As the snake's poison coursed through Severus's veins, slowly killing him, he hissed out his last wish: "Look...at...me..."
Two emerald orbs met his black, lifeless eyes, and then Severus Snape was finally at peace. He had done what he had to do, and Harry will soon learn what he has to do. All these years, Severus Snape had given up his own happiness just so he could keep Lily's only son safe. Lily. She was the reason that he switched to the good side in the first place. Ever since he was a small child, she had been a source of comfort to him. Whenever the muggle children would make fun of him, and whenever his drunken dad would beat him and his mother, she was always there. Always. At least, until those wretched words left his mouth. Mudblood. He used to not think much of the word, since his friends used it so much, but he soon learned how hurtful it really was. Their childhood friendship...ruined, completely ruined, by just one word. And if that wasn't enough, he made another grave mistake on top of that. Telling the Dark Lord what he over heard in the inn...he had no idea that that prophecy would cause the Dark Lord to hunt down the only person that he ever truly loved... But he did not have to worry about that anymore. He had played his part well, he managed to keep her son safe, and hopefully redeem himself in her eyes. Vaguely, he wondered if she had been watching this whole time...does she know how awful he felt, when he made those two mistakes? Does she...forgive him? "You...you have your mother's eyes." Severus told Harry Potter, a tear rolling down his cheek.
After a few seconds, Severus Snape fell asleep for the last time, and left the world of the living forever.
Severus Snape woke up in a strange place, a place which he quickly recognized as the place where he begged Albus Dumbledore to protect Lily. The place where he first decided to join the light side. But this time it wasn't raining, and light seemed to be shining from all around. "Severus." came a warm voice, and all of a sudden, Dumbledore stepped out in front of him.
"Headmaster." Severus greeted.
"Please, that is hardly necessary. I am no longer your headmaster, and weren't you headmaster for a while, too?" Dumbledore replied, with a smile.
"Where am I?"
"Where do you think?" Dumbledore said, "You died, so hear you are."
"Huh..." Severus muttered.
"Severus," Dumbledore began, "Thank you."
"It wasn't that big of a deal-" Severus began.
"Yes it was. And by the way, there is someone here to see you." Dumbledore stepped aside, revealing a beautiful red-haired woman standing behind him.
"Lily-" Severus began again.
"Sev!" She embraced him, "Thank you, so, so much!"
"So...you forgive me...?" he whispered, shocked.
"Forgive you?," She asked, incredulous, "How could I not, after all you've done for Harry?"
"But I-"
"But you what? You made up for that long ago, they have all have forgiven you, they all like you now. Lupin, Sirius, and even James. You proved to everyone that you were a wonderful person on the inside, and you are once again my best friend." she smiled. "Severus, I am guessing that you want to...go on?" Dumbledore asked Severus.
"Y-yes..." Severus replied, with the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips.
