Hello again!

Thanks to me and my stupid coming up with stories at four in the morning and wanting to tell them even if they end up seeming strange on paper, I present yet another crossover story. I'm having a really difficult time in my regular life right now. Writing stories helps me cope.

WARNING: This is a crossover universe story, so things may get a little weird. If you're familiar with the world of Haibane Renmei, there is a heavily implied plot point in which you find out that most of the Haibane seem to have met a painful death in the Real World, either through suicide or some other traumatic sort of death that the soul must take time to recover from.

In the Harry Potter universe, I feel that there is a particular character who, upon death, would not move on to whatever is next (either rebirth or some sort of afterlife).

So, what do you think it would take for Severus Snape to be ready to move on? Love? Friendship? Finding a place where he feels as though he truly belongs?

This story may or may not involve romantic love. There will also be a number of OC's.

In any case, I hope you enjoy what I'm trying to do.

Chapter 1: The Water's Call

Wet warmth surrounded him. It was so comforting, he simply wanted to lie there forever, floating shrouded by water as the greenish blue light filtered down from above. He had no fear of drowning, for he had no need of drawing breath. He wrapped his arms around his body, not out of cold, but out of comfort. He'd come from somewhere, but he couldn't remember where, exactly. Something had happened. Something painful.

He frowned.

That was all he could remember.

Perhaps it was a blessing, though

A small golden light was making its way down from above like a tiny drop of sunlight into his warm, green, watery cocoon. Somehow, he knew not to be afraid.

A tiny fish.

A friend.

You're here to help me, aren't you? he said without moving his lips and the fish nodded, sliding the warmth of her (for he knew she was female the same way he knew that he did not need to breathe) glowing scales against his cheek and swimming up as though pointing the way.

He shook his head, dark hair fanning out around him like dancing seaweed.

I don't think I can go where you want me to go. It doesn't feel right.

The little fish swam below him and tried comically to push him upward, but he reached out a pale hand and gently grasped the little golden creature, bringing her up to his face.

Thank you. I know you're trying to help, but I will be fine. I'm sure we will see each other again.

The fish nuzzled firmly against his cheek as though accepting his words, and he noticed that her eyes were the most beautiful shade of green he'd ever seen. Just like the water around him.

With one last whispery brush of her long, gossamer fins, she was swimming up, up and away the way she'd come, and his heart ached just a little before it passed and he felt a heat rise into his chest and calm him as he drifted further down into the comforting, watery darkness.

He slept.