You never had our love written in your plans
The group appeared beneath the old oak, and prepared for the flight back to Hogswarts. Harry held Severus' broom steady while he mounted it. With a whispered charm, the broom rose and flew in the direction of the castle. While under the sort of autopilot mode, the broom could not fly fast; but it did leave Severus' hands and mind free.
With a feeling of dejavu, he remembered their last trip. As on that trip, he ran long fingers through her hair, which was flying wildly around him. His thoughts on this trip were in a much different place, though.
She had come to mean so much more to him than even he had imagined she could. When he had dared to let himself consider a relationship with Hermione he had only seen the obvious. Sharing intelligent conversation, some private laughter and companionship, the sense of security one had when tucked warmly into bed with another living being, and, of course, the physical completeness of a lover whose passions ran as deep as your own. He had never loved a woman before in the sense that he did now. It wasn't her mind, or her body. It was the soul, the complete person that she was; the person that filled the gaping holes of his own dark soul.
He closed his eyes and reveled in the feel of this woman, his woman. She was cuddled up against him, her head tucked underneath his chin. Content in his arms, needing no words to reassure her. Still, his mind screamed out words that his mouth could not form, would not form. Words that he needed to say.
He turned his head and realized that Harry now flew beside them.
"You two getting along all right, there??" He asked.
Hermione turned herself inward, toward Harry's voice, pressing her breasts against Severus' chest. Her right cheek lay against his chest, and he could feel her smile and give a small wave.
"OK then, 'Mione. We're going to fly on ahead to the castle. We'll see you both in the morning." Harry motioned to the others, who had been slowly trailing behind. One by one they passed the broom with its two passengers and flew on ahead. When she had watched the last broom pass them by, Hermione turned herself once again and cuddled up against him.
A war still raged inside of Severus Snape. The need to express his feelings to her was overwhelming him. He had never uttered those words to anyone, not with the sentiment they would take on when told to her. He closed his eyes and buried his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply. Taking a deep breath, he tested the words. "I love you."
In his arms she stiffened briefly, then pulled back from him.
His heart dropped into his feet. He knew she would be shocked, but he didn't expect her to reject him. "My own fault, I set the rules for this relationship."
She straightened up a bit and leaned into him, placing her mouth by his ear, where he could be sure to hear her clearly. He braced himself. He closed his eyes and waited for her rebuke.
None came. He felt her breath on his ear and heard her inhale delicately. Then, "I love you, too." Relief coursed through his body and Severus Snape smiled.
She settled herself back down into his arms and closed her eyes. "It was so like him," she mused. No flowery proclamation, just the simple words. Simple words spoken quietly.
But now I'm in demand
Life at Hogwarts settled back into a comfortable routine as the weeks passed. The castle was once again abuzz with activity as the teachers prepared for the students who would arrive at the end of the month.
All the teachers prepared, but one. The Potions Master was preparing in the dungeons. He was preparing for someone else to take over his classes. He was preparing to say goodbye to his home. He was preparing to say goodbye to Hermione.
He had spoken to Draco already.
Following Voldemort's destruction the boy, "no, the man" had settled into a home in Hogsmeade. He visited the castle quite often and was considered a close friend of both himself and Hermione. He had agreed to take care of her after he left. She would need a friend like him. Maybe someday… They would make a good match and he would take good care of her if the fates saw to steer them that way.
He knew what was coming and was trying, for her sake, to remain hopeful. But, even she eventually realized the hopelessness of the situation.
He spent his days restocking the lab's inventory, organizing the student records, and just being busy. His nights were spent in her arms, desperately loving her as if every night was their last.
Severus was seated at his desk, scribbling out notes when Dumbledore knocked once and entered. The Headmaster looked around sadly at the boxes, which sat around filled with Severus' personal effects.
"My dear boy, I hope I'm not disturbing you. I assumed you would want to know the outcome as soon as the Ministry finished their investigation."
Severus sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He reached in his sleeve and removed his wand. With a swish and flick, both doors in the room closed quietly. He visibly steeled himself. "Go ahead, I'm listening."
"Well, obviously, Sirius Black has been found guilty of all charges. He has been removed to Azkaban for the remainder of his natural life."
"They have also concluded that indeed, he was the final Deatheater. They have released official word that Voldemort and his followers have been exterminated."
Severus smiled slightly at this. Three months ago, that news would have been enough, but not now.
"In two days time there is an official day of celebration throughout the wizarding world. Of course the House Elves are beginning preparation for the party that we will be hosting. The owlery is empty as the word is being spread. Hogsmeade has lifted their apparation wards and is preparing for the guests that will begin arriving tomorrow. The castle will be full and…"
SLAM!! Severus brought his fist down hard on the desk.
"Dammit! Enough about parties, Albus. What has been decided as to my fate?"
Dumbledore sighed and took the seat in front of the desk. He thought carefully before beginning. "That was indeed the hardest decision for them. Normally, a physical display of violence such as you displayed could only have been met with a prison term. Of course, the services you provided to the Ministry as a spy had to be taken into consideration. Harry and Remus were called upon to testify as to the events that have transpired between yourself and Sirius Black over the years; most importantly, those events pertaining to Hermione. The Ministry is now aware of all that Sirius has done to her. Poppy was called before the board to report on the injuries Hermione sustained in both incidents."
Severus visibly grimaced at this.
"It was necessary Severus. Obviously, they are now aware of the nature of the relationship between the two of you, as well."
"Draco Malfoy was also called before the board. He testified to the beating that he witnessed at the hands of Sirius. In order to spare Hermione the agony of having to relive it all by offering her version, Draco agreed to take Veritaserum and submit his evidence via a Pensieve. The Ministry found it most compelling. After lengthy deliberations they have determined, that they, in no means, can they condone what you did."
"They also realize that there were very extenuating circumstances which surrounded the attack on Black."
"They have ruled that you be cleared of all charges."
Severus realized that he had been holding his breath. A smile broke across his face. "I'm free?"
"You are. Now don't you think you had best begin unpacking?? Hermione and Harry will be returning from Hogsmeade soon. Clean all this up before she gets here."
Albus paused, his hand on the doorknob. His blue eyes twinkled, "Oh and Severus, Don't lose track of the time. Your colleagues will be wanting to congratulate you. You and Hermione ARE expected at the Great Hall for the evening meal. Welcome back, Severus,"
He was free. Free to live his life, to teach, to love. Free to dream again about the future. A future that was safe and secure. No more Voldemort, death threats, hiding, pain. A future with Hermione.
With a happy sigh, the Potions Master started to unpack.