Severus Snape shook nervously as the Death Eaters crowded around the portkeys that would take them within a mile of the Hogwarts grounds. Yes, he was shaking nervously. Imagine that: Severus Snape was afraid of something.
He let loose a laugh of irony that went unnoticed among the insane cackling of those such as Bellatrix Lestrange. Imagine what the Order would say, or better yet, the Marauders.
Yes, those damn Marauders still haunted him, even if only one was truly left. Maybe it had something to do with their children. Yes, their children did a wonderful job of haunting him, Potter more so than the other.
Oh, great. He was getting distracted again. Right, the Final Battle was almost better. Need to try and stay focused.
Which brought him back to why he was shaking from nervousness. He wasn't sure what to do. Contrary to the beliefs of both Dumbledore and the Dark Lord, Severus Snape was completely neutral. He had no side he was all for. Both sides had their pros and cons and neither had captured his complete fancy.
But then there was the question of which side would win. For which side should he finally choose to offer his service and alliance? Damn it, if it were up to him, there never would have been a war in the first place, and he would have been able to live out his life in contentment as a respected Potions Master. Too late for that now, though. This damn war had ruined all that. Both sides had a good chance of winning, and his life would depend on what he chose, assuming he survived the battle itself.
They were almost there. The front gates were in sight. He would have to choose soon.
What would he choose? If he chose to fight for the Order and the Death Eaters won, he would no doubt be tortured long before death. If the Order won, he would receive little honor. It would always be that way. If he chose the Dark Lord's side and they won, he'd be given quite a bit of honor and live under fewer rules.
But what if the order won? Would he be able to stand their looks of disappointment and betrayal? Could he live through Albus's lectures and looks of sadness?
The first curse was flung. His time was up.
He had made his choice.
With his last resolve, Severus Snape raised his wand to a figure just beyond his arms' reach away.
"Avada Kedavra."
His redemption was offered.