Disclaimer: HP isn't mine. "The Dance" isn't mine either.

A/N: You might need a tissue.

Looking back on the memory of
The dance we shared 'neath the stars alone
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye

Severus Snape dressed in his robes quickly and went to find Maize who was feeding Tristan. He kissed Tristan on the head, and then he went to the rooms of his sleeping daughters and kissed them on their heads. After doing what McGonagall instructed him do he, went back up to the infirmary to check on his lovely wife. When he reached the door of the infirmary he saw that Madame Sullivan, Headmistress McGonagall, and Deputy Headmaster Lupin standing together, talking quietly but intensely. Upon seeing him the three stopped chattering.

"Ah, Severus," greeted Madam Sullivan. "I have some er-new for you."

"Yes, what is it," asked Severus impatiently.

"Well, fortunately I was able to buy dear Hermione a few hours. These few blessed hours need to be used for goodbyes" explained the medi-witch choking back tears.

"Severus, I'll be fetching Tobias after breakfast. He of course will be excused for the next couple of days" said Lupin.

"Thank you," replied Severus. "I'll get Mazie to bring the other children. Madame Sullivan, may I see Hermione now?" Severus asked.

"Yes, actually she just woke up, and will be wantin' to see ya" she replied.

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Severus walked into the infirmary and saw his Hermione lying in a cot against the far wall. He felt as if his heart would burst as he neared his sick wife.

"Oh, god 'Mione" Severus said as he placed his head on her chest and began crying. "I love you so much."

"Sev," said Hermione slowly stroking his black hair. "Don't worry, everything will be okay."

"How can this be okay? The love of my life leaving me and her children behind. You can't go Hermione" Severus cried.

Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
But if I'd only known how the king would fall
Hey who's to say you know I might have chanced it all

Tears streamed down the faces of Hermione and Severus. They heard a noise outside the door that got their attention.

"I see Mazie has arrived with our children" Severus noted as he sat up and dried his face, and then quickly did the same for Hermione. "So do you want them one at a time or all at once" he asked Hermione.

"One at a time please, starting with the eldest" she answered.

Severus walked back to the entrance of the infirmary where McGonagall and Madame Sullivan were explaining to the children what was going on.

"DADDY!" Akira cried and flung herself into his arms. "I don't want Mommy to die."

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Severus fought back his tears and answered "I know baby, no one does, but things happen that we can't control. Akira moaned and buried her head in her father's shoulder. "Tobias, your mother wants to speak with you now." Severus told his son.

Tobias stood up, straightened his robes and walked into the infirmary trying to look as brave and grown up as possible.

Two hours later after saying goodbye to her children, and friends of the family Hermione called for her husband.

"Severus, this is it. Just know that you have made my life complete. Together we've had five beautiful children, and I know that you'll take good care of them. I love you so much" Hermione said.

"Hermione, I love you too, and I cannot believe that I'm saying goodbye to the thing that has made my life so amazing these past thirteen years. Without you, my life was over, and then you came into and showed me that I could love again. I promise to always do what's best for our children. They'll make you proud. I love you Hermione Snape" said Severus tenderly.

Severus leaned over and kissed his Hermione on the lips as she took her last breath. Tears flowed down his face- she was gone.

Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance