Possible re-post of this story on this site, but it's mine, no worries. This story was taken from my Author Profile on under the same name- LibraryVampire. If you require more proof, please let me know and I will do my best to provide it.

Short drabble.
I own nothing, J.K. owns everything, Always.

"Professor?"

"What do you want now, Potter? Come to gloat, hmm?" Severus was slumped in his favorite chair; a tumbler of brandy in one hand while the other covered his eyes. His entire posture was the sole definition of Exhausted. With the Pensive still out in the open, like a reminder of guilt for the boy in the doorway, Harry bowed his head and once again gathered his courage.

"I…. I am so bloody sorry!" Harry blurted in one fast breath, not noticing Severus's head snapping up with a look of pure shock on his face. "I had no idea my father was like that. Siri, Remus… Well," he cleared his throat in a nervous way, " I think I understand a little why you hate me now. My father was a hateful bully toward you and here I am, looking and acting like him in ways that I didn't even recognize. Professor, I didn't know him, I lost that chance- but I swear to you, no matter what, I am not my father. I'm Harry, just Harry!"

Severus made a move to interrupt, but the attempt was aborted when the boy rushed ahead in his apology.

"I'm sorry I'm a difficult student, I really don't mean to be! I have so much to do because of everyone saying 'Help me, help me! Save me, save me!' that I just can't focus properly. I'm not trying to excuse myself, just explain that I'm not lazy. I'm balancing school with war and I tend to let school go to the wayside in bad judgment. I…" Harry was cut off by the hand now covering his mouth, his wide eyes taking in the frustrated ones looking down at him. The hand moved away only to be joined with the other as they gently wiped away tears that Harry didn't know were cried.

"Foolish boy. I forgive you Harry. I see you, Harry. Just Harry." Severus was shocked that he was able to just forgive the lad, but seeing just how sincere the apology was made him soften just enough for forgiveness to seep through.

For the first time, Severus Snape was able to look at the visage of one man and see another. For the first time, Severus let go of the anger that was too old, and aimed at a spirit long gone. Harry Potter, he realized while looking into Lilly's eyes, was okay to forgive since hating a spirit was a futile and taxing hobby.

And really, there were other, better, things needing his time. Speaking of…

"POTTER! Get away from my brandy!"