Notes: A different death scene, an OOC Harry. I only own the order of the words.

The noises of a lull in the battle reached Severus as slowly, sound ceased to make sense. Fire churned through him and blood spurted and dribbled from the deep gash in his neck. He could feel the poison from the large snake coursing through him and yet, he could see that light. The beautiful light that the suffering yearn for every day of their miserable existence.

It was green.

Crisp green, familiar green, the beautiful apple green that reminded him of the eyes of his precious Lily. His darling… His love…

"Lily," he rasped. "Lily." His dark eyes widened for a moment, life sparked in those dead orbs for the first time since he last set eyes on his Lily. The fire was quenched, became a pile of smouldering embers. The uncomfortable flow of poison ceased to exist. He was in bliss. He had so much to tell her, so much to apologize for. Would she give him the chance? Would she-

"Professor?"

Severus jerked. The fire blazed and built up into a frenzied inferno. The poison seared through his veins like liquid lead. He groaned and spasmed as the pain swept through him without heed. He sucked in a labored breath and closed his eyes.

"Professor!"

He felt hands on the bleeding wound at his neck and flinched. Hands that were checking him over. Hands that were the exact size and shape of Lily's. His eyes flew open. Lily, it had to be Lily!

"You're gonna be alright, Professor." Worried. Distressed. Potter's voice.

Severus was suddenly tired. He was tired of his life, his miserable existence. He didn't even care that it was the Potter brat that was helping him. He wasn't all Potter. Not really.

"Lily," he gurgled as blood rose up his throat and dribbled from the corner of his lips. The prospect of being 'alright' was suddenly too much for him. He wanted to fulfill his final job and go to sleep forever. To dream of his sweet Lily. To finally have her in his arms. Potter seemed to realise this.

"No, no, no… Professor, it's Harry. You have to fight, c'mon. Fight for it. I'll stop being an insufferable brat. I'll listen to everything you say. I'll get out of your way. Please don't die, Professor." Urgent. Encouraging.

The light was coming closer. He could make out shapes in the blinding brilliance. He could feel peace envelope him. Was this heaven? No, he didn't deserve it… Not for all the horrors he had seen and done. Not for his tainted soul who had toyed with evil. He struggled with the light and it faded slightly.

"Harry, there's nothing you can do." A softer voice, less desperate, higher in pitch. Granger.

"No! There must be a way!"

Severus didn't want Potter fighting for him. Not when the fates of all those that were still living hung in the balance. Why was Potter caring anyway? The pain flared again, causing him to jerk in tune with the pulsing agony.

"Professor!"

He had to do his final job. This final job would clear him of his guilt… This final job. The final job. Just like Albus promised. He missed them so much, Lily and Albus. His mentors, his only friends. He'll see them again. A small smile touched his lips.

"Take it."

The memories came and he relived each one the final time as they left him. They seeped out of every facial orifice in silvery smooth liquid. It was release, blessed release. His guilt vanished, drained out of him. He took a deep shuddering breath.

"Professor! Don't…"

Sounds were fading. The light was becoming brighter and brighter. He was moving forward slowly and was blinded by the pure white light. Anticipation flooded his soul, it vibrated with an echo of something deep within him. He was free, finally free…

The light parted. A lone figure stood on the horizon, waving at him. Severus felt his happiness soar. He forgot all negative feelings, forgot how they felt. He only knew one thing. Lily was there and Lily was waiting for him. He urged to speed up and he shot off.

Lily!

"Hello, Severus."

He landed deftly before her. Her soft red hair tickled his face as she pulled him into a fierce hug.

I missed you.

"I missed you too, my friend."

Friend?

A small worm of discontent worked its way into his heart. Friend?

"The very best."

Friend. To her, he was only a friend. The very best but a friend nonetheless. He pulled back from her hug and gazed into her eyes. Her eyes were as green as ever, sparkling with life in death. He scrutinized her features, every single one.

Then he walked away.

"Sev!"

Her voice… Oh, her voice…

James is waiting for you.

He thought he might die again. He turned around again and faced her. She was drifting nearer but Severus was forcing them apart. Tears ran down his face, tears that would forever run in the place he wanted so much to be apart of.

I love you, Lily. I have always loved you.

Without waiting for a response, he turned away.