Mary's eyebrows tug together thoughtfully, and she regards her for a long moment in complete silence. She takes her response slowly, with care. "I suppose there are parts of magic that I miss when I'm at home. The convenience of waving a wand for what you want, for one thing. But I don't think that proves what you're insinuating. We exist in two worlds, Lily, and that's—it's brilliant that we get to know both, but it's also hard when we can't coexist in both at the same time." 
"I know," Lily whispers. 
"It's different for you, anyway," Mary murmurs. "You have Petunia and Snape, while I have lovely family and friends." 
Lily snorts. "Thank you for pointing that out, Mary." 
"Well, it's true," Mary says. "Besides, it won't always be this way, you do realize? When we're of age, we'll be able to coexist better, yeah? You're not—this isn't you snubbing Muggles, or choosing magic over where you come from, Lily, I promise." 
"I love being a muggle-born," Lily confesses softly, "and sometimes I think it's the hardest thing I've ever dealt with." 
Mary's face softens. "It's just a balance. You'll find it. We'll both find it, with time. Don't be so hard on yourself. You always are, you know." 
Lily just hums quietly, dropping her gaze as she picks at the sheet under her, between their bodies. Mary's hand is resting lazily against the bed, her wand lying right in front of her stomach with her fingers draped casually over it. 
"What else?" Mary asks. "There's more. I know there is." 
"Stop knowing things," Lily grumbles. 
"Never," Mary teases, smiling gently when Lily lifts her gaze. She reaches out with her free hand to poke Lily's arm. "Go on, then. What is it? Is it Snape?" 
Lily groans and resists the urge to smother herself with her pillow. "Christ, don't remind me. He's sure to try pestering me over the summer." 
The worst part about it is, Lily just knows he will. He'll show up at her house and ask for her to come down, and Lily will have to tell her parents no while trying not to cry, and she won't even be able to properly explain to her parents what happened. Severus has been her best friend since they were children, and that's done now. Lily is fucking done. 
Severus doesn't want to be done, though. Every chance he gets, he's following her around, trying to apologize, trying to explain, trying and trying for forgiveness that Lily is tired of giving him. He wants to exist in the summers they have together the same way in Hogwarts, but he isn't the same at Hogwarts as he is at home. And, what's worse, Lily knows what it all is, deep down. She knows. 
Sometimes, Lily feels like she's cursed. Forced into running when all she wants to do is relax. Everywhere she turns, there is someone chasing after her for things she doesn't want to give them, and they can't see her past what they want from her. It's not fair. The only bloke she feels like ever sees her, truly sees her without wanting anything from her, is Remus. 
"Snape fancies you, you know," Mary informs her. 
Lily sighs. "I know." 
"It's alright not to feel the same," Mary says softly. "You're not required to, or even to try and appease anyone for their feelings that aren't your fault. People can't help who they love. People also can't help who they don't." 
"It's—it's just so frustrating, and it hurts," Lily croaks, tears pricking at her eyes. "Why does it hurt me, too? Aren't I the one meant to come out of it all unscathed?" 
Mary reaches out with a small, sad smile and tucks Lily's hair behind her ear, holding her gaze. "It hurts because you care about people, Lily. You're one of the most compassionate people I've ever known. You've no interest in hurting anyone, not really, but please remember it's not your fault. Your existence isn't a problem. You aren't doing anything wrong."