Thank you sooo much Elatinde and Zeugma412!

PearlM21: I completely agree - and Severus needed to remove that image of Lily from his mind and see her in a realistic way. Enough for him to accept it and finally move on.

BlueWater5: It was definitely a realisation for all of them, and I wanted them to have equal sense of guilt and own up to their mistakes. Because they all made them.

Author's Note: Hey guys! I'm so sorry these chapters have been slow to publish. For those that remember my ending thoughts in Whatever It Takes, my father is now at the end of his life, so my time has been spent with him. And the minimal time I've had free, I've not been in much of any headspace to work on this fic. I don't want to post ahead, since I have written nine chapters from this point, I still like to keep a distance from them and give myself room to edit where necessary, and to ensure I'm posting my best work (or as best as I can), and not something rushed. Thank you all for being so patient with me. Xx

"All the things that people do in order to show that they don't need anybody... meanwhile, all they really want to do is say, "Please keep me." We all want to be kept. The problem is we are too afraid to let anyone know about it. What are these fragile things in our hearts that have so much fear of being broken?"

― C. JoyBell C.

CHAPTER 38: Heart's Journey

June 29th, 2003

[Harry Potter]

Since the day at the Astronomy Tower seeing his parents one final time, Harry had been in such a strange state of solitude. He tried to convince himself that he really did do the right thing and that it was the best for both himself and Severus, but he couldn't help feeling selfish about it all.

No – holding onto that Stone was dangerous. It already drove Harry mad with helpless longing and Severus was right to be furious about the idea of him still keeping it in close vicinity. Harry couldn't help feeling like a sentimental fool but bidding them a final goodbye was something that needed to be done, as difficult as it was. Having Severus with him as it happened made him feel less guilty about it all and his support meant more than he could ever have hoped for.

He needed him there, and he knew he couldn't have done it without him.

Severus, since that day, appeared a little less tense. They refused to bring the subject back up again, since they literally decided the past needed to stay buried. More so for Severus' sake, rather than his own. His parents were at least civil about it all, despite some tension that arose between the three of them that evening. But Severus appeared satisfied with things that finally needed to be said, and he felt like a weight lifted for the chance to express his own. He was able to properly express his guilt over everything that happened, and his parents did the same.

Of course, Severus wouldn't accept his father's forgiveness, but that was to be expected. He would have been more surprised if he did. What mattered to Severus was Lily, and how things came to be and that was the most important conversation of all. Now he could only hope that the man took that to heart and finally rid himself of the guilt embedded within his soul for years, now finally able to be shed and released. For his own health and future. He knew he needed to.

And Harry was proud of him in his own way. It was a start and things couldn't move forward unless it were finally put to rest.

Ironically enough.

But Harry was comfortable in his decision to release the Stone and his opportunity to see his parents one last time.

This was not an artifact for the sentimental and it needed to remain lost once again. Neither Harry nor Severus should possess that Stone.

It just had to be done.

The days leading up to the Solstice Ball were quite an odd thing to endure. OWL and NEWT exams had finished that week – thank Merlin - and students were in the process of packing up their belongings in the lead-up to their departure at the end of another school year. Ginny had arrived a few days prior to that weekend, leaving Teddy at the Burrow as per their mutual agreement. A ball was no place for a child and Harry decided it would be the perfect time for he and his wife to spend some time together on a long-awaited date. He didn't remember the last time they went out as a couple, since all things Hogwarts and other matters took up so much of their time, but they figured they could take any opportunity they could get.

When that Sunday arrived, the entire school was abuzz for their final night together before departure back to London the following day. It was the talk of the week and for the first time in so many months, the school wasn't filled with tension and conflict. The staff seemed a little more upbeat in the lead-up, and even the students were able to leave the stress of the exams behind and finally settle down their nerves with something a little more light-hearted.

But the idea of the ball, as much as Harry was hesitant about it earlier, actually felt like such a perfect way to end a strenuous year. It came as a shock to most of them that Minerva settled with it and now accepted it as a new tradition. But Harry knew the Headmistress was determined to make some positive changes, which would benefit the school in the long run.

And to be more united, and less divided. That was always the end goal.

"This reminds me how much I dislike wearing dresses, " Ginny's arm was looped around Harry's, as they descended Gryffindor Tower and made their way over to the Great Hall as six o'clock loomed nearer.

"You look beautiful, Ginny, " Harry reassured her, amused by the fact that it took her four different outfits to decide on what to wear.

Ginny's navy layered frock, adorned with a pearl belt around her slender waist, complimented her long auburn red locks pinned back into a braided, sleek ponytail. Harry loved how long her hair was getting and his wife managed to tame the usually wild mane into something formal. Ginny didn't often like dressing up formally as casual was more her style, but it was a rare occasion and Ginny was able to step out of her domestic comfort zone for a short while to share an evening with her husband. Harry was thrilled to have her there – their first school event together. It was an odd experience and one Harry didn't quite feel used to yet.

As they reached the entrance to the Great Hall, Harry's face lit with astonishment. The ornate giant oak doors were adored with colored summer flowers neatly bound in magnificent wreaths. The hall itself was beautifully fitting for a bright, Summer Solstice. The enchanted ceiling was ablaze with beams of sunlight through floating, wispy clouds. The sunbeams danced across the marble floor, bathing the space in an uplifting glow. Large pots of flowers and displays littered across every entrance, every corner, and every wall. It smelled like a garden, ticking his senses with lavender, roses, freesias, and jasmine. The array of spring and summer colors brightened the Hall in such beautiful splashes of color, that would have been such a joy for Neville and Pomona to put together.

Each table was re-arranged with groups of students and staff, with each one decorated with a large flowery display amongst the candles burning softly around them.

Harry was deeply impressed, and gathering by Ginny's wistful sigh, so was she.

Already many students had entered the hall, with most of the staff wandering around ensuring everything was up to standard. Reminding himself that he was staff and no longer a student, he greeted nearby students who waved at him and his wife. One even requested for Ginny's autograph, which left Harry chuckling madly to himself and teasing her about it later.

They passed Severus who was patrolling the outer Hall, dressed in his formal black suit, double tailcoat, and a very smart cravat. A slightly different one from what Harry was used to seeing. Silver cufflinks were noticed on his sleeves, something that he knew the man had only ever worn at his own wedding. Harry waved at him in acknowledgment and approached him with Ginny at his side.

"Good evening, Severus, " Ginny greeted, with a small nod of her head.

Severus returned a curt nod, "Mrs. Potter."

"Aren't you going inside?" Harry asked, wondering why Severus was standing idly by.

Severus' arms casually wrapped neatly behind his back, "I'm patrolling. What else does it look like?"

"Filch is on that for now, Severus."

"It'll take more than Argus to wrangle wandering students, " Severus responded, steely.

"Worry about that later, " Harry chuckled, "Stop standing there like a gargoyle and sit with us."

The man's eyes scanned around him, looking more than unamused by the mere thought of being there, but he gave a heavy sigh and eventually followed Harry and Ginny inside the Great Hall. The three of them took seats at one of the rounded staff tables, with their own adorned with a large arrangement of red and pink carnations, with several red and white tulips scattered amongst them. In the corner, a school band was performing with string instruments in a cheery, upbeat melody.

"Mum would be absolutely over the moon if she saw all of this, " Ginny said, admiring the display in front of her, "I'd have to restrain her from sneaking some in her bag for home."

Harry laughed, filling up their glasses from the pitcher of ice water in front of them, "I don't doubt that at all. I hope Teddy doesn't give her a hard time."

"Just be prepared that she'll drop him home a few kilos heavier, " Ginny teased, as she reached over to pluck a whimsical looking canape with what looked like something with cream cheese.

Harry glanced over to his other side, observing Severus' eyes wandering around the hall aimlessly. He clearly looked bored and would rather be anywhere else, but he noticed his brows crinkled slightly in thought. Until he noticed Gregory make his appearance and sat amongst Minerva and Filius. But as Harry watched Severus from the corner of his eye, he noticed the man seemingly holding his breath and it was then he knew who had arrived and caught him by surprise.

Dawn had finally arrived at the Great Hall, speaking to a small group of Hufflepuffs before making her way over toward them. She wore a dark crimson, light sheer gown, which fluttered as she walked. A thinly veiled piece hung from her shoulders, and her torso was adored in an ornate red and silver floral lace. Her wild blonde locks were pinned up in an elegant up style, with a few curled strands hanging from the side. From her usual attire, she transformed herself well to the point where she was barely recognisable.

From what Harry was observing, Severus was clearly speechless and although he tried to remain as stoic as he could, his eyes darted around in order to avert his gaze and mask his burst of admiration. Harry was not oblivious to this and it seemed Ginny wasn't ether.

Dawn's smile brightened as she spotted their table and made her way towards them, with her gown gliding weightlessly behind her, "Good evening – " She sat down beside Severus, looking rather overjoyed, " – Isn't this all magnificent? What a lovely idea because I think this is something we all need."

"I adore your dress, " Ginny said, clearly in awe herself.

"Why thank you, Ginny. Social calls like this are a rarity for me, " The woman waved her hand away, filling up her glass with a bottle of red wine, before taking a small sip.

Severus took his goblet of what appeared to be a pale blue non-alcoholic beverage, hiding what looked like an echo of a smile behind it. He was sure that Dawn was too distracted by the decorations to have noticed.

"No alcohol for you, Severus?" Dawn asked.

Severus shook his head, "I forbid myself from ever touching it. It is not a problem I aim on recreating again."

The woman tilted her head, nodding slowly in understanding, "Oh, I see. Well, good for you, Severus. Quite the challenge to overcome such a thing."

"So, Severus – " Harry spoke, breaking Severus out of his distraction out of admiration for the woman sitting beside him, " – Are you planning on staying with us here at Hogwarts?"

Severus' head spun around to look at Harry – his eyes wandering from him to Ginny, "I have yet to have this conversation with Minerva, but yes, I will remain for the time being."

Harry's face lit up, pleased to hear such news.

"That is truly wonderful to hear, Severus. Hogwarts has been good to you after all, " Dawn smiled brightly and Harry noticed Severus flinched subtly at the sentiment. "I am quite glad to hear that."

Severus' corners of his lips twitched into a small smile, seemingly surprised she was so encouraging of that. "That is if Hogwarts can tolerate my imposing shadow continuously."

Dawn appeared to grin cheekily, "Oh, come on, you are hardly that bad."

"Yes, please do tell him, because I think he's stopped listening to me about it, " Harry smirked, before earning a strong nudge against his arm from the man in question.

It was such a cathartic, comfortable event for the four of them, and for a moment Harry felt completely at ease and more normal than he had ever felt. All previous worries and anxiety washed away enough so he could enjoy the ball without thinking about the grimness that was once his youthful years.

But things felt different now. So many things have changed, and this time Harry could actually feel it. For the first time in such a long while, he felt happy and content and in the best place he had ever felt within himself. With his beautiful wife at his side sharing the same joyous bliss as he was, they could not be happier.

And Severus…Harry noticed Severus was far more comfortable than he had ever been when Dawn was around. And dare he say it, his own face brightened just that little bit more whenever they spoke. They would turn to each other and engage in conversation while Harry was speaking to his wife. But he would often notice Severus – dare he say it – smiling more, too. That already was such a strange, rare thing and yet the man was growing far more comfortable in her presence. Harry even had to blink several times to ensure he wasn't actually imagining it. There were times when Severus' eyes dipped away, almost shamefully, but noticing the man's more relaxed demeanor, caused him and his wife to exchange noticeable glances.

What a pleasurable evening, indeed.

Once the light dimmed and some of the younger students departed, the music grew more upbeat and far livelier. Some of the students were already utilising the dancefloor and Neville and Hannah were definitely one of the first to set the tone of the night. Hannah's peach-coloured dress brushed low against the marble floor, making it appear as if she was floating. Dawn had since disappeared from their table and joined Gregory at the other table, leaving Severus a little more sullen once again.

Severus turned to Harry, appearing weary now amongst the bustling crowd around them, "Expect Draco Malfoy in the new year."

Harry almost choked on his glass of butterbeer, "What?!"

"Apparently, he plans on taking over Horace's position when he finally retires. I will be having words with him during the holidays."

"Him? A Professor?" Ginny said. Even she was stunned.

"He's a good potion candidate, " Severus responded calmly, "I will further teach him under my wing, as will Horace before he leaves."

Harry blinked hard, "I really was not expecting that at all. What's he up to these days? No one's heard a thing from him, now all of a sudden, he's coming back."

"He eloped to Astoria a short while ago, " Severus sighed.

"As in, Greengrass?" Ginny looked at Harry, then back at Severus, "Blimey."

"I expect you both to remain on good behavior. Merlin forbid, I no longer have the energy to keep you both at bay, " Severus frowned.

"We'll be fine, sir, " Harry smirked, amusingly, "No hazardous spells this time."

"Or anytime, Mr. Potter."

"We've passed that point now, " Harry said, confidently. Relieved at the idea that they two, could set that behind them.

"And no more bloody spell books, either, " Ginny teased.

Severus raised an eyebrow rather smugly, "Such as my own?"

"He wouldn't let the bloody thing go, " Ginny cut in before Harry could answer, "He was obsessed with it."

"Clearly."

Harry's cheeks tinged pink, feeling a little embarrassed about it all, "Yes, I know I was reckless with it."

Ginny tenderly brushed against Harry's hand, with her cheeky expression now turned more serious when she turned back to the Potion's Master once again, "It's so strange now, once we realised the book belonged to you. That it was your words that he was captivated with. After all this time, it was your advice he was listening to, over ours. Silly idiot, I swear…Not you…him."

Severus fingers wove together, placing them curtly on the table, "Once I discovered he had utilised my most dangerous spell, I knew. With such a sickening realisation. I didn't need to use Legilimency to draw that conclusion."

"He's not a great liar, as you know, " Ginny said.

"Definitely not, " Severus curled his lip, before taking a moment to pause, "…What ever happened to it?"

Harry drew in a deep breath, "We ditched it in the Room of Requirement. Lost forever."

Severus gave a single, hard nod, "Good. No one else needs to come across it. Although, you should have destroyed it - "

Severus' gaze wandered and stopped cold, distracted halfway through his conversation. At first, Harry frowned, not quite catching on. But as he followed the man's line of sight, he saw Dawn amidst the dancefloor with Gregory dancing rather close together. The pair of them were laughing, with Gregory seemingly a little drunk, but Harry knew that is what caused Severus to act strangely. Severus looked away in his bid to hide what looked like disappointment, but he could tell he was growing more uncomfortable.

The man rose to his feet, consuming the rest of whatever drink he had left in his goblet, "I think it is time I departed for the night. I will do a patrol of the grounds before retreating to pack some belongings, in preparation to commence Wolfsbane over the following week at my residence."

"Please keep in touch, Severus, " Harry said, before the man disappeared out of the Hall, weaving between groups of laughing students.

He looked at Ginny, each sharing an equal look of sadness.

Severus felt affection for Dawn…There was no denying it.

And they could only wonder if Dawn felt the same, too.

July 9th, 2003

[Severus Snape]

Severus couldn't stop thinking about the Solstice Ball, because all he could think about was Dawn in that exquisite crimson dress. Such a sleek ensemble for such a confident woman. It was fitting. So simple, and yet, she stood out.

At least she did to him.

He would at times catch himself thinking about it, yet silently reprimanding himself for having such thoughts. He couldn't help it. Her beauty was captivating, not only in what she had worn but the silent power of her brightened demeanor and her eyes which always paid close attention to him.

And a smile that always melted his heart.

A week later and his life suddenly felt empty. Devoured of all of those willing to stand with him. It did feel strange in a sense to be back home in his own dwelling. No meddling poltergeist. No insolent students. No judgemental colleagues. Harry of course had his own family, but Dawn had slowly become someone he cared for very deeply. Almost a year later and someone who he spent some time initially resenting, became so much more than that. She slowly became the soothing balm to his bleeding heart.

Like the warmth from a fireplace in a cold, dark room.

She was the voice he longed to hear. A calming presence of his mind feverishly racing with thoughts he wished he never had. Her voice touched every crevice of his heart, calming each nerve, subduing the energy that fed his own madness. Her soft, yet strangely commanding voice brought him out from the darkness, and he finally welcomed it. A voice that caused his skin to ripple, accompanied by her gentle touch. Longing for her presence was unfamiliar territory for him, but yet he craved it. Her company, her energy…The goodness in her in which he wished he possessed. A goodness that found his troubles and helped to mend them with patience and tenderness. Something that no one else was ever able to do.

Dawn listened. And when she listened - truly listened - her eyes bore into his soul, understanding every word, every hope, every wish. A mere look and she knew. She knew his heartaches and broken promises. His past dreams were shattered as the result of all the bad decisions he had ever made. Her patience helped to piece him back together. He knew he was broken, but for so long, he had let himself to believe that he was beyond repair. Hope itself failed him, like everyone else who had ever crossed his path, except Harry and Dawn.

And yet like Harry, she stayed. Despite having so many reasons why they shouldn't.

His strange life was spent mostly in the torment of his own making. His self-loathing and hatred for every doomed mistake would always haunt him until his dying breath. But Dawn and Harry were the two who sat with him until he climbed out of that pit he dug for himself. They were patient and tolerant of his bitterness and forked tongue. A man consumed in the unfairness of his past learned to come to terms with the notion that he was now, no longer alone and was finally free to make his own choices. Two people who have touched his life in more ways than one found the broken man in the darkest corners and sat with him in comfortable silence. A silent company of two souls who helped him see those specks of light in the distance. A light he knew he didn't really deserve, and one he could never truly grasp himself. But it was there and the Gryffindor pair helped him to reach it, carrying his burdens for their own.

Perhaps some semblance of happiness wasn't so far out of reach, after all.

…But seeing her dance with Gregory, was undoubtedly, an arrow straight to his heart. He didn't know what it was but seeing her so joyous and carefree with someone else, struck an unexpectedly strong chord within him. Gregory's calmer demeanor was far more endearing than Severus' usual sullen, miserable one. It was no wonder why she accepted the dance with him and even Severus wasn't entirely sure why he was so livid over it.

It couldn't have been jealousy…could it?

What are you, Severus? An adolescent child with a petty crush?

But who was he kidding? She'd never willingly see him as any more than a friend.

Perhaps for a rare moment, he hoped for a little too much. He'd never have the courage to tell her anything more, in fact, he'd rather face Nagini again than bare his fractured soul in all of its vulnerability. Even he couldn't fathom it himself.

With his memory potion now days away from its completion, he had since gathered his ingredients for the Wolfsbane and set them aside within his personal laboratory back at his cottage. He had already corresponded with Longbottom and Harry in order to test it, which still left him with very mixed thoughts about it all. On one hand, he was confident in its abilities, as it's been something he had been working on for several years now, in all its trial and error. And yet on the other hand, there was a small pang of guilt having to use such people as his test subjects. A part of him felt cruel to even think of doing so, but there were no better people to test in on than those who have since lost all sense of self. If any memories and their identities could be restored in any way, then there was hope.

Somehow.

As a productive week flew by spent alone with his own strange thoughts, he made the journey to meet with his Godson at Malfoy Manor to discuss the matter of the Potion's position. He had barely spoken much with him at all, communicating sparsely through letters and a brief chat at his wedding with Astoria. But now with the likelihood of him returning to Hogwarts, it was just another thing to add to his to-do list.

Making the familiar journey to Malfoy Manor, Severus knocked at the main door and waited patiently. The familiar clicking of heels against the marble on the other side soon graced Narcissa with her appearance at the door. Greeting Severus with a slightly strained smile she stepped aside, and Severus wandered through the familiar halls until they reached the warmth of the main public room. A large black marble fireplace roared with cracking flames, with Draco and his new wife Astoria sitting closely together, enveloped in its warmth.

Draco turned upon the sounds of the new sets of boots, greeting Severus with a nod, "Good afternoon, Godfather."

"Draco. Astoria, " Severus responded curtly, ensuring to acknowledge his new wife.

"So, " Draco leaned back in his chair, as Severus took the one opposite to him, "I'm assuming you're here about the Hogwarts position?"

"A notification ahead of time about it would have been sufficient, " Severus responded sternly; a small frown creased between his brows.

Draco shrugged, without a care in the world, "Honestly, it was a very quick decision. I was actually aiming to teach Potions for Durmstrang but hearing of Slughorn wanting to leave…I suppose the position there made more sense."

That wasn't an answer he was expecting, "I'd never have foreseen you to want to return to Hogwarts in any capacity."

"Well, " Draco shared a glance with his wife, "Change happens fast. We were going to shift out of the UK for a while, but I didn't want to leave mother alone here."

"I informed you it was alright, " Narcissa interjected. Her face was weary as if they shared this conversation many times before.

"I know, but…Father isn't here and I didn't want to do that to you. Someday we will, maybe, but not yet."

Severus steepled his fingers together, giving Narcissa a side glance before continuing, "You do what you must to make it work. You are still so very young, Draco."

Narcissa smiled proudly, "He is considerate of his family. A trait I have proud he retained – " She rose to stand, " – I will go and prepare a light lunch for us."

When Narcissa wandered out of the room, Astoria shifted as well as if it was something they had rehearsed prior. A part of Severus was grateful for that, as he desired to speak with Draco alone.

"I'll let you two have a chat, " Astoria leaned over and planted a soft kiss on Draco's forehead, before smoothly departing with Narcissa in the other room.

Once Severus and Draco were alone, he continued, "Your mother is proud of you regardless of what you decide to do. Hogwarts may be a stepping stone and not necessarily a permanent decision."

"Hmm, I suppose, " Draco nodded in understanding, swallowing thickly, before relaxing back into his chair, "Although I didn't think you'd ever want to go back there."

"Initially, I detested it, too. But now – " Severus gave a heavy, strained sigh, " - Without being constrained to the mission, I am now free to choose. And this was a choice I decided to make, but I'll have you know, it was never an easy one. It took me months if not years to decide and perhaps with this I could have a future, if not a journey to one."

"A hell of a stepping stone."

Severus paused for a moment, thinking back on the years he spent shutting himself away from the world. Knowing that it made him equally as miserable, imbued in him the wisdom to endure his Godson chose better than he, "I spent years shutting everyone out and where did that get me? An unhealthy addiction and paranoia, while everyone else was making something of their lives. Moving on, as I wish I could of."

Draco gave a dark chuckle, "I mean, what were you expecting? We got the short end. We scrambled for what was left of our lives. Nothing was ever easy for us. You know that."

"I know far more than you'd ever know…And I'm tired of it. Hence why I eventually agreed to return in hopes that things could be a welcoming difference. A reprieve of sorts until I get myself together, " Severus paused for a moment to consider what he truly felt, "I have to at least try, as hopeless and as pathetic as it sounds. I don't do change well, so this in itself, is a challenge I accepted for a chance at a different life."

"Well, at least it won't have to cost you yours this time, and no longer gambling with it."

A flicker of a smile appeared on Severus' lips, realising that truth now more than ever. There was a sense of freedom within his life now, and one he didn't give much thought to before. But his life was no longer hanging by a mere thread and he could now pave his own way and choose his own path without that orchestrated by Riddle or even Dumbledore. Neither of those two mattered now because here he was alive, whilst they were dead. He outlived them, much to his own surprise.

"I'm proud of you, you know, " Draco said, appearing relaxed, "And I think if father was out of Azkaban, he'd soon realise that, too."

"I'm no one to be proud of."

Draco's mouth dropped open in shock, "You're joking, right? You turned your life around. You hung on when the odds were stacked against you and defied a powerful tyrant in the process. You did everything you could to right a wrong, even when you thought you wouldn't make it through. You can't take that lightly."

Severus couldn't help but roll his eyes, "I don't understand why everyone is seeing it that way, and yet I do not."

Draco leaned forward, "Because you're stubborn and thick-headed, but you also can't stand a single compliment towards you. You don't believe you can turn it all around. Like...like you feel you're not worth anything."

Severus glanced at Draco with sadness in his eyes, feeling his heart sink further into his chest. "...Would you blame me if I did?"

"No, I wouldn't, " Draco said, quietly.

"We have a chance to make a better life for ourselves, no matter how late we begin, or whatever the odds constantly opposing us, " Severus sighed, feeling a small fire burning within him, desperate for Draco to make better choices than he ever did, "I lost many years of my life, Draco. But you…You have so many better years ahead of you."

"Returning to Hogwarts has made you soft, " Draco snorted, amusingly.

"My return has made me see differently. I suppose I've had to come to terms with many things this past year, " Severus spoke softly as if his mind was still thinking back on an eventful school year now passed. But Draco was right – he had since developed a softness within him that he never had before, "…But it is not impossible to start over. We have to change, or else we remain stuck in an endless cycle of misery of our own making. Do not walk the same path I did. Adapt and grow, Draco…Don't be afraid to do so, as I did."

Draco smiled fondly to himself, "If I didn't, I'd never had fallen in love with Astoria."

Severus paused to admire the young man seated before him – His Godson, now a young adult, free to make the decisions he only wished he had at his age.

He offered a small, hopeful smile, "And already you are controlling your own future. Embrace it."

July 15th, 2003

[Harry Potter]

"Darling, stop pacing. You'll wear a hole in the floor."

Hannah had tried to comfort her fiancé, but with no luck at all.

Harry, Neville and Hannah had been waiting in the segregated waiting room of the main foyer for close to an hour, waiting for Severus to make his appearance. Neville, being an obvious nervous wreck, wanted to arrive far earlier than planned but that clearly did not work in their favor. Neville had been pacing the floor, unable to settle himself down waiting for the potion that could potentially be ground-breaking.

Severus had already made the arrangements with St. Mungo's ahead of time with the proposition, and with the Ministers' direct support, the hospital agreed to it. Harry himself had put in a word, not that he enjoyed using his Chosen One celebrity status as a free card, but he was willing to do anything to make this work.

Eventually, Severus arrived to meet them looking as if he barely slept the night before. He didn't look all that confident, which was not exactly helping Neville's nerves here. Silently and sombrely, the four of them made the quiet journey to the Janus Thickey Ward on the fourth floor. Once Severus checked in with the Healers on that ward, Harry watched as Neville wandered over to his parents and sat beside them. His father was flipping mindlessly through a book, his eyes glazed over and empty. Neville's mother was sitting by the window doing much the same. Hannah trailed closely behind, wrapping her arms around him in comfort as they sat together.

There were about fifteen patients wandering around the ward, one being the unfortunate Lockhart dressed in an expensive turquoise attire and babbling nonsense at his mirrored reflection at his bedside.

Severus raised an eyebrow, following Harry's line of sight, "Poor unfortunate sod. If this potion works, he will be last on the list."

Chuckling quietly to himself, Harry glanced back teasingly at Severus, "But he's still on the list."

The man humorously grumbled to himself, before turning grimly towards the Longbottoms. Harry heard Severus sigh to himself, quite obviously stalling. Nudging the man ahead, the pair of them went to rejoin Neville at his parent's side with Severus standing behind. The man reached into his robes and pulled out a small, square vial of what was quite obviously the Memory Reveal potion. Like Severus' previous creations, this one was rather pleasing to the eye. In a bright blue-colored liquid, were clouds of white puffs reminiscing of the cloudy sky above. The tiny clouds floated through the liquid as if the sky was literally in the palm of his hand.

Neville looked up at Severus, biting his lip, "Let's try this on my mum, first."

Releasing a small puff of air from his lips, Severus walked over to where Neville was sitting and unfastened the lid. Instantly the scent of chamomile and eucalyptus filled the room.

Neville reached for his mother's hand, holding it between his own, "Come on mum, open your mouth. We have some medicine for you."

Leaning over, Severus place a single drop of the liquid underneath Alice's tongue. The woman instantly pulled a look of disgust, appearing as if it tasted far more horrible than it looked.

"Harry, utilise your watch. One drop every fifteen minutes for an hour is what is needed, " Severus lectured, "This process is to be repeated daily."

Neville nodded, watching his mother rather anxiously for any sign of improvement, "Thank you, sir."

Admittingly, the following hour was filled with an unimaginable silence between the four of them, as they waited with bated breath for any sign of change. At each quarter, Severus continued to administer that single drop without a second to spare. Hannah continued to comfort Neville, brushing her hand against his back tenderly as they waited. Harry noticed Severus' hands tremoring at his side, knowing full well this was enough to cause him inner panic. That hour in silence was rather dreadful and yet to Harry's own inner anxiety, nothing had happened. After the final drop was administered, Severus walked away leaving Harry to depart from his friends to confront him.

Severus inhaled a sharp breath, looking livid with himself, "It did nothing."

"Maybe it will take some time?"

"It's meant to come into effect almost immediately, " Severus spoke through clenched teeth, doing his best to hold himself together.

Harry tried to be as calm as he could, "The Longbottoms aren't just suffering with lost memories. Their damage is a little more severe. Give it time."

"I must try and make some further adjustments – " Now Severus was muttering in tangents, turning away as if he was talking to himself, " – It must be the apsis spores…Or perhaps the elder bark…"

At that point, Neville wandered up to them and looked a little disappointed, deflated since his hopes had been elevated since the proposition. But he, too, tried his best to remain sympathetic, "You've done more than anyone else would, sir. You tried – "

But now Severus appeared even more wretched with himself, as if that last word triggered him, "Tried? It was supposed to be efficient."

"Maybe we can give this a go again tomorrow?" Harry tried to reassure him, but it didn't appear to do much good at all.

They fell silent, watching as Severus left the room without another word. Harry and Neville didn't know what else to say and were not sure how much of it they were actually expecting for it to be successful. He felt a deep sadness for Severus, knowing how much effort and time he put into this potion, for it to fail. He wasn't one for failure and he knew very well this would have hit him hard.

Harry did not stay for much longer, leaving his friends behind, and made his sullen journey home to his own wife. He and Ginny spoke about the potion, feeling poorly for Neville who had gotten his hopes up.

But later that night, Harry received a letter from Neville, via St. Mungos.

HARRY, IT WORKED! IT BLOODY WORKED!

Mum said my name…And she asked how I was…I think…I think this will work. It might take some time and some English practice, and a potion regime, but…

HARRY! I am speechless! If Severus wasn't so repulsed about the idea, I'd hug him to death…Maybe not to death, because he'll kill me, but…

Harry!

I can see something behind their eyes, like they are to speak again. I think…I think they'll be okay.

I just…I just have to believe it…

…The potion worked. It actually worked.

With Harry's shared excitement, he pulled out a spare piece of parchment and scribbled a letter to Severus unable to wipe the joyous grin off his face. He didn't care how messy his writing was – he wanted to express his joy over its success and Severus needed this piece of good news.

They all did.