A/N-Same drill as last chapter, when there's a flashback the text will be italicized. You'll get flashbacks from Hermione & Harry this time, sans the Pensieve. I will include the dates of the flashback at the top of those scenes.

Disclaimer-I don't own HP or make any money from this story. If I did, I'd definitely be off gallivanting around Europe on vacation! (I've been to the Netherlands, Belgium, & France already. This time it'd be Ireland, Scotland, England, Austria, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Russia, Switzerland, oh what the hell…like every European country!)


Hermione pushed the food on her plate around with her fork, staring at it dismally. She had no appetite. It was Wednesday, three days since Harry & Ginny's wedding and she felt restless and low. Snape hadn't come to any meals. McGonagall didn't seem to notice. But Hermione did. He was avoiding her. She had seen him once, only just briefly, in the dungeon hallway and he had awkwardly fled the scene. She hadn't known what to expect when she showed him her memory of that day, but his hiding left her confused and anxious. They still had three weeks before the summer holiday; three excruciatingly long weeks if he kept up this weird behavior.

She left him alone though. It had been a rather traumatic event, one that she preferred to block out herself. She actually couldn't even remember the end of her memory, it all blurred together in her poisoned state. She remembered falling over Snape, but that was really it. Was that what had made him so upset? Sure, it was inappropriate for a student to be lying on top of her male teacher, but still…the circumstances were dire. That hardly seemed something to be mad about in the face of death.

She remembered what he had told her as they sat under the little gazebo before they left Harry and Ginny's wedding. "It wasn't how it was supposed to go." What did that mean? Was he mad that she had come? Maybe someone else was supposed to come help him. Or maybe he was mad he survived.

Hermione let that idea sink in. Voldemort had told him that no one would ever need him again. Maybe Snape had already come to believe that and had given up on life…on a future. Did he blame her for surviving? How was she supposed to know that he preferred to die?

But she had seen the look in his eyes when Voldemort had said that. He looked so hurt. In fact, it was the most vulnerable and emotionally raw she'd ever seen him. It was a look that haunted her, that she preferred not to dwell on, but one that she had used for motivation when McGonagall had given her the task of befriending him.

Hermione noticed the students and other faculty members beginning to retreat from the Great Hall. She stood up and thankfully her plate disappeared before anyone else around her noticed she hadn't eaten a thing. She had a planning period after breakfast on Wednesdays so she decided to go rest, ignoring the large stack of grading she had accumulated over the last week. Feeling so confused and restless made her exhausted. Her body seemed to move at a slower pace, her mind unwilling to cooperate and concentrate on her work. Now, in the privacy of her room, she stretched out on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

She had often marveled at how they had survived, when they were so clearly doomed, alone in the boathouse, suffering from Nagini's bites. She had clouded memories of waking up in St. Mungo's with McGonagall, Harry, and Ron watching her, huddled about her anxiously.


Flashback to June 1998~

She blinked slowly a few times. At first her eyes seemed like they were glued shut. She felt groggy and disoriented, but as she gained consciousness she saw her two best friends and favorite teacher standing over her. "Blimey, she's finally awake," she heard Ron gasp.

She tried to sit up and find her bearings, but her body ached terribly when she moved too much. She felt a bandage around her neck.

"Hermione," Harry said affectionately. He sounded so relieved. He reached out and touched her shoulder tenderly.

She smiled weakly at her three visitors, but her eyes quickly shifted away from their faces as someone else caught her attention. Snape lay in a bed across from her, murmuring, wet strips of cloth laid across his forehead.

"He's suffering from delirium," Harry explained, nodding at Snape, when he noticed Hermione looking concerned.

"Oh. Was I delirious too?"

"Only for like a day. Mumbling something about dreams."

"At one point you said Trelawney was right. That's when we knew you were delirious!" Ron said excitedly, his eyes wide. Harry elbowed him. Hermione rolled her eyes, which caused her head to pound.

"Professor McGonagall, how did we survive? Who found us?"

"Fawkes' tears were able to keep you alive until Hagrid was able to find you and get you back to the castle. We transported you both here shortly after."

"Fawkes…" Hermione remembered Dumbledore's odd message even though her mind was still fuzzy. "But how did Hagrid know we were there?"

"Dumbledore was able to get the message to him before…" Ron's voice trailed off.

"Before?" Hermione's brain tried to register what that meant.

"Dumbledore was killed, Hermione," Ron's voice cracked.

The news made her feel like she was dying all over again. Her heart thumped, she felt like she couldn't get enough air into her lungs, her vision grew fuzzy, her head dizzy.

"And Voldemort? The Death Eaters? I remember…I remember him arriving and talking to Snape…before he went to the castle," she stammered.

"It's over," Harry stepped in, his face worn. "We won. Voldemort is gone."

"You killed him," she whispered, tears in her eyes. Her hands were restlessly moving in her lap, smoothing the hospital blankets covering her lap. Everything had been building towards that battle and she had missed it. She hadn't been there to help. She struggled with mixed feelings as she wrestled with the guilt and trying to feel reassured that it really was all over.

"Neville killed the snake! Went right after it and chopped off its head with the sword of Gryffindor! It was the greatest bloodiest thing I've ever seen," Ron exclaimed, his eyes filled with pride at Neville's courage.

"Oh, Neville, I always knew he would rise up to do amazing things!" Hermione clapped her hands together, a smile crossing her face.

"Turns out the snake was one of the Horcruxes."

Hermione's hands flew to her mouth, covering her shock.

"Mister Potter, you should probably tell her about the 7th Horcrux," McGonagall added.

"7th? I thought you said there were 6. That he split his soul into 7 pieces, but kept the 7th for himself."

"Yeah, well…the 7th was an unintended one. You know Dumbledore and I were able to figure out 5 of them: Tom Riddle's diary, Marvolo Gaunt's ring, Salazar Slytherin's locket, Helga Hufflepuff's cup, and Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem. Then the snake turned out to be one. But…I learned that there was an accidental one cast, when Voldemort killed my parents and tried to kill me. He didn't realize it had happened, he was just so determined to get rid of me because of the prophecy, and his soul was so fragile at that point."

"That's…mind blowing. So…how were you able to get rid of it and still survive?"

"Well it's kind of hard to explain. I let Voldemort think he killed me with the Avada Kedavra curse. But only the Horcrux inside of me was destroyed. I still had the chance to survive it. With all the Horcruxes gone he was powerless."

"That's brilliant. But everyone must have thought you were dead."

"We did," Ron confirmed, his face grave.

"Malfoy's mum actually lied to Voldemort. To his face. She told him I was dead but she knew I wasn't."

"Wow. This is all…too much to take in right now…" Hermione's head started to hurt.

"There's more you should know. We lost some good people," Ron's voice grew quieter. Harry patted Ron's shoulder.

"Who?"

"Lupin."

Hermione's hands flew to cover her mouth again, as fat, warm tears now spilled down her cheeks. "No!" she gasped. "Poor Tonks!"

"And Fred."

"Oh Ron!" she reached out to grab his hand, kissing the top of it lightly and hugging it to her wet cheek.

"Padma Patil. Dean Thomas. Susan Bones. Lee Jordan. Alicia Spinnet. Some others we didn't know very well. Professors Babbling and Sinistra," Ron continued.

"Arthur," Harry spoke up, very quietly, squeezing Ron's shoulder as Ron winced at the reminder he'd lost a brother and father.

Hermione couldn't take it anymore, shaking her head, her curls whipping across her face and sticking to her wet cheeks.

"Come, gentlemen, we've broken the news to her. She needs to rest. And she needs time to cope with all this. You can talk more about the battle after she works through this."

"Wait, Professor McGonagall, do my parents know about me being here? Are they safe?"

"Yes, my dear, we cleared it with Kinsley Shacklebolt and they have been allowed to come visit you here. We take turns escorting them in. They've been visiting daily, but came earlier this morning."

"Ok, thank you," Hermione said weakly.

McGonagall lovingly pushed some of Hermione's locks away from her face. "Now rest my dear. We want to see you on your feet and energetic again."

"Please don't leave me," she whispered, her grip tightening on Ron's hand as McGonagall left the room.

"Of course we won't."

Harry drew up a chair and Ron sat down, pushing his forehead to Hermione's as she laid there sobbing and hiccupping. Harry walked to the other side of the bed and crawled up on it, his back against the pillows, stroking her hair. He looked across the room, fixing his eyes on Snape, still unconscious after all this time.


Flashback to May 2, 1998~

Harry had cradled Dumbledore's head in his lap that day of the battle, after witnessing Bellatrix throw the Sectumsempra curse at him. She must have learned it from Snape. "Damn that man for inventing such a brutal curse," Harry thought bitterly. A hex hit Bellatrix in her back before she could curse Harry as well. Both Harry's and Bellatrix's attention turned towards the spell caster: Ginny. Bellatrix, barely affected by Ginny's hex, let out a maniacal laugh as she began to pursue Ginny. Harry looked between Ginny and Dumbledore, desperately wanting to be in two places at once.

"Go, Harry," Dumbledore's voice urged him.

"Professor-"

"'Not my daughter, you bitch!'" Molly's shrill voice resounded around the Great Hall, drawing Harry's attention, relief instantly flooding his heart. Ginny's mother had come to her rescue and now he could focus on Dumbledore.

"Professor, I don't know the healing spell for this curse. Please help me, I will heal you."

"No Harry. It has to be this way."

"What do you mean?"

Dumbledore's breathing was laborious as his life poured out of his wound. "Harry, you need to concentrate. People will be falling around you. Friends, classmates, mentors, but you need to concentrate on your end goal. You need to find the rest of the Horcruxes. You and Ron must find them and destroy them."

"And Hermione."

"No, she's following her own course."

"What? Where is she?" He looked around frantically. Dumbledore's comment had made him realize he hadn't seen her since the battle started. Panic now gripped him. He'd been so overwhelmed when the Death Eaters showed up that he just assumed she was in the Great Hall with everyone else.

"Don't get distracted now, Harry. Everything will be revealed in the right time. Find Ron. Find the Horcruxes. You can and will succeed in defeating Voldemort. I believe in you, Harry."

"Let me save you and then I'll go find Voldemort. Please, help me, coach me through the healing spell."

"I'm not the one that needs to be saved, Harry. It's Snape who must be saved."

"Snape?!" Harry cried incredulously.

"Harry, there is another prophecy. No, no!" Dumbledore's voice grew more determined as Harry began to shake his head violently. "This prophecy isn't about you this time. But it's imperative that Snape is saved. I've already started working on it, I've arranged for some others to find him, but Harry you must make sure that everyone recognizes what he's done for the Order. What he's done for you."

Harry stared at Dumbledore, confounded. The old man was going insane for sure, Harry thought. Save Snape?

"Professor Dumble-"

"Harry, I'm serious. There will be things in the future you will all need him for. Put your past animosities aside. You do not know him like you think you do. You've deeply misunderstood him and he's led you to those conclusions, but that's not the reality of the situation. Here, take these thoughts, they will give you some perspective." Harry caught the thin memory threads that Dumbledore had pushed forward in his mind on the tip of his wand and put them inside his own head to extract later.

"Harry, do as I say," Dumbledore implored. "Find those Horcruxes. Destroy Voldemort. Save Snape."

Dumbledore died in Harry's arms that afternoon. Without time to properly process his emotions, Harry was forced to leave Dumbledore's body there to view his memories using the Pensieve in his office. Luna created a diversion so he could slip away from the chaos unnoticed. The memories revealed secret, deeply personal conversations between Snape and Dumbledore. The efforts Snape went to effectively spy for Dumbledore did indeed enlighten Harry, as did Snape's reasons for doing so. The memories also shared knowledge of the Horcruxes, and although both professors were just speculating, the two had began to connect the pain of Harry's scar to Voldemort's fractured soul. Harry left Dumbledore's office equipped with the knowledge he needed to finally defeat Voldemort. But Harry had also carefully placed the memories inside a vial and hid it in the bookcase to retrieve later, for the purposes of saving Snape's reputation, like Dumbledore had instructed.


Flashback to June 1998~

A mediwitch came in to check on Hermione and Snape after the guys left. She shuffled around changing bandages, medical tubes, medication, and helped Hermione walk to the lavatory so she could have the privacy of relieving herself in an actual toilet, not a pot by her bed, now that she was fully conscious. Hermione's legs shook as she hobbled across the room and back, clinging to the young mediwitch. Martha, as she had cheerfully introduced herself in a thick Irish accent, gathered the bottom of Hermione's dressing gown, holding it out of the way while Hermione used the toilet. The whole thing humiliated Hermione and she couldn't imagine Snape accepting help like this. But Martha was kind and spoke soothing, encouraging words to Hermione as she struggled to walk, which somewhat mollified Hermione's embarrassment.

Hermione sighed with relief as she eased back against the pillows and Martha covered her back up. Hermione glanced curiously at where Snape still lay, completely still, nearly as white as the blankets that covered him.

"Looks like you could be released next week, if your recovery keeps going well," Martha looked over Hermione's chart and marked a few things down.

"How is it that I'm conscious and recovering and Professor Snape isn't?"

"Well, he had more extensive damage."

"The snake bit him more than me?"

"No, he had preexisting injuries and magical damage from his past that's taken a toll on him too."

"Oh." Hermione looked down at her hands in her lap, thinking about his years as a spy, acting as one of the Death Eaters, probably having to prove himself to the Death Eaters to keep their trust. She shuddered at the thought.

"And from the looks of it he spent the last of his strength that day trying to transfer it to you."

"What?" Hermione's head snapped up at the blonde mediwitch.

"You two share a blood affinity now," Martha said as if it was a simple and mundane idea.

"How…what is that exactly?" Hermione searched her mind for information on 'blood affinity' but came up short.

"Magical affinity is rare. Two people's magic has to align and find semblance. But blood affinity is a transfer of blood and if you're a wizard or a witch that means a magical transfer as well." Martha studied Hermione's face to see if she understood before continuing. "So, none of us were there when you two were attacked, but we can assume the snake alternated between attacking the two of you, thus transferring some of your blood and magic to Severus and his to you, even if it was only through small wounds."

Hermione's heart dropped. In the Muggle world that kind of blood transfer spelled disaster. She recalled the rapid spread of HIV and other bloodborne diseases. "Is it dangerous?"

"What? The transfer? Well, yes, it can be. I wouldn't call a snake attack safe by any means," Martha chuckled as she finished up folding the hospital laundry.

"No, I mean how it affects someone after."

"Ohhh. The simple answer is no."

"What the complicated answer?"

"If you were both already infected with certain illnesses then yes, a transfer of those diseases and illnesses can occur. But neither of you are ill with anything that we couldn't cure right here, so you're both safe. And actually with a blood and magical affinity you now share a similar 'blood type' as Muggles would call it, which means it would be easy for either of you to donate blood to each other and replenish each other's magic if need be, so obviously it can be a good thing. But, because you guys were also poisoned by the snake, that also limits who can be a blood or magic donor in the future."

"Meaning?"

"Only people who have also been poisoned by a snake can be matched medically with either of you. There are other magic bearers who fall into this category, but not many. Arthur Weasley would have been a suitable one…But because of your circumstances of the attack, the fact that the snake not only poisoned the both of you but also transferred each of your blood on its teeth to the other, you and Professor Snape will always be the best match. From a medical standpoint, of course."

Hermione rested her head back against the pillows, falling silent now. Everything she had learned that day, from the battle to the blood affinity, overwhelmed her. Martha finished up her last bit of duties and bid Hermione good night.

It took Hermione another couple of hours before she could fall asleep. She just sat there, staring at Snape, wondering if any of this would ever matter in the future.


Amycus Carrow sat, tapping his index finger against his pant leg, like a human metronome. He was hunched over, staring straight ahead at the metal that barred him in, his eyes bloodshot, his skin yellow. He had been sitting like this, tapping his pant leg, for hours.

He heard movement down the hallway and he straightened his back a bit. Someone was coming.

"Where is my sister?" he growled when Tonks passed by. She cocked her head to observe him, deliberating on whether or not she even wanted to answer.

"I know you took her. Where did you take her?"

Tonks smirked. She liked the power she held over the prisoners a little too much. She liked getting under the prisoners' skin, especially the Carrow siblings. "She was moved to a higher security cell after the stunt she pulled."

Amycus grunted.

"We're working with the Wizengamot to begin changing some of the policies in our favor. It would be nice if we could retrieve your memories, even if we have to do it against your will. We're going to get to the bottom of what happened soon," Tonks lied. She wished her words were true though.

"They won't change those policies."

"We'll see."

After a brief pause, Tonks began to walk away.

"Aren't you a little too pretty to be an Auror?"

"Aren't you a little too stupid to be a Death Eater? I mean, it was a stupid decision to join such a hopeless cause in the first place, but at least most Death Eaters had some wits about them. Come to think of it, are you sure you're not a Squib?"

"Ahh you're a sassy one. I like it," His eyes bore into Tonks from the other side of the cell. "Too bad you're one of the good ones," Amycus's voice was rough. He rose and came forward, looking her up and down and licking his lips. "I woulda enjoyed having you around."

"Oh really?" Tonks refrained from shuddering and instead cocked her eyebrow. "I didn't think you liked my type. A half blood."

"Half Blood? Ah, pity. I could maybe overlook that for a few hours of enjoyment."

"A few hours? You seemed to have an inflated view of yourself. I doubt you could last that long. You're such a weak thing." Her tongue made a "tsk" sound as she looked over his skeletal frame with disgust. She knew she needed to stop and get the hell away from him, but she couldn't seem to stop insulting him in anyway she could.

"Why don't you join me in here and I'll prove myself to you." His tongue moved slowly over the front of his top teeth. "We could have a little fun with these chains, if you know what I mean."

"What a offer. Afraid I can't, though, as I'm on the clock and you're not my type."

"Just remember I asked politely this time, like my mother always taught me. Next time I won't. You'll be in here, strapped up to the wall and I'll be giving you the treatment you so deserve."

Someone emerged from the shadows. Within a second the tip of a wand was pressed against Amycus' throat.

"I would think twice before you continue talking that way to an Auror," Ron's voice was steady, his eyes flaring with hatred as he jammed the tip deeper into Amycus's flesh. "If I hear your voice again I'll make sure it's the last time anyone ever hears it." Ron lowered his wand and grabbed Tonks by the arm, pulling her away from the cell and down the hallway. They heard Amycus chuckling as they departed.

"You really gotta stop provoking the prisoners," he let go over her once they were moving down an adjacent corridor.

"You say it like I've done it before," her voice snarky.

"Don't pretend you haven't."

"Aww but it's so fun." Tonks said with a half smile, her hips swinging back and forth with sass as they walked down the corridor.

"Yeah but you're gonna find yourself in trouble here one of these days, either with the Wizengamot and Robards or with the prisoners."

"He's locked up," she waved her hand to dismiss the idea.

"Some others have managed to try to break out already."

"Amycus is too stupid to pull off anything like that."

"Tonks, I'm serious." Ron stopped and stared at her sternly.

She sighed. "I know. I'll stop. It just feels too good of an opportunity to pass up sometimes." She gestured to him to keep walking with her.

"Hmm…Hey by the way, I was wondering if I could take Teddy to a Quidditch match this summer." The commanding appearance Ron had just a few minutes before disappeared and he now looked shy and tentative as he addressed Tonks.

"You wanna take my rambunctious six-year-old to a crowded, public event by yourself?"

"You don't think I can handle a kid for a few hours?"

"I just think that he may be a little more tiring than you imagine. But hey, he would love it, so I say go for it! I've been meaning to take him to one and it would be great for him to spend more time with adult men instead of just his old mum and grandmother. Poor boy."

"Thanks!"

"You like kids?"

"Oh love 'em. Hoping to have a small collection of my own some day."

"A collection of kids, you say? That's…an interesting way to phrase it." Tonks laughed.

"Maybe my own Quidditch team."

"Ah, yeah. Well I'm sure between you and Ginny and Harry's kids you could have a team!"

"Noooo opposing teams that play against each other. That's how we'll train them." He winked at her.

"Whatever you say, Ron. You should probably start thinking about settling down and starting that family then."

Ron rolled his eyes and held up his hand. "Please, I get enough nagging from my mum."

She laughed. "You shouldn't have any trouble, you always seem to have plenty of women in your life."

"Yes, but getting serious with any of them is another thing."


Hermione saw the 1st year student lingering after class that Friday afternoon. The Gryffindor shot Hermione some shy glances as she slowly packed up her bag, her dark blonde hair falling across her face. Hermione's curiosity was piqued. The student was doing well in class and had good behavior, but she clearly wanted to talk to Hermione alone.

"Elizabeth, is everything ok?" Hermione said gently, sitting on the edge of her desk.

Elizabeth shuffled forward, her shoes scuffling along the stone floor. She had something in her hand. "I wrote you a note." She held it out to Hermione.

"Thank you." Hermione started to unfold it, catching the startled expression on the twelve year old girl's face.

"You're going to read it right now?!"

Hermione narrowed her eyes at her. "Is it an angry note?"

Elizabeth shook her head. "No…I just…well…I know it's not the end of the term yet, maybe I should have waited to give it to you so you don't think I'm sucking up to you or anything," Elizabeth spoke quickly, even more nervous now. "Because I'm not. I promise. I'm going to study really hard for your final exam."

"I'm sure you will. I will wait to read this until tonight. And I won't let it influence how I treat you or grade your assignments, does that sound fair?"

"Yes, ma'am." Still the girl lingered so Hermione decided to make chitchat to help relax the girl.

"Are you doing anything fun this summer?"

Elizabeth's pale blue eyes lit up. "Oh yes! I'm going to Greece for the whole month of July with mother and father! I've never been anywhere outside of the United Kingdom, I can't wait!"

"That's wonderful, Elizabeth. I'm glad you get to go for a long vacation. Do you have siblings to keep you company?" Hermione didn't recognize the girl's last name associated with any other students.

"No, it's just me and mother and father. But I don't mind very much and I don't get too lonely usually."

"I'm an only child too and I didn't mind much either." She gave the girl a half hug, guiding her towards the classroom door. "What class do you have next?"

"Oh!" Elizabeth reddened. "Umm, Transfiguration."

"Ok, you better head there before you get a tardy," Hermione said gently.

"Yes, ma'am." Elizabeth turned back towards Hermione as she reached the classroom door. "Umm Professor Granger? You're coming back to teach next year right?"

"Yes, I am," Hermione smiled kindly.

"Ok, good." Elizabeth grinned widely.

Later that evening Hermione unfolded the note from Elizabeth.

Dear Professor Granger,

I just wanted to let you know that Potions was my favorite class all year and you're my favorite professor. I'm not trying to suck up to you to get a better grade or anything, I just wanted you to know that I always look forward to your classes and you're a really good teacher. You explain things really well. When I write home I always tell mother and father about your classes and I can't wait to learn more from you.

Your student,

Elizabeth Anne Bretton

Dear sweet girl. Hermione smiled, bringing the letter away from her eyes. At least something seems to be going well as of late. She folded the letter carefully and placed it inside one of her chest drawers. Moving around her room she grabbed a large pile of student essays and stuffed them into her book bag, deciding to tackle the grading with the aid of a Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks.


Neville pulled the chair out and awkwardly moved around the table to take his own seat. He smiled nervously at the blonde across from him.

"This place is lovely," Luna said as she admired the chandeliers and the fine tablecloths inside The Wizard's Pourhouse. It had a romantic ambience at night.

"It opened last year. Right after you left for South Africa I think."

They took the next few minutes to silently look over the menu, Neville thankful for the chance to get his breathing under control.

"What can I bring the two of you?" the male waiter asked pleasantly. Neville motioned at Luna to order first.

"I will take the butternut squash linguine with the kale and edamame salad, please."

"And to drink? I suggest a lighter Chardonnay wine with your dish."

"Just water, please. Thank you." Luna turned her attention to Neville.

"I will take your roast beef with red potatoes and the Caesar salad. And just water too, thanks." The waiter nodded, finishing his note taking.

"Have you ever tried any vegan dishes?"

"No," Neville's face reddened with embarrassment. He wanted her approval so bad and was afraid of disappointing her.

"Well I'll have to cook you one sometime. I'm sure you'd like at least some of it. Sometimes you can barely tell it's any different." She smiled her quintessential sweet smile which instantly made him feel less nervous.

They talked about her research in South Africa, about Harry and Ginny's wedding, she told him about her father's new theories on Nargles (that they had abandoned the mistletoe and taken up residence in ivy instead, "more room for their multiplying numbers," as Luna put it), and she listened intently to his Auror stories. This was the first time they had really been able to catch up just the two of them since she had been back, so much of their time before the wedding was spent with Harry and Ginny preparing for the event.

"So…ummm," he grew nervous again as the waiter cleared their dishes. He brought his glass of water to his lips and quickly gulped the rest of it down while Luna sat there watching him curiously. "I wanted to talk to you about us. I mean, I know we've always been friends, and good friends, and, you know, a few dates in the past. But…I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'd like to be more than just friends. I'm mad for you, Luna."

The waiter appeared. "Any dessert for the two of you tonight?"

"No thank you," Neville waved his hand, shaking his head. He desperately wanted to redirect Luna's attention back to him.

"Oh, yes please!"

"Very well, I'll bring you the dessert menu."

"Is that ok?" Luna asked with wide eyes.

"Yes, of course. I'm, uh, just so full from dinner," Neville lied. He would like to stuff his face full of chocolate at the moment to help him feel better, especially if this conversation didn't go well, but knew that wasn't a good idea.

"So, what were you saying?"

"Right," he paused, trying to regain his train of thought. "I've always cared for you, you know that. And I was a little…scared of you at first. But, I don't know, even at first when you could see the Thestrals and nobody else except Harry and I could, it just made me feel connected to you-"

Neville stopped short when the waiter walked by to lay the dessert menu in front of Luna.

"You've always understood things on a deeper level and I feel like you understand me so well. I think that's because we both share the loss of important family members. And you're a great comfort to me. I've always felt odd and out of place and you're so comfortable with who you are. I just want to be odd with you, forever." He let out a small laugh, his eyes tearing up.

Luna smiled and laughed too, but Neville couldn't tell what she was thinking. The waiter appeared. Again.

"Do you know what you'd like?"

"Oh," Luna looked startled and her eyes fell to the single page. "Ummm…can I have your vegan chocolate pudding cake, please?"

"Excellent choice." He slowly refilled Neville's water glass.

Neville waited until he was out of earshot and then held out his hands to Luna. She placed her delicately thin fingers in his palms; her flesh was soft and cool to the touch. "I want to do this for real this time. You and I. I'm all in. I just want you to know that."

She nodded, her face serious now. "I want that too."

"Really?!" Neville exclaimed, clearly thinking her answer would be very different.

"Of course. I love you. I agree, we are very well suited for each other. And just different enough to compliment each other."

Relief washed over Neville. He felt like he wanted to climb to the top of Big Ben and shout at the top of his lungs that Luna Lovegood loved him.

"That makes me so happy, Luna, you have no idea!"

A plate with the chocolate pudding cake was placed in front of Luna and he let go of her hands. She scooped a big bite of it onto her spoon and savored the flavor. "Mmmmmm. So creamy. Here, try some." She scooped another, smaller spoonful and held it out to him. At this moment he'd do anything for her and was surprised that he didn't hate the way it tasted.

"It's interesting…it's good. But I still like real chocolate more," he confessed with a sheepish grin. She smiled before taking another bite. He had one last thing he wanted to tell her.

"I know that your job is really important to you and the research too. And I know it requires a lot of traveling. I just want you to know that I don't ever want to hold you back. If you need to go travel, then do it. But just know I'll always be here waiting. And I'm committed. I don't want to be with anyone else."

"Thank you, I appreciate that." She raised her water glass. "Cheers to new beginnings."

"Cheers."

They continued the rest of their evening talking about less important things, but enjoying each other's company nonetheless. Neville ate three more bites of her vegan dessert. He escorted her home and kissed her on the doorstep of her father's house. When he got back to his flat that night he forced Ron to wake up, bribing him with a slice of non-vegan chocolate cake he ordered to go from the restaurant. Then he proceeded to talk Ron's ear off for an hour about his conversation with Luna and how excited he was. Ron, appeased by the cake, listened intently, nodded, and congratulated his friend.


Hermione sat alone, in the dark, in the cold. It was much too cold, even for the dungeons. She sat on the floor, hugging her knees to her chest, rocking back and forth slightly. Shouldn't she be crying? She felt like that was the appropriate response to have…but instead she felt nothing. Complete apathy.

She heard laughter emanating from somewhere in the dark shadows. It sounded like Bellatrix's wild laugh at first. But then it became much more familiar…like Molly's or Ginny's laughter. A lighter voice joined…was that Luna? No, it couldn't be. They wouldn't be laughing. But the laughter continued and more voices joined. Tonks? Harry? Ron?

Then as clear as day she could hear her parents. "Oh, Hermione," her mum said with disappointment. "What have you done?"

"You've really ruined everything this time, Hermione," he dad reaffirmed. "This isn't going to end well."

"You'll be alone forever now," her mum admonished. "Alone" echoed off the walls and Hermione covered her ears, continuing to rock back and forth.

"No. Just leave me alone." She willed herself to cry but she just couldn't.

"Do you even care?" Her dad asked, his voice incredibly exasperated.

"No! I don't! Leave me alone!" she screamed out now.

"Hermione, you've failed me." McGonagall's voice stern. "You've disappointed me."

"I'm sorry, I tried."

"Not hard enough. You're a failure. You're a disappointment."

"You're going to end up all alone. You're a failure. A disappointment. You're a failure. A disappointment. All alone. A failure. A disappointment." Her mum's, dad's, and McGonagall's voices took turns repeating the words. The laughter started again but she just laid down and gave up trying to justify herself. It was true, after all, wasn't it? "I don't care," she sneered. "I don't care at all."

Hermione turned and yanked on the bed sheets tangled around her legs. They were wrapped in a way that felt like vines were crawling up her legs. Or worse, snakes. She was slow to come out of the dream and twitched on her bed after she freed her legs.

She did care, though. Sometimes she thought she cared too much. Who was this girl who plagued her dreams, this unrecognizable, apathetic Hermione?


McGonagall knocked softly on Snape's office door, leaning her head close to the wood to listen. She had noticed his recent withdrawal from the other staff members, resuming his life of seclusion. She had let it go for about two weeks, but now she was more than curious. It was one week before the end of the term and she also needed to know his answer to her proposition.

The door opened slowly, Snape's gaze cautious as he peered out from behind it, half expecting a student…or someone else in particular. When he saw who it was he opened the door wider and relaxed a bit. "Minerva, what can I do for you?"

McGonagall stepped inside his office and made her way to his desk, intending to sit and chat for awhile. He reluctantly followed her.

"I was beginning to think you've disappeared, Severus." She looked at him pointedly as he took his seat on the other side of the desk.

"Hmm. I've been busy." He took up his quill and started marking essays again to emphasize his point.

McGonagall watched him silently for a couple of minutes, taking in his movements and thinking through how to get him to talk. She was simply bidding her time. As was he. Something must have happened between him and Hermione after the wedding, McGonagall suspected. But what? A quarrel? Jealousy? McGonagall had noticed Hermione spending a lot of the reception with Ron. But that didn't seem like the answer. And Hermione was supposedly dating Oliver Wood…so wouldn't Snape have shown some kind of jealousy before? But then she remembered his complaints about Oliver visiting Hermione at Hogwarts. Has something romantic happened between them? Or something one-sided and unrequited?

McGonagall peered harder at Snape, trying to read him, but her attempt was pretty much useless. Finally, exasperated by McGonagall's intrusive staring, Snape paused his writing and looked up at her sharply.

"I've missed seeing you around." She smoothed the front of her robes over her lap.

"I'm still here, aren't I?"

"I suppose you're having the house elves bring your meals to you privately. Certainly you haven't gone for two weeks without eating."

"As always your suppositions are astute." His gaze fell back on the parchment in front of him, but his writing slowed as he tried to pay attention to her without seeming like it.

"Why have you been so reclusive?"

"I repeat, I've had a lot of work to do. Surely you remember what it was like to be a professor at the end of a term."

"Very well…I just noticed you and Hermione haven't been speaking."
His eyes snapped up to meet hers again. There seemed to be a hint of fury in them. "So?"

"I just thought it strange, since the two of you had seemed to be getting along so well recently."

He set down his quill with a sigh. "Minerva, what are you playing at?"
"Whatever do you mean?" she said innocently.

"You are up to something and aren't that subtle about it, even if you think you are. So out with it."

She clamped her mouth shut, her lips in a thin straight line. It did amuse her that they were probably the two most stubborn people in the United Kingdom.

"Have you thought more about my offer?"

"You're certain you want to retire?" He raised his eyebrows.

She sighed. "Yes. I am done. I didn't need to be in this position for long. It is a nice end to a long and emotionally trying career. But I want to rest now. And maybe do a bit of traveling." She let out a long breath, releasing pent up stress. He observed her weathered face. Her eyes had certainly seen a lot of heartbreak. "I will miss it and all of you course. But I'm ready to go."

They held silent eye contact for less than a minute but to both of them it seemed like hours.

"You should make your list to replace you as headmaster."

McGonagall looked genuinely disappointed, but nodded respectfully. She pulled out a piece of folded parchment from her robe pocket, unfolding it to reveal a list of names scrolled in a column. "I've already started, just in case." She pointed to his quill and he handed it to her. She crossed off the first name. Severus Snape.

He felt a tug at his heart as he watched her do so. Was it the right decision?

"Hogwarts would benefit greatly from your leadership. I just hope your refusal is for the right reasons." She said stiffly, giving him a pointed look that made him feel guilty.

He knew she was hiding sadness and disappointment when she spoke like this. He braced himself for her next reaction.

"And you're going to want to make another list."


A/N #2-I decided to make Luna tied to actress Evanna Lynch even more by making her a vegan. It makes sense for Luna to be a vegan too :)

Onyx Obsidian-Thank you! Keep the reviews coming! DaisyChain2109-Yay, I'm glad the situation was rectified! I look forward to hearing from you more! When the school year starts I will probably slow down, since I'll soon be buried under my own piles of grading (I teach history, so lots of essays!), but don't dismay, I won't stop posting! The end of the story tugs on my heart too much! JuliSt-Excellent! I'm so glad it was easy to follow, exciting, & nerve wracking! Chapter 10 was actually the first chapter I ever wrote for this story, back in early May. Also…your comment at the end of the review, you may be onto something ;) CyBr3-I hope that was a good "oh my…" haha! Amandah Leigh-Thanks! I know you've been super busy with your own stuff! Answers for future chapters, my dear ;) sevslave1-hope this chapter answered your question! lol

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