FIC: The Hour of Separation HP/SS
Title: The Hour of Separation
Author:Cyane_Snape
Pairing or Main Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape. Minor: Hermione Granger. Unrequited slash.
Fic or Art?: Fic
Word length: ~6000
Warning: You might want a tissue. Some minor playing with time regarding Horcruxes, their creation and who possessed them when. Also, Nagini sounds rather “Gollum-esque” in that she speaks in 3rd person. Character death. On a lighter note, some fun Malfoy abuse for comic relief. Set after DH.
RatingNC-17, but only one brief scene.
Disclaimer The world of Harry Potter, its characters and settings are the copyrighted works of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros, and anyone else with legitimate rights. No profit is being made by this site or the authors it houses, nor was any malice intended in any way, shape or form. Due to the nature of this fic, this author will not be held responsible for any underage readers who may come across this. Please observe any warnings, ratings and any legal ages of consent for your part of the world.
Cards Represented in Prompt:
Nothing but gloom and doom, folks.
Ten of Pentacles - Reverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull
The Moon - Upright: Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealing
Ten of Wands - Upright: An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete failure
Beta: Gavilan
Summary: Severus Snape thought he had implanted all his memories and wishes into Harry Potter the night he “died.” When the Statute of Limitations for war crimes is past, he comes out of hiding to reconnect his memories only to discover that his world is not exactly as he expected it would be. Most worrisome of all…why had Harry Potter virtually disappeared from the Wizarding world that he once loved so much?
The Hour of Separation
By Cyane Snape
"Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."
Kahlil Gibran
His lover eased a second finger into the young wizard’s body as he stretched and flexed, trying to prepare him for penetration. This was not new for them. Snape had shared his bed many times, and he had never failed to thrill him or pleasure the man he held tightly in his arms.
Once the older man had determined that Harry had been adequately stretched, Snape used his hands to guide his slick erection into the waiting body. He sheathed his solid length in one smooth thrust as his hands dug into the Gryffindor’s hips and he searched for the best leverage to reach that sensitive gland. And then…
“Oh…gods…YES….Severus…do that again.”
Snape’s hands continued to make magic happen when he palmed the young man’s weeping cock in his fist. At first Harry didn’t believe it was possible to get harder from Severus’ touch, but he did. Every time. Now he was painfully hard. Severus’ hands continued to pump his cock with the same rhythm he thrust into his body. As he surrendered to the magic of his talented lover, his anal muscles constricted around Snape’s member throughout his orgasm and the older man shuddered as he screamed, emptying himself into Harry’s tight warmth.
His long thin fingers released Harry’s flagging erection and returned to cup his young lover’s face and threaded through his messy dark hair. Harry’s eyes were full of love and devotion as he smiled at the beautiful man holding him so carefully in his arms.
“I love you, Severus.”
Harry reached up to pull his face down and kissed the lips that he loved as much as the man himself.
Severus covered Harry’s body with his own and whispered into his ear, “Oh, Lily.” Severus’ face morphed quickly from the sallow man that Harry loved to a distorted version with a gaping wound on his neck. Blood poured from the opening as those thin lips tried to capture Harry’s once more. The young wizard pulled back, trying to escape the horrible creature that held him, but the older man was too strong…
“Don’t leave me, Lily…”
A sharp crack of thunder startled Harry Potter from his nightmare. Lightning flashed through his bedroom and illuminated the rather Spartan furnishings.
Another nightmare.
Harry Potter, the great savior of the Wizarding world, had - for seven years - suffered nightly from debilitating nightmares. The war was finally over for the world and Voldemort long turned to dust, but Harry relived it all every single night. Having long ago become addicted to Dreamless Sleep potion, he had no relief from the torment that threatened his sanity. Harry rubbed his eyes with his fists and glared out the bedroom window into the storm that had roused him from his dreams. It was nearly dawn and Harry knew that there would be no chance of sleep at this late hour. Throwing off the duvet and sliding on his slippers, Harry padded out into the hall and into the bathroom.
No more. I can’t do this anymore.
~*~*~*~*~
In the seven years since the end of the second great Wizarding war, Hermione Weasley had never seen her friend Harry in so much pain and she was beginning to seriously worry about his mental health. It had become a habit to stop by Harry’s home at Grimmauld Place each morning on her way to work as a Medi-wizard at St. Mungo’s. His nightmares had continued after the death of Voldemort, much longer than anyone had realized. She was the one who had taken him in to the healers who had prescribed the Dreamless Sleep potion. She was also the one who had checked him into Wizard’s Rehab when he had become dangerously addicted to that same potion.
Hermione popped in through the kitchen floo and was immediately disturbed by the silence in the old house. At this time of the morning Harry was usually on his second cup of tea, but the hearth was cold and Kreacher was nowhere to be found. The somber chiming of the old clock in the hallway sent shivers up her spine as she made her way through the dark, dusty old house. Cursory examinations of the lower-level rooms offered no explanations as to Harry’s whereabouts. Many times Hermione found him passed out on the sofa in front of the telly with an empty bottle of Old Ogden’s near his hand. Firewhiskey had become the recent drug of choice for Harry when the potion was taken away.
As she entered the upstairs hallway, Hermione saw Kreacher at the end of the hall, wringing his hands. Approaching the open door where the house elf stood, she saw Harry lying in the bathtub in a pool of blood.
~*~*~*~*~
It had taken a team of Medi-wizards to save Harry’s life. His body healed within a few days, but Hermione was most worried about Harry’s state of mind. She never believed that Harry was willing to take his own life. She knew he was willing to sacrifice his life for others, but to just throw it away like that….
After returning home Hermione tried to confront Harry with the cause of his depression.
“Are you still having the same nightmare, Harry?”
Tired green eyes looked over to his friend. “Yes.”
“Is it still the same one about Snape?”
“I SAID ‘YES’! WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?”
Harry ran his hands through his hair. Hermione fought back the tears that threatened to fall.
“Harry, I’m willing to listen if you’re willing to be calm. If you confide in me, I promise to tell no one. It would probably help if you try to work through this depression.”
“You don’t understand, Hermione.” Harry tried to explain. “He really reached out to me in those last moments. He chose to give his memories to ME. I just know that if we had a chance, we could have had something special between us. He loved me, Hermione, and I never knew it. In the dreams I can feel him making love to me. I never had a chance to tell him how I feel, but more importantly, Severus never had a chance at happiness. His entire life was spent in misery and at the service of others.” Harry faced his best friend. “He never had a chance to love, Hermione.”
Hermione internally questioned the accuracy of Harry’s memories. From what she had observed, the Potions Master had only shown Harry barely restrained contempt. She also knew that Harry was so desperate for love that his mind was capable of creating any scenario it needed to satisfy that desire. Maybe Harry just needed a distraction.
“Harry, have you considered getting away for awhile. Maybe this old house with all its bad memories is taking its toll on you. You could use a change of scenery.”
“Don’t push me. There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Harry stormed out of the room and ran downstairs. Not caring where he ended, Harry found himself in the sitting room with the Black family tapestry. As he read the names, he ran his fingers over the fine gold threads that held the names of the Black family. He traced the line down from Orion to the black, burned spot that should have held Sirius’ name.
“Oh, Sirius, we never had a chance either. Because of me, so many never had a chance to be happy. I’m so sorry.”
The young man sank to his knees, unable to stand for the grief that controlled his life. Torrents of tears fell from his eyes and he whispered, “I never had a chance either. Not from the day I was born.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Severus Snape left the cottage that had been his home for the last seven years. The home had belonged to Albus Dumbledore and the old headmaster had left it to Severus in his will. Albus and Severus had spent years preparing the cottage for Severus’ use in case of emergency. The old man had known that his spy would face many trials and difficulties before the end of the war, the least of which had been his request for Severus to end his life. The Fidelius protection on the cottage was held by Severus alone. No one in the Wizarding world knew of its existence and Severus himself had made sure to obliviate the solicitor after the terms of the will had been read. This had been his sanctuary since that horrible night when Voldemort had attempted to gain control of the elder wand and failed. Luckily, once the Dark Lord had left the Shrieking Shack just after Nagini’s attack, Severus was able to swallow a bezoar for the venom and then heal his wounds.
Severus did have some residual guilt from that night. He had been charged by Albus to make sure that Harry Potter had fulfilled his destiny against the Dark Lord. He had to make sure that Harry was willing to die for the cause. Albus had assured him that it was the only choice available to the young wizard, but secretly Snape hoped that Potter had somehow survived. Harry was a horcrux and that bit of Voldemort’s soul had to die, but the young wizard might have found a way to once again defy the odds and live.
Snape closed up the cottage for the long Scottish winter ahead and prepared to rejoin his former world. Now that the Wizarding Statute of Limitations on murder and Death Eater activities had run out, he was free to live his life in any way he chose. He had documents and vials of Albus’ memories to testify on his behalf and the first person he wanted to see was Minerva McGonagall. She would be able to tell him what had happened in the last seven years without the threat of the Ministry hanging over his head. Perhaps she was even in need of a Potions Master.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Severus strolled leisurely down Diagon Alley, enjoying the whispers and stares from the passers-by. He was a free man for the first time in his adult life, a fact that had been verified by Ministry officials in the Headmistress’ office. He had been shocked to learn (from Minerva) that he had been cleared of any wrong-doing nearly seven years ago and that he hadn’t needed to hide at all. It also shocked him that his savior had been none other than Harry Potter who had testified on his behalf in front of the Wizengamot.
Finally a free man, Snape considered his options as he opened the door of Flourish and Blotts to peruse the latest potions journals. Minerva had offered him his old job and he was seriously considering her offer. For once in his life, Severus was going to take his time and carefully think about what he wanted to do with his life. As his mind wandered, he couldn’t help but bump into a body coming out the door.
“Ooof!” the body said. Warm brown eyes looked up through shaggy brown tresses. “Professor Snape?”
“Ah, Miss Granger.”
“It’s Weasley now, sir, but please, call me Hermione. I read in the Prophet that you had returned. I’m sure that you know the entire world is wondering what happened to you all those years ago.”
“I’m sure they would love to know, Hermione, but that is something I would like to keep to myself. I will only say that Albus protected me, even after death. His long-term plans had taken into consideration any difficulties that I might have encountered.”
Snape looked at the witch closely. “Perhaps you can help me with something. I have been searching for Mr. Potter, but he doesn’t answer at Grimmauld Place and it doesn’t appear that Godric’s Hollow has been rebuilt.”
Hermione ducked her eyes to consider her answer. “Um…well Harry’s not here.” She looked around and saw that they were attracting some attention. “Look, why don’t you go to Fortescue’s and grab a table outside. I’ll just pay for these books and meet you there. This will take a little time to explain.”
“Very well.”
~*~*~*~
The table Severus had chosen was in front of the shop but not immediately in the walking traffic of the alley. Set back slightly and facing the street, Severus could watch the pedestrians as they darted in and out of the many stores on the street, completing their daily chores. In only a matter of minutes, Hermione Weasley had joined him at the table, setting down a large stack of medical references on the table.
“Medi-witch or healer?” Severus asked.
“Healer. I specialize in spell damage. I’ve been working with the Longbottoms, trying to help. Normally I would be working, but I’ve taken a leave of absence so that I can try to find Harry.”
“How long has he been missing?”
“Nearly two months.”
Severus raised his eyebrow. “Surely he’s just gone off on holiday or such. Perhaps Miss Weasley…”
“Ginny married Dean Thomas very soon after Harry came out to the world.”
“Out?”
“It was probably the most explosive night in Ministry history. Harry lost his temper at a Ministry celebration right after the war. Ginny kept pushing him to re-establish their relationship and get married and he wasn’t budging. Finally at the ball for the one-year victory celebration, she backed him into a corner and started pawing him. He lost it and declared to everyone within ear-shot that not only was he NOT getting back with her but that he was gay and she didn’t have any bits that interested him.”
“That must have been quite an evening. What happened afterwards?”
“Harry became a very private man. He tried dating for a while, but that didn’t work. I thought that maybe he and Draco would make it work, but that fell apart rather abruptly. Harry would never tell me what happened, but whatever it was hurt Draco deeply. Personally, I think Harry either confessed his love for someone else or used the wrong name during sex. Draco moved to Paris and rarely returns anymore.”
“What happened to Potter after that?” Snape asked.
Hermione sighed as she tasted a bite of the ice cream Snape had purchased.
“He pretty much became a recluse after that. He had a big falling out with Ron about a year ago and they’ve not spoken since. I’ve done my best to remain Harry’s friend since then without making Ron too angry. Mostly I stop by on my way to and from work to make sure he’s still alive.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s been having nightmares since the war. He became addicted to Dreamless Sleep potion and I had to force him into rehab. Now there’s nothing I can give him for the nightmares. About three months ago, he tried to kill himself after another bad night. I managed to catch him in time to get him to St. Mungo’s, but they nearly lost him. Sometimes I think maybe it would have been better if they had. He hasn’t had one happy day since the end of the war. Honestly, I think Harry lost a large part of himself the night Voldemort was killed. He’s never been the same since then.”
“Mr. Potter’s nightmares…are they concerning Voldemort?”
“No, Harry got rid of those as soon as Riddle was killed. Harry’s nightmares are of a… sexual nature. He’s fallen in love and the one he loves, he believes he can’t have. In the dream, they are making love when his lover calls him by someone else’s name. Then it turns into a horrible dream where he watches his lover die.”
“His lover betrays him by calling out another’s name?” Snape asked.
“Yes.”
“Who is his lover in this dream, Mrs. Weasley?”
Hermione thought for a moment before deciding to reveal Harry’s deepest secret. Possibly, if she confided in Snape, he might be able to help her locate Harry. She stiffened her chin and resolutely looked into the older man’s eyes.
“It’s you, Professor Snape.”
~*~*~*~*~*
Harry had been in the Marauder’s era at Hogwarts for nearly a year. He had taken a Time Turner and returned to his parents’ seventh year. He was armed with his invisibility cloak, the Elder Wand and the knowledge of the future and what would happen if he didn’t succeed. He had shown Headmaster Dumbledore forged credentials and had assumed the post of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts under the name Paen Raiden.
“Professor Raiden” had quickly become the most popular teacher at Hogwarts. His easy-going style had endeared him to one and all of his students and his hands-on dueling matches were enjoyable as well as exhausting.
He had spent most of the last year repairing the relationship between Severus and the Marauders but it hadn’t been easy. With a little pushing from Harry, Lily and Severus now worked as potions partners and had been tutoring many of the less gifted potions students. Slughorn had brought both of the youngsters into the “Slug Club” and Severus was enjoying the recognition that he had always deserved.
Remus had proved to be no problem and, through Lily, had become good friends with Severus. However, Harry had spent many long hours in detention with both James and Sirius after catching them trying to prank Severus on several occasions early in the year. Harry had even finally become desperate enough that James and Sirius had been banned from playing in a Quidditch match against Slytherin. They finally began to see reason after that.
It had taken a lot of work to figuratively knock their pureblood arses down to where they had finally begun acting like respectable humans to everyone. Harry demanded respect from students, to him and between students. Anyone who harassed another was immediately dismissed from class, and no one dared to miss his classes. If a student missed even one class, it was nearly impossible to catch up. Harry taught defense of the Dark Arts, but he also taught how to anticipate moves and duel someone who was expert in the Dark Arts. James and Sirius were still pranksters but were no longer the bullies that Severus had known. They had also become expert duelists and were nearly shoo-ins for the Auror corps training program.
The relationship between Lily and Severus had continued to solidify through the past months. Harry’s heart had shattered a fraction when he overheard Severus shyly ask Lily out to dinner for Valentine’s Day. It was fairly easy for Harry to separate young Severus from the man he loved, but there were moments when the two became one.
James had been trying to worm his way into Lily’s good graces, but the beautiful redhead was drawn to Severus’ quiet strength, and her fondness for him had helped Severus become more open to others. He was still quiet, but he was not the social outcast that he had been before he met Harry. Harry had even seen him laugh a few times when Lily was joking with him. Her quiet touches calmed him and brought a flush to his cheeks. Harry knew the young man would never fully understand what Lily could possibly see in him, but Harry also saw the deep love developing between the two.
Young Severus never suspected that his teacher treasured every moment spent in his company. Just having Severus close and in his class was enough to make Harry happy. Harry also never once considered approaching the young man and claiming Severus for his own. Severus belonged to Lily. Severus loved Lily. That’s what he had said in his dreams.
Harry was finally seeing Severus have the happy life he deserved, but Harry had one more thing that he had to take care of. Dumbledore, the interfering old goat, had convinced Severus to spy on Lucius Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins, trying to get information about Voldemort’s Death Eaters.
~*~*~*~*~
Throughout the year, Harry had slowly and systematically been destroying Voldemort’s horcruxes. During the Christmas holidays, the entire faculty had been invited to Malfoy Manor by Lucius’ father, Abraxas. As a member of the Board of Governors, Abraxas Malfoy held a yearly soiree for the richest of wizards as a fundraiser for a variety of wizard charities. Mostly it was an event to show off the Malfoy wealth and power. Utilizing his invisibility cloak as he roamed the halls of Malfoy Manor, Harry had managed to confiscate Riddle’s old diary and, surprisingly, the Hufflepuff cup. Harry wondered how Bellatrix had taken possession of the relic if Abraxas originally had it.
Earlier in the year, Harry had already visited the old Gaunt home and gotten the ring. The Ravenclaw diadem was exactly where Harry had found it the first time and Regulus Black had gladly given Professor Raiden the old Slytherin locket. Harry was not in the least upset that Barty Crouch Jr. had died when he accompanied Regulus to the cave in order to get the locket. Regulus had fooled the Death Eater and used him as a means to an end to retrieve the locket from the cave. Young Regulus had already taken the Dark Mark, but after serious discussions with his DADA he was now spying for Dumbledore. The Headmaster was thrilled to have his new professor systematically destroying Voldemort’s ‘soul’.
~*~*~*~
Harry hid under his cloak as he watched the proceedings. Riddle had chosen a small clearing in the middle of the Forbidden Forest to hold his meeting. Voldemort was ranting to his followers about pureblood supremacy and all his other wizards-are-superior bullshit, so Harry had effectively tuned him out. As he made his way around to the trees behind Voldemort, Harry was interrupted by a hissing noise near his feet. A young Nagini slithered into view and lifted her head to sniff the air.
Who is this who spies upon our Master? We can smell you but we cannot see you.
Harry faced the snake, but didn’t remove the cloak. Hello, Nagini.
It knows our name? Who isssss this speaker?
Harry knelt down and removed the hood from his cloak. I am Harry. I killed your master in another time and place, and my friend Neville killed you.
Usssss? Why would anyone want to kill poor little Nagini? We are but a harmless reptile.
Harry snorted to himself, You may be harmless now but, in my old world, in 20 years you are a killer and murder the man I love. Voldemort made you a horcrux, a repository for a piece of his soul, and you had to die.
The snake raised up closer to Harry. But we are not this ‘horcrux’ thing. Our master has put no spells on us.
Harry looked deeply into the snake’s eyes. He didn’t know if Legilimency worked on a snake, but he found that he could see into her mind and saw that there was no trace of Voldemort’s soul within her.
You are free of his curse, young Nagini. I can spare your life if you agree to follow me. I will find you a safe home in which to live. The Care of Magical Creatures professor would be glad to care for you. The gamekeeper Hagrid will help you hunt for food. Your master will die tonight either way, so make your choice.
The snake looked over in the direction of the Death Eaters. We will starve without our master. You must take us to a new master, young speaker.
I promise, Nagini, as soon as I’ve finished with your old master. And…sorry about this… “Stupefy!” The snake stilled and glared at Harry. I’m sorry. I couldn’t take the chance that you might warn Voldemort. I’ll release you as soon as he’s dead.
~*~*~*~*~
Unlike many Muggle mystery novels or telly crime shows, Harry hadn’t planned to appear in front of Voldemort and demand a duel. He didn’t want to discuss it. He didn’t want to do anything flashy. He just wanted to get rid of the fucker. He had already died for this asshole once and he wasn’t going to do it again. Clean and simple, that’s all it would be. So, as all the little minions bowed before their master, Harry stepped out from his hiding place (still wearing his invisibility cloak) and aimed his wand at the Dark Lord’s back.
“Avada Kedavra!” The look of shock on Voldemort’s face was worth the price of admission. The Dark Lord was in mid-blather one second and dead as a doornail the next. The assembled Death Eaters stood in a semi-circle, completely shocked.
Harry immediately followed that curse with a massive “Obliviate!” aimed at the Death Eaters. Harry walked up to each of the followers and whispered instructions into their ears, all except Bellatrix. Harry took great joy in using the AK to send her to join her master. Sirius, even though still alive in this world, had been avenged for the other world. When he got to Lucius Malfoy, he considered his instructions for a moment and then spoke.
“Lucius, you will go home and make love to your wife. You will forget this pureblood nonsense and disassociate yourself from your father’s ideals. You will devote yourself to being a loving husband and father many children… and you will become close friends with Arthur Weasley.” Harry started to turn away, but returned, “Oh…and you will name all of your children after constellations, but the first one MUST be named Draco.”
Harry giggled to himself as he envisioned the Malfoys rivaling the Weasleys with their many children. Then he spotted the dark haired young man that had been standing at the back of the throng. He knew that Severus hadn’t really wanted to join Voldemort’s ranks, but he was desperate for approval and had wanted to prove himself to Dumbledore. Now that would never have to happen.
Harry whispered into his love’s ear, enjoying that scent that was Severus’ alone. “Severus, go back to the castle and tell Lily exactly how you feel about her. Learn to enjoy life and forgive those who have ever caused you pain in the past. Today begins the rest of your life. Learn how to give love and be loved. Be happy.”
With his final instruction given, all the Death Eaters and Severus began to return to normal and apparate away. Harry turned to the stunned snake and said, Finite Incantatem! Come on, Nagini, let’s go home.
~*~*~*~*~
Several months later…
Harry stood at the back of the assembled crowd and watched the autumn leaves drift down to create a yellow, orange and red blanket of color on the ground outside Hogwarts. The crisp October air was clean and fresh with the golden orange of the setting sun setting a halo around the ceremony that was in progress down by the lake.
Severus Snape was marrying Lily Evans.
Remus Lupin stood as best man for his friend, their animosity toward each other long gone. Harry knew what would happen once the ceremony was over.
Harry Potter would cease to exist.
Harry Potter would never be born.
A mysterious man named Paen Raiden would be immortalized as the Savior of the World, but even he would never be seen again after this day. It was a sacrifice that Harry was willing to make. In his world, his beloved Severus was dead. In his world, his beloved Severus had loved his mother Lily. Now Harry had made sure that Severus had the life of love that he had never enjoyed in Harry’s time. Severus never had to spy, never had to apologize for simply living.
Harry dared to look at the happy couple. Dumbledore was finishing the ceremony and golden bands of magic encircled the couple. Harry could feel the beginning of the end. He looked at his hands. They were beginning to fade. Only a few more seconds then…he whispered into the wind…
“I love you, Severus.”
As the young wizard leaned in and kissed his bride, the wizard who was once Harry Potter faded away to nothing.
~*~**~*~*~
Hermione looked directly into Severus’ dark eyes,“It’s you, Professor Snape.”
How could he possibly have known? “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Weasley? Potter fancies ME?
Hermione assessed the look in Snape’s eyes. There was obviously more there than the man was willing to admit.
“Harry had spoken of his desire for you as early as our fifth year, but he refused to act on his desires until he was older. He had planned to reach out to you after the war, but never got that chance. When you died in his arms, he lost a big part of himself. He’s never been the same since that night.”
Severus tried to appear calm as he watched the people passing by on the street.
“I wish I had known. I wish I could have explained.”
Severus turned to face Hermione. “I loved Lily Evans in my youth, but lost her to James Potter due to my own foolishness. At first, all I saw in Harry was James Potter, but as I spent more and more time protecting him and teaching him, I could see what an amazing young man he was. I never dreamed that he might harbor feelings for me. I never allowed my own feelings to become what they could have been.”
A slow rolling wash of old magic slowly rumbled down Diagon Alley, approaching the two people sitting in front of Fortesque’s. As the shimmer of magic rippled down the street, left behind was a shinier, brighter Diagon Alley. Hermione and Severus closed their eyes and they felt the magic wash over them. When the magic dissipated, they opened their eyes and observed a new world.
The shops were clean and bright and crowded with customers. Many more people happily rush up and down the street making purchases. A loud barking laugh directed their attention across the street to where James Potter and Sirius Black, both dressed in Aurors robes, were leaving the Quidditch supply store carrying what were obviously two new brooms. Nearby Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were leaving Flourish and Blotts with their own little gaggle of blond Malfoy children, five of whom appeared to be of Hogwarts’ ages. The family met up with another redheaded gaggle and the two families made their way into the Leaky Cauldron together.
Hermione looked down at her hands. Her wedding ring had disappeared. Then she looked at her former professor. His complexion was healthy and his hair was soft and clean. His teeth were not crooked and his hands were not stained. His clothing, his robes were well-cut and a deep, rich blue - not black.
A voice broke through Hermione’s observations, “Severus, there you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.”
A beautiful redheaded woman approached Severus and kissed him on the cheek. “Severus, I thought I was supposed to meet you in the bookstore and here I find you chatting up this beautiful young woman. Should I be jealous?”
Severus simply stared at the woman who was beaming at him. Hermione knew that the woman was merely teasing and was not truly jealous. Knowing that Severus couldn’t speak, Hermione stuck out her hand, “I’m Hermione …Granger, a former Hogwarts student.” Hermione had no idea if Severus was teaching at Hogwarts in this new world.
“Lily Snape, I’m so pleased to meet you. I see by your books that you must be a Healer. Have you used my husband’s potions? He is the best, you know.”
Hermione smiled, “Yes, Mrs. Snape, I’ve used your husband’s potions many times.”
Lily Snape turned back to her husband, “Severus, Raiden said to wait for him at the bookstore while he closed up the apothecary for you. He’s asked Draco to come to dinner with us tonight. Don’t say anything to Raiden, but I think something serious is brewing between them, and not just potions. And Eileen will be meeting us at the restaurant at eight to celebrate her appointment as Head Girl. Miss Granger, since my husband cannot seem to find his voice, would you care to join us?”
“Um, no thank you. I need to be getting home, but thank you.”
“My pleasure, dear. Severus, I’ll just go fetch the boys from the bookstore and be right back. You wait right here and don’t wander off. Miss Granger, would you please keep an eye on Severus while I get my son and our godson.”
“Of course.”
Lily Snape turned quickly, heading back to the bookstore. Severus’ eyes followed her as if he was awakening from a dream.
“Professor?” Hermione asked.
“Mrs. Weasley, what just happened?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Harry did it. He changed the world. I hadn’t had a chance to tell you, but Harry stole a Time Turner from the Ministry. We didn’t have proof, but I had a feeling that he had gone back in time to try to save your life. I’ve been using a Time Turner since he disappeared, trying to locate him, but I would never have thought to go back that far. I was searching during our seventh year. It appears that he went back to your seventh year to make sure you found happiness. The whole world is different than it was a few minutes ago. I’m no longer wearing a wedding band, so I assume that Ron and I are not married. I have no idea what my life is now, or even where my home is. I guess I’ll go visit my parents and start from there. Hopefully, they can fill in the blanks of my life. You, on the other hand, seem to be married to Lily and have fathered at least two children - a son named Raiden and a daughter named Eileen. And you own an Apothecary. The rest you’ll have to learn yourself.”
“But…Potter? What about Harry?”
“Professor, in this world Harry Potter was never born. By changing time and history, he made sure that you and Lily found happiness by sacrificing himself for you.”
“If time has changed, how is it that we can still remember the other world?”
“I’m just guessing, but perhaps our knowledge will fade with time and we too will forget that a wizard named Harry Potter ever existed. Or perhaps Fate is a bitch that wants someone to remember Harry’s sacrifice.”
At that moment, Lily returned with two young men in tow. The first was easy to recognize. Draco Malfoy had not changed in appearance in this world, but his demeanor was open and friendly, something neither Severus nor Hermione had seen in the previous world. The other young man had black hair and vivid green eyes, just like his mother. He stuck out his hand as he was introduced to Hermione.
“Raiden Snape. I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Severus looked up into the eyes of his beautiful son and a tear slipped from his dark eyes.
Harry? Dear Merlin, he looks just like Harry.
“Dad, are you all right?”
Fin
© Cyane Snape, August 12,2008
Author:Cyane_Snape
Pairing or Main Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape. Minor: Hermione Granger. Unrequited slash.
Fic or Art?: Fic
Word length: ~6000
Warning: You might want a tissue. Some minor playing with time regarding Horcruxes, their creation and who possessed them when. Also, Nagini sounds rather “Gollum-esque” in that she speaks in 3rd person. Character death. On a lighter note, some fun Malfoy abuse for comic relief. Set after DH.
RatingNC-17, but only one brief scene.
Disclaimer The world of Harry Potter, its characters and settings are the copyrighted works of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros, and anyone else with legitimate rights. No profit is being made by this site or the authors it houses, nor was any malice intended in any way, shape or form. Due to the nature of this fic, this author will not be held responsible for any underage readers who may come across this. Please observe any warnings, ratings and any legal ages of consent for your part of the world.
Cards Represented in Prompt:
Nothing but gloom and doom, folks.
Ten of Pentacles - Reverse: Family misfortune, caution, mind is dull
The Moon - Upright: Deception, trickery, disillusionment, error, danger, disgrace, double-dealing
Ten of Wands - Upright: An oppressive load, pain, all plans or projects ruined, complete failure
Beta: Gavilan
Summary: Severus Snape thought he had implanted all his memories and wishes into Harry Potter the night he “died.” When the Statute of Limitations for war crimes is past, he comes out of hiding to reconnect his memories only to discover that his world is not exactly as he expected it would be. Most worrisome of all…why had Harry Potter virtually disappeared from the Wizarding world that he once loved so much?
The Hour of Separation
By Cyane Snape
"Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."
Kahlil Gibran
His lover eased a second finger into the young wizard’s body as he stretched and flexed, trying to prepare him for penetration. This was not new for them. Snape had shared his bed many times, and he had never failed to thrill him or pleasure the man he held tightly in his arms.
Once the older man had determined that Harry had been adequately stretched, Snape used his hands to guide his slick erection into the waiting body. He sheathed his solid length in one smooth thrust as his hands dug into the Gryffindor’s hips and he searched for the best leverage to reach that sensitive gland. And then…
“Oh…gods…YES….Severus…do that again.”
Snape’s hands continued to make magic happen when he palmed the young man’s weeping cock in his fist. At first Harry didn’t believe it was possible to get harder from Severus’ touch, but he did. Every time. Now he was painfully hard. Severus’ hands continued to pump his cock with the same rhythm he thrust into his body. As he surrendered to the magic of his talented lover, his anal muscles constricted around Snape’s member throughout his orgasm and the older man shuddered as he screamed, emptying himself into Harry’s tight warmth.
His long thin fingers released Harry’s flagging erection and returned to cup his young lover’s face and threaded through his messy dark hair. Harry’s eyes were full of love and devotion as he smiled at the beautiful man holding him so carefully in his arms.
“I love you, Severus.”
Harry reached up to pull his face down and kissed the lips that he loved as much as the man himself.
Severus covered Harry’s body with his own and whispered into his ear, “Oh, Lily.” Severus’ face morphed quickly from the sallow man that Harry loved to a distorted version with a gaping wound on his neck. Blood poured from the opening as those thin lips tried to capture Harry’s once more. The young wizard pulled back, trying to escape the horrible creature that held him, but the older man was too strong…
“Don’t leave me, Lily…”
A sharp crack of thunder startled Harry Potter from his nightmare. Lightning flashed through his bedroom and illuminated the rather Spartan furnishings.
Another nightmare.
Harry Potter, the great savior of the Wizarding world, had - for seven years - suffered nightly from debilitating nightmares. The war was finally over for the world and Voldemort long turned to dust, but Harry relived it all every single night. Having long ago become addicted to Dreamless Sleep potion, he had no relief from the torment that threatened his sanity. Harry rubbed his eyes with his fists and glared out the bedroom window into the storm that had roused him from his dreams. It was nearly dawn and Harry knew that there would be no chance of sleep at this late hour. Throwing off the duvet and sliding on his slippers, Harry padded out into the hall and into the bathroom.
No more. I can’t do this anymore.
~*~*~*~*~
In the seven years since the end of the second great Wizarding war, Hermione Weasley had never seen her friend Harry in so much pain and she was beginning to seriously worry about his mental health. It had become a habit to stop by Harry’s home at Grimmauld Place each morning on her way to work as a Medi-wizard at St. Mungo’s. His nightmares had continued after the death of Voldemort, much longer than anyone had realized. She was the one who had taken him in to the healers who had prescribed the Dreamless Sleep potion. She was also the one who had checked him into Wizard’s Rehab when he had become dangerously addicted to that same potion.
Hermione popped in through the kitchen floo and was immediately disturbed by the silence in the old house. At this time of the morning Harry was usually on his second cup of tea, but the hearth was cold and Kreacher was nowhere to be found. The somber chiming of the old clock in the hallway sent shivers up her spine as she made her way through the dark, dusty old house. Cursory examinations of the lower-level rooms offered no explanations as to Harry’s whereabouts. Many times Hermione found him passed out on the sofa in front of the telly with an empty bottle of Old Ogden’s near his hand. Firewhiskey had become the recent drug of choice for Harry when the potion was taken away.
As she entered the upstairs hallway, Hermione saw Kreacher at the end of the hall, wringing his hands. Approaching the open door where the house elf stood, she saw Harry lying in the bathtub in a pool of blood.
~*~*~*~*~
It had taken a team of Medi-wizards to save Harry’s life. His body healed within a few days, but Hermione was most worried about Harry’s state of mind. She never believed that Harry was willing to take his own life. She knew he was willing to sacrifice his life for others, but to just throw it away like that….
After returning home Hermione tried to confront Harry with the cause of his depression.
“Are you still having the same nightmare, Harry?”
Tired green eyes looked over to his friend. “Yes.”
“Is it still the same one about Snape?”
“I SAID ‘YES’! WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?”
Harry ran his hands through his hair. Hermione fought back the tears that threatened to fall.
“Harry, I’m willing to listen if you’re willing to be calm. If you confide in me, I promise to tell no one. It would probably help if you try to work through this depression.”
“You don’t understand, Hermione.” Harry tried to explain. “He really reached out to me in those last moments. He chose to give his memories to ME. I just know that if we had a chance, we could have had something special between us. He loved me, Hermione, and I never knew it. In the dreams I can feel him making love to me. I never had a chance to tell him how I feel, but more importantly, Severus never had a chance at happiness. His entire life was spent in misery and at the service of others.” Harry faced his best friend. “He never had a chance to love, Hermione.”
Hermione internally questioned the accuracy of Harry’s memories. From what she had observed, the Potions Master had only shown Harry barely restrained contempt. She also knew that Harry was so desperate for love that his mind was capable of creating any scenario it needed to satisfy that desire. Maybe Harry just needed a distraction.
“Harry, have you considered getting away for awhile. Maybe this old house with all its bad memories is taking its toll on you. You could use a change of scenery.”
“Don’t push me. There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Harry stormed out of the room and ran downstairs. Not caring where he ended, Harry found himself in the sitting room with the Black family tapestry. As he read the names, he ran his fingers over the fine gold threads that held the names of the Black family. He traced the line down from Orion to the black, burned spot that should have held Sirius’ name.
“Oh, Sirius, we never had a chance either. Because of me, so many never had a chance to be happy. I’m so sorry.”
The young man sank to his knees, unable to stand for the grief that controlled his life. Torrents of tears fell from his eyes and he whispered, “I never had a chance either. Not from the day I was born.”
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Severus Snape left the cottage that had been his home for the last seven years. The home had belonged to Albus Dumbledore and the old headmaster had left it to Severus in his will. Albus and Severus had spent years preparing the cottage for Severus’ use in case of emergency. The old man had known that his spy would face many trials and difficulties before the end of the war, the least of which had been his request for Severus to end his life. The Fidelius protection on the cottage was held by Severus alone. No one in the Wizarding world knew of its existence and Severus himself had made sure to obliviate the solicitor after the terms of the will had been read. This had been his sanctuary since that horrible night when Voldemort had attempted to gain control of the elder wand and failed. Luckily, once the Dark Lord had left the Shrieking Shack just after Nagini’s attack, Severus was able to swallow a bezoar for the venom and then heal his wounds.
Severus did have some residual guilt from that night. He had been charged by Albus to make sure that Harry Potter had fulfilled his destiny against the Dark Lord. He had to make sure that Harry was willing to die for the cause. Albus had assured him that it was the only choice available to the young wizard, but secretly Snape hoped that Potter had somehow survived. Harry was a horcrux and that bit of Voldemort’s soul had to die, but the young wizard might have found a way to once again defy the odds and live.
Snape closed up the cottage for the long Scottish winter ahead and prepared to rejoin his former world. Now that the Wizarding Statute of Limitations on murder and Death Eater activities had run out, he was free to live his life in any way he chose. He had documents and vials of Albus’ memories to testify on his behalf and the first person he wanted to see was Minerva McGonagall. She would be able to tell him what had happened in the last seven years without the threat of the Ministry hanging over his head. Perhaps she was even in need of a Potions Master.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Severus strolled leisurely down Diagon Alley, enjoying the whispers and stares from the passers-by. He was a free man for the first time in his adult life, a fact that had been verified by Ministry officials in the Headmistress’ office. He had been shocked to learn (from Minerva) that he had been cleared of any wrong-doing nearly seven years ago and that he hadn’t needed to hide at all. It also shocked him that his savior had been none other than Harry Potter who had testified on his behalf in front of the Wizengamot.
Finally a free man, Snape considered his options as he opened the door of Flourish and Blotts to peruse the latest potions journals. Minerva had offered him his old job and he was seriously considering her offer. For once in his life, Severus was going to take his time and carefully think about what he wanted to do with his life. As his mind wandered, he couldn’t help but bump into a body coming out the door.
“Ooof!” the body said. Warm brown eyes looked up through shaggy brown tresses. “Professor Snape?”
“Ah, Miss Granger.”
“It’s Weasley now, sir, but please, call me Hermione. I read in the Prophet that you had returned. I’m sure that you know the entire world is wondering what happened to you all those years ago.”
“I’m sure they would love to know, Hermione, but that is something I would like to keep to myself. I will only say that Albus protected me, even after death. His long-term plans had taken into consideration any difficulties that I might have encountered.”
Snape looked at the witch closely. “Perhaps you can help me with something. I have been searching for Mr. Potter, but he doesn’t answer at Grimmauld Place and it doesn’t appear that Godric’s Hollow has been rebuilt.”
Hermione ducked her eyes to consider her answer. “Um…well Harry’s not here.” She looked around and saw that they were attracting some attention. “Look, why don’t you go to Fortescue’s and grab a table outside. I’ll just pay for these books and meet you there. This will take a little time to explain.”
“Very well.”
~*~*~*~
The table Severus had chosen was in front of the shop but not immediately in the walking traffic of the alley. Set back slightly and facing the street, Severus could watch the pedestrians as they darted in and out of the many stores on the street, completing their daily chores. In only a matter of minutes, Hermione Weasley had joined him at the table, setting down a large stack of medical references on the table.
“Medi-witch or healer?” Severus asked.
“Healer. I specialize in spell damage. I’ve been working with the Longbottoms, trying to help. Normally I would be working, but I’ve taken a leave of absence so that I can try to find Harry.”
“How long has he been missing?”
“Nearly two months.”
Severus raised his eyebrow. “Surely he’s just gone off on holiday or such. Perhaps Miss Weasley…”
“Ginny married Dean Thomas very soon after Harry came out to the world.”
“Out?”
“It was probably the most explosive night in Ministry history. Harry lost his temper at a Ministry celebration right after the war. Ginny kept pushing him to re-establish their relationship and get married and he wasn’t budging. Finally at the ball for the one-year victory celebration, she backed him into a corner and started pawing him. He lost it and declared to everyone within ear-shot that not only was he NOT getting back with her but that he was gay and she didn’t have any bits that interested him.”
“That must have been quite an evening. What happened afterwards?”
“Harry became a very private man. He tried dating for a while, but that didn’t work. I thought that maybe he and Draco would make it work, but that fell apart rather abruptly. Harry would never tell me what happened, but whatever it was hurt Draco deeply. Personally, I think Harry either confessed his love for someone else or used the wrong name during sex. Draco moved to Paris and rarely returns anymore.”
“What happened to Potter after that?” Snape asked.
Hermione sighed as she tasted a bite of the ice cream Snape had purchased.
“He pretty much became a recluse after that. He had a big falling out with Ron about a year ago and they’ve not spoken since. I’ve done my best to remain Harry’s friend since then without making Ron too angry. Mostly I stop by on my way to and from work to make sure he’s still alive.”
“What do you mean?”
“He’s been having nightmares since the war. He became addicted to Dreamless Sleep potion and I had to force him into rehab. Now there’s nothing I can give him for the nightmares. About three months ago, he tried to kill himself after another bad night. I managed to catch him in time to get him to St. Mungo’s, but they nearly lost him. Sometimes I think maybe it would have been better if they had. He hasn’t had one happy day since the end of the war. Honestly, I think Harry lost a large part of himself the night Voldemort was killed. He’s never been the same since then.”
“Mr. Potter’s nightmares…are they concerning Voldemort?”
“No, Harry got rid of those as soon as Riddle was killed. Harry’s nightmares are of a… sexual nature. He’s fallen in love and the one he loves, he believes he can’t have. In the dream, they are making love when his lover calls him by someone else’s name. Then it turns into a horrible dream where he watches his lover die.”
“His lover betrays him by calling out another’s name?” Snape asked.
“Yes.”
“Who is his lover in this dream, Mrs. Weasley?”
Hermione thought for a moment before deciding to reveal Harry’s deepest secret. Possibly, if she confided in Snape, he might be able to help her locate Harry. She stiffened her chin and resolutely looked into the older man’s eyes.
“It’s you, Professor Snape.”
~*~*~*~*~*
Harry had been in the Marauder’s era at Hogwarts for nearly a year. He had taken a Time Turner and returned to his parents’ seventh year. He was armed with his invisibility cloak, the Elder Wand and the knowledge of the future and what would happen if he didn’t succeed. He had shown Headmaster Dumbledore forged credentials and had assumed the post of Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts under the name Paen Raiden.
“Professor Raiden” had quickly become the most popular teacher at Hogwarts. His easy-going style had endeared him to one and all of his students and his hands-on dueling matches were enjoyable as well as exhausting.
He had spent most of the last year repairing the relationship between Severus and the Marauders but it hadn’t been easy. With a little pushing from Harry, Lily and Severus now worked as potions partners and had been tutoring many of the less gifted potions students. Slughorn had brought both of the youngsters into the “Slug Club” and Severus was enjoying the recognition that he had always deserved.
Remus had proved to be no problem and, through Lily, had become good friends with Severus. However, Harry had spent many long hours in detention with both James and Sirius after catching them trying to prank Severus on several occasions early in the year. Harry had even finally become desperate enough that James and Sirius had been banned from playing in a Quidditch match against Slytherin. They finally began to see reason after that.
It had taken a lot of work to figuratively knock their pureblood arses down to where they had finally begun acting like respectable humans to everyone. Harry demanded respect from students, to him and between students. Anyone who harassed another was immediately dismissed from class, and no one dared to miss his classes. If a student missed even one class, it was nearly impossible to catch up. Harry taught defense of the Dark Arts, but he also taught how to anticipate moves and duel someone who was expert in the Dark Arts. James and Sirius were still pranksters but were no longer the bullies that Severus had known. They had also become expert duelists and were nearly shoo-ins for the Auror corps training program.
The relationship between Lily and Severus had continued to solidify through the past months. Harry’s heart had shattered a fraction when he overheard Severus shyly ask Lily out to dinner for Valentine’s Day. It was fairly easy for Harry to separate young Severus from the man he loved, but there were moments when the two became one.
James had been trying to worm his way into Lily’s good graces, but the beautiful redhead was drawn to Severus’ quiet strength, and her fondness for him had helped Severus become more open to others. He was still quiet, but he was not the social outcast that he had been before he met Harry. Harry had even seen him laugh a few times when Lily was joking with him. Her quiet touches calmed him and brought a flush to his cheeks. Harry knew the young man would never fully understand what Lily could possibly see in him, but Harry also saw the deep love developing between the two.
Young Severus never suspected that his teacher treasured every moment spent in his company. Just having Severus close and in his class was enough to make Harry happy. Harry also never once considered approaching the young man and claiming Severus for his own. Severus belonged to Lily. Severus loved Lily. That’s what he had said in his dreams.
Harry was finally seeing Severus have the happy life he deserved, but Harry had one more thing that he had to take care of. Dumbledore, the interfering old goat, had convinced Severus to spy on Lucius Malfoy and some of the other Slytherins, trying to get information about Voldemort’s Death Eaters.
~*~*~*~*~
Throughout the year, Harry had slowly and systematically been destroying Voldemort’s horcruxes. During the Christmas holidays, the entire faculty had been invited to Malfoy Manor by Lucius’ father, Abraxas. As a member of the Board of Governors, Abraxas Malfoy held a yearly soiree for the richest of wizards as a fundraiser for a variety of wizard charities. Mostly it was an event to show off the Malfoy wealth and power. Utilizing his invisibility cloak as he roamed the halls of Malfoy Manor, Harry had managed to confiscate Riddle’s old diary and, surprisingly, the Hufflepuff cup. Harry wondered how Bellatrix had taken possession of the relic if Abraxas originally had it.
Earlier in the year, Harry had already visited the old Gaunt home and gotten the ring. The Ravenclaw diadem was exactly where Harry had found it the first time and Regulus Black had gladly given Professor Raiden the old Slytherin locket. Harry was not in the least upset that Barty Crouch Jr. had died when he accompanied Regulus to the cave in order to get the locket. Regulus had fooled the Death Eater and used him as a means to an end to retrieve the locket from the cave. Young Regulus had already taken the Dark Mark, but after serious discussions with his DADA he was now spying for Dumbledore. The Headmaster was thrilled to have his new professor systematically destroying Voldemort’s ‘soul’.
~*~*~*~
Harry hid under his cloak as he watched the proceedings. Riddle had chosen a small clearing in the middle of the Forbidden Forest to hold his meeting. Voldemort was ranting to his followers about pureblood supremacy and all his other wizards-are-superior bullshit, so Harry had effectively tuned him out. As he made his way around to the trees behind Voldemort, Harry was interrupted by a hissing noise near his feet. A young Nagini slithered into view and lifted her head to sniff the air.
Who is this who spies upon our Master? We can smell you but we cannot see you.
Harry faced the snake, but didn’t remove the cloak. Hello, Nagini.
It knows our name? Who isssss this speaker?
Harry knelt down and removed the hood from his cloak. I am Harry. I killed your master in another time and place, and my friend Neville killed you.
Usssss? Why would anyone want to kill poor little Nagini? We are but a harmless reptile.
Harry snorted to himself, You may be harmless now but, in my old world, in 20 years you are a killer and murder the man I love. Voldemort made you a horcrux, a repository for a piece of his soul, and you had to die.
The snake raised up closer to Harry. But we are not this ‘horcrux’ thing. Our master has put no spells on us.
Harry looked deeply into the snake’s eyes. He didn’t know if Legilimency worked on a snake, but he found that he could see into her mind and saw that there was no trace of Voldemort’s soul within her.
You are free of his curse, young Nagini. I can spare your life if you agree to follow me. I will find you a safe home in which to live. The Care of Magical Creatures professor would be glad to care for you. The gamekeeper Hagrid will help you hunt for food. Your master will die tonight either way, so make your choice.
The snake looked over in the direction of the Death Eaters. We will starve without our master. You must take us to a new master, young speaker.
I promise, Nagini, as soon as I’ve finished with your old master. And…sorry about this… “Stupefy!” The snake stilled and glared at Harry. I’m sorry. I couldn’t take the chance that you might warn Voldemort. I’ll release you as soon as he’s dead.
~*~*~*~*~
Unlike many Muggle mystery novels or telly crime shows, Harry hadn’t planned to appear in front of Voldemort and demand a duel. He didn’t want to discuss it. He didn’t want to do anything flashy. He just wanted to get rid of the fucker. He had already died for this asshole once and he wasn’t going to do it again. Clean and simple, that’s all it would be. So, as all the little minions bowed before their master, Harry stepped out from his hiding place (still wearing his invisibility cloak) and aimed his wand at the Dark Lord’s back.
“Avada Kedavra!” The look of shock on Voldemort’s face was worth the price of admission. The Dark Lord was in mid-blather one second and dead as a doornail the next. The assembled Death Eaters stood in a semi-circle, completely shocked.
Harry immediately followed that curse with a massive “Obliviate!” aimed at the Death Eaters. Harry walked up to each of the followers and whispered instructions into their ears, all except Bellatrix. Harry took great joy in using the AK to send her to join her master. Sirius, even though still alive in this world, had been avenged for the other world. When he got to Lucius Malfoy, he considered his instructions for a moment and then spoke.
“Lucius, you will go home and make love to your wife. You will forget this pureblood nonsense and disassociate yourself from your father’s ideals. You will devote yourself to being a loving husband and father many children… and you will become close friends with Arthur Weasley.” Harry started to turn away, but returned, “Oh…and you will name all of your children after constellations, but the first one MUST be named Draco.”
Harry giggled to himself as he envisioned the Malfoys rivaling the Weasleys with their many children. Then he spotted the dark haired young man that had been standing at the back of the throng. He knew that Severus hadn’t really wanted to join Voldemort’s ranks, but he was desperate for approval and had wanted to prove himself to Dumbledore. Now that would never have to happen.
Harry whispered into his love’s ear, enjoying that scent that was Severus’ alone. “Severus, go back to the castle and tell Lily exactly how you feel about her. Learn to enjoy life and forgive those who have ever caused you pain in the past. Today begins the rest of your life. Learn how to give love and be loved. Be happy.”
With his final instruction given, all the Death Eaters and Severus began to return to normal and apparate away. Harry turned to the stunned snake and said, Finite Incantatem! Come on, Nagini, let’s go home.
~*~*~*~*~
Several months later…
Harry stood at the back of the assembled crowd and watched the autumn leaves drift down to create a yellow, orange and red blanket of color on the ground outside Hogwarts. The crisp October air was clean and fresh with the golden orange of the setting sun setting a halo around the ceremony that was in progress down by the lake.
Severus Snape was marrying Lily Evans.
Remus Lupin stood as best man for his friend, their animosity toward each other long gone. Harry knew what would happen once the ceremony was over.
Harry Potter would cease to exist.
Harry Potter would never be born.
A mysterious man named Paen Raiden would be immortalized as the Savior of the World, but even he would never be seen again after this day. It was a sacrifice that Harry was willing to make. In his world, his beloved Severus was dead. In his world, his beloved Severus had loved his mother Lily. Now Harry had made sure that Severus had the life of love that he had never enjoyed in Harry’s time. Severus never had to spy, never had to apologize for simply living.
Harry dared to look at the happy couple. Dumbledore was finishing the ceremony and golden bands of magic encircled the couple. Harry could feel the beginning of the end. He looked at his hands. They were beginning to fade. Only a few more seconds then…he whispered into the wind…
“I love you, Severus.”
As the young wizard leaned in and kissed his bride, the wizard who was once Harry Potter faded away to nothing.
~*~**~*~*~
Hermione looked directly into Severus’ dark eyes,“It’s you, Professor Snape.”
How could he possibly have known? “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Weasley? Potter fancies ME?
Hermione assessed the look in Snape’s eyes. There was obviously more there than the man was willing to admit.
“Harry had spoken of his desire for you as early as our fifth year, but he refused to act on his desires until he was older. He had planned to reach out to you after the war, but never got that chance. When you died in his arms, he lost a big part of himself. He’s never been the same since that night.”
Severus tried to appear calm as he watched the people passing by on the street.
“I wish I had known. I wish I could have explained.”
Severus turned to face Hermione. “I loved Lily Evans in my youth, but lost her to James Potter due to my own foolishness. At first, all I saw in Harry was James Potter, but as I spent more and more time protecting him and teaching him, I could see what an amazing young man he was. I never dreamed that he might harbor feelings for me. I never allowed my own feelings to become what they could have been.”
A slow rolling wash of old magic slowly rumbled down Diagon Alley, approaching the two people sitting in front of Fortesque’s. As the shimmer of magic rippled down the street, left behind was a shinier, brighter Diagon Alley. Hermione and Severus closed their eyes and they felt the magic wash over them. When the magic dissipated, they opened their eyes and observed a new world.
The shops were clean and bright and crowded with customers. Many more people happily rush up and down the street making purchases. A loud barking laugh directed their attention across the street to where James Potter and Sirius Black, both dressed in Aurors robes, were leaving the Quidditch supply store carrying what were obviously two new brooms. Nearby Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were leaving Flourish and Blotts with their own little gaggle of blond Malfoy children, five of whom appeared to be of Hogwarts’ ages. The family met up with another redheaded gaggle and the two families made their way into the Leaky Cauldron together.
Hermione looked down at her hands. Her wedding ring had disappeared. Then she looked at her former professor. His complexion was healthy and his hair was soft and clean. His teeth were not crooked and his hands were not stained. His clothing, his robes were well-cut and a deep, rich blue - not black.
A voice broke through Hermione’s observations, “Severus, there you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.”
A beautiful redheaded woman approached Severus and kissed him on the cheek. “Severus, I thought I was supposed to meet you in the bookstore and here I find you chatting up this beautiful young woman. Should I be jealous?”
Severus simply stared at the woman who was beaming at him. Hermione knew that the woman was merely teasing and was not truly jealous. Knowing that Severus couldn’t speak, Hermione stuck out her hand, “I’m Hermione …Granger, a former Hogwarts student.” Hermione had no idea if Severus was teaching at Hogwarts in this new world.
“Lily Snape, I’m so pleased to meet you. I see by your books that you must be a Healer. Have you used my husband’s potions? He is the best, you know.”
Hermione smiled, “Yes, Mrs. Snape, I’ve used your husband’s potions many times.”
Lily Snape turned back to her husband, “Severus, Raiden said to wait for him at the bookstore while he closed up the apothecary for you. He’s asked Draco to come to dinner with us tonight. Don’t say anything to Raiden, but I think something serious is brewing between them, and not just potions. And Eileen will be meeting us at the restaurant at eight to celebrate her appointment as Head Girl. Miss Granger, since my husband cannot seem to find his voice, would you care to join us?”
“Um, no thank you. I need to be getting home, but thank you.”
“My pleasure, dear. Severus, I’ll just go fetch the boys from the bookstore and be right back. You wait right here and don’t wander off. Miss Granger, would you please keep an eye on Severus while I get my son and our godson.”
“Of course.”
Lily Snape turned quickly, heading back to the bookstore. Severus’ eyes followed her as if he was awakening from a dream.
“Professor?” Hermione asked.
“Mrs. Weasley, what just happened?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Harry did it. He changed the world. I hadn’t had a chance to tell you, but Harry stole a Time Turner from the Ministry. We didn’t have proof, but I had a feeling that he had gone back in time to try to save your life. I’ve been using a Time Turner since he disappeared, trying to locate him, but I would never have thought to go back that far. I was searching during our seventh year. It appears that he went back to your seventh year to make sure you found happiness. The whole world is different than it was a few minutes ago. I’m no longer wearing a wedding band, so I assume that Ron and I are not married. I have no idea what my life is now, or even where my home is. I guess I’ll go visit my parents and start from there. Hopefully, they can fill in the blanks of my life. You, on the other hand, seem to be married to Lily and have fathered at least two children - a son named Raiden and a daughter named Eileen. And you own an Apothecary. The rest you’ll have to learn yourself.”
“But…Potter? What about Harry?”
“Professor, in this world Harry Potter was never born. By changing time and history, he made sure that you and Lily found happiness by sacrificing himself for you.”
“If time has changed, how is it that we can still remember the other world?”
“I’m just guessing, but perhaps our knowledge will fade with time and we too will forget that a wizard named Harry Potter ever existed. Or perhaps Fate is a bitch that wants someone to remember Harry’s sacrifice.”
At that moment, Lily returned with two young men in tow. The first was easy to recognize. Draco Malfoy had not changed in appearance in this world, but his demeanor was open and friendly, something neither Severus nor Hermione had seen in the previous world. The other young man had black hair and vivid green eyes, just like his mother. He stuck out his hand as he was introduced to Hermione.
“Raiden Snape. I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Severus looked up into the eyes of his beautiful son and a tear slipped from his dark eyes.
Harry? Dear Merlin, he looks just like Harry.
“Dad, are you all right?”
Fin
© Cyane Snape, August 12,2008