Severus stood in front of the Pearly White train, he was ready to move past everything and to see Lily again. Before he could hop on he was tackled to the ground by an unknown, he fought back but was pinned to the ground. "Severus stop fighting! It's me!" The voice was carefree and light but it also brought back terrible memories. "Get off of me, YOU MUTT" The person got off and soon he saw Black hair, a happy grin, and a hand reaching out to help him up, but he refused. Sirius Black stood in front of him smiling with his teeth clashing with his outfit, "It's so good to see you Severus, How is your throat? pretty Ironic that you died by a snake much less Voldemorts." Huffing Severus rolled his eyes and glared at him, "Last time I checked we weren't on a first-name basis, what do you want Black, came to haunt me? Where's Potter? After all, both of you know how to double team and make my life a living-" he couldn't finish his rant as Sirius pulled Severus forward and embraced him. "we've regretted it ever since Severus, while I was alive, Harry made me see that I was wrong. I nearly killed you and not once Apologized for it. Harry, James, Remus, and many more have made me come to terms with my actions. I've come to apologize and hope we can move on to better things rather than holding on to the past." Severus pulled away in disgust and shoved Black away his tone was harsh, "Forgive you? After everything you Marauders have done! You bullied me, Nearly killed me, and still continued! Not once has your precious Dumbledore ever held responsibility over any of you! Lily left me! I had no one! It's not fair."
"Life isn't fair. That's what you told my son." James Potter appeared in all of his glory and he had a frown upon his face. "Severus, we were young back then and none of us ever truly grew up, The war was making all of us stressed. We were taught that all Slytherins were evil and would kneel for a crazy man, Trust wasn't given and that made all the other houses start to align themselves with light, We were cowards. Severus, I am sorry that I didn't realize how much Lily meant to you, I thought you loved her romantically and started to take my stress out on you." He walked forward and stood next to Sirius, "Sirius and I were obsessed with trying to see how far we could push you without getting In trouble, It turns out that was our mistake." Severus glared hard as he looked at them side by side, what are they planning? "Lily was right, I was a git. playing pranks, wasting time bullying you, and lusting over Lily, I forgot the true hardships when dealing with life. Sirius's brother Regulus was a prime example of that. Families were torn because of the war and because of the Hogwarts Houses, we twisted the Hat words when they were spoken. There is nothing wrong with being Cunning or Ambitious, It just meant that you were more prepared for anything." James looked at Severus with a somber glint in his eyes, He was being Honest and Mature..It was about time.
"Severus, why do you hold onto the past? Is it regret or perhaps you hold on to it as a shield to not trust anyone?" Remus Lupin smiled warmly at Severus placing a hand on his shoulder, "There are many things we regret in life that we wish to change but when push comes to shove, you have to let go. Lily refused to come see you." Severus back away from Lupin, "You're Lying! I've done so much for her!" Lupin instantly stops his rant, "You see, that's why. You only did it for Her." Severus looked conflicted, but Remus didn't care he continue while poking at Severus's chest, "She didn't enjoy seeing the man you became over her death! She didn't want an apology after all those years, she wanted to see you be happy, and embrace life, She felt like you were using her as a crutch because you were afraid to let go. Severus, you were lonely, hurt, and ashamed. you had no one but Lily and when she left you behind, You became a different person. You truly were a brave but Tragic man who couldn't get over losing his only friend, Tell me Severus when will stop looking for forgiveness?" Sirius, James, and Remus looked at Severus with regret.
Severus stared at them back, these were the people who made his life hell and yet what they said was the truth, he treated Harry harshly because he reminded him of James, he didn't try to get to know the kid because he saw no reason to but when Dumbledore mentioned Harry having Lily's eyes he started to resent Harry even more. Sighing James brought Severus into another bone-crushing hug, Sirius soon joined in, and then Remus, it was quiet, and the hug was warm...he didn't realize that he started crying, he didn't care, he was just tired of his mask. They all pulled away and Sirius looked at the train, "do you really accept how you spent your final moments Severus? you didn't spend them doing anything worthwhile or memorable, don't you want a second chance?" Severus sighed his energy gone, "What's the point, Black? Lily doesn't want to see me, I'm dead and no one will ever Mourn me because they all think I'm a traitor to the light, I have nobody!" Remus shook his head and James started to motion towards themselves, "You may not see it Severus but you have us, and isn't that enough? We're sending you back to the land of living, It's time to live life." Severus shook his head, "No! Remus, what about Tonks and your son? Sirius don't you want to see Harry again? And you James, don't you want to be next to your son and hug him after all this time?"
"Always, but seeing him alive is all I need," James said.
"My son will know what his parents died for, he will understand that we did it for him," Remus said
"Harry is a good kid and will forever tell stories about the marauders, hopefully, the good stories. Severus, we've all got both light and dark inside us, what matters is the part we choose to act on, that's who we really are. You chose neither side and acted to save the world...Lily would've been proud."
Before Sirius can say more the train gave a loud whistle signaling that it was leaving, Severus goes running after it but Remus holds him back whispering in his ear, "Severus, this time live a good life and never forget that love can be shown in different ways. Try and change for the better." Remus, James, and Sirius hopped on the train screaming out the window, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good, Mischief Managed. Bye, Severus." In a blink of an eye they were gone, Severus felt everything shift and he fainted with only one thought, Why?
Huffing as many people chased him down the street asking for his story on killing Nagini and his loyalty to the Light side, It annoyed him to no avail. he had just come from visiting his Parents at St. Mungo's and to also pay his respects to Severus Snape who was in a coma after that bite. He may not have liked the man but he respected the lengths he was willing to go to just to make sure that the Carrows weren't punishing the students too harshly. Running into an alleyway Neville hid as many reporters ran past shouting his name, he breathed a sigh of relief and walked out of the alleyway, After the war Dumbledore's army was crowded as well as Harry who still hasn't gotten a chance to mourn the loss of past classmates that perished during the war. Everyone demanded Harry to give up on trying to help clear Death Eaters' names and to let them rot in Azkaban but Harry wouldn't listen and came forth with proof of Severus Snape's alliance to the Light side and that he was a spy for Dumbledore. Severus was found barely breathing and the nurses refused to help him, Hermione saved his life while explaining that they were terrible people and didn't deserve to call themselves healers. Neville walked inside his room and shut the door quietly, he had no energy to keep smiling, he too wanted to cry. It was a long war with Death and Grief but it was finally over, Molly killed Bellatrix so his parents were avenged, he killed Nagini so Arthur, Severus, and many more were avenged and Harry killed Voldemort so everyone who died in the war was avenged. Yet, he didn't feel happy.
Draco started dating Bill Weasley when the man came to his defense during his trial, Everyone was shocked when Bill picked up Draco ad placed him on his lap speaking about Mates and how he was going to make Draco scream his name the next moon, Draco was blushing and harry couldn't control his laughing meanwhile everyone else was in an uproar, how could Bill leave Fleur Delacour, a Veela, for a Death eater. Bill had told them that Fleur and Him only got married because they were afraid to die alone and that it was a ploy to get everyone in high spirits, Fleur was actually dating Ginny who quickly started making out with her girlfriend in front of the family, they had been dating in secret because they were afraid of how everyone would judge them but Harry was accepting because they deserved each other. Harry was in a Polyamorous relationship with Ron and Hermione making the golden trio into a real thing, It started during the war when they were on the run from Death eaters, Hermione was making out with Ron and Harry tried to give them privacy but he grabbed by them and was told that they had grown to love harry all those years. harry accepted them and that night they started as a couple, After the war Hermione had Ron and Harry both on their knees proposing to her, she said yes and their wedding was this upcoming month. Neville was happy for all of them they truly deserved it.
Sighing Neville closed his eyes and tried to get some rest.
Neville watched as his boggart turned into Snape wearing his grandmother's clothes, he tried to not let a grin cross his face as Snape's face turned from sour into embarrassment, he looked great wearing those clothes. striding towards the man with confidence he gripped Snape's chin and looked into his eyes, "Such a pretty outfit you're wearing Snape~ is it all for me?" Snape tried to pull away but Neville wasn't having it and shoved him against the closet roughly a dark look on his face. "You've made me feel weak, inferior might I add, to my family and friends. You've treated me like I was nothing. well Snape this isn't Hogwarts anymore, I call the shots." with that Neville ripped off Snape's clothing and forced him on his knees, Snape started to cry, "Don't please, I'm sorry! Mr. Longbottom." Neville backhanded Snape across the face before tugging on his oily strands of hair, "You're sorry? Do you want forgiveness? is that it Snape?" Snape whimpered, "Yes." tugging on his belt Neville took it off, "Turn around then Snape and let me spank you. Ten spanks then I'll forgive you." Snape shook his head no and tried to fight back, "Or, you could give me a kiss. which option Snape?" Snape gave a whisper of kiss and Neville smugly let go of Snape's hair and made him stand up. "Neville kissed Severus harshly not caring if he caused the man pain by biting his lips, he needed this, he needed to be in control. letting go he watched as Snape blush darkened and he was sporting a hard-on. "Snape, you disgust me. Lusting after me after just one kiss...perhaps being dominated is what you love?"
Neville's voice was harsh but was also filled with deep hunger for the man in front of him, a man that made him lose control of his actions. "Neville please, please forgive me. I won't do it again-" quickly shushing Snape, Neville took both of the potion master's hands and kissed the Knuckles, "Such a beauty before me, I don't want to hear words. I want to make you scream." A bed suddenly appeared and Severus was on his back trying to escape from being pinned, "It's alright Severus, I'll make you scream my name, I'll show you that I am not weak." Neville brought his lips upon Severus's lips once more but this time it was gentle as he caressed Severus's thighs, Mine. All Mine Severus. Whimpering Severus pulled away from the kiss a string of saliva falling from his lips as he pleaded, "Take me. Please don't tease me. Take me!" Neville traced the scars on Severus's neck, Damn that snake for marking what was his. "I'll take you, Severus, I'll take all of you"
Neville woke up with his pants tight and his wand vibrating as the alarm woke him up, lately his dreams have turned into utter nonsense about Severus Snape and he had talked with Hermione about it and she said maybe he was projecting his love for Severus, which was complete nonsense. The man was a vile man who took enjoyment of bullying kids verbally rather than actually helping, Neville respected Severus for the war but Hated him as a teacher. getting up Neville went into the Bathroom to wash up for his daily visitation with his parents and Snape. it was early in the morning and he watched his father and mother stare into nothingness with such blank eyes, it broke his heart but the healers were trying everything they could do to help, they were useless in Neville's eyes, sighing he stood and kissed both of his parents on the cheek saying he'll come back and visit again. with that he walked next door to a room that belonged to Severus snape, walking in he saw Severus sleeping peacefully with gauze around his neck and the distinct smell of peaches filled the air.
Neville sat down and watched as Severus's chest took in the air to keep the body alive, his hair was still oily but could be changed with shampoo, his nose was crooked and probably will remain that way and the man himself looked dead. How could Neville ever love a man like this...Neville reached over and took one of Severus's hands in his and kissed the knuckle, why...what makes this man so special to him that he's willing to sit in the room and talk to him much less touch his hands. "Severus, please wake up soon. i don't know why but everyone misses you..I despise you for making me love you, I hate that I still plead for you to open your eyes." Neville stood up and wrapped his hands around Severus's neck applying pressure, "Can you feel that Severus, CAN YOU FEEL HOW MUCH I LOATH YOUR VERY EXISTENCE, ANSWER ME!" severus hands instantly went up and started to claw at Neville's wrists gasping trying to get air in, Neville quickly removed his hands and Severus went tumbling off the bed coughing. "Longbottom trying to kill me...was it not enough that blasted snake tried?" Severus glared into Neville's eyes with deep hatred but Neville couldn't care, Severus was awake.
"You're awake."
"No duh, Longbottom."
"Neville."
"What?"
"Call me Neville."
"I refused, get out."
"I won't."
"Why ever bloody not?"
"Cause you're my responsibility."
"What nonsense are you speaking, Longbottom?"
"Neville."
"I WILL CALL YOU LONGBOTTOM AND THAT'S IT, LEAVE."
Neville strode over to the weak and pulled him up from the floor, staring deeply into Severus's eyes and speaking through gritted teeth
"You shall call me Neville, is that understood?" Severus tried to push him away but Neville shook him roughly, "I said, do you understand?" Severus gave a quick nod and Neville released him relishing in the fact that he had made Severus Snape obey him and actually fear him. Severus thought before he spoke, he didn't want a repeat of that lesson, "Neville where am I?" Neville smiled and started to soothe Severus's hair, "You are in the hospital, Severus, Nagini's bite put you in a coma only for a short period of time. It's now three days after the battle and let me tell you this, Harry wasted his time clearing your ungrateful ass name and all you can do is pick fights once you woke up. you really haven't changed professor, you disgust me." Neville got up and went towards the door, "I'm going to go sign your papers and you'll be coming home with me, don't test me, Snape."
Severus stayed quiet and Neville leaves the room, the scene fades to black.
A week later
Severus sighed as he sat in the greenhouse writing down Potion ingredients and thinking about Neville, after he was released into Neville's care he was sent to the burrow where he saw his godson sitting in Bill Weasley's lap smiling, Ron and Hermione eating Molly's food. But one person in particular shocked Severus as he came charging at him and gave him a hug, Harry Potter, Boy Who Lived was hugging Severus tightly with tears in his eyes babbling about how much he had missed and respected the professor, Severus pushed him away explaining that he couldn't let Lily's son get hurt. With that, he left the burrow and never came back. Neville gave him his own room and apologized about nearly killing Severus again but all he had to say to that was, "Why didn't you try harder?" which resulted in Neville storming out of the house and not returning until late at night once Severus was in bed.
Severus watched Neville fight with himself on how to help the professor but ultimately go back to hating him and staying out of sight. Neville was conflicted he wanted to hurt Severus, make him cry and plead but another side to him wanted to see him Smile and just be happy that he was alive. Severius walked into Neville's office without knocking and sat in one of the chairs taking a sip from his glass of wine, "Neville, do tell me why you hate seeing me? talk to me." Neville glared over his paperwork and stood striding to where Severus was sitting, he leaned in and used the arms of the chair as a balance. "You want to know why I've been avoiding you, Snape? It's because I hate looking at you and hearing your voice as you continue to mock me for being useless. You've traumatized me to the point that my boggart is you. Snape, get out of my office." Neville pulls away from Severus and watches as he stands but doesn't leave the room.
"Neville, I must apologize for my teaching back then, it wasn't right of me and I was in the wrong for placing so much resentment towards you and Potter. I know that you won't forgive me but at least I tried. will you hold onto a grudge for the rest of your life like I did?" Neville's anger skyrocketed and he pushed Severus down on the desk wine spilling all over them and the papers, Severus's eyes were wide as Neville forced his lips against his, closing his eyes he dropped the wine glass on the floor and wrapped his arms around Neville's neck as he was hoised in the air and was now sitting in Neville's lap, Nothing mattered to them, It was a kiss filled with hate, love, resentment, anger but also acceptance. Pulling away from the kiss Neville wiped a bit of saliva off Severus's swollen lips, "I can't do it anymore, I can't."
"Can't what, Neville?" Severus leaned in whispering in Neville's ear, holding back a moan as Neville hugged his waist tightly, "I can't stop myself from loving you Severus, I hate the fact that you make my heartburn every time we cross paths...I need to be in control. I'm not that scared little boy anymore. treat me like a man and I'll give you respect." Neville's words made Severus's heart hurt because he had wanted Lily to love him this much, he had wanted Lily to forgive him, he wanted Lily but Lily didn't need him. Remus was right he had been using Lily as a Crutch, it was time to move on. Severus kissed Neville gently on the lips it was slow but was needed and Neville accepted without hesitation, pulling away Severus looked into those brown eyes, eyes that made his knees go weak. "Neville, I want to see what you see, why do you love me?"
Neville smiled with fondness as he brought Severus into another kiss while whispering, "There are too many reasons to hate you but I can change those things into why I love you. Are you willing to learn? My Severus?"
"Yes."
The curtains close as Neville is seen holding Severus in his arms with a huge smile on his face and Severus's laughter following
Lily smiles as she hugs James close, her friend was smiling again, he was laughing and he wasn't mourning anymore. Dumbledore chuckled his twinkling eyes brighter than ever, James, Sirius, and Remus all cheered. Everything was at peace once again, The start of a new era.
James gave Lily a smile, "After all this time?"
Lily kissed James passionately, "Always."