Written for The Daily Prophet Competition Blast to the Past

Your task this fortnight will be to write a short story (of between 500–600 words) focusing on the scene that you would change. Show us what happened instead.

Okay. So what if instead of Hagrid Harry heard the conversation between Snape and Dumbledore and he heard all of it?

What would happen then?

Words :600

Harry knew he shouldn't be there, not so close to the curfew , but he needed fresh hair and well, he hoped no one will catch him. He loved watching the sunset, it helped clear his head and escape the pressure of the day.

Then he heard the voices. Harry stopped short and drew his cloak closer. He couldn't be seen and most certainly not by Snape; considering how much the professor hated him Harry didn't know what could happen if he was to be found out.

"Albus, I can't do it. I don't want to do it." his professor was saying and Harry realised he wasn't alone, but accompanied by the Headmaster.

"You gave your word Severus. We talked about this before. Do we really need to talk again?"

"Yes, and I told you that I don't want to do this anymore. You ask too much of me, don't you think what this means for me? I'm going to be alone, the most hated professor in the History of Hogwarts." he said and to Harry's surprise there was anguish in his voice.

"I know, but I wouldn't have asked if I didn't think you can do it and that you will be able to handle have to do it, Severus." Dumbledore replied, sadness in his voice.

"You want to me to become a murderer." Snape stated, trying to make a point, like trying to make the other understand the turmoil Harry could see on his usual emotionless face.

"No, you aren't going to become one. Because I want to die. I don't have long anyway."

Harry barely contained his cry. It couldn't be true. Just it couldn't.

Sadly, few months later he found out how possible it was.

Dumbledore's plead still rung in his ears. And the look on Snape's still face haunted him. If he hadn't witnessed their conversation he may have believed him a criminal, but now, knowing what he did, he only felt sorry for him. He didn't deserve what had been bestowed upon him. Not even if he had told Voldemort the prophecy. That was a mistake he had paid in full. For this reason only Harry had learnt Occlumency better, so he could protect his mind against the Dark Lord, to protect Snape.

But he couldn't tell anyone what he knew. It would put Snape in danger, throwing away his sacrifice; in Harry's point of view it was his professor's sacrifice, the Headmaster was dying anyway. He had decided his fate when he had put that ring on. Still, he felt the need to say something, to tell someone, anyone. Harry didn't want to leave Snape all alone in the next school year.

So with a heavy heart he went to talk with Professor McGonagall once again. He hoped she will listen, after his refusal to tell her Dumbledore's mission for him.

"Yes, Mr. Potter? What can I do for you?" she asked.

"Well, professor, I need to tell you something."

"I'm listening."

Harry looked at Dumbledore's painting nervously.

"You need to know something about the Headmaster."

...

Severus slumped down the wall near the entrance. It was late at night and no one, hopefully will see him like this. Tonight had been one of the worst nights in his days as a Death Eater.

"Severus," someone whispered and he looked up to see Minerva's face, tears in her eyes.

"Minerva?" he murmured, not quite believing his eyes."What are you doing?"

"Shush, come. You need to be treated. "And without saying anything else she helped him up taking him to the infirmary.