Consequences

Harry reached up to wipe the tears that had fallen from his eyes. He gave Severus the letter to read, and the man looked at him with surprise. Harry nodded his head and Severus took the note. Harry watched the expression cross the man's face, and when he was finally done he looked over and Harry and smiled. "You're free," he said joyfully.

Harry nodded and smiled. "I am. Voldemort will be defeated, but not by me. If I read it right, Neville will be the one to kill him. It only makes sense since we were the two the prophecy talked about. I don't have to stay around here anymore. Well, other than for you."

Severus looked at him seriously and said, "Harry, you know that you don't have to stay for me. You can leave at anytime."

Harry shook his head. "You're my last friend Severus, and I'm not about to leave you. No, I'll stay until the very end." Harry watched as Severus' eyes shined for a brief moment before he looked away to regain his composure.

Harry turned his attention back to the attentive goblin. "I want all my money, holdings, and investments to be transferred to a Muggle bank account under the name of Jamison Ronald Granger. All wizarding properties shall be placed under that name as well, and I want it hidden from the Wizarding World. I want to keep the original paperwork and all other copies are to be destroyed. There are to be no copies except for what I have. I want all traces of any transactions done in the Potter name to be destroyed. I don't want anyone in the Wizarding World to be able to find a thing. I also want a Blood Oath contract written and signed by you that states that you will never tell anyone where I am, what I was doing here, that I had even been here, and what my new name is. As far as the Wizarding World is concerned, Harry James Potter has disappeared off the face of the earth," he explained.

Griphook stared at him, and with a small smile, he nodded. "Very well Mr. Potter, I will do so. If you would wait for me here?" Griphook asked and Harry nodded. He watched as the small goblin got up from his desk and walked out of the office.

Severus and Harry waited for over an hour, making small talk. They talked about what Harry was going to do in his new life. Now that Harry was rich, working wouldn't be a concern. Harry thought he might investigate the Wizarding World of the States, and see what they had to offer. He knew that the American Wizarding World was more diverse and less controlled. He didn't want to be away from magic completely.

Griphook walked back into the office and sat down at the desk. "I have opened an account for you in Durango, Colorado under the name of Jamison Ronald Granger. I have also opened another account for you in the Bank of America in Denver. You have over a billion dollars of American Muggle money, and the bank in Durango was not large enough to cover it. I have also taken the courtesy of making you several Muggle identifications under your new name," he explained. He opened the folder and pulled out several items. He handed them to Harry, who took them. "This is a Driver's License, this is your Birth Certificate, this one is your Social Security card, and this is your Passport. Since you are a British citizen, you will also need Green Card. This one updates every two years. You won't have to worry about renewing it. If there is anything else that you need, please send me an owl, and I will get it for you." Griphook informed him.

Griphook also gave Harry the original paperwork of the transactions. He handed over all the paperwork for Harry's Estate. Harry watched as Griphook burned the copies, and then he passed over the Blood Oath contract. Harry took and looked at it with satisfaction. He looked at the goblin and smiled. He put out his hand for the goblin to shake, and Griphook looked at him, surprised. Apparently, he wasn't use to such respect. Griphook shook his hand, and Harry gave him a respectful nod. "It was a pleasure doing business with you, Griphook. I'm not for sure if the Goblin Society cares or not, but Voldemort will be eventually defeated. It just won't be by me. Maybe you should make sure that your holdings are secure just to be on the safe side."

With another nod, Harry left the office, with Severus following him. They walked out of the bank together, and Severus looked over at Harry. "Where to next?" he asked.

"I guess we should go to Ollivanders. I need a new wand," Harry replied thoughtfully.

They made their way towards the wand maker's shop. They passed the twin's business and Harry stopped suddenly. He stared at the shop absently. "If I invest in a business and they make me a silent partner, can I sue them if my portion of the money was never put into my account?" Harry asked Severus loudly, and the Potions Master gave him a puzzled look. He glanced around and saw the Weasley twins standing by the door of their shop, looking at Harry with sadness.

Severus smirked as he realized what Harry was doing. "Yes, I'm pretty sure you can sue them for everything they owe you," he replied. "Also with the fact that you are the Boy Who Lived and you were unjustly imprisoned, the Ministry would like to keep their savior happy. You could probably get more than that. They might even give you the business in compensation."

Harry looked over at the twins and said with a sneer, "I'll keep that in mind." He watched with glee as the twins paled, their expression horrified, and went running back into their shop, no doubt to find a way to stop Harry from taking their shop.

Harry snickered and began to walk down the street again. They finally made it to Ollivander's shop and Harry walked in. He looked around the dark small shop, trying to find the weird old man who owned the shop.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, I was wondering if I would be seeing you again. Here for a new wand I assume?" Mr. Ollivander inquired as he came out from behind the shelves.

"No, I just came to play with the pretty sticks," Harry replied sarcastically. "What do you think?" he sneered.

Mr. Ollivander looked at him, his expression surprised, then brushed aside the comment. "If you would please Mr. Potter, please hold out your wand hand. If I remember correctly, it's your right hand, is that so?"

Harry nodded, held out his arm, and watched the man began to measure him. Harry knew that he had grown since the first time he had come here, so he waited patiently for the man to do his job. After Mr. Ollivander was done, the old man wandered behind the shelves and began to pick out several boxes. He brought them to the counter, and Harry tried them all, but none of them seemed to work. Harry sighed softly. This might take a while, he thought, annoyed.

"Not to worry, not to worry. Every wizard has a wand. The older you get, the more your power grows. What may not have worked for you as a child could be the very wand for you today," Mr. Ollivander said cheerfully. He searched and there was still no wand for Harry. He stopped and looked at Harry thoughtfully before saying, "I think I have it. Excuse me a second while I get it."

The old man rushed into the back of his shop and began to rummage through some boxes. Harry could him mumbling to himself. Finally, he heard "Aha! Found it," from the back of the shop and the man rushed back into the room.

Mr. Ollivander set the box down and opened it. Harry stared at the wand in wonder, and he knew that he had found his wand. He picked up the white wand and waved it. There was flash of light, and the wand began to glow and Harry felt his magic flare up and then calm down. The wand stopped glowing, and Harry looked at the delighted old man with a question on his face. "What is it made of?" Harry asked.

"The wood is White Birch from America. It's very sturdy but pliable. It was spelled and blessed by a Native American shaman. Three were blessed and spelled, and they were given to my great grandfather as a gift. He made three different wands with three different cores, and the first two found their wizards, but this one never found its wizard until now," Mr. Ollivander explained cheerfully.

"What's the core?" Harry asked.

"Heart of a basilisk," Mr. Ollivander said with a smile.

Harry looked at him, surprised. "Really?"

"Yes, Mr. Potter. It's a very powerful wand. I believe it is in the right hands now. Take good care of it."

Harry nodded and paid the man for the wand. With a small wave, Severus and Harry left the shop.

"Now where?" Severus asked.

"I need to get some new clothes," Harry stated.

"Very well, meet me at the Leaky Cauldron when you're done. I have to get a few things," Severus said. Harry agreed and went off to find his clothes.

O-------o-------o--------O

Severus turned and walked in the opposite direction. He went to the Apothecary where he picked up a few ingredients for a potion he was making. He took his time as he figured it would be a while before Harry was done shopping for clothes. He reached down to get a vial, and winced as his body stiffened with pain. He breathed softly through the pain, and waited for it to subside before walking slowly. The bouts of pain were getting more frequent. He tried to hide them from Harry, but he knew he wasn't doing a very good job. He had seen Harry look at him in concern several times. It would figure that the one time he felt he was ready to die would be the time he found something to live for. He never knew what kind of man Harry was since he never took the time to get to know him when he was a child. In the last several weeks, they had become close and Severus considered the young man his best friend, his only friend.

He thought it sad that he would finally find such a friend at the end of his life, but he had to laugh at the irony. Severus shook his head and looked around for more ingredients. If this worked, it would be great, but if not, Harry would never need to know.

Severus paid for his ingredients and walked out of the shop. He wandered down the street aimlessly, and his eyes skipped over to the Eeylops Owl Emporium shop. Harry had made a comment days earlier about getting a new owl. Severus gazed at the shop thoughtfully; Harry had loved Hedwig because his first friend, Hagrid, had bought her for him. Even if the man wasn't Harry's friend any longer, that didn't stop Harry from thinking of Hedwig with affection and longing.

Making up his mind, Severus crossed the street, and entered the shop. He walked around the shop, but couldn't find what he wanted. He didn't want to get Harry any old owl; he wanted something that would remind Harry of Severus once he was gone. He took his time and looked around some more. He was getting frustrated as he realized there was nothing here. Severus sighed and turned to walk out of the shop. He jumped back, startled. Standing in front of him was the shopkeeper. The man looked at him owlishly and asked, "Can I help you?"

"No, there's nothing here I want. Excuse me," Severus stated, and began to walk around the shopkeeper. He stopped when the shopkeeper reached out and gently grabbed his arm.

The shopkeeper looked at him expectantly and asked, "What exactly are you looking for? I may be able to help."

Severus stared the man thoughtfully before nodding. "I'm looking for an owl for a friend. His previous owl died and he needs another one, but I don't want just any owl. I want an intelligent owl, an owl that was bred for companionship as well as being able to deliver the post," he explained.

The shopkeeper nodded in understanding. "Mmm...I see your problem. Not many people get an owl for more than just delivering the post. Come with me, I have several owls in the back that you might interest you. They're quite intelligent, but I don't put them out in the front of the shop. As I said, not many are interested in companionship."

Curious, Severus followed the man into the back of the shop. The shopkeeper looked at him and said, "Take your time. I have things I need to do, so just find me when you find the one you want."

Walking into the room, Severus saw several owls and stopped. He stared at the white owl that looked almost exactly like Hedwig. He decided to pass on that particular owl. He wanted to get Harry a different owl, not another one to replace Hedwig. He doubted any owl would replace Hedwig in Harry's heart though. Looking past the snowy owl, he saw a brown owl, but it still wasn't what he wanted.

Seriously thinking about getting the snowy owl he turned back towards the owl and froze. Sitting in the corner of the room, in the shadow, was a large black owl. There wasn't a speck of white on him anywhere. His large yellow eyes were glaring at him, and he shook his body in agitation. He was beautiful. Enthralled, Severus walked over to the owl and looked at him. "My, aren't you a handsome fella," he complimented softly. The owl hooted in agreement and Severus smiled.

"Would you like to come home with me? I'm looking for an owl for a friend. He would love to have another owl for companionship. He really misses his other owl that died. Are you ready to leave this place and find somewhere else to live?" Severus asked as he petted the owl.

The owl hooted excitedly and Severus made up his mind. "Stay right here and I'll be back with the owner."

Walking out of the back room, he found the shopkeeper, and practically dragged them man towards the back room with excitement. He pointed out the black owl and the man looked at him sharply. "You want that demon bird?" he asked skeptically. "He doesn't have a very good temperament." The owl and Severus both glared at him, and the man stepped back. "Never mind, you'll both be perfect for one another. Very well then, get the bird and follow me."

Severus turned towards the owl and lifted his arm. The owl flew onto his arm, and walked up it to settle on his shoulder. Severus waited patiently as the bird settled. He walked out to main shop area. He picked out a nice black iron perch that the bird had hooted excitedly over. He found a large brass cage for the owl to be transported in. He took all the items over to the counter and set them down. He paid for the owl and the items, and then shrunk them, and stuck them in his pocket.

Walking out of the shop, he decided to get a room at the Leaky Cauldron where Harry and he could have a private lunch. With a slight bounce in his step, he made his way towards to inn, the owl perched on his shoulder. He was excited and he hoped that Harry would like his present.

O-------o-------o--------O

Harry stumbled into the Leaky Cauldron and yawned tiredly. He hated shopping for clothes. He just hoped that Severus hadn't been waiting long. It had been a couple of hours since they parted, but the woman in the clothes shop had gotten so excited about the fact that Harry needed a whole new wardrobe that she went nuts. He let her have her way. He had given his name and a place to send his clothes as he paid for them. He left the shop, amused as the witch stared at him, her expression astonished. She had never known that she was dressing Harry Potter.

Harry chuckled again at the memory, and looked around for Severus. He didn't see him anywhere and he frowned. Surely, Severus was done shopping by now. He was still looking around when someone tapped him on the shoulder. Turning around he saw Tom, the owner of the inn, smiling at him. "Mr. Potter, sir," he greeted softly, not wanting to draw attention from the other patrons. "Professor Snape would like you to join him in room 23 for lunch. It's on the second floor."

"Thank you, Tom," Harry replied and walked up the stairs.

He found the room and tried to open the door, but found it locked. Confused, Harry knocked on the door and called out, "Severus? It's Harry. Open the door, it's locked."

"Just a second, Harry," Severus answered. Harry heard movement in the room and grabbed his wand. He didn't know for sure what was going on, but it was suspicious that the door was locked. The door clicked open and Harry looked at the looming man warily.

"Why was the door locked?" Harry asked.

"I was hiding your present," Severus replied.

Harry's face brightened. "You bought me a present. What is it?" he asked eagerly.

Severus opened the door wider, and let Harry in the room. Harry glanced around the room, but didn't see anything out of place. He turned around, faced his friend, and began to bounce excitedly. "So, where is it? Can I have it now? Will I like? Will..." Harry trailed off as Severus held up hand to stave off the questions. He chuckled at Harry's eagerness.

Severus looked at Harry a little nervously. "I don't usually do this, so I hope you like it. I wasn't trying to replace her, you see, I just thought you would like another one. If you don't like it, I can take it back and get another one, but I really hope you like it because I do, and I want you to have something to remember me by when I am gone," Severus babbled. Harry stared at him in surprise and amusement. He had never seen Severus so nervous.

"Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll like it. Now, show me," Harry demanded with a grin.

Severus nodded, took out his wand, and cancelled the disillusionment and the silencing spell that surrounded the owl. Harry watch as an owl appeared. He stood still for a moment, and then walked over to the owl. The owl hooted and glared at him impatiently. He hooted imperiously and Harry began to smile. He reached up slowly, and petted the owl on the head. "Oh, Merlin, you are quite handsome, aren't you?" Harry asked gently. The owl puffed up with pride. Harry started to chuckle, and the bird and Severus glared at him. He began to howl with laughter. After he calmed down, he smiled at Severus.

"Thank you, Severus. You got the perfect owl for me to remember you by. He glares just like you do," Harry said with a chuckle. He petted the owl and looked at the large black owl in wonder. He didn't think he had ever seen a black owl before. Regardless, he was quite the beauty. "I love him. Thank you so much," Harry said sincerely as he gave the man a large smile. He could see Severus relax as Harry accepted the owl.

Severus walked over to the table and sat down. "I thought we could have lunch here before we go back to Hogwarts."

Harry yawned then nodded. "That would be acceptable. Would you order lunch while I use the bathroom? Get me whatever you want." He headed for the door of the room and walked out. He was back a few minutes later, and saw the food sitting on the table. His stomach growled, and he hurried over to sit down. He began to eat, talking with Severus about his clothing experience, and glancing over at the yet to be name owl several times.

For the first time in years, Harry was content.

O-------o-------o--------O

A couple of months later, Harry was sitting on the couch reading while petting Nara's head. Harry still snickered at the argument Severus and he had over naming the owl. Harry wanted to name him Severus in honor of his friend, but Severus had refused. They had a row about it and Harry had pouted. It was while reading J.R.R. Tolkien's book, Lord of the Rings, that he came across a list of Elvish names. To his surprise, there was a name for Severus. With a wicked smile, Harry had told Severus that the owl's name was Naracion, Nara for short.

Looking bemused at the determined look on Harry's face, Severus agreed, never knowing that Harry had gotten his way. Harry chuckled at the memory, and jumped when he heard a tired voice ask him, "Why are you laughing?"

Harry looked at Severus and his smiled slipped. "No particular reason," he replied.

Severus just grunted and closed his eyes. Harry was losing his friend, and it was so obvious now. Severus' hair had completely whitened in the last two months. It was a side effect from his body shutting down. He could barely stand, let alone move. Movement was painful for Severus, and he was drugged up on pain relieving potions. Severus had finally let the Headmaster know about his condition when one day he literally couldn't get out of bed to teach class. The Headmaster had been devastated. Harry never really knew if it was because he was losing a friend, or if it was because he was losing a spy in the ever-raging war with Voldemort.

Voldemort had made several attempts to get to Harry, but they failed. Harry rarely went out in public, preferring to stay away from the Wizarding World. He had been slightly optimistic by his successful shopping trip, so he had gone to Flourish and Blotts alone. He was barley inside the shop before admirers and reporters swarmed around him. He barely escaped with his life, he told Severus dramatically, and the man just rolled his eyes and snorted. Harry had sulked all day until Severus promised him that he would go buy him some books. Harry smiled at another memory of his time with Severus.

"Harry," Severus called out softly.

Harry looked up at Severus. "Yeah?" he asked.

"Could you help me to my bed? I'm feeling very tired," Severus replied, exhaustion lacing his voice.

Harry nodded and put his book down. He walked over to the couch that Severus was lying on, leaned down, and lifted the man gently. Severus had lost so much weight in the last month. He was so thin and light that Harry had no problem picking him up from the couch. He carried Severus into his room, and laid him down on the bed. He covered him up with the blankets, making sure that his thin body was warm. "Do you need any potions?" Harry asked, concerned.

Severus nodded his head and pointed towards the small night table that sat next to the bed. "Yes, there's a potion in the drawer. Could you get it for me?" he asked.

Harry opened the drawer and pulled out a potion bottle. It was pearly white and glowed slightly. He handed it to Severus and he drank it down. Severus sighed with satisfaction. "I don't believe I'm going to have a problem sleeping." Severus glanced up at Harry, his expression gentle. "You know that it won't be long, don't you?" he asked.

Harry's mouth quivered as he nodded his head. "I know Severus, I know," he said sadly.

Severus smiled at him gently, sighed as deep as he could without causing himself pain, and slipped into sleep. Harry restrained the urge to scream at the unfairness of it all. He patted the man on the arm, and walked out of the bedroom. He didn't move far in case Severus needed him.

Harry sat down in the chair, trying to hold back the tears, and thought back to the last couple of months. His godfather and the werewolf had never approached him again. He would occasionally see his heart broken godfather around the castle, watching him sadly, but Harry couldn't make himself care. He had told his godfather that he would never forgive him. However, if Sirius didn't want to believe it, then that was his problem.

After the Weasleys saw the scene with Sirius, they were no longer brave enough to approach him, well except for Molly, but a few sharp words about how Ron would be ashamed of his family put her in her place, and she never approached him again. The twins watched him in agitation every time they saw him, sure that he was going to take away their business. Harry snickered, amused, knowing that he had no need for their shop, but they didn't know that.

The Headmaster tried to get Harry to complete his education, but Harry had just sneered at the old wizard, telling him he wasn't interested. Dumbledore had threatened to have the Ministry pass a law to force him to finish his education, and Harry laughed saying if he did that then he was leaving for Germany where he could finish his schooling at Durmstrang. The Headmaster, never sure if Harry was lying or not, couldn't take the chance, so he backed down. Once Severus got worse, Harry had no thoughts of going anywhere. He had Severus help him with the important lessons that he had missed; Potions, DADA, and Runes. Severus needed something to do when he could no longer stand to make his potions.

Harry bit his lip to keep from crying. He never knew that he was going to care for the man as much as he did when he made the promise to help him almost four months ago. Not that it would have stopped him from being here. He had made a promise and by Merlin, he was going to keep it, no matter how painful it was. He would never be ready for Severus to die, but he knew it would be happening soon. He was just grateful for the time that they'd had together.

After Severus died, Harry would be leaving the Wizarding World. He had an untraceable international portkey hanging around his neck in the form of a snake. Severus had made the portkey for him, and he had suffered several days for making it. Harry had begged him not to make the portkey, but Severus was stubborn. Harry couldn't refuse the man the one act that would take him away from the Wizarding World. So, he took care of Severus after he made the portkey, as his way of saying thanks.

After Severus died, Harry was leaving for his home in Colorado. Severus had gone with him to check out the house. Harry had fallen instantly in love with it. It was a large yellow two-story house. A porch surrounded the whole house, and a large garden grew in the back of the house that was filled with herbs and vegetables. There was also a large flower garden in the front of the house, the colorful flowers making it a sight to see. Harry's favorite place was the courtyard in the back of the house. There were hedges of flowers surrounding the area, enclosing it, making it a hide away. There was also a great view of the Colorado Mountains, and the air was fresh and clean.

Harry had no neighbors for miles around, and there was wildlife in the huge forest at the south end of the house. Severus too, had fallen in love with it, and teased Harry that the basement would've made a wonderful place for a potions lab. Harry had laughed, but found to his delight, that there was an actual potions lab in the cellar next to the house. Severus had been in heaven, and Harry had left him there, playing in the lab.

Harry closed his eyes and dozed until a quivering voice called for him. Jumping out of the chair, he walked into the bedroom, making his way over to the bed, where he sat down. "What is it, Sev?" he asked.

"It's time, Harry," Severus replied, his eyes a little scared.

"No," Harry whimpered and grabbed onto Severus' hand. "There's still so much to do and so much to say. I'm not ready for you to leave yet, Sev. I'm not ready for you to go."

Severus chuckled, reached up with a shaky hand, and patted Harry's face. "For once, I wish I didn't have to go, Harry. In the last several months, you have become the best friend anyone could've ever asked for. You've made my life complete in a way that I had never known before. I will miss you, Harry," Severus said with a soft smile.

Harry began to cry. "I named the stupid owl after you," he blurted out.

Severus began to laugh softly and replied, "I know that, Harry. I've read the books, you know. I know how much Nara means to you, and I know how much you wanted to name him after me." Severus gasped in pain, breathing shallowly, his hand gripping Harry's tightly. "I ask only one thing of you, Harry," he requested breathlessly.

"Anything, my friend, you know that," Harry replied with a sniffle.

"Don't forget me. Remember me in your heart, along with Ron and Hermione. Know that wherever I am, I am watching over you, as are Ron and Hermione. Just think, I get to spend the rest of eternity with a Weasley and the Know It All," Severus teased.

Harry gave a wet laugh that was caught in his throat as Severus began to gasp for breath. Realizing that Severus was fighting to hold on longer for Harry, he whispered softly, "Rest now, Severus. It's time for you to rest. You can let go now. I'll remember you always. Be at peace my friend, be at peace." He sat there, gripping Severus's hand as the Potions Master took a breath, then another, until he finally stopped breathing. Harry waited, hoping for another breath, but he knew in his heart that Severus was gone.

Squeezing Severus' hand tightly, he began to sob loudly. He gathered Severus' body in his arms and rocked back and forth; knowing no matter what, his friend wouldn't open his eyes and glare at him, or call him an idiotic boy with affection. He would never hear the man's wicked laugh or see the warm black eyes fill with humor and gentleness. Harry didn't know how long he laid there sobbing. He wasn't aware of anything around him until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and saw the saddened gaze of the Headmaster.

His lips trembling, tears rolling down his face, he said with a trembling voice, "He's gone now, Headmaster. My friend's gone." He swallowed another sob and continued. "He wants to be buried at his manor in two days time. He doesn't want a large elaborate ceremony, just a simple one. He just wants to be remembered, that's all. Just to be remembered," Harry said sadly, as he gazed down at the body of his best friend.

Dumbledore looked at the devastated young man and smiled gently. "I don't think that is going to be a problem, Harry." The young man nodded distractedly, his gaze still upon his dead friend's face.

The Headmaster pulled Harry gently away from Severus. "You need to let the people from the Ministry record his death, and get him ready for the burial." Harry sniffed and nodded in understanding.

Dumbledore led him out of the room and past the Ministry workers. Once Harry had left the room, they began doing their job.

Harry gazed around the room, feeling lost. He didn't know what to do. For the last month, he had been taking care of Severus, and now, there was time on his hand, and he couldn't do anything. He was eager to leave now. Two more days and he would be gone. There was nothing keeping him here any longer.

He suddenly turned towards the Headmaster. "After Severus is buried, I want to call a press conference. It's time I did something for the Wizarding World. I've been so worried about Severus, that I wanted nothing else to distract me. It's time I spoke to the Wizarding World. I promised Severus that I would," Harry said firmly.

"Of course, Harry," Dumbledore replied quietly. Harry saw that Dumbledore tried to hide his delight and he sneered to himself. Oh, are you going to be in for a surprise you old bastard, Harry thought. He remembered the conversation Severus and he had had about giving the Wizarding World a going away speech. Severus had suggested holding a press conference. The Potions Master thought it would be a lovely way to say goodbye to everyone. The contempt and scorn on his face as he had said that had Harry laughing. The fact that Harry was giving the press conference meant that the newspapers would be all over it. Every newspaper would have a representative there. Harry promised Severus that he would do it. Harry snickered sadly to himself. I'm doing it for you Sev, just as I promised you, he thought wistfully.

Harry walked away from the Headmaster and sat down on the couch. He wrapped himself up in the blanket that Severus had been using. He could smell the scent of his friend, and he felt comforted. He looked around the room and was thankful that he wouldn't have to worry about packing up Severus' things. They had already gone through them and packed them away. Harry reached up and touched the necklace that Sev had given him. It was another item that had belonged to Severus's beloved grandfather. When Harry asked him why he was giving him things that had once belonged to his grandfather, Severus had smiled at him shyly, and said that he was giving them to someone he cared about, and his grandfather would've approved.

Harry started to cry softly and began to rock back and forth. He missed his friend, just as much as he missed Ron and Hermione. Take care of Sev, guys. He really is the best friend you could ever have.

O-------o-------o--------O

Two days later, the day was bright and sunny. The birds chirped cheerfully and the temperature was warm. Harry hated it. He stood in front of his mirror and tried to look civilized as Sev liked to call it. He couldn't seem to make himself care what he looked like. He made sure his black robe was straight, and his hair was pulled back with the silver dragon clip Severus had given him. He couldn't get rid of the pale drawn face, or the red eyes. They had formed from the lack of sleep and crying that he had done over the last two day. He shrugged and turned away from the mirror. He walked out of his bedroom, and looked around the bare living room one last time. It would be the last time he ever saw it. He had already sent Nara to the house, along with his clothes, and personal items. As soon as the funeral was over, he would have his press conference, and then he would be free. Free to live his life. How he wished that Sev were here to see it. It was only with Severus' help that it was achieved.

Harry walked up the steps to the main floor and walked into the Great Hall where the Headmaster and his godfather were waiting. Ignoring his godfather, Harry nodded at the Headmaster, and together, they walked out the Great Hall. They walked towards the front door and out of the castle. They passed through the wards and the Headmaster took out an old sock. Harry touched it and the portkey was activated.

Harry looked around his surroundings curiously. He was in a graveyard, and in the distance, he could see a large manor house. He was slightly curious about what Severus' home looked like, but not enough to put off his plans. Harry followed the Headmaster and his godfather into what looked a like a church. Looking around, he saw the building had high vaulted ceilings. The large beautiful stained glass windows were filled with snakes and dragons. There were rows of pews on each side of the building, and on the pews hung white flowers. Harry could see the white candles that were placed randomly around the room. The color white was a reminder of rebirth. Standing in the front of the building was a large altar made of white marble. On the altar laid Severus' casket, which was also white. Harry chuckled. Severus would've hated this. He was a man who had loved black.

Harry walked slowly to Severus's casket. His eyes got blurry from the tears, and he gazed down onto the face of his best friend. Severus looked like he was sleeping. The spells that the Wizarding World used for their burials were gentler than what the Muggles did to their dead. Preservation spells were placed on the body, so that the body could be shown for a year. The preserved body was then placed behind a clear protective screen in their tomb, so that the body could be viewed after the burial. Many witches and wizards took time before coming to view a body. It was tradition for the viewing of the body to last a year. Once that year was over, the protective screen faded away and the casket and tomb closed permanently. Then the preservation spells wore off and body began to decompose.

Harry bowed his head, tears falling from his eyes. He sniffed a couple of times then looked at Severus. "I won't forget you my friend," he whispered softly.

He turned away from the casket and sat down on the pew, his head bowed. He ignored the people around him. After a few minutes, he had finally composed himself and looked around. He could see the teachers from Hogwarts, members from the Order of the Phoenix, and a few people that Harry didn't know. Harry shook his head in sad amusement. Severus would've hated this. If it had been his choice, he would've only had the Headmaster and Harry at the burial ceremony.

After the people sat down, the Headmaster walked up the front of the building. He looked at them somberly and began to speak.

"My friends, a good man has passed on. Severus Snape was not a polite man, nor was he a friendly man, but he was a good man. He was a man who spent years trying to atone for past mistakes. He was a man who spied for the side of light for over twenty years. On this day, we mourn and celebrate his passing. Lift our voices together as we say the Poem of Passing," Dumbledore instructed.

All the voices in the building began to speak in harmony.

"Beloved one, you are dead,

but you are not alone.

We are here with you,

the beloved dead await you.

You go from love

into love.

Carry with you

only love

May our love carry you

and open the way."

The voices trailed off and Dumbledore called out several names. "Harry Potter, Mad Eye Moody, Minerva McGonagall, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Amelia Bones, if you would please come up and stand around the casket in a circle."

They walked up to the casket and formed a circle. Dumbledore lit some incense. The smell of sweet grass wafted around the room.

"By Water, By Earth, By Fire, By Air, By Spirit, Be this circle bound as we desire! So mote it be!" the Headmaster began.

"I conjure thee, O Circle of power that thou beset a meeting place of truth, love and joy.

A shield against all wickedness and evil, a boundary between the worlds of men and the realms of the mighty ones. A rampart of protection that will preserve and contain the energy they we will raise within thee. In the names of the Dark Goddess and the Dark Tanist. So mote it be."

Dumbledore leaned over to light the black candles that were surrounding the casket.

"O candle of power to this circle give the knowledge and truth in which all power lives. So mote it be."

Then he lit the white candles. "O candle of light send forth all we do to cause only changes deserving and true. So mote it be," he intoned solemnly.

He leaned over and lit the last of candles, which were brown. "O candle of the mother on whom we all live for all that we take in return we must give. So mote it be."

"Great Guardians of the North, South, East and West, we call to your powers. Be here in our circle, join our rite. So mote it be," the Headmaster intoned once again.

"We call to the Dark Goddess, The Crone, The Reaper, The Comforter, and The Sister in life and death. Be with us, join our rite! Blessed be. We call to the Dark Tanist who resides in Caer Sidi, Greeter at the gates of Death and Life again. Be with us, join our rite! Blessed be," Dumbledore cried out.

"Today we gather to bid farewell to one who has begun the journey from life into death. Today we gather to call the Ancestors, those who have gone before us, to be with us in this rite. We call to the Goddess and God to join us in this rite. We call to the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, to be with us here today."

"Gifts to guide and ease your journey, Gifts to empower you to cross the bridge and Gifts to bless you when once again you leave the land of Spirit for rebirth to the Land of Life. We offer these gifts into the Cauldron of Rebirth," Dumbledore said.

He motioned to Harry to place his gift on the altar.

Harry placed the small plant on the white slab and began to speak. "I offer you the gift of sweet pea. May it remind you of our friendship always. Know that you will never be forgotten. Blessed be!" he whispered painfully.

Minerva placed her gift down on the altar. "I offer you the gift of catnip. May it remind you of any happiness that you had and will have again in your new life. Blessed be!" she said with a sniff.

Moody placed his gift down on the altar and gruffly began to speak. "I offer you the gift of yarrow. May you have the courage in your next life that you had in this one. Constant Vigilance, my friend. Blessed be!" he said solemnly.

Kingsley placed his gift down on the altar. "I offer you the gift of nutmeg. May you have the health in your next life that you couldn't have in this one. Blessed be!" he said, his voice rumbling.

Amelia placed her gift down on the altar. "I offer you the gift of ash. May you have prosperity in your next life. Blessed be!"

Dumbledore placed his gift down on the altar and patted it softly. "I offer you the gift of gardenia. May you have the peace in your next life that you couldn't have in this one. Blessed be!"

Together they began to speak, "We offer these gifts to you, Severus Snape. May they bless you now and always. By Water may your emotions be carried and cleansed. By Fire may your soul light shine brightly in the other world. By Air may your spirit rise and soar. By Earth may you find comfort and peace within Her arms. May the Ancestors light your path. May the Goddess embrace your soul. May the God guide your rebirth. And may the Wheel turn again to bring you there. Merry Part, Blessed Be, and Merry Meet Again."

Dumbledore took over the rest of the ceremony as he began to speak once again. "Guardians of the North, South, East and West we thank you for your part in our circle. Return from whence you came harming none along the way. So mote it be."

"This circle is open but never broken. May the Blessings of the Dark God and Dark Goddess teach you the value of life! So mote it be!" Dumbledore said.

They all stood back from the casket and Harry bowed his head, trying to stop the tears. It seemed so final now that the burial was over. There was nothing keeping him here anymore. It would soon be time for the press conference and then he was gone from the world that had caused him so much pain. He felt a sense of relief to finally be free.

Harry waited for the Headmaster to talk to the other members of the Order. He was staring into space when he felt a presence next to him. Turning he saw that it was his godfather. "What, dogboy?" he asked coldly.

"I heard you were going to talk to the Wizarding World. Does that mean you are beginning to forgive us for our mistakes?" Sirius questioned hopefully.

Harry leaned forward and hissed out, "Not in this life or the next, dogfather." He walked around the man, and headed towards the door of the building. He heard the Headmaster call out to him, but Harry ignored him. He stepped out of the building, into the bright sunlight, and took a deep breath. The building had been stifling. He leaned against the building and waited for the Headmaster. Several minutes later, the man came walking out and looked around for him. Dumbledore's eyes lit up when he saw Harry leaning against the building.

"Are you ready for the press conference?" he asked and Harry nodded.

"Minister Fudge was excited by the press conference that he decided to have it at the Ministry if that's all right with you?" Dumbledore asked kindly, his eyes twinkling.

Harry shrugged nonchalantly, but inwardly he was dancing with glee. The Ministry, for whatever stupid reason, didn't have wards against portkeys. I can make a dramatic exit worthy of Severus, he thought, amused. Dumbledore nodded and pulled out another sock. Harry touched it and was portkeyed to the Ministry.

He looked around and saw that several reporters were already there. They began to whisper in excitement as he appeared. He saw a rapidly approaching Minister and grimaced slightly at the man.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, Harry. May I call you, Harry?" the Minister asked excitedly.

"No, you incompetent twit, you can't." Harry said and the room went silent. He held back a snicker as he realized that he had spent way too much time with Severus. The Minister looked flustered and Dumbledore gave him a look of disapproval. Harry just sneered at them both. "So, where are the rest of the reporters?" he asked coldly.

"They should be here any minute now," Fudge answered nervously. "Ah, there they are now. If you will excuse me, I have to greet them." Harry watched, amused, as Fudge rushed off, eager to get away from Harry.

"Really, Harry, did you have to do that?" Dumbledore asked sternly.

Harry looked at him coldly. "Just because you kiss his ass doesn't mean I will. I'm nobody's lapdog Dumbledore, yours or the Minister."

He walked away from the shocked man and nodded to a couple of the reporters. He walked off to a corner of the room to wait until they were ready.

"Hello, Harry," a voice greeted beside him.

He turned and saw Luna Lovegood standing next to him. She had been one of the few who had believed him. "Luna, what are you doing here?"

"I work for my father as a reporter. Since you asked for all reporters to be here, well here I am. So, you're leaving, are you?" she asked, her voice dreamy.

Harry stared at her in surprise, then amusement. "I forgot how you sometimes see things that others don't."

"Mmm...true. I wish you well, Harry. I can't say that I blame you for leaving our world. There isn't much here to offer you anymore, is there?" she asked quietly. Her dreamy eyes were glancing around the room. Harry idly wondered what she saw out there.

Harry shook his head. "No, there isn't. Since you were a friend, I'll let you on a little secret. Voldemort will be defeated, just not by me," he whispered.

"And you would know this how?" she asked curiously.

"Let's just say it involved a seer and leave it at that." Luna nodded in understanding. The Headmaster called him over and Harry looked at Luna. "It was good seeing again, Luna."

"Goodbye, Harry," she said softly.

Harry walked away from the strange girl, and stepped up to podium where Dumbledore was waiting for him. The old man smiled at him brightly and Harry restrained himself from growling at him.

He turned to reporters and smiled ferally. The reporters shivered in fright and began to fidget.

"Wizard and Witches of the Wizarding World, I hold this press conference today in request of a friend who died two days ago. He suggested that I should talk to the Wizarding World and let you know what I am going to do next. I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words," Harry began.

"For six years I rotted in Azkaban while you sat comfortable in your homes, secure in the knowledge that I was the killer. You were wrong. You thought that I would forgive you all for your negligence and complicity, you were wrong. You believed that now that I was out and forgiven by all of you, I would grateful for it. You were wrong. You never bothered looking for the real killer because it would have been too inconvenient. You are nothing but sheep, only too willing to follow anyone whose opinion mattered," he said with contempt.

The reporters began to fidget even more as they realized that things were not going the way that they thought. Dumbledore frowned at Harry and Fudge looked terrified. Harry smirked.

"For years, I had to put up with being the hero, then the insane crazy boy who lied about Voldemort's return. Again, you were wrong. For years, I had to listen to Fudge as he lied to all of you about the return of Voldemort. He knew of Voldemort's return before the Wizarding World ever did, but he was too concern with his power so he lied to you all and people died because of it." The reporters whispered and Harry turned to glare at the fidgeting Minister. He turned back to the podium and continued his speech.

"There is a prophecy that I am going to be the hero of the Wizarding World. It states that I will be the one to defeat Voldemort or die trying. 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches . . . born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies . . . and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not . . . and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives . . . the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies . . .' "

Harry heard the gasps of shock from the reporters, and the stunned look on Dumbledore's face. He hadn't guessed that Harry was going to share the prophecy with the entire Wizarding World. Voldemort would know of it now.

"I am here to tell you that again, you are wrong. I am not your savior. I can care less if each and every one of you die. This world has done nothing but made me hurt and suffer for years. You can all go to hell as far as I'm concerned. I wash my hands of all of you and Voldemort is welcome to this pathetic world. I hope that this teaches you that you should be careful how you treat others as it will bite you on the ass later," Harry said with a sneer.

"You thought I would save you all and you were wrong. The one person who kept me in the Wizarding World this long is dead, and I have no reason to stay. I'm leaving and I'm never going to return. You deal with your own problems for now on. To hell with you all," he snarled. He smirked at the shocked looks on the reporters faces. His job was done. Too bad Severus wasn't here to see it.

Harry stepped back from the podium and watch as chaos ensued. He saw Luna smiling at him and nodded to her. He turned towards Dumbledore and smirked at him. "I'm not your weapon anymore, Headmaster," Harry chirped cheerfully. "Find another patsy." He watched Dumbledore sitting there, frozen in shock and grinned.

Harry reached up, grabbed the portkey that hung around his neck and whispered, "Home." He disappeared, never to return to the Wizarding World again.

O-------o-------o--------O

EPILOGUE

Harry sat on his front porch, drinking a cup of coffee. The day had turned into evening and the sky was red from the setting sun. He sighed in contentment. The last two weeks since he left the Wizarding World had been some of the best in his life. He only wished that he could share this moment with Ron, Hermione, and Severus. He had a feeling that they were watching and that they approved.

He heard a hoot and looked up. Nara was prancing on the wooden rail of the porch and Harry laughed. "What is it, boy? You're acting awfully squirrelly today." He leaned over and petted the owl. He missed Severus so much. He missed his snarky comments, his icy glares, and his small shy smiles when Harry complimented him. Harry leaned back and sighed, he knew eventually the pain would subside, and he would no longer feel as if a rock resided in his stomach, but until then, he needed time -- time to remember and time to mourn as he had with Ron and Hermione.

Harry took another sip of coffee and promptly choked when he heard a voice behind him.

"You know if I was the Dark Lord you would be dead."

Harry sat frozen, then slowly turned and looked behind him. He couldn't help but stare in disbelief at the figure that was hiding in the shadows.

"Severus?" he whispered, shocked.

"Hello, Harry," the man greeted with a smirk.

Harry stood up and pointed his wand at the man. "I don't know who you are, but Severus Snape is dead. I saw the body myself," he snarled angrily. He was furious that someone would pretend to be his best friend. He vowed to make the Wizard pay.

Severus chuckled at Harry's outrage. "You saw a body. It was merely a transfigured body made to deceive everyone," he informed him.

"Why? How are you alive? I was there Severus, I heard you die, and I saw you die," he said, his voice shaky.

Severus's expression softened with regret. "I did die Harry, don't think that I didn't, but before I died, I took a potion, remember?" he asked.

Harry nodded, remembering the pearly white potion that Severus drank before he died. He looked at Severus, confused and said, "I remember."

Severus smiled at him and began to explain. "I had been working on that potion for six months. I didn't know why because at that point in time, I was ready to die. I just wanted my peace, but then you came back into my life, and for the first time I wanted to live. You had become the best friend I ever had; you had also become my family. So I continued to work on the potion, never letting you know about it ahead of time in case it didn't work," he explained gently as Harry began to frown.

"I took care of my finances, transferring my money over to Muggle money. I made plans with a house-elf to replace my body with a transfigured body. The house-elf then took my body to the manor and hid it, waiting to see if I would wake up or not."

"What was the potion?" Harry asked.

"It's a very rare potion that is difficult to make. It takes a lot of dedication. It's called Bringer of Life. It's a very powerful healing potion and restorative. It has to been taken within hours of death, and not everyone knows when they're going to die, but I knew. I could feel my body dying inch by inch, and when the time was close I took the potion," Severus explained.

Harry was angry. He glared at Severus and demanded, "Why didn't you tell me, damn it? I would've been there for you, waiting to help you."

Severus gave him a regretful look. "I know you would have Harry, and that's why I didn't tell you. I wasn't even sure the potion would work. There is a large chance of it not working. I didn't want you to get your hopes up only to have them dashed when it didn't do its job," he explained gently.

Harry stewed briefly, but reluctantly admitted that it made sense. "So, how does it work?" he asked curiously.

"As soon as your body dies, the potion casts a very strong preservation spell on the body, so that it won't begin decomposing. Then the potion begins to heal the damaged tissues, restoring the body to a former state. After the work is done, a spell that was added to the potion restores that body to life, giving the heart small pulses of energy to stimulate it into beating again. If it works, then a person can be restored to life, if not then the potion fails, the preservation spell is taken off and the body begins to decompose. I was lucky that it worked for me," Severus said with a smile.

"What are you doing here then? I'm sure the Headmaster would be delighted to see you," Harry snapped tensely.

"I'm dead in the Wizarding World, Harry. No one but my house-elf knows that I am even alive. I'm free; free to live, free from spying, free to do whatever I want. So, I came here. Now, I want to know, do you have room for one more? I hear you have a wonderful Potions lab," Severus teased.

Harry's cup crashed onto the floor, as he flung himself at Severus. He hugged the man hard, and tried to strangle the sob that wanted to escape. "I missed you," he mumbled. "I felt lost without my friend. I kept wanting to tell you things, and when I turned around you weren't there. I never knew that I could care for someone so much in three and half months. You're my best friend, mentor, and my father figure all rolled into one," he told him with a trembling voice.

Severus wrapped his arms around Harry and hugged him. "I missed you too. I woke up three days ago, and this was the first place I wanted to be, but I was too weak. I needed to take some potions to help me restore my body, but as soon as I was able, I came here. Is that ok, Harry?" Severus asked nervously.

"You know perfectly well that it's fine," Harry replied, exasperated. He stepped back and looked at Severus, who had stepped out of the shadows. Harry's eyes widened, shocked, as he exclaimed, "Severus, your hair."

Severus chuckled self-consciously. "Like I said, the potion restores your body to a former state. I guess I never realized how much damage Voldemort had caused me," he said ruefully.

Harry stared at the man in disbelief. The man looked as if twenty years had been taken from him. His hair was no longer snowy white, it had turned black, and it was a little thicker than before. Where it had once been greasy, it was now shiny. The wrinkles around his eyes and mouth that had been caused by pain and stress were gone, making him look years younger. There was a twinkle in his eyes and Severus looked content.

Harry laughed with joy and hugged the man again. "I would be delighted if you stayed here with me. You know there's enough room for you and your nasty potions," he teased with a grin.

Severus scowled playfully and smacked Harry's arm, chuckling softly. Harry had a thought and pulled back from Severus, looking at him carefully.

"What about your Dark Mark? Did the potion heal that as well?" Harry asked, curious.

Severus smiled and rolled up his sleeve. The skin was bare and smooth. There was no sign of the Dark Mark anywhere. Harry touched his arm softly and smiled softly.

"Oh, Severus, This is great!" Harry exclaimed joyfully.

Severus smiled in agreement. "It wasn't the potion that got rid of the mark. It was my death. The connection to Voldemort was broken when I died. The Dark Mark just became another tattoo and the potion got rid of it. I'm finally free. After all these years, I'm finally free of that mad man. Unless some reason he finds you here then that might be a problem, but I doubt that will happen. I'm just glad to be free of the mark."

Harry was smiling at him in joy and he whispered softly, "I'm so glad your back."

Severus grabbed him in a hug and whispered back, "As am I Harry, as am I."

They stood together in silence never seeing the ghostly figures of a red headed boy and a brown bushy haired girl. They stood together, arms wrapped around each other, smiling at the hugging figures in contentment. "We love you, Harry. May you be at peace," they whispered and with one last smile, they disappeared.

THE END