As he had done that Halloween night so many years before, Harry Potter had once again defeated Lord Voldemort. This time, however, he wouldn’t make it out with only a scar.

Severus was the first to reach the boy’s side as he fell to his knees in the mud. His arms were banded around his chest as swayed slightly and a strange smile lit his face.

“It’s over?” The boy looked tragically hopeful.

“Yes Harry.” Severus responded, obsidian eyes burning. They both knew he wasn’t going to survive.

“Thank you, Professor.” He whispered, emerald eyes closing for the final time.