Snape got back to his quarters after meeting with Draco and the Gryffindors, his mind racing and his heart pounding. Somehow, some way, they had managed to do what so many had failed to do. They had bridged the gap of Slytherin and Gryffindor, put aside all childhood torments and were… friends. But not only that, it was clear to him that there was romance between Draco and Granger, and if Pansy returned the feelings he saw plain on Potter's face then it was not one couple that had defied the odds, but two. He couldn't fathom it. But worse still, they knew of his love for Lily. James Potter's son knew that he had loved Lily Evans and that it was strong enough for him to be loyal to no man. There it was, displayed on that chalkboard, so plain and obvious for all to see, his greatest joy and his greatest regret all in one place.

The guilt and anger that he had been holding onto for so many years finally came bursting forth. He started sending all manner of curses, hexes and dark spells into his room. He destroyed everything that he could see, anything that could be broken he utterly decimated until it didn't remain. And then he sunk to the floor, his hair hanging loose over his face and for the first time since that fated Halloween night 15 years earlier, he wept.

'What will you do now Sev?' Came the voice of Lily that always haunted his thoughts. He carried her with him always, yet always he disappointed her. He would not release his anger or his jealousy at James Potter, he would not treat others with the kindness he never received, he would wear his guilt like a shield, like armour, like a second skin that would protect him, and she was always...dismayed.

'Will you finally see? Will you finally grow up?' She continued to torment him.

'Will you be the man I always knew you could be? The one I was proud to call my friend?' Why would her voice never give him peace? Doesn't she see his sacrifice?

'Can't you see that they have fulfilled all you ever wished for?' Why did she make light of his pain, why couldn't see he was doing all he could!

'Can't you see that he is not James? Will you finally help my boy?'

And with that thought in his head, Severus Snape crawled into a ball in his room and fell asleep, his dreams plagued by Lily Evans, tormenting him, goading him and ultimately, despising him.

-break-

The next few days passed slowly for all those involved in that night. Ron was a shell of his usual self, quiet and withdrawn. Lavender would sit next to him and hold his hand, but he barely noticed she was alive.

Harry and Hermione shunned him completely, and despite people knowing that the three had grown apart this year, this newest development caused all manner of suggestions and rumours to abound.

Pansy had to stay in the hospital for three more days before Madam Pomfrey was happy to release her. She had woken the next morning, in pain, weak, but in good spirits. Draco had been relieved to see her the next morning and had spent as much time as he could, filling her in on all that had happened after she fell unconscious. She was just as angry as the rest at Ron, but agreed with Draco who had convinced her to leave it alone.

The remaining trio did not meet on the Thursday, instead working through the thoughts and emotions that still lingered. Harry continued to sneak into the Hospital Wing after curfew with the aid of his Cloak and hold Pansy's hand while she slept. Each night she awoke to find him sitting there, her sleep always calm and peaceful through his presence. They never spoke and she didn't mind.

Snape had not come to lessons for the next two days. This had meant an anxious wait from the group to see what would happen, but when he returned and there was no word or actions that would have shown he had informed anyone of what they were doing, they believed he was going to hold to his word.

Pansy was released on Saturday, but due to the nature of the weekend they were not all able to make it together until Monday night. Harry was thankful that it was an off week to his training with Dumbledore so he could see Pansy when she arrived.

Harry and Hermione were in the room first and Harry was nervous to see her. Hermione was doing her best to calm him down.

'Harry, it's going to be fine, she is fine, there is no need to stress.' Hermione spoke, trying to get him to calm down.

'What? What do you mean?' Harry replied quickly, failing at acting like he didn't know what she was talking about.

'You are pacing up and down and rubbing the back of your head continuously. I have known you for almost six years, that means you are worried or stressed. So I will say it again, relax Harry. It will be fine.' Hermione reassured him.

'I just… I don't know what the fuck is going on.' Harry said finally and sat down into his chair.

'With what Harry?' Hermione asked

'With all of this. You and Malfoy are holding hands and hugging, things are changing between us all. I don't get it. How did this happen? I mean, I was sneaking into the Hospital Wing to hold Pansy's hand while she slept so that she would feel safe. What is that?' He looked at Hermione, desperate for a response.

'Oh Harry.' Hermione responded with sympathy in her voice. 'Things are changing between us all because we like them, and they like us. We have discovered that they are more than what we thought. Draco is much more than he shows. He is intelligent, kind, warm, funny, quick witted and incredibly gorgeous.' Harry screwed up his face at that last bit, but Hermione just laughed. 'He is Harry, and all of us girls have known it for a few years now. He was always such a dick that no one went there. But I have gotten to know who he is outside of his father. He has changed in so many ways, abandoned so many things he was raised to believe, and I feel for him, My heart wants him, and so does my brain. I can tell he feels the same and so we are taking those steps. We have not spoken about it all, but we will soon. For now I am content with what is happening.' She explained with a smile, to Harry who was listening with interest.

'Tell me Harry, what do you think of Pansy, honestly. No judgments, just tell me.'

Harry sat back in his chair and thought for a few moments before he let the words that had been consuming his thoughts the past few months come tumbling out.

'Honestly Hermione, I think she is brilliant. She is smart, funny, sarcastic, and doesn't take anyone's shit. She is a powerful Witch and is so smart, I learn something from her all the time. She speaks her mind and stands by her friends. She makes me laugh, but also scares me a little.' Hermione was smiling as her friend spoke. 'Her icy blue eyes captivate me, I can't stop looking at them. I think she is so beautiful, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, even when she scowls, there is something about it I just can't get enough of. And bloody hell do I want to know what's under those bloody robes, because if it is anything like her personality and her face, well then fuck me.' He finished.

Hermione just burst out laughing at that and Harry joined in. It was true that wizarding robes covered both the female and male bodies quite nicely that you were always guessing as to what was underneath. Hermione had finally got a bit of an answer when she had gotten a bit more physically closer to Draco over the last week, but she too wished to see all that he had.

'So what do I do?' Harry asked Hermione, desperate for her help.

'I think you are doing brilliantly already Harry. There is no need to rush anything. This is all new for all of us and you can only go at your own pace. Don't worry about anyone else. Ron and Lavender moved so fast, but I know they won't last. Fast doesn't equal sustainable, I mean look at me and Victor. It can, I suppose, but I doubt in their case. Just keep being her friend and when things feel comfortable take the next steps and see how she feels.' Hermione offered.

'Okay Hermione. Thanks.' He replied gratefully.

'Anytime.'

-break-

'Pansy, for the last time, relax!' Draco laughed as they finished climbing the steps of the fifth floor on their way to meet Harry and Hermione. Pansy had been stressed about seeing Harry and how he was going to react to seeing her after the incident.

'But he held my hand for three nights in a row Draco! That shows he wants to be a couple, what if he wants to hug me? Or kiss me? I... I am not ready for any of that.' Pansy finished quietly and a bit unsure of herself.

While Pansy knew that she had developed feelings for Harry, she was scared about acting on them. His presence had been such a soothing balm for her while she slept in the Hospital Wing, and the first night back in her dorm she had been secretly hoping that he would appear and hold her hand again. Her sleep since had been nowhere near as restful. But despite all of that, she had never had a boyfriend and didn't know what she wanted. Her parents had been a useless example of marriage and a pitiful one of love. They clearly did not care for each other and barely tolerated her existence. She was an heir and that was all she needed to be. A relationship, to her, was nothing but misery, and she didn't want that with Harry. He brought her hope, laughter, joy and weightlessness. She never wanted to associate him with misery, or look at him the way her mother did her father.

'I know Pansy, and that's okay. You can only go at your own pace with these things. Besides, I don't see Potter doing any of those things. He seems as clueless and as scared as you do.' He laughed and then yelled in pain as she punched him on the arm.

'Fucker.' She said in a faux anger, to which Draco just laughed again. 'What about you and Hermione? It seems things are moving forward with you two well enough?' She asked, wanting the spotlight off herself.

Draco sighed a happy smile. 'I had never expected this Pansy. You know I have always found her fascinating. Sure, it was jealousy and my fathers bigotry at first, but I have always paid attention to her. She is brilliant in so many ways and I just feel lucky that she sees beyond my past and sees me for who I am now. She initiated all the contact when you were unconscious, and it felt amazing. I am happy with how things are progressing between us. She is giving me a reason to keep fighting. At the start of this year I was convinced I was going to die. Now, well now there is a future I can see and I want it.' Draco finished.

Pansy was astonished. She had seen the changes in her friend, but this was at a whole new level and she was happy for him, however anxious she was for herself.

They arrived at the classroom and as they entered Harry and Hermione came over.

Hermione ran over and gave Pansy a huge hug. 'Oh my god Pansy, it is so good to see you! You are looking so good.' Pansy was surprised at first but returned the hug earnestly. She had never had a close girlfriend before and she was starting to cherish Hermione's friendship. Hermione let her go but stayed close and continued talking really fast. 'I'm so sorry I didn't come and see you in the Hospital Wing. I really wanted to but I knew I couldn't without it being weird. Besides, I don't have an invisibility cloak or get invited on the late night visits.' she finished with a sly grin and then winked at Harry causing both he and Pansy to blush.

Hermione then turned and gave Draco a big hug which returned happily.

Harry took a tentative step towards Pansy and thought about reaching for her hand, but decided against it.

'Hi' he said softly, giving her an embarrassed smile.

'Hi' she responded, equally quiet and embarrassed.

Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco who covered a laugh and then two walked hand in hand over to the table.

'Are you feeling better?' Harry asked, concern in his voice.

'I am thank you. And thank you for sitting with me. It helped me sleep better.' she responded. Neither sure about how to behave.

'I'm glad.' Harry sounded relieved. 'I didn't want you to be alone.'

It seemed like Pansy was going to say something more when a doe Patronus entered the room.

'Let me enter,' came the voice of Snape.

The four exchanged looks before they agreed to let him in. While Pansy, Harry and Hermione all sat down in their chairs, Draco went over to the door and let Snape in. No words were spoken between the two as they walked back to the table. Harry again summoned Snape a chair and he sat down.

The four looked at him, their expressions interested and slightly cautious as to what he may have to say.

He breathed deeply and thought on all Lily had said to him and finally addressed the foursome. 'What can I do to help?' and with that the tension in the room broke, and Severus Snape started down a new path. The shade of Lily that had tormented his soul for so many years finally left his mind as he decided to help Harry Potter and his friends.

'Why would you help? Whose side are you on?' Harry demanded, his past with Snape disallowing him from accepting the man's help so quickly. Snape had sat quietly during their explanation and they had given him all they knew. Now that he was back and seemingly willing to help, Harry was going to get some answers for them.

Snape fought the urge to sneer at the young Potter. A lifetime of habit would not be broken so easily. 'As you have all rightly suggested, I am on my own side.' Snape explained as he would an instruction in class. 'I share no great love for Albus Dumbledore. He used and entrapped me at my weakest point, coercing me into an oath when I was vulnerable. But that feeling is only a fraction of the hate I hold for the Dark Lord.' He finished explaining and looked at Harry specifically, waiting for his response. Harry watched him for a few moments before nodding and turning to the rest of the group, the greasy haired potions masters explanation enough for Harry at the moment..

'Does Dumbledore know of Draco's mission?' Hermione asked, fear and concern layering her voice.

'He does.' Snape replied simply. He was interested in the various responses to his reply. Pansy seemed unsurprised, Hermione looked horrified, Draco looked scared and Potter looked furious. 'He does not expect Draco to succeed. He has been hoping that I would be able to gain Draco's trust and help him to see the error of his ways.'

'Is Dumbledore dying?' Pansy now asked.

'He is.' Snape replied, his answers being short and to the point. 'He was cursed by the ring and despite my best attempts to stop it spreading, it will kill him within the year.' Grim faces met this statement. Potter's previous anger dulled, but the fire in his eyes remained.

'He expects you to kill him, instead of me.' Draco asked. 'Why?'

'He believes that your soul is not tainted by evil yet and you need to be saved.'

'And what of your soul?' Hermione asked, concern and confusion in her voice.

'The Headmaster believes me killing him is another act of penance for the mistakes of my youth. Better to use an already damaged soul.'

'So no matter what. Dumbledore will die this year?' Harry clarified.

'He will.'

'And that is why you took the Vow. You knew he would die regardless.' Hermione summarised.

'Indeed. The Dark Lord had told me of Draco's mission before I took the Vow. I had spoken to the Headmaster and he made me promise to kill him instead of letting Draco do it. He used my guilt against me. I did not want to do it, but he left no room for argument.' he finished.

'What do you know of Horcruxes?' Pansy asked.

'I know that the Headmaster is looking into them. I believe he knows what they are but is playing this card close to his chest.'

'I thought you had his complete trust?' Harry asked, surprised that Dumbledore had not told Snape everything.

'He does not trust me, he trusts my hate for the Dark Lord and my wish to see him dead. There are many things he does not tell me.'

'Do you love my mum?' Harry asked, hoping to understand all that was going on.

A pause before Snape continued to be honest, 'I do.'

'Do you hate me?' Harry pressed.

'I hate what you represent. The future I didn't get.'

'Do you think my mum would be proud of who you became?'

'No.' He replied honestly. He knew it to be the truth. He had fought against the Lily in his head for years. He was not stupid, he knew how she would feel, but his hatred had been a balm to his soul.

'You're pathetic.' Harry said cruelly. 'Loving a dead woman and hating her child.'

Snape's eyes flashed in anger, but it was soon quelled. He replied, his voice tight. 'I accept that.' Each word spoken like it cost him dearly.

This answer shocked Harry and the others around the table. They were concerned about the direction of Harry's questions, but they hadn't interrupted, recognising that these were questions that needed to be answered..

'You admit it then!' Harry replied in astonishment. 'Why? What has changed? Why would you help us and tell us the truth now after all those years of torturing Hermione and me?' Harry questioned forcefully, he wanted answers, he wanted to know why this man was suddenly helping them.

'Because Potter.' he replied, honestly and without the tone he would usually give that last name, 'I see here in this room all the dreams I had hoped for myself coming true in each of you, and both my Masters ask too much of me. It is time I stop hiding and letting my future be directed for me. It is time I act and gain my freedom from the chains that bind me.'

'Will you swear a vow to help us, protect us and do all you can to help us stop the Dark Lord?' Pansy asked, aware that this would be another bond on this man.

'I will.' He replied.

'Even though you are now binding yourself to us?' Harry asked skeptically.

'If this is my path to freedom, then yes I will bind my soul once again. One last time with the hope that I can take a step without my masters pulling the bit in my mouth. Yes, I will be tied to you, for my own sake, and for Lily's child.'

The next 15 minutes were spent coming up with a Vow that would tie Snape to their plans and their goals, without hindering the ones he was already tied to.

Once the Vow was taken, Draco asked a question.

'Professor. Will you help us train?'

'You wish for me to show you more magic?' Snape asked. 'Why?', already guessing at their answers, but wanting to hear what they had to say.

'Because he will never stop hunting me and the next time we meet I do not want to be a pathetic boy relying on luck or Dumbledore to save me. I wish to fight on my feet.' Harry said firmly.

'I want to save my mother and I may very well have to fight through some Death Eaters to do so, including my father.' Draco added.

'Because I will be killed for who I am. A mudblood, a stain on his perfect world. I will fight for myself, but I have always stood by Harry's side and that is not about to change. If he fights, I fight.' Hermione joined in.

'There is nothing for me in the world the Dark Lord envisions. I want a chance to choose for myself what my future entails, a chance to be free of the ways of my parents and their precious pureblood circle. I fight for my own freedom.' Pansy concluded the group's reasons.

The four all answered with conviction and determination. Snape saw in their eyes that they were not going to give up lightly and were prepared for what they may have to do.

'Come.' He said rising and walking to the platform. 'Show me what you can do.'

For the next hour Snape put each of the four through their paces. He dueled each one and then asked for them to display some of the most complicated pieces of magic that they could.

He was impressed. He had known that these four were his best students, but seeing them show their full capabilities, he knew they were far beyond NEWT level. They had obviously worked incredibly hard. They still had much to learn and he knew he could help them, and so it was agreed. Snape would meet them one night a week and train them.

'You will need to learn how to not just fight as an individual, but to fight together. You may find yourself in a situation where you are outnumbered or even overpowered by one incredible fighter, of which the Dark Lord has a few, and so learning how to defend and fight next to each other could be the difference between your life and death.'

They ended their session exhausted, but glad that the night had gone well and that Snape was on board. He had agreed to relay to them all information that he could without breaking other oaths about both what Riddle and Dumbledore were up to.