Here we go...still don't own anything like this world. JK Rowling is that lucky person. I'm sorry that it may have seen that I disappeared, but I am still here. My Mom had been ill for a while and then seemed to rebound. But, it wasn't to last. I think, hoping, that I'm ready to write...it's always seemed to be a catharsis for me before. So, I hope you enjoy this new chapter.

Chapter 5

Severus couldn't help but snicker that one of the people(?) they had to thank was the Dark Lord himself. But finally, he had pushed them to far. Almost a year and half before the war ended, there had been three days of the most vilest and bloody days that he could ever remember. Not only for the poor and unsuspecting muggles, but also for some of his own followers too. Especially the Malfoy's. Because of Draco's inability to kill Dumbledore, they all became one of HIS favorite play toys.

What had been done to them all had definitely opened Lucius's eyes. But better yet, his mind. He owled Severus, asking to meet with him. Totally going against his Slytherin tendencies and asking him to help them. He had relied on years of friendship, but mostly, hope. Severus was still humbled by it, him. He had always felt that they were, more than just friends to him. But he still found it hard to believe they felt the same way about him.

Later, after hours of talking, Severus had sent his patronus to Albus asking for a meeting with him and the heads of he Order. They came, Albus, Moody and Lupin. They came with many vials of veriterserum and many more questions. A better name would be the modern Inquisition. It took hours, no, days, until they were satisfied. Lucius Malfoy, Aristocrat Pure-blood, became the newest member and spy for the Order of the Phoenix.

Followed by his wife, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and their son, Draco. All being sworn in after taking Wizarding Oaths and pledging their fidelity to Albus and all members of the Order. And having them on the Light's side was very productive and life saving for many. They passed on information about coming attacks, new member's on the dark side and even the knowledge that their were several more families that wanted nothing to do with the crazed snake-looking mad man and his extreme followers.

Because the head's of the Order learned quickly he could be trusted, Lucius was included with some of their more in-depth planning sessions. One in particular, saving Severus's life. Albus knew that Tom ( he always referred to him this way) would come to figure out why the 'wand' was not working for him. And then Severus would surely be called before him. The outcome wasn't stated, but everyone realized what could and mostly would be the outcome of that meeting.

But Severus Snape, Master Potioner...the amazing spy for the Light...and one whom several of those in the room considered him their friend...wanted him to live. They con-joled, begged and even threatened him through those hours. Finally, Albus smiled at Severus, eye's twinkling brighter when an idea came to him. He walked over to the fire-place keeping them from seeing who he called and then stepped aside. Minerva, Narcissa and Poppy came through.

Severus seeing the witches, slithered down in his chair and glared even more at Albus. Dumbledore had called the women knowing (as always!) this would sway him to do the right thing. But, of course Severus wasn't willingly lead to their way of thinking. The witches had talked to him, con-joled and finally berated. And with his acquaintance's, finally, came hugs and more tears (happiness this time.)

Looking closely one would have seen several rather shiny eye's of some of the wizard's in the room also. Albus Dumbledore, conjured a handkerchief and wiped his eyes and blew his nose ever so loud. Clapping his hands together he turned to Remus and told him to tell them all what his idea was.

Severus turned and sneering slightly, waiting for this revelation he couldn't wait to strike down. Shaking his head, Lupin with an idea, really! Remus had cleared his throat, " Well, Arthur, Sirius, Bill and Charlie, also myself, were talking one night. Arthur had made it sound as if he was joking...well anyway...we think you should make an anti-venom potion Severus. One that would be strong enough to help save members' that will be close enough to that dam snake of HIS." Severus's eyes' had widened listening to the wolf, shock and even maybe some respect could be seen if you looked quick enough.

Severus turned, starting to pace. Deep in thought, his forefinger running over and over his lips. Lucius watching his long time friend, almost...almost, smiled a true smile. He quickly remembered where his was though and the Malfoy sneer was showing to all. "Well done Lupin," Severus turned quickly away from him, " Albus, I'll need some things from the apothecary. Post-haste." Then turning on his heels, he swept from the room, leaving stunned silence behind.

And that night, the brilliant Potion Master, Severus Snape, saved his own life, with the help from Lucius, the day of the final battle. Voldemort had sent Lucius to find Severus and send him to the Shrieking Shack, where HE was waiting. Severus looking at his long time friend, reached out and squeezed his brothers shoulder and swept down through the tunnel. Lucius followed, casting spells so he wouldn't be noticed.

Lucius had told him later that it was one of hardest things he had to do. Standing there and not being able to help him. Looking up at Severus and quickly away while he threw back his class of firewhiskey. He mumbled that he never wanted any of his family to be in the positions ever again.

After Potter, Weasley and the girl had left, Lucius rushed to his side opening the vials he had with him. Forcing them down the barely conscious Severus seemed to take forever. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Severus was trying to lever himself up. Extending a hand, which was grabbed, together they had him on his feet. The life long Slytherin's, still clasping hands, looked at each other and nodding, turned to make their way out and into the foray.

Standing side-by-side, they quickly made it to the sides of the heads of the Order and the Golden Trio. Voldemort was furious at the site, he screamed to his so-called elite's to kill them, no quarter to any of them. Watching Severus and Lucius was like watching a muggle ballet, so fluid was their motion and rhythm with each other. Truly magical.

Draco had talked with Dumbledore in the days leading up to this moment. He had wanted his permission to go to Slytherin's rooms and try to talk with some of them. He hoped to persuade them into fighting, on the lights side. He told Albus that there were many who did not believe as their parent's and the wizarding world needed to see they weren't . Albus agreed, but sent Charlie and Bill Weasley with him.

Draco made it to his father and godfather's side. Looking behind them, the older Slytherin and the Head of Slytherin were stunned. Then smirks widening, they motioned those behind to fill in and yelling at them to watch each others back as best they could. Draco had brought most of the children of death-eaters, present and past. They had always followed Draco, and they didn't want to live in a world with the crazed Dark Lord, ruling it.

And the parent's of these children...well many had joined them. Taking advantage of the shock of seeing so many of 'their' children with Dumbledore. Voldemort's fury increased, causing winds and rain to start, feeling like whips upon the skin...it battered all. Many of the extremist, yowled just as loud as the wind when they saw their child or children fighting against them. Remembering this always made Severus feel as if he failed those they lost. Crabbe Sr., was one whose fury over-ruled him. Seeing Greg on 'their' side, he raised his wand at his only child-his heir, killing his own son. The cruel and insane father followed him quickly, being hexed by more than dozen of the younger Slytherins.

Narcissa had also played a major part that day. She had lied to the dark lord in the forest. Telling him that Harry was dead, when of course, he hadn't. She had also helped in the infirmary along side Poppy and other's. Having years of experience helping Lucius, and later Draco when they came home from meetings and the cruelty of HIS displeasure. Her knowledge of treating dark hexes was proving to be extremely helpful in saving lives.

The hand that squeezed his shoulder, pulled him away from memories. He looked up, and into the gray eyes of his closest friend, his brother and smiled.

I'll work on the next chapter. Hope you enjoyed!