DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter. If I were J.K Rowling, Hermione would be the love of Severus's life, not Lily.

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A/N: Thank you for the reviews! RubyDragonJewel, thank you for loving this story. And for those who asked, YES, EMMA WATSON IS MY HERMIONE. Always. :)

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CHAPTER 12

"She said, "it's lonely here tonight"
She's always sad when she's alone
She said, "I need you here tonight"
She couldn't wait until I get home

She loves me and that's all I need to know
She's part of my life
Just a part I won't let go
Then she said

Love me tomorrow won't you please promise me?
Love me tomorrow like today."

-Love Me Tomorrow (Chicago)

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"Are you happy with her, Sev?" he heard Lily ask suddenly while he was doing the dishes after their dinner at the cottage. The two of them were left alone in the kitchen after they volunteered to do the chores while Hermione went to Hogwarts to deliver the Wolfsbane Potion she brewed for Remus Lupin. It will be delivered by Hagrid to the werewolf's house. The Longbottoms were in the library, working on some Ministry papers.

Severus was mopping the floor with his hands and paused at Lily's question. "Of course, I am. I am no longer at Spinner's End; no longer with my father and my mother is well," he said matter-of-factly.

"It's good to hear, but that's not what I want to know about," she replied, looking over her shoulder. "With her, Professor Puckle. Are you happy with her?"

He smiled. "Yes," he said without any hesitation. "She makes me very happy. Look, Lily. I know that she doesn't like you yet and partly because of what happened in her past. In the alternate timeline. After watching her memories, I completely understand now why she's acting like the way she is, especially towards you. But I know that when this is all over, she will be nice to you."

Lily's face fell. "Yes, I saw her memories," she said with a hint of sadness. "You absolutely did not deserve that kind of life, Sev. You did not have to atone for your sins... and I pushed you away."

"But I called you a name," he said.

"But still, I should've forgiven you, even if we did not continue our friendship. I should have... we should've had a closure. She has a valid reason to... dislike me and if she's making you happy this time, know that I'm on your side," Lily said with a smile.

He nodded. "Thank you, Lily. How is Potter? Is he still bugging you?"

She shrugged. "He sends me an owl every other day. I agreed to meet him at Diagon Alley for our school supplies a week before we go back to school."

"Are you going to date him again?" he asked.

"I don't know. According to Harry in Hermione's memory, we started dating in seventh year."

"Well, some things will never be the same," he told her, repeating the words he said to Hermione.

And the witch entered the kitchen at the thought of her name. "Severus?" she called gently.

"You're back," he said with a huge grin on his face while still holding the map.

"Yes," she smiled fondly. "The Headmaster said you can come to Hogwarts now. Your mother is waiting for you," she informed.

Earlier, he made a Floo call at the Headmaster's Office to ask if he could visit his mother. But the truth, he also wanted to see Professor Dumbledore. The memory of killing him was very disturbing to Severus and he wanted to make sure he's forgiven, even though it hasn't happened... yet or will not happen ever again, as Hermione wouldn't allow.

"Thank you, Hermione," he said appreciatively. "I'll just finish this."

She nodded. "I'll go to bed early but wake me up when you arrive, please."

He beamed. "I will. I promise."

"Good night, Severus. Good night, Lily."

And Severus swore, he saw Hermione look at Lily timidly. His green-eyed best friend was shocked. "Good night, Professor Puckle."

"Hermione," she said gently. Lily looked at her questioningly. His witch smiled. "Please call me 'Hermione'."

"Good night, Hermione," Lily said.

Before Hermione could leave the kitchen, Severus reached for her arm and pulled her for a kiss on the forehead. "Good night, my love," he whispered.

There was a surprise look on her face at the name he used, but that's what she is for him: his love. Hermione blushed and nodded before turning away.

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Five year-old Hermione Granger blew the five candle sticks on her three-layer cake which which were replicas of her three favourite books: "The Little Prince", "The Secret Garden" and "Matilda". Being an only child, her parents made sure she always gets the best. Mr. and Mrs. Granger were already in their thirties when they had Hermione. They've been married for five years before planning to have a child. They decided to have only one child because of Mrs. Granger's heart disease. They were grateful that Hermione grew up brilliant and they were delighted that at three years old, she can already read.

"Happy Birthday, sweetheart," her mother said with a hug. Hermione wrapped her little arms around her mother's neck to return the hug.

"Thank you, Mummy," she replied.

"Can I also get a hug from my Princess?" came his father's faked jealous voice.

But that did the trick because Hermione instantly turned to his father. "Of course, Daddy!" Her parents both gave her kisses and they finally sliced the cake. She went to her guests— mostly her parents' colleague's children and played some games.

The Granger house was filled with laughter and squeaks from children. A sudden knock on the door interrupted the fun. Hermione's mother and father went to open the door and they all froze when a young woman with brown eyes, button-like nose and bushy brown hair entered the room. She was wearing a strange outfit: black cloak and a pointed hat; she was holding a wooden stick. She pointed it to Mr. and Mrs. Granger and spoke just one word: "Obliviate."

"Hermione, love?"

Hermione felt a pair of hands shaking her shoulders. She snapped her eyes open and saw a pair of beetle-black eyes staring at her anxiously. She sat up and placed both hands on her chest.

"You were dreaming," said Severus and wiped the sweat from her forehead and neck using a Conjured handkerchief.

"Yeah," she replied shortly. "Bad dream."

"Would you like to talk about it?" he asked.

"You're back," she said instead of answering his question. Instead of meeting his eyes, she looked at his torso. He's in his pyjamas, smelled fresh from the shower and looks like ready for bed.

"Yes. Just came home tenty minutes ago," he said dismissively and gave her a look that told her he was waiting for an answer.

"How was it? Your meeting with Albus and your mum, I mean," she asked as she rested her back on the headboard of her narrow bed.

"It went well," he replied. Then he studied her face and cupped her cheeks. "Are you going to tell me what your dream was about?" he asked in his most gentle tone.

She sighed heavily. "My parents," she whispered.

Severus frowned slightly. "You never told me about them; haven't seen them in your memories, either."

"'Cause I'm too coward to show you what happened to them," she said quietly.

Severus kicked off his slippers and climbed on the bed. He shifted her position so he's the one leaning on the headboard she's sitting between his legs. Severus urged her to rest her back on his chest. She sighed and relaxed against him and held his hands.

"I don't believe you're a coward, Hermione," came his silky voice. "You're just not ready to recall your memories with them."

"Maybe," she said with a shrug.

"You said you were not having bad dreams anymore since I moved in here."

"And that's true." She shifted to face him and Severus wrapped her arms around her. "This is the first time it happened again. Perhaps because you weren't here when I went to bed," she said with a tease.

He smirked. "Apologies, my love," and he planted a kiss on her forehead which made her close her eyes. "I shall never leave you again."

"Oh, Sev. What am I gonna do when we return to Hogwarts?" she asked out of the blue.

"You'll be fine," he told her confidently.

"Can you stay with me tonight?" she asked, snuggling even more.

"I always stay with you," he said matter-of-factly.

She shook her head. "Stay with me here. Sleep beside me," she said against his chest, hiding her blush.

His hold to her tightened, but not in a painful manner. "Of course. Whatever you wish, I'll give it to you," he said solemnly.

She laughed. "What if I ask you to be mine?" she asked playfully like a fourteen year-old and looked to his eyes.

He looked at her intently. "Then I'll tell you that I'm already yours as you're mine," he replied without any hint of tease.

She couldn't help it anymore. Blame it to the hormones of an eighteen year-old girl. She reached up to him, crashed her lips to his and kissed him passionately. He moaned and returned her kiss fervently. She knelt and straddled his legs, feeling that thing between his legs against hers, but instead of pulling away, she pushed her body closer and gods, she felt her knickers getting wet. And it felt good. Really good. Severus' hands roamed under her shirt, one caressed her soft belly while the other rested under her left breast. Her hands traveled on his shoulders and her lips left his mouth to nip the crook of his neck. Severus moaned and called her name.

She couldn't take it anymore. She needs more, but how can she tell him? Is it even proper for a woman to ask her partner to touch her more? She doesn't know and she wasn't sure if it will be alright on Severus's part. After all, he's still inexperienced at sixteen years old.

And it hit her. He's only sixteen and I'm eighteen! Gods, what am I doing?

She gently pulled away and forced a smile. "As much as I am enjoying this, I believe we have to stop for now and take things slowly."

He rested his forehead against her but not yet removing his hands under her shirt. "I agree," he whispered. "But I… need to use the loo," he added.

Hermione wasn't a fool. She knows why. She pulled away from him with a smile. Severus quickly got off the bed and even though it was dark, Hermione swore she saw the bulge between his legs.

When he left the room, Hermione laid down, wrapped herself in a blanket and placed a hand on her crotch, under her knickers. Thinking of what Severus is doing in the loo, she pleasured herself until she came.

After ten minutes, Severus returned and Hermione was already clean. "Let's sleep," she suggested.

"Yes," he replied and they moved to lie down on the bed, holding each other.

"Sev?" she called against his chest.

"Hmm?" he replied sleepily.

"Love me tomorrow?" she asked.

"Today, tomorrow and forever, Hermione," he replied and kissed the crown of her head.

Hermione slept without another nightmare. Perhaps it helps her a lot when Severus is around. One thing is for sure: she cannot live anymore without him.

He's all I have in this world.

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When Severus woke up in the morning, the first thing he saw was the beautiful witch lying beside him, and an arm wrapped around him. He smiled and decided that it was the best morning in his entire life. He wanted her so much. More than he ever wanted Hogwarts before eleven years old. More than he wanted Lily when he was fifteen. Hermione Granger was the only one he wanted to have forever. A few minutes later, Hermione woke up and they greeted each other with morning kisses, sweet words and gentle touches.

"Touching is okay," she said when his hand traveled below her breast and instantly removed it.

He placed his hand under her shirt, not breaking their eye contact. "Is this alright?'" he asked.

She stared at her and swallowed. "Yes. It feels good," she replied.

"Can I move?" he asked.

"Yes," she replied. "Whatever you like... just touch." She closed her eyes and relaxed. Severus laid on his side; one hand propped on his head, one hand still under Hermione's shirt. His hand moved up until it reached her one breast. He swallowed hard and as he squeezed it gently. Hermione moaned and he could say that she was enjoying it, so he continued his ministration and leaned to kiss her lips. She returned the kiss with equal passion. He shifted to a more comfortable position above her, continued kissing her and squeezing her breast. Until he positioned his whole body above hers, pulled her shirt enough to expose her B cup-sized breasts. Severus couldn't help it anymore. He moved forward to taste one breast and his other hand continued to squeeze the other. Hermione was now moaning and calling his name. Severus licked her nipple with his skilled tongue and then took it to his mouth; he sucked like a hungry child. Hermione's moans and begging urged him even more. Then, he shifted to the other breast, giving it the same treatment.

"Merlin, Hermione, you taste so good," he said with pleasure.

"More, Sev, please," he heard her beg.

"As you wish, my love," he replied and continued to suck her breasts and teased her nipple with his fingers until he felt his full erection. He felt the need to give it a hand.

"Sev," she called.

He looked up to meet her face.

"Would you like some help down there?" she asked flirtatiously.

He smirked. "Of course. And for future reference, the answer is always yes."

For Severus Snape, it was definitely the best morning ever.

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"Someone is happy," teased Lily when she entered the kitchen that morning to help him with their breakfast. Hermione was in the shower and the Longbottoms left for work.

"I never thought I'd see the day Severus Snape humming whilst cooking," Lily added.

He smiled wider. Actually, he was aware that the smile never left his face since he woke up. "Are you going to send me to St. Mungo's now?" he asked.

"No," she replied and leaned on the counter beside him. "What's new? Looks like you had a good sleep."

"I did. Best sleep ever!"

Lily's eyes widened like saucers and slapped him on the arm. "Oh, you did it, didn't you?! Oh my god, Sev!"

He frowned but still smiling. "What are you talking about?" he asked innocently.

"You know what I'm talking about!" she accused. "Admit it!"

"Admit what?"

Lily leaned forward to whisper. "You slept with her."

He grinned and gave her a meaningful look. "Just slept. Beside each other. That's it."

Lily frowned. "Just sleep? No sex?" she asked in a whisper.

He grimaced. "Yes. Well, two people who respect and love each other can sleep without actually having sex; especially if they weren't ready for that yet."

Lily's face fell and she looked away. He knew that look. "Lily," he called sternly. She did not face him. "Lily, look at me," she demanded.

Lily turned to face him but couldn't meet his eyes. And then, her green eyes suddenly brimmed with tears. "What's the matter?' he asked.

She continued to cry silently and shook her head. Severus placed the spatula on the table and held Lily bu the shoulders to make her steady. "Tell me," he encouraged.

She shook her head again. "It's just that... I envy Hermione 'cause you really love her and respect her."

"What do you mean by that?" he asked angrily. "What did Potter do to you?"

"Nothing that I never wanted," she replied with a forced smile. "I— we both wanted to do it, anyway. It's just that... I was too impulsive 'cause you know, he's very handsome and famous. He has everything: good looks, skills and money; and I thought I will be a fool to... deny him. Plus, I felt it too. I wanted to... experience."

Severus folded his arms on his chest and looked at his friend sternly, like a protective brother. "Who said you need to experience that at our age? Especially that you only dated him for barely a month," he raised an eyebrow.

"Well, every girl in my dorm... had been with a boy during fifth year," she said guiltily.

He frowned. "And were they using protections?"

Lily frowned as well. "Sev, Hogwarts food were laced with contraceptives for girls. That's what Madam Pomfrey told the others who asked for... you know, the pink potion."

His expression softened. "Good, then. Just... be careful next time and remember that you don't have to try everything."

Lily relaxed as well and smiled. "You're not going to hex James, are you?"

"What good would it do if I hex him just because of what you told me? You said it yourself, you wanted it. If he forced you, I'll hex him. But he didn't."

"You're different now, Sev," she told him. "You're more matured. I like that change."

"I do, too," he replied before returning to their breakfast.

A few moments later, Hermione joined and helped them. She made a short conversation with Lily, asked her about what she learned and about Harry. Lily kindly answered her questions and asked more about Harry in her time. Severus only watched his witch and best friend conversing and friendly towards each other.

Later that day, he asked Hermione what made her change her treatment to Lily and she simply said: 'You and Harry'. He could tell that she wasn't comfortable to talk about it yet, so he did not push her. For now, Severus is happy that she's beginning to like his best friend who also happened to be the mother (or future mother) of her best friend.

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Severus Snape appeared at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place in London with his mother, Eileen Snape. According to Professor Dumbledore, it would be better if Eileen Snape will still make an appearance as Severus's mother from time to time; at least until Severus is finished with his education. They were welcomed by Regulus Black and he wasn't surprised to see the other guests who were mainly students from Slytherin House and of pure-blood families. Though Severus was a half-blood, he's friends with Regulus and he has earned the younger wizard's respect due to his skills. Regulus also did not approve of his brother Sirius's actions. That was another reason for Regulus to reach out to him. He's completely ashamed of his brother's behaviour.

Mrs. Black, a very classy woman, kindly welcomed them and spoke to his mother despite marrying a Muggle. The dinner went well and it was just like any other Slytherin victory party at the common room. But that moment, he has a job: to look around the house for the diary and Hufflepuff's Cup. He made sure that his Occlumency shields are intact whilst 'having fun' with the other teenagers.

"Where's your brother?" he asked Regulus casually after the sumptuous meal.

"Left. Was disowned by Mother and Father," Regulus replied with a shrug. "He's probably staying at Potter's."

"Why would he be disowned?" he asked with a grimace. "Just because he's a Gryffindor?"

Regulus shook his head. "It's more than that, Sev. Family loyalty is the most important trait. Family loyalty, before anything else. Mother and Father said that they could still accept him being a Gryffindor if he would join this organisation composed of pure-blood witches and wizards led by The Lord, but he refused to take part in any pure-blood organisation. He was disowned."

"How about you? Are you going to join them?" he asked casually and sipped his Butterbeer.

"I will, of course. For my family," he replied. "Which reminds me, Lucius Malfoy will be recruiting this year at Hogwarts. It will happen on the first Hogsmeade visit. You should join," he urged.

He nodded. "I am sure this is a no nonsense organisation and demonstrates the values of Salazar Slytherin. I will join."

"Good!" Regulus clapped his back.

"What is this organisation called, anyway?"

"They haven't told us yet. Everything we want to know will be told by Lucius on the day itself. But don't let Dumbledore know. All members of this organisation don't like him."

He laughed. "So, is this sort of anti-Dumbledore society?"

"No. Anti-Muggle society," he replied seriously. "So if you want to join, let go of your Mudblood friend," he advised.

Severus snorted. "Haven't spoken to her for few months now."

"Good! And how is the lovely professor? Do you still see her?" he teased.

Severus smirked. "Haven't seen her," he lied. "But I'm telling you know. She's mine. I'll get her before sixth year ends."

Regulus laughed contentedly and they continued chatting with their other fellow Slytherins.

After three hours of 'fun' and celebration, Severus and Eileen took their leave and Regulus walked them to the door, to the Apparition point.

They Disapparated and Apparated back under the Invisibility Cloak Hermione asked from the Room. The mother and son went inside the house again through an open window at the second floor. They went first to the library which was luckily empty. Eileen Disillusioned herself while Severus remained hidden under the cloak and searched for the diary and the cup but to no avail. Just when they decided to leave, the door banged open and two witched entered the room, faced each other and pointed wands at each others' chest. Severus and Eileen made sure they're not making any noise. He even held his breath.

The older witch was Walburga Black, Regulus's mother. The younger witch was Bellatrix Black, his cousin. "You're cheating on your husband!" the younger witch accused.

"And what if I am?" Mrs. Black replied with a smirk.

"I will tell Uncle Orion," she said. "The Lord is more fond of me! I met him when I was fourteen and have always admired him since then. You can't have him. You have a husband!" she retorted.

"My, my, my… such a temper, Bella, dear," Mrs. Black said in a sweet and motherly tone. "Voldemort doesn't like girls; especially hot-tempered girls. He only wants one woman ever since he was a boy and that woman is I."

"How dare you speak his name?" he asked, sounds scandalized. "We do not speak of his name!"

"You do not speak his name. I am the only one who has the permission to call him 'Voldemort'. I am the only one who is allowed to share his bed and pleasure him. He only begs to me; and he begs me to pleasure him—"

"Shut up!" yelled Bellatrix. "Shut up your filthy mouth! You are married and you can't leave your husband just like that!"

"Who said I will leave my husband?" Mrs. Black asked with raised eyebrows. "It was Voldemort who suggested I marry Orion. Orion knows that my place is with Voldemort and he married me under his orders. We only had sex twice and the results were Sirius and Regulus. Orion never shares my bed. Only Voldemort is allowed to make love to me; to control my cunt, my arse… my whole body. You see, I am also the only one allowed to control him, to pin him on the bed and make him come." She smiled like a maniac; far from the woman who welcomed him and his mother earlier.

She's insane! He thought.

"No!" yelled Bellatrix. "I shall tell dear Regulus and he will hate you. He will leave you like what Sirius did. You will no longer have any son," she threatened.

"But my dear, how will you tell Regulus? I can stop you, you know. Or rather, my darling Voldemort can stop you."

"What are you—"

But before Bellatrix could finish her question, Mrs. Black reached a hand between her breasts and suddenly, an unfamiliar man appeared with two masked figures.

"Darling, you rang?" came a cold male voice.

"Yes, Voldemort darling," Mrs. Black replied in her sweet voice. "You see, Bella here desperately told me how much she wants you and threatened me. What shall I do?" she asked in a faked innocent voice.

"Do not be worried, my Lady," he said in his most soothing voice which made Severus shiver. "My servants shall take care of her."

And then, Bellatrix was begging Voldemort to take her instead of Mrs. Black. She even kissed the hem of his robes, but she was pulled away by the two masked servants and disappeared.

"Come on, darling," said Voldemort, taking Mrs. Black's hand. "Allow me to help you forget the chit's threat. Let me pleasure you."

"Of course," she replied flirtatiously.

The two figures disappeared. Severus managed to breathe deeply and was yanked by his mother and they landed on the garden of the cottage in Godric's Hollow.