Charis

His heart is given over to Death these long years now, and whatever warmth she may steal from him is far more transitory and fleeting than even the briefest of affairs. Follow-up to Penance; Minerva McGonagall reflects on similarities, differences, and the strange relationship she and Severus Snape have.

It begins with a decision -- a betrayal made for the sake of friendship. With that choice, a younger Severus Snape is forced to learn a bitter truth: that once you become someone’s enemy, you can never again be their friend.

"Your problem is that you still haven't forgiven yourself. Without that ... how can you expect us to do so?" In the days after Voldemort's return, Christmas Eve brings a moment of reflection for a solitary soul, and an unexpected empathy from one of the least likely individuals.