Really quick, please bear with the beginning. This is the only bit right from the movie. (I use mostly the scene from the movie, as I think they did a little better with it than in the book. Sorry J.K.) The rest is original. :)

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to the amazing J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros.

Second Chances
by

FaithfulWarrior

Chapter 1 – Prologue

Harry Potter stepped out from behind the crates where he had been hiding, and walked over to his gasping potions professor. He didn't know why he was approaching the man he had once despised, but for some reason, he was.

Harry knelt down and tried to comfort him in the best way he could. As Snape struggled to breathe through the pain from the large gash in his neck, Harry could see the fear etched in his eyes. He had never once witnessed his professor in such a vulnerable state, and Harry suddenly felt sorry for him no matter what the man had previously done.

The Boy-Who-Lived gingerly placed his hand on Snape's neck in an attempt to curtail the flow of blood coming from the large cut. Snape suddenly drew in a shaky breath, and Harry gave a weak smile; trying to reassure him that everything would be alright…although they both thought otherwise. But what the sardonic Potions Professor did next surprised Harry greatly: a single tear began to roll down Snape's cheek.

The shock of seeing their stern professor cry hindered any of the teens from recalling the memory spell. They all stared on until Snape—with much effort through his pain—brought his hands to his face.

"T-take them…take them…please," he gasped out, gesturing to the tears.

Harry was brought back to reality and turned quickly to Hermione. "Get me something!" Hermione opened her bag and began searching for something, though unsure exactly what he wanted. "Quickly! A flask, anything!" he added hurriedly.

Hermione had a vial in an instant and quickly handed it to Harry who, in turn, focused his attention back to Snape. He placed his hand back on the wound—for he had removed it to converse with Hermione—and began to collect the tears.

Only after he had every last drop did Harry cap the flask. He turned and handed it to Hermione and then felt a hand grasp his arm. Harry was surprised at how weak the grip was, and could tell that the professor didn't have very much longer to live.

"Look…at…me," Snape's voice wavered as he spoke.

Then, the green eyes met the black and Harry saw something in those eyes that he never had before. It was almost…fondness. The face of one who had finally finished a long-toiled mission.

"You…have your mother's eyes." The Potions Master held Harry's gaze for a moment longer, before looking away to suffer slowly until death.

Harry stood up slowly and tried to shake from his mind the heaviness of so many losses. He must focus on what needed to be done.

"Alright…let's go see what he wanted to tell us," he said to his companions.

Hermione looked aghast. "Wha—Harry, we can't just leave him here!" she exclaimed.

Harry sighed. "Hermione, he's dying."

Hermione shook her head adamantly. "There's got to be something we can do for him!" Harry sighed again in contemplation. Then Hermione's expression softened and she approached him. "Harry, I know what he did…but, I think there may be more to this than meets the eye," she stated gently.

Harry nodded slowly and looked up. "Alright. I'm going to take the memories to the pensieve. You and Ron stay here and see if you can help him."

Hermione smiled slightly. "Thanks, Harry."

"Try to get him to Madam Pomfrey. If no one else'll help him, I'm sure she will," he added. After receiving the flask from Hermione, Harry turned to leave.

"Harry, be careful," she called.

Harry smiled sadly. "I will." And with that, he was gone.

Thank you so much for taking a look at this! I have worked hard on it for almost a year now, and it's so exciting to be able to share it with you all! I welcome reviews and constructive criticism, and will answer all questions and respond to your comments! I would also have you know that this story is complete…so have no fear about it being abandoned! It won't be very long, and I will post about every five days.

Also… *cough cough* you didn't hear this from me, but there is also a sequel in the works that you most likely will find more interesting than this one. You'll have to wait until the end to find out why. ;)

Love you guys!

FW