Snape couldn't restrain himself any longer. Tears instantly welled in his eyes.
He had heard that voice again—the familiar, haunting voice of Lily Evans, the one that had materialized countless times in his dreams only to tear him from them upon waking.
Erwin cleared his throat, his tone calm but authoritative. "Godfather, proceed to your office first. You're too emotional to remain before the students."
Snape nodded silently, unable to speak.
"Professor McGonagall," Erwin said, turning to the Transfiguration professor. "I'll accompany him to his office."
McGonagall nodded, her expression grave. "Proceed. I'll manage things here."
With a wave of Erwin's hand, Hogwarts's ancient magic responded. The world shifted, and in the blink of an eye, they stood in Snape's private office. Harry Potter clung tightly to Lily's arm, terrified that releasing her might make her vanish once more.
"Thank you, Erwin," Snape said, his voice thick with emotion.
Erwin shook his head. "It's nothing, Godfather. I promised you, didn't I?"
He looked at Lily Evans. "Ms. Evans, I've arranged a residence for you in Godric's Hollow. You and Harry can stay there during the holidays."
"But Voldemort—" Lily began apprehensively.
"Voldemort is my mentor," Erwin interrupted smoothly. "He won't harm you again. I guarantee it. And don't contemplate revenge. Some matters are better left unaddressed."
Lily lowered her eyes. She understood she had no genuine choice. Her existence hinged on Erwin's whim, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing Harry again.
Erwin then turned back to Snape. "Incidentally, the house is spacious. I've prepared a room for you as well. The wizarding world has transformed considerably in ten years; it would be convenient for you to care for them from there."
Snape hesitated, his gaze conflicted.
Lily's reaction was immediate. "Wait, Severus living there? That would be... awkward."
A shadow of profound pain crossed Snape's face, but he masked it swiftly.
"Erwin, don't concern yourself with us," Snape said, forcing a smile. "If they require anything, I'll provide it."
Erwin's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So you have a problem with my arrangement, Ms. Evans?"
Lily flinched under his icy gaze. "It's simply... I understand Severus's feelings, but I have to prioritize caring for Harry. I can't focus on anything else."
Erwin scoffed coldly. "Is that so? Then it's simple. I'll eliminate Harry Potter, and you won't need to concern yourself with him."
His wand materialized in his hand with a fluid motion.
Lily paled, her heart slamming violently against her ribs. Harry froze, eyes widening in shock.
Snape stepped between them instantly. "Erwin, let me handle this! Please—"
Erwin looked at his godfather, at the desperate pleading in those dark eyes. He felt a flicker of hesitation, but his resolve hardened.
"No, Godfather. Not this time."
Snape stared at him, bewildered. Why was Erwin being so uncompromising?
Before he could react, Erwin waved his wand, and a silent body-bind curse locked Snape rigidly in place.
Erwin turned back to Lily, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
"Lily Evans, you need to comprehend one fundamental truth: you are alive only because my godfather loves you. You hold no intrinsic value to me. I went to extraordinary lengths to resurrect you not because you are special, but because his happiness depends on your presence.
"If you cannot make him happy, you have no utility in my estimation. And right now, you're inflicting pain on him. Your hesitation is an insult to his devotion.
"So, you have no choice. I am in absolute control here. Do you understand?"
Erwin's gaze was like frozen steel. Lily felt a chill crawl down her spine and nodded numbly, unable to speak.
The lethal intent radiating from Erwin vanished as quickly as it had manifested.
"Good." He released the spell binding Snape. "I'll entrust him to your care now. I want my godfather to be happy. If he isn't, no one else will be."
He turned to the door. "I'm leaving. You have much to discuss."
Erwin exited without waiting for a response.
Snape opened his mouth to speak, but no words emerged. He sensed something was irregular—Erwin's demeanor was too severe, too deliberate—but he couldn't identify why precisely. He understood, however, that everything Erwin did was for his benefit.
After the door closed, Lily looked at Snape with newfound concern.
"I'm sorry, Severus. I didn't mean to offend him."
Snape shook his head. "It's alright, Lily. I know you meant well. Don't worry about Erwin; he's simply protective of those he cares for."
He hesitated before adding, "I won't intrude on your space. If you need anything, simply ask."
Lily studied the man before her—haggard, exhausted, yet unwavering in his loyalty and devotion.
"No, Severus," she said softly. "I believe... we genuinely do need you. Would you... be willing to help us?"
Snape froze for a heartbeat, scarcely believing what he'd heard.
"Of course," he breathed. "I'll always be here for you."
They exchanged a small, tentative smile filled with cautious hope.
Harry observed them, a strange realization dawning on him.
Could Professor Snape actually become my father?
He recalled the way Snape had targeted him during his first year, the lingering tension that only eased marginally after Lily's spirit appeared. It had been a nightmare. But looking at the man now—broken yet devoted—it didn't seem entirely impossible.