Epilogue

Snape's POV

Severus awoke to light streaming in across his eyes. They fluttered open against his wishes and he groaned at the rude awakening. He could feel the warmth across his skin as it fought against the summer breeze. Though that wasn't his only source of heat.

He was currently staying in a B & B for a couple of weeks. The owners were an elderly couple who didn't seem to mind his presence nor did they force him to socialize or attempt to feed him. No one else seemed to be staying here at this time. Which worked out perfectly for him. It was a simple set of lodgings. But it was perfect for the time being. This place of residence was only temporary. Light and neutral tones spread out through the room. A large bed with a comfortable bedspread. Their own personal washroom was attached to the bedroom. There was a vanity, a wardrobe, and of course a table with two chairs.

It has been over three months since the final battle and his memories of Hermione from that night still haunted him.

The moments of that night passed in a blur once Hermione had woken up. He was not ashamed to admit that there were many tears shed. Hermione didn't wake with a gasp or by sitting upright. Her eyes fluttered open as if she was simply waking from a deep sleep. She was still sore but all of her injuries had been healed. They embraced and Severus caught her up to speed. They fell asleep that night in the infirmary too caught up in their emotions to think about the consequences. They awoke in the morning to find Madam Pomphrey smiling with watery eyes. She was so pleased not to have to deal with another death that she completely cruised over the fact that Hermione and he were sleeping together. Though in her line of work there probably wasn't much that surprised her anymore. They were just lucky that no one else had discovered them. Now was not the time to draw attention to their relationship status when everyone should be surprised and overjoyed over Hermione's miraculous incline in her health. But that was all in the past. Their future was just about to begin. They were leaving in the next week to begin their travels. And once they returned they were going to be looking for a more permanent place to reside.

Looking down, Severus found Hermione curled up against his side. Her nose was scrunched up from whatever thoughts consumed her sleep but other than that she was peaceful. She looked absolutely beautiful and that didn't just have to do with her being naked with her breast pressed up against his chest. No, it was the feeling of her heart pressed up against his. The feeling of her alive by his side. Her skin marked by scars was smooth along her back as his hand possessively held her close to him. Her curly hair tickled his bare skin but he couldn't complain since she was here in his arms. Though Hermione denies that there isn't even a mark left on her chest from the dagger. Severus could still see in his mind the place where the blade was embedded into her.

Though he was relieved beyond words could describe that she was alive and it had worked. It left him a bit unstable. More so than what he expected. He had to deal with not only the mental aspect of accepting the Dark Lord's final demise but also coming close to losing Hermione and having to stab her in the heart.

Severus always knew that people would get hurt in war. He couldn't remember all of the countless names and faces of people who died in this blasted war. And frankly, he didn't want to, It would be too much to bear for one's shoulders. Or that people got hurt in the name of love. It was tremendously worse when the two were combined. He knew once the war ended and the realization that the Dark Lord was truly gone that he would feel immense relief. But it was nothing compared to Hermione's revival. He felt an immediate relief when Hermione woke up. But with the Dark Lord, it was gradual and slow-paced.

The problem of surviving that no one ever talks about is how it stays with you for the rest of your life. He had been having difficulties settling into the now and here instead of focusing on the there and future. He always had to stay seven steps ahead and plan for every possible outcome. He never had a chance to take a breath and enjoy the present. This was how it started though. Going through memory lane and dancing with ghosts. It was a slippery slope into oblivion. Severus has been there once before when he tried to heal from the first war and he would be damned if he let himself go there again.

Disassociating was a skill he developed and perfected as a spy. He wouldn't have survived otherwise. But now he had found that skill shifted from his work as a spy into his normal life. He would catch himself staring off into space. He felt like he was having an out-of-body experience. Time was just passing on without him. He was always detached from other people but some days he couldn't bear to be in Hermione's presence. Thankfully she completely understood and had her own duties to attend to.

There wasn't a need for him to even call him the Dark Lord anymore. He could call him Voldemort but a 20-year-old habit was hard to quit. Nor was there a need to sensor every one of his thoughts or words. To carefully think of what he wished to say in advance in order to not give himself away. Though there was always the threat of rouge death eaters. However, they were too busy on the run from the ministry which was also being rebuilt from its foundations up. For once in his life, Severus didn't have to constantly look over his shoulder. Without the threat of the Dark Lord and Spying, Severus found himself with more free time than he knew what to do with. He had never been so happy to be summoned to Dumbledore's office to discuss the future of the school. Dumbledore wasn't surprised when he handed in his retirement. He had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He had given several recommendations for his replacement but other than that he hadn't been much help. The future of the school was no longer his concern. Luckily thanks to his connections to St. Mungo's and their patient list he was able to start building a following of potential customers. He already had some ideas for some new experiments. Finally feeling inspired and creative again. At the top of his list was a scar removal. Though he knew there was no chance of removing his dark mark he thought he would give it to Hermione. She may not wish to remove the word Mudblood from her arm but he thought he would at least give her the choice. He was hoping to analyze the effects of cruciatus. And he was going to go over his old notes on Lycanthropy. He doubted he would be able to find a cure though he may be able to develop a potion that could help alleviate the pain of the transition.

He wished he could say that he was stronger than ever. But that wasn't true. Years of war and spying had destroyed and bent him in ways that left him undistinguishable. It was as if every time he looked at his reflection the image was hidden behind a fog. The image was solid but the details were blurry. Over the last couple of months, he had to rebuild himself and figure out who he was and who he wanted to be. For once in his life, he had a choice. And he chose Hermione.

Hermione was busy with studying and to no one's surprise received the highest marks for the year and had even set some new academic records. Their graduation was simple, corresponding with a war memorial for the school. The after-party was wild though. Though Severus couldn't confirm it since he avoided the students as much as possible in his last days as a Professor. Hermione on the other hand along with her friends decided to have one last harraw with just the three of them before they entered the real world and were drawn in different directions.

She had yet to inform her friends or the order of their relationship, however, she decided to inform them that the two of them were going to be together for the summer as they travelled across the world. New Orleans was their first stop. Followed by India, Thailand, Cambodia and ending with Croatia. Severus was going to collect several rare ingredients; it was cheaper to collect one's own ingredients rather than pay for them. Hermione couldn't refuse such an opportunity to not only spend time with him but to also experience such vast and rich cultures. Something that will surely help in her budding career. She figured that it might help with people's perception of the two and their ability to comprehend their relationship if they knew that the two of them were spending more time together than strictly working together. It was a possibility that when they revealed their relationship others might think that it began during this summer and not months prior. Neither was going to correct them. Though they were willing to inform others about their relationship, there were some things they just wanted to keep to themselves.

He always enjoyed watching Hermione. But now it wasn't only a want but also a need. To ensure that she would not simply disappear before his eyes but to also make sure he never missed a single detail. He made sure that he didn't spend all of his time caught up in his own well-being to ignore hers. Though they both took the time to help with their own personal mental health. She had been handling post-war life better than him. It was to be expected since he had been suffering longer than she had. Though she was a lot younger and much more susceptible to the struggles of post-traumatic stress disorder. Unlike him who had much more experience. But some days she faltered and her smile didn't reach her eyes. She was never a big fan of large crowds, to begin with, but now she almost had a panic attack with just being in a classroom. He was sure that she realized he was being more possessive than normal. He found himself wanting to touch her more. Nothing sexual. Though their love life was still as passionate and incredible as ever. The touches were innocent. For the most part. His hand grazed her arms or the bare skin on her stomach whenever he stood behind her. Leaning down to whisper in her ear. It comforted him to be close to her. And she certainly had no complaints about his newfound affection. He found that his nightmares were more prominent when Hermione wasn't sleeping with him. But he had awoken on more than one occasion in a cold sweat terrified that Hermione had died only to find her in his arms. But last night was nightmare-free. In fact, he had a pleasant dream which hopefully promised a repeat performance.

Especially once he kissed her awake.

"Mmm. Morning," he said once she began to shift against him and respond to the kiss.

Her eyes opened, revealing the chocolate brown colour. Her eyes were always rich and he could easily drown in them every time he looked at her. There was such a softness and boldness that only she could possess. Even when they still held the signs of sleep. "Good morning to you." Looking around the room she noticed the way the room was illuminated with light and squinted at the bright contrast to the darkness. Turning back to him she asked, "What time is it?"

"Quarter to 10." They had a bit of a lie in this morning. Severus was enjoying it greatly. Hermione on the other hand threw herself out of bed in a hurry. Oh yes. Severus remembered. There was an order meeting at 10. He wasn't planning on going. He was not interested in attending such gatherings where small talk was the focus. But Hermione clearly was. And was definitely running late.

He couldn't help but be amused as she ran around the room nearly tripping on last night's clothes as she searched for something to wear. Merlin, she was adorable when she was frantic. The way she moved with not only youth but also joyous life. She ran into the bathroom and he could hear the sound of water flowing as she no doubtedly brushed her teeth. The fog had finally started to clear. This was what he wanted in life. He would be exceedingly happy to wake up to this every day for the rest of his life. It would leave him feeling quite satisfied. Knowing that if someone as smart and incredible as Hermione found something in him worth loving then maybe he can one day find it himself. And he looked forward to exploring more into their shared love.

"Hey, can I borrow this?" Hermione asked, referring to Severus's shirt she picked up off the ground, snapping Severus out of his reflection. Though she needn't have to ask. He appreciated all the same that she asked for his permission.

"What's mine is yours isn't that how it goes.

"That's only if we are married," she teased as she threw it on over her head. The dark blue button-up looked delicious on her. Especially as her curly hair exploded across her shoulders. She wouldn't have time to try and tame it. Much to Severus' pleasure. He performed it like this. Unbound and wild.

"Maybe one day," Severus said as he too hauled himself out of the bed and made his way to get dressed. He had no plans for this day except to start looking into hotels and brochures. He needed to start planning on what his days will be filled with this summer. Though he planned on not working and fulfilling errands every day. The world was a fast and interesting place and he looked forward to showing Hermione all. He couldn't give her the world but together they could explore it. "If that is something you are interested in?" He asked as he moved closer until he stood behind her. He wasn't planning on dropping down on one knee at this moment. He didn't even have a ring but he was curious if it was something she was interested in. He had no problem staying with her for the rest of their lives and though marriage was never something he considered before. He never had someone to consider it with. But he couldn't deny that the thought of her carrying his last name was an intriguing thought. Or to see her wearing a ring signalling to others that they crossed the line to unlimited love.

"I might be, one day," she admitted with shyness as she bit her lip. A nasty habit of hers that she knew drove him crazy. But it wasn't just that that pushed him to kiss her but the light in her eyes as she got excited at the promise of their future. His hand found its way wound in her hair as he drew her closer to him. Her hands landed on his hips toying with where his skin met the roughness of his jeans. Her lips were soft as they opened against his. He traced her lips with a gentleness barely scraping the desire hidden underneath the surface.

"I have to go," she said with a sigh as she pulled away from him. She was duty-bound to join her friends. She may spend her days with them but at night she belonged with him. Though she gave him another quick kiss before she grabbed her wand and other possessions.

"I will be right there," Severus said as Hermione ran out of the door. Fully prepared to follow her. Forever.

Thank you to everyone who has read my story. This has been my longest story yet. And this originally started as a one-shot

Please Comment and Review. I would love to know what you thought about the plot, character interactions, dialogue and writing style.

I would also like to hear some ideas from you guys on what I should write next. I'm thinking about doing a couple of one-shots and a short story where the other characters react to their secret relationship. Let me know what you guys think.