Finally, it is over. The lies. I am free.
Snape thought as he struggled for breath. It is done. I can go.
Why am I still fighting?
Because she is holding my hand.
"Come on Severus, hold on. Help is coming; you just have to stay with me until they arrive."
Her face swam in and out of focus; he couldn't hold on… he was falling into blackness.
"Severus open your eyes for me, come on, hold on, please, for me?"
The desperation in her voice held him for a moment, but he began to slide again.
"Don't you leave me Severus, don't even think about it" and she began to shake him. Severus' head rolled loosely about his shoulders.
"Snape" she cried.
In the darkness Severus was lost, he couldn't find her, she was gone.
Then he heard it, the sobbing.
He had broken her heart, he couldn't live with that.
He had to fight again.
He was swimming through mud. It clung to him, pulled him back. It clogged his lungs and blinded him.
But he had a rope, and she was pulling him towards her. He wouldn't let go again.
The fire jolted through his chest and the darkness was scorched away.
The pain was back, he could feel again.
"His heart stopped" a male voice said.
"Only for a second" he struggled to whisper in her ear.
He felt her smile.
Relief washed over her.