A single naked light bulb swung lazily overhead, its illumination bringing the shadowy denizens that lurk in the darkest nightmares to life. A painful, heart-wrenching howl of a baby ricocheted around the room as a cloaked man stumbled in. His eyes were wild and his long, limp hair in messy tangles as he made his way to the wailing baby.

"Hush, Harry," he whispered, as the baby's cries reached its zenith. "Daddy's here."

Baby Harry's terrified cries subsided to whimpers as Severus cradled him close to his body. Tears ran freely down his face as his own choked sobs rang in the silence of the room. This was it. There was no turning back. The very thought sent tremors through him and Harry squirmed uncomfortably in his arms.

Severus kissed his Harry's forehead as he placed the baby gently back into his crib. Harry giggled as Severus tickled his stomach gently and Severus felt the little of his dinner threaten to expel as vertigo gripped him. His breath came in harsh gasps as the plain, whitewashed walls seemed to close him on him. The shadows cast by the light became the prowling creatures of the night that seemed to track him with murderous and bloodthirsty eyes.

"Harry," he rasped. "Daddy can't be here for you anymore. But don't worry, nothing's going to harm you. He's not going to get you. I won't allow it. As long as I have a breath in me, as long as I have my magic intact, I will protect you." He caressed his son's soft locks.

"I'm so sorry, Harry," he croaked as the door creaked open. His heart hammered in his chest. "Remember me, even if I don't remember you." Severus stayed, watching his son gaze up at him with bright green eyes, her eyes, as a gently hand descended on his shoulder.

"It's time."

Severus looked up into the kind and sorrowful eyes of his mentor. The familiar sparkle that always resided in those crystal blue orbs were gone, replaced, instead, by anguish and sympathy.

"Look after them for me, Albus," Severus murmured as silent tears coursed down his face. He cast another despairing glance at his son. "Give them what I cannot."

Albus nodded as he watched his ex-student pick Harry up and hug him close for the first time. He saw the excruciating pain that ripped through him emotionally as he released his son. Severus pulled the blankets around Harry's tiny body and bestowed one last kiss on his forehead.

"I love you, my son."

He took a steadying breath before turning to his mentor and closing his eyes.

"Do it," he said, his voice dead and devoid of emotion. Albus sighed.

"I'm sorry it has to be this way, Severus," he consoled, his voice soft.

"Just do it."

Albus raised his wand and intoned the dreaded spell.

"Obliviate."

Severus jerked as the spell hit him and he crashed bonelessly to the ground. Behind him, baby Harry started to cry.