Even Dreams Lie

By Akasha Ravensong

Chapter twenty-three:

Happily Ever After?

It was beautiful, it was dramatic. Thunder and lightening lanced through the sky in the intricate dance of nature older then time itself. This years first year students were drenched to the bone and chilled by the harsh wind that blew across Hogwart's grounds. It was a mysterious night that gave them the most foreboding view of the castle, an impression that would stay with them for many, many years to come.

This was a world full of strange mysteries that would never end. For those muggleborn witches and wizards who arrived tonight, their lives would be filled with the new found amazement and wonder of this world of magic that they found themselves stumbling into. Just as Hermione had those many years ago.

It was going her fifth year teaching here at Hogwarts and she was very happy. She and Severus Snape were still together and making plans for the future. Absently, Hermione played with the ring she wore on her left ring finger. Her closest friend, Ginny Weasley, was round with child. Things often didn't go the way that they were planned, but that didn't stop life from being wonderful.

She and Severus still fought sometimes, but their love for each other was strong and unshakable. Their wedding, only a few months away, would be proof of that. They were in this crazy thing called life together, no matter what. Severus glanced at Hermione and smiled, placing his hand on her thigh and taking her hand in his.

They watched the students get sorted into their houses in silence, clapping occasionally when they saw children or relatives of people they knew. Ginny's Nephew, Percy and Penelope's daughter was sorted into Ravenclaw. Hermione smiled. She watched as the older students patted the first years on the back and welcomed them to their tables for the next seven years, where they would become each other's pseudo-family.

To be young and innocent again... to dream of your Prince Charming and still think that love made everything perfect. She shook her head and laughed quietly to herself. Hermione had learned that life wasn't all hearts and flowers

Was this happily ever after? Probably not, but it was close enough. And yes, Hermione Granger and Severus Snape had finally found their happiness.

Sorry I cut this fic shorter then I had planned but I was running out of ideas. Thank-you to those who read and reviewed this story. I'm going to be starting a new Hermione fanfic soon and I hope that some of you will read and review that fic too. I'm going to be looking for one r two beta readers for that fic too, so please let me know in a review if you're interested.

Blessed be

Raven Lynne