A Change Of Plan Keeperoliver Chapter 3

A blinding white light surrounded him, giving it an eerie glow. He staggered to his feet, looking around to try and find out where he was. Nothing was there he recognized, and he just wandered through the place looking for anything that could help him. It was so sterile looking that he thought maybe it was a hospital. But if that were the case, there would be medics there looking after patients. There was none of either of them. There were no beds or curtains. No rooms. Nothing but the blinding white. It was so white, it hurt him to see.

Even he was dressed in white, making him practically invisible in the area he walked through. His face and hands were the only reality to his senses. The only thing he could focus on that wouldn't hurt his head. He had no concept of time in this place. He could have been here for hours or days, and he wouldn't know the difference. He may even be walking in circles for all he knew. Nothing ever changed for him.

It was maddening for him to not know where he was, how long he had been there or how he was going to get out. There were no doors, stairs, or other paths. Just the never ending light.

He was beginning to think he was in hell, it was so maddening, when he heard a noise from a distance in front of him. It was the sounds of heels hitting the pavement as he or she moved. Then he saw a form take shape about twenty meters from where he was. Once again the figure was covered in white, to include the white hood covering the head of the individual.

He took a chance and called out, "Hello, can you tell me where I am?"

The hooded figured stopped and took it's time to answer, then, "You are where you need to be Severus Snape."

"You know who I am? Then you have me at a disadvantage, as I don't know you."

"You know me very well Severus."

His mind began to reel. Could it be? "It can't be, you're dead?"

"Sad to say, you are right. I am dead. Partly because of you I might add."

Severus dropped to his knees, "Then it is you. Lily, I am so sorry for what I did to you. I never meant for you to get hurt. I asked the dark Lord to spare you. I asked Albus to protect you. I did everything I could to keep you safe."

The figure stepped forward and removed her hood. The face of Lily Potter was looking down on Severus with a smile gracing her eyes and lips. "I know you did Severus, but you had to know there was no way I was going to let that evil thing harm my baby. But all this is in the past, it is now time for you to look to the future. You have already begun the trail back to the light. You must continue to travel this path to clear your self of all the things you have done in the past. I can help you if this is what you really want. I must warn you though, if you lie, the consequences will be severe."

"Could you answer a question before I choose?"

"If I can, I will."

"Why were you sent to do this?"

"Are you not happy to see me Sev?"

"Please, just answer my question."

Once again Lily smiled, "Because I wanted to tell you that I forgive you for what you called me in fifth year. I want to tell you that It was me that stood up for you to get you this second chance. I want you to go back and help rid the world of the evil that is spreading. To help my son end the threat that is Lord Voldemort."

"I can't do that Lily. The control he has over me is beyond my power to resist."

"So, you are saying you wouldn't help, even if you could?"

"NO! I am saying I couldn't even though I want to. The power he has over me compels me to never go against him outright. I cannot deny him. I cannot challenge him. I am at his beck and call."

"And if you weren't?"

"What is the sense in dreaming Lily. There is no hope of me ever being free from his mark."

"Answer my question."

"What is it you want me to say? Do you want me to say that I would die protecting Harry? Do you want me to say that I would do everything I could to make sure the Dark Lord will die? Do you want me to tell you that Harry will live? How can you expect me to answer these, when I know that none are possible. I can't tell you I would die protecting Harry, because I expect to die anyway, if I'm not already dead. I can't tell you Harry will live, when I know he has to die. I can't tell you I would help to kill the Dark Lord because I can't even think things like that."

"I know what you have been doing for Albus, Severus. You have to be strong to be a double agent."

"See, you just don't understand."

"What is it I don't understand Severus? Are you trying to tell me that you weren't a double agent?"

"Yes. I am trying to tell you I wasn't a double agent. I was a triple agent. Albus believed I was helping him by giving him information that led to minor victories. The Dark Lord gave me these bits to feed to Albus to keep him thinking I was still his man. What it all amounts to is that I worked for the Lord, but worked for Albus, and answered only to Voldemort. Now do you see what I mean. The mark keeps me from betraying Voldemort. When you take the mark, it is in Voldemort's name that you take it, not the Dark Lord. If Albus asked me what was going on with the Dark Lord., I could answer him. If he asked about Voldemort, I could not. If the Dark Lord asked me about Dumbledore, I could give him half truths. He did this to keep me close to Albus. If he needed something vitally important, he would say 'I lord Voldemort command you to answer me.' and I would have to. It was a cat and mouse game the two played, with me as the mouse."

"You still haven't answered my question Severus. Would you help Harry, if you were not under the control of Lord Voldemort?"

Severus held his head in his hands. Would he really help Potter if he had the chance? "If I could, Lily, it would be for one reason only."

"And what is that Severus?"

"You."

"What do you mean me. I have nothing to do with you needing to help Harry."

"I wouldn't be doing it to help Potter. I wouldn't be doing it to help the wizard world. I would do it because you asked me to."

"So you would help Harry then?"

"Like I said, only because you asked me to. For no other reason. It would be because I love you Lily."

"Severus, you can't love someone who is dead. There is another you need to take care of. She desperately needs your help. You know of whom I speak."

"You know of Charity? If you do, then you must know that I don' t care for her."

"If that were true Sev, then why did you risk so much saving her from Voldemort?"

"Because she was an innocent."

"I know better than that. You have shown no interest in others that died by his hand in the past. Yet you stuck your neck out to save her. In doing so, another died in her place, and you didn't care about him?"

"He was a worthless piece of shite that didn't deserve to live."

"Yet you saved him in Harry's third year?"

"It was not like I wanted to. I wanted to capture Black, and bring him in. The rat just got lucky."

"Alright, I see where this is getting us no where, and I have to be leaving soon. If I were to free you from Voldemort's control, would you help Harry, and Charity? Yes or no?"

"Yes."

"Good. Then it is time for you to return to your body, and make good your promise to me."

"I thought you said you would rid me of his control?"

"And so I have Severus. Look for your self."

Severus rolled up his sleeve, and as soon as he did, he heard Lily's final words. "Tell Harry I love him for me Severus, as does his dad." He saw his arm free of any marks, and once again passed out.

He awoke once again, in another strange room, only this one was full of color, and a familiar face. "Hello Madam Pomfrey."

"Ah Professor Snape, back amongst the living I see."

"How did you know where I was Poppy?"

"What?"

"I said How did you know I was with the dead?"

"It was just a saying Professor. I didn't mean anything by it."

"Forgive me Madam, as I have just returned from a very nerve wracking trip. Now could you please tell me where I am?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't really know where we are. When we left the castle, we landed in Black Manor, but, immediately were whisked away to here, but were never told where here is."

"Who did it?"

"Mad Eye Moody. Insufferable old goat seems to get a kick out of teasing people. We have been here for about a week. You have been here for four days. Do you mind telling me how you split you skull open?"

"It's a long story. Who else knows I'm here?"

"Minerva and me."

"But, how did you explain my injury to the press?"

"There was no injury. You died when you hit your head."

"So, every on thinks I'm dead? "

"That's what I said."

Severus rolled up his sleeve once more, and a bright smile lit up his face. Even Voldemort would think him dead. He was free of the mark. He would never have to answer to the call again. Now, he had to get Charity here, where ever that is. He could not protect her where she was at. Lily made him promise to protect her and Potter. He would do this as best he could.

ACOP-}

Luna was sitting at her night stand brushing her hair, going over what was happening in her life. She thought that her and Neville would begin to like each other, after the DoM affair. However, it never took place, as she saw him hanging around Hannah Abbott. Not that it bothered her too much, as it seemed that George was taking quite a shine to her, and she loved the attention.

George made her feel special, like she deserved to be treated like a lady. He would go out of his way to make her comfortable. He stood up for her, when Ron was in one of his prat moods, calling her Loony, and blond like it was a desease. Even Fred stood up for her when George wasn't near by. Many of the Ravenclaw students that picked on her had been pranked because of this. Luna was used to Harry standing up for her, like he was he champion, and now she had three champions. This made her feel like a Princess. Yes, Princess Luna Selena had a good ring to it.

Hermione and Ginny noticed the change in their friend, and liked what they saw. Luna stood straighter, and held her chin up, and no longer dropped her head when talking to someone that intimidated her. Like Michael, or Justin, or Cho. She didn't back off from confrontations and she fired back at insults that were made towards her. Yes, they liked what they saw in Luna.

George was in the mind set that even though he liked Katie, he could never love her. He liked Angelina also. But with Luna, it was different. He always felt better when she was around him, not that he felt bad before she showed up, it was she always made any situation better. He liked how she laughed, how she smiled, how she giggled, how she thought. He loved the way she would put her wand behind her ear so as not to lose it. It was funny how when someone tried to take it from her, she would know before he or she took it, and before the person could blink, Luna had her wand in her hand and against the persons chin. She never used it but showed the person that she very well could have. She was brilliantly scary.

Both Fred and George had to laugh when Hermione, Ginny and Luna were together, sending Ron running in a panic, thinking they were trying to find a way to get him. Ron was not the best person to be around lately.

It seemed that Ron broke up with Hermione, to get back together with Lavender, and when she showed up at Black Manor to prepare for classes, she was with Dean. He saw that Seamus was with Parvati.

Ron was unhappy with the way things were turning out, until just before classes were to begin, a request had been made for three new students to attend classes. Blaise Zabini, Tracy Davis, and Daphne Greengrass. Blaise and Tracy came as a couple, but, Daphne was alone.

Pulling up his Gryffindor courage, Ron went over to Daphne to try and get to know her. He was pleased when she accepted his request, as she wouldn't mind getting to know him as well.

Ordinarily Ron would question any Slytherin being present in Black Manor, but, Professor McGonagall had required a wizards oath be given by the three, before she would allow them to join in with the classes. Neither of them had any complaints about taking them. In fact they said that they would have given them even if they hadn't been asked, just to clear the minds of the other students. This was enough to tell Ron that they were honest in their request, and that he should welcome them to the makeshift school.

Ginny was in a world of her own. She glanced around the room seeing her friends with people they cared for, like Fred and Hermione, George and Luna, Dean and Lavender, Seamus and Parvati. She even saw Ron talking to Daphne, and getting her to smile. He actually got the Ice Princess to smile. Will wonders never cease.

Then she looked at the seat next to her. It was empty. No one to share her thoughts with. No one to tell her how good she looked. Harry was her wish to be here by her side, but, it was a wish unfulfilled as yet. She knew he had a lot on his mind right now, what with the Horcruxes, training, learning and what not, but, even he needed a break. It just hasn't happened yet.

Then her seat was filled, and she turned to see that Luna decided she needed some company, "You looked like you needed someone to talk to. Are you OK Ginny?"

"I'm alright. I was just looking around and saw how everyone was finding the right person to be with. Look at Ron as he is getting the Ice Princess to loosen up. I don't think I ever saw her laugh before. Now she constantly has a smile on her face that breaks into laughter at something Ron says or does. It actually looks good on her. The smile I mean. Don't you think?"

"It does make her look more colorful. More animated. But I think it needs to be elsewhere as well. Like on your face. You look so gloomy Ginny. Is it Harry?"

"I wish you would quit that."

"Quit what?" Luna smiled.

"It's almost like you're reading my mind. Yes it's Harry, the stupid git. I know there is a lot going on, but he needs to relax every now and then. He is so serious lately, and it is beginning to worry me that he will eventually forget how to laugh."

"Then why don't you go get him, and set him down, forcing him to relax. I think you both need it. You need to know that he is alright, and he needs to know that someone is looking after his well being. Some one other than your mother that is. Someone his own age. Some one that can show him he is being thought of as other than a leader. Harry is a good man Ginny, but he needs to realize that he is still a boy at heart. And like you said, it seems everyone else is taken, so that leaves it up to you, now go."

Ginny hugged Luna as she got up in search of Harry. Luna was right. It wasn't just for Harry. It was for her too. She knew the break up at Dumbledore's funeral was just Harry's way of protecting her, but, now that is all in the past. She was surrounded by people that could protect her. She needed someone to comfort her.

She found Harry in the kitchen talking with Remus and Moody. Dobby was there as well, fixing tea for the group. Harry looked up and saw her, and smiled. Remus did as well. Moody just grunted a hello to her. Dobby asked her if she would like some tea which she refused. She sat by Harry, which got him to smile even bigger."Hey Gin, do you miss me?"

"Yes you prat. I was sitting there all by my lonesome as everyone else had someone else to talk to. I came to see if you would come back and be my someone else?"

Harry looked over at Remus and Moody. Remus had a huge grin on his face, and even Moody had the start of a smile. They both nodded, and it was decided that Harry needed to get away to his friends. To sit back and share stories with those his own age. He did something that filled Ginny's heart with emotion. He grabbed her hand and helped her up and took her back to the sitting room.

Ginny looked across the room at Luna, and saw her smile. Ginny mouthed thank you to her, and Luna just nodded her head in acknowledgment. Harry had her sit, and he joined her, and soon both were joined by others and talked like the teens they were.

ACOP-}

The next morning had Harry up and dressed ready to start a new day. He just made it out of his room, when he was stopped by Madam Pomfrey, "Mr. Potter, if you don't mind, someone is requesting your presence."

"Good morning to you as well Madam Pomfrey." Harry laughed as he followed her down the hall.

"Very funny Mr. Potter. But a good morning to you just the same." Poppy laughed back.

"Can you tell me who wishes to see me this early in the morning. I haven't even had coffee yet."

"I have a fresh pot on, and some scones waiting to be eaten, so you should be well taken care of. I think I should wait to show you who it is wishing to talk to you. You may change your mind before we get there."

Harry stopped and looked at her. He knew who wanted to see him now. "So, Professor Snape is awake is he? And he wishes to see me first?"

"Why do you find that so hard to believe Mr. Potter?"

"Madam, Professor Snape and I have a history, as you well know. Of course it surprises me that he wishes to speak to me first."

"Be that as it may, that was his wish."

"Very well then, let's get this over with, as I am sure I won't like what I have to hear."

They entered the room where Severus laid on his bed, reading the Prophet. He put the paper down when they entered, "AH Mr. Potter. Please come in and sit down, we have much to discuss."

"And what is that Professor?" Harry asked as he took a seat.

"According to the Madam, I have been out for some time, but in that time, I paid a visit to someone we both have in common. Lily, your mother."

"Professor, I don't have time for games. I have a lot of things going on right now that need my attention."

"Always the impatient one aren't you Potter. Well, this is no game. What I have to tell you is the truth, and if it takes a solemn oath to get you to believe me, then I will take it."

Harry fell silent as he never heard Snape sound so serious before.

"Good, then I have your attention. To start, Madam Pomfrey, may we have something to drink and eat, I feel ravenous this morning, and could stand something to abate this feeling."

"Of course Severus. Coffee and scones alright, or would you prefer a more complete breakfast?"

"No, that will do for now thank you. Now Mr. Potter, to let you know, this is all your mother's doing, and I do not look forward to it, any more than you do."

"You're wrong Professor. If it has to do with my mother, then I look forward to this talk. You may not be my first choice as story teller, but I will listen to what you have to say."

"Well, at least we are being civil. OH, thank you Poppy. Just set them down please. You don't have to leave if you don't want to. What I have to say, will soon be heard by all anyway."

"I will wait and hear it when the rest do. I will leave you to your talk." and she returned to her room where she was staying.

Severus took his cup, and took a sip of his coffee, set the cup back down and started, "Now, where to begin. I guess I should start off by saying that your mum told me to tell you that both her and your father love you very much, although I don't know why. She also told me to tell you that they were very proud of you, and they know what you have gone through. I imagine that Mad Dog had something to do with that."

With the pause that Severus took, Harry managed to get in, "Thank you Professor, I imagine that did hurt for you to say anything good to me, and I appreciate the effort it took."

Severus looked into Harry's eyes to see if there was any sarcasm there, and found only truth. "Well, I must say it is refreshing to hear something intelligent coming from your mouth for a change. Now, the next thing I have to tell you will be a bit of a shock. Your mother did something for me, and for that I will for ever be thankful to her." and with this, Severus raised his left shirt sleeve to show Harry that his mark had been removed. To say that Harry was stunned would have been putting it mildly. He looked back up to Severus with a smile.

"Welcome back to the human race Professor." Harry laughed.

And for the first time in a long time, Severus laughed as well.