Prologue

He could feel his heart beat start to slow. The burn of venom had reached the tips of his fingers and toes; he knew it wouldn't be long now. His job was done and he could finally give in to the blackness that had been encroaching on his soul for years. No more pain, no more guilt - just the sweet peace of Death's kiss. He welcomed the release that Nagini had unknowingly given him, courtesy of the Dark Lord. How fitting that the man who had controlled his being for so long was the one to finally end it all.

He knew he had only moments left and he let his thoughts slip – one last time – to Lily. He was going to greet Death with her face floating in his mind's eye. He imagined her welcoming him, calling his name, "Severus" to bring him finally home.

Only…those weren't Lily's eyes he saw looking back at him.