Harry Potter and Master of death.

The events of the day still seemed unreal to Harry. Had he truly killed the Dark Lord? Was he truly free to be as he has always wanted, just Harry?

The last battle was nothing like Harry expected, Snape had certainly proved his loyalty to the side of Good and saved many lives. It was after all his Doe Patronus that alerted the Order and Dumbledore of the attack. Harry began to wonder where Snape was. Did he get killed once his betrayal was revealed?

Just 3 hours earlier Harry was meeting with Professor Dumbledore to discuss a course of action. He was tired of blood being shed for him. Voldemort was after him, and only him for the time being. He would kill as many as needed to get to harry, but somehow Harry knew that he only needed to escape the protection of his friends and makeshift family to defeat the dark Lord.

"No Harry, I will not allow you to sacrifice yourself." Dumbledore said somberly. "Yes, you must fight him but it will not be alone and you will survive."

"You think I care about surviving when innocent people are being killed?" Harry screamed.

Anger could be felt as it dripped off of harry. Of course he knew he shouldn't fault the old man for being such a optimist. Taking a few deep breaths Harry decided embrace his little used Slytherin side. Harry calmed, cleared his face of emotion, and decided inwardly that he would just slip past the wards and apparate to the next attack Voldemort waged.

Silver light suddenly filled the room as the Patronus of one Severus Snape entered the room. "The Dark Lord is Angry, he moved up his plans. The Death Eaters are planning the Last battle for tonight. Be prepared." Harry tried to hide his concern, something was wrong with snape. Harry had been growing fond of the man. Although he knew snape would never accept his concern or even his kindness, he couldn't help but feel concerned… The bitter man had been the only person to tell Harry the truth, he told harry what he needed to hear instead of coddling him after Sirius died. Recently he had been, albeit reluctantly, training Harry in spells more on the dark side. The Headmaster was unaware, Harry had begged severus for help after realising he had no chance without some of the more dastardly magic.

Albus must have felt the distress in severus' voice as well as he began immediately floo-calling the designated people to start the Floo-tree to get people to hogwarts to fight for the light. As soon as that was done he called for Remus lupin… Harry stared at the headmaster bent down in the fireplace. "Remus I believe they have found out severus has been spying. He seems to be running from them. The are attacking the castle tonight."

Harry paused. This is really it. My chance, my choice. He stood slowly turned and left the office without a sound. He couldn't believe after all these years of being watched and "cared for" he was able to just leave. Part of him wondered if albus had just let him leave. Making his way down the stairs, out of the castle and to the boundary line. Harry turned and looked back for one last picture of his home, as he entered the Forbidden Forest.

Harry stood at the boundary line again. His face was void of emotion, his mind on the other hand was racing. This time he had done it. Hadn't he? The dark Lord was surely dead, right? As he felt his contentment slowly leaving Harry heard a pop to his left. Spinning, wand raised Harry caught a glimpse of movement behind some dense trees directly behind him. Unable to do anything but cast a common shield so soon after his use of extreme magic, Harry stood frozen facing the intruder.

"Potter!"

Harry would know that snarl anywhere. He could imagine the look on his face.

"Snape?" Harry replied.

"What pray tell do you think you are doing here?" Snape stepped out of the tree line looking like death itself. His normally indifferent face covered in agony and worry.

Harry just stared.

"Potter! I asked you a question. Did my message not make it to the Headmaster?" Although his face was not indifferent his voice was full of venom. "What foolish thing are you planning? I insist you go to the headmaster and get prepared for battle." finishing the sentence with his signature lip curl.

Harry knew not to interrupt the potions master. As soon as snape was finished he took a deep breath and spoke softly. "Sir, I already battled."

It seemed the man could actually get angrier. "POTTER! This is not time for such games. We need to get across the wards Now!" Snapes normally troubled face was still full with agony as he turned slightly red with the stress of yelling. Harry noticed the man had on his death eater robes, except they were burnt in places he was sure the man had taken curses. "Let's go Potter!" When harry didn't move he added "NOW you idiot boy!"

Harry knew he didn't have a choice he had to tell him, the man was distraught and near death. He took a breath steadying himself. Preparing for the man's reaction. . "Sir, I killed Voldemort."

"Are you insane boy? From the looks of it he isn't even here yet!" snape managed to contain his anger and confusion in a way that impressed Harry.

"Sir, did you think I would let more people die for me. I knew what I had to do. I know that you don't understand, but if I could just get you to the hospital wing, I can explain." Harry said with a slight smile trying not to worry the man.

"FOR THE LOVE OF --" started Snape.

Harry interrupted this time, his Professor needed medical attention. "Sir.. Uh… could you look at your arm?"

Snape said nothing his face still showing utter disbelief. He must have decided to go along with it in the hopes of getting to the battle. Severus Snape slowly pulled up his sleeve. The audible gasp shocked harry. He wasnt even sure if his theory was sound but looking at the bare arm of his professor he was proven correct.

Harry looked up to met his professors black eyes but he didn't find them. At that very moment severus had dropped to his knees, tears running down his face, the man was free.