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Nothing could have prepared Severus or Hermione for the sight they were met with. They had made their way to the castle, hand in hand. The couple had run as fast as their feet could carry them to the Great Hall. Once Severus and Hermione stepped inside the room, which was hardly recognizable in its battle-worn state, they froze.
There were bodies strewn throughout the hall. Bodies of enemies, thankfully outweighed the amount of innocents. However, it broke Hermione's heart to see some of her fellow classmates lying on the floor, with vacant eyes. These people, children, who were barely even given the chance to live. She stifled a sob for the lives lost. There was no way she could deduce who all had been lost, but Hermione did not fail to notice Colin Creevey and Lavender Brown lying mere feet from where she stood.
There were, thankfully, very few Order members who parished. However, Hermione and Severus were both shocked to find that Mad-Eye Moody had been one of those few. The rest of the Order members who were still standing currently had their wands trained on the remaining Death Eaters, keeping them at bay.
After suppressing the shock of the death that lay before them, their attention was pulled to the center of the Great Hall. It seemed as though every occupant in the room had their eyes focused on two people. People being a relative term. In the middle of it all, there stood Harry, wand outstretched in front of him. Face to face with the snake-like figure of Voldemort himself.
Hermione could not help the indignation that rose up within her as she watched helplessly as no one came to her best friend's aid. Hermione was a Gryffindor, through and through. She wore her heart on her sleeve and had bravery in spades. She was also loyal to a fault. Hermione wanted nothing more than to run to Harry's side and fight along with him.
However, she forced herself to think logically. Hermione knew that this was Harry's fight and his alone. No one, not even Dumbledore could interfere. It had to be Harry.
It seemed like an eternity that Hermione stood there, Severus clutching her protectively to his side. They watched with baited breath as Harry volleyed back and forth against one of the most powerful wizards to ever live. If Severus had not had such a tight grip on her, Hermione was sure she would have crumpled to the ground. It was beyond nerve wracking to watch her best friend, her brother, barely dodge the deadly curses that were being aimed his way.
Eternity finally came to a merciful end. In a brilliant flash of light, and Hermione expected that Harry had some unseen support, Voldemort was no more. For the first few minutes, the hall was deathly quiet. It seemed as though everyone was hesitant to believe that it was finally over. The tyranny of Voldemort was over and the wizarding world could breathe again.
Suddenly, the entire hall erupted in cheers. Some people were yelling out their victory, some were clapping, some congratulating Harry. Some simply hugged their loved ones or the person closest to them. It didn't matter who it was, they were just grateful for human contact after having seen some of the most horrific things possible.
Severus did not care who was around. He swiftly put his arms around Hermione and proceeded to kiss her with the most fierce passion Hermione had ever felt. Kissing him back with just as much fervor, Hermione wrapped her arms around Severus, burying her hands in his hair. A second later, Severus was lifting Hermione off the ground and kissing every inch of Hermione's face he could reach. Hermione could not help the giggles that bubbled up from her throat and escaped her mouth. Hermione had never seen Severus this carefree in front of such an audience. Casting a furtive glance, Hermione saw that they had drawn quite a bit of attention
Clearing her throat, Hermione spoke. "Um, Severus? People are watching." To her surprise, Severus grinned.
"Let them watch. This blasted war is over. We are both standing here, alive, and I no longer have to answer to any master. Yet, all I want to do is let the world know that you're mine. And that I belong to you mind, body, heart and soul. I love you, Hermione."
With that heartfelt declaration, Severus held her even tighter and proceeded to snog Hermione senseless. Neither of them noticed the mouths of many of the students were hanging open, shocked at seeing the Bookworm of Gryffindor in a liplock with their most feared professor.
A/N: I know, it's really short. I MIGHT write more tomorrow(or is it later today?), but it's 12:30 AM right now and I am completely exhausted. So, I hope this will satisfy everyone for now!