Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: This was actually written back in December 2001, but I never thought it to be good enough to be published. It also is at parts too similar to "My Only Crime". But after vaguely describing the story to my sister she managed to convince me to post it. POV of Severus Snape.
Dedication: It was back then, and is still, dedicated to the wonderful lady known here as Strega Brava.
Patronus
by Luinthoron
They're coming, I feel it. The dementors. I run through the forest, trying to find a way away from them. How often have I had this dream, but this time it's real. I'm a hunted man.
It all began not even a week ago, and I've been running since. The Dark Lord invaded Azkaban. This was enough! I tried to stop him. I was stupid. Because I am not powerful enough to defeat Lord Voldemort. And I blew my cover. I was the only one getting information from the Death Eaters to the Resistance. And now, as I said, I'm running.
I thought I was safe at Hogwarts, but they were expecting me. I'm running towards the castle, but will I reach it? I begin to lose hope... The dementors are closing in. I can't even disapparate here!
Suddenly the dementors are in front of me. And behind me I hear the Death Eaters coming.
A happy memory, that's what I need. If Potter could do it, I can too! But do I even have a happy memory? I, Severus Snape?
I try to remember, but I only feel cold and despair. The dementors are too powerful, there are too many of them.
I concentrate. There must be something... I can't die now. Not now, not this way! I concentrate more. A happy memory...
Suddenly there is something! I remember! I remember when young Draco Malfoy said he wasn't going to join the Death Eaters. It was the happiest day in my life!
"Expecto Patronum!"
Something silvery shoots out from the tip of my wand. I don't look at it, I just run towards the castle. And as I reach it, I look back. The dementors are gone, the silvery animal returns to me for a moment, then disappears.
A stag.
Like Harry's.
James...
A/N: Don't ask me how he knew about James being an Animagus... Maybe they told him after they told him about Sirius? It seemed appropriate, that James would save his life once more...