Author's note:
This chapter is almost 3k words long. Hopefully your tissues are nearby :') I hope you enjoy!
End of Year 7
TW: Blood, death, snakes and venom
As Severus gets nearer and nearer the Shrieking Shack, he can't help but have a bad feeling about this.
Everything should be fine, the Dark Lord has the Elder Wand. Could something indeed be wrong?
He then stops in his tracks, hesitating. Could the Dark Lord have found out? Could he possibly know that he isn't the true master of the Elder Wand?
Shaking off the thought, Severus slowly enters. When he does, he notices the Dark Lord is waiting with his snake.
"Severus," the Dark Lord says, facing the man. Severus bows to him.
"I am sure you know why you are here" he starts, seeming like he's looking for any reactions.
"I haven't gotten the slightest idea, my Lord" Severus tells him, giving a confused look.
"You see, Severus… The boy will show up tonight, meeting me in the Forbidden Forest. However, there's one problem… The wand isn't working probably. It seems as if I can't do my potential with it" the Dark Lord says, looking irritated.
"You have performed extraordinary magic with this wand, my Lord, in the last few hours alone" Severus states.
"No," the Dark Lord hisses.
"No. I am extraordinary, but the wand… resists me" he says, slowly approaching Severus.
"There is no wand more powerful. Olivander himself has said it" Severus points out.
"Tonight, when the boy comes, it will not fail you, I am sure of it" Severus assures, hoping he believes him.
The Dark Lord merely looks at him, not saying a word. That scares Severus.
"It answers to you… and to you only" Severus continues. "Does it?" the Dark Lord questions, finally saying something.
Severus tries not to show his concern. Does he know?
"My Lord?" Severus asks, trying to sound oblivious.
"The wand… does it truly answer to me?" the Dark Lord asks, circling Severus.
"You are a clever man, Severus. Surely, you must know - where does its true loyalty lie?" he questions, looking into the Headmaster's eyes.
"With you… of course, my Lord" Severus says, his hands behind his back. He's truly getting nervous now.
"The Elder Wand cannot serve me probably, because… I am not its true master" the Dark Lord suddenly says.
Severus' heart is beating fast. He knows.
"The Elder Wand belongs to the wizard who killed its last owner" he continues.
Severus tries his best not to show his surprise. Does the Dark Lord believe that… Severus is the master of the wand?
He walks closer to Severus once more, his snake hissing behind him.
"You killed Dumbledore, Severus… While you live, the Elder Wand cannot truly be mine" he slowly says.
Severus is bewildered. Is he going to…?
"You have been a good and faithful servant, Severus…" the Dark Lord lets him know.
"But only I can live… forever" he declares, looking murderous.
There's a long moment of silence…
"My Lord?" Severus asks, breaking the tension. He hopes he won't do what he thinks he's about to do…
But it's too late.
A slicing sound can be heard as the Dark Lord flicks his wand.
Severus' throat is cut open, blood immediately leaving the wound. He falls hard to the ground, breathing heavily.
He barely gets to register what has just happened before the Dark Lord continues.
"Nagini… Kill" he orders his snake.
The snake immediately lounges its attack, biting Severus' throat several times. He tries his best not to scream as it bites him with its sharp teeth, more blood dripping from the new wounds.
As it finally stops, Severus can't breathe. He can't get any air into his lungs as he loses more and more blood, the wounds hurting a lot. He has never felt such horrible pain before.
As the Dark Lord looks at Severus, he hisses something in Parseltongue before he and his snake disapparate.
Severus has no idea what to do. He can't stop the bleeding. Even if he did, the venom would still kill him….
While he's lying on the cold ground, covered in blood, he hears someone entering the Shack.
It's Potter, Granger and Weasley.
As Potter approaches him and tries to stop the bleeding in vain, Severus can't help but let his emotions show. Despite the boy's hatred towards him, he actually tries to save Severus.
However, Severus Snape is dying and nobody can save him.
He knows this is it. He has to do one last thing before leaving this world.
As a single tear leaves his left eye, Severus gestures to it with his hand. "Take it, take it… Please" he begs them.
He might die a hated man, but hopefully his memories will help them understand why he did what he did.
Potter immediately looks at his friends, slightly panicking. "Give me something! Quickly, a flask, anything!" he asks them.
Granger hurries towards them, handing Potter an empty vial. The boy holds his former Potions Master still while he collects his tear with the vial.
"Take them to the Pensieve" Severus tells them, trying to keep himself awake. He's gulping for air, ignoring all the pain he's enduring.
"Look at me" he demands while looking at Potter. However, for the first time in his life, it comes out soft.
The boy immediately does as he says, tears in his eyes.
"You have your mother's eyes" Severus tells him, looking into his eyes.
The boy truly does have Lily's eyes. At least he got to see them before his death.
As Severus is about to slip into unconsciousness, he watches the Gryffindors hurry out to head towards the Headmaster's office.
Once he's alone, Severus tries his best to stay awake. This is it. This is how he will die.
He will die alone, hated by everyone.
He regrets having to fight McGonagall. She has always been his favourite colleague, a true friend.
And Lucius… Seeing the look on his face, he must have known it was the last time they would ever see each other again.
The man merely did what he was told to. However, Severus could tell he didn't want him to go.
He then sighs. He didn't get to say goodbye to his Godson… He didn't get to say goodbye to Y/N.
Y/N. The thought breaks Severus' heart. He will never see her again. He will never see her shy smile nor be in her comforting company ever again…
He will never see her damn owl again, the owl he has come to adore…
But there's more. One very important thing.
He won't be able to tell her…
To tell her he has fallen for her.
That's right, Severus Snape is in love.
All this time, he has tried to deny it. Denied how much he truly appreciates and enjoys her company, denied how much he loves to hold her hand, to hug her…
Denied his Amortentia. He knew who it was immediately, he could recognise her scent anywhere…
And who else has a brown owl as a Patronus? She has a brown owl herself which she adores, for Merlin's sake!
Her presence made his life worth living.
However, he will never see her smile nor hear her laugh again…
He will never hear her say his name again. He loves when she says his name. It just sounds… so much better coming from her lips.
Lips that he will never be able to kiss…
Even if he did survive, he probably wouldn't tell her his true feelings.
She likes someone else after all. He still has no idea who it is, but whoever they might be, he hopes they will make her happy. She deserves it. She deserves it more than anyone else in this damn world.
He loves her more than anything else.
Ever since she started Hogwarts, his days have become brighter. All thanks to her.
"I love you, Y/N" he whispers, wanting to say it out loud before his last breath.
He then falls unconscious, letting darkness take over his body…
—————————————————————--
Severus embraces the darkness. Maybe this is better. Maybe death is what he deserves.
It's rather peaceful. In death, no one will bother him. No one will stress him out.
He might be lonely, but he's used to it. He became completely alone the day his friendship with Lily ended.
It might have saddened him, but never seeing Y/N ever again saddens him at least ten times more. He will truly miss her.
He can't help but wonder if she will miss him as well…
No, he shouldn't think about that. She needs to move on, she needs to live her life. He just hopes she will be happy.
"Severus," a voice says.
Great, even in death he won't be left alone.
"Severus!" they repeat.
Wait a minute, he recognises that voice… It's Madam Pomfrey. Did she die as well?
"Severus!" another voice yells.
No. It's McGonagall. Did everyone die? Did the Dark Lord win?
Suddenly, Severus leaves the darkness and enters the light. He's breathing heavily, coughing.
As he opens his eyes, he immediately shuts them again. Too bright…
Wait a minute, did he open his eyes?
He dares to do it again. As he does so, he looks at his surroundings. He's in the Hospital Wing.
Is this a dream? There's no way he survived. A snake's venom is fatal.
His train of thoughts is interrupted as somebody hugs him quite tightly. It's McGonagall.
"Severus, you are awake! We thought we lost you… Oh, I cannot believe what Albus asked of you! All this time, I thought…" she says, trailing off.
Clearing his throat, the woman finally notices his discomfort. She immediately lets go of him.
"So… Potter saw my memories?" he questions, his voice dry and hoarse.
McGonagall nods. "He did. Once he killed You-Know-Who, he told everyone what you did. You are truly a hero, Severus. I am so glad you are still with us" she says, tears in her eyes.
Madam Pomfrey offers him a glass of water. Once he has taken a few sips, he can't help but sigh in relief.
The Dark Lord is finally gone.
He however can't help but worry…
"Did we… Did we lose anyone?" he asks, dreading the answer.
McGonagall looks rather sad. "We did… Quite a few. Among them were Fred Weasley, Remus and his wife, Nymphadora Tonks" she tells him, wiping away her tears.
As she does so, Severus looks at a bed in the corner. On that bed is a boy lying… It's Colin Creevey, and he's dead.
Severus sighs at that. He never wished for anyone to die.
"We haven't been able to move him yet… Everything has been so chaotic" Madam Pomfrey says, sighing.
"How… How am I still alive?" Severus asks after a moment of silence, looking confused.
He has no idea how this is possible. He should be dead.
Smiling, McGonagall gestures for Madam Ponfrey to follow her. As the two of them leave, Severus looks puzzled.
Why are they leaving? Why aren't they telling him?
This isn't a dream… is it?
A moment later, somebody enters the Hospital Wing. He doesn't even get to register who it is as the person throws themselves at him, hugging him tightly yet making sure not to hurt him.
"Severus!" they exclaim, nuzzling his chest to avoid his throat.
Severus immediately knows who it is. Their voice, their scent…
It's Y/N.
He immediately hugs her back, much tighter than ever.
"I thought it was too late…" she whispers, a few tears leaving her eyes.
Severus is in tears as well. He thought he would never see her again.
"Y/N…" he whispers, his arms still around her protectively. He sighs in relief.
"How am I alive?" he questions, hoping she will tell him.
Wiping away her tears, she looks up at him. She smiles.
"Y/O/N found you. He immediately flew to me, insisting that I followed him. When I did, I found you… Lying on the ground, looking dead rather than alive. There was so much blood… I did all I could. I stopped the bleeding, wrapped the bandage around your throat… Used the antidote to the snake venom. Thank Merlin I had that in my bag" she says, sighing in relief.
Severus widens his eyes. She's the one who saved him.
"How did you get that in your possession?" he asks, looking curious.
"Remember when I volunteered at St. Mungo's Hospital? It was the same day Arthur Weasley was saved. Apparently, they were just going to throw the remaining away… But because I did such a good job, they told me I could keep it if I wanted to" she states.
Severus looks surprised at that. They were just going to throw the rest of the antidote away? Thank Merlin Y/N kept it.
"You saved me… Thank you" he whispers, looking grateful.
"Of course I did. I couldn't let you die" she whispers back, trying to blink away her tears.
Severus can't help but wipe away her tears with his thumb. She blushes yet smiles at that.
He wants to tell her. He deeply wants to tell her how he feels. But he can't. He knows she won't like him back.
How could anyone like Severus Snape?
Besides, she likes someone else. He won't ruin her chances of love. He just hopes the person will love her, respect her and treat her how she deserves to be treated. She deserves happiness.
Speaking of love… "I was just thinking… What will happen with your and Draco's arranged marriage?" he questions, raising an eyebrow.
Y/N smiles. "It's cancelled. Now that You-Know-Who is dead, we won't have to get married. We are all so happy about that. You should have seen my father and Draco's father's faces, they looked so relieved" she says, giggling.
Lucius. Severus wonders what happened to the Malfoys.
"You have talked to Draco and his parents?" he asks, looking worried about them.
Y/N nods. "Yeah, I have. When the war was over, the Aurors came to catch the Death Eaters. The Malfoys tried to get away, however, they didn't get far. But lucky for them, they weren't going to turn them in," she starts.
"You see, Draco's mother, Narcissa, she's the reason that Potter could defeat him. She told him that he was dead. It however turns out he wasn't. She lied to him. Because of her actions, the Malfoys were pardoned. Draco's father isn't allowed to have a wand until he has proved himself, though. He and other Death Eaters have to join a "Muggle accepting" course. My father is one of them. He won't go to Azkaban as he showed the memory of my mother's death. They know that he didn't wish to continue working for him" she explains.
Severus nods at that. He's glad to hear that the Malfoys won't go to Azkaban.
"So… What will you do now?" Y/N then asks, looking curious.
Severus sighs. "I think I will retire. Being a spy has taken its toll on me. I just want peace" he says.
"How about you? What will you do after Hogwarts?" he asks, intrigued to hear her plan.
She smiles at that. "If anyone deserves peace, it's you, Severus. And I'm planning on doing an internship at St. Mungo's Hospital once I have completed all my NEWTS. Madam Pomfrey has said with all the help I gave, I will definitely be able to get my internship. I just hope she's right" she says, looking a little insecure.
Severus gently tilts her head by grabbing her chin to make her look at him.
"If anyone can do it, it's you" he assures her. She blushes but smiles at him nonetheless.
She then remembers something. "Oh, right. Draco wanted me to tell you that you are invited to his and Pansy's wedding in a few months" she tells him.
"Thank you for letting me know. When will your wedding be?" he asks, smirking as her face turns bright red.
He might not be the one to wake up next to her every morning, but he definitely won't miss the opportunity to witness her happiness.
"Oh, I'm not getting married…" she says, trying to let her cheeks calm down.
Severus raises an eyebrow at that. "You aren't? I thought you fancied someone?" he questions.
She sighs. "I do, but… Let's just say it's complicated" she decides to say.
Severus sighs as well. Will she ever tell him who she loves?
McGonagall then enters. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but your father has come to take you home, Ms. Y/L/N" she states, looking between the two.
Nodding, Y/N turns to Severus. She then hugs him.
"Promise you will write to me?" she asks, sniffling.
Severus hugs her back, protectively.
"Of course. Perhaps, if you would like, you could visit me during the summer?" he asks, hoping she will say yes. He doesn't want to say goodbye forever.
"Always. Just let me know when you want to see me" she says, chuckling.
Severus wants to reply "Every day". He however keeps his mouth shut.
They stay like that for a while before Y/N reluctantly leaves his arms. Much to Severus' dismay.
As she leaves, McGonagall smirks at him.
He raises an eyebrow at that. "What?" he growls.
"Oh, nothing. Nothing at all…" she innocently says, leaving him alone in the Hospital Wing.
Severus sighs to himself. If only he could tell Y/N. He however doesn't have the courage to do so. He doesn't want her to be disgusted with him.
He would rather stay friends with her than never seeing her ever again. He loves her too much to do that.
He will just have to live with unrequited love.
Unbeknownst to him, it isn't unrequited at all.
Author's note:
Did you really think I was going to let Severus Snape die? I'm not that evil *devil emoji* Also, there's a surprise later today, so stay tuned!