Disclaimer:
Not mine, all Rowling's.

A/N:
REWRITTEN.
If you think my grammar is awful, please tell me, I want to get better and it's been quite a few months since I've had a proper English lesson and even longer since I've written anything in English.
Enjoy.

The wind caressed Severus Snape's cheek, as a new tear began to form in the corner of his eye. It was not the first tear that Severus had shed that evening, his already wet cheeks verified that. A tragedy had happened, and Severus was currently standing with the outcome of it.
In his arms he held, what for a long time to come would be called a miracle. Severus studied the bundle in his arms, his eyes kept going back and forth between the scar, formed as a lightning bolt, and the dark hair that reminded him of buried memories of painful times years ago.

James Potter had made Severus's life a living hell at Hogwarts and as much as Severus wanted to let go of that imbecile's child something made him hold it tighter, after all the child was all Severus had left of Lily too. To Severus she would always be Lily Evans, the girl he forever would be deeply in love with and nothing could change that, not even that fact that she had chosen to marry James Potter.

Severus felt a hand on his shoulder but did not bother to look who's hand it was.

"Severus," the kind voice of Albus Dumbledore spoke to him, but Severus refused to acknowledge his presence. Let me grieve alone and in silence. Severus thought as a shiver went down his spine. He would never be able to see her and hear her laughter, and he missed it so much. Not a day went by where his thoughts did not wander towards Lily, his beloved Lily.

As Severus stood there with Lily's child, he could not help but feel defeated and vulnerable, his secret was out now. There was no way he would be able to hide the fact that he still loved his childhood crush. The tear that had form in the corner of his eye rolled down his cheek, followed by many more.

"I-I should have done s-so-something. I should have wa-warned her." Severus stuttered as he struggled to comprehend that Lily was dead and that it was not a nightmare. The stream of tears made it even harder to express his thoughts. A part of him wanted to disapparate to a place fare away, or if it was possible, go back in time and be a better friend to Lily so that this maybe never would have occurred.

Severus had cursed himself since that day he, in a moment of stupidity and anger had called her a mudblood. I should have been better. He looked at the night sky as if he somehow would be able to find answers among the stars, but the sky that had been clear, was clouded with no stars to be found. Severus turned his attention to the bundle in his arms. Harry James Potter, Lily Potters son, was sound asleep. The child was not the slightest distressed, he looked peaceful as if the world around him was not filled with chaos and mayhem.

"Don't blame yourself, Severus. It was foolish of you, but you were led astray, blinded by the madness, it happens." Albus said knowingly as he squeezed Severus's shoulder. Although it was meant as a kind and reassuring gesture the miserable feeling did not leave Severus.
He looked at Albus with fury dancing in his eyes, "I should blame myself. This is my fault and you know it, Albus."

Severus turned away from Albus. He did not want to show just how defeated he really was, he felt miserable enough without Albus's pity. Once again, he looked at Harry. I hope you can forgive me. He pulled the bundle closer to his chest, unable to stop the constant stream of tears.

A crack took Severus's attention away from the child just to see that it was Minerva who had apparatet to Godric's Hollow.

As she came closer, Severus was able to see that Minerva too had cried and still was crying.

"Albus, please tell me it isn't true." It almost sounded as if she was begging him.

Severus turned to Albus who, with a silent answer, just shook his head. Minerva covered her mouth with her hand as a sob left her.

Minerva managed to calm herself as she asked Albus what to do with Harry. But before Albus could form an answer Severus had already answered for him.

"Let me take care of him. It's the least I can do."

Both Minerva and Albus stared at him with disbelief in their eyes.

Severus could feel that Harry was beginning to move which only lead to Severus holding him tighter.

"What about the Dursleys?" Albus asked curiously, but before Severus could answer, Minerva cut him off.

"Harry will not grow up with those people, Albus. I have been watching them all day, they're absolutely horrible!" Minerva exclaimed.

The usual twinkle had left Albus's eyes when he answered Minerva's outburst. "It would be good for Harry to grow up where nobody knows who he is."

"With two horrible adults and an even worse child?" Minerva asked in disbelief while looking as if she wanted to hex Albus back to Hogwarts.

Albus avoided Minerva's glare and brushed a non-existent crumb of his lilac robe and turned his attention towards the bundle in Severus's arms. "Take him back to the castle, Severus. We'll discuss the matter there. Wait for me in my office, I have something I need to take care of."

And with that Albus apparated away and left Minerva and Severus with the still sleeping child.

Severus glanced at the house that was in front of him. It seemed so empty, almost as if the life that had been present only a few hours before had been sucked out of it. The mere thought of Lily's dead body lying in Harry's nursery send at shiver down Severus's spine.

He could feel Minerva starring at him, but he did not turn around, instead he took a step towards the house.

"If you do take him in, then promise me you'll keep him safe, Severus." Minerva's voice was filled with sorrow.

As he took another step towards the house Severus looked over his shoulder. "I promise."

Severus straightened his back as he came closer to the house though what he really wanted was to crawl under a rock and hide.

Severus reached the doorstep and heard the loud crack Minerva made when she disapparated away.

The door was wide open, and the lights were still on. Severus moved closer to the entrance of the house. He inhaled the cold air and stepped inside. A couple of photos caught Severus's attention as he stepped further into the house. The photo that had caught most of his attention was a photo of Lily. It was a picture of her as a little girl. Severus recognised the paper she was holding in her hand. It was her letter from Hogwarts. She had an excited look on her face and a smile that could light up the whole world. Severus remembered that day as if it had been yesterday. Lily had met him at the swings in the afternoon and told him about her letter and Severus who had been just as excited had told her about his letter.

Carrying Harry with one arm he took the photo and looked around to see if there was anything else, he needed to take with him. Severus glanced at James's body when he walked past it, there were no life left in his eyes, nothing of the James who had tortured him throughout his time at Hogwarts was left. Only the unruly hair, which Severus hoped Harry would not inherit. Severus felt remorseful as he went up to Harrys nursery. Though Severus had wanted James dead, he had never really expected it to happen, at least not like that. I tried to change the Dark Lords mind. I tried. He kept reminding himself as though it would chance the horrible situation he currently was in or the guilt he rightfully so felt.

He tried to avoid Lily as he walked through the door to Harry's nursery, but it was impossible. Severus tried to get a hold of himself, if not for himself then for Lily. He held Harry closer to his chest as he grabbed a stuffed animal from the cot. A picture of Lily, James and Harry glanced up at Severus and without second thought he picked it up and pocketed it. Harry will need this. He thought to himself as he looked over the nursery as if he was packing for a holiday and was afraid, he might forget something. In the corner, leaning against the wall was a broom just small enough for a child to use it. Now is that really necessary? But as the thought crossed his mind, he picked it up and weighted in his hands. It didn't weigh much, and Severus could easily fit it in his cloak, but something didn't fell right about it. Severus left the broom where he found it and picked up 'The tales of Beedle the Bard' instead.

Harry began to move in an attempt to stretch himself but didn't get very far with it. He opened his eyes and looked up at Severus. It was like a part of Lily was looking at Severus. While trying to hold the tears at bay Severus stole one last look at Lily before he apparated away with Harry.

It was a tired Albus Dumbledore who was sitting in the dimly lit office. It had been a long night and it wasn't even over yet. I need Harry, for the greater good. If Severus would just let him go. He sighed and reached for a lemon drop. Before him sat an ominous looking Severus, who had refused to let go of Harry despise Albus's constants attempts.
The door to the grand office opened and the remainder of the members of the Order entered, each and every one was looking miserable. Marlene McKinnon held Remus Lupin's hand as the young werewolf tried to compose himself. He was undoubtedly filled with sorrow as he began to realize it wasn't a bad dream and that he in fact had lost his childhood friends.
Albus observed his Minerva curiously as she entered the office and closed the door, she looked even more horrified than she had in Godric's Hollow. She was without doubt a gifted witch, but she had always only been mediocre in the mind arts, it was therefore not a problem for Albus to enter her mind, almost unnoticed by her. He pushed past the first of her occlumency shields only to see a distressed Sirius being taken by ministry officials for a crime he of course had not committed. As anticipated young Sirius went for revenge. Maybe it's for the best. He lost his concentration for a moment and found himself pushed out of Minerva's mind before he could reach any further. Minerva's face was painted with hatred as she stepped closer to Albus. He shook his head lightly as and indication that they would speak later. Albus had been alerted as soon as the fidelius charm had been broken but having heard the prophecy he knew what needed to be done and therefore refused to interfere. She will understand, once she knows it's for the greater good. He cleared his throat before addressing the room.
"As you all know by now, Lord Voldemort has been defeated, but is has cost us greatly." His gaze fell on a dreadful looking Remus whose face was red and swollen. A great sacrifice but a necessary one indeed, Albus mused.

Elphias Doge was the first one to speak, "So, it's true the Dark Lord is finally gone."

Albus shook his head, "The dead never truly leave us, but for now yes, Lord Voldemort is gone." A shiver went through the members of the Order when Albus spoke the Dark Lords true name.

"What about the boy," grunted Alastor Moody and pointed at the bundle in Severus's arms. The rest of the Order looked at Albus each curious to see what would happen to The Boy Who Lived, he had after all vanquished the Dark Lord.
"I'm sure every magic family would be proud to raise him." Dedalus Diggle broke in. The rest of the Order nodded approvingly at the statement.

"I'll take him to Sirius," Remus said as he let go of Marlene's hand and stepped closer to Severus. He reached for Harry but was stopped by Minerva clearing her throat. "I'm terribly sorry Remus but you can't."
Remus turned around and looked as his former Head of House. "And why not." Confusion was painted on his face. Albus answered the confused Gryffindor, before Minerva had composed herself. "Because he's in the ministry's custody." Albus managed to look miserable enough for it to be convincing. "He killed Peter Pettigrew earlier this evening."
"Surly that can't be true." Remus stated disbelieving.

"I'm afraid it is."

"What about Harry then? You won't send him to his aunt, Lily always said her sister hated anything that had to do with magic." Remus retorted heatedly.

For the first time since entering the office, Severus looked up. Anxious to see where the conversation was going.
"I can assure you Remus that Dumbledore won't dream of sending young Harry to those muggles." Minerva laid a comforting hand on the young adult's shoulder. Though comfort was not to be found in the stern gaze the Deputy Headmistress sent Albus as she comforted her former cub. Admitting his defeat, he decided that it would be better to adjourn the meeting before he truly would feel the wrath of the scot.
Albus stood to gather the members attention. "We have lost many of our people during these past years." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Family and friends but we shall remember them with pride. We shall not let them die in vain." He looked at each of the members of the Order before continuing. "I will adjourn the meeting for now, we still have a lot to discuss but for now let's celebrate. We have reached the light at the end of the tunnel." He nodded and let most of the members out of his office. When he turned to those that remained, he found them lost in their thoughts. Remus was still comforted by Minerva who had transfigured a much more comfortable chair for the werewolf to sink into.
Albus shifted his gaze to the last McKinnon. She looked curiously at the bundle in the young potion master's arms. Marlene McKinnon had suffered more than most during the war. She had lost her family during a Death Eater attack, she herself had not been home but had returned hours later only to find her family dead. After that she had become ruthless and had even accomplished to hunt down one of the Death Eaters that had killed her family. From what Albus had heard, Travers had died a painful dead. He shook his head. He had never killed himself, at least not that he knew of. He had suspected that it had been himself that had killed his beloved Ariana, but he couldn't be sure. Not then and certainly not now, too many years had passed.
He closed the distance between himself and Severus and flicked his wand into his hand. If I can just confund him. But before he could attempt to confund the young potions master, Minerva stepped between them, her gaze was as stern as ever.
"You are a manipulating old fool if you think I won't take Harry from those muggles should you choose to place him there." She had her wand pointed at his chest. Albus could feel the fury radiating from his Deputy.

"Minerva calm down." He held up his hands in a placating manner before being pushed against the wall by an angry Remus Lupin. "She's right, you're a foul bastard if you send him to those muggles."
Albus found himself in quite the predicament. He had thought it would be easy and had certainly not expected the situation he currently found himself in.
"Remus let go of him." Pleaded Marlene, as she pulled her friend away from the Headmaster.

Albus spoke as he smoothed out the wrinkles Remus had caused in his distress. "Since Sirius can't take care of young Harry, his only living relatives will have to do." He soon wished he'd never said anything. Before he could retreat, four wands had been pointed at him all belonging to four very capable people.
"Don't you dare send him to those despicable people." Spat Severus, much to the others bewildered glances.

"Severus, my boy. Don't be foolish." Albus once again flicked his wand into his hand but kept it out of sight, he was ready to stun the young man, should it be necessary.
Severus backed away from the Headmaster, as he did, he closed the distance between himself and the fireplace.
Albus had realized where Severus was standing and tried to negotiate with the young potion master. "I'll give you the job as potion professor and even make you Head of House, if you hand over the boy." But it didn't matter, Severus seemed to already have made up his mind.
"Forget it, Dumbledore." Severus shook his head, "Let Slughorn keep it."
Albus ignored the three wands still pointed at him, he needed to secure Harry. Severus doesn't get it. He can't see the bigger picture. He therefore raised his wand and pointed it at Severus, who was only inches away from the fireplace. "I'm sorry, my boy, but you give me no choice."
"Albus what are you doing," exclaimed the shocked transfiguration professor, as she lowered her guard for a brief moment.
Albus had taken his gaze off Severus for a brief moment, his wand still pointed at the young man. "What has to be done, Minerva, Harry is too valuable."
Severus carefully slid his wand back up his sleeve without Albus noticing it, he was ready to flee. Discreetly he reached and took a handful of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace.
"Immobulus", bellowed Albus, but it was too late. Severus had disappeared in the green flames.
"You fool, Dumbledore." Barked Remus as he fired a nasty curse at Albus, who calmly deflected it as if it was nothing but a mere fly.
Albus shook his head and sunk down in his chair behind his desk for the second time that night. He reached for a lemon drop but was hindered by Minerva who had hit his hand with a bone-breaker curse. He hissed in pain; it had been many years since anyone had had any luck when aiming at him. "Professor McGonagall, I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour form my staff." The usual twinkle had left his eyes.
"Be that as it may, Albus. But you deserved it, maybe this will learn you to stop meddling with things that don't need your meddling." Her nostrils were flaring as she turned around and march out the door, closely followed by Marlene and Remus who shot Albus equally displeased glares.
Albus sunk further down in his chair as he tried to tend to his broken hand. "It could certainty have gone better." He mused to himself.

The clock had just passed two in the morning. The news about the Dark Lords fall had travelled fast and Tom had heard many obscure versions of how the event had taken place throughout the evening. Some had claimed they had been near the Potter's house when it happened and even claimed to have seen the Dark Lord turn to dust. Tom chuckled; the death of the Dark Lord had quite quickly become one large game of telephone.
"Get some sleep, Tom, I supposed you'll have a full house again tomorrow," said a large man in bright blue robes as he passed the barkeeper.

"You're probably right," laughed Tom as he placed a clean glass on the shelf over his head.

"Goodnight, Tom," said the last guests as they left the Leaky Cauldron.

"Night." Nodded Tom as he dried another glass.

The door has just closed when the fireplace burst into bright green flames. Tom looked surprised as the young Severus Snape stormed past him without acknowledging the barkeeper.
"Young people nowadays," he mused as the door closed once more.

A brisk wind caught Severus as he stormed down the road. The streets were almost empty. He turned down the first ally he could find and disapparated to his childhood home.
"I will need strong wards to keep that old git out." He muttered as he opened the door. There was a faint scent of whisky and citrus, it smelled exactly as he remembered it. He turned on the light and looked around. It was considerably dustier than the last time he had been here. I'll fix that later. The last time he had been at Spinners End was when his father had mother had died after he had finished his last year at Hogwarts and his father had followed her shortly after. Severus didn't miss them much, they had never been caring or loving for that matter. Most of the time they wold argue and even forget that he existed. No is not the time to dwell on the past, Severus schooled himself as he walked towards the old leather armchair. He narrowed his eyes and concentrated as he transfigured it into a cot for the boy to sleep in. For the last time he checked that Harry was indeed asleep, before he began warding his childhood home.