Author: If you haven't read to at least chapter 34 in DH then don't read this unless you want to spoil yourself. This will be chaptered, because I said so and because I couldn't get it all out in this. So please, enjoy.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and the Book Of Sin (also known as Deathly Hallows) belongs to J.K. Rowling, not me.
Believe in Redemption
Severus Snape stood in his office, onyx eyes closed. The portrait of Albus Dumbledore hung behind him, blue eyes unable to twinkle in this troubled time. His hands were palm down on the desk, his body trembling with every shakey breath that he exhaled. Tonight was the night. There would be no more wondering... no more "what if's". There would be a finality to tonight.
"Albus-"
"No regrets, Severus. Is that not what we agreed on? There are to be no regrets. You have served your time, and saved yourself and so many others-"
"That is not the point, Albus. It will all be futile unless Potter- Harry, understands. The boy must understand what is to happen. I can't believe you-"
"-mislead you? For that I am sorry. His protection was necessary-"
"-so that he could die now, yes, yes..." his voice became softer with every word that passed forth from his lips. Albus watched, unable to comfort the man in front of him with more than mere words, but... words had never been enough for Severus, even as a child. He needed action, touch... something that was reassuring... that spoke volumes more in the silence that lingered after words.
"Severus-"
"No regrets. I wonder if Potter will see it that way," and with those words he grabbed his wand and moved away from the desk. It was time. Amycus and his sister Alecto would already be down. He would get his first sight of the boy in many months... months that dragged along like years. He would frown, and act like the traitor he was supposed to be, but on the inside he would smile... smile because Harry was alive and it would be like looking into the eyes of Lily all over again. Severus would smile because they still had a chance.
