A/N:

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Chapter 17: Revelation's

Spinner's End….Same day…..

Severus and Hermione apparated to the steps leading into Severus' home with Hermione cradled in his arms. Reluctantly Hermione stepped away from Severus and looked up at him not knowing what to say. He looped her arm into his and led her into his home.

They walked into Severus' home arm in arm. Both seemed to be attempting to grasp at the reality of everything that had happen over the last week. It seemed so sudden and abrupt that something so drastic and life altering could happen in literally a blink of an eye. Hermione's mind was made up she was leaving Britain with or without Severus but she hoped he would join her.

Once again Hermione found herself in Severus' sitting room. It felt like yesterday she had been sitting here feeling so awkward and out of place when he came home from the hospital. She looked around the room attempting to understand how the dynamics of their relationship had taken such a mighty turn for the better. She never thought that she would be able to share her love with him. She always assumed that it would be unwanted and she would be forever in the shadows helping him if needed while he lived his life alone or worse with someone else.

She knew that sadly she had fallen in love with a man she didn't really know. And after every tragic incident cascaded down over her shoulders she clung to his motionless body in that hospital bed for dear life, willing him to live with every breath that she took.

And now, here she sat, in his sitting room knowing for certain that her love would not go unanswered. That he too felt as she felt. She knew that with every fiber of her being that he loved her as sincerely as she loved him. His black orbs staring at her made her shiver with glee. Like a giddy school girl passing her final exams.

"Severus, I would very much like some tea and a nap." Giving him a bashful smile she was exhausted. She couldn't remember sleeping while in Egypt nor does she remember Severus sleeping either. She attempted to stifle a yawn.

"Yes I believe you have the right idea Hermione. Let's go to my room and sleep, forget the tea." A mischievous smirk graced his lips as he held his hand out to gather hers to lead her upstairs. She grabbed his hand and wrapped her arms around him tightly never wanting to let go. He was shocked at such a fierce embrace. He could feel her unwavering love shiver over his body. Looking deeply into her eyes he swept her up and carried her up the stairs to his room. Hermione relished his strength and ability to carry her up the stairs. She felt safe, secure, protected, loved, could it be true that Severus Snape, bat of the dungeons, was actually her knight in shining armor?

Gently laying her on the bed and spooning in behind her Severus wrapped his arms around Hermione and laid his head atop of hers with their legs intertwined. "Sleep Hermione and I shall be here when you awake my love." He whisked away the hair from her face as she snuggled into him as deeply as she could. Sleep consumed them both easily.

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Hermione awoke several hours later in the same position in which she and Severus had fallen asleep. Savoring the warmth from his body up against her Hermione fell into deep thought. It seemed like yesterday Harry, Ron and herself were running across Hogwarts in the midst of battle. Rushing to the shrieking shack seeing so many friend's dead, while others fought for their lives. Then her parents being killed and the turmoil she dealt with over Ron and Arthurs' "death" which she knows now that was not the case. Her life had been a roller coaster the last several years. Harry always having been the constant in her life, she almost felt guilty for turning down his love.

She knew though that Harry was merely confused. She knew he truly loved Ginny. She giggled for a moment, even though she thought he was gay for about two seconds. Harry was meant for Ginny, she even looked like his mother! He will eventually forgive her for the moments of insanity she showed the last few months. There was immense stress on her shoulders after all.

Severus let out a small moan and brought Hermione back to her current situation. She had never felt so protected, so wanted, no needed maybe both. She was ready to move tomorrow though. It may be quick and abrupt but she had the money to back it up and the inventory to open her store. She wanted as far away from London as possible. Maybe even the United States would be the best option…and warmer. Major downsides…she knows nothing about the United States. Upside…she knew nothing about the United States which would mean an adventure…an adventure without threats to her person on a daily basis.

Research and travel is what she felt was necessary for her first step. She began to wonder where Severus would feel most comfortable. Mentally slapping her, it's not even a guarantee that Severus will even go with her anywhere. Instantly she began to feel worry and dread creeping up on her mind. What if he thought only of her as a one off? What if she had sex with him and he never spoke to her again? She couldn't let that happen. She was a virgin for crying out loud! But have mercy that man could set her on fire. Who was she kidding, laughing at herself mentally, there is no need for insecurities now.

His kisses…his hands….oh my…fantastic now her knickers were soaking wet. She desperately tried to think of something else. Something horrid that would sway the burning in the pit of her stomach. Between her insecurities and fear of losing her purity she tried vigorously to push those unfamiliar feelings away. She really did want to lose those things though her inner self told her, she wanted to lose them to Severus. She felt amazing just thinking about him, being held so tightly by him, being…just maybe…loved deeply by him. A small smile graced her lips as she closed her eyes and fought to find sleep once again.

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Severus awoke to Hermione's curly hair tickling his nose. He never appreciated the mop on her head that she called hair. It truly smelled wonderful and was so soft. He felt like the luckiest wizard in the world to have this young, beautiful witch in his bed. He felt the urge to check her vision. She must be blind. Surely she knows she could have any man in the wizarding world. He was nothing too look at, his outward appearance was dismal and god help his inner self. Old, hateful, cantankerous, greasy bat of the dungeons, never goes anywhere without a sneer; spiteful, insulting…Merlin knows he could go on all day.

He could feel the mask of indifference on his face. He never displayed any emotion due to his Occlumency. Why would she even consider him? He had a list of cons about his general disposition that would easily fill five foot of parchment. He had no pros. Nothing to offer her…he wasn't wealthy like Lucius, he didn't have the personality or confidence that Lucius could easily display around the fairer sex, zero ability to be charming, why would she want someone like him?

They had something's in common at least. They were both highly intelligent, brilliant individuals. And they both wanted to be independent business owners, sell their homes, and move. He grasped hold of her just a little more tightly when he heard her moan a bit in her sleep. However, he didn't want to move anywhere he had already been before. He wanted to move somewhere new, somewhere no one could recognize him, somewhere muggle. A moment of fear passed through his mind as he registered that Hermione may not want that or even go with him. He would not lose her. He had to make a decision before she wakes. He will not lose another love from his life. He will do as she wishes from this day forth. She will be put on a pedestal and no one will ever hurt her again.

Only for her would he drop his occlumency shields. Only for her would he drop his façade of the deadly vampire of the dungeons. He will give her, marriage, children whatever she wants. Most importantly he will always give her love, patience, and kindness. Well…he will try at first…but there will be no guarantees that the beginning won't be a bit rough around the edges. He will not push her away though, as he did Lily. He will never lose her, as he did Lily.

Lily was his beautiful first love. His ruby of all rubies, but Hermione, she was his diamond in the rough; his last and only love. He could only imagine how far his love would take him with Hermione. Thinking over the last twenty years and the decisions he made creating the chain reaction that took his Lily away. Every action that followed her death caused him to barrel role deeper and deeper into himself. The things he done in the name of the Dark Lord was nearly as bad as the things he had to do in the name of Dumbledore. And it was all for her, Lily. He knew this new path would not be a darken path. Hermione has shown him love Lily never bothered to show. She was persistent, she saved him, stayed with him in the hospital, came for him in Egypt when no one else had. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She was his now. He merely had to await her to wake and then they can begin their lives in the right path.

Severus was brought out of his thoughts to a tapping on the window. Hermione jumped up in the bed nearly falling to the floor! She let out a screech as half her body hung off the bed and immediately began laughing. Severus even let out a small chuckle as he helped her back into the bed. He pulled her too hard as she swung back up on the bed they bumped heads and she began to giggle like a school girl, while Severus gave a small chuckle.

He got up from the bed carefully avoiding Hermione's clumsy appendages and walked to the window allowing the tiny barn owl to swoop into the room. The owl landed on the bed and dropped its letter in front of Hermione and hooted obviously waiting for a reply.

"Well I wonder who this is from." Hermione stated

A/N

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