The beautiful sight was broken by Severus' choosing. He pushed his way through the crowd, offering pardons and excuses to those who protested his rushed manner. As much as he respected Harry's want- and maybe even need, Severus contemplated- to be with Ginny after his decision to come back almost solely for her, leaving such injuries untreated could prove extremely disastrous, even to someone as strong as Harry. And Severus knew- perhaps better than anyone, even Dumbledore- that the battle wasn't over. Now that Voldemort believed that Harry, the Golden Boy, the Savior, was dead, he would stop at nothing to take over and press his reign of terror down on the Wizarding community. Severus had absolutely no desire to even allow that event to begin.

It didn't take him long to reach the small inner circle that was surrounding Harry, and he quickly broke their ranks when Remus Lupin kindly let him through by stepping aside. Severus made a mental note to thank the man later- for what he was doing was truly important. Harry needed to be healed, and fast. As much as Severus hated to admit it, he still had a job to do- and as tragic and painful as that thought was, it was true. Harry was the Savior. He was the Golden Boy. He was the Boy-Who-Lived, and he was expected to do it again. Having the child die from pain would not be beneficial- in more ways than one, Severus noted with what might be called a chuckle.

No one had noticed except Ginny and Severus that Harry was now crying openly- silently, of course, as his pride required, but the tears were still leaking down his face at an alarming rate. His eyes were turning red and puffy, and that was the only sign Severus needed to know that the boy was in intense, real pain.

Another thing Severus noticed immediately was that Harry could now apparently see. His eyes still held the black that was artistically woven in with the green, almost as if someone had worked it purposely to perfection; but the child was turning his head in such a manner that made it appear that he was aware of his surroundings. Severus was extremely glad about that; he still held quite a bit of guilt about being the person who had cast the actual spell that had caused Harry so much pain. Severus had never, ever liked causing pain- that was kind of ironic, he realized, because of his profession- a spy in one of the cruelest organizations known to mankind. But whenever he could, Severus would offer a quick, painless death, or a healing word, or a comforting whisper or apology to the victims of the ordered rampages- for the people were innocent, and they had done nothing to deserve the torture and pain that was being forced on them.

In the abck of his mind, Severus was still fighting with the feelings he had knewly found regarding Harry. The old resentment was still there, but it lie dormant in the wake of recent events. At first, it had been pity that had replaced it- not sympathy, but pure pity. Severus ahd felt for the boy who had been through so much. With each memory, even the good ones, Severus had been able to see the hidden pain in the green eyes, the masked glint, that had then only been tainted by abuse and manipulation- which was nothing to shove off, but compared to now…

But beyond pity, a different feeling was now gracing Severus' heart. The man wasn't sure if he even knew how to feel love anymore, but if the definition was a deep caring and even sense of foreboding possessiveness, then Severus would admit that he might be feeling it. The boy had grown on him- because beyond the very look of James that he possessed, Harry had Lily's eyes, and the similarities between Severus and Harry were still utterly undeniable. Their pasts connected them because of the disparity of tragedy and abuse, along with a lingering theme of always recurring pain; but further than that, Severus knew they were both stronger than either realized. Masks placed through fear and pain, accompanied with a real, true need for protection, were often proved to be the strongest because of the desperation in which they were created. It was a tragedy that that fact even came in to play in either of their lives; but it did, and the masks had proved to be unshakable, unbreakable. For now.

Severus Snape had thought he would never feel love again, in any form, but his heart warmed considerably when Harry looked up at him and said, "Professor… sir… can you make it go away?"

Severus sighed deeply at Harry's words, and after a minute he carefully wiped blood from the boy's forehead before saying, "I'll try, Harry. I'll try. Just hang on."

A moment later his wand was out, and skin was flowing together, broken links reconnecting and shattered ties joining again quickly at his words. Severus knew that his attempt at healing would not be as effective as Madam Pomfrey's would be, for he only had his wand and a few mild pain relieving potions that he always carried. It wasn't enough, but it had to be for now.

After a minute of working intensely, Severus became aware that Hermione Granger was assisting him. Her wand was also out, but she seemed to be using spells that Severus hadn't even known or thought of to use.

"Miss Granger," Severus said sharply, looking for a moment at the girl he had known for over six years. "Where did you learn those spells?"

Hermione looked up apologetically and smiled at Severus before returning to her work.

"I've traveled with Harry and Ron for a long time now sir," came her response. "if I didn't know more healing spells than I can count, the three of us would be dead twenty times over." Next to her, Ron Weasley nodded his agreement.

"Yes, but where did you learn them?" Severus asked impatiently, wanting an answer. "That isn't all Light magic…"

Hermione's smile changed into a frown and Severus smirked as she replied, "I find that sometimes the lines between the Dark and the Light can be faded… and in this case, the Dark magic is stronger. And that is what I choose."

Severus smirked even wider when he hard that, his face taking on a look that was just short of almost malicious; but inside, he was extremely glad. Hermione understood, now. Something he had always struggled with was really determining what was Light, and what was Dark; what was good, and what was bad- for the line was dulled, made transparent by the loyalties wandering forevermore to and fro through the gray. Severus himself continuously tried to limit his use of Dark magic as he grew older, for the cruelty that encompassed the Death Eater's every being was something he wished to escape. But regardless, Dark used for Light can sometimes be beneficial, Severus had to admit. He was glad that the brilliant girl had thought of that, for even at her young age and low level of experience she was healing Harry's body faster than he himself was.

The circle was eerily quiet as everyone watched the magic in elated silence. The only things that were breaking the dusty air were Ginny's whispered words of comfort to Harry; Severus and Hermione's healing words; and Harry's soft sobs of pain. The rest of them were completely silent, waiting for a word- waiting for news. Except for the few that were immediately close to the five on the ground, the people had no idea whether Harry Potter was truly dead or alive.

Hermione and Severus both stopped at the same time, exhausted, and looked down.

Harry wasn't completely healed, but it was better.

Only a quarter of the scars and bruises that had covered his body were gone; but new skin was in its place, and the broken bones seemed to be healed just enough to allow a light person to stand. The boy was mildly recognizable now, and the scar on his forehead- accompanied now by the seemingly millions of others- stood out alarmingly.

Severus smiled, just a bit, before standing and reaching out his hand. Harry grasped it tightly, putting his small amount of strength into being able to help pull himself up. Severus pulled the small body up without any problem except a slight draining of his strength, which he promptly ignored.

Ginny immediately latched herself delicately on Harry's arm, and Ron and Hermione also gathered protectively around Harry as soon as he stood. Severus stood just in front of the boy, looking directly into his eyes and speaking quietly enough so only he, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny could hear.

"Can you see, Harry?"

Harry nodded slowly. "It's amazing, sir. I don't understand it, but I can see again."

Severus nodded his assent to that, happy with the fact that some of his blame was now lifted off his shoulders. But then a frown replaced his thoughts when he said seriously, "You know this isn't over."

Harry frowned also, and the three standing with him followed in suit.

"I know. And I also know it has to be me."

Severus muttered angrily under his breath, and all the four caught was a few horrid curses and the word 'prophecy.' Harry grinned at that, nodding quickly at Severus. They both shared the exact same feeling, and they had discussed it before- this time was no different.

"Well then," Severus said firmly. "You know it's got to be you, then. But no one ever said you couldn't have help."

Severus' manic grin scared all four of them, and they walked slowly after the man, wondering what could follow.

Harry couldn't stand on his own.

--

What had been thought to be the final battle had already taken place. Millions assumed Voldemort had prevailed, and now they would surely die. Tears rolled down faces and they hugged their loved ones close, holding their last memories to their hearts on the doorstep of what would surely be their deaths. Even those at the battle of Hogwarts assumed it was all over, and many fled out of their cowardice. But those who remained heard the news- that Harry Potter was very much alive, but very much dead at the same time.

It wasn't over.

The true final battle was more weighted- toward the Light, due to a crafty plan devised in the heat of the moment and in the light of necessity. No longer would Harry Potter face evil alone. No, he would have those he loved next to him, with promises written on their hearts that they would never forsake him for their love- and those promises were readily believed, for love can overcome anything.

Severus Snape, Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley stood at the forefront of the circle that had surrounded Voldemort's encampment. The others stood behind them, also ready to fight.

The difference was, they were prepared to die. They were willing. They had a connection of healing and pain and love- those five- and they were willing. They were ready.

They expected to die, but if they had to, then they would die together.

--

hehe (: You have no idea how evil I feel right now. Don't take that as a bit of foreshadowing, that last line. It was just… dramatic impact. And… well… maybe a bit of foreshadowing. This is rather short, but I had limited time and wanted to get it up. (:

I mostly already have the next chapter planned out, or at least what will happen in the battle, but the outcomes are still up in the air. I know at least two people… maybe three… who will survive, but I really need to get a few deaths in there to make it seem real. Any ideas? I'm open to suggestions… anyone, really, I will consider. Dumbles? Sure. Sev? Er- maybe, I'll think on that one. Keep going?? Suggestions! :)

Review! :)