Thanks for the reviews and compliments. They mean a lot to me. Here's the next chapter. Hope it measures up to the suspense set by the cliffhanger I placed on chapter three.

Well, then, for this chapter, I want to thank Nichel Gaba for giving me new ideas for the plot of this story. Your theories were amazing. Sorry if I sort of have to adapt one of them to form this chapter.

SHOUT OUT TO ALL FILIPINOS READING THIS FAN FIC!

CHAPTER FOUR

SNAPE'S CONFESSION

"Severus here, came to me minutes ago, bearing important information" said McGonagall shakily, looking at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. "He has implored me to remain calm and to listen to his side of the story regarding the recent events that involves him."

No one spoke. Time seemed to stand still as all five of them stared at each other. McGonagall, noticing the dead silence, finally spoke again. "Come, let's go to my desk. There we shall sit down and hear what Severus has to say."

They all walked slowly out of the backroom and into the main space of the headmaster's office. McGonagall sat behind her mahogany desk and the rest sat on the chairs that she conjured. Snores filled the room as the headmasters of before in the many portraits pretended to sleep.

"Now," began Snape. "I am sorry for what I have done to Dumbledore. Yes, I have killed him. I know you don't want to hear this and I don't know if you would believe my explanation but well, I feel I owe everyone an explanation."

Harry looked at the floor, unable to stare at Dumbledore's murderer. He though, was listening intently to Snapes words.

"Years ago," started Snape. "When The Dark Lord was in power, I was a Death Eater. I was given the mark of the Death Eaters, the Dark Mark, on my arm, as you know. I was particularly useful to the Dark Lord with my extensive knowledge of the Dark Arts and so, I quickly gained positions in the upper echelon of the Death Eaters. Deaths were everywhere, all of whom were the doing of the Death Eaters. I was, indeed, tasked to kill many and I did."

McGonagall was staring at Snape with her thin lips thinner. The many wizards in the portraits were now failing miserably in pretending to sleep, listening to Snape.

"When I was in the Hogs Head, Dumbledore was conducting an interview with Sybill Trelawney, apparently disappointed with what he was seeing in her since she was indeed a fraud. Suddenly though, she went into a trance and the prophecy regarding the Dark Lord and Harry was born. I heard some of it, the part mentioning that the one who can vanquish the Dark Lord will be born July 31st. That was when I went to the Dark Lord immediately. By then, I knew Dumbledore was going to accept Sybill into staff despite her being a fraud for her life was in danger since she was the one who prophesized."

"Once the Dark Lord knew part of the prophecy, he acted on it immediately. He searched for infant wizards born July 31st and found Harry. He did not know that Neville also matched the qualifications stated by the prophecy so he went after the Potters. The Potters, of course, went into hiding. Later on, I learned something that turned my life around. I discovered that my parents were killed years ago on the Dark Lord's orders and so, I swore that I will be against him from then on. That was when I consulted Dumbledore. He welcomed me and promised me protection. Being a brilliant Occlumens, I was able to shield my mind from the Dark Lord's sight and was able to hide from it."

"I knew, of course, that I had to be involved in Dumbledore's quest of destroying the Dark Lord. I was inducted into the Order and I became a spy for Dumbledore within the Death Eater circle of Voldemort, who did not know what I have been up to and the change of heart that I had. I was useful to Dumbledore, of course. That was when he revealed to me the full prophecy."

Harry now looked at Snape's eyes. For once, the eyes did not reek of hate but of sorrow. It was almost pitiful.

"I learned of the burden that Harry was born into and so, I knew how Dumbledore valued him more than his life. That was when it happened. Dumbledore, who still lacked trust for me, asked me to bind an Unbreakable Vow between the both of us. He made me pledge that I will forever remain loyal to the good side and to protect Harry at all cost for he said that Harry's life valued much in ensuring hope to the wizarding community."

Harry suddenly shifted in his seat. He did now know of this Unbreakable Vow. That was why Dumbledore was so trusting now of Snape; because of the Unbreakable Vow. Snape now faced Harry. Severus, for once, was talking personally to him without hate.

"That was why I killed Dumbledore, Harry. When the Death Eaters broke into the castle months ago, I knew that your life was in danger. As I was in the Astronomy Tower with Bellatrix and the others, Dumbledore was cornered. He stared at me and told me through his mind, as he is an excellent Legillimens, that you, Harry was under a cloak, unable to move. Don't you see, If I had not killed Dumbledore, my loyalty to the Dark Lord may be doubted. I won't be able to act as spy. If I had not killed Dumbledore, the Death Eaters behind me will kill him and find out that you were under the cloak. They will hurt you, Harry, and kill you. I cannot let that happen since I was under the Unbreakable Vow. Albus knew of this, so he knew that he had to die to protect you. Albus, before he died, said "Please, Severus" and I knew he was asking me to protect you, Harry, after he dies. That was when I killed him with the Killing Curse. I then led Draco and the rest of the Death Eaters present away from the tower immediately so that they won't detect your presence."

Warm tears were now forming under Harry's eyes as the thought of Dumbledore sacrificing his life for him dwelled in his mind. It made sense to him. Snape's explanation was very plausible and very logical and so, with that, doubts of Snape's loyalty vanished in Harry's mind. He knew that Snape might be a difficult and unfair teacher but he was just that, not at all evil.

McGonagall was also getting teary eyed as she looked up at the portraits, particularly on the one where Dumbledore was in. McGonagall, seeing Albus inside the picture frame nodding in agreement with Snape's explanation, was convinced that Severus was not lying in his confession.

"Now, Severus, you may stay here for the night. We have a spare room..." said McGonagall but Snape cut in. "No Minerva. I cannot stay here for the Dark Lord will know. I must return to him."

Harry then, started to feel sorry for Snape. Going back to Voldemort must be difficult. Snape though, had to do so.

The night then, went on with the usual back to school celebrations but Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat silently by the corner, digesting what they have just learned.

The next day, classes began as always. First was Defense Against the Dark Arts with Lupin, starting the day on a high note. The seventh year Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors went to the classroom with their new books and sat on their desks. Lupin then walked towards the center of the room with shabbier clothing and a thinner physique.

"Today, we will learn of something very personal to me" started Lupin as the students were facing him from the chairs. "Werewolves."

Some students started whispering as Lupin went on. "Yes, I am a werewolf, as you all know so I think it would be to your advantage that I am your teacher since who else would be better a teacher teaching about werewolves that a werewolf himself."

The seventh years laughed as Lupin smiled. He then continued. "I know Snape has taught you about werewolves in your third year but well, we will study it again as it is in your seventh year Defense Against the Dark Arts syllabus."

The lesson went on well and the students welcomed Lupin happily as their new teacher. That night though, things were not as funny when bad news reached Harry. Harry was eating dinner with Hermione and Ron when McGonagall yet again, summoned them all to go to her office. They skipped dessert and went up the stairs to the headmaster's office. Once they knocked, the door opened and inside was McGonagall with the rest of the Order including Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"Harry, Ron, and Hermione, come in." said McGonagall and the three friends followed. Once inside, McGonagall stood from her mahogany desk and started to talk: "I have called you all here bearing bad news. Severus Snape, who has been loyal to us all this time, is now in St. Mungo's after the Dark Lord attacked him."

The Order members' faces were all alarmed. Harry and his friends were also startled at this news.

"The Dark Lord discovered Severus Snape's whereabouts last night, which was here in the castle, and with that, knew of his loyalty to the Order and to Dumbledore. Due to this, he was hexed mercilessly by the Dark Lord, leaving him barely alive." continued McGonagall. "Enchantments are now being placed upon his ward in St. Mungo's by the Ministry to protect him from further attacks. At this rate, we are in danger of losing one of our most important assets in the Order. Severus is serving as a spy of us and well, if he dies, we will be blind to the occurrences that are happening within the Death Eater's circle."

A storm raged on as the Order members went home one after the other moments later. Things are now falling apart in the magical world, especially after Dumbledore's death. Minerva, now bearing the full responsibility of ensuring the survival of the wizarding community against Voldemort—a burden Dumbledore once carried—cried alone into the night.

END OF CHAPTER FOUR