Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe is the sole property of JK Rowling. I am making NO MONEY from this story. I just borrowed her characters to play with them!

Chapter 1

It had only been two weeks since she had been laid to rest in his family cemetery. Two weeks since he last held her, two weeks since he heard her voice, it may as well been forever. Now he stood in front of the door leading to her study, he was hesitant about entering, her presence permeated the house it would only be more so in this room. He rarely entered her study, as she in turn rarely entered his own. Those two rooms were, by mutual agreement, their own private space.

His hand grasped the doorknob as he turned it and pushed open the door, the first thing that hit him was that the room smelled like Hermione. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply the scent that lingered heavily in the air reminding him, once again, of his loss.

As he stepped further into the room, he looked towards the fireplace; on the wall above was a portrait of them, painted during the first year of their marriage. She was so young, so beautiful back then, he watched as the younger version of himself held Hermione tightly in his arms. The smile on her face caused his heart to ache; he missed her more, than he ever thought possible.

His eyes roamed around the room until they rested upon her desk; behind it were her overstuffed bookshelves. The books on one shelf, however, were not the ones he had seen there before. Plucking the first book from the shelf he saw it was dated the year they were engaged, apparently she had kept a journal for each year of their marriage. His hands were trembling as he touched the fine leather cover; the initials H.G. were carved into the cover. He moved to sit in her chair when he noticed the parchment peeking out of the pages, as he pulled it out he saw his name written in her handwriting.

He stared at it for countless minutes, almost afraid to open it and read her words. Taking a deep breath he unfolded the parchment, it was dated over a year ago just weeks after they she was diagnosed. He read her words to him…

My dearest Severus,

As you have discovered I charmed my bookshelf containing my journals so no one (including you my love) would discover them until my death. The book you have found this letter in is the first of many, I kept one for each year we were married…my word that is a lot of books! They contain my thoughts, memories and though the words fall short, all the love I have for you and our family.

They are yours to read now, my Love. I hope the memories they stir will help ease the pain of my passing.

When it's your turn to join me beyond the veil I want these books left to our children. I think they are now more then old enough to read some of what they contain and that they in turn will pass them on to their children. Perhaps they should be in the Snape Family Library so all our descendents will know what a wonderful life we had together, and how much we loved each other.

Just remember, my Love, I am waiting for you.

Your loving wife,

Hermione

Severus folded her letter and placed it in the pocket of robe. Looking one more time at the portrait, Hermione was smiling at him as she nodded. Taking the book in hand, he left her study and headed towards his own.

A/N:

This story is a continuation of I Will Be Waiting. The rating may change in future chapters. Updates will be sporadic depending on what my muse wants me to write on any given day…or when inspiration hits me with a 2 x 4 with a new idea for the next chapter. The title may also change as I'm not too thrilled with this one…any suggestions on a new title are VERY WELCOME!