They sat there in silence for a long time before either of them spoke. Snape humiliated at having to tell the boy he hated most his most inner feelings. Harry felt so much pity for Snape, but his anger still flowed deep. There was no excuse for killing Dumbledore.

"How did you meet her?" Harry finally asked, wanting to hear the story so he could understand fully.

"During our first potions class." said Snape; a slight smile on his face that he didn't even know was there. "It's true what professor Slughorn was saying last year. She was truly gifted at potions. We were the best in our year, and I daresay the school."

"But you hated her." said Harry still quite confused "You called her a Mudblood. You can't love someone and call them names like that"

"I was an arrogant teenager Potter," said Snape coldly "I'm sure you know all about that." Harry ignored this comment and began pacing the room again, trying to get his head around what Snape was trying to explain to him.

"Did anyone else know?" Harry finally asked.

"Do you really think I would admit to being in love with someone like Lily Evans? Someone that is so unlike me. We were from two different worlds Potter. Can you imagine what I would have had to deal with if anyone had ever found out? Can you imagine the look of pity your mother would have given me every time I walked passed her in the corridors?" said Snape, sounding strangely miserable.

"So is that why you hated my dad then?" asked Harry, "because he got my mum and you didn't? Is that why you hate me? Because I remind you of my dad?"

"I disliked your father because he was an arrogant show off. Just like you." said Snape, the anger at the mention of Harry's father clear in his voice. Harry finally understood why Snape acted the way he did. He didn't feel relieved, he didn't suddenly like him, but he felt better that he finally understood why this man had hated him so much when he was only eleven years old. Harry was a reminder to Snape of everything he had lost, of the woman he had loved and the great person he had sacrificed by serving Voldemort.

"At least I'm not a murderer." said Harry, and was relieved to find more anger towards Snape. He had been feeling quite uncomfortable with these new feelings of pity.

"Dumbledore knew what might happen. He knew I had made an unbreakable vow to save Draco. He knew that either he or I would have to die. He chose himself to die, another thing I have to live with everyday. He felt that my cause was greater than his life. He begged me to kill him, do you know why Potter?" said Snape, throwing an angry look at Harry. Harry was too shocked by what Snape was saying to do anything but shake his head.

"For you. All of this hard work is all for you. So that you can defeat the Dark Lord and rid the world of evil at last. I hope you do it, otherwise a lot of lives will have been wasted for nothing."

Harry sat back on the chair and stared at the floor for a long time. Was it possible that what Snape was saying was true? That Dumbledore knew he would have to die either way? Is that why he made sure that Harry knew of the Horcruxes? Is that why he made him see his true fate with the prophecy? He remembered Dumbledore's last words 'Severus please…' Was it possible that he was begging Snape to end his life?

"You looked so evil when you killed him. You looked like you hated him," said Harry numbly.

"I hated myself. I had to murder the only person that had put his faith and trust into me. The only person that would stand by me no matter what. Wouldn't you hate yourself?" Harry nodded dumbly and they sat there for a long time, saying nothing, each lost in his own thoughts. Eventually Harry removed the binding charm from Snape and unsealed the doors. Snape stood up stiffly and regained his usual air of hostility. Members of the Order came flooding in, wands still raised and pointing at Snape. Harry stood up and observed him, before finally reaching his decision.

"He's fine everyone. Don't attack him, he's…on our side." Everyone stood shocked at Harry's comment, but eventually there were cries of outrage and accusations flying across the room. Harry and Snape stared at each other before Harry finally stood on the chair so that he could see everyone.

"STOP!" He shouted "DUMBLEDORE TRUSTED SNAPE…AND I DO TOO. STOP THIS FIGHTING AND LETS GET ON WITH THE MEETING." Everyone fell silent, but professor McGonagall stepped forward, eyeing Harry with doubt.

"Harry," she asked, "Why have you made this decision? Tell us so that we can at least understand. No one trusts Severus now, you must see that." Harry looked at Snape before replying, and Snape was obviously nervous.

"You trusted Dumbledore's opinion. Now trust mine. I'm sure Snape will tell you everything that happened on the night of Dumbledore's death. As for the rest, take my word for it. He's on our side," said Harry with finality in his voice.

The rest of the meeting was very quiet, with Snape explaining his version of Dumbledore's death. Most of the Order still didn't trust Snape, but they also knew that he was extremely valuable to them. When the meeting had finished, Ron, Hermione, Luna and Susan went back to the cottage. Harry caught Hermione's eye before leaving and gave a small thumbs up. She smiled at him and said-

"Be careful Harry," trying not to betray her emotions in front of so many people. Lupin, Mad eye, Mr Weasley, Neville and Harry readied themselves to find the death eaters, and Harry wondered what could possibly make this evening more remarkable.