Time After Time.

A Harry Potter based fanfic by MCGEEandME.

Disclaimer: I don't own Severus Snape, or Lily Potter or James or Harry. But I do own Rose Griphons. And I own these events (well, most), and the actions these wonderful characters perform.

Severus had fallen asleep in Rose's arms, as did she.

So, early that morning, Severus woke up still in Rose's arms. At first he didn't recognize the situation, but then it drifted back to him….

Severus shoved open the door he had just passed over. And instantly, his eyes found Rose, sitting on the chair adjacent to the door, silently weeping. At the sound of him opening the door, she looked up.

"Se—"

"Shhh," he replied as he put his index finger over her lips. Then, before thinking it over again, he moved closer and planted his lips upon her, deeply and passionately kissing her.

Her lips felt amazing against his, and after what seemed like an eternity, they broke apart.

Softly, she whispered, "You chased after me."

"I know," was all he said.

Carefully, and silently, Severus removed Rose's hand from his. He took one last look at her soft, innocent cheeks, and then stood up and turned away. Quickly finding some scrap paper and a quill, he scribbled down a note.

He felt he should write something sincere, but nothing came to mind. So, before rethinking his note, he scribbled 'I have to do something; I hope we will catch up later.

--S'.

-x-

Once again, Severus found himself at the London bridge, staring aimlessly off into the distance. He had to get away from this life. He couldn't take it any longer. But he didn't want to break down again either. No, he had to be strong this time. Too many tears he had shed over both his lives. And he was tired of it. He wanted to make a stand. Something had to be done. He wanted to make himself feel better.

And his thoughts drifted back to Lily, and her emerald green eyes….

-x-

Severus wasn't sure where he could find him, but he had an idea for clues….

Severus picked up a newspaper at Diagon Alley (he disguised himself to excuse the questioning) and began to scan the pages. Finally, he found an article that would tell him something:

'Is Harry Potter too Cool for School?'

Severus read the article that followed the title:

'After defeating He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Harry Potter has been brought back to Hogwarts for half a year of calm schooling so he can get the Newts he desires to become what we all know he is capable of, an Auror. But isn't defeating the darkest man in the Wizarding world enough to at least get a job interview at the Auror Department? Hermione Granger, a friend and ally of Potter (who was supposedly on the journey with Potter to defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named) discusses her views on her half eighth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. "I think there is always room for improvement," Granger says. "Although we have learned much on our journey together, including friendship, courage and responsibility, I still believe that charms, defensive magic and straight facts will help us in the next few (hopefully calm) years of our life. Learning through school may not be at the top of the pyramid (did I just say that?) compared to learning through events, but it is certainly important to succeed in the next parts of our life. I think that Harry could learn a lot on his eighth year at Hogwarts, and so will I."

'After interviewing Miss. Granger, we interviewed another friend of Potter's, who was also said to be along in this journey to defeat You-Know-Who. Ronald Weasley explains his views:

'"I think that this is a whole bunch of rubbish! Anyone who can defeat You-Know-Who defiantly has the ability to take on a job interview! After seven years of hunting down the darkest Wizard of time, I think Harry can hunt down other Wizards easily!" Well said, Ronald!

'So, what does the famous Potter think about this act? Of course, we have his words as well: "I don't think it's too horrible. I am actually looking forward to spending time with a few seventh years I have gotten close to through the years."

'Of course we know Potter is talking about his very serious relationship with girlfriend Ginerva Weasley, sister of Ronald Weasley. But Potter also has a friend of three-years-past, Luna Lovegood, daughter of the famous Xenophilius Lovegood, editor of the Quibbler.

'Minerva McGonagall was interviewed as well. After the death of Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall took her place as Hogwarts headmistress. "I think that these children need their education more than anything else and they are to stay at Hogwarts until they succeed in every single Newts that comes their way! I know they are capable of anything, so this shouldn't be too hard! I would actually prefer they come for the whole year instead!" But of course, McGonagall must say that, being the new Headmistress!

'As our last interview, we ask Neville Longbottom, son of the two famous Longbottom Aurors who were tortured to insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange. 'I think the three can handle anything and I wish I could be with them as they complete school!" Longbottom was in Potter's year and was on the journey to the Ministry a couple of springs ago. It is also said that the act Longbottom took in killing He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's snake, Nagini, helped bring down the dark Wizard.

'That about sums it up! Harry Potter will be going back to school with his friends to become the first ever eight years, even if it's only for half the time. Hogwarts should be proud!'

Severus finished the article succeeding in finding out what he wanted to know. So Harry Potter was back at school. That is where he would go.

But before walking out of the room, Severus recognized another article, one with his name in large black letters….

'Severus Snape: Friend or Foe?'

Severus began to read the article.

'Severus Snape has always been known for being an 'ex'-Death Eater. But when Snape was offered a job at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the Potions Master, the suspicions changed. Many times people have asked Dumbledore why Snape is to be trusted. And it always seemed as though Dumbledore had a trustworthy answer, but was that ever true? And was Dumbledore ever to be trusted, considering his past with Grindelwald? But even though Rita Skeeter had written that biography of Dumbledore, after much discussion, we here at the Daily Prophet still believe in the hearts of Albus Dumbledore.

'But still, what is the story with Snape? It was always mysterious that he was obsessed with the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. And then, tragically, came the death of Dumbledore. And it was finally proven that Severus Snape had murdered him. Back then, it was all clear: Snape was still a Death Eater and he was in line with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, being one of his most faithful followers.

'Wouldn't that be the answer? No. Recent gossip brings us to other cases.

'Most importantly, at the final battle between Potter and He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, Potter mentioned odd things, that resulted in much gossip about what side Snape was really on. "Severus Snape wasn't yours. Snape was Dumbledore's, Dumbledore's from the moment you started hunting down my mother. And you never realized it, because of the thing you can't understand. You never saw Snape cast a Patronus, did you, Riddle? Snape's Patronus was a doe, the same as my mother's, because he loved her for nearly all his life, from the time when they were children."

'If this is true, as we believe it is, than Snape was never in line with You-Know-Who since that day the Potters were murdered. But how could this be possible, knowing how powerful You-Know-Who is? Ambition is defiantly one thing Snape needed. So, it is said that Snape was always in love with Lily Evans (Potter). As some have heard, Lily was the only real friend Snape ever had at Hogwarts. But that friendship did seem to fall apart eventually, although no one knows why.If Snape really did love her that much, he probably would have went through great difficulties for Lily. Snape was also known for being great at Occlumency, the art of shutting people who know Legilemency(sp?) out of their mind. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was known for being able to get into Wizard's thoughts. With Occlumency, Snape could block him out.

'Also, everything that Snape did was in secret. The only person that would ever know what he was up to would be Dumbledore, except that Dumbledore was dead. Snape made himself look cruel and evil. He chose to make people think he was the lowest scum on the face of the planet, but he was actually one of the bravest. He also made Harry Potter hate him, Potter being the one he was trying to protect.

'But then why would Snape kill Dumbledore? It was aid by Potter at the final battle that, "Dumbledore was already dying when Snape finished him!" We don't know why, but Dumbledore was dying for a while. Perhaps it had to do with that crippled hand he had for a year. Maybe Snape was keeping him from suffering. But, Snape was not with You-Know-Who, he was against him. And the Wizarding world deserves to remember him for what he did for us, not for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.'

Severus stared blankly at the article. He never knew Harry had said those things. He never thought that Harry would forgive him for how he had treated his mother. He had hidden himself from the rest of the Wizarding world because he was scared of what might happen. The only magical person he had contact with was Rose, because she somehow understood him. But he was written about in a god-like fashion. They forgave him, and he suddenly felt himself begin to tear up. The wanted to remember him for the good he brought to the world, rather than his flaws.

And then, something else caught his eye.

Written at the bottom of the page in purple handwriting was a small note. How it got on his newspaper, he had no idea. But the note said:

'I told you I had a reason for trusting you. –R."

-x-

He couldn't talk to Harry as himself. He wouldn't and he shouldn't. If Harry saw he was alive, he would think he cheated his way out of death. He just anted to see Harry. He wanted to see those eyes. He wanted to be reminded of Lily. He wanted to be the old Severus again.

But he had to be someone else in order to talk to Harry. He needed to know for himself that the boy didn't think of him in pity.

-x-

Severus was still in his disguise. He would not let Harry know who he was. It was too dangerous. He didn't want this life to be as upbeat. He wanted calm, serenity, and…love. Love was what he wanted.

So he's at Hogwarts, thought Severus. It's the weekend, maybe he'll be at Hogsmeade.

And Severus was right.

-x-

Severus watched Harry enter the Hog's Head with his arm around Ginny Weasley. He looked very happy, Severus had noticed. He took this as a sign that now was his chance.

Severus crept up behind Harry, who was now sitting down with Ginny. Ginny noticed the man and signaled to Harry to turn around. He did and faced Severus, although Severus was quite sure Harry had not recognized him.

"Excuse me, Mr. Potter, could I have a word?"

Harry rolled his eyes but stood up anyways. It seemed as though Harry had been getting a lot of this during the last couple months—but, with good reason.

Severus walked a bit away from the table and Harry followed. Then, when out of earshot from Ginny and others at the Hog's Head, he began to talk.

"I was just wondering if you forgave Severus Snape?" It was an awkward question, and they both knew it.

"What's it to you?" Harry responded.

Severus sighed. He thought he would have to start acting differently if Harry was going to think he was someone else. But the words he said next were not acting.

"It's just that, if you forgive him, than maybe…that could mean that that I could…forgive him also." Severus looked down at his feet.

Harry squinted at him funnily and then looked around him. Finally, he answered:

"He was a really brave man. I forgive him for anything he ever did. That's the truth."

Severus said nothing.

"Now who are you?"

Without noticing it, Severus began to stutter. But then, he just walked out the door, not looking behind him. He left Harry there, confused. But he didn't care—he got his answer. He found out how Harry felt about him. Harry had forgiven him. Those green-emerald eyes had forgiven him. And in a way, it was like Lily had forgiven him. After all, Lily really did live on through her son. So, Lily had forgiven him.

I'm not afraid
Of anything in this world
There's nothing you can throw at me
That I haven't already heard
I'm just trynna' find
A decent melody
A song that I can sing
In my own company

I never thought you were a fool
But darling, look at you. Ooh.
You gotta stand up straight, carry your own weight
'Cause tears are going nowhere baby

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment
And now you can't get out of it
Don't say that later will be better
Now you're stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it

I will not forsake
The colors that you bring
The nights you filled with fireworks
They just left you with nothing
I am still enchanted
By the light you brought to me
I listen through your ears
Through your eyes I can see

You are such a fool
To worry like you do.. Oh
I know it's tough
And you can never get enough
Of what you don't really need now
My, oh my

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it
Oh love, look at you now
You've got yourself stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it

I was unconscious, half asleep
The water is warm 'til you discover how deep
I wasn't jumping, for me it was a fall
It's a long way down to nothing at all

You've got to get yourself together
You've got stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it
Don't say that later will be better
Now you're stuck in a moment
And you can't get out of it

And if the night runs over
And if the day won't last
And if your way should falter
Along this stony pass

It's just a moment
This time will pass

Song taken from U2 (Stuck in a Moment) I know I already did a song by U2, but I thought this fit well!

R&R I know all the chapters are all the same length and short. But I really do try to make them long! It's hard to think up more than 4/5/6 pages! But your comments are appreciated. Chapter 6 will be up soon.