To Stopper Death

Summary: When given a choice Severus Snape returns to the past with the intentions of living his life as he wishes. But then, nothing is ever so easy is it? Slash!
Pairings: Voldemort/Severus

Disclaimer: Not mine and not making money out of it either.

Chapter 1

Severus Snape was quite certain that he was dead. How he had come to such conclusion was simple.

His last memory before waking up in vast, seemingly neverending, greyness was of a fight he had lost by succumbing to the barrage of curses from four different directions. Another clue to his current state of being was the fact that he could see through his hands.

Severus scowled at the nothingless. He really should have been more prepared for the attack. He should have known that even though he had lived hidden and in relative peace for twenty years they would eventually find him!

Well, there was nothing he could do about it anymore, nothing would change no matter how much he berated himself. Sighing in resignation Severus glanced around and frowned in thought. Had the tendrils of mist lazily caressing his ankles been there a moment ago? He couldn't remember.

Suddenly everything was swallowed by darkness and Severus tensed. He let out a breath he hadn't known himself still capable of holding when the mist covering ... the ground? floor? ... whatever it was he was standing on started emitting gentle silver glow.

Before Severus could relax however a sound of echoing footsteps reached his ears and he quickly turned around to face the cause of the sound. His eyes widened and Severus couldn't stop a gasp escaping from his lips as he saw a figure shrouded in midnight black robes, face hidden in the shadows created by the hood, and carrying a maliciously glinting scythe approaching him.

Under the potions masters wary gaze the figure came to stop about ten feet from him. The hooded head tilted slightly to the side and the shadows where the face should be seemed to scrutinize Severus silently. "Would you, Severus Snape, return to your youth with the knowledge you now possess if given a chance?" The question, spoken in deep, whispery voice, startled Severus out of his daze and his dark eyebrows rose in surprise.

"You would sent me to the past? And what would you have me do in return?" Severus snorted and continued with sarcasm laced voice. "Save lives? Make the world a better place by changing the future? Surely you do not offer this to me for free, Lord Death?" The potions master crossed his arms and narroved his eyes suspiciously. "Actually why present this offer to me at all? I am certain there are people more deserving and willing for such an opportunity." Severus straightened stiffly when amused dark chuckle echoed around him.

"Is that so? Well, even if there are, I have chosen you. " The chill in Deaths voice was palpable and Severus felt himself shiver in dread. "As for payment... I do not care what you do about the possible future or whether you save people or not. When the time is right I will ask a favour of you and even then you can refuse. Now, if you choose to travel back in time I shall grant you a boon... a fourth Hallow."

Severus's eyes widened and he ran a hand over his face in agitation. Did he have anything to lose by returning to the past? Definitely not. Would he be able to face the people that had been buried underneath the sands of time? Yes, he had made his peace with most of his ghosts years ago. Finally, since Death didn't seem to be interested in controlling his actions, with correct planning he could live his life as he wished. This left him with no objections and as Severus turned his eyes back to Death he nodded. "I accept your offer Lord Death."

"Very well. I have already decided on the time which I shall sent you. As for the Hallow... I am sure you are familiar with tale surrounding my three gifts?" At the potions masters nod Death continued. "On a whim I granted eldest of the Pewerell brothers an unbeatable wand, middle brother a ring with a power to recall others from my grasp and the youngest my cloak of invisibility. So, what would you, Severus Snape, desire from me?"

Severus frowned and tapped his lips with his fingers. What did he want? No, the correct question would be: What did he think he needed? Something to do with potions, maybe? No, in potions he preferred to do as much as he could by himself without any help from people or magical devices. Honestly, Severus didn't really need anything but since he was going back in time he should really wish for something... hmm, time travel ... time ... Suddenly Severus knew exactly what he wanted and turned to face Death once more.

"Since I have no wish to escape your touch for eternity, Lord Death, I ask for a device to stall your approach by stalling time." As he pronounced his wish Severus felt something sweep softly through his mind and had to suppress a shiver at the eerie feeling. "I am pleased that you knew not to ask for something I wouldn't give you and yes, I shall grant your reguest. The item will be on your person when you wake, Severus Snape." The mist around them thickened and started glowing brighter. "Fare thee well My Chosen." After Deaths words everything flashed blindingly white followed by absolute darkness.