When Snape and Remus came in to Dumbledore's office, Harry was ready to continue his story.
"I already explained that we came to Hogwarts to find a horcrux and Neville alerted the entire Dumbledore's army that we're there to fight," Harry said. "I also mentioned that the Carrows told Voldermort that I'm there. Now we're up to McGonagall's and Snape's duel."
"How did I do?" Snape asked, "And why would I duel Minerva?"
"You had to play the part of a death eater," Harry said.
Snape made a face.
"I'm happy you saved me from that life," he said.
"The duel was scary," Harry said. "Luna and I were cowering under the invisibility cloak. We wanted to help, but you were both so fast. Then Flitwick, Sprout, and Slughorn came over and joined the fight. Even you can't fight three professors at once. You jumped out the window and flew away."
"I know how to fly?" Snape asked with a smile. "Without a broom?"
"That's right, you and Voldermort both know how to fly like a bat," Harry said.
Sirius and Remus snickered at the analogy, remembering Snape's one attempt at a prank.
"Professor Sprout used tentacula, devil's snare, and snargaluff pods to hold off the death eaters," Harry continued. "Professor Flitwick unleashed the power of the wind into the grounds. Professor McGonagall got all the statues and suits of armor to protect the school. I went back to the room of requirement and found a lot more people came. Kingsley was there and Lupin, Oliver, Katie, Angelina, Alicia, Bill, Fleur, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. As everyone started going to the great hall, Percy came. He was on the ministry's side the entire time, denying that Voldermort existed, but now he decided to come to the right side. He apologized for being an idiot. After everyone was in the hall, Voldermort announced that he knows we're ready to fight. He said we have until midnight to turn me over or else we're going to fight. Pansy wanted to turn me in. All the Slytherins left first, followed by Ravenclaws, although some stayed to fight, followed by Hufflepuffs, although more stayed to fight, followed by Gryffindor where everyone who was of age stayed to fight. Flitwick, Sprout, and McGonagall took groups of fighters up to the three highest towers. Remus, Arthur, and Kingsley took groups into the grounds. Fred and George organized defenses for the entrances to the school. At midnight, I was still trying to find the horcrux when the battle started. The first casualties were the stone gargoyles that guard the entrance to the staffroom. I saw Professor Sprout, Neville, and six other kids lobbing mandrakes over the walls. The whole castle shook. I met Aberforth who came to join the battle. I realized that the diadem was in the room of requirement and ran there with Ron and Hermione. Tonks and Mrs. Longbottom just came through, ready to join the battle. Tonks said she couldn't just stay home with her baby while Remus was fighting. She had to know he was okay. I told her he was leading a group of fighters in the grounds and she ran off. The walls and ceilings were shaking. There was dust all over. There were flashes of red and green light all over the place. Ginny shot hexes through the window. Aberforth led a group of students past us. Tonks asked where Remus is. Aberforth said that the last he saw, he was dueling Dolohov. We had to search the room of requirement for the diadem. Right after I found it, Draco came in with Crabbe and Goyle. We had to duel them. Hermione stunned Goyle. Crabbe did fiendfyre which destroyed the horcrux along with the whole room of requirement. Crabbe died in the fire. Ron, Hermione and I rescued Malfoy and Goyle. We came out of the room and saw Fred and Percy dueling two death eaters. All of a sudden, the air exploded. I went flying through the air. I heard screams and yells. I was half buried in the wreckagae of a corridor. The side of the castle blew away. That was when I heard the worse cries. I looked, and saw that Fred died. A body fell past the hole blown into the side of the school and more curses flew at us. Spiders the size of cars started climbing through the hole in the wall. Ron and I had to stun them. Percy and I carried Fred's body to safety. Percy started chasing Rookwood. Hermione asked me to check where Voldermort was in my head. He was sitting in the shrieking shack and asked Malfoy to get Snape. Just then, two more death eaters came, but Hermione fought them off and we escaped them. McGonagall ran through, leading galloping desks. There were death eaters all over. Dean was dueling Dolohov. Parvati was dueling Travers. Peeves was dropping snargaluff pods on death eaters. Draco was pleading with a death eater, trying to explain that they were on the same side. I stunned the death eater from under my cloak. Ron told Draco that this was the second time we saved him tonight. Yaxley was dueling Flitwick. Kingley was dueling a masked death eater. Neville was holding venomous tentacula to attack the death eaters with. Two bodies fell from a balcony and Greyback jumped on one of them, which turned out to be Lavender. Hermione threw Greyback off. Trelawney threw crystal balls down at death eaters. More gigantic spiders started walking into the entrance hall. A giant punched an upper window, raining glass down on me, and grabbing people through the window. We saw dementors, but all I could think about were the many people who died and I couldn't get a patronus. Ron's silver terrier bust into the air, flickered feebly, and expired. Herione's otter twisted in midair and faded. Then we saw three more patronuses, a silver hare, a boar, and a fox. It was Luna, Ernie, and Seamus. Luna reminded me that I should be happy that we're still here and fighting and I was able to do a patronus. We saw another giant coming. We ran to the whomping willow in order to get to the snake. We went in under the cloak. Snape was begging Voldermort to let him go get me. Voldermort said he had to kill Snape in order to properly possess the elder wand. Voldermort killed Snape with his snake. As Snape was dying, I decdied to go to him. as soon as Snape saw me, he tried to talk, but couldn't. He gave me his memories instead. He died holding my hand, looking into my eyes. Voldermort announced that he will give us one hour to bury the dead and deal with the wounded. He said if I don't give myself up during that hour, the battle will continue. Firenze was injured. All the Weasleys were surrounding Fred's dead body. Remus and Tonks were also dead. I ran to the headmaster's office, ready to see Snape's memories."
"Okay, Harry, take a break from your story," Dumbledore said, looking at Harry's tear stained face. "There is one part of what was supposed to happen that night that will happen now. Considering what you saw last time, I think it's important to show you how the story changed. Severus, you know what to do."
Snape pointed his wand at his head and withdrew some memories which he handed to Harry.
"I don't want to watch my father bully you," Harry said quietly.
"I didn't include it this time," Snape said.
Harry poured the memories into the pensieve and dived in. he saw two girls swinging with Snape watching from the bushes.
"Lily, don't do it!" Petunia shrieked.
Lily let go of the swing and flew into the air.
"Mummy told you not to!"
Petunia stood up and put her hands on her hips.
"Mummy said you weren't allowed, Lily!"
"But I'm fine," said Lily, still giggling. "Tuney, look at this. Watch what I can do."
Lily made a flower open and close in her hand.
"Stop it!" shrieked Petunia.
"It's not hurting you," said Lily, but she closed her hand on the blossom and threw it back to the ground.
"It's not right," said Petunia, but her eyes had followed the flower's flight to the ground and lingered upon it. "How do you do it?" she added, and there was a definite longing in her voice.
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Snape could no longer contain himself, but had jumped out from behind the bushes.
"What's obvious?" asked Lily.
With a glance at the distant Petunia, now hovering beside the swings, he lowered his voice and said, "I know what you are."
"What do you mean?"
"You're…. you're a witch," whispered Snape.
"That's not a nice thing to say to somebody!"
"No!" said Snape. He ran after the sisters.
"You are," said Snape to Lily. "You are a witch. I've been watching you for a while. But there's nothing wrong with that. My mum's one and I am a wizard."
"Wizard!" Petunia shrieked, her courage returned now that she had recovered from the shock of his unexpected appearance. "I know who you are. You're that Snape boy! They live down Spinner's End by the river," she told Lily, and it was evident from her tone that she considered the address a poor recommendation. "Why have you been spying on us?"
"Haven't been spying," said Snape, hot and uncomfortable and dirty-haired in the bright sunlight. "Wouldn't spy on you, anyway," he added spitefully, "you're a muggle."
"Lily, come on, we're leaving!" Petunia said shrilly.
The scene faded and the next one that appeared was Lily and Snape talking about Hogwarts. The next scene was at the Hogwarts Express with Petunia calling Lily a freak. There was the sorting, with Lily in Gryffindor and Snape in Slyterin. There were scenes of the two of them walking through Hogwarts, talking about classes agreeing to stay best friends despite being in different houses. There was the scene where Snape asked Dumbledore to save Lily.
"And what will you give me in return, Severus?"
"In – in return?" Snape gaped at Dumbledore, and Harry expected him to protest, but after a long moment he said, "Anything."
The next scene was a miserable Snape in Dumbledore's office.
"I thought …. You were going …. To keep her …. Safe …."
"She and James put their faith in the wrong person," said Dumbledore. "Rather like you, Severus. Weren't you hoping that Lord Voldermort would spare her?"
"Her boy survives," said Dumbledore. "Her son lives. He has her eyes, precisely her eyes. You remember the shape and color of Lily Evan's eyes, I am sure?"
"DON'T!" bellowed Snape. "Gone …. Dead….."
"Is this remorse, Severus?"
"I wish …. I wish I were dead…."
"And what use would that be to anyone?" said Dumbledore coldly. "If you loved Lily Evans, if you truly loved her, then your way forward is clear."
"What – what do you mean?"
"You know how and why she died. Make sure it was not in vain. Help me protect Lily's son."
"He does not need protection. The dark lord had gone-"
"The dark lord will return, and Harry Potter will be in terrible danger when he does."
At last, Sanpe said, "Very well. Very well. But never—never tell, Dumbledore! This must be between us! Swear it! I cannot bear… especially Potter's son…. I want your word!"
"My word, Severus, that I shall never reveal the best of you?" Dumbledore sighed, looking down in Snape's ferocious, anguished face. "If you insist…."
The next scene had Snape sitting at the head table, next to Quirrell. Snape jumped when Quirrell's turban was summoned followed by a stunning spell.
"That boy is worse than his father!" Snape said angrily. "James at least only hexed students! His son is hexing teachers!"
All the other teachers looked nervously at Harry and Quirrell and drew their wands.
"Don't do anything yet," Dumbledore said. "I want to know Harry's intentions."
When Quirrell was flipped over so that Voldermort's face showed, all the teachers gasped.
"How did he know?" McGonagall asked in a whisper.
"He's coming to our table," Dumbledore said. "Everyone please be quiet. I want to question him without interruptions."
He watched his conversation with Dumbledore unfold, this time noticing the watching teachers. When he left the table, Snape turned to Dumbledore.
"Does he really have Voldermort's thoughts?" Snape asked nervously.
"I plan to find out tonight when I talk to him," Dumbledore said.
The scene disappeared and the next scene was Snape and Dumbledore in Dumbledore's office.
"What did you think of Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"He manipulated me," Snape complained.
"You agreed to take him in on the full moon," Dumbledore commented.
"When he said he wouldn't live with a bully, he reminded me of Lily," Snape admitted. "It really was Lily's temper coming out of a miniature James. But he is living with Sirius."
"I expect him to be a positive influence on Sirius," Dumbledore said.
"The boy doesn't need our protection," Snape said scornfully. "He just attacked Voldermort from across the room."
"I think that the danger will come from inside his head," Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "He was ready to tell Fudge everything. If the wrong people find out that he knows Voldermort's thoughts, he will be in danger. Even if people don't find out, he has to battle his thoughts and Voldermort's. He's going to need our help."
"How?" Snape asked. "He already taught himself occlumency."
"I don't know yet," Dumbledore said. "Harry is nothing like what I expected."
The scene changed to Dumbledore and Snape in Dumbledore's office again.
"Potter just told me he's a horcrux," Snape said. "Is that true?"
"Yes," Dumbledore said. "I saw it the night I left him with his aunt and uncle. I asked him not to tell anyone."
"He's worried he'll be possessed," Snape said.
"I never tested his occlumency yet," Dumbledore admitted.
"I tested it today," Snape said. "He has basic shields but can't hold off a full attack."
"If Voldermort was powerful, that wouldn't be enough," Dumbledore said, "but since he was kissed by a dementor, that should be sufficient."
"So why is Potter concerned?" Snape asked. "He thinks if he's possessed, you're going to isolate him."
"I have doubts about him sometimes," Dumbledore said.
"What do you mean?" Snape asked.
"I'm glad he decided to trust you," Dumbledore commented without acknowledging the question.
"He doesn't," Snape said. "He asked me if I changed at all since my death eater days."
"What did you tell him?" Dumbledore asked curiously.
"I gave him detention," Snape said. "He'll scrub cauldrons tomorrow. If that humbles him, I'll have a real conversation with him."
The scene faded. Once again, Harry saw Snape talking to Dumbledore.
"I explained everything to Potter," Snape said. "He still doesn't believe me that I changed. He said that actions speak louder than words and the way I treat him and Lupin shows that I'm still the same as I was when I told Voldermort the prophecy."
"That must have hurt," Dumbledore said sympathetically. "Especially after you make Remus his potion every month."
"I reminded Potter about that," Snape said. "He offered to beat Lupin up for me for not being more grateful."
"Harry is an interesting kid," Dumbledore said.
"I don't know who he takes after," Snape said. "Sometimes he reminds me of Lily. He has her temper and sense of justice. Other times though, he's just strange. He's willing to get punished instead of others. It doesn't make sense to me."
"I don't understand him either," Dumbledore said.
The scene faded. The next scene once again involved Snape and Dumbledore.
"Harry is worried about the triwizard tournament," Snape said.
"I know his concerns," Dumbledore said. "I don't think he has anything to worry about, but I will address his concerns."
"I agreed to keep an eye on Igor for him," Snape said.
"I don't think Igor would try anything," Dumbledore said. "He didn't enjoy his last stay in Azkaban."
The scene faded to Snape sitting alone in his office lost in thoughts when Dumbledore walked into the room.
"How are you processing Harry's new information?" Dumbledore asked.
"I can't believe he saw the future," Snape said. "It doesn't make sense, especially since you had me pretend to be a good death eater."
"It didn't surprise me," Dumbledore said. "I didn't think it was possible for someone to remember so much from when he was a baby. I assumed he did time travel until he mentioned the dream."
"How are we supposed to deal with him now?" Snape asked.
"Occlumency will always help," Dumbledore said. "We also need to remind him that he altered the future beyond recognition so the things he fears will not come to pass."
"I thought we were supposed to protect him," Snape commented.
"He needs protection from himself," Dumbledore answered.
The next scene was at Sirius's house. It began with Sirius apparating away with Harry on his shoulders, leaving Remus, Snape, and Dumbledore behind.
"I sure hope Weasley has both ears," Snape commented. "I can't imagine myself ever cutting off anyone's ears. I'm glad Harry changed the future."
"You handled him well," Remus commented. "I never knew the two of you have a sense of humor."
"It must be this house," Snape said, "because normally I don't. Harry was funny though."
"He's very perceptive," Dumbledore commented.
"What do you mean?" Remus asked.
"He knows that Severus loves him," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.
"I would never tell him that!" Snape exclaimed. "The last thing he needs is an inflated ego like his father's."
"Have you ever shared your love with anyone?" Dumbledore asked.
"The only person I ever loved is Lily," Snape said softly. "You see where that got me."
"And now you love Harry," Dumbledore said. "You should let him know. You never told Lily how you feel about her. Don't make the same mistake with her son."
"Harry is different," Snape said.
"He views you as a mentor," Remus said. "James would be shocked if he saw how well the two of you got along."
"You should still tell him you care about him," Dumbledore said. "Part of him will always think that you feel the same way you did in the original plan when you hated him because of his father. He needs to know you're not the enemy."
"Why?" Snape asked.
"Maybe it's for your benefit too," Dumbledore said. "For the first time since Lily died, there's someone you care about. Act on your feelings."
"I can't," Snape said. "I never did before."
"Harry found out your feelings toward his mother in your memories. On the day of the Battle of Hogwarts, show him your memories again. This time, show how you feel about him," Dumbledore advised.
"Why should I do that?" Snape asked.
"You both need it," Dumbledore said. "You both need to heal. You're the only two people who miss Lily the way that you do."
The scene faded. The next scene was Snape storming into Lupin's office.
"Why did you put Harry on my lap?" he asked angrily.
"What do you think Lily would have wanted you to do it that situation?" Remus asked. "Harry just shut himself away from everyone for a long period of time because he misses his parents. You know how he feels. You can relate to him now. I was just trying to help you establish a connection."
"He didn't want to be with me," Snape said.
"I never ask him," Remus said. "When he resists me, I tell him it's for my needs. I saw how loving Lily was to him in his first year. She would want us to shower him with love even when he thinks he doesn't want it."
"It's not my style," Snape said softly.
"It will be," Remus said. "You and Harry both need the connection. Do you know why Sirius did prank wars with Harry? He wanted Harry to learn how to be a kid. He knows James would want Harry to have a fun normal life and he's doing the best he could to help him. I know that Lily would want Harry showered with love. Sirius definitely does that too, but he's more of the fun type. You knew Lily longer than I did. You should know what she wants for Harry."
"I'll try," Snape said. "It won't be easy for me."
The scene faded and the next scene that appeared was a teary eyed Snape talking to Dumbledore.
"Is it true what Harry said?" Snape asked.
"What are you referring to?" Dumbledore asked him. "Are you talking about Voldermort's memories?"
"He was going to spare Lily because I asked him to," Snape said, "if Lily would have stayed out of the way. Of course she didn't, but according to Harry, I saved his life by asking Voldermort to spare Lily. Is that true?"
"I believe it is," Dumbledore said. "Do you think you could forgive yourself now?"
"I'll never forgive myself," Snape said. "It's because of me that Lily died in the first place."
"Harry forgave you," Dumbledore reminded Snape.
"I'll never understand why," Snape said. "I don't deserve his forgiveness."
"You saved his life," Dumbledore insisted.
"I murdered his parents," Snape retorted.
"It was by mistake," Dumbledore said. "You did the best you could to undo the harm you caused, and look at the results. Harry is a wonderful boy who combines both of his parents' best traits. You, Sirius, and Remus are working together with James and Lily's son in order to help through a difficult time. You learned to love again, even if you're scared to act on it. We all grew from this experience."
The scene faded. Harry saw Snape kneeling next to his parents' grave. From the snow on the ground, Harry knew it was during the winter. Snape cried silently for fifteen minutes, not able to say a word. When he finally stopped crying, he whispered, "I'm so sorry."
The scene disappeared and Harry found himself lying face down on the dusty carpet.