A/N – first, huge apologies for the delay in posting the epilogue. Second, happy birthday Severus Snape, may he live happily forever in the world of fan fiction.

September 1st 1991

"Come on! Hurry up, Dad!" Harry called excitedly as they made their way through Kings Cross Station.

"We've got plenty of time, Harry, stop panicking," James told him, shaking his head in amusement. Generally, Harry was a rather laid back boy, relaxed in the face of most things. But on occasion, his excitement shone through, reminding James that he was in fact, still a child. An eleven year old child now on his way to Hogwarts for the first time.

"I want to find Ron and Neville though," Harry argued. The three boys had been close since they were born, particularly Harry and Neville with only a day separating them. The other children were younger, the group gaining siblings over the years, but these three boys were the first to be heading for Hogwarts. The first babies born to those who fought in the war.

"You'll find them, Harry. It's barely 10.30 and the train won't leave until 11," James pointed out. Harry sighed and sped up, the wheel of his trolley beginning to squeak as it rolled faster towards the barrier.

"He's your son," Jess pointed out, nudging him playfully with her elbow, amusement clear in her voice.

"Thank you for the reassurance," he teased, smirking at his grinning wife. Jess shrugged casually before picking up her pace to catch up with Harry as he approached the barrier. James tightened his grip on his daughter's hand, glancing down to find her soft hazel eyes locked on him, her golden curls bouncing as she walked. "Come on, Soph. Let's see if we can catch up with them, eh?" he suggested. Sophie grinned and quickened her steps alongside him.

A minute later they found Harry stood still in front of the barrier, Jess with her arm draped around his shoulder, leaning close to whisper in his ear.

"Are you ready, Harry?" James asked the suddenly nervous child.

"I'm ready," Harry said, nodding determinedly, gripping the trolley tighter, quickly moving forward to push through the magical barrier. Jess followed swiftly, as did he and Sophie, the family of four found themselves faced with the bustle of Platform 9 ¾'s, the scarlet engine looking as magnificent as ever, the steam pouring off it and making everything look even more magical.

"Mum, I've lost my toad again," they heard Neville saying nervously.

"Oh, Neville," Alice sighed fondly, giving him a soft smile as Frank hurried off in search of the creature, a little girl with two mousy blonde plaits close on his heels, and Sophie quickly chasing after her friend.

Harry pushed his trolley towards his friend, the two families meeting and greeting each other brightly.

"Alright, Neville?" Harry asked him. Neville shrugged before answering.

"Trevor's got out again," he told him quietly.

"I don't think he wants to come with us," Harry said. "You could always leave him with Martha," he suggested.

"I'm not sure about that, Harry," he confessed. James suspected Neville wanted his toad with him so he was certain to have a friend by his side. The shy boy had convinced himself he wouldn't be following his parents' footsteps and heading for Gryffindor, he truly believed he would be sorted into Hufflepuff. And though Harry was kind and loyal, he was definitely more of a Gryffindor like himself. True he wasn't as impetuous as he'd been at that age, the more logical thinking he'd inherited from his mother tempering the more boisterous traits. Of course, that sense of logic didn't mean he disliked mischief, but it did help him avoid getting caught, much to Sirius' delight. If Harry didn't find himself in Gryffindor, he would certainly follow Jess into Ravenclaw, he was clearly intelligent enough to do so. That meant there was a chance the friends would be split up.

"Morning, James dear," Molly greeted, Fred, George and Percy scattering among the crowd, vaguely heading in the direction of the train carriages.

"Morning, Molly," James replied as the cheerful woman exchanged hugs with each member in the group. Only Ginny remained by her side as Ron joined Harry and Neville, the three of them exchanging glances, all of them a mixture of excitement and nerves. It seemed that the nerves were currently prevailing at this particular moment, the reality of leaving their families finally sinking in.

"It'll be fine, Harry," James told him, crouching down to look at his face more closely.

"I know," he said quietly, a frown creasing between his eyebrows. "But what if we're in different Houses?" he asked.

"That is a possibility," James agreed. "But that doesn't matter, does it? You'll still have some lessons together, you'll see each other outside of classes. Besides, being in the same House doesn't automatically mean you be better friends. Your House doesn't change who you are."

"I suppose," Harry shrugged.

"And there is a chance you could be in the same House," James pointed out.

"Each of you will be in the House that's right for you, wherever that may be," Jess said as she and Sophie joined the group. Harry nodded, adjusting his glasses nervously. "Come on, let's get your things on the train," she added, moving to push the trolley towards one of the carriages, the others following her, Frank taking Neville to one side to hand Trevor over to him.

Soon the cases had all been stowed aboard a carriage for the group of friends. The large group stood together on the platform for their final 'goodbye's'.

"Christmas will be here before you know it," Jess said to the group. "The time will fly by once lessons begin," she added. The boys all nodded in agreement, time would go quickly, it always did. He still found it hard to believe he was now in his thirties and sending his first child to Hogwarts, in some ways it felt as though he'd only just left. There was a small part in the back of his brain that would always be Prongs, running through the forest with Padfoot and Moony, a tiny part of him staying sixteen forever, even if it was unnecessary.

James watched on as mothers hugged and kissed their sons, fathers leaned in to give them words of encouragement. He was no different, pulling Harry close as he fished a piece of parchment from inside his robes.

"You do know it's not all work, don't you?" he whispered in his son's ear, handing over the folded parchment. "You know what this is?"

"The map?" Harry asked, James had showed it to him on numerous occasions, proud of the work the Marauders accomplished at school.

"You remember how to work it?" James asked, Harry nodded, his nerves fading as his lips twitched into a smile. "Don't get caught," he warned playfully.

"Do I ever?" Harry grinned. James ruffled his already messy hair.

"Alright, Harry. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," James called as he straightened up.

"Well that doesn't exactly narrow things down, does it?" Jess sighed. James shrugged, slipping his arm around her, pulling her close against his side.

Harry laughed as he called a last 'goodbye', dashing up the steps and off to his carriage, seconds later and he was waving out of a window alongside Ron and Neville, the identical faces of Fred and George appearing behind the younger boys, grinning and giving thumbs up signs to Ginny who wasn't pleased to be left behind.

James glanced down the platform, seeing Lucius Malfoy with Narcissa and their son, the boy standing straight backed, almost ignoring his mother as she fussed with his hair and smoothed down his robes. James had no idea what kind of child they'd raised, the Malfoy's had mostly kept to themselves after the war, a large section of society not pleased with Lucius' light sentence. The boy seemed like a miniature Lucius when it came to his looks, with white blonde hair and pale skin. James just hoped he didn't spout the same prejudiced nonsense his father had done.

A wheesh of steam came from the train and the final few children quickly clambered on to find seats. A bushy haired girl virtually flew passed him up the steps, her trunk bouncing as she marched up the steps, at the top she turned and waved hastily to her parents. James glanced around carefully, spotting a young couple waving back. He assumed the girl was Muggleborn, as he didn't recognise her parents, despite looking a similar age to himself. Whatever happened at Hogwarts, Harry was in for an amazing experience.

...

September 2nd 1993

Severus stepped out of the floo into a silent house, wondering where everyone was. Much as he loved the quiet, he'd become accustomed over the years to some degree of noise with children in the house, silence was a sign of something suspicious. Especially where Rowan was concerned. His son was always so full of excitement, whirling about the place like a miniature tornado, that when he was quiet it was sure sign he was up to mischief. He was almost certain the boy would be a Gryffindor when it was time for him to head to Hogwarts, he was so much like Lily, from his cheerful nature and sociable personality, to his dark red hair. Though he had inherited Severus' dark eyes. He'd almost convinced himself that his love of mischief had been learned from his frequent exposure to James Potter and Sirius Black and their children. Admittedly Harry wasn't as loud as James had been, though he was much older than Rowan, and Sophie was a quiet girl who loved books almost as much as his daughters – for which he was thankful considering she and Willow were nigh on inseparable. For their sake, he hoped they'd been sorted into the same House when they arrived at Hogwarts yesterday; hopefully a letter would arrive from Willow in the next day or so informing them of her placement.

Sirius' son, Perseus, was almost a carbon copy of the Marauder, both in terms of looks and character, which worried Severus slightly as he would undoubtedly follow his footsteps into Gryffindor. The fact that Perseus and Rowan were the same age only added to the worries, the thought of the two of them sharing a dorm for seven years only made him dwell on how often Dumbledore would be writing to them with his concerns. Though, he tried not to think on the matter too much, seeing as the boys were only six years old, and still had five years until they would be taking the train for the first time. A lot could change in five years. For now, they could let boys be boys.

Sighing, he made his way through the cottage, shrugging off his cloak, heading to the hallway to hang it on its usual hook by the door, calling a 'hello' up the stairs to announce his presence. When no reply came, either verbally or in the form of thundering footsteps, he could only assume Lily and the children hadn't yet come home. Not an unusual occurrence, Lily often visited her parents after school time was over. His mother took care of the majority of the schooling, she'd been keen to keep up the tradition of home-schooling the next generation, and with her improved confidence over the years, Severus was surprised at just how well she handled the children. In fact, she'd taken to it so well, that Potter's, Black's and Longbottom's children were taught by her as well, each paying her for her time so she could give up the part time job she'd found for herself after the war. Lily's mother taught them one day a week on more Mugglesubjects, to ensure all the children had a more thorough education – not only about Muggles themselves, but about maths and science. His mother loved the house being full of children, though it had lead to some difficult conversations about his childhood, and the damage his father had done. She regretted staying with Tobias for so long, and regretted never having more children herself – something which had been impossible given Tobias Snape's hideous temperament and inability to adequately provide for the one child they already had. Now though, day to day life was generally a peaceful existence.

Severus wandered back down the hallway and into the kitchen, opting to prepare a pot of tea for when Lily returned, knowing she'd be ready for a cup by the time she did. His wife had little time in the day for luxuries such as tea breaks, her role more physically demanding than his. She'd taken a position as Healer at St Mungo's, working part time in order to spend time with their children as well as creating a career for herself. And St Mungo's were ecstatic to have her, almost giving her free reign to dictate the hours she could work, only too pleased to make allowances for a 'war heroine'. From a financial point of view she didn't need to work, but she loved what she did and was grateful they were so accommodating. Her time at the hospital was mainly on floor three – same as him – so he caught glimpses of her during the morning, unless he was locked in the lab, and on rare occasions, stole a moment of conversation.

Severus' role had been very much research based. Given his teenage investigations and experiments, he'd easily achieved his mastery, moving straight into a research study with Belby regarding the Wolfsbane – to which they did make improvements to the potion, making it more financially viable, to the point the Ministry were able to fully fund the supply of it to all werewolves. This had earned the two men an Order of Merlin – third class – for their contribution to wizarding society. In some ways he was prouder of this Order of Merlin than the one awarded to him after the war. After all, this was in recognition of his intelligence, more meaningful personally than fighting against Voldemort, which had been thrust upon him thanks to the memories and a Prophecy. The study with Belby had taken three years, and had been time well spent in his opinion. They'd separated ways after that, to pursue individual studies, but they still met from time to time to discuss ideas and results of investigations. But whether they would collaborate on future projects remained to be seen.

This year, however, would be rather different for Severus, as he'd been persuaded to begin taking apprentices training more hopeful potions masters. This obviously left less time for his personal studies, but sometimes a change in routine was a good thing, perhaps interacting with the next generation of potioneers would give him ideas to pursue in the future. He was only committing to three years of training, not signing his life away in the form of educating. He could honestly say he'd never imagined himself in the role of teacher in any capacity, the memories of the other Severus made it clear it was not a role he enjoyed – it was a role he'd been trapped in. Though he supposed, that was a key difference, his acceptance of this position was entirely different, there was nothing and no one compelling him to provide this service, there was no path to redemption, no guilt weighing down his shoulders. No blood on his hands. That and guiding three adult wizards with a love of potions was a completely different scenario to attempting to teach a room full of eleven year olds who were more likely to blow up their cauldron than turn in a perfect potion. This would almost certainly be less trying on his temper. Today had only been the fourth day with this group, and so far, so good.

The front door burst open then, drawing him from his musings, the footsteps of Rowan Evan Snape thundered towards the kitchen.

"Dad!" the boy exclaimed happily upon seeing him.

"Slow down, Rowan. Are you a boy or an erumpent?" Severus teased him gently, his lips quirking into a smile at his son's exuberance. Severus hoisted him into his arms, little arms wrapped around his neck

"I'm a hippogriff!" Rowan grinned.

"Are you now?"

"Mm hmm, Nanna says so," he told him proudly.

"I see," Severus remarked, setting the now wriggling boy back down. Hippogriff indeed, he thought to himself as the boy hurried off in a flurry.

"Hi, Sev," Lily greeted as she entered the kitchen, smiling brightly as she made her way to him.

"Hello, my love," he replied, dipping his head to press a kiss to her lips, his arm automatically draping around her waist to hold her close as her soft fingers brushed against his cheek.

"Urghh," Holly groaned as she followed her mother into the kitchen.

"Honestly, Holly," Lily commented, rolling her eyes as their daughter seated herself at the table. Holly Rose merely raised an eyebrow at her mother, causing Severus to stifle a chuckle. She'd definitely inherited his mannerisms. To his immense relief, she'd gained most of her looks from Lily, with delicate features and bright green eyes identical to her mother's, though her hair was much darker, a rich deep chestnut that fell in thick waves down her back. But her behaviour was much more like his, she was quiet and reserved, and was frequently annoyed with her brother's antics.

Holly thanked him as he placed a glass of pumpkin juice in front of her, and poured cups of tea for himself and Lily. Lily pulled something from her pocket as she took her seat, taking a deep breath as she smoothed out the envelope.

"Willow's owl found me at Mum's," Lily said quietly.

"Have you opened it?" he asked her, leaning forwards in anticipation.

"I wanted to wait till I was with you," she told him.

"Open it then," Holly ordered, leaning on her elbows on the table, clearly eager to discover her sister's place. Lily nodded quickly, tearing the wax seal and pulling out a small piece of parchment, filled with Willow's tidy writing.

"Dear Mum and Dad," Lily read. "I can't believe I'm finally here at Hogwarts, it's amazing and terrifying all at the same time. I can't wait to start lessons tomorrow, I'm not sure what my first class will be, we'll get our schedules at breakfast. I miss you already, but I know Christmas will be here really soon and I can see you all again. I know you want to know which House I'm in, you won't be surprised when I tell you, hopefully you're both ok with it, I know you said you'd be proud whichever House I'm in. I'm in Ravenclaw –"

"We both knew that was coming," Severus interrupted, smirking as he shook his head. Lily nodded before continuing.

"And so is Sophie, so she's really happy too, she didn't want to join Harry in Gryffindor. Write back soon, love Willow." Lily finished.

"Can I write to her too?" Holly asked.

"Of course, love," Lily answered. "Do you want to add something to our letter, or write your own?"

"My own please," she told her.

"Well, why don't you write now while I start dinner? We'll send the letters this evening so they reach her at breakfast," Lily suggested. Holly nodded, leaving the table in search of writing supplies.

"No doubt she'll be following Willow's footsteps," Lily remarked softly once Holly had left the room.

"She could be a Slytherin yet," Severus replied with a casual shrug.

"You keep telling yourself that, love" Lily teased in reply. They both knew he had no strong desires for his children to follow him into Slytherin.

"Do you want some help with dinner?" he asked.

"Why don't you write to Willow?" she suggested instead.

"I can do that," he said with a nod, standing to retrieve his own writing supplies. Writing his first letter to Hogwarts, he could only imagine how many they would write over the coming years. For the next twelve years they would have at least one child there, for the next few months, there would be only four sleeping under this roof rather than five, their eldest child taking her first steps towards adulthood. Their children were growing up, and time was still hurtling by far too quickly. But for now, all three were still children, he would have to content himself with that.

...

May 2nd 1998

Lily awoke early, the world still grey in the pre-dawn light, the sun not yet risen to bring light into the world. She hadn't slept well, a feeling of unease had settled in a few days ago as this date had approached. In part to the fact that today they would be visiting Hogwarts to attend a funeral. But mostly due to the date itself. Twenty two years ago the first of the memories had found their way from another place in time, from another Severus, into her Severus's dreams and set them on a completely new course of action.

Each year, this date left her feeling slightly uneasy, there was nothing tangible that she could put her finger on, she just knew that something wasn't right. This year those feeling were heightened, amplified more than she expected with the knowledge that this marked the point in time when the other Severus's life had ended. His lonely life cut down so viciously by Voldemort at such a young age. Thirty eight was young by Muggle standards, never mind for a wizard. This was the date he had willingly handed over his memories to try and create a better future – not for himself, but for her and the rest of the wizarding world.

Lily had never whispered a word about her brief meeting with the other Severus in that beautiful limbo. A tiny part of her thought it easier to believe it hadn't truly happened, that she'd merely conjured him in her mind when she was near death. In reality, she knew that hadn't been the case, the other Severus had been with her in a place outside of time, between realities. He'd only been there for her, and she would not betray him, their time together was sacred. His memories had saved lives, saved worlds, helped create a whole new world. The least she could do was keep him safe, a secret known only to her to protect for as long as could. She only wished she knew what happened to him after. He'dhad no clue what his fate would be, and didn't particularly seem to care, which was unsettling to say the least. Did he cease to exist after she'd been pulled back to this world? Did he now only exist as a memory in her mind? She hoped not, it didn't seem fair for his existence to end that way fading into nothing. He'd been used by so many in his life, it hardly seemed right for the universe, or fate, to use him in death, treating him as though he'd only been useful for his memories, just another tool to be used for the greater good.

Perhaps he'd gone on to what lay beyond, allowed to join the afterlife after his redemption was complete. She hoped the other Lily was there to greet him, that she could look beyond the hateful word that severed their relationship in life, that she could offer him the forgiveness he so desperately needed and mend the rift between them in some capacity. In passing, she wondered if she would be reunited with the other Severus one day, when her journey was over; but deep down she knew that wouldn't be the case. Their paths were not destined to cross again, the tangled threads of time had completed their rearranging, the two worlds would no longer touch. But she really hated the thought of him potentially being alone, he didn't deserve that at all.

Severus moved beside her in the bed, rolling onto his side to press himself against her back, his arm wrapping around her to keep her close.

"You're awake early," he whispered, his warm breath tickling her neck.

"Mmm," she mumbled, nodding against the pillows.

"It all seems a bit surreal, doesn't it?" Severus asked.

"I always thought he was invincible," she admitted, thinking on part of her unease – Albus had passed away a few days ago, peacefully in his sleep, aged one hundred and sixteen.

"I know," he agreed, pressing a kiss against her bare shoulder. "It feels like the end of an era," he said with a sigh, his hold around her tightening.

"It seems oddly fitting though," she said quietly.

"Hmm?"

"With the memories."

"It seems like a completely different life," he said.

"It almost was. I can't imagine our lives being any different to what we have," she told him. That was something she'd struggled to fathom, that there were versions of themselves who'd made different choices. "I can't imagine us being different people."

"I know," he snorted softly. "Though, I can't have been that different."

"Of course you are!" she snapped, rolling onto her back to meet his eyes in the grey light as he propped himself up on his elbow. He was different, in so many ways. Both were fundamentally good men, the other Severus had unfortunately made questionable decisions fuelled by anger and loss. Her Severus hadn't had to experience those traumas, he'd had family beside him every step of the way. That had led to slightly different looks, his slim build was almost identical, but he was different around the eyes. His features were softer, eyes warmer and less harsh, his demeanour seeming younger. This Severus could express his love, he showed her and their children how much he loved them, and he had those sentiments readily returned. The other Severus never had the privilege of being loved by a wife, or by children, or friends. A man couldn't experience all that and not change in some capacity. It wasn't possible.

"Some things have changed, I know. But I know who I was, I know who he was," he sighed, not seeming able to express his thoughts, which was unusual for him. "I could have become him," he said quietly. "The differences are purely down to circumstance."

"In part, but you had to choose to act differently. You could have ignored the memories," she pointed out, wanting him to take some of the credit for the positive choices he'd made in his life.

"At least the memories reached me early enough to make a difference, the alternative is a most unappealing option. But I think, regardless of how many versions of us there are out there, I will love you in each of them," he told her. She knew that was true, without question, he was always hers. And she should always be his, always together, and she hated that they weren't in the other universe, hated that Severus was alone, hated that there was a version of her out there that had chosen Potter knowing everything he had done to torment the man she loved. She hated that the other Lily had hurt him more than anyone else ever could with her choices. The only consolation she had was the knowledge that it would never happen to her Severus, she would love him with every part of her being for as long as she was able to do so. She would tell him every day, she would show him every day.

"I love you," she told him simply, their eyes locked, searching each other's souls so intimately, as they had done countless times over the years, before their lips met in a soft, sweet kiss. "It was always meant to be you, Sev," she told him as he pulled away.

"Always?" he asked softly.

"Always," she affirmed, reaching to touch his, cheek, tucking a strand of dark hair behind his ear as his lips met hers again, expressing his love for her, love and passion that she was more than eager to reciprocate. Time to be his before they had to face the day together, and say goodbye to an old friend.

...

The grounds looked beautiful, a perfect spring day for all who sat by the lakes shore. Hundreds of white chairs were set up in rows, all of them filled, not just with students and teachers, but with members of the Ministry, members of the Order, Dumbledore's friends, and his last remaining family member – Aberforth.

Various people got up to speak to those gathered, those who wanted to share a few words about the man who had begun the next part of his journey, the next big adventure. It was a sad occasion, a death was never a happy instance, but in a way it helped that in this version of reality it had followed the natural order – he'd simply fallen asleep. There was no murder this time, his death hadn't been a calculated necessity, no promises to fulfil, no Dark Lord's to fool. And no guilt on Severus' shoulders. The other Albus had chosen his manner of passing, that much was true, but Severus had been his weapon of choice. For the greater good. The other Severus had willingly damaged his soul for the only man he believed could help him find redemption; he'd lived with the guilt of what he'd taken from the world and allowed himself to be wrongly labelled a traitor, all to carry out Dumbledore's orders, execute his plan perfectly.

No. This was how people were supposed to go, and yes, those left behind would mourn. That was the way of the universe when it wasn't interrupted. Lily tightened her arm around Rowan as he sniffled beside her, he'd insisted on joining them today to say goodbye. Rowan had met Dumbledore numerous times over the years, he'd visited their cottage, told him stories of when he used to live there. And Rowan loved to listen, his imagination always sparked by the colourful tales the old man would weave. Lily had no idea if they were all true – she was almost certain they weren't – but reality didn't factor into that, all that mattered was the story. In some ways, Albus became a kind of surrogate grandfather, the kind that told tall tales, encouraged adventures, and indulged him in too many sweets when she and Severus weren't looking. Rowan would miss that, though now he was almost eleven, the tales of adventures had changed, there was less searching the wood for magical creatures, more dreaming about Hogwarts, particularly with two older siblings there for him to join in September.

She was dreading the day he left, if she was honest, she wasn't looking forward to an empty house. Rowan was always such a ray of sunshine, managing to fill it with life all by himself, she worried that without him the house would feel cold and grey. But she supposed, that too was the way of things. Children grew, they went to school, they found their own paths to walk and took their own journeys, before beginning their own families. Time ticked on and on relentlessly, never altering, never ceasing.

Once all who wished to speak had had the opportunity to do so, a quiet hush descending on the gathering, all that could be heard were sniffles and quiet sobs. Rowan huddled himself closer against her, his head burrowing into her shoulder; she brushed a hand gently through his soft red hair. Holly was seated on her other side, her Ravenclaw robes freshly pressed, her hair in loose waves down her back, she wasn't crying, only holding Willow's hand in the seat beside her. Severus sat the other side of Willow, his arm resting on the back of her seat, his body angled towards her should she wish to hold on to him, though at the moment Holly's hand seemed to be comfort enough.

Just as unease started to settle among the group with the prolonged quiet, a loud trill of song pierced the air, and a brilliant flash of scarlet and gold streaked through the blue sky. Fawkes' song was hauntingly beautiful, moving and invigorating all at the same time. A melody which sank into everyone's souls, mending and healing the grief. Fawkes swooped in the open air over the lake, flying back and forth in elegant loops, his song never wavering. Lily couldn't help but think back on the final battle, when Fawkes had sung for them all, rallying their spirits and guiding them to the open fields. And he'd sung for her, bolstering her bravery, making her stand and fight, earning the sword at the most crucial moment. Fawkes had helped them, steadfastly loyal to Dumbledore, he'd played his own part for him. For the Order of the Phoenix.

But now Dumbledore was gone from this mortal coil, Fawkes' object of loyalty out of his reach. With a final circuit and burst of song, Fawkes was gone, the streak of crimson growing smaller as his wings took him forever away from Hogwarts, his beautiful song faded on the breeze. Everyone knew they'd never hear Phoenix song again.

As one, the crowd seemed to understand that this part of the day was over, words were no longer required, and almost in unison rose to their feet to begin the walk up to the castle. Quiet conversations were murmured all around as parents walked their children back to the Great Hall, along with everyone else visiting. The object of all the conversations was the same – Albus Dumbledore. Everyone was eager to share stories about him with anyone who would listen, everyone knew the man, either as a headmaster, a teacher, or a friend. That was the most important classification, she supposed. He'd been a great wizard, thanks to his exceptional magical abilities, his strategic thinking helping save the wizarding world from both Grindelwald and Voldemort. But his capacity for love and forgiveness, his belief in second chances, meant that he was also a good man. A man that everyone had fond memories of. It was remarkable what a memory could do. A memory could preserve a moment for eternity, could capture the essence of someone after they'd gone. A memory could change a life, a world, a future.

Predictably, once in the Great Hall, Rowan immediately paired off with Perseus; those two boys would drive their future Head of House to distraction come September, two lovable scamps who would no doubt be in Gryffindor. Lily couldn't help but wonder who would take over as Head of Gryffindor now Minerva was acting as Headmistress, she assumed Hogwarts would now be searching for a Transfigurations professor, as well as a Potions Master. Ever since Willow started at Hogwarts, Albus had asked Severus to consider taking the position. And every time Severus had declined, he had no desire to teach children like the other Severus had done.

Lily made her way through the crowd of people, winding through the brightly coloured robes – because of course Albus wouldn't want a room full black clad mourners, the only black was in the form of Hogwarts robes on the students attending. Dumbledore had stated that the occasion should be a vibrant celebration of life, so robes were in all colours of the rainbow. In moments, she was by Severus' side, he was adorned in robes of deep forest green; she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, joining his conversation with Minerva and Filius.

"Are you sure we can't tempt you, Severus?" Minerva asked.

"I'm afraid not," he answered quietly, almost managing to sound apologetic.

"Horace really is keen to retire."

"I'm sure he is, but surely you haven't spent the last five years asking me alone to fulfil this role?" he asked curiously.

"Albus was quite sure you would eventually accept," she told him, looking faintly amused.

"Mmm, I'm afraid I will continue to disappoint."

"He was certain you'd make a fine teacher. And your apprentice training had gone well, yes?" she probed.

"Indeed," he conceded, looking pleased. "Perhaps I could make some suggestions for potential candidates."

"Only if you're absolutely positive I can't entice you. You'd make an excellent head of Slytherin," she teased. Lily couldn't help but smile.

"I will offer suggestions, but alas, no, I shall not take up residence in the dungeons," he told her with a raised eyebrow.

"Can't blame a girl for trying," Minerva told them with a shrug. "You could always join Severus in the dungeons, Lily. I'm sure Poppy could use an extra pair of hands in the hospital wing. Or you could take up the Transfigurations post."

"A generous offer, but I too shall decline," Lily told her with a grin, glancing up to see Severus' triumphant smirk.

"No? Head of Gryffindor not tempting?" she teased.

"Well, considering Rowan will undoubtedly end up there, along with Perseus Black, I'm not sure my hair would survive – it would either be grey through stress, or I'd have pulled it out before they even got half way through schooling," she laughed.

"Ah, there is that. Like the Weasley twins, no? Utterly charming, but utterly incorrigible," Minerva sighed good naturedly.

"Or James Potter and Sirius Black," Lily laughed. It seemed every generation had similar characters.

"So, I won't be adding another Snape to the Eagle's nest?" Filius asked curiously.

"I'm afraid not," Severus agreed.

"Pity, I would have liked the set," Filius chuckled.

Minerva and Filius continued to quiz Severus on potential candidates for the potions professor, as Lily glanced around the hall at various groups. Rowan was still tucked away at one side with Perseus, both looking more subdued than was usual; Sirius and Astrid were talking with James, Jess, Regulus and his wife Felicity – their daughter, Cressida, in Felicity's arms; Frank and Alice were stood with Remus, Dora and their newborn son, his bright blue hair standing out in sharp contrast against the pale lilac of Dora's robes; Andromeda and Ted were talking quietly with Eileen and surprisingly her parents – the Prince's had begun to build bridges with their estranged family, they'd left the country without a trace after disowning Eileen, but returned a few years ago after reading so much about Severus; Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were stood with their son, Draco, his Head Boy badge seeming to catch the light; Harry, Ron and Neville were huddled together, the three boys managing to remain a trio, all three in Gryffindor, Ginny was hovering near the boys with wild haired Head Girl, Hermione Granger; Willow and Holly were talking quietly with Sophie and Martha. So many people were still alive thanks to the memories of the other Severus, so many lives brought into existence that wouldn't have been. Although people were sad at Albus' passing, the overwhelming feeling was of love. Of acceptance. Of moving forwards as the universe intended. And Lily knew that whatever lay in their futures, everything would be ok.

...

After

Peace. Solitude. Finally the universe was granting him these things. Peace to concentrate on his thoughts. Solitude to place all these thoughts in order without wearing a mask. All he had now in this place was himself. And his memories, naturally. He couldn't help but feel like a weight had lifted from his shoulders, relieved of his burden. He'd never felt so free. It was... unusual. He wasn't sure if he'd adjust.

His life had been an act, more often than not, an act he'd grown weary of long ago. He couldn't escape that act in life, only in death. Though it was a slightly sad thought, that no one truly knew who he was at his very core. But it was a worthwhile exchange, he played his role to perfection to ensure Harry Potter could fulfil his own role. Now the play was over. And he could just be.

His thoughts of the other universe gave him some measure of peace, a universe created from his memories. A universe where he was a better man, a man worthy of Lily's love. A husband. A father. A teacher. A friend. Things he could have been if he'd listened early enough, taken Lily's words to heart sooner. It was reassuring, proof that he wasn't inherently dark. But he couldn't deny he'd made terrible choices when fuelled by hate, anger and loneliness.

Severus closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face as the swing swayed softly. He almost chuckled at the sight he must be, if anyone were to see him, clad in his customary black teaching robes, formal trousers and boots beneath, as he sat on a swing in what appeared to be an abandoned park. Most out of place indeed. Thoughts of the park he frequented in his youth always calmed his mind, reminiscing of a simpler time. A time before Hogwarts, before House rivalries, back when it was just a girl and a boy playing on swings or collecting twigs and leaves. Before they were divided by red and green. It only made sense that his eternity would present itself this way. It was more than he hoped for, if he was honest, even after years trying to redeem himself, after sharing his memories, after meeting the other Lily, he still half expected to find himself roasting in a fiery pit for eternity. If this was his fate, so be it.

"Good morning, Severus," a familiar voice spoke to him. Severus flinched, gripping the rusting chains a little tighter.

"Albus," he said quietly. "I thought you already... moved on?"

"Quite, dear boy. Though the truth is not quite as simple as that," Albus chuckled.

"More riddles?" Severus sighed, frowning, his eternity of solitude slipping further away from his grasp.

"No need to sound so... disappointed?" Albus queried. "Your differences are a little more noticeable now, I must say."

"Differences?" Severus asked, glancing at the old man now settled on the swing alongside his.

"I do believe your Albus has moved on, as you said."

"My Albus? My –" he cut himself off as it fell into place. "You're the other Dumbledore, aren't you?"

"Indeed," he answered happily, his eyes twinkling annoyingly. "Now, like my counterpart, I seem to be privy to certain... workings, shall we say?"

"Workings?" Severus echoed back, already feeling his frustrations rising.

"Your memories were sent to our universe by your Albus, correct?"

"Correct."

"It seems I have a final gift to offer. The universe was particularly unkind to you, dear boy, and is trying to restore the balance."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Severus asked, rubbing his forehead, attempting to relieve the growing migraine.

"Your memories created a better world, not just for you, but for all."

"So you want to send back more memories? Try again?"

"No, not at all." Dumbledore tried to assure him. "You can leave here."

"No," he stated firmly. "I'm not going back."

"I do not wish to send you back, Severus," he said calmly. "All souls are reborn, to learn, to grow. Ordinarily, souls stay in this afterlife for a while, before going back. But you can return already, if you wish."

"Not as me? I'll be someone new?"

"Someone new. You'll have no memory of this place, or the life you led. You don't remember any previous lives, after all," he argued. Severus sighed, not entirely liking the situation, not liking the idea of forgetting Lily.

"And if I decline?"

"This is the universe trying to help you, Severus. But you can still decline, you'll just wait here a while before being reborn," Albus explained.

"I do not think I'm ready. I expected solitude, at least for a time," he admitted.

"Understandable. But you need not be alone. I shall be moving on shortly, you can move on alongside me, if you are not yet ready to return to life," Albus told him. Severus nodded, weighing up the possibilities – a new life, a new family, potentially better ones. But that wasn't guaranteed. What if it was just as bad all over again? History could repeat itself, it so often did. A flash of red in the distance distracted him from his musings. A flash of red in the form of hair, on a woman walking towards him. Lily.

Severus watched in silence as Lily approached, unable to look away, desperate to read her expression. Desperate to know if she still hated him. She stopped a few feet in front of him, she too not taking her eyes off him. Severus stood after a moment, debating exactly what to say to her. The moment he was on his feet, he was nearly bowled over as she launched herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck. After an awkward embrace she withdrew, her teary eyes fixed on him again.

"Lily, I..."

"You've been such an idiot," she stated matter of factly, no trace of malice, only fondness.

"I know," he nodded, agreeing readily.

"But a very brave idiot," she teased. Severus sighed. "And I never hated you," she added firmly.

"You should," he mumbled.

"Probably. But I never have, and I never will," she said. Severus nodded, not quite believing it. "So what do we do now?" she asked.

"Do?"

"Are we going back?"

"We?" he asked in confusion.

"You didn't tell him that bit?" she asked, directing her gaze to the other Dumbledore.

"I was getting to that, my dear," he smiled.

"Naturally," she said, rolling her eyes. "We can both be reborn," she told him. "We'll be close, whoever we happen to be. We'll find each other."

"You don't have to leave here," he said. "I could stay here."

"True, but this will be more of an adventure."

"I could go alone," he argued.

"You won't be alone, Sev. I won't let you be alone again," she said simply, reaching to touch his hand.

"We won't remember any of this. We won't have any memories," he pointed out.

"Maybe it will be nice to make new memories," she countered. He couldn't argue that. Yet, it was still a disturbing thought, letting go of all he had been, all he was. All anyone truly was, was bound in their memories, without those he was a blank page in an empty book.

"Do you trust me, Sev?" she asked.

"Always," he answered without hesitation. Her grip on his hand tightened.

"Excellent," Albus stated happily. "I daresay, you'll have a marvellous adventure," he added with a grin.

"Let's make some new memories," Lily said with a bright smile. He met her eyes, giving a single nod, hoping that he'd see those beautiful green orbs again one day.

"You'll find me?" he asked as uncertainty began to creep in.

"I'll always find you," she promised. With that, the magic whirled around them, whipping like the wind as it spun, tingling and glowing as it prepared to return them to life as new beings, blank slates ready for new memories, their souls older and wiser than before. Even as he felt everything changing, feeling his old self slipping away, he knew it would be alright, he and Lily would find each other in the next life, as they had done in a hundred lives before. Each of their souls drawn to the others, and he knew he would never be alone again.

A/N – We've reached the end of the story, I truly hope you've enjoyed the journey. Huge, huge thanks to everyone for reading, following, favouriting and reviewing, whether you have reviewed once or every chapter it means so much that you would take time to comment.

I am truly sad to say goodbye to this story, though I may come back to this universe in the future to explore other areas, at the moment I would say it's pretty much complete. I am however looking forwards to beginning creating a whole new universe to play in with these characters, a much darker one though, and I'm still undecided whether it will be one big story (like this one), or whether it will be a trilogy of shorter stories (at around 100k each). I will almost certainly need a beta for it, so pop me a message if you'd like to volunteer. At the moment, the story is still in the 'bundle of notes' stage and not sure how long it will be before I can really get going with it. Once again, thank you for reading, hopefully I will see you again soon, Leonie xx