Severus Snape

.

It had always been Charity flirting with Severus. Sure, there were times that he would play along, and flirt back with them in his own way, but never to this extent. She had always been the bolder of the two, though truth be told, Severus could give her a run for her money with comments like that. They smiled, at the compliment, nudging his nose with theirs. “Well, as long as it’s with good reasons.”

Charity tried for that moment to put themselves in Severus’ shoes. They had woken up that morning scared, angry, resentful. It seemed impossible that they would ever be able to face him without those emotions flaring up. Technically speaking, they had, though Charity had much more control over them than they thought they would have. It was a fortunate thing, really, since they might not be here otherwise. Forgiveness was a very powerful skill, and though they had more patience and love for humans as a whole than most, it was still hard, to completely forgive him. Just because she understood why he did it, did not erase the trauma that she had gone through.

A saving grace in all of this was that Severus hadn’t been there the night they were kidnapped. He was forced to watch them die, that was true, and said nothing as she called out to him, but it had been for a cause much larger than either of their lives. There were so many things to consider. After all, Dumbledore passed just a month before she had, and Charity was not ignorant to who was responsible. That was another situation entirely on its own, however. Knowing now that Severus was the only one left to give the information he spoke of to Harry, they understood why it was so important. In the grand scheme of things, though, what did that matter, now? All of that progress had been undone. 

Charity wanted to forgive him, they did. However, it was no easy feat, forgetting everything that happened. It seemed effortless, laying with him here now, kissing him, hearing their heartbeats sync with one another. That didn’t mean that it wasn’t difficult to consider everything else. Yes, she wanted this. Wanted him. But was she being foolish to let him back into her life, after everything? Only time would tell. Sighing, Charity looked at him fondly. “I’ve never really been scared of the dark. Besides, without the dark, we would not know the warmth of light.” It wasn’t going to be easy, they knew that. But this was what they wanted, what they had wanted for a long time. Now they could have that, both of them. “I know you, Severus… I know the man that you were, but I also choose to believe that I know the man you want to be. I just need you to show me that you can.”

...

The nudge against their nose was such a playful sign of affection, it made Severus hope that it could become as routine as a kiss for greeting - waking up in the morning to golden hair, playful banter, and wrapped up in each other’s arms. Nothing could get better than that. As long as it’s with good reasons, he let their words echo through his mind. Every reason he could think to stare into those beautiful hues had the best intentions; wanting to get lost and swim within Charity’s eyes. 

Severus Snape was not villain; nor a good man. But he had tried to be better. Tried to help in a cause that was so much greater than himself. Worked towards redemption to help save his soul. A soul torn by jealousy, hatred, sorrow, and guilt - watching innocents die before his eyes. At least, towards the end, it was only those he could not save; doing everything within his grasp and power to change. As Charity pondered over his words, he wondered how in this world she could even think to look at him. After she had begged him to do something; to help save her from those wretched beasts.

Especially now...now when they were all back here. Could their sacrifices have been for nothing? If they were all to return? Shaking the thought away, Severus eyes went to the Dark Mark on his left arm, wishing beyond all hope that he could make it disappear. Their words penetrated his soul and heart deeply, feeling that familiar agony tighten in his chest a bit. Whatever she asked of him, Severus knew he would do it. Just as he had done others’ bidding, he was willing to do anything to prove to her the man he wanted to be; to try and be good enough for her. After all, he had said it the night before. He was hers. Entirely.

“I shall do anything you ask of me, Charity,” Severus’ eyes met theirs, pushing a lock of hair from her face, “Even if it means my life again.”

. 

Since Charity had first woken up on January 1st, 1979 for the second time, her nights had been full of awful dreams that kept her awake half of the night, or tossing in any sleep she did manage to get. Last night, however, they were manageable. There was no waking in terror, no screaming, no need to escape. There was simply… sleep. It was a wonderous feeling to wake up and not feel the rush of danger that usually washed over them.

Charity couldn’t help the smile that tugged at her lips, feeling the press of his lips to her forehead. Truthfully, they were hoping that he would say no, that he was fine just as they were so that she wouldn’t have to get up from this comfortable position. Giving a slight shake of their head, Charity declined the fire. “Uh uh,” they hummed. The way he looked at them was mesmerizing. Charity wondered at that moment what was going on in his head, and if he was worried about the same things she was. They didn’t want to have those hard discussions, but they knew that it would happen eventually. There was no use in avoiding them forever, in that case. 

“You’re staring,” they teased, lips quirking upward into a smirk. In the back of her head, the conversation with Remus replayed. Ask him. Charity shifted, lifting herself up onto her side to look at him more properly. If they were going to do this, spend time together the way they’d always wanted, and much more of it, they needed to be open with one another. “What is it? Tell me.”

...

When Charity declined the fire, Severus hummed in delight, relaxing into the cushions; much more comfortable than any other bed or morning he’d awoken to. Slowly, the shapes he traced on their shoulder subsided, instead, using it to run up and along her spine. Yes, he could stay like this for days if Charity wanted - if they even could. However, they both knew that this wouldn’t last forever. It  was unfortunate, really, how it seemed that Snape’s regrets or ghosts of his past always seemed to follow him. No matter what lifetime he was in.

“Difficult no to when there’s someone so radiant in your arms,” Severus countered back with a smirk to match Charity’s. It was true.  If Severus had one wish within this new reality, he wished he could go back to school - before the Dark Mark - and befriend her; be with them before Snape would carry out their biggest mistakes of his life. The ones plaguing his mind now. 

Sitting up carefully, Severus sighed a bit, wishing they didn’t have to re-hash all of this. Wishing he didn’t have to explain his horrid memories from a lifetime past. But, he new they must. It was crucial for them to move forward; and, hopefully, be together properly. “I want this...more than anything,” he brought her hand up to his lips, kissing her knuckles just a she had done to him, “but will you still want me - with all the darkness that seems to follow?”

.

Charity didn’t exactly remember falling asleep, but she did remember what had occurred previously. Truthfully, they wouldn’t have been so surprised if they woke up and had found that it was nothing but a dream. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d had a dream like that, but none of the previous were as intense, or emotional. No, it couldn’t have been a dream. Normally, Charity would wake up particularly early each day, being more of an early bird than a night owl. However, it seemed that they had woken up after Severus, feeling the light touches of his fingers tracing over her skin. 

It was captivating, the way he touched her, even now, when they were simply laying side by side. Even those simple touches were enough to set a spark in her. Not wanting to give it away that she was awake just yet, Charity relished in the warmth of his embrace, keeping herself nuzzled against him. It was only when he reached for her hand that she stirred, smiling softly before looking u a him. “Good morning,” the words rolled off of her tongue in a whisper, voice still a bit groggy from having just woken up. 

Pulling his hand up to their lips, Charity placed a soft kiss to his knuckles, holding his hand there close to their chest. Everything from the night before had been real. Severus was here with her, and they had given themselves to each other previously. The blanket that she had gotten for them last night was still draped over the pair, though it had likely shifted over the course of the evening. “Are you cold? I could put a fire up.”

...

Sleep was not an easy task for Severus - often having tremendous trouble falling asleep, and always waking up at the crack of dawn to sort through the nightmares and anxieties he endeavored each night. It was not unusual in their previous lifetime for him to power through their days on only two to three hours worth of rest. Now, he found himself never wanting to leave this spot with Charity, reveling in their warmth. “Good morning,” Severus whispered with a smile in return, his voice just as groggy as theirs, and a bit dry from needing a but of water. But that could wait an eternity if needed - not wanting to stir Charity or disturb their peace of laying with one another.

A flicker of surprise fell onto their features as Charity placed a kiss to his knuckles. How he would have given anything to have an ounce of love and affection they were giving him in that previous lifetime. Of course, it had been himself to prevent it, keeping his cover and mission as secure as possible. But to have it now was other-worldly. Beaming, Severus placed a kiss on Charity’s forehead, closing his eyes and relishing this moment. Because he knew, in his heart of hearts, that this couldn’t last forever. Not when all of his mistakes were etched in black ink on his left arm, feeling that phantom burn.

Shaking his head slowly, Severus kept her closer, “Not unless you need it to warm up,” a light chuckle surpassed his lips. No, he was plenty warm with the pair of them wrapped together in each other’s embrace, pulling her closer to his chest. Looking down to meet their eyes, Severus got lost in them, wanting to stay there rather than discuss what they needed to. What was in the back of his mind now as his regrets from their previous lifetime slowly crept into his thoughts while his hands continued to trace circles on her shoulder gently.

who: @chxrity-burbage

when: 18th january 1979

where: Charity’s Home

For the first time in, well, over a lifetime, Severus had a peaceful slumber. One without worries or anxieties of what was to come. Not that he wasn’t concerned or they weren’t present, but being wrapped in Charity Burbage’s arms, they all went by the wayside that evening. To give Snape a moment’s worth of peace and happiness. So much so, rather nightmares or horrid memories, Severus dreamed. Of what, he wasn’t sure...but it was strange. Finally feeling somewhat at ease, rather than darkness and pain. It was almost lucid; practically floating through a dim blue hue that continuously grew brighter and brighter.

Severus opened his eyes slowly, basked in the warmth of early morning sunshine. The world had become golden and soft. Waiting for his eyes to adjust, he hummed ever so softly, reveling in this new day - as if it were hope embodied. Which, feeling another’s body pressed close against his, Snape’s hands slowly shifted, feeling the shoulders and light curls of Charity. A small smile spread on his lips, recalling the evening before. Slowly, his fingers traced random shapes carefully, trailing them along their back. What a wonderous way to wake up - in a new reality - one where they could change the course of their future, for happiness.

Finally, his eyes began to adjust, seeing the fireplace in the living room and walls lined with bookshelves. The bay window that had been pouring in the light was covered with various blankets and full pillows. Everything about the apartment of which he could see, exuded all of the comforts of home. It all brought a cheerfulness and peace he’d never felt before. Carefully, he shifted to gaze underneath his chin, soaking in the beauty Charity radiated, wondering if she was awake as his other hand reached for hers to intertwine their fingers.

“Has it ever crossed your brilliant mind that I don’t want to do this anymore?”

...

“That is just as well, Potter,” said Snape coldly, “because you are neither special nor important, and it is not up to you to find out what the Dark Lord is saying to his Death Eaters.” “No — that’s your job, isn’t it?” Harry shot at him. He had not meant to say it; it had burst out of him in temper. For a long moment they stared at each other, Harry convinced he had gone too far. But there was a curious, almost satisfied expression on Snape’s face when he answered. “Yes, Potter,” he said, his eyes glinting. “That is my job.”

...

.

Electric. That was the word that Charity would choose to describe how it felt to kiss Severus, to have his hands on her body in such a possessive way, being held onto to keep grounded. They could admit that they might have gone a bit overboard with the kisses at first, even if it couldn’t have been helped. Charity had waited long enough to show him that this was what she wanted, that she figured they might as well lay everything out on the table now. There had been a few people in their life before everything, some more physical, others more emotional. However, Charity had always felt both a physical and emotional attraction toward Severus. Perhaps that was why it was all coming out now, flooding the space in her lounge disguised as desperate and passionate kisses. 

The way he said their name was enticing. It almost made them not want to stop, to just pull him back into a kiss, wrapping herself around him. The idea did cross their mind, just pulling Severus down onto the couch and getting lost in him. Then again, they thought to themselves what if that was moving too fast? This wasn’t something they could just rush into if they wanted it to mean more than one night of desperation and lust. While Charity was confident their feelings about Severus would remain the same after this, the last thing they wanted was to overwhelm him or push for something that wasn’t there. It had never been entirely clear before now what his feelings were toward her, and they just wanted to be sure he was positive and confident in those feelings. 

Charity didn’t want to jump the gun, yet when they looked up and saw the color of Severus’ face, and how happy he looked, it set their heart a flutter. Suddenly it was like they would do anything to keep it that way. Relieved to hear that he didn’t hate them for using that spell, and that his hand was fine, Charity relaxed a bit more, looking up at him with a warm smile. “Good.”

Allowing themselves to be guided backward after moving further into the room, Charity felt the back of her legs hit the sofa. Watching intensely as the man sank to the floor on his knees, they didn’t know how to feel. On one hand, he was kissing along her neck, which she loved. On the other, he was moving further away from a kissable distance, which led to Charity allowing herself to sit. Their hands immediately went back to his hair, fingers threading through as their eyes watched every move. Despite having no expectations of how this night would go other than spending time with Severus, Charity thought to themselves that they wouldn’t be able to stop kissing him. It was addicting, being held in his embrace, the permission to explore a deeper connection between the two. It had them curious beyond belief, but also needy. Charity practically melted under Severus’ touch already, so when his hands started to traverse her thighs, a soft moan was dragged from her lips. 

Their heart was pounding now with anticipation, almost speechless as they looked back at Severus longingly. The genuity in his tone convinced Charity that he was serious, and wanted this just as much as she did, though it seemed he was unsure of where her head was. Pulling him closer, Charity nodded slowly, though that wasn’t going to be enough. He deserved a verbal answer as much as she wanted to provide one. His kisses were distracting, eyes fluttering softly before meeting his. “Yes… yes. To everything. A thousand times over.” Charity didn’t wait for him to say anything in return, leaning forward enough to crash her lips against his.

...

Severus was starting to become lost in the heat of the moment, feeling the world go fuzzy. Never had any of his physical encounters made him so overwhelmed with passion; never filled with a sense of romance - putting him in a sort of daze. So, this was what it was supposed to feel like...wrapped up in the arms of someone you cared for and cared for you in return. This was what it felt like to be desired... A dream. A beautiful dream was all Severus could think of to even reason with everything that was happening. There had never been a time when someone reciprocated those emotions or even yearned for him. While through their years of working together, Charity and Severus skirted around flirtations, it hadn't occurred to him that she could want more. How could they?

Shaking those thoughts away, Severus gulped. This was no time to let his insecurities get away. All that mattered was the one in his arms. The one he needed to repent for his betrayal. The one who had given him countless chances and sill forgave him. Charity was truly too good for this world; too good for his cold, blackened heart. But as she replied yes that she wanted this; that she wanted him, Severus felt his own walls crumbling and his heart melting. More than anything, Severus wanted this - to be with her. He wanted this the night of the Yule; regretting not having danced with her and for leaving so early, on such a sour note. He wanted this each and every time she gave him attention, lightly touching his shoulder during their banter. Severus had always wanted Charity - along with the reality and happiness that she would have given him. Now that they had this second chance, he wasn't going to waste it.

***

Sometimes it was still a shock to Sirius that Severus had been on their side the whole time. It was hard to shift the dynamic they had had in school out of his head and so still it felt a little strange to him. But, knowing that the man died helping Harry caused the residual bitterness to melt even more. Despite their differences in the end they had had a common goal. And to know that maybe Harry had managed to accomplish it was enough for Sirius to feel some sense of relief. But then did it matter if they were all back here anyway? He didn’t know. But if Harry managed it once maybe it could happen again.

“Thank you. You did a lot for Harry and…well I just think you deserve some thanks for that. You didn’t have to after all.” That was twice in one conversation he has thanked the man. It still felt wrong but he pushed that to the side. Petty things didn’t feel as though they mattered anymore. And he didn’t want to hold onto grudges anymore. Though some were harder to forget than others. He didn’t even have a reason to have hated Severus other than he was…there. It seems to stupid now that he thinks back to it. And he was even ashamed of how he acted towards him when they were younger. Yet stubbornness caused him to refuse to voice that. He’d rather just forget it happened all together.

“Yes, we turned up here.” He sighed and there was a hint of bitterness in his voice. It was hard to know what the point of everything was when they just went right back to the start again. Did they fail somewhere? Very possible. But then who had done this? If it was a spell it had to be a hell of a powerful one. And then there was the thought that maybe the Death Eaters had done this to bring Voldemort back. Which wasn’t a nice thought. But he had to believe it was for the better. Otherwise he’d go mad trying to think of a reason.

“Makes you wonder if everything we struggled to achieve was even worth it.” He voiced out loud. Yes, it was good to be back with everyone he loves but there was still that annoyance at having to go through it all just to come back as if nothing had happened. And there was the fear that it was just going to happen again. He wouldn’t allow that. He couldn’t.

“Me? I’m here reminding myself as to why I can’t go and kill Peter.” He said with a smile as he looked back up at Severus. There was no point hiding it from him. After all, Severus had been there that night. He knew what he had tried to do out of anger. Though he hadn’t been there for it all. And still he let out a snort of laughter when he remembers Harry knocking him on his ass. “It’s a little harder to ignore the urges when I don’t have Harry to think about.”

...

As Sirius thanked Severus for the second time that evening, it felt foreign hitting his ears. Not that he didn’t appreciate it on some level, because he did with all of the sacrifices he had to make throughout the years, but because from whom it came from. Snape hadn’t done any of it for the accolades, or even for his own redemption. No, he’d done it out of love and loyalty for his first friend. The one who had shown him that there could be kindness and good in the world; the one who had stuck by him through trials and tribulations - until she could no longer reach him. If Snape had wished for anything, it was to let it be known that he wasn’t a coward. Far from it.

“It wasn’t without mistakes,” Severus admitted, “Like you had said once, I was harsh on him - letting our school days cloud my judgement. Often being cruel,” Snape sighed, “but he had so much of Lily in him too,” a half smile, with saddened eyes flickered across his face for a mere moment before putting his mask back on, evading emotions. It would do them no good if Severus lost his ways, became weak simply from the little happiness he had found in this new reality with Charity - and the oddities such as Sirius thanking him within it. However, if they could get through one conversation without wanting to hex one another, that was certainly a step in good direction, even if Severus had to play both sides in this new lifetime once again.

The hint of bitterness in Black’s voice was mutual ground for Snape. Had any of heir heartache and torment been worth it if they were just going to turn back up as their younger selves, able to fix everything? Why now? What could have possibly triggered such an enormous change to their reality? Did this mean that they had lost? Harry had won? Severus knew he needed to find someone who had lived past the Battle of Hogwarts, if it had come to an end, to find out what exactly had happened. When Sirius voiced a similar notion out loud, all Severus could do was nod. Had it been worth it for Severus? All those years of emptiness, despair, and hardship? If they had won, certainly; and he’d do it again, if that’s what it meant. “That would depend on the outcome of the war. Perhaps we should ask someone that survived the Battle of Hogwarts.” his mind scanned through people he had already talked to, but finding it rather difficult to piece together at that moment. “You would think twelve years in Azkaban would be enough of a reminder,” Severus said pointedly. How Black had survived that rotted hell hole was beyond their comprehension. Although, he knew that thirst for revenge well, wanting vengeance on Pettigrew for what he had done to Lily. And his reasoning behind that urge was convincing, “Then recall what Harry said that night. Potter wouldn’t want his best friends becoming murderers,” his voice was calm, collected - even though the fact remained that they were standing in the very spot where the very wizard before him had intended to carry out their petty prank (that could have gone very wrong), “Curious...how it all circles back,” Severus stated in a whisper before turning to look back at the spot where he had fallen.

Remus was fortunate that most of the people he’d run into lately were good encounters. It was such a world of difference from where he had been only a few weeks ago with the stress of a new baby and a second wizarding war. He was under a lot of stress now with so much uncertainty, but at least he had his friends back and everyone he had run into seemed ready to work through this together.

He wasn’t so sure about Severus. There was a lot they had been through together as adults, but even that hadn’t been completely enough for them to settle their differences. He was still piecing together what was happening to them, but he had a feeling Severus would remember too. And if he didn’t, then maybe that was a step in the right direction to figuring out who this was affecting and why. “So formal,” he scoffed. It felt oddly comfortable talking to Severus. At least the other had lived longer than a lot of the others. They were both middle-aged men in teenage bodies now. No matter what he was feeling, it was still tricky to decide how friendly to be with the other man. “What’s got you ‘round here today?”

...

The scoff from Remus caused one of Snape’s brows to quirk up. The familiarity of the other’s words answered the question plaguing everyone’s mind: did they remember? It seemed as though Remus did, an air of comfort between the pair. Maybe even a bit of commiseration on Severus’ part. The two had seen a great deal over the years, overcome many obstacles - all for the sake of The Order, Harry, and defeating the other side. However, it hadn’t meant they settled their differences. Especially after the numerous mistakes Snape had made - even without the guise of working as a double agent. “Hello, Remus,” Severus corrected his greeting to the other to be less ‘formal’ as they said. After all, there was no reason to be. If they both remembered, perhaps they could work together once more, while trying to be civil, to gather information and piece together what had occurred. Taking in a deep breath, Severus stepped over to the other, “Certainly not butterbeer. What about you? Looking for a hot meal or someone to...investigate with?” he chose his words carefully. If there was one Snape wouldn’t mind deciphering what had come to pass with, it was Lupin. Especially if Dumbledore was keeping silent.

&&

the hardest part about seeing severus was how much younger he looked. she knew it was the same person, just considerably younger. that was the hardest part molly was grappling with, the idea that she was now interacting with people who twenty years in the future had died. she wasn’t sure what it meant, but she, like severus, she hadn’t wanted to outright ask what was remembered.

molly wasn’t sure what to make of the counter spell severus had just mentioned. it wasn’t until she remembered george’s ear. she had been so wrapped up in the fact that she was now twenty years in the past to remember what happened to george’s ear. all she knew was that both twin boys were now safe, fred alive, and george with both ears. she wasn’t sure if she would remember the spell, but she did appreciate snape telling her. she had always known that deep down, severus had a soft spot. “thank you,” she said, mentally noting the spell. “you might have to remind me in twenty years,” she said, hoping the joke stuck.

...

While they were all young again once more, Severus now had to relive his greatest regrets with seeing those they impacted; still fresh in his mind. Of course, like with George, Snape hadn’t meant to hurt those witches and wizards on purpose. Snape hadn’t meant to make so many mistakes in his youth or watch others fall. Now, to go through those motions again was unbearable. Perhaps that was why he was trying to make amends now - tell Molly the spell and apologize. That was all he could think to do while they were all kept in the dark - trying to navigate this new reality.

The joke she made did bring a small smile to his lips, nodding, “Hopefully, it doesn’t have to come to that,” he said in a wistful whisper. If only it were that easy, everyone having to retrace their steps. But now, with so many people holding onto harsh memories and a war-stricken reality, the future was impossible to predict. Severus could only hope that now they could prevent the deaths of so many, while defeating The Dark Lord swiftly.

***

The only sign of his shock at Severus’ confession was his eyebrows raising slightly. He would never admit it, especially not to Severus himself, but he had admired the mans guts to work on both sides. He knew it wouldn’t have been easy. And not many people could have pulled it off. But, he had helped the Order a lot more than most. And he supposed working with him hadn’t been that bad. Even if Sirius couldn’t do much he had done what he could. Of course he couldn’t resist giving him a hard time now and again it was already half-hearted. Schoolyard teasing seemed meaningless in the real world.

“Well shit.” He said as he shoved his hands into his pockets. “That must have sucked.” He didn’t know what else to say. Hearing of peoples deaths didn’t hold the same meaning now that everyone was back. And he didn’t think they were anywhere near close enough for him to say he was sorry to hear about it. Although, a death by Voldemort’s hands wasn’t something he’d wish on anyone. And he didn’t want to pry for the details. Clearly it had been traumatic enough that he wanted to come and revisit the place it had happened. “This shack seems to be filled with horrible memories. Maybe it should just be burnt to the ground.” He muttered as he kicked at the dust covered floor.

“I didn’t try to kill you just…scare you a little.” He said and actually grimaced at the memory. That hadn’t been one of his finer moments. In fact, it had almost cost him everything. A dumb decision had almost made him lose the people he was closest too. And if Remus hadn’t of forgiven him he had no idea what he would have done. Though he never apologised to the person he should have the most. He just shrugged it off as a prank and just left it be. But even back then he knew he had overstepped. He was just too stubborn to apologise.

And he was going to now, until Severus beat him too it. He looked up at the other man with nothing but shock written on his face. He never thought he would hear those words coming out of Severus’ mouth being directed towards him. But, he supposed there was a first for everything. “If I’m going to blame anyone it’s Dumbledore for having me locked up in that house.” There were a lot of things he could blame Dumbledore for. But now didn’t seem like the time to get into that. “Nothing would have stopped me going to the Ministry that night. Your teasing hardly had an influence. So no need for an apology. Although I will savour this moment for the rest of my life.” 

...

The blunt, rather short response to Snape’s death would have made him laugh if it hadn’t been such a sore subject. It had been such a waste and unnecessary life taken away by Voldemort, that he would have found it tragic - if he hadn’t given Harry the vital information the boy needed. But he did. Severus died a spy’s perfect death with his cover intact, final briefing delivered, and remembering the woman he loved. That is...if Harry was able to use that pivotal information and carry out the deed...Now that they were all back, he wondered if they won; if Harry continued to be the bravest young man Snape knew and defeated The Dark Lord.

“Normally, I would agree with that sentiment; however...it depends. I died giving Harry what he needed to know to kill The Dark Lord, right at his weakest moments. If it meant saving everyone  nd Voldemort’s demise, then it was worth it,” Severus replied with a cooled, level-head, “but then we all turned up here,” his brows furrowed ever so slightly as he pondered the notion. What sequence or chain of events had rippled into their current reality? How could they all seem to have their memories? As Sirius kicked the dust-covered floor, Severus nodded, looking at where the disturbed dust had been, “That, I do agree with.”

Although, as Black continued on about one of Snape’s worst memories, he had to hold back an eye-roll he felt threatening to make a show of. Instead, Severus hummed as he did when students made rather disappointing decisions in their potions assignments. Still, he bit his tongue. So far, they hadn’t had cause to rip one another apart like they had at school. If they could prevent that now, and keep it more to a teasing tone, Severus could live with that.

The shock on Sirius’ face was not hard to miss. Severus thought he must have looked the same when the other showed him a bit of gratitude with his own shock and confusion he had felt at such an admittance. He said nothing, only  taking in what Sirius said next. Dumbledore had been one of Snape’s few friends - especially the further down the hole he dug himself in with working as a double agent - but he also knew how vague and manipulative the older man could be. There were many things they all had to answer to.

“Don’t make me eat my words, Black,” Severus said with a shake of his head while keeping to that treading between teasing and light tone they had established with this encounter, “What brought you here? Old treats stashed away from our school days?”

.

Was it crazy for Charity to invite him over after everything? Yes. Did they care? Absolutely not. At least, not enough to really weigh the pros and cons of it all. She didn’t see any immediate danger with it, and she wanted to be able to trust Severus. Plus, she had already been in the process of charming her home to not allow anyone entrance that she hadn’t pre-approved each individual time she was expecting company. They wanted to continue this conversation, but not in a cellar where they had to be quiet and couldn’t fully express their emotions. They couldn’t stay there forever, either, she knew that. Joyed when he agreed to come with her, Charity bit down on her lower lip excitedly before reaching for her books to take with them, apparating back to her place.

It only took a few seconds for them to travel, landing in her lounge with a bit of a soft thud. The books fell to the floor gently as she let them go, wrapping her arms back around Severus happily. “Much better,” they smiled, pulling him down into a kiss. Charity let her hands explore aimlessly for a moment, one settling at the back of his neck, fingers playing with the ends of his hair as the other moved down his shoulder and chest, slowly caressing his body. There were many things going through Charity’s mind at the moment. They still wanted to know everything that Severus was thinking, wanted to know how he truly felt about her and to what extent. She had fancied him for quite some time, that it felt like an eternity, almost.

As their hand moved down his body, Charity leaned in to press light kisses against his shoulder. Her hand soon found his, the one she had charmed that napkin to go after, and almost instantly felt a pang of guilt in her chest. “I’m sorry about your hand… did it hurt?” Of course, at the time, she’d meant it to at least hurt a bit. Enough to catch him off guard, but not enough to seriously injure. Charity brought his hand to her lips, kissing over the spot sweetly. It didn’t look as though it were really bothering him now in the grand scheme of things, but Charity had still wanted to apologize for it. Pressing a few other quick kisses along his knuckles and back of his hand, Charity slowly glanced up at him to gauge his reaction with a soft smile.

Then, Charity took him by both hands, and pulled him gently further into the room toward the sofa. There was little time wasted between movements, almost as though they would only have tonight to spend together, and they could wake up tomorrow to have it all taken away. Charity didn’t want that, of course, and although she hadn’t thought about how far this night would go, she was running off of what felt right in her heart. Listening to it, Charity reached forward, cupping Severus’ face in both hands and kissing him passionately. Their thumbs gently brushed over his cheeks as they kissed, testing the waters of what they could get away with. Charity ran her tongue along his bottom lip before kissing him again, then taking it gently between her teeth as she pulled away for air.

...

Severus was gobsmacked. That much was for certain. It was rare for them to get close to anyone - and even more so for anything past a friendship. In the past, there had been only one other person Severus had wanted to be with more than anything else in the world. Of course, it was only one-sided to the extent of how he had felt. Only years later did Severus finally let the grief stay enough on the way-side for him to develop an acquaintance then friendship with another, though no one could replace that hole in his blackened heart. Still, Charity had been rather persistent in their friendship and allowed himself to open up to her just enough that, if he dared try, they could have been something. Now, Severus was kicking himself. While he knew he couldn’t back in that other life, he knew that he could have at least been happy.

That’s what Severus was now. Beyond happy. Elated, even. While he knew that Charity had come to care for him, Severus never knew to what extent. That someone could truly desire him in any way. Insecurities racked up, building the foundation for those walls he’d spent so long building and making strong to keep himself shut out from the world. Never, in his dizziest daydreams, did he ever think someone could love him; yearn for him...need him - as Charity seemed to now. It was baffling, really. Part of Snape didn’t think it was reality. That he had died at Voldemort’s hand and now he was living out some sort of fairytale before the world went dark again. That it was a cruel joke.

And yet...here Charity was, giving Severus every happiness; everything he could ever ask for after yearning for another after so long. While it was difficult to fathom, it was even harder to concentrate, feeling a little light-headed and overwhelmed from her lovely kisses and touches. It made him chuckle under his breath ever so softly, giddy, and his cheeks stain with a wine color. Pouring his joy into the kiss, Severus groaned in satisfaction at the motions of their hands in his hair, splaying along his shoulders and chest. It was too good to be true, holding Charity there as if to keep from disappearing. His lips met hers with a fire, as if she were bringing him back into this life; into this reality where he could be loved in return; melting his cold heart.

“Charity...” Severus said in between light pants for air, running his nimble hands along her back and arms until his hand was in her’s. When she asked if it hurt, Severus couldn’t help the sheepish smile that came to his lips. He was more shocked an impressed by the enchantment than to register any pain. There had certainly been worse bites; nor was it less than he deserved. “Nothing I couldn’t handle,” his voice was quiet, watching as they placed kisses along his knuckles. There was something so intimate about the gesture that made his heart hammer in his chest, wondering if she wanted more. Wanted him.

Eager to taste her sweet lips once more, Severus followed Charity to the sofa, sensing she felt the same as he did; as if they would only have this one night together before this new reality would try and tear them apart. Severus knew then that it was no dream. Each and every time he found some happiness in the darkness of the world, it was ripped away from him. But not this time...he couldn’t. Severus moaned into the kiss that Charity had initiated so wantonly matching her actions with just as much heat, as he guided her to the couch. There, Severus sunk onto his knees in front her on the floor, kissing down her neck as he did. Getting lost in the passion, Severus moved in between her legs, running his hands along her thighs, “Do you want this? Do you want...me?” Severus’ voice came out in a desperate pant, kissing along her jawline in featherlight kisses before looking to her with black eyes burning hot with desire.

who: @severusthehalfbloodprince​ when: 7th January 1979 where: Diagon Alley

Remus thought he would get used to this new reality eventually, but it had been almost a week and he was still looking for answers. He still felt like he was walking on egg shells with whoever he encountered. So far, everyone he ran into was in the same situation he was, but that didn’t all mean they were reacting the same way. Remus had no idea what that meant for their future.

He wasn’t used to not having clear directions. Ever since he graduated he had the Order to occupy him for most of his life. Now, he had no idea if the Order was even needed anymore. This lack of direction reminded him too much of late 1981 when he no longer had anyone to lean on. At least now all his friends were back in his life, but it didn’t make the nervousness go away.

Remus was still trying to adjust to feeling older emotionally while being thrust back into an 18 year old body. Especially when he was around James or Lily ore Marlene, it felt like he was regressing. It wasn’t all bad, it was nice to feel a little more free than he had in years. And yet, he couldn’t stop himself from feeling childish, from the teenage pettiness coming out in him. So when Remus caught the familiar silhouette of Severus, Remus’s younger self wanted to turn around completely and ignore the other. Even as adults, they had never fully been able to move past that. But maybe this was an opportunity for something different.

He nodded in his direction as the other stared at him. He wasn’t surprised he was making the first move. “Going to keep gawking at me, Severus? Or are you going to at least say hello?”

...

A week. A entire week had gone by and no answers for all of the work that had been put into finding them. Only very little information with who remembered and how much. It put Severus on edge. A time-turner couldn’t doo something of this magnitude, could it? He wondered. If it had, how were they all able to keep their memories? Why couldn’t he reach out to any of his comrades on the other side? Did they remember as well, or just the Order? To many loose ends made Severus quite uncomfortable. He had been rather used to being one of the very few who held some of the heaviest information on both sides.

Now, there was nothing. And that didn’t sit right with Snape. Frustrated, Severus wanted to be somewhere other than Hogwarts. He was done looking at stone walls he knew would one day crumble. All for the sake of power. Instead, he made his way to Diagon Alley, pacing the cobblestones until his feet found their way to the entryway of the Leaky Cauldron, when a familiar face caught his eye.

Blinking, Severus stared, unsure of whether to talk to Remus Lupin or not. If everyone else remembered, he was sure to as well, wouldn’t he? He hadn’t realized how long he’d been staring until Remus pointed it out, and sighed, “Hello, Lupin.”

Date: January 11, 1979 Location: Hogsmeade Status: closed for @severusthehalfbloodprince​

Alice found herself spending a lot more time in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade these days than she would have before…everything. She wasn’t the type of woman to care all that much about shopping, and a quiet night in with Frank or friends was far preferable to a night out on the town. But these days, Alice was finding it easier to be in public than to be at home alone with just Frank. She knew they both felt it – the quiet of the house without Neville’s babbles was stifling. Alice hated that her excursions out of the house took her away from Frank, too, but she knew that he understood. She needed to get away from all the memories. 

So here she was, once again spending an evening wandering the wizarding world. She thought about stopping into the Three Broomsticks for a pint and a chat with Rosmerta, but Alice didn’t think she had the energy for the cheerful atmosphere. So her feet took her down the well trodden path to the Hog’s Head, where spending the evening watching people without having to put on a happy face and make small talk wouldn’t be required.

Alice stepped in out of the cold, unwrapping her scarf from around her neck as she headed up to the bar. “I’ll just take a butterbeer, Aberforth,” she said with a nod. It was bad enough that she was spending the evening in a pub – drinking on top of it wasn’t the best of ideas. After grabbing the bottle and sliding her coins across the bartop, Alice turned to look for a table, her eyes landing on a familiar head of dark hair sitting alone in the corner.

Alice felt a rush of anger fill her as she recognized Severus Snape. She had never interacted much with him in these days, but she had heard from Remus how Snape had been Neville’s boggart and how awful Snape had been to him (Remus had been reluctant to expound, but Alice was a mother who wanted every detail she could glean about her son, so there was no chance she was going to let him stay mum on that particular topic). She had also heard through the Order grapevine that Snape did indeed have his memories. Good. Now she could give him a piece of her mind without looking crazy.

Striding purposefully across the pub, she plopped down on the opposite side of the booth from him, her eyes flashing dangerously. “Hello, Severus.”

...

Severus wandered the first week back in his old body, re-tracing his steps of his younger years. Along the way, he found a fair few of the Order, finding that they remembered too. Whether or not that meant Dumbledore had lied to him about those past memories, didn’t matter now. All that did was gathering as much information that he could; see if the side he had fooled and plotted against knew anything as well. Which meant finding his way back to pubs and darker parts of the Wizarding World that had led him down that path initially.

Biting his tongue, and keeping his face emotionless, Severus searched for his old comrades - or rather, young ones, he supposed who were gearing up for the war. Aberforth gave him the usual eye, to which Severus ordered a pint of pale ale to hold him over as he waited throughout the day for a sign of...something. Once the drink was placed in his hand, Snape glanced over to a corner of the room where he could see most of the occupants and newcomers. He strode over, making himself comfortable by himself. If no one turned up, all the better.

Of course, fate (who loved to play cruel tricks on him) had other plans. As he drank from his cup, a young Alice Longbottom spotted him and made a seemingly beeline directly towards him once they made eye contact. Severus gulped. Whatever she wanted to talk about, clearly, would not be in his favour. With a sigh, he waited until she plopped down onto the seat opposite of him, wondering what of the numerous things this could have been about, “Mrs. Longbottom,” he said cooly, leaning forward, “Given the circumstances, I suppose you need to talk to me?”

&&

hearing severus’ voice call her mrs. weasley was weird, especially considering how much younger the pair of them were. truth be told, she never really liked being called by her last name. it reminded her too much of her mother-in-law. she loved her mother-in-law, but it aged her. “call me molly, love. we’ve known each other too long for you to call me mrs. weasley,” she said, answering severus’ double edged question. she knew hat he was getting at by asking her about the new year. 

he surely had to remember the next twenty years. otherwise he wouldn’t have asked her about adjusting to the new year. she could tell just by his expression that he remembered as well. this was certainly new territory for everyone and she understood why he was so desecrate about it. she knew there would be people who would use this against the order and they had to be careful.

...

Severus almost laughed at being called love; the familiarity of it all. Molly Weasley truly was the epitome of a mother and care. Even to those she didn’t necessarily like - including himself. It brought the smallest hint of a smile to his features, thinking about the time they had spent with the Order with her family. How they had been the few to make any of it at all bearable. “Molly,” Severus corrected himself, nodding at her answer.

Then, yes. She too remembered. But if that was the case, where did it al end? With the Order? The families? Children? There was so much they all didn’t know and that Severus could hardly trust. At least for now, Molly was a familiar face - a welcoming one that he might be able to pick their brains together for hidden details that others may not think of, “Vulnera Sanentur is the enchantment that would have saved your son’s ear.”

—–

    MAYBE IT WAS TOO BIG OF A FIRST STEP. Maybe Lily’s first instinct shouldn’t have been an olive branch but a test. But, it was freezing, and as much as the willow tree reminded her of the past, of home, even, Lily needed to be somewhere else. She needed to forget about what had happened and move forward. If she were going to make this world better for Harry, she knew she couldn’t stay in the past; she couldn’t keep her mind on the willow tree on on the words that had once slipped from Severus’s lips. No, if she weren’t going to repeat history, Lily needed to learn and move forward. 

      Still, that didn’t mean she believed him. Not entirely. There were parts of his story that lined up with the Severus that she had known, but her hope for the person had died long ago. It was hard to resurrect, but Godric, did she want to bring that hope back. Still, Dumbledore wasn’t her favorite person at the moment, and it felt a bit mad to voice that opinion to him right now.  Lily wanted to believe that Severus was the man who had found her on this very bank what felt like decades ago. For him, she supposed, it was that long ago; it had been twenty or so years since he’d seen her for the first time. For the last time, even. Lily knew that no one would understand quite how long she’d been in the darkness, but she supposed they would understand the loneliness. They had all lost someone, anyways. 

     It was then that she squeezed his hand, closing her eyes to apparate them both away. It was so strange, having his hand back in hers. She couldn’t help but remember all the days they’d done this very thing. He’d learned to apparate so early; had been so gifted in this art of magic. Lily was good at what she did, sure, but it had been through hard work. Severus’s was talent. IT didn’t mean that she could feel the emotions riding in her throat again when they appeared in front of the shop, and she noticed the way their hands formed together. Lily had to look away from him again, to keep the emotions at bay.

      The tea shop was by her parent’s house, small and quaint and totally unassuming. Lily had been shocked when her mum brought here there the first time, since it wasn’t a Muggle shop. No, the owner was a witch, her wife a Muggle, and so they’d settled on a mainly Muggle town. The front room was for Muggles, but the back room held a separate dining room full of wizarding delights. She still believed that she had the best pumpkin pasty around, although Lily would never voice that opinion to anyone who was quite taken with Honeydukes.

     Without a word, she pushed into the shop and through the back curtain. The woman smiled at her, as if she’d just been in last week ( perhaps she had, after all ), and Lily took her usual spot. It had been awhile since she’d been here, not counting the years she’d been dead. If they’d been here on a normal occasion, she might have told him what was good, and what wasn’t. Instead, she ordered for them both, a pot of jasmine, and looked back at him, feeling her shoulders slump forward with the warmth of the cafe. It was almost too easy, being back here with him again. It’d been so long, but Severus was her best friend for longer.  “Alright,” she said, taking a deep breath. “I have… A lot of questions, which I hope you came with me to answer. I s’pose I should start with what you know about the Dark Lord. I’ve been hearing some interesting rumors, to say the least.” 

...

It was strange. All of this. Part of Severus believed that this was heaven after the gruesome death he experience. That this was the afterlife. Being forgiven by the one he loved and given a chance to explain how much good he contributed to the cause; what he had done to help in Voldemort’s demise. To be finally given some peace that was never in his favour in life; fighting obstacle after obstacle; darkness after darkness; one right after another. And yet, Severus knew his own cold, blackened heart; how he had ripped his own soul apart with guilt, mourning, and death. Even if that death was a mercy and asked for. Over the years, he had watched other suffer at the hands of others; killed for mere entertainment. All the while, Snape looked on, unable to do a thing. No, this wasn’t any heaven, because, there wouldn’t be any good version of an afterlife for him. Snape knew he deserved punishment. Thought he deserved a fate worse than death.

Still, the way Lily held his hand, how familiar it was, gave him a little hope that maybe they really had returned - memories and all. It allowed him to drift off with wishes for a better future, in that this could all be re-written history for happier ending. That Lily would live and he wouldn’t help defeating the Dark Lord for the sake of her memory, but because he actually believed in the cause and that they could win. It was...blissful.

As they appeared in front of the tea shop, Severus saw Lily looking away and took the chance to gaze upon this new shop - going over every single detail of how comfortable and quaint it was. He knew this must have been difficult for her. It was difficult enough for him. There was so much left untouched from their past - like an open wound, festering. Yet, for the benefit of them both, this new path, and their cause, they both recognized that it needed to be set aside. For now.

Wordlessly, Severus folded his hands together in front of him and followed Lily into the shop. It seemed pleasant enough, searching with a keen eye for any unsavory folk and was relieved when there were none. Not that he expected any, but he had learned to be careful over the years. Taking the spot across from her, Severus folded his hands onto the table in front of him, content with the order. If there was one thing that continued on after their friendship, was his mutual appreciation for tea. Nodding, Severus gave a soft sigh before leaning in ever so slightly - keeping others from listening too closely, “Over the years, Voldemort trusted me more than any of his followers. Even then, he never told us about the horcruxes. Only of rare items that needed safe-keeping. Dumbledore informed me of what they actually were only after his return to power...and then...” Severus paused, knowing the next piece of information was vital, but also horrible, "Harry’s connection to them...how he was the key to everything. Only Dumbledore trusted me with that information. I was only able to tell Harry as I was dying,” Snape shook his head, “But if we can avoid that...find them before he makes more, we can defeat him.”

Whether Severus knew or not, there was a huge amount of relief in hearing him speak so openly about wanting to make those changes. Clearly, he has meant it the first go around, as he’d been able to play a double agent for the cause of The Order. While that hadn’t been known at the time of her death, Charity did appreciate knowing it now, even if all she could do to prove it was stay in his arms a little longer. They had always believed in giving people the benefit of the doubt; it had been why they defended him so often in their first life. Even if mistakes had been made along the way, she was glad to see that they were being rectified.

Had someone told them two weeks prior that this was how Charity’s first encounter with Severus would have been in this new life, they would have called them absolutely mental. Just two weeks prior, she had been crying to Remus about how much that night broke her, and how she wasn’t sure what to make of the situation or what to do when she saw him. Now, they were standing alone together locked in a cellar, intertwined and more vulnerable than either of them had ever been with one another.

Charity had shared many moments of platonic intimacy with people in her life plenty of times, but with Severus, it had always seemed like he rejected them from her. Of course, she never pushed his limits before, wanting to give him space, and keep their relationship with one another cordial if he didn’t reciprocate those feelings. Now, where he had made the first move, Charity couldn’t hold themselves back from jumping at the chance to match him.

Understanding that they might be asking for a lot at once by requesting to hear what his thoughts were, Charity remained silent for a moment to give him the space to think about his words. It was indescribable, how it felt to feel his lips press to her forehead, and see the smile that slowly began to spread across his face. They couldn’t remember the last time they’d seen it, but it surely had been a long while. Severus hadn’t disappointed with his response, either. Dare they say, it felt rather romantic, even.

She had gone into this conversation expecting to hate him, for him to have not a care in the world about what had happened that night. To now find out that it was quite the opposite, it felt like a dream. Was this some sort of trick where after death you get to live out your desires from before you passed? Charity couldn’t say for certain, though she didn’t even care. She just wanted to exist in this moment with Severus. “Do you know how long I’ve waited for you to say that?” they asked, cheekily, laughing under their breath as they pressed their lips to his again.

It was all they could think to do, at the moment, was just kiss him. It didn’t matter how many times she’d done it already, she wanted to do it more. As she pulled away from his lips, Charity pressed several quick kisses to his cheeks and jawline. All this time, Charity had always assumed that Severus didn’t want anything between them to come to fruition, so they didn’t press it. Now, they wished that they had sooner. “We should go…” Charity murmured between kisses, finally bringing her eyes up to meet his. The smile on her face was undeniable and not able to be kept hidden, even if her cheeks had still been stained with tears from before. “Come with me?”

...

Severus hadn’t known what to expect going into this conversation. At first, his instinct had been to lie again. Over the years, Snape had become so accustomed to playing both sides, that it almost terrified him with the lies spilled from his lips so easily. And, perhaps, if he had been the only one with those memories remained intact, he would have followed Dumbledore’s wishes as he had before, and been his spy without question once again. Yet, now Severus was in a place where others clearly remembered, not only their fates, but their roles within that other lifetime. Having played his part so well, now Severus wanted to share his true allegiances with the side of good, so that they would know where he actually stood.

However, that thought was terrifying in of itself. With telling Charity all of this now, as well as Lily, he put yet another target on their backs without even thinking. Severus almost berated himself internally. He had always been a pragmatic man, able to think things through, down to the smallest details that most did not see. It must have been the hormones and thirst to prove himself from his youth that put him in this position. The last thing Severus wanted was to endanger those he cared for. No matter how short that list was.

But, perhaps, Severus truly was done hiding good intentions. This time around, without so many secrets being the contingency for The Dark Lord’s demise, he could be more open with those on the side of light and good. Still a double agent, if it was necessary, but to shred the mask that made it seem as though he hadn’t a care in the world, when, in actuality, it was the very opposite. Now, he could have the one he cared for in his arms, protect those who needed it without having to feign hate or regret thereafter. Now, Severus could live.

Charity’s response made a soft chuckle surpass Severus’ lips. One he been surprised to hear himself, but was glad. More than glad. His heart felt lighter than it had in decades. It wasn’t just as though they could live again, but breathe, and choose a happier, more satisfying path. Feeling their kisses along his cheeks and jawline left him breathless, overwhelmed with happiness, as Severus placed kisses against them in return. Her next words made Severus nod, undoing the spells he had cast on the cellar initially, and looked back to her, “Of course.”

***

His time back at Grimmauld had been an eventful one to say the least. But what had been the most unexpected was having to work with Severus. Having to be at least civil towards each other had been a hard task on his part in the beginning. His mind hadn’t been the best of places and it was easy to cling onto old habits that made him feel like himself. And treating Severus how he used to back at Hogwarts would have been an easy one to fall into. Yet, he hadn’t wanted too. What would have been the point? They weren’t young kids anymore. There had been more important things to be worrying about. So he had forced himself to be polite. And from that a respect for the man grew that he had never seen coming. Severus had been doing more work for the Order than a lot of them combined. And he saw the courage in that.

But would he ever admit that to anyone? No.

“I’m not here meeting anyone. Just me. All on my lonesome.” He said as he watched Severus closely, brows raising slightly in curiosity at the mans actions. 

“It appears we have both came to the same place looking for answers. Though I suspect that they are different kinds we are looking for.” Curiosity was getting the better of him but he wasn’t going to just come right out and ask why he was here. And he wouldn’t expect an answer even if he did. Yet here they both were one again. Sirius was starting to think that nothing was ever happening by accident. And he knew he had to say something about the last time they spoke, the last night of his old life. Even he wasn’t stubborn enough to act as though it wasn’t a big deal. Because it was, at least to him.

“The night of the Ministry you…” Closing his eyes he took a deep breath as if what he was saying was hard. And it wasn’t. He’s said it a thousand times before. But to Severus…never. That is what was hard. “Thank you.” He finally forced out. But the niceness felt too strange so he had to make a joke so it wouldn’t be taken too seriously. “Though I did die so that knocks some points off in your favour.” 

...

It odd to think of memories now; both living in the past and future. There were very few good memories with the man before him. Very few. Most were after Severus had some closure, finding out that the Death Eater in their ranks under the name ‘Black’ had not been Sirius; had not been the reason behind Lily’s death; and had brought some ease to the tension Severus felt with the other. Of course, the change in demeanor between each other had helped to relieve some of that as well. During their time at Grimmauld place, Severus’ visits had been short, sometimes ending up with contentions with Sirius for Snape’s treatment of his godson; however, they were, overall, stable since they knew it was for the greater good and petty fights between old grudges would get them nowhere.

Severus nodded as Sirius said he was a alone, finally removing his hand from his wand since there was no immediate threat. Although, Severus continued to feel the other’s eyes on him - as though if Sirius stared any longer, his robes would burst up into flames. Which wouldn’t be the first time that happened.

Yet, without a word, Severus moved his other hand away from his neck, standing where he had breathed his last breath. Or so, he thought, “This was where Voldemort killed me,” Severus replied slowly and quietly. He owed the other no explanation to why he was there, but it was rather strange that Snape would appear here of all places, unless completely necessary. Normally, Severus wouldn’t set a foot near this place, holding so many horrid memories even before his death. There was the nasty business during school where Snape had been seeking out a reason to get those Gryffindor boys expelled, where it was thrown back in his face and would have, very well, could have cost him his life. If it hadn’t been for Potter. Then again, years later, Severus still entered the Shrieking Shack in Harry’s third year, despite the past trauma associated with its creaky floorboards, in order to apprehend a known convict, their accomplice, and save his students. And, at the time, Severus thought he would be getting his revenge on the one that betrayed his lost love.

Finally, Severus’ black eyes looked up to meet theirs, taken aback by the gratitude. Never in his life, did Severus think those words would utter from Black’s lips to him. Not once. It even made a hint of a smile quirk up on his lips. But of course, Sirius made a joke after, shaking his head, “You did try to kill me back at school, so let’s call it even,” he drawled with a touch of sarcasm to his voice so that Sirius would know that his words were not ill-intentioned, “Harry did blame me for it though,” Severus said cautiously, in barely more than a whisper, “If any of my goading to come out of hiding prompted you to go to the Ministry and caused your death, then...I’m...sorry...” he drawled on with a gulp, as the word did not come easily from him to admit - especially to him.