Broken

Chapter One

Severus Snape felt his heart breaking, being smashed into pieces so small he was sure he'd never be whole again. He didn't think his heart could be broken twice, he didn't think he'd feel all this pain all over again. The first time was when Lily married that- James Potter. He'd lost her then, but now she was truly gone. Because now Lily was dead. Dead…

Severus couldn't believe it, he didn't want to. He wanted with all his broken heart for it not to be true. But he knew it to be true, there was no denying. Dumbledore himself had told him

He knew it was going to happen, knew it ever since the dark lord had said it, had announced it. Maybe he knew it since he overheard part of that prophecy about Lily's son. Maybe he knew it since he had then rushed to tell the dark lord without thinking about the consequences.

Dumbledore had summoned him late that October 31st . Severus had gone of course, completely oblivious to what was to be said. The dark lord had not told him beforehand of the attack, he knew it would happen. He just didn't know when. Severus had hoped to save Lily somehow. His plans unfortunately came too late.

"Albus," Snape called as he entered his office.

Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his head bowed. As Severus entered he looked up and somehow Snape knew. He knew Lily was dead. Dumbledore's eyes had said it all.

"No, no, no…" whispered Severus, losing the façade. Losing control for the first time in front of Dumbledore.

"No!" he shouted one last time, before hot tears swelled inside his dark and cold eyes.

Dumbledore nodded. "I'm sorry Severus. When we arrived it was too late," he said in a low trembling voice. The Potters had been like a family to him.

Severus shook his head. "How?" was all he could manage to say. He was desperately trying to regain his composure.

"Their secret keeper Sirius Black betrayed them," answered Dumbledore sadly.

"Black?" spat Severus. He paced around the room, angry. He wanted to throw something, hit someone. "Where is he?" he demanded, his hands clutched into fists.

"Don't worry Severus. Sirius is now in Azkaban."

Snape nodded. "Good." It brought him no comfort at all. Why should it? Lily was still gone, nothing would bring her back. It at least pleased him to know Black was in Azkaban. The thought of Black suffering pleased him.

"Severus there is more," Dumbledore interrupted his thoughts.

Severus stopped his pacing and stared at Dumbledore.

"Harry survived."

Severus stared at Dumbledore. He was surprised to say the least. How had the brat escaped alive?

He looked at Dumbledore, waiting for him to elaborate as he was sure to do.

"It was love, Severus. Love. When Lily gave her life for Harry, she provided the ultimate protection. Voldemort could not hurt him. Voldemort attempted to kill Harry, but the spell backfired. It left Harry with a scar, a lightning bolt scar… and it left Voldemort barely alive. I'm afraid that's all I can tell you for now." Dumbledore looked at him sadly.

Severus gaped if it was possible. "And Voldemort?"

"He's gone for now. He might as well be dead. Voldemort won't have the strength to return yet."

It was all too overwhelming for Severus, he needed time to process everything. "I must go." Dumbledore nodded in understanding.

Snape left not knowing where to go or what to do. The dark lord was gone for now. He'd be back someday. Evil is never dead.

But was it worth it? No, the death of Lily that was a price too high to pay.

What came now?

He was nothing without Lily.

Nothing.

So what was he to do now? The question repeated in his mind, endlessly haunting him.

Next chapter will probably start in Harry's Fourth Year, so it'll be skipping ahead quite a few years, but don't worry you'll be filled in on what's happened up on to that point.

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