Wow, thanks for all your positive feedback on this story! This chapter was really hard to write, but it was fun!
Not sure if I should end it here or write an epilogue or do a sequel… your input on the matter would be appreciated!
Don't flame me if my timeline is a bit messed up.
The ending is a tad Snarry. Don't say I didn't tell ya so!
Chapter 6 – Heroes and Friends
The morning of November thirtieth was one punctuated by a lot of excitement. The entire school was on board the Hogwarts Express along with the faculty members to attend what was sure to be a memorable moment in wizarding history.
Harry found himself sharing a compartment with Ron, Hermione, the Headmistress, and Snape. McGonagall was busy instructing Snape and Harry where they were to go once the train arrived, but both of them were only half-listening. Harry had never seen Snape in anything other that his usual teaching attire, and to see him now, dressed in a black business-type suit, was an interesting change. If Snape felt anything close to what Harry was feeling, he was doing an amazing job of hiding it. Harry alternated between the desire to faint and the urge to be sick, but Snape seemed calm, and focused his attention on the countryside as it sped by the windows. Harry watched him for a moment, and wondered how on earth he was going to tell his story without bringing Lily into it.
--
The moment came all too soon when he found himself standing beside Snape behind a temporary stage that had been erected in front of the Ministry. The noise that was issuing from the street was what really hit home the fact that this was no small event, and all the press attention, unwelcome as it was, was not yet over.
People rushed around, from Ministry officials to Muggle control officers, as both Harry and Snape waited to be called on stage. Reporters were struggling to get past security checkpoints.
'So, this is it,' Harry said, trying to diffuse some of the tension.
'It seems so,' Snape replied without looking at Harry.
Suddenly a stout man ran up to them, holding a scroll of parchment in one hand.
'Pardon me, Mr. Snape, Mr. Potter. I have been sent by the Minister to inform you that immediately after your speeches, there will be a brief question period in which various reporters and citizens will ask queries. Just stay on stage once you are finished.'
Just as quickly as he appeared, he vanished. Harry gazed to Snape and muttered, 'Great.' Snape, too, was not impressed.
The magnified voice of the Minister filled the air, and a hush fell upon the crowd. 'Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Ministry, and myself, welcome to what I am sure will be a fascinating morning. Before we get started, I would like to inform you of a slight change. Once the speeches are completed, Mr. Severus Snape and Mr. Harry Potter will be answering questions from the audience. So, if you have a question, please stand up and wait for permission to submit your inquiry. Without further ado, please welcome our true heroes, Mr. Severus Snape and Mr. Harry Potter.'
A deafening chorus of applause, shouts, and whistles rang out from the street. A young stage helper guided Harry and Snape through a curtain and up a set of stairs, which led onto the stage.
Neither one could believe the sight that met them. People of all ages and all walks of life were gathered as far as the eye could see. The street had been magically widened and Harry was immediately reminded of the stadium where he had watched the Quidditch world cup the summer before his fourth year. People were even standing on the roofs of buildings and mounted on various levels of staging. As they approached center stage, Harry wondered what kind of charms had been cast to keep Muggles from seeing such an event.
Harry stood beside Snape and looked out on the sea of faces, all of them were smiling, some were crying, and some girls that Harry recognized from school were flying banners. Harry smiled and waved to them. This wasn't quite as bad as he imagined it would be. He was used to being cheered on during Quidditch games, and comparing this moment to Quidditch made it feel much more bearable. But then, he thought of Snape, who was not accustomed to any attention. This was probably quite hard on him.
After what seemed like forever, the crowd finally settled down. Two stage helpers emerged, one carrying a podium and the other a chair. After placing them on the stage, they disappeared.
The Minister spoke, his wand pointed at his throat. 'Thank you so much for being here today.' He shook their hands. 'I think I speak for everyone here that we are forever in your debt for your courage in the face of opposition and death. We are truly honoured to be in your presence.'
Cheers rose up again, and once silence was restored, the Minister said, 'I would like to ask if Mr. Snape could please step over to the podium and I'll ask Mr. Potter to take the seat to the right.'
Both took their places, but before they parted, Harry patted Snape on the back without really thinking about what he was doing. He wanted to know that he supported him.
Harry sat down, eager to hear what Snape had to say.
Snape folded his hands on the podium. And without taking any parchment from his pockets, he began to speak in a strong and steady voice.
'Good morning. Many of you know me as a professor, and probably not a very pleasant one at that. Maybe you know me only from the handful of news articles that have appeared in the Daily Prophet during the past year. I have been asked to speak to your today about my role as a spy and my efforts to undermine Voldemort, but I do not come here to boast or to pretend I am something I am not. I do not consider myself a hero or a figure to be praised. My actions harmed as many people has they helped.'
Snape cleared his throat before continuing. 'I spent the better portion of 4 years between the ages of 17 and 21 in the employ of Lord Voldemort during his first rise to power. However, there soon came a time when I realized that I no longer shared his vision or supported his choices. I knew as well as anyone that once enlisted into subservience to Voldemort, one either remains faithful or dies. In my desperation I sought the counsel of Albus Dumbledore, who gave me a job teaching at Hogwarts. Voldemort believed I was there as his spy, when in actuality, I became a spy for Dumbledore in exchange for his protection from retribution, and, later on, for my services in protecting Harry Potter, the only person known to survive the Killing Curse, whom Dumbledore believed would one day hold they key to destroying Voldemort.
'Very soon after my appointment at Hogwarts, Voldemort vanished, and while most believed him to be dead, Dumbledore was convinced he would one day return, and thirteen years later, he resurfaced, and I was faced with a terrible truth – I had to give the impression I still supported him. In order not to arouse suspicion within the castle, I remained behind when the Dark Mark burned, returning only to his side once Dumbledore told me it was time.' Snape paused for a moment. 'Voldemort was not pleased with me. Without giving me a chance to explain, I was repeatedly subjected to several rounds of torture for not immediately returning to his side.'
Harry watched as the faces in the crowd showed shock and disbelief. He had never known about Snape being tortured. The thought had never even occurred to him.
Snape continued. 'Finally, he let me speak. From that moment on, I survived only by feeding Voldemort seemingly important information or by outright lying to him. I quickly rose through the ranks of the Death Eaters during the next year, trying to earn his trust without raising suspicion regarding my true motivations. He would often praise me, which was never an honour. For three years I lived a double life and Dumbledore was the only other person who was aware of it.
'Finally, there came a time when Voldemort planned remove Dumbledore from the picture, which he believed would allow him full access to Harry Potter. The task was given to Draco Malfoy, one of my students and the newest member of the Death Eaters. But Voldemort only gave him this impossible task so he could watch him fail, in which case, the task of Dumbledore's murder fell to me.'
Several people began whispering to each other in the crowd.
'I do not pretend to understand Dumbledore, but he insisted that I go ahead with the plan in order to preserve my cover as a Death Eater and to spare Draco from Voldemort's wrath. Sadly, I carried out his request, and no one regrets it more than I.'
Snape paused, and Harry was surprised at the amount of emotion in his speech.
'Before long, Voldemort had seized power of Hogwarts and the Ministry, and he appointed me as Headmaster, and under different circumstances, I would have welcomed the position with great honour. However, the position did give me the advantage of being able to control just how much terror the students were subjected to. While I am sure they will all say that it was the worst year of their school careers, let me assure them that it could have been much worse.
'But one man can only do so much. There are many others who should be standing here in my place – people who gave their lives fighting for a peaceful society, which they will sadly never see, and people who died for no reason – some simply for being muggleborn.
'I believe it is important for everyone to remember those who perished so that we can stand here today, free from the threat of a tyrant who has plagued us with his hatred and caused us pain and fear for so many years. Do not let the memories of those you loved and lost fade into the mists of time and do not abuse your freedom, for then their deaths are vanity.'
The crowd cheered, and Snape continued once they fell silent.
'Before his death, Dumbledore gave me the unpleasant task of informing Mr. Potter that in order for Voldemort to truly die, he, too would have to die. This caused me a great deal of grief, believe it or not, since part of my job as Dumbledore's spy was to preserve his life and ensure his safety, since he was believed to be the only one who could kill Voldemort. Harry had been on the run for several months, and when I heard that he had returned, I tried to seek him out, to tell him the dreadful news. But before I had the chance, the other staff members united against me and Voldemort summoned me away from the battle. Little did I know he intended to kill me to gain power over the wand he had stolen from Dumbledore's grave. It is a story to which I have very few details, so it did not – and still does not – make sense to me.
'He ordered his snake to bite me, which it did, and as soon as Voldemort left the room, Harry Potter and Hermione Granger emerged from a hidden passageway. Believing I was dying, I gave to Harry a memory which contained the information he needed. And Miss Granger managed to do enough for me to save me until I could be delivered to the school matron.'
Snape's eyes searched the crowd, and his eyes fell upon Hermione near the front.
'I would like to thank you, Miss Granger, for saving my life.'
The crowd cheered again, and Hermione began to cry as she smiled up at Snape. Ron put his arm around her.
'And I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Harry Potter,' Snape said, turning to face Harry, 'for defending me before the Wizengamot this past summer, which resulted in the dismissal of the charges against me as well as the avoidance of Azkaban and a possible death sentence.'
More cheers went up from the masses. Snape smiled at Harry, and he too, smiled back.
'Lastly, I would like to say that, while it does not change the past, I am truly sorry for my decision to join Voldemort in the first place. Someone whom I loved more than anything was murdered by Voldemort as a direct result of my poor decision. There is no glory in taking another person's life or in the acquisition of power used to enslave others. There is no purpose in separating Muggle from Wizard, and there is no shame in being a cross of the two. Celebrate your lives and your freedom, and, as Dumbledore adamantly believed, there is no purpose in our lives if we do not love. So love each other, because it is here, and only here, that we find beauty and ultimately, ourselves.'
Snape stepped away from the podium to a standing ovation. Everyone cheered and clapped, and a group in the back sent up fireworks with their wands, and several others joined in. Harry stood up and clapped as well, his eyes flooded with tears. Harry extended a hand to Snape, who hesitated only a moment, and both men shook hands. Snape sat in the chair Harry had vacated, and Harry stepped up to the podium to a warm welcome from the crowd. He waved to Ron and Hermione.
Harry smiled as he waited for silence to fall, and took the opportunity to arrange his cue cards in front of him. Plus, he had drastically revised his speech from what he had prepared with Snape, and was partially worried that his next public appearance might be in a casket.
'Thank you,' he said as the crowd began to settle. 'My story is one that has plagued the media for a long time, and I do not wish to rehash it here today. While I never knew I was a wizard or anything about Voldemort until I turned eleven, there isn't a moment in my life that hasn't been affected by him. I am an orphan because of him, and I never knew my mum or dad. I only know them through those who knew them.
'In truth, I am not special. I posed no real threat to Voldemort. I survived his attempt to murder me as a child because of my mother. She died standing between us, begging for him to spare me. She died because she loved me enough to die in my place. Her love was the real threat to Voldemort. Her heart and her goodness were things Voldemort could not understand, and her sacrifice protected me, which robbed Voldemort of his power and his body for thirteen years.
'I must say that becoming part of the wizarding world resulted in some of the best – and worst – times of my life. I finally truly felt like I belonged somewhere, and I made many new friends. But with the good comes the bad, and I made many enemies as well. I was an obvious target for the children of Death Eaters, the media, and for less obvious reasons, one teacher in particular. Aside from Voldemort himself, I believed the greatest threat to my safety was Professor Snape, who, for reasons I could never figure out, seemed to hate me more than any other student.'
Snape was growing rather worried as to where Harry was going with this thread of thought, as they had not discussed this in their meetings.
'But, upon reflection, he had good reason to be a tyrant to me, and to anyone, really. I do not envy what he had to endure for my sake, and the sake of all he fought to protect. If I were in his place, I do not know if I could show such strength in the face of what seemed like impossible odds. His life was on the line at every moment, and, as he has just said, someone he loved died at the hands of Voldemort, and he holds himself responsible for it. I speak now to both his current and former students – put yourself in his position, and imagine yourself trying to lead a seemingly normal life while carrying such a burden in your heart.
'In learning the truth about the reformed Death Eater, I have learned some very important things. First of all, while I have no idea what it is like to be faced with the choices Severus Snape has had to make, I am grateful that he was able to uphold his loyalties to Dumbledore and to the Order. His work as a spy and his sacrifices of time, comfort, peace, and freedom have been invaluable. Secondly, he is living proof that people can change, and is a reminder that we should not judge others before we know who they really are.
'It was inside one of Professor Snape's memories that I learned the truth about myself as well. Upon Voldemort's return three years ago, I learned that my infamous scar was a direct link to Voldemort's mind, which, as horrible as it was, also served as a form of protection for me. It gave us something in common, which, in a sense, made us equals. Of course, I later learned that my scar was really the result of having accidentally become a refuge for a fragment of Voldemort's soul.'
There was a collective gasp from the crowd.
'Rest assured, it is gone, along with the rest of him. It is for this reason I was supposed to die by Voldemort. Dumbledore knew I had to seek him out, believing I would be seeking out my own demise. But really, his Curse only killed the part of him that was in me, and at last, he was mortal.
'I want to point out that I did not kill Voldemort. Had it not been for Dumbledore's amazing insight into the way Voldemort's mind works, his incredible understanding of the power of love, and for Professor Snape's unwavering loyalty and trust to Dumbledore, a highly complicated series of events would have turned out very differently. Voldemort inadvertently killed himself as he attempted to kill me. Just as my mother's sacrifice caused the Killing Curse to rebound upon him 17 years ago, he, again, was struck-down by his own ignorance. Dumbledore always believed that he was his own worst enemy, and though I did not believe him until the very end, he was right.'
The crowd cheered for Harry. Hermione was teary-eyed, and Ron beamed up at him.
Once the noise subsided, Harry continued. 'There are many people to whom I owe my very existence. My father, James Potter, who didn't stand a chance as he rushed into the night to defend his family. Albus Dumbledore, who taught me so much about Voldemort, and protected me from him and his followers. The entire Order of the Phoenix, many of whom are no longer with us. My godfather, Sirius Black, who was never a Death Eater. The entire faculty of Hogwarts. The Weasley family. My best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Even my aunt and uncle who grudgingly agreed to raise me for ten years. And I know there are many more.'
Harry was about to continue when everyone decided to cheer again.
'But there are two people to whom I owe everything. My mother, Lily Potter, who gave her life so I could live, and Professor Severus Snape, who faced death and things far worse so that I could live.' He turned his head and looked at Snape. 'Thank you sir.'
Harry wiped a tear from his eye as the masses went wild again.
'I'd like to leave you by reminding you of what Professor Snape said. Life is a celebration, and we all have so much to be thankful for. Love each other, be kind, laugh, and forgive. Enjoy the little things, and remember those who died so that we can all live in freedom and happiness, in a world without Lord Voldemort.'
Harry stepped away from the podium and stood beside Snape. Harry, too, received a standing ovation along with a display of fireworks. The Minister appeared again on center stage, and a stage helper brought out a second chair for Harry.
When everyone finally resumed their seats, the Minister spoke. 'Thank you so much to these brave men for so willingly sharing their struggles and triumphs with us today.'
A small man appeared holding a blue velvet cushion with golden embroidery. Two medals rested atop it, and the man stood beside the Minister.
'Before we open up the stage for questions, it is my honour to present these men with the Order of Merlin, First Class, for their services to ensure the welfare and well-being of the wizarding world by defeating Lord Voldemort.'
The chorus of cheers that rose up this time made all the pervious displays pale in comparison. Harry and Snape came forward to receive their medals and shook hands with the Minister. Flash bulbs were going off everywhere.
'I would ask that you both step behind the podium and we'll get this question period underway.'
They obliged.
'If you have a question for either of these men, please stand up and you will be called upon,' the Minister said.
Nearly half the people present rose to their feet. The Minister called upon a stout witch a few rows back.
'My question is for Mr. Snape. What was your motivation in joining the Death Eaters?'
'I assure you, I have no justifiable answer. Sheer stupidity is as close as I can come to defending my choice.'
A man near the back spoke next. 'Harry, when did you learn that your professor was an ex-Death Eater?'
Harry quickly trawled back through his memory. 'I learned that he was a Death Eater in my fourth year. Up until late May of this year, I believed he was still a Death Eater who had somehow fooled Dumbledore into trusting him.'
The Minister pointed to another man holding a quill and a scroll of parchment. 'Mr. Snape, given your lengthy history with Dumbledore, can you shed any light on the accuracy of the statements made in Rita Skeeter's latest book, "The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore"?'
'I have not read the book, nor to I intend to, therefore I cannot confirm or discredit any of her statements.' Snape, however, spoke in such a way that clearly conveyed he had a very firm opinion of the book even though he hadn't read it.
Next a woman spoke. 'My question is for Mr. Snape as well. At any point during the war were you tempted to abandon your position as spy for Dumbledore and rejoin Voldemort?'
'Never,' Snape replied simply.
'My question is for Harry,' said a young woman he recognized from school. 'How did you feel upon learning that Professor Snape was looking out for you and projecting you from Voldemort?'
Harry cleared his throat. 'Initially, I was absolutely shocked, given our history and my belief that he was still a Death Eater. I never would have considered it a possibility.'
'Mr. Snape, how did you manage to betray Voldemort without being detected?' asked a middle-aged man off to the right.
Snape shifted his weight as he began to speak. 'A fair number of Death Eaters tried to convince him that I was a traitor. However, Lord Voldemort was a highly skilled Legilimens, and while I allowed him to perform the spell on me at any time, I actively employed Occlumency against him, and concealed my true loyalties as well as highly sensitive information regarding the Order and Harry Potter.'
'Harry, is it true you are a Parselmouth?' asked a woman wearing a ridiculous hat.
Harry smiled. 'Since I no longer possess a piece of Voldemort's soul, I no longer have that ability.'
Several more questions ensued, from what their plans were for the future, to whether or not they thought the Chudley Cannons would never win the Cup.
'One final question,' said the Minister. He pointed to a young woman with long blonde hair.
'Mr. Snape, who was the person you loved, why did she die, and why do you consider yourself the reason for her death?'
Every eye was on Snape, and the silence was so complete that a pin drop could have been heard. Harry looked to Snape, who seemed to be deflated by such a direct question. After many moments, Snape spoke. 'She was a woman who was, at one point a long time ago, a very dear friend. As for why I consider myself responsible for her death, I would rather not say. As to why she died, I consider it a grave disservice to her memory to divulge those details.'
Harry smiled.
'Well, that's all the time we have. Thank you once again for being with us today,' the Minister said as he shook their hands. 'It has been an honour and a pleasure.'
The crowd stood up and applauded again as Harry and Snape were ushered off stage. Harry breathed a sigh of relief. 'I'm so glad that's over,' he said.
Snape glared at him. 'You're not alone in your sentiment.'
Ron and Hermione soon joined them, giving him a hug.
'Well done, mate!' said Ron, giving Harry a friendly slap on the back.
Headmistress McGonagall soon arrived as well. 'I think we should all go out to Chez Cadence. My treat.'
'What's that?' asked Ron.
'A nice quiet little café here in London.'
Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all eager. 'What do you say, Severus?' asked McGonagall. 'I've already asked Filius to see the other students back without us.'
Snape's expression remained blank. 'Then it would appear I have little choice.'
--
After escaping a barrage of reporters and photographers, soon they were all sitting in a quaint café that smelled strongly of vanilla and cocoa beans. Each had placed an order and were sitting in a booth near the window.
'I do believe the morning was a complete success,' said McGonagall cheerfully.
Snape did not respond, but the other three agreed. They all sat together for nearly an hour when finally, Snape said that it was time they should be getting back.
--
Later that evening, Harry was on his way down to Snape's dungeon after receiving a note from him. He knocked on the door and sharp voice said, 'Enter'.
Harry found Snape at his desk, and he sat down as well.
Snape did not look to him or speak to him for several moments. Suddenly, he asked, 'Why did you not deliver the speech you had prepared?' his tone was more inquisitive than angry.
'Well, people don't need to hear any more about the facts of my life. I don't think I said anything that was out of line that implicated you with my mum.'
'You came very close, Potter,' he said.
'You did as well, sir. You said some things I never expected you to say.'
Snape was silent for a moment. 'While I nearly had heart failure during your speech, it turned out to be an improvement on what you had prepared before.'
Harry smiled. 'I'm glad you approve.' Harry dropped his gaze. 'You weren't entirely honest though, were you?'
'I'm pathetic enough as it is, Potter,' Snape said, his voice filled with defeat. 'What I said today is close enough to the truth without bringing the real reason into full view.'
'You're not pathetic,' Harry said. 'Voldemort was pathetic.'
Snape nodded his head. 'Yes, he was.'
Harry began to pick absently at his cuff. 'Sir, I have a question, and no one else that I have asked has given me a satisfying answer.'
'I cannot guarantee you I can do any better, but go ahead,' Snape said.
'After seeing your memories with my mother, and seeing how you both hated my dad, how did they…you know… end up married?'
Snape's jaw twitched, and a shadow of something painful drifted before his eyes. 'I believe I am at fault for that as well. She never forgave me for what I did to her, and Potter knew she was upset by it. Over time, he twisted the situation to his advantage. He stopped harassing me and everyone else and focused all his attention on convincing Lily he was what she needed, and by all appearances, it looks like he succeeded.' Snape sighed and stared at the floor.
Silence ensued for a long moment, and as they shared that moment of Snape's grief, Harry felt something change between them. It was subtle and abstract, but it was intense and overwhelming to the point that Harry began to sob uncontrollably. Ashamed of himself, he hid his face.
'Potter? Are you alright?' Snape asked, forgetting his sorrow as he expressed concern for the weeping boy.
Harry did not answer.
Snape, not really knowing what to do, stood up and cautiously approached Harry. He tentatively placed a thin pale hand on his shoulder to reassure him. 'Don't cry, Potter,' he said gently. Remembering how Harry had comforted him a few weeks earlier, he put his arms around Harry and held him close. Harry willingly leaned into him but still continued to cry.
'Look at me,' Snape said. Harry, wiping his eyes, tilted his head up to look at his professor. Lily's brilliant green eyes stared back at him, glittering with tears, and he felt a painful swooping sensation in his stomach. He brought a hand to Harry's smooth face and wiped away his tears. 'Don't cry, Po… Harry. Your tears are like rain that drowns me in sadness.'
Harry continued to gaze up at him, realizing that Snape had just told him the same thing he had once told his mother. Harry knew that when Snape looked at him, he saw someone he loved. And now, Harry was beginning to feel the same way.
Without considering Snape's reaction or the implications of what he was doing, he craned his neck up and his lips met with Snape's. He saw the look of shock and fear in his eyes, but he did not push him away. It only lasted a few seconds, and Harry finally pulled back.
'I'm sorry,' he said.
Snape didn't respond.
'I think I need to get some sleep,' Harry said, rubbing his red eyes. 'It's been a weird day.' Harry stood up, and Snape back away a bit. 'I have one more thing I would like to say before I go.'
Snape waved his hand to indicate him to go on.
'I've been thinking a lot about that last memory you showed me a few days ago.'
Snape narrowed his eyes, but did not interrupt. He seemed temporarily mesmerized.
'I'm a bit too old to need a father,' Harry said. 'But I'll never be too old for a friend.'
Harry left Snape standing in stunned silence. Snape smiled, and just as Harry's footsteps faded into the distance, a single tear slid down Snape's pale skin and fell to the floor.