It was then that he knew what his final words would be. Severus Snape lay on the floor of the Shrieking Shack, blood flowing from the gaping wounds in his neck. Potter and his friends had come back around, and Potter had taken his last memories. And as Severus Snape lay dying, he managed to crook one finger and whisper,

"Hermione…" Potter turned to his friend and whispered,

"Hermione, he's asking for you." The girl frowned but came forward. Her eyes seemed to pierce him more than any fangs could. She was sweaty, covered in blood, and appeared rather close to panicking. There was no woman more beautiful. He moved his lips frantically, trying to form the last words he wanted so badly to say. Hermione leaned closer until his pale lips were practically touching her ear. As the last breath left his chest, Severus whispered,

"I love you." Hermione gasped and pulled back. The light slowly died from Severus's eyes. Hermione leaned back in, kissed his lips, and whispered,

"I love you too." And in his last moment of life, Severus Snape smiled.