Better Late than Never
Better Late than Never
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. Also, I have been inspired by countless fanfics, so if you see any ideas that you think came from other fics, they probably did. I wouldn't know who to credit, since I've read so many similar stories.
Severus Snape scowled as he watched the antics of the Gryffindors at the dinner table. They had no manners at all. Why did no one discipline them? His Slytherins behaved with perfect table etiquette, and had the added advantage of not being responsible for reckless and illegal stunts. But did his colleagues recognize that? No. Slytherins were always the ones to lose points and get detentions. And people accused him of favoritism. He consoled himself with more positive thoughts. Summer holiday would soon commence. Snape came dangerously close to smiling as he anticipated several blissful weeks with no egotistical Potters, incompetent Longbottoms, or know-it-all Grangers. Better yet, he had purged the school of that Maurading werewolf.
He had scarcely finished that thought when said werewolf approached him, clearly intent on annoying him.
"Good evening, Severus. Looking forward to the holiday?" Reumus Lupin asked with a tired smile.
Blasted werewolf. Snape had taunted him and betrayed his furry little secret to the whole school, and he still insisted on speaking with that meaningless facade of politeness. Had almost killing three of his precious Gryffindors not shown him how unfit he was for society? Doubtless it was the influence of that horrid Black. Lupin would never be so arrogant on his own.
"What do you want, Lupin?"
"Well, as I was packing my things to go home, I ran across a few things that I had retrieved from Godric's Hollow all those years ago."
"How dare you paw through Lily's possessions!"
"Severus, just listen for a minute, please. As I was saying, I was going through some of James and Lily's old things, and I found this. I had never noticed it before."
Remus held out a sealed letter, with "Severus Snape" written on it in Lily's graceful penmanship.
"Give me that!" Snape growled.
"Very well. Have a lovely holiday, Severus." Remus said, handing him the letter.
Snape just sneered and swept off to the dungeons, with his robes billowing out behind him.
When he got to his private quarters, he poured himself a glass of firewhiskey and stared at the letter in his hand.
"Oh, Lily, if only I hadn't been such a fool."
Slowly, he broke open the seal and took out the letter. There, again in Lily's own unique hand, he read these words:
Dear Severus,
I do not know whether you will ever get this letter. I cannot owl you from my hiding place. Severus, I just wanted to make sure you know that I have forgiven you, both for calling me a mudblood and for taking the Dark Mark. You're a good man, and I will not hold the sins of the past against you.
You were my very first magical friend, and as such you are truly dear to me. If anything happens to James and me, and if for some reason Sirius is unable, I would like for you to take care of my son.
I know you probably despise Harry because of who his father is, but he is only a child. I know you will protect him; what I ask is that you care for him as well. Yes, James did some stupid things in his youth. I was disgusted with him for our first several years at Hogwarts, as you well know. Severus, you can help keep Harry from being the next arrogant prankster. With your guidance, perhaps he can avoid his father's failings.
I truly do not know who else to ask. It is entirely possible that James, Sirius, and I will all die or become incapacitated in the course of this terrible war. If that should happen, who will care for Harry? Headmaster Dumbledore is too old and too busy. I doubt the Ministry would allow Remus to take the child, and you can't seriously think Peter would make a good parent. James is an only child, and my sister hates anything that has to with me or with magic.
Know that I will always count you as a friend, Severus, and please think about what I have said.
Love,
Lily Potter
Snape set down the letter and took several frantic gulps of firewhiskey. If one were to look closely, one might have even seen tears in his eyes.
Corrections, suggestions, and random thoughts welcome.
