Title: So Cold

Author: Jaspre

Warning: Minute changes to the final battle at Hogwarts. Mentions of violence and a slash relationship.

Summary: Song-fic set to So Cold by Breaking Benjamin. Takes place during the battle at Hogwarts, Snarry.

Disclaimer: I make no claims of ownership to anything Harry Potter. However, if Alan Rickman would look my way, I wouldn't be offended. I'd gladly own him ;)


Hogsmeade was in flames and Hogwarts was doing no better. Aurors and Order members were racing through the panicking crowds, trying to apprehend the few Death Eaters evading them. Most of the Weasleys in the small town were frantically calling out for their family and friends. Severus Snape grabs Harry Potter's hand and spins into the air, determined to return to Hogwarts before Voldemort arrives. Dumbledore was waiting and wondering how Tom Riddle had come to such ruthlessness. As the battle moves closer to the school, men, women, and children from both sides of the war fall. Best not to think of it; just fight!

Severus holds Harry tightly the moment they land on the Astronomy Tower. He reassures Harry everything will turn out okay; it has to. He makes no mention of how small and scared Harry looks and instead hugs him closer. Accepting the words, Harry pulls away and nods, hiding his vacant eyes from his lover as he says it's time to face the monster again. They arrive at the entrance hall and Severus promises they will find each other after the battle. They kiss quickly and then run out amongst a shower of flying curses.

Harry shudders when the spirit of his mother drops her hand from his shoulder. She begs him not to cry. His father and godfather's spirits tell him they will be here for him, no matter the outcome. A silent tear slips down his cheek as he raises his eyes to Voldemort's, ready for death. Lily Potter's hand rests upon him one last time and then… Harry feels no more.

Narcissa slowly rises to look at Voldemort and announces Harry is dead. Voldemort turns to gloat to the last three living or free Death Eaters and never notices the woman step away from Harry's body. As if in slow motion, Harry jumps to his feet and casts the killing curse on the dark wizard, who was still spinning to see Harry when the curse hit him. Lucius takes out the Death Eater to his left, Narcissa the one to his right, and Harry the fleeing Death Eater passing by him. Feeling empty inside from such dark magic, Harry turns to make his way back to the castle with Voldemort's body levitated behind him. Despite the fading dark magic, a triumphant smile lights up his face when his friends and allies come into view.

Harry hands Dumbledore the memory of Voldemort's last minutes on Earth and crumples. So many are dead, but so many are still alive. Sadness and happiness war within him as names and faces spin through his mind. A voice anxiously yells Harry's name over the crowd, but he doesn't register it. Seconds later, two strong arms sweep him up from the ground and squeeze him. Harry sobs and tightly locks his arms around Severus. Unaware of the cheering crowd around them, Severus repeats the same words to Harry over and over, his lips brushing Harry's with each word.

"It's alright."