Disclaimer--I don't own Harry Potter or any other characters.

The next morning Hermione awoke warm under the covers of her hospital bed. The room was empty except for Severus asleep on the couch. Hermione smiled slightly at the sight of him. She was glad that he obviously hadn't been badly hurt. She was so confused. She wanted to smile because Severus loved her. And she loved him. Than again, she wanted to cry because of the situation she was in.

Hermione made her way out of her room, looking around for more people. She felt weak, which she assumed was because of the Cruciatus Curse. When she saw the sign on the door next to hers that said Potter she opened it.

She couldn't help thinking to herself that she was a Potter as well. Harry was sitting up in bed.

"Hermione!"

She came to his bedside and hugged him for a long time.

"Are you all right Harry?"

He smiled. "Pretty well. And yourself?"

"Tired," Hermione said.

"Listen Hermione. After what happened yesterday I realized that I don't want to be fighting with you. If you really like Snape, I guess I can try to understand. Although I don't think I ever will."

Hermione was quiet for a second.

"I've never felt this way about someone Harry. He makes me so happy. If you just saw the way he treats me I think you would understand." She paused.

"I love him."

Harry simply nodded.

"Have you told your parents?"

Hermione shuddered.

"No. But it certainly won't be fun when I do. Where are they?"

"They went home for the night. They'll probably be back soon. They were so worried about you Hermione. Your mum was shaking and crying."

There was a light rap on the door.

"Come in," Harry said.

Dumbledore and McGonagall entered the hospital room.

McGonagall immediately embraced Hermione and Harry.

"Oh, it's so great to see the two of you up. How are you feeling?"

"Fine," they both said.

"Albus and I were so worried..."

"We're really fine." Hermione gave another weak smile.

There was another knock on the door and without waiting for a response, it was flung open.

"Hermione!" Gloria Granger ran over to her and began sobbing. "I was so scared....I love you so much."

Hermione's father, Jay Granger, came over and rubbed her head.

"I love you too Sweetheart." He kissed her forehead.

Soon Ron arrived from Hogwarts. He was extremely happy to see his two best friends, and shocked to learn that they were twins.

"Yes Ron, we know what each other is thinking," Hermione smiled..

The rest of the day was consumed with exchanged storys of how scared everyone had been and how happy they were that everything was alright. Hermione had to relive her tale of what had happened to Dumbledore, just as Harry had in past years. Dumbledore called Hermione, Harry, and Severus into a room later in the afternoon.

The storytelling had been going very well until they arrived at a certain part.

"And then Voldemort made me hold up my wand. He wanted me to kill Severus."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled when she used Snape's first name, but he said nothing.

"And I said I wouldn't. And he asked me why. I..."

Hermione put her head in her hands and shook it back and forth. Severus reached over and took her hand in his.

"Headmaster, she said she loved me."

Dumbledore smiled and patted Hermione's head.

"Dear girl," he said, "there is no reason to cry. In my opinion, it's a true match of the minds. And the hearts. And though others will object because of age or whatever reason, you will always have my approval." He smiled.

Hermione looked up.

"Thank you Sir," she said.

She continued with the story and soon it was finished. Dumbledore dismissed Harry and Hermione, leaving Severus.

"You know," he began, "you will have to ask for Hermione's parents' approval.."

"For what?"

"Well, first of all, you need to inform them of your relationship. I daresay they will be shocked, but they will understand if you explain everything to them. Also, I know how much you love her. I can see it in your eyes."

Severus didn't speak.

"I know what you're thinking. You think it's too soon, and she too young. Well, she is 18 at least. She used that Time-Turner in her third year. Also, I think it may be best to do it now, while there may be a state of peace before the chaos starts. That beautiful ring has been in your family for centuries." He smiled.

"That's all I will say. It's your decision, and I trust that you will make the right one."

"Mum?"

"Yes Hermione? Aren't you so excited to get to leave this place tomorrow?"

"Oh yes. Definitely. Can I ask you something?"

"Sure baby."

Mrs. Granger sat on the edge of her daughter's bed.

"I have to tell you something."

"I figured so. You've been so quiet. What's the matter?"

"Well, it's not bad. Please let me finish before you can tell me what you think." Hermione paused.

"This past year I've fallen in love."

Gloria smiled.

"Oh, that's wonderful! With whom?"

"Severus."

"Severus? Severus Snape? Your professor?"

"Yes mum. Please let me finish. He was the only one who understood me this year. He cares for me and loves me."

Gloria shook her head.

"Listen please!" Hermione's eyes were welling up with tears.

"He almost died for me yesterday. If Voldemort wanted to kill me, Severus would have done everything in his power to stop it. If it wasn't for him, I have no doubt that I would be dead!"

"But he's so much older...."

"Not in the mind. I don't think I could ever fall for someone immature. Someone that's my age currently. Please try to understand."

Severus paced back and forth. He was prepared for all the accusations he could think of. He knocked on the door where Hermione's parents were sleeping for the night.

"Come in."

Heart pounding, he opened it.

Hermione hugged her parents goodbye.

"I'll see you at the end of term. I love you!"

She was back at Hogwarts. It felt so right to be back at her home. She was greeted and well wished by many of her classmates on the way to the dungeons. She had to tell Severus the news that her mother had reluctantly approved of their relationship. She opened the door.

Severusd was standing there, underneath a banner that read:
Welcome Home Hermione!

"Aww, thanks Severus!" She gave him a kiss.

"There's something else too."

"What?"

He took a deep breath.

"Hermione, since the first day I saw you I knew there was something special about you. Our relationship has grown so much this year. And I love you."

He kissed her nose.

"I never thought I could love again until you came into my life. You make me so happy. You encourage me to be a better person. There is nothing that would make me happier then to have you with me forever. So,"

He knelt down on one knee and opened a box with a beautiful emerald ring. Hermione gasped.

"Will you be my wife?"

She started crying.

"Yes Severus! I will marry you!"

He slipped the ring on her finger and the two hugged and kissed for a long time.

A/N-- Hope you liked that!  I know I loved writing it! Now make me happy and review!