They buried Hermione near the Headmaster. It was a simple, elegant crypt: white marble with ruby and gold etchings. The burial ritual was nearly complete when Severus collapsed. The strain of Hermione's sudden, mysterious death, along with the sealing of his bride's tomb finally overwhelmed the normally stoic man.
They were castle-bound in a cold November rain when Harry Potter stepped into the path.
"It's finally over, Severus," he said, flourishing a red lily.
Severus stiffened at the unwelcome familiarity, staring at the flower in horror.
"I made sure that no one would ever come between you and mum again."