They’d dyed a single strand each. Lily’s, a deep, inky black. Severus’, a startling, fiery red. “Like a devotion pact,” Lily had said, half-laughing, her fingers still stained at the tips. But neither of them had looked away. Not then. Not really ever.

Walking through the corridors now, the castle seemed louder than usual, or perhaps just more aware of them. Heads turned. Whispers skittered along the stone walls like insects. A few people stared outright, eyes snagging on the contrast: Lily’s bright hair interrupted by darkness; Severus’ usual dark locks fractured by a streak of fire.

It might have been unbearable. It wasn’t, because they walked side by side, close enough that their sleeves brushed now and then, close enough that it felt deliberate. Chosen.

Severus’ mouth was already set in that familiar, thin line of disdain. Lily, by contrast, looked almost amused, as if she were in on a joke no one else had quite grasped.

They were halfway to Transfiguration when it happened. A burst of laughter, too loud to be accidental.

“Oi!” Lily didn’t need to turn to know who it was. The voice had that particular sort of arrogance. But she turned anyway.

The Marauders were sprawled in the corridor like they owned it. James Potter stood slightly forward, hands shoved in his pockets, grinning like he’d just spotted something especially entertaining. Beside him, Sirius Black looked them up and down with shameless curiosity, eyes lingering just a second too long.

“Did you nick your mum’s box dye?” James called, voice echoing. “Or is this some tragic accident we should all pretend not to see?”

A ripple of laughter from the others. Severus went very still.

“I want to set them on fire,” he said quietly, not looking away from them. “Lily, I’m not jesting. I will actually do it.” His voice wasn’t raised. Felt almost like a whisper. Just for her to hear.

There was something in it that made Lily’s lips twitch before she could stop herself. “Will you?” she murmured, tilting her head, as if considering it. “In the corridor? Bit dramatic, Sev.” She pressed her lips together, trying to contain the smile threatening to break through. She might help him.

Lily’s gaze slipped past Severus’ shoulder.

James and Sirius were walking backwards for a moment, just a moment, heads turned, still looking at them. Not laughing now. Not really. Lingering.

As if trying to make sense of something.