Author's Note: Hi all. Normal disclaimer- the plot of this specific story belongs to me, and any characters (a.k.a. "Delian Trust") not associated with J.K. Rowling's work are probably mine...this isn't a crossover fic after all! However, this does bring back some characters that...I highly doubt are actually coming back (but we can be optimistic). I'm using artistic license...please don't hate me for it :) Anyway, so, if you want, I'd appreciate it if you left a review, but I won't cry if you don't...and flames are fine, they're your opinions after all, but constructive criticism is better! Without further ado - I hope you enjoy!

No Greater Love Than This

He had no idea where he was. He'd apparated with only the thought of escape, and a hope for a slightly more dignified death. He couldn't see straight, blood having run from the gash on his brow into his eyes. There was gravel digging into the cuts on his left hand, and his broken right arm was being held desperately to his slashed abdomen in an attempt to staunch the blood flow. Severus Snape had very little time left on God's Green Earth, and honestly, he wanted it all to just be over. The light seemed to dim around him for a moment, then the world went totally black.

When Severus opened his eyes again, he briefly wondered if perhaps he hadn't died because he was already in Hell. Although, he had to admit that for once Hell was comfortable; the sheets under him were soft and clean, the chocolate brown a soothing hue if one could describe such a color in that way. As he tried to gain his bearings, he could only know that the room was almost disconcertingly peaceful with its soft cream colored walls, and sepia Italian artworks. He sat up and was almost shocked to realize that there was no pain, no soreness in any muscle. He was just starting to get out of the bed when the door slid quietly open to allow into the room a woman that even Severus Snape had to admit was beautiful. Her gaze caught his, and if she was surprised to see him up and moving, she didn't show it. Quietly, she inquired, "How are you feeling?"

Wary, he didn't answer at first. "Who are you?"

She carefully set the tray that she had brought in down next to the door, never taking her eyes off the man in front of her. "You may call me Miss Trust. And considering you have invaded my home, I'd appreciate a little more respect - and I'd like to hear your name from your own lips."

A scowl had settled on his features. "Snape. Beyond that, I don't know how I arrived here, and you must earn my respect. I am not a man to be trifled with, girl. Now..."

"I don't have time for this. My uncle will do what he can for you, I'm sure. As for me, I'm not as trusting as he is. You can come in now!" she called out, her frustration clearly evident in tone and features.

As the door opened again, Severus couldn't keep the shock from his features when Albus Dumbledore walked through the door, that damned twinkle still in his eye.

One last author's note: I forgot to mention - there are allusions to Christianity, specifically Catholicism, but probably not a dwelling on the Church. I am Catholic, so it's easier for me personally and a little more comfortable for me to use a Catholic rather than a Protestant view (although I was only recently accepted into the Church and was originally Baptist - anyway, moving on!), but again, it might remain just an overall Christian bearing. Hope that won't discourage any of y'all :)

So, if you're going to review...is it worth continuing? Let me know if you want! There might be slight changes in this chapter tomorrow night, due to rereading it :) , but I should have the next chapter (a longer one probably too) VERY soon. Thanks so much!

Silmaril