Hermione slowly opened her eyes and expected to see the hospital wing again. She raised an eyebrow when she found Hagrids hut surrounding her. She sat up and looked about the one room home. She saw Fang was lying in Hagrids chair. The hound lifted his head on to the arm of the charm to look at her, his tail wagging. Hermione smiled at him and Fang began to sit up and stretch.
Hermione heard someone breathing beside her and looked down to see Severus. He was fast asleep. Hermione lay back down and gently brushed the hair from his face. She watched him sleep for a minute before groping around for her time turner. She had about 24 hours to go. Hermione sat back up and scooted to the end of the bed and got up. Fang hopped down onto to the floor and walked to the door. Hermione opened the door to let him out and stood out on the front stoop.
"Ah, 'Ermione!" She heard Hagrids voice. Hermione looked to find him in his garden. He was planting something.
"Hello Hagrid," She greeted him back.
"I was gonna take the two of ye' up to the Hospital wing, but I remembered I had seen you in there already. I was gonna wake you up. Then I saw yer time turner was glowin so I left yah be," Hagrid said. Hermione smiled and walked down the steps and out to him.
"Thanks Hagrid, Sorry we took your bed. I think Severus was too tired to go any further," Hermione said. That was the first time she had called him Severus. It had just rolled off her tongue.
"Ah, it's no problem. I slept in one of the guest rooms. I usually have one for when the weather gets to dodgy to go back an forth from here," Hagrid said, dropping a few seeds into the ground and covering them up.
"So about Snape…" Hagrid trailed off. Hermione looked at him.
"About Snape-" Hermione started and sat down on a wooden bucket next to the garden . She then caught Hagrid up on everything.
"So Albus was a goner anyway," Hagrid said sadly.
"The poison was too strong, Severus couldn't do anything about it," Hermione said.
"It's a real shame, good man Dumbledore," Hagrid replied and they both remained there quietly.
"So how's Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Ah, not good. The Medi-witch from St. Mungos says his minds all in shambles," Hagrid said. Hermione hung her head.
"Why don' he show em his memories?" Hagrid asked. Hermione looked up at him.
"Pardon?" Hermione asked.
"Snape, why don' he show em his memories? You can daydream up thoughts and send 'em to people but memories don't lie. They are what really happened as your eyes truly see them," Hagrid said.
"It would work but..." Hermione said.
"but Wha'?" Hagrid asked.
"Assisted Suicide is still murder," Hermione said and looked back towards the hut.
"Well maybe he already has a plan," Hagrid said. Hermione laughed and nodded.
"Yes, He and Professor Dumbledore probably had an alibi before they had the crime," Hermione replied. She looked up towards the castle and sighed.
"I can't be seen until tomorrow night," Hermione said.
"Then why don't you go back ta bed, you look like you need it," Hagrid said. Hermione looked herself over and she looked like hell. Cuts, Bruises, dried blood, and scorch marks marred her skin. One of the straps to her corset was ripped. She just laughed and shook her head at the sight of herself.
"Thanks Hagrid," She said and got up. She went inside and gently got back into the bed. She doubted Severus would wake up anyway. He seemed just as tired as she was.
Hermione awoke again, hours later, much more violently than the previous time.
"Hermione," It was Severus, he had shaken her awake.
"Yes?" Hermione groaned.
"Quickly, the hour glass is almost empty, what happens next?" Severus asked. Hermione sat up and thought for a minute.
"We have to get to the girls lavatory outside the Hospital wing, Draco's going to bring me there," Hermione said. Severus grabbed her hand and they both dashed out of the hut and ran for the castle. They entered the castle from the Herbology green houses. Severus was leading and he stopped them and pulled Hermione to the ground, under one of the tables when he heard the door opening.
"Hello?" A voice called out it was Professor Sprout. Hermione covered her mouth, trying to muffle the sound of her breathing. Sprouts legs approached them and Severus began to crawl towards the door. While Professor Sprouts attention was away from them, Severus darted for the open door Hermione right behind him. Severus stood once safely out of sight and looked to Hermione.
"I really wish time travel laws weren't so bloody strict," He whispered as they continued, looking around another corner they found students walking the halls. Severus groaned to himself and turned into his cat form.
They finally reached their destination and hid in one of the shower stalls.
"Alright, when I came in I started crying at the sink, then-"
"Why were you crying?" Severus interrupted.
"I thought you were dead, anyway, you transform, and ask me to go back and save you and help Harry. I need to go back two days and meet you at the main entrance," Hermione told him. Severus nodded.
They waited for a few minutes. Hermione looked at the time turner, the glowing sands were almost out. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the door opened. Severus peeked his head out the stall, in his cat form, and then walked down to the sink. Hermione locked the stall door and sat in the seat with her legs up to her chest, so no one could see her. She listened to the conversation and watched the time turner flash and stop ticking. She got to her feet and got out of the stall.
Severus was standing against the sink, arms crossed over his chest, staring off into nothing.
"Professor?" Hermione asked. He looked up to her.
"No one has ever…well…you were crying for me," Severus stated. Hermione nodded. She walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his torso, hugging him tightly. He was stiff for a moment but then he wrapped his arms around her as well. He then laughed.
"What?" Hermione asked.
"We did it! We bloody did it!" He said. Hermione smiled as well.
"Granger, how are you doing in there?" Draco called from the other side of the door.
"Perfectly Draco, come on in!" Hermione called. The door opened enough for Draco to peek his head in and he gaped at what he saw.
"Bloody hell man! Weasley had us believing Bellatrix had gotten the better of you!" Draco said as he came in and extended his hand to Severus.
"Like that bitch could get me, you should had more faith in me Draco," Severus said.
"Let's go crush Weasley's assumption and I think you may have to take a look at Potter. Think you made him drop his basket," Draco replied. Severus nodded and the three of them left the bathroom.
Severus went to Harry's bed and sat down. Madame Pomfrey wasn't in the room and Severus placed his hands on Harrys head. He muttered a few spells and used occlumency to get back inside Harrys head.
While Severus was helping Harry, Hermione walked over to Remus' bed and found Tonks in the bed up next to him. She sat at the end of that bed and began to play with Tonks' toes. Tonks jerked her foot and opened her eyes.
"Ah, Hermione!" Tonks whispered tiredly as she sat up with her arms outstretched for a hug. Hermione reached out and hugged her.
"Are you feeling ok?" Tonks asked. Hermione nodded.
"How's Remus?" She asked. Tonks looked back at him.
"Madame Pomfrey says he'll be just fine. He just got a little scuffed up. He tore that other werewolf to shreds," Tonks smiled. Hermione nodded.
"Hermione, have they told you about Severus?" Tonks asked. Hermione looked over her shoulder and pointed at Severus.
"Oh thank Merlin!" Tonks held her chest and hung her head.
"What's he doing?" Tonks asked, propping herself up on her elbows.
"Helping Harry, I think. Not really sure I want to be here when that sleeping tiger wakes up," Hermione said.
"Hermione, he's your best friend. He really should understand," Tonks said, not really sure if she believed that or not. Hermione shook her head.
"We'll find out, where's Ronald?" Hermione asked.
"Might've went to get something to eat," Tonks suggested. Hermione was about to reply when the door to the Hospital wing opened and Ron came in. He saw Severus over Harry and pulled his wand out.
"Stay your wand Ronald!" Hermione shouted as she stood.
"You get away from him!" Ron said, running at Severus, completely ignoring Hermione. Draco stood from his spot across from Severus, with his wand raised.
"Back off Weasley, he's just trying to help!" Draco said.
"The hell you say!" Ron said. Hermione same up to him and grabbed his arm. He jerked it from her and shoved her away from him.
"You aught to stay out of this. Mad at you enough as it is!" Ron said to her. Hermione caught her balance and, using both arms, shoved him back. Ron fell to the floor and looked up at her.
"Why don't you just listen for once Ronald! He is trying to help. Voldemort left Harrys mind in pieces and Severus is trying to fix it!" Hermione shouted as Ron got back to his feet. Tonks got up and walked up beside Hermione, in front of Ron.
"Come on Weasley, give it a rest," She said. Ron glared at both of them before turning and leaving the Hospital wing.
"He's gone to get Mad Eye, for sure," Tonks said.
"Oy, Snape how much longer?" Tonks asked. Severus said one last incantation and let go of Harry. Harry began to turn his head back and forth. He then opened his eyes. He looked around for a minute before his eyes grew heavy and fell asleep again.
"That should do it," Severus said and looked at Hermione.
"In your bag is two bottles, they are both pensieves. One contains my memories and the other contains Albus' memories. There is also a more updated copy of his will. They are in the wooden box. I'm not going to fight Moody," Severus said, handing Hermione his wand. She nodded and stood next to him.
The doors swung open and Moody came in with Professor McGonagal and Ron.
"Severus…you look like hell," McGonagal replied. Severus nodded.
"I strive to impress. Alright Alastor, I'm ready to go," Severus replied and stood.
"Not quite yet, Severus. You will sit down and catch us up to speed. In my office would suffice," McGonagal said. Severus nodded as she headed to the fireplace and used it to get to her office. Severus and Moody followed her lead.
"Draco," Hermione said. The blonde looked up at her.
"Go with me to find my bag? I think it's still outside that town where Voldemort lived," She said. Draco nodded and stood. Hermione went with him. Tonks grabbed her wand from the table next to Remus.
"Not letting you two go by yourselves, could still be death eaters lurking about," Tonks said and ran after them.
"My first question is, Severus, How did Harry get a hold of Albus' wand?" Minerva asked, as she walked back over to the mantle and put the wand back into its glass case.
"Hermione stole it, held on to it all year, and gave it to Harry in his time of need, as Albus requested," Severus told her as he took a seat in front of Minervas desk. Moody sat on the edge of the desk, staring Severus down the whole time.
"Why did you kill him?" McGonagal asked.
"Two reasons," Severus started.
"Which are?" Moody asked.
"The summer before last, Narcissa came to me and made me commit to an unbreakable vow, to protect Draco. Draco's mission was to see to it that Albus was dead by the end of…that night. If he didn't, Voldemort would kill him and if he got caught he would go to Azkaban. When it got down to it, Draco couldn't do it, so I did to protect him." Severus answered.
"Reason number two?" Moody asked.
"Albus made me commit to another unbreakable vow, without telling me what the promise was. It was to…" Severus trailed off.
"Well?" Minerva asked.
"To put him out of his misery, if he got to a state in which he couldn't recover," Severus said.
"And how exactly was Albus unrecoverable?" Moody asked.
"Do you remember his hand?" Severus asked. They both nodded.
"I could only slow down the infection. It was spreading, and it was spreading fast. He had maybe two, three weeks before it reached his heart and killed him," Severus explained.
"And you were going to bring him back, infection and everything?" Moody asked. Severus shook his head.
"We had everything taken care of, he would have been completely healthy, but we were interrupted and it didn't work. And it will never work, because once a spell fails on a body there is something left behind that will counter act every other attempt," Severus replied.
"Any proof of all this?" Moody asked. Severus nodded.
"Hermione is going after two pensieves, one mine, the other Albus'," Severus told him.
"Speaking of Miss Granger," Minerva began.
"I asked her to help me and she said yes. She's been helping me get and destroy Horocruxes," Severus told her.
"Dear Merlin, you're Severus!" Minvera said. Severus looked himself over.
"Well look at that," He replied.
"No! The cat, you are Hermione's black cat, Severus," Minerva said. Severus smiled and nodded.
"I was also, Hermione once a day for about 6 months. I trained Potter to duel even though he didn't remember a damn bit of it during the fight," Severus replied. Moody looked at him, mouth dropped.
"An advanced Polyjuice potion, so I could speak with her voice," Severus said.
"Well Kudos for that," Minerva replied. Moody nodded too.
"What can we do for him?" Minerva asked looking over to Alaster.
"You believe me?" Severus asked.
"Albus always saw something in you that you kept hidden from the world and I could never see it. I did however see how fiercely you fought on our side during that battle. I also thought of everything you've ever done for the order and I realized that you have the Loyalty of a Gryfindor. I see it now," Minerva said to him.
"I also appreciate you watching my back durin' that fight," Moody said and sat silently for a minute.
"He used an unforgiveable to kill Albus, that will be considered Murder, but the ones at the fight might outweigh it. Seeing as they were committed with public interest in mind. I'm not sure but I will see what I can do. Once Miss Granger brings those Memories everything should be much easier. Now I am not making any promises, you still may have to serve some time," Moody said. Severus nodded.
"Better keep him up here. Harrys going to be exploding from his sleep at any moment." Minerva said. Severus laughed.
"Is he just now getting on your nerves?" Severus asked.
"He needs someone to beat the hell out of him," Minerva said.
"Aye to that!" Moody replied.
"I know your intentions are good but I would like to enjoy some freedom before going to Azkaban. I won't leave the grounds," Severus said and got to his feet and walked to the door.
"One more question," Minerva said. Severus stopped at the door.
"Was it you who dropped Remus in the forest?" She asked. Severus smirked back at her.
"For a werewolf he's awful damn pathetic with directions," Severus replied and walked out of the office.
Hermione looked around her. They were looking through the trees they had hidden in earlier, in search of her bag. It was getting dark and that was not helping at all.
"Why does it have to be black?" Draco grumbled as he got on the ground and started feeling around for it.
"Lumos Maxima," Tonks said and her wand began to give off a radiant glow.
"Found it!" Hermione yelled as she spotted the bag. She picked it up and opened it. She reached in and found a black wooden box.
"Alright let's go," Hermione said. She froze when she heard a twig snap.
"Draco?" She asked.
"Wasn't me," He said.
"Haven't moved," Tonks said. Hermione looked up from her bag and froze. Before her, a few feet away, was a dark figure. A deep growl began and Hermione felt the thing was staring her down.
"Greyback?" Tonks said.
"He's supposed to be a werewolf right," Draco asked.
"Full moon has already passed," Draco said. Hermione watched as the creature got closer. She felt it wise to not make any sudden movements. As it got closer she could see it was werewolf like.
"Not a werewolf, a lycan," Hermione said and tried to back up. She could smell blood. It was heavily injured. That was never good with animals.
"You killed the dark lord."Greyback growled.
"Shoot it," Hermione whispered nervously.
"I don't have a clear shot, too many trees," Tonks said. Draco pulled his wand from his pocket slowly and took aim.
"Shoot me!" Greyback said as he crouched down. He leapt into the air and Draco shouted his curse.
"Sectumsempra!" He said and Greyback was sliced even further, blood just cascading from his body. He landed on the ground panting and growling. His breathing slowed until it stopped.
"He was already dead, his brain just didn't catch on yet," Draco said. Hermione hugged him.
"I'm sorry Hermione, I thought Remus finished him. I didn't see Greyback leave. Are you alright?" Tonks asked. Hermione nodded. They joined hands and apparated back to the castle.
They appeared outside the gates and began to walk to the castle.
"What if Ron and Harry are right?" Hermione asked. Draco froze in step.
"Granger, please take a moment to think over what you just said," Draco replied. Hermione smiled at him.
"No, before all this started they thought someone would want to try and take Voldemort's place. Of course they thought it would be Severus. Anyone could think they can do what he did," Hermione said.
"We just stopped Voldemort, I say bring it!" Tonks said, putting her arm around her neck. Hermione laughed as they walked up the steps and made their way back to the hospital wing.
When they arrived they found Harry was up and moving. He was putting on his shirt and Ron was standing next to him.
"Hey Harry how are you feeling?" Hermione asked when she got close enough.
"What do you care?" He snapped at her.
"Excuse me?" Hermione asked.
"You heard me, You obviously don't care about me so why ask questions?" Harry replied.
"How did you come to that crack pot idea?" Hermione asked.
"Let's see, you lied to me for about 6 months, you hid my enemy from me, and you didn't tell me anything about it!" Harry replied.
"If I had you would have tried to kill him!" Hermione replied.
"You're damn right I would, He killed Dumbledore! And for hiding him you're just as guilty as he is! You're a bloody traitor, you are!" Harry yelled at her. Hermione just looked at Harry.
"Fuck you Harry," Hermione said and turned from him. Draco watched her turn and glared up at Harry.
"You ungrateful bastard," Draco said and then leapt forward and right hooked Harry across the jaw, sending him to the floor. Ron pulled back his fist but Draco shoved him just enough for him to loose his balance.
"Tell me something Potter, how many Horocuxes have you found?" Draco asked grabbing the collar of Harrys shirt.
"Huh?" Draco yelled. Hermione came forward and put a hand on Draco's shoulder.
"Draco!" She tried but stepped back as Draco yanked Harry to his feet.
"Zero, that's how many, because Severus and Hermione found all of them and destroyed them all. The comb, the ring, the snake, that stupid goblet! All of them have been taken care of for you. JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE!" Draco said and dropped Harry on the floor. Harry got to his feet.
"Not even you're mind is yours right now!" Draco yelled.
"Excuse me?" Harry asked.
"Voldemort possessed you and destroyed your mind, Severus pieced you back together, but let me guess! He still deserves to die!" Draco replied and turned away from Harry and walked up to Hermione.
"Let's get out of here," Draco said and the two of them headed for the door.
Tonks looked at Harry and Ron and shook her head.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Do you have any idea how much shit she has gone through to make sure you had no road blocks in fighting Voldemort?" Tonks asked.
"No, Tonks why don't you tell me!" Harry snapped at her.
"She's had to lie and keep secrets from her friends, she's had countless injuries trying to get the horocuxes, she was run ragged trying to juggle school, the wedding, mission, and teaching, and then she has to put up with you!" Tonks said. Harry glared back at her.
"You knew about this?" He asked. Tonks nodded.
"So everyone knew but us?" Harry growled.
"GET OVER IT WILL YOU! So she was trying to protect you, stop being a whiny brat for once! So you didn't know every little detail of every little thing. Voldemort's Dead, you won, why can't you be happy and forgive her? What's so bad about Snape being a good guy?" Tonks asked. She looked at Harry and just shook her head. She left as well to find Hermione.
Severus was sitting on the front steps of the castle, two large oil dishes kept the staircase lit. He leaned back, his elbows resting on the step behind him, with a glass of Fire Whiskey. He was looking up at the stars when he was interrupted. The doors opened and three people came out. Severus looked back to see it was Hermione, Draco, and Tonks.
"There you are," Hermione said, her voice shaking. She came down the steps and sat next to him. Draco and Tonks sat at his other side.
"What's that?" Hermione asked, looking at his glass. He held it up. Hermione took it and downed it in one gulp. She then threw the glass and it shattered on the steps.
"Oy! What's your problem?" Severus asked. Hermione didn't say anything, she just buried her face into her hands and began to cry. Severus looked to Draco and Tonks.
"Potter," They said in unison. Severus shook his head and reached down to the bottle of fire whiskey by his feet.
"Here, drink till you feel better. After that you're just going to have to learn to live with being the spy. Potter will never trust you again, you just have to cherish and strengthen the bonds that last. Like Malfoy and Tonks here. They will stay by your side. Apparently your friendship wasn't very strong if Potter can throw it away so easily," Severus said. Hermione looked up at him.
"What about you?" Hermione asked.
"If you want me to stick around I will," Severus told her.
"I do," Hermione said and hugged him again, laying her head across his chest. Severus wrapped his arms about her as well and took a swig of whiskey.
"I'll see what I can do. I might have to go to Azkaban. Will you forgive my absence?" He asked. Hermione nodded. Hermione sniffed and rubbed her nose.
"Are you alright?" Severus asked.
"Yes…it's just…fire whiskey…really, really burns," Hermione said. Severus began to laugh and Draco and Tonk followed suit. Hermione sniffed again and began to laugh as well. Draco reached for the bottle and took a swig. Tonks took it from him and took one as well before it made its way back to Severus.
"Oh just so everyone knows…Remus Hermione was pregnant," Tonks said. Severus raised an eyebrow.
"Oh after he pinned me down and accused me of being Severus in disguise? Did you ever finally tell him everything?" Hermione asked.
"On the way to Voldemorts place," Tonks answered with a smile. Severus laughed and shook his head.
"I don't know about the rest of you but I'm hungry, DOBBY!" Severus called. The house elf appeared.
"How may Dobby help Severus Snape?" Dobby asked.
"Dobby, we would like a feast for four if you don't mind, right here on the steps," Severus said. Dobby nodded and with a snap of his fingers four plates, goblets, and sets of silverware appear on the step above them. Food then appeared on the next step up from that with bottles of wine, butter beer, and pumpkin juice.
They all sat out on the steps for the next few hours talking, laughing, start gazing, and eating through every bit of the dinner and desert Dobby brought them. It had to of been past Midnight when they were found. Minerva came down the steps and smiled at them.
"What an odd group you are," She said. Severus looked up at her.
"Wine Minerva?" Severus asked, waving his hand and another wine glass appeared.
"Don't mind if I do," She said and sat one step up beside Hermione.
"I must tell you now Miss Granger, I am extremely proud of you. In fact all of you should be proud of yourselves," She said.
"No offense Professor but why do you think we're all out here?" Draco asked.
"None taken Mr. Malfoy, How are you parents by the way?" She asked and took a grape from the platter and popped it in her mouth.
"They told me they would be going MIA until everything blows over. They haven't done anything this time around, Voldemort wouldn't really let them do much of anything but they still want the down time," Draco answered.
"So they're not worried about the trials?" Minerva asked. Draco shook his head.
"No, they are worried about any escaped Death Eaters coming for them, they did switch sides right there at the end," Draco said. Minerva nodded. Severus took a bottle of wine and filled his glass.
"So how's Potter?" Severus asked. Minerva groaned and took a drink.
"Oh that boy! Hasn't stopped complaining, demanding to know if I knew you were in the castle. Wanting to know why you aren't in Azkaban, and wanting to know the whereabouts of a certain blonde Slytherin whom gave him a rather nice swollen jaw." Minerva said. Hermione, Draco, and Tonks laughed.
"To Draco! And his right fist!" Tonks laughed. They all laughed and raised their glasses.
"Didn't know there was going to be a party," Moody said as he took came through the doors.
"Are we attracting attention or is everyone trying to escape from Harry?" Hermione asked. Moody sighed.
"Mostly Potter," Moody sat taking a seat one step up from Minerva.
"Granted I'm upset about you being right under my nose Severus, but it mostly turned out for the better," Moody smiled and reached for the bottle of fire whiskey.
"So Severus, are you going to come back to teaching? Now that Voldemort's dead, I don't think the Dada position is cursed anymore," Minerva said. Severus looked at Hermione.
"We'll see how long my sentence is before we worry about teaching," He told her. Minerva nodded.
"Oh and Miss Granger, I got yet another letter from Professor Grinki about whether or not you are pursuing any more courses over the summer term," Minerva said. Hermione nodded.
"Yes, I'll write him when it gets closer to the end of term," Hermione said.
"Well Blimey, didn't know there was a get together," The unmistakable Hagrid said, coming from down the stairs.
"What are you doing up this late Hagrid?" Severus asked and took a drink of his wine.
"I could ask you lot the same question, but I can see you're all getting' brandied up a bit. I was wonderin' when the celebration was going to start," Hagrid smiled and sat next to the group as well.
"Well the official celebration doesn't start until everyone is out of Madame Pomfreys Hospital wing," Minerva said. Hagrid nodded.
"So has Harry made any improvements?" Hagrid asked solemnly. Severus choked on his wine.
"As a matter of fact…" He trailed off. Hermione looked up to Hagrid and spoke quickly.
"He's awake, he's inside actually, Why don't you go look for him and calm him down?" Hermione asked. Hagrid nodded.
"I'll see what I can do, but when he gets into his fits it like nothin' can calm 'im down," Hagrid said.
"You have no idea," Hermione whispered as Hagrid went inside. Tonks let out a yawn and looked at the group.
"And that is my cue to go to bed, I'm off to the Hospital wing loves," She said and made her way up the stairs, drink in hand.
"She makes it look easy but I don't think I can make it up these stairs," Severus whispered to Hermione.
"Don't worry I'll take care of you," Hermione whispered back.
"Aye, I better be goin' too, long day ahead tomorrow, long day indeed," Moody said and hoisted himself up.
"I'll meet you two down in the dungeons," Draco said getting up.
"I only came out here to turn out the lamps, Flich is on vacation this week. So unless you two want to lay out in the dark…" Minerva said as she rose to her feet.
"I guess that means, time to get up," Severus said and, with Hermione's help to steady him, got to his feet.
Hermione got Severus to the dungeons and to his bed.
"Thank you so much," Severus said. Hermione smiled.
"I just made sure you didn't fall on your arse," Hermione smiled.
"No, not just tonight, thank you for everything," He told her. Hermione looked at him.
"You're amazing, and one hell of a woman Hermione Granger, no one can ever tell you that enough," Severus said and before he could stop himself he leaned in and kissed her. Hermione was shocked, but didn't move away. She kissed him back. Severus smiled at her.
"Good night Hermione," He told her.
"Good night," She said and went to her bedroom.
News spread like wildfire that Voldemort was gone and gone for good with no chance of return. The trials were moved along swiftly. Severus was found Guilty for the Murder of Albus Dumbeldore but due to his countless contributions to the wizarding world as a spy his sentence was severely altered. He was sentence to Life imprisonment with parole for good behavior at the first possible opportunity. Just so happened that the yearly parole visit was in three months.
Hermione wrote him every week and couldn't wait for his return. Draco moved back into his mansion with his parents but didn't ever stay there very long. Minerva just gave in and asked him to take Madame Hooch's job and flight instructor seeing as Madame Hooch decided to retire and began her own flight school.
Harry and Ron both left Hogwarts and got on as Aurors. They became roommates at Number 12 Grimwauld place and they had cubicles between Tonks and Shacklebolt. Neither of them communicated with Hermione, or at least won't communicate with Hermione until around Christmas. And Severus got a very warm greeting from Hermione when he returned to Hogwarts as the Dada teacher.
Christmas:
"Oh I can't stand this anymore, the three of you were inseparable in school and should be again!" Mrs. Weasley yelled through number 12 Grimwauld place.
"Mum, we've sent her letters apologizing. After we cooled off we realized it was no big deal," Ron said down to her from the second floor.
"Then why hasn't she been around?" Molly asked up the staircase.
"We've sent her owl after owl, She hasn't returned one of them. We even visited the castle," Harry said when he exited his room, wearing a red sweater with a golden H on it.
"Recently? She has to be there, it's the middle of the school year!" Molly replied.
"So it was still in the summer," Ron mumbled.
"Well that's why! She was studying under that Professor at the Ministry. Your father said he had lunch with her and the other order members almost every day!" Molly said.
"We were still in training!" Ron replied.
"She's not going to let us live this down," Harry replied and began down the stairs.
"Well get your bullocks down here, everyone will be here any minute," Molly said and blocked the staircase as they both got downstairs.
"If the two of you could, would you right your ways with her, no matter what?" Molly asked. Ron and Harry looked at each other.
"Yeah, sure," Ron said.
"Good, because she's going to be here," Molly said and dashed into the kitchen. Harry and Ron looked at each other again before going into the kitchen.
Everyone from the Order began showing up for the party, bringing gifts to be exchanged after dinner.
The doorbell chimed for what seemed like the thousandth time and Molly rushed to answer it. When she opened it she found Remus with Tonks and Hermione. Tonks was clutching a small bundle to her chest.
"OOH! Get that baby in here out of the cold!" Molly shouted with open arms. She shook Remus' hand and hugged Tonks. She then looked down at the baby.
"Oh he's adorable," Molly said.
"Thanks Mol, we named him Ted, after my papa," Tonks said. Molly smiled and waved her inside.
"Hermione!" Molly greeted with a huge grin. Hermione had gotten her gloves and hat off and was about to take off her jacket when Molly hugged her. Molly got a good hug in but gasped and looked down at Hermione's stomach.
"And what's that?" Molly asked, looking at Hermione in shock. Hermione grinned and opened her jacket and slid it off. She was wearing a knitted off the shoulder white sweater, that hugged her features, and a pair of black pants. It hugged another very important feature as well.
"You're pregnant!" Molly yelled and hugged her again.
"Yes, about four and a half months," Hermione told her.
"Severus must be mighty proud, where is he?" Molly asked.
"Oh he'll be here soon, he had a few last second things to take care of, but he'll be here any minute. He has the gifts," Hermione said. Molly nodded.
"Well the boys are in the kitchen and they do want to talk to you," Molly said. Hermione gave a sigh of relief.
'Thank Merlin for that, I don't want any more awkward gatherings or birthdays. Or worrying if I run into them somewhere and they're still angry." Hermione said and tucked a strand of stray hair behind her ear. She headed for the kitchen.
"Hermione!" A voice called. Hermione turned to see Harry. He came up to her and stared.
"Uhm….your pregnant," He said.
"Very well spotted," She replied and went to turn from him but he reached out a grabbed her shoulder.
"Hermione, I'm sorry. I really am. I know you were just helping me, Thank you," He said. Hermione turned to him, tears in her eyes, and wrapped her arms around his neck. He smiled and hugged her back.
"I missed you so much!" Hermione said.
"I missed you too, So who's the baby's father? Malfoy?" Harry asked.
"No, not Draco, He's recently become infatuated with a girl his mother introduced him to," Hermione answered him.
"Someone you met at the Ministry?" Harry asked. Hermione shook her head.
"Then who?" Harry asked.
"Severus," Hermione said. Harrys jaw dropped.
"What? was it like a one night stand or something?" Harry asked. Hermione held up her left hand, showing off a rather large engagement ring and a diamond studded wedding band.
"Married? You married Snape?" Harry asked and then closed his mouth and stayed quiet for a minute.
"Let me digest this for a minute…You hide him when he was a criminal and then you end up marrying him…" Harry said, Hermione could tell his temper was starting to flare.
"Harry!" Hermione said dangerously, glaring at him. He hushed his mouth and thought for a minute. Harry took a deep breathe.
"What I really don't get is that you went off and got married and didn't invite me! I didn't have to be in the wedding party but I would have really liked to have been a guest!" Harry shouted. Hermione let out a sigh of relief and laughed.
"I'm sorry Harry. We didn't have a wedding ceremony. I was at the ministry all the time, then school started. We are having the ceremony when school lets out, over summer. You'll be getting an invitation in the mail soon. I couldn't get married without having my two best friends there," Hermione explained. Harry looked away from her and then back at her and smiled.
"That's better, now…I kind of need your help," Harry said.
"With what?" Hermione asked.
"How did Snape purpose to you?" Harry asked. Hermione gave him a strange look.
"Why?" Hermione asked. Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box. He opened it to show another large diamond ring.
"Who's that for?" Hermione asked. Harry shut it and quickly shoved it back into his pocket when he saw someone coming.
"Ginny," Harry whispered to her. Hermiones mouth dropped and she smiled.
"I'm sorry Harry, I don't know what to tell you Severus just dropped it into casual conversation. Why don't you get down on one knee at dinner right before we eat, in front of everyone," Hermione suggested. Harry nodded.
"Sounds good, my nerves are going mad," Harry said. Hermione laughed.
"Why don't you go get a drink and try to calm down, Dinner is in a few minutes," Hermione said. Harry nodded and made his way to the kitchen.
"Wotcher Hermione," Someone said from behind her. Hermione turned to see Ron.
"Wotcher Ron," Hermione said.
"Sorry about everything," Ron said. Hermione nodded at him.
"Forgiven," Hermione said.
"So who did that?" Ron said, looking at her stomach. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Severus," Hermione said.
"You shagged Snape?" Ron asked. Hermione held up her rings again.
"A bit more than shag," Hermione said. Ron looked at the ring.
"Ahh didn't know he was rich," Ron replied. Hermione glared at him.
"RONALD WEASLEY! Are you calling me a gold digger!" Hermione shouted at him.
"Nawh, Gold diggers are smart enough not to stick around long enough to get knocked up," Ron said.
"UGH! YOU'LL NEVER CHANGE!" Hermione said. Ron shrugged.
"Don't see why I should," Ron replied and headed towards the kitchen. Hermione smiled after him. Just about everyone was in the kitchen and Hermione leaned against the door frame.
She didn't jump when she felt a pair of hands snake their way around her stomach. She just leaned back into her husband's chest.
"You feeling ok?" Severus asked. Hermione nodded and smiled up at him.
"Then let's get seated," He said.
"No, wait," Hermione said.
"For what?" Severus asked. Hermione nodded forward, Severus looked up in time to see Harry drop to one knee in front of Ginny. Severus laughed.
"I guess we have no choice but to live happily ever after," Severus replied. Hermione laughed.
"Try not to be too disappointed," Hermione said.
"I'll try," Severus replied and kissed her. They then joined all their friends for Christmas dinner.
THE END