Guilt

2

It was over

The war was finally over

"Professor"

~2 years later~

The sun was shining bright over the homes in Spinner's End. In one particular home a girl with blonde hair was in the back tending to the small garden. She wiped some sweat off of her forehead and stood up. She admired her work and crossed her arms happily.

"It looks lovely, Luna"

Luna jumped slightly "You startled me" she turned around and smiled "I'm glad you like it Severus"

Severus gave her a small smile "Well I don't see why I shouldn't" he spoke which caused Luna to let out a soft giggle. Luna removed the gloves she was wearing and grabbed hold of Severus's hand before leading him back inside their home.

The pair walked inside and made their way to the living room. They sat down on the couch and Luna laid her head on Severus's shoulder. She closed her eyes and hummed happily when Severus placed a gentle kiss on top of her head.

Luna felt happier than she's ever been and she didn't want it to end.

*BANG BANG*

Luna jolted awake, she breathed heavily and grabbed hold of the sheets beneath her to try and remain calm. She closed her eyes and tried to will herself not to break but it was pointless. Tears formed in her eyes and they fell like the rain pouring outside.

'It was a dream...' She thought and her heart began to ache just like it always did the day the war ended.

When she heard that Harry killed Voldemort she felt pure happiness. Finally they could live their life without fear, finally Professor Snape won't have to suffer at the hands of that awful man.

"Professor" She said and quickly ran looking for him. She had to tell him, should he not know, that the war was over. She had to make sure he was ok. Luna ran into Hermione and Ron and hugged them both tightly "Oh I'm so glad you two are ok" She breathed.

They both hugged her back "We're glad you're ok too Luna" Ron spoke and smiled as they all let go. Luna beamed "Listen do either of you guys know where Professor Snape is?" She asked with a bit of excitement but that feeling faded when she noticed the sunken expressions on her friends faces.

'Oh Merlin was he hurt' She thought but before she could speak Hermione had broken down in tears. Ron hugged her tightly and rubbed her back in order to comfort her. He turned his attention back to Luna who looked pale "Luna....I...he..." He spoke but stopped to take in a deep breath least he starts crying like Hermione.

Ron regained some of his composure and continued "Luna I'm sorry but Professor Snape......he's....he's dead. Voldemort killed him" He said and Luna couldn't believe her ears.

No this couldn't be true, he can't die, he...he promised.

Within the Room of Requirements Luna was patching up Severus yet again. "I wish you didn't join" She spoke softly after she finished wrapping up his arm. Severus let out a soft sigh "I wish I didn't either" He muttered. Luna looked up at him and pulled him into a hug "Promise me Professor that we'll both make it out alive, please" She said shakingly, she was asking for the impossible but she knew Severus was strong. She felt him wrap his arms around her "I promise" He said in a quiet whisper that Luna wouldn't have heard had she not been rather close to him.

"Luna"

"Luna"

Luna snapped back to reality and tears began to form in her eyes "NO! YOU'RE LYING HE'S NOT! HE CAN'T BE!" She shouted out, this couldn't be true it just couldn't. Hermione tried her best not to breakdown again "It is Luna, we saw him die. He gave his life for the sake of this war" She stated "If you don't believe me you can see him for yourself. He's in the shrieking shack inside the whomping willow" She added and Luna quickly turned on her heels and ran towards the willow.

With such quickness and determination she dodged the Willow's branches and slid into the entrance. She continued to run until she reached the end. There in front of her was the door that separated her and Severus. With shaky hands she slowly opened the door. Her heart shattered cause there in front of her was the very person she had hoped had lived.

"Severus...." She muttered and dropped to her knees. 'No this couldn't be happening' She thought and began to cry. She gently grabbed hold of him and cradled his lifeless body in her arms. She cried out, till her throat gave out, to Merlin begging him to reawaken the man in her arms and to take her instead.

*BANG BANG*

Luna jumped a bit and slowly climbed out of bed. She opened her dresser drawer and pulled out a black cloak, that belonged to her beloved professor, and quickly wrapped it around herself and made her way towards the window. She watched as the rain grew heavier and the sky turn darker. Oh how she wished she could turn back time and change fate.

Sadly that was impossible, Luna sighed softly and placed the palm of her hand against the window. This house was the only thing that remained of him, all his things from Hogwarts had been brought here upon her request. This house was almost sold to another couple but She had managed, with the help of her friends, to obtain this home before they could.

The world may not view Severus as a hero but Luna did, and she was going to do whatever it takes to keep his memory alive. She quickly wiped away her tears and walked over to her nightstand. She opened the drawer and pulled out some parchment paper, a quill, and ink. She sat down on the bed and quickly went to work.

From that day she began to write the story about Severus Snape.

The greatest man who ever lived.