DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN HARRY POTTER

"Class I have some news to give you. I am leaving at the end of the week. You will all last see me on Friday. I don't know how long it will take but you will have a new teacher. Now on to the lesson." I instructed. I could see everyone's shocked expressions when I told them the news.

A sixth year raised her hand to me. She was Slytherin. "Yes, Ms. Donahue." I asked as she put her hand down. Everyone was focused on her and me.

"Why are you leaving?" She asked timidly as if I would bite her head off. I smiled at her, which took her off guard completely.

"So you all know, my relationship with you Potion's Master is not permitted here. So me and Professor Snape have decided to leave." I answered as unscathed as I could. "Why can't you stay here?" Asked a boy in Ravenclaw.

"The Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster do not think it 'appropriate' to have a relationship with a co-worker. Now get to your lessons." I persisted. They stared at me for the longest time until the snapped their eyes to their books.

Classes came and the same questions arose. Me and Severus decided to tell everybody that come Saturday we would no longer be working here. We all got mixed reactions from our students. Severus and I both had students wanting us to stay. Although, they supported our decision. More importantly, the whole Slytherin house accepted me and him.

From Monday to Thursday there were meetings held in the Slytherin Commons. I joined Severus there since it was my request of wanting to be there. All the Slytherin's met up in hopes of us staying there. I was sad to disappoint them when we said we were going.

"Professors, why were we called here? Are you planning on staying?" One hopeful fifth year asked. Everyone had hope in their eyes, but it diminished when Severus told them we were still going.

"I've called this meeting in hopes of giving light to Professor Granger's curious mind." He joked in front of everyone. Some started to chuckles, while others stood silent. I stood up to address them.

"First of all, how do you all feel Professor Snape leaving?" I asked at everyone.

All at once people started answering. I couldn't hear anything. "Hold on, hold on. Step forward if you have something to say. " I yelled. Every single one of them stepped forward. I started on the left. "I'm going to miss Professor Snape because he may have had mean comments, but they helped me succeed. " the first one said. "He's like a second father to me." another said. "He's the best teacher and person I know." "He made me feel at ease when I was a First year." "He knew how to get me going with the right comments."

"They may come out as rude but his critisms are compliments or a way to better our selves." Were some of the answers said out of the 200 + population of Slytherin's. My second question was almost out of my mouth, when Severus asked a question I intended on. "Why have you all been so nice to Professor Granger?"

Answers were all over. "She nice." "Fun" "Smart" "Understanding" "Un-bias" were some. I was happy with this until a girl stepped from the back. I thought she was going to let loose on me, but I was wrong.

"Professor Granger. We like you because you bring out the best in Professor Snape. He was gloomy, moody, and easily angered since I was a first year and maybe longer. He had changed this year for some reason. When we found out about your relationship, we all had a meeting of sorts. We all agreed that we were to be on our best behavior around you, since you helped our head of house. Our foster Father. We all had respected you for some time since you began teaching and with the war. However, you gained our loyalty and trust when we saw the change in him. Would you like to know why else we think of you this way?" The brave girl said.

I nodded my head, to choked up to say anything. "You've helped us with many of our problems the past three years. We were leery about going to a Gryffindor teacher and having you be prejudice against us, but you showed yourself to be unbiased and accepting. Many of us came to you with personal problems, especially us girls. When we couldn't talk to Professor Snape, you were the next trust worthy teacher to go to. We've thought of you as our foster Mother as well."

Another girl came to the front.

"We're going to miss you. We're sad to see you go, but if you can only be together outside of Hogwarts then please go. We want both of you to be happy. We have one thing to ask in return. That you invite us to your wedding when you have one, and allow us to contact you if we have any problems."

I blinked back tears as I nodded my head vigorously. Some of the girls came up to hug me as other went to Severus and gave him a handshake. This went on until we switched and the girls got handshakes while boys got my hugs.

I was sad knowing that I would be missed by children who considered me their mother in a way. Severus and I walked to his room. We went immediately to his room and got into bed. Only thing left in the room was the bedding and clothes for tomorrow.

"Hermione did you get your lab completely emptied?" Severus asked as I almost went to bed.

"Yes. As well as everything else. It's sad to leave some place you've known as home for many years." I mumbled as I fell into the world of sleep.

33333333333333 Next Morning at 6 am 33333333333

We were heading out the front doors when we saw a horde of students outside. "What are all of you doing here?" I asked in amazement.

"We've come to saw good-bye to the teachers we could trust with anything." A student said. Severus shook hands while I received hugs. This went on until the tower struck 6:30.

"All of you get back to bed. Get some sleep. And thank you for coming." I yelled. They were reluctant yet they left. Me and Severus were alone as the last student filed in.

I turned to see Severus brushing something away. His face was blotchy, giving me the impression he cried a little. I went over and gave him a hug to keep on walking.

"Severus. I know it's sad to go but we must. So you know, after you went to bed I went into your bathroom, cast a silence spell and cried for a good two hours. I love you, Severus Snape."

3333333333333

SPECIAL THANKS TO DIANE FOR BETA-ING MY CHAPTER.