Disclaimer--HP isn't mine

The three bodies slammed onto the library floor. Severus wearily lifted his head off the ground and looked around. The library was empty. He ran over to Hermione and Harry, who both appeared to be unconscious. He checked their pulses, and was relieved that they were both breathing. He collapsed onto the ground, suddenly feeling extremely tired. He closed his eyes, letting sleep overcome him.

Hermione slowly opened her eyes. She sat up in bed and stared around the dark hospital room. She immediately realized she wasn't in Hogwarts. This wasn't the Hogwarts Hospital Wing, but much larger. Her entire body ached as she tried to sit up. Then she saw Severus sitting on a nearby bed.

"Hermione? Oh thank God you're awake!"

He came over to her and embraced her.

"I thought...." He stopped his sentence.

"What happened?" Hermione asked.

"Voldemort's gone Hermione. Not dead, but definitely extremely weak. Your parents are here, they're asleep outside. Dumbledore will be stopping by soon as well. You're at St. Mungo's."

Hermione shook her head.

"I can't believe that I'm the one. I'm the daughter of Lily and James Potter."

Severus took her hand in his and held it. They sat in the silence of the dark hospital for a long time. There were so many questions Hermione wanted and needed to ask, but she held them back. Then Hermione spoke.

"I meant what I said down in the Chamber. I really did."

Severus looked at her to see a single tear rolling down her cheek. He wiped it away.

She stared into his black eyes.

"I love you."

Severus sighed and stood up. He began pacing the room.

"Hermione, there was a time when I thought I would never love again. I was too upset, too afraid. And carrying your limp body was something I hoped never to do again. He could have killed you."" His voice trembled slightly while saying this.

"But something special happened yesterday. The Dark Mark hurt as I carried you, yet I was able to go on. And something happened that the Dark Lord never thought was possible."

And with that, Severus pulled up his sleeve, revealing....nothing. The Dark Mark was gone. Hermione gasped. She pulled up the sleeve of her white hospital robes to find a faint outline still there.

"Yours will never go away completely Hermione. That's because you're the chosen one. But here's what happened. If two Death Eaters or people with the Mark completely love and trust each other and will bond to fight against the Dark Lord, their Marks will go away. He never thought this would happen because Death Eaters are selfish and will, in the end, think of only themselves. But as you can see, my Mark is gone, and yours is very faint."

He sighed.

"Therefore, as much as I'm scared of losing you, and as much as my stubborn self doesn't want to admit it, I love you too."

Hermione smiled. She kissed Severus, and began crying.

"I was so scared of losing you," she sobbed. "I thought for sure he would kill you there, right in front of me. And I'm just as scared as you are of losing you. But I'm willing to take that risk."

They held each other for a long time. Eventually Hermione fell back asleep.

A/N--Sorry this is really short, but as you can probably tell, I've had no time. No, the story isn't over. Believe me, I'll tell you when it is. Also, I know Hermione's birthday is Sept. 19, but I'm going to say that's the day she was adopted. If you think about it, it makes sense. Thanks for all the support of my story, I'm so happy you like it! Now make my day and review, and maybe I'll get you a new, long chapter soon! :0)