having his private feelings exposed had not had him recoiling in horror—at least not as much as he thought it would. Rather, the prospect of being able to publicly claim someone as his own, or the other way round, had somehow charged him with an electrifying thrill. Treading into this unchartered realm of emotion, the ever-inhibitive wizard had trouble identifying whether the erratic beating of his heart was the result of nerves strung… or love felt.

Bursting with volcanic fury yet unable to vent any of that blistering fume out, the former Gyffindor Head Boy spat hatefully at his easy-target-turned-love-rival and madly mouthed his silenced roar, "She's mine!" For the first time in his pampered life, James felt a sinking sensation of… losing. The gripping feeling weighted every beat of his heart with such leaden fear, consuming him from inside.

Taking his taunting to the next level, Severus met his arch enemy murderous glare and sneered unmercifully, "how typically presumptuous of you. I am well aware, Potter, that you have spoken for her. But, as I understand, the lady has not made her choice yet, has she? What can I say, all is fair in love and war?" He curled the corner of his lips into a dark smirk, challenging James to beg to differ, and added, "paint all the pictures you like, Potter. Death Eater… Greasy git… Snivellus…, I couldn't care less. The only person in the world whose opinion matters has already seen the worst of me. And, for the love of Merlin, dare I say, she… accepts it…unconditionally." The serpentine Prince locked his gaze with the green-eyed lioness, not bothering to hide the blazing feelings radiating from his deep black orbs, " so, you can be sure, Potter, being a Slytherin as I am, once I have found someone so… precious, I will do just about anything to keep all of her in my arms."

Loosening his hold on her waist, Severus bent down and kissed Lily's hand in the most sensual manner, and whispered solemnly…for her ears only, "the choice is yours, Lily." ".

Professor Severus T. Snape and Lily Evans P. part of "Harry Potter" books series (c) J.K. Rowling.

Scraps - [link] .

Drawliner 0.1.
Marvy112 - 82.
PITT artist pen - BLACK 199 - B.
Acrylic.
COPICS - 0, 110, C1, C3, C9, E00, E04, E11, E13, E21, E31, G12, G14, YR00.