Sorry for not updating yesterday, I was at a friend's house.
14 reviews and I couldn't be happier! I will not reveal anything yet -there is another authors note at the bottom to explain a few things...so enjoy and review! Love, Inspired.

Ch 10 Peace
Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much. ~Oscar Wilde

The agony of having to wait until the next Friday made Harry very anxious. When classes were done on Friday, Harry bolted out the door and did his best to finish all his homework before supper –he might need the entire weekend to make sure he didn't harm Snape. When he got to the Great Hall for supper and started shoveling food into his mouth, Ron was the one to tell him, "Slow down, Harry! Snape won't be drinking for a while yet. It'd be best if you're not in the infirmary when we do it."

Harry instantly slowed down and started a conversation with his neighbours. Ron's right, he thought, sneaking a glimpse at the Professor. His greasy hair was lying flat on his shoulders, pale face illuminated by the floating candles. He and Professor McGonagall looked like they were arguing about something. Dumbledore was talking to Professor Flitwick about a forest, seemingly oblivious to the banter beside him. Snape's eyes flew up and saw Harry staring at him. Snape sneered at him and returned to his argument.

"We need a better plan," Harry stated obviously, looking back at his friends.

"Why don't we get Dobby to add it in before he reaches the room, and then get him to apparate us into the room under the invisibility cloak?" Hermione suggested.

"Brilliant!" Ron exclaimed.

"All right, after supper, we'll head to the kitchens," Harry agreed.

"…and then you'll apparate us into his quarters under the invisibility cloak," Harry explained. "Is that okay Dobby?"

"Dobby is ready to help Harry Potter and his friends when he asks. Dobby is proud to serve," Dobby answered with a bow.

"Thanks," Ron said.

Dobby bowed again. "It is close to 8, sirs and ma'am, Dobby will bring Professor Snape his drink now. Do you have your cloak, Master Harry?"

"I do, Dobby. Hurry back!" Harry replied as Dobby left to give Snape his drink.

Not two minutes later Harry, Ron, and Hermione were apparting to Snape's quarters. The familiar suffocating feeling of apparation, and then there they were, feet planting firmly on the ground underneath the invisibility cloak. Snape stood swaying on the spot. His eyes were glazed over, and he was slowly weakening, sinking to the ground. Harry threw the cloak off them and ran towards him. He caught Snape underneath the armpits and slowly laid him on the ground. Glancing up at Ron and Hermione; Hermione looked terrified, and Ron was trying to calm her.

"Make peace," Harry whispered before Snape lost total consciousness.

Snape opened his eyes to find himself watching his younger self call Lily a Mudblood.

He shuddered at the scene. When it was finally over and done, the surrounding people changed to their adult selves. Lily and Potter, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew all stood before him. One was smiling, one was trembling, and the other three were calm. Snape wanted to lash out at each of the four men that stood before him, but decided better of it.

Lily was first to speak, her voice just as soft as he remembered it. Her green eyes sparkled as she spoke. "I see Harry has succeeded. Severus, you are now experiencing the effects of the 'Late Dream' potion. As a Potions Master, I'm sure you know all about that."

Snape was astounded. This wasn't just a stupid dream? He remembered experiencing tunnel vision and thinking that he caught a glimpse of Potter just before the blackness.

"What do you mean 'you see'?" How did you know Potter slipped it in my drink?" Snape asked suspiciously.

"It's a long story, Sev," she said, slipping Snape's nickname in with a smile. "Why don't we go for a walk? James, Remus, Sirius and Wormtail-" she spat in a very un-Lily like manner. "-will wait here." She added the last with a knowing look at the Marauders.

Snape's heart sank. If she was talking to Potter Jr., than she must know I am the one that caused her death…and how I treated her son…and how much I love her…oh Merlin Lily! Why do you have to know?

Lily took Snape's hand and they started walking by the lake on the beautiful Hogwarts grounds.

"Sev…"Lily began cautiously. "I think you ought to know that I forgive you. For what happened here." She gestured to the grounds. "It's okay."

"Lily, it's not okay! I called you a Mud-that word! You should not be forgiving me. I ended the friendship and I deserve it!" Snape argued. He didn't know why he wanted Lily to not forgive him; he felt like he wanted more than anything to run his hands through her fiery red hair. But she was a married woman, and Snape had been isolated from any sort of affection for so long, he wondered if he knew how.

"Look at me, Sev," Lily said softly. He obeyed. Her green eyes were sad; Snape hated that look in her eyes. "I forgive you. Please, let's sort this all out. That is the reason you're here."

Snape narrowed his eyes. "How did your son get me to drink it?"

"A house elf. But because I want to make sure you don't get the elf in trouble, the name will remain anonymous," Lily answered with a smile. "They tried three attempts-the first when you caught them in the dungeons. The second when you ordered a Firewhiskey and then went to your lab, and the third tonight. They went to the kitchens and had the elf pour the potion in your drink. He then apparated them under the invisibility cloak to your quarters after you drank it. If you look right now, you can see them caring for you." Lily held up a mirror. "Take a look."

Snape hesitantly at first took the square mirror from Lily and gazed into it.

His body was lying on his bed over the covers.

How did they get into my private quarters? No one knows the password, Snape thought nervously.

His question was answered when he saw a house elf pop into his room with a cold cloth. Harry carefully laid it on his forehead.

"It's all right Hermione!" Ron attempted to comfort the teary Hermione.

"What if we killed him?" she whispered frightfully.

"Hermione, look! He's still breathing. Calm down! Take deep breaths. In…and out," Ron instructed softly.

Harry sat on the chair by the bed and watched Snape's body completely carefully. The dream Snape was watching completely riveted. Harry had a look of concern cross his face. Snape felt sorry for the boy. He did try and help. He also looked scared.

"How angry do you think he'll be when he wakes up?" Harry asked.

"I don't know mate," Ron answered with a shrug. "You did break into his quarters, slip a potion into his drink, and knock him out," Seeing the terrified look on Harry's face, he quickly tried to make up for it. "But you also brought him into his quarters and made sure he was comfy, helped him with his problems, and still had the decency to worry about his health."

Harry exhaled. Ron was right, Snape wouldn't be too mad, at least, once he heard the whole story.
The dream Snape pulled his gaze away from the mirror and now looked at Lily.

"They…are trying to help?" Snape whispered.

Lily nodded. "Yes, Sev. You underestimated them. Not all Gryffindor are airheads. Do you know why they gave you that potion?"

Snape thought for a moment. "They wanted me to forgive Potter, Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew."

Lily eyes darkened as Snape spat the last name. She nodded slowly. "And do you know why they are trying to help?"

Snape winced inwardly. "They…cared."

"That's right, Sev. Come back and try and make peace with James, Sirius, and Lupin. I won't hold anything against you if you do not forgive Pettigrew."

"Lily…I…it's been so long," Snape shook. His face was white, and he was trembling. "I caused your death and…I never got the chance to say…" he trailed off then took a deep breath. "Lily, I love you. I have since the day I met. After your death…" he trailed off again. It was so hard. After all these years of agonizing over her death...to have her her before him...he felt tears burn behin his eyes, and his he felt so empty: she was not coming with him. He was talking to the deceased now, and there was no way to bring her back. Tat thought alone tore him apart, creating an empty black hole within him. His very insides screamed. Taking a moment to compose himself, he shook his head. "I miss you."

Lily looked at him sadly. "I miss you too, Sev."

Okay, so as I said at the top, I need to explain some things. Those of you who have a sharp eye must have noticed that Snape is talking to the deceased, and Lupin and Pettigrew were there. Yes, I killed them of in some unknown battle that I will leave to your imagination. I am a horrible person to do so, and as you have probably figured out, no Tonks/Lupin, and no Teddy. This is, however, and AU story. Voldemort is still very much alive, Dumbledore has not died yet, as this story takes place somewhere in September, and the rest of the plot is up to you. I am just easing into the Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny, but those are definite couples. I thank you for reading and please ask any questions/concerns you may have about the story!
Thanks for reading this!

Inspired.