The Best Sacrifice
PART FOUR
Severus found himself visiting Hermione as often as he could. He even got to meet her grandparents during the Easter Break. They seemed to take to him immediately and were not shy in telling him embarrassing stories about Hermione, especially when she was little and before she was accepted into Hogwarts. Of course, he had told his own grand parents about her and they had invited her to visit them which she had been rather excited about. They had told her embarrassing childhood stories about him which had caused her to grin evilly at him in retribution.
Ransford had tried to give Hermione a new lamb but she had regretfully told him she wasn't allowed lambs in her flat. So, she had settled for naming the lamb Beatrice and Ransford had told her that anytime she wished to have Beatrice she would be waiting for her. Mabel had promised to make a sweater out of the wool from Beatrice when she was older and had more fleece.
Severus had finally told Hermione's friends that she was alive. There had been some rather heated arguments and insults shot at him when they had learned that he had known she was alive for quite a while before telling them. Harry, Minerva and Ron had been really close to attacking Severus, even if it was verbally. Albus had had to step in and prevent them though Severus didn't think he would ever forget the disappointed look Albus had given him when he had informed the Headmaster that Hermione was alive.
Now Severus found himself competing with Hermione's friends for her attention. Though, she did seem to always have time for him. So he wasn't going to complain too much.
They had been seeing each other for several months now and Severus had been spending a lot of time in the Muggle world, learning more about the different aspects of the Muggle world. He had become rather fascinated with chemistry and had been working with Hermione on some of her projects for it. He was finding himself becoming more and more comfortable in the Muggle world, more so than in the magical world. And now he was thinking more about the future, especially one with Hermione in it.
"Grandfather, how far would you go for Grandmother?"
Severus was having dinner with his grandparents on night before the school year was to end. He watched as Ransford Snape watching his wife lovingly as she left the room to see to the dinner preparations.
"I would die for her. And if she asked me to, I would kill for her. Why, have you been thinking about Miss Granger?"
"Yes. I love her but I haven't told her in words though I think she understands. I haven't wanted to verbally say anything until she does but I'm really thinking that I need to do something. I feel like we're at a stalemate in our relationship."
"Severus, my boy, do what you have to do," Ransford said softly placing his hand on Severus' shoulder.
Severus raised his head and looked up at his grandfather. Ransford was giving him an almost sad smile, as though he knew what Severus was thinking of doing. Severus rose slowly and after a moment's hesitation he pulled his grandfather into his arms and embraced him tightly.
"Just promise me you'll let me know what you decided to do."
"I will grandfather."
Ransford gave Severus a firm fatherly pat on the back before pulling back and grinning at Severus. Severus returned the smile almost shyly. Mabel called them to dinner and the moment was lost though not forgotten by either men. Severus had made his decision when his grandfather had told him to do what he had to. And Severus knew that he had made the right decision. Later that night after leaving his letter to Albus explaining his reasons, he took the potion.
He stood outside her door, nervously fiddling with the bag in his hand. He took a deep breath and knocked. A few minutes later the door opened.
"Severus! Wha…what are you doing here at," she looked at her watch, "ten in the morning. Don't you have a class to teach?"
"I am no longer the Potions Master of Hogwarts. I no longer fit the requirements."
"What! You had better come inside and explain."
Severus entered the flat and set his bag down. He suddenly wondered if he had really done the right thing. He turned to look at Hermione and seeing her concerned yet confused look knew that he had.
"I can no longer teach Potions at Hogwarts or any school for that matter."
"But why? Did you do something outrageous that made them fire you?"
"I wasn't fired; I resigned."
"Why?"
Severus searched her face for a long silent moment before speaking softly. "I no longer am a wizard."
"What?" she breathed, her eyes widening to an impossible size.
"I love you, Hermione. I can not stay in the Wizarding world while you're living here as a Muggle and I know you don't wish to return to the magical world so I'm coming to the Muggle world."
"But why did you give up your magic! After all that arguing about my foolishly giving mine up! I'm not worth such a sacrifice!" her eyes filled with tears.
"Oh, but you are, Hermione! You are worth so much more but I'm afraid all I had to give up was my magic. I've spent so much time here in the Muggle world that I know I won't have to adjust too much. I can find a job as a Muggle, perhaps as a Chemistry teacher. But I can not stay in the magical world without you and I could not ask you to return." He took her hands in his and held them tightly against his heart.
"Oh Severus, no, you've sacrificed so much already, why your magic too? I could have lived happily in the magical world with you by my side!" the tears had escaped and were now trickling down her cheeks.
Severus shook his head with a small smile. "I'm sure you would but you would not have been happy. You would have been surrounded by witches and wizards and would start to regret coming back. This is the best solution, my dear, you'll see."
She stared up at him for a long time before finally giving a shaky smile. "You love me?"
"I do; I have for a long time," he said softly cupping her cheek.
"Oh Severus, I love you too." She reached up and pulled his head down to hers for a kiss. He happily obliged.
"Marry me, Hermione," he whispered against her lips.
"Yes, I think that will be the best sacrifice I will ever make."
He slipped the ring on her finger and gathered her close for another kiss. Yes, this would be the best sacrifice. For in the end, they both gained something instead: love.
A/N: Well, that's it; it's done. I hope it was enjoyable and that you'll watch out for my next SS/HG story though that one won't be out for awhile since it's still in the writing processes and I never post stories that aren't finished. Also, I'd like to thank JTBJTB for alerting me to the fact that I had the 'do not accept anonymous reviewers' box checked. Now anyone can review! Anyway, thanks for reading, Celticreeder.