Too Much Love Will Kill You

138 – Epilogue

The Minister for Magic wanted to trial the Death-Eaters that had survived the battle at Hogwarts – and fast. The trials were to be held as quick as possible, even during Summer. The whole lot had been condemned to Azkaban for life eventually.

Lorena would stand as a witness during the trial of Peter Pettigrew, a.k.a. Wormtail. The press had noticed that this particular Death-Eater was a… Gryffindor. This point helped convince that not all Slytherins were Dark wizards involved on the Dark Lord's side. Due to his very long and close association with Voldemort, his implication in the mass murder that had framed Sirius up 12 years ago, and his responsibility in casting the Fiendfyre in the Shrieking Shack, he was condemned to a life sentence.

At this occasion, the Wizengamot passed a law adding a fourth curse to the list of the Unforgivables : the Fiendfyre, the Cursed Fire.

Bellatrix Lestrange had died too, shortly after being taken prisoner at Hogwarts. She had managed to hang herself using her corset laces and mostly like a bit of wandless magic, while being kept in the dungeons at Hogwarts, the night before being transferred to Azkaban. She had sworn herself to never come back there. She had seized the opportunity when the other Death-Eaters were asleep to kill herself. On the morning after, her brethren found her dead.

The Pettigrew trial allowed Sirius Black's case to be opened again. Sirius was judged, this time in the light of Peter Pettigrew's involvement with the Dark Lord. Wormtail's responsibility had been defined – after all, the small wizard was supposed to have died in the mass murder. As George Nottingham had surmised, Wormtail's being alive was proof enough that the accusations against Sirius were false, part of a frame up to get rid of a valuable wizard, a force to be reckoned with in the war against the Dark Lord.

Sirius was cleared of all charges and even compensated for the 12 years he had spent in Azkaban so unfairly. He walked out of the Wizengamot a free man, his name honored again, after years living either in jail in Azkaban or secluded in his family house.

To top it all off, his cousin Narcissa had wished to establish family relationships with him anew, mending ties that had been severed. She visited her cousin regularly, along with Draco.

Further to his scraping an 'O' in Potions, Draco Malfoy became Severus' apprentice at Hogwarts for the next three years. He was very proud to make a name by himself and gain a reputation based on his own merits. He was glad to follow in his godfather's steps in a career of his choice, instead of those of his late father as the next Malfoy heir and Death-Eater.

He kept very close ties with the Snapes. He had a close bond with Alan Severus as the child's godfather. The ties were even closer as the truth about the family ties between the Gaunts and the Malfoys had been acknowledged between Lorena and the other Malfoys.

Draco Malfoy became a successful teacher. He loved the kids actually and had a great time teaching – although he could turn into as nasty as his godfather had been in his own time. He had to admit that frightening the students was one of his guilty pleasures – when they deserved it of course.

He also became a creative Potions Master, publishing many papers, on his own or with Severus, on different potions they experimented together. He invented potions that helped cure patients that had been condemned by wizarding medicine.

Draco Malfoy always stated that he was happy with his life because he felt useful. He did not forget how he had been brought into existence : he worked on infertility cases in wizarding families, especially pureblood. He had become fascinated by Muggle discoveries about genetics. He made research in the field of wizarding genetics, making important statements as to how the dominant magical gene worked, thus contributing to undermine the prejudices against Muggle-borns and half-bloods.

In a sense, he had made a difference for many people and couples.

George Nottingham enjoyed the Summer to take care of his mother's house. Severus helped him get rid of the last remnants of Dark magic still lingering in the house, along with Bill Weasley, who was a curse-breaker working for Gringotts. Yet, he stayed at 12 Grimmauld Place during that time.

His magical skills improved, with the teaching provided by Sirius and the Snape spouses. He also bought his own wand at Ollivander's in Diagon Alley. He made very quick progress in Charms and Spells. He also learned how to Apparate.

He had been sorted as a Gryffindor on his daughter's wedding day.

During August, before the new academic year started, Albus Dumbledore asked George if he accepted to take a new post he had created : Music Master of Hogwarts. After all, the Headmaster kept telling people that music was one of the most powerful magic. Besides, many Muggle-born students already knew how to play an instrument and had wished to continue practice at school, something that had not been possible in the past. Now, it would be possible with a talented musician as a Music teacher.

Thus, George Nottingham became the very first Music professor at Hogwarts. Besides, this arrangement allowed him to live nearby his daughter and grandson and perfect his own magic during evening classes. His love of art and his easy-going nature made him quickly appreciated by staff and students alike.

He kept on practicing music with his daughter, to everybody's joy in Hogwarts, even putting together a small band made up of students and staff that wished to play and sing with him. This contributed greatly to the unity inside Hogwarts, by putting an end to the House rivalries, especially between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Seeing the Gryffindor father play with his Slytherin daughter was indeed an example that the children could not forget that easily.

George also created the first Music Festival to be held in Wizarding Britain. With the help of a few other musicians, all wizards and witches, he organized a festival in Hogsmeade during the Summer days, which was gladly welcomed there as Summer had always been a very quiet time in Hogsmeade. It provided the animation the locals wanted, drawing there scores of witches and wizards and their families, and giving the opportunity to young talents to make themselves known.

With time, George was able to mourn the loss of his wife, his mother and siblings – something he had never had the occasion to do. Knowing who had killed his mother and siblings had helped in this regard.

He also had a teaching position in the wizarding institution in London where Albus had found him a fake work contract in the first place. The kids there were younger but he loved to transmit his knowledge of music, hoping he would see these pupils keep on practicing when they would go to Hogwarts a few years later.

He completed his parole for the next two years, visiting his parole officer once a week in London. As he had a very busy schedule, he never committed any criminal offense again. His parole officer was very happy and proud of him – though he had never suspected that his parolee was a wizard.

The war had not been kind on Narcissa, who had lost both her sister and husband. She was close to Bellatrix, she loved her husband, and she was deeply affected by this double loss. Fortunately, she had Draco and was able to keep her sanity intact. Now there was no longer the need to act, she decided to contact her other sister Andromeda – that had been disowned from the Black family for marrying a Muggle-born wizard. She had been impressed by Sirius' bravery too – he had saved her best friend Severus after all. Both Sirius and Andromeda were forgiving enough to welcome her back into the family fold.

Narcissa maintained a very strong friendship with Severus and got into a somewhat motherly relationship with Lorena. She managed to cast aside her own prejudices regarding blood status, following her son's example in this path. She felt herself more at peace. Moreover, she was busy managing the huge Malfoy wealth. She became a wise businesswoman, besides a prominent member of the wizarding community, while she had always been in Lucius' shadow when he had been alive.

She also became more and more acquainted with George Nottingham. She had been impressed by the courage he had displayed at the Shrieking Shack, in order to save the man his daughter loved so dearly – and Narcissa's best friend. Everything he had done then, had been out of love. His devotion to his beloved daughter equaled her own love for her son Draco.

She saw him more and more, as he was living in Hogwarts, with the Snapes and Draco. She visited them often and became very close to George. A year after Lucius' death, Narcissa decided to move on with her life. She was done mourning, she was still young. She allowed George Nottingham to date her.

Alastor Moody enjoyed living in Hogwarts and imparting his vast knowledge of the Dark Arts to the children placed under his authority and care. The students really loved his practical and no-nonsense approach. He could be also very kind and funny, despite his scary – and scarry – looks.

Alastor had struck an agreement with Albus Dumbledore. He would remain the DADA teacher in Hogwarts as long as his old friend wished it, provided he may find a suitable replacement in the next few years, as he was getting old. The curse on the post was now lifted after Voldemort's death.

Yet, he felt he would enjoy retirement fully, now Dark wizards were no longer a threat. He had come to appreciate Severus too. Though he had kept an eye on the Potions Master at the beginning, in case he would treat Lorena badly. Which never happened.

He had forgiven Lorena for her choice of husband and the hurting she had done to him after he had discovered where her true feelings were. He was still very fond of her. He would always love her secretly, aware that it would take time for him to get over her.

Lorena remained very friendly with him – she had not loved him but she would still like him pretty much and respected him immensely. She was aware that he still loved her but she had made a choice and she was careful not to stir up any unwelcome feelings from him, now she was married and had a family.

Alastor had agreed with Dumbledore he would remain the DADA teacher for the next three years, time for Draco Malfoy to become the next Potions Master and teacher. Once the young wizard achieved that position, Severus would leave him the chair of Potions professor and take over the position he had always coveted for so long – the DADA teaching post.

Alastor had given his blessing to Severus becoming the next DADA teacher as he knew that the former and reformed Death-Eater was a Dark Arts expert himself and certainly the most proficient and qualified teacher to fill that position at Hogwarts. He knew that the younger wizard would no longer fall prey to the Dark Arts, like he had been in his teenage years. Severus was now mature enough to resist that fatal attraction that had sometimes brought the worst out of him before.

Lorena resumed her seventh year at Hogwarts the following September. She graduated from Hogwarts successfully that year, enough to start training as a Healer at St. Mungo. She qualified fully after five years of training there, specializing in magical wounds and poisons. Her empathy drew the attention of the medical authorities in the wizarding world. Research was conducted on her abilities and her particular brand of magic.

Thanks to her elemental magic, she was able to cure many difficult magical wounds and diseases. She gained recognition quickly and began to give lectures on the subject. She completed her Research Mastery on "Love and Blood Magic : Love-Snakes and Love-Bites".

Severus was very proud of her, to have such a bright woman as his wife. They could spend time talking about Potions and Healing techniques and other magical practices for hours. She enjoyed having such a man as her life companion, so remarkable, so exceptional, so loving and devoted to her.

Lorena gave him two other children – a girl, then a boy. She adored her husband, feeling how much he loved her and the extent of his own love for her. She never forgot what she had perceived in the Shack on Beltaine's night : that Severus had been ready to die so that she could live.

The Headmaster had vouched for his Potions Master. Severus would not go to Azkaban – and that was all that counted for Albus Dumbledore. However, Severus would be summoned to witness during the trial of several Death-Eaters to be held soon.

Severus' part as a spy and double-agent had been fully uncovered and documented during the trials against the Death-Eaters. As a former Voldemort's follower, he had to be judged, like the others. Yet, Albus', Minerva's, Sirius', Kingsley's and of course Lorena's testimonies in this regard, helped to clear Severus' name. The Potions Master was recognized as a war hero and walked a free man.

Severus did so and testified accordingly. He was also aware that if his former fellows were freed, they would go after him and his family. He managed to gain a pledge from the Ministry of Magic that the sentenced Death-Eaters would remain in Azkaban and live there for the rest of their natural lives. He also warned that he would kill any Death-Eater that would be freed and dare approach him or his family. The Ministry of Magic and the Wizengamot did record his statement but said nothing against. They had probably thought that it would be better for them to leave a Dark wizard take care of his former companions by himself. Severus Snape still remained a dangerous man but if it served the Wizengamot, the Ministry and the wizarding community, so why not.

Severus resumed his post as Potions Master in Hogwarts for the next three years, time for him to train Draco Malfoy as a Potions Master. The bond between the young wizard and himself got deeper. He was happy to be Draco's "second father", as the young Malfoy put it.

Once Draco became a Potions Master and Potions teacher, Severus took over the post as the next DADA professor at Hogwarts, allowing Alastor Moody to enjoy a well deserved retirement then. Yet, he did not abandon one of his passions in life – potions. Although he was the DADA professor, he kept on researching in Potions, this time with the help of Draco. Both men led several interesting projects in that field. He just did not teach it any more, though he could still help Draco brewing stuff for St. Mungo or the Ministry. He also kept his title of Potions Master – which made Hogwarts the only magical institution in Wizarding Europe to have two Potions Masters, when so many had none. He had also more time to give lectures abroad on the subject.

Severus became over time the proud father of three children, two boys and a girl. He had a complete devotion for Lorena, that had saved not only his life but also redeemed his soul, thanks to her magic and her love.

He kept the position of Head of the House of Slytherin. He was even more attached to his House as he was well aware that his wife and his children were the Heirs of Slytherin.

Eleven years later…

"Snape, Alan."

A boy, rather tall and slender for his age, approached the stool Deputy Headmistress and Professor McGonagall showed him. He had pitch-black lanky hair, a fair complexion. His dark eyes reflected awe. He glanced quickly at his grandfather George and his godfather Draco, both sitting at the High Table, who encouraged him with a smile. The boy bit his lower lip – in a gesture not so different from his mother's, which amused his father, also sitting at the High Table, to no end.

Minerva put the Sorting Hat on the boy's head. The Hat remained silent for long seconds that seemed like an eternity to the boy.

"Ah, another Snape… I can see we have a lot in here," the Hat began to say in the boy's mind. "Courage, determination, intelligence… Powerfulness ! Lots of it ! Well, where am I going to put you ?"

"Please, put me in Slytherin. I want to be in Slytherin ! Please !" Alan said in Parseltongue, as he did not wish the other students and teachers to understand what he would have to say to the Hat. He hoped the Hat would understand him. After all, he had read that the four Founders had put a bit of themselves in the magical artifact.

"Oh, you're a Parselmouth. Interesting," the Hat commented simply, showing the boy it had understood him indeed. "Yet, I'm sure you'd do marvels in Ravenclaw with your sharp mind. Pretty much like your father."

"My father is a Slytherin," the boy explained in Parseltongue.

"Oh, yes, I remember, I had trouble sorting him too."

Alan was surprised to hear that – his father had never told him about his own sorting. He made a mental note to ask him later. Or his mother.

"Unless I put you in Gryffindor, you're brave enough to be there. Like your grandfather is. Though I witnessed over time that your father could have been sorted into Gryffindor too."

The boy sighed. "Please put me in Slytherin. I need to be there !" he pleaded a last time in Parseltongue, insisting on the 'need' part.

"Ah, that's pretty much like your mother. She needed to be there too." The Hat remained silent for two or three seconds more. "If this is what you wish… so be it then… Let's put you in… SLYTHERIN !"

Alan let out a 'thank you' in Parseltongue and slid from the stool. He joined the Slytherin table that cheered loudly, obviously happy to welcome the son of the Head of the House of Slytherin in their midst.

A squealing sound could be heard at the other end of the High Table. "I was right !" Sybil Trelawney said under her breath to her table neighbor, George Nottingham. "I had predicted that when he was born ! Remember ?" George was clueless but he just smiled at her and quieted her down.

Alan then glanced towards the High Table. His dark eyes met his father's. Severus remained calm yet… A tiny smile curled up his mouth, only sign of his pride. With time, Alan had learned how to read his father's face. He flashed a beaming smile at him. The Potions Master acknowledged his son's smile with a slight bow of the head. His son's smile looked so much like Lorena's…

Yes, Severus was proud of his son. He knew he would not make the same mistakes as he had done all these years ago because of all the love that surrounded his family.

Severus glanced at Albus Dumbledore. The Headmaster grinned at him. Yes, the old wizard was right. Love was the most powerful magic ever. Love was the fortress that could shelter all. Love was the key, the solution, the beginning and the end to everything.

THE END

I hope you enjoyed reading this – long – story, as much as I did writing it. I feel… strange… like when you have to come back from wonderful holidays, slipping back into the routine.

This story has also been translated into French. All the chapters have already been posted on this site. The title of the story is "Trop d'Amour Te Tuera".

However… I'm brewing 2 other stories, still pairing Severus with an Original Female Character – I love this pairing too much. These next stories are to explore his dominant, dark side (again, but I love that side of him) yet revealing his vulnerabilities (I love that too) – while doing my best to keep him in character. There will be a strong emphasis on his very dark past and actions, but set in very different storylines, with very different OFCs, and the least Mary Sue of course.

I want to thank all the people that faved the story, those that put a story alert on it, and all those that left reviews. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR STAUNCH SUPPORT !

I hope there will be other people that will still continue to do so afterwards.

For all those out of there who are geniuses and wizards with drawing and photo-manip, please feel free to use my work to spur your imagination - just provide me with the link so that I can admire your work and leave a review for it.

Feel free to PM me on if you have any questions about that story or just discuss its topics and/or share your thoughts about Severus or whomever else. You are always welcomed.

Take care and see you soon on for other stories of mine !