Now that was one fluffy ending! XD

The only thing was that I thought Harry would seek him out one last time to thank him and whatnot.

Oh well. Thanks for your story.

"My deepest desire was to never have existed at all"

Ah man, that had ME in tears!
What an awful, sweet chapter.

Is Lupin ever going to tell him he and Harry were genuinely scared for him on that train?

I love the story so far, but it gets a bit weird here. That neither Lupin nor Black can Apparate to get help once they knew where they were is already a bit of a stretch, but once they were in London, surely one of them could have gone to St Mungo's for help? Platform 9 3/4 was a safe enough place to wait.

I liked in the earlier chapter that Snape thought Harry was James; I wouldn't have been surprised if that had happened again in this chapter, what with the fever and all.

An incredibly powerful story; thank you so much writing it! Sevvie finally gets the recognition he deserves, after so long...

Wow, a lot is not canon, but you wrote this in 2003, so I can hardly blame you for it! Well, except maybe that most people don't have children at age 20 so the parents of Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle would likely be older, but soit.
The whole exchange between McGon and Snape was very amusing, and I like that your Harry also notices and appreciates Snape's... more human moments.

I thought Harry would recognize Snape's slightly trembling hands and unsteady gait as something he's seen many times before after the man returned from summonings, but no...

I think Dumbles and his crew are all a bunch of hypocrites and liars. After using Snape for a lifetime Dumbles refuse to let the man choose his own way out! A binding spell, indeed! Just another way to control the poor man.

What a wonderful insight into the most elusive person ever. I love the way you portrayed everything that was done by/too Severus throughout the story and I'm glad he was kept alive to finally start seeing that he does matter. To the cause, to his fellow professors, to the students..not just Slytherins but some others as well. I do hope that Draco and the other few students from Slytherin manage to make it back and follow his lead, even if they did decide they had to accept being marked.

That whole chapter was brilliant, I loved the interactions between those three!

Aww, great ending line. All together a Good job, well written and a different Snape background story but it works perfectly. And yes, I can clearly imagine him breaking down and no matter what he is on the brink through out the books if you think about. Even if he survived he would be a miss mentally and emotionally then physically from attack. You captured the struggle perfectly and ignore my previous rant but it was a bit questionable. Anyway you redeem yourself greatly and I praise you for tackling a tough issue. I also like Neville's gift and everyone surrounding him in support in the lounge. Great job, well written and thought out. Thanks for sharing. I think I will check out your other stories.

Wow very good redemption and happy I stuck it out. Powerful, raw and real. Depression hurts and exhausting. Yes, Sirius brought up some painful experiences that were at bay and opened the flood gates.

Some hope, damn Sirius but yeah I believe he would take advantage of the situation and stir up old painful memories. Snape has to pull through. Got my attention once again and good writing on that part even though there was a lot of emotions.

Aww, let down to a good start of a chapter. Instead of a fight everyone stands around watching like idiots. I don't think Sirius and Lupin would fall that flat. They would and save Harry even if it meant leaving Snape to the wolves. They would have kept to the goal of getting Harry out of there. Also they are running with Death Eaters in hot pursuit firing curses. One, how can Snape run if you said he was tortured badly and coughing up blood with the last of his magical abilities drained and in such poor health. Sorry but the guy isn't Superman adrenaline or not. Two, why would they stop to bicker and complain when again they are being pursued with curses flying. Three, Oh yes, suddenly Sirius gets suspicious again about Snape. If he is portrayed as ruthless in this story and want revenge, he would have left the injured Snape behind with the attitude of who cares.
Sigh, disappointed.

Despite the Master title, when one gets overheated they become flushed (red and sweaty). I only speak from constant experience for I am heat sensitive and struggle with dehydration when summer is near. Well good job none the less on the clarity of your imagery and thought. Now on with the story.

Nice!