Author's Note:

I know this is pretty short but epilogues tend to be that way. Anyway, it's been an amazing journey writting this story even though it didn't last long...I have to say just thank you to all of you who read, you're amazing and I would thank all of you reviewers out there by name but since you all know who you are thanks to you even more for encouraging me in this story and asking so many wonderful questions...and thanks to the silent readers as well...I hope you all enjoyed it and got something out of this...

other than that I think I'll just put this up and allow you all to read it and hope that this last bit gives everyone a good closing for the story...

Summary:

Hermia Dumbledore was his first love, his only love--Lily Evans would never come even close to Hermia Dumbledore. After Hermia's death Severus Snape has vowed to never love again but when the Marriage Law comes into place, Severus has to marry his former student and a woman who reminds him so much of Hermia. Hermione Granger isn't too pleased to marry her former Professor but over time grows to respect him until one mistake puts fate into place and Severus begins to realize that after 21 years he has to move on but is it too late, after all Hermione Granger was dead.

So hopefully that summary might interest you...

Disclaimer:

I don't own anything...maybe the clothes on my back and perhaps the computer but for the moment I have nothing. My plot may or may not be mine...but none of the characters not even Hermia Dumbledore are mine...figures...so nothing is mine and this is plainly for fun.

Epilogue

Happiness Depends upon Ourselves

May 20, 2003

Hermione clutched at the book that Severus had handed her a few minutes before, her fingers caressing the cover with care. She smiled up at her husband who had his arms around her and held her positively to his chest.

"I love it," she whispered.

"As much as you love me?" He asked.

"No, silly, much more than that; this is a book and you are simply a man."

Severus chuckled. "Wait until you see the library, that might give me a run for your affections."

"Never," Hermione said.

He kissed the top of her head before taking the book away from her. "I've been meaning to give this book to you since 1981. I think we should read it. I hated the book for a while after your death—Hermia's death—but it is a wonderful story."

"Because it is a love story?"

"Yes, because against all odds Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy—disregarding their pride and their prejudice and their first impressions—end up together."

"Just like us," Hermione breathed, as he walked away.

Hermione followed. "Why do you have the hand-written manuscript of Pride and Prejudice, anyway?"

"Did I never tell you? Why, Mr. Darcy was based off of one of my ancestors who did in fact marry a woman for love, a muggle woman, as it were."

Hermione looked at him disbelievingly.

"It's true, Hermione, there are a number of pictures of them somewhere in the manor, actually, I think there might be some other Austen stuff somewhere around here as well. I haven't looked at any of the things in this house in twenty or so years."

Hermione shook her head and followed after him. He led her out towards a large balcony. She stopped at the door and looked at the extensive grounds. Severus chuckled and grabbed her hand, pulling her after him until they were sitting together on a love seat and he opened the book. Before he could read, however, Hermione spoke.

"It is universally acknowledged that if a man and woman sleep together they might produce offspring."

Severus looked at her, eyes wide. "Are you saying—"

Hermione nodded, grinning.

Severus set the book down before pulling her to him and capturing her lips in a long sensuous kiss.

Author's Note: Thanks to all of you again...any last questions concerning the story are welcome...