Disclaimer: I do not own this, except for Julie, Septimus and the various other characters you've never read about in the Harry Potter books.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The red dress was sleek and beautiful, made out of a thin, shimmering material. It gave off a hint of curves, just enough to entice. It was a strapless dress, and I had to admit I looked good. I stood before a mirror, running my hands down the front of the dress in amazement at how good I looked. My hair was swept up tastefully on my head in an up-do, leaving my neck bare. Just a bare hint of make-up showed on my face. I had a small diamond necklace on, with matching earrings. I wore a garter belt underneath, and nothing else.

I had three-inch high-heeled shoes that I knew was going to be a mistake, considering the condition my feet will be in after wearing them all night. However, the shoes made me taller and showed off my legs. I wanted to look good - good enough for Severus to notice. It was probably going to take quite a bit - Severus would be doing his best to ignore me, and I wanted it to be nearly impossible for him to take his eyes off of me. I planned on dancing quite a bit, and I hoped that combined it'd be enough to propel Severus into action.

Nervously, I grabbed my purse and stuffed my wand in to it. Doubts lingered, making my stomach clench and my hands begin to tremble. If tonight doesn't work, I'll be all out of ideas on how to get Severus' attentions. What if I don't look as good as I think? What if he really doesn't care? I fought to keep these doubts at bay, and finally just shoved them to the back of my mind and closed the proverbial lid on them. Exiting the room Septimus had provided for me, I made my way down to the entrance hall.

Septimus was already waiting with Julie, who was 'fixing' Septimus wizarding robes by apparently mauling him. Septimus didn't seem to really mind, in fact, he was mauling her right back. I was tempted to politely clear my throat, but I decided another method was better. I wanted them to know that I found it disgusting, and that I didn't really want to see it. Of course, this probably would mean that Septimus would make a point of doing it more often in front of me. Still, a little bit of fun never hurt anybody.

I moved to just within earshot, and then I proceeded to make the loudest retching noises I could safely do without damaging my throat. Julie immediately pulled back, face flushed from her 'fixing', and turning redder with every noise I made. Septimus wasn't embarrassed at all, merely grinning a lovesick, crooked smile down at Julie. It was such an adorable smile, and I didn't have the heart to tell him he looked like a brainless idiot in love.

Then he glanced up at me and whistled. I grinned at him, and he grinned back. There's my intelligent Septimus.

"Damn Hermione. You're going to have to beat them off with a stick. Or perhaps I'll have to." He got that protective look on his face, and I didn't bother to hide the fact that I was rolling my eyes. He grinned back at me, but I knew he wasn't joking. The look in his eyes hadn't disappeared - he really would beat guys off of me, but not with a stick. More likely a few well placed hexes.

I sighed. There was no point in arguing about it. The stubborn man would do what he wanted. "Let's go, before we're late." With two separate pops, the three people in the room disappeared.

Severus POV

I wasn't at all sure I wanted to be going to this...this...function they call a party. Honestly, it's always a horrible experience, and I cannot understand why people would willingly subject themselves to it. The loud music and the overwhelming number of people, the inevitable spiked punch, the groping in dark corners, and the disgusting gyrating movement teenager's call dancing. Add to the disgusting things older people called dancing, and it was a disaster. By the end of the night, I'll have a raging headache. I'll want to leave, but Lucius will insist I stay for the night.

I plopped down onto the worn couch of my sitting room, knocking over my bag. A book without a title was made apparent from the calm flickering of the fire. I stared at it until my vision started to darken around the sides, and it was only when I noticed it seemed to be glowing a bit did I reach for it. The minute my hand touched it, it opened. Words began to slowly fill up the blank pages, and with a jolt I remembered what it was.

It was Septimus' journal, and he was writing in it this very second. I wonder how many entries I've missed. I flipped the pages back to the entry I last read, and sure enough, an entry I hadn't read was already written. I glanced at the date and took note that it was written the day I told Septimus what I was going to do. I settled back to read, knowing I had a couple of hours before the party.

June 5th

Severus is finally awake, and Hermione's never been happier. It's been awhile since I've written because so much as gone on. The war has been fought, and the light won. There were casualties, but those were to be expected. How could they not, when it was a war they were fighting? Severus has told me he plans to break things off with Hermione. I can't believe he'd be idiotic enough to do that. Doesn't he know he's hurting her more trying to prevent hurting her? Gods, the look on her face...

I'm not sure I can handle it.

This war has made everything good seem all the more precious. People have lost family members, and it just emphasizes what those who survive have. The war's finally over, and I don't think I can stand to see the look on Hermione's face. If only Severus could see what it's going to do. He really loves her, I can tell. While I'm not an expert on matters of the heart, I know love when I see it.

I just hope Hermione's strong enough to survive this. It's a lot to take in at once - a war, people you know dying, graduation, saying goodbye, and the man you love breaking up with you.

Severus couldn't have picked a "better" time. Fuckhead.

The entry ended there, but there was another one waiting, just begging to be read. Knowing it was going to hurt reading about Hermione's pain, I felt myself drawn into reading the next entry anyway.

June 11th

It went just like I thought it would.

Severus broke up with Hermione, and she was devastated. She has this plan to force Severus to realize his feelings for her and return to her, but I'm not sure it'll work. Severus is extremely stubborn, and he thinks he's doing the right thing for her. She needs to convince him he's essential to her life and her health. If only I could shake that man.

I have the feeling that whatever she's planning will come to a head at the Malfoy Ball.

Nobody knows this, but Julie and I are engaged. We want to get married as soon as possible and start a family. We have the wedding all planned out, including the guests we want there, and what type of bonding we wished for. All we need is a date. We've agreed to make Hermione our children's godparent. Julie and I both agree it isn't the time to tell her of our engagement, however. It's hard to see somebody else in love when you have nobody. Even if you care for the person, it's still a pain. Circe, I hope Severus comes to his senses soon, or Hermione might not recover. She's operating on the hope that Severus will respond, but if he keeps going the way he's going, she'll stop hoping. And then where will she be?

I struggled to take a deep breath. My eyes felt suspiciously wet. I'm causing Hermione pain. I closed my eyes, knowing it was hopeless against the ache in my chest. Just one more entry, the one he's currently writing. Then all will be well.

June 20th

I've escaped inside the Malfoy sitting room. The party is in full swing, and I needed a moment to get away from the idiocy. Honestly, spiking the punch...how juvenile can people get?

Julie looks so beautiful. I think I'll sneak a picture of her to stick in here. Every time I look at her, I feel like I'm lightheaded and floating. It's a ridiculous feeling, and part of me wishes it would stop. But the part that's enthralled with Julie - that part wishes it never will. It's the stronger of the two parts, so I think it'll last.

Hermione looked smashing. I've never seen her so beautiful, and she's literally fighting the men off of her. I wasn't joking when I said I'd be beating them off with a stick. I've been hexing touchy men the entire time so far. I've even had to throw some male outside and in to the bushes. I'll have to get a picture of Hermione in there as well.

Severus still hasn't shown up, and I think Hermione's becoming worried. She was already nervous, but now she can't seem to sit still. Of course, it helps that men keep coming up and inviting her to dance.

I've got to end this. Julie's noticed I've gone missing, and if she finds out I brought this as a distraction, I'll never hear the end of it.

I felt a small smile curl the edges of my lips upward. I put away the book and stood up, grabbing my cloak before checking that I had everything I needed. Well, I do so hate to disappoint Hermione. She wants me; well she's got me.

Hermione's POV

The party was in full swing. The room echoed with laughter, conversation, and shouts. I glanced over towards the door, hoping to see Severus striding through. The doors remained closed, however. Two males nearby were fighting over a giggling young woman, who didn't seem to mind being fought over. I rolled my eyes and turned my back. Some people are so idiotic.

Draco looked handsome in his dark blue dress robes. His hair wasn't slicked back, instead hanging into his face. He used a pale, well-formed hand to impatiently brush back the lock of hair that constantly fell into his eyesight. He gestured wildly, his gray eyes bright with emotion. His father stood before him, nodding his head in agreement with whatever was being said. Narcissa was standing nearby, looking politely interested in the conversation. She was actually concealing a small, amused smile from his husband and son. I smiled softly. She clearly loves her family. I hope that someday I can feel the same.

While I did not want a family right now, I was not averse to having one or two (three at the most) kids eventually. But I wanted to apprentice to a Transfiguration Master or Mistress before I even thought about starting a family. Of course, if I get married sometime soon, I won't complain. I smiled wistfully at that thought. The sound of laughter diverted my concentration to the opposite side of the room, where Dumbledore and his followers were gathered.

McGonagall looked surprisingly regal in her robes, hair swept up in a bun. It wasn't as tight as usually, allowing some pieces to fall. For an old woman, she looked quite pretty, and had received quite a few offers from not much older men, and a few younger as well. She seemed to have eyes for nobody but Dumbledore, who seemed to be oblivious. Every now and then he would place a hand on McGonagall's arm and give her a fond look. Just like any man, completely oblivious to his woman most of the time. Dumbledore had another one of his odd robes on, this one periwinkle blue with white stars that seemed to flash. His eyes twinkled madly, and he constantly was popping lemon drops.

Lupin looked great in his robes. I wonder where he got them. They look too fancy for something he'd normally have. They were Gryffindor red, showing off his gray-threaded sandy hair. His blue eyes shined with good humor. It wasn't until you were standing next to him that you realized that he wasn't a small man. He was slightly over average height and thin, but had broad shoulders. He was good-looking as well, and despite his status as a werewolf, he too had received many offers of dancing and companionship. He had even accepted a few, but had not stuck with them after the dance was finished. I wonder if he and Tonks are still together.

A tap on my shoulder brought my attention back to myself. Draco stood before me, grinning down at me winningly. I couldn't help but smile back. He bent over my hand and kissed it, requesting that I dance with him. I gracefully accepted and let him lead me out onto the floor. He gathered me close, just on the edge of propriety. I allowed myself to relax and just enjoy the moment, letting go of my lingering doubts that Severus would show up.

"Enjoying yourself, love?" Draco's warm voice said above my head. I glanced up at him.

Very much so, thank you." We lapsed into silence, and I found myself wondering what his plans were now that he had graduated. I asked him as much, and we settled into a nice conversation.

"I plan on studying to get my Charms Master and work for Gringotts. On the side, I plan on experimenting with combining charms together."

"Sounds fascinating," I commented.

"Oh, it will be. The only thing that would make it better would be if I had a pretty girl to assist me from time to time." Draco stared down at me, for once not concealing the longing in his eyes. I felt my breath catch - so I was wanted! But I knew I could never accept when there was hope that Severus would return to me. I smiled uncomfortably and looked away, hoping I'd find a distraction.

"Hermione, I'm not asking for you to commit right now. If...if things don't work out for you, I want you to know that you can always count on me. If we just happen to fall into the nearest bed and shag like monkeys, well I'm quite alright with that." I laughed.

"That's quite the picture. How do monkeys shag, anyway?" I asked. Draco shrugged.

"I heard that expression somewhere and always wanted to use it. Instead of monkeys, how about we shag like rabbits, instead?"

I opened my mouth to reply when a commotion at the door made me turn around. My eyes widened, and my stomach clenched. Bile rose up in my throat, and I forced it down. I felt tears sting my eyes, and I turned away, closing them, attempting to deny what I had just seen.

Severus was lying on the floor, pants around his ankles. He had been apparently leaning against the door on the other side, probably on his way to fucking the tart that lay in his lap right now. Somebody had opened the door and he had fallen onto his back, the woman falling on top of him. I wished the image would just go away, but it seemed burned into my memory. The hoots and catcalls of those around me weren't helping. I opened my eyes to find Draco had disappeared. I cautiously turned around to find Draco had helped Severus to his feet, his pants now on. Draco tore into the woman who had arrived with Severus, no doubt insulting her severely. She started to sob and exited the ballroom, not looking back.

Severus had made his way to stand before me, and I quickly turned back around and closed my eyes. No, no no no no no. Please, just disappear. You're not here, you're not here. His hand on my shoulder disabused me of my hopes, and my eyes snapped open. Rage filled me, and I wanted to lash out and make him hurt like I was. Perhaps that was childish, but at that moment it was what I wanted most.

"Hermione." His voice was soft and hopeful. "Hermione, you look amazing. You are no doubt the best looking witch here." I glanced over to find Dumbledore and the others watching, looking anxious. Nobody else was paying attention, a fact that I was thankful for. I spun around, causing his hand to drop from my shoulder.

"You. How could you? I...I..." I couldn't seem to get the words out, and I knew that any moment I was going to burst into tears. "What? Couldn't get any from the bitch you came with, so you decided to give me another go? Severus Snape, how could you? You know how I feel about you!" A sob escaped, and I beat on his chest ineffectually. He didn't bother to defend himself, only observing me with pain filled eyes.

"Hermione, I didn't meant to -" He tried to speak, but I cut him off.

"I hate you, Snape. I hope I never see you again." I couldn't hold the tears back any longer, and the sobs escaped. Now everybody's attention was on me. I knew I looked a sight - my makeup smearing, sobs escaping, and hair sticking out everywhere. I ran past Severus, fleeing the room and not looking back. I didn't answer whoever was calling my name, asking me to return. I ran as fast I could to the edge of the grounds, and then Apparated.

One Week Later

The wedding was beautiful, with the smiling bride and groom and the beautiful day. I turned my back for a moment, wishing the ache in my chest would go away. I wanted to have a wedding just like this one - with the man I loved sitting next to me, whispering how much he loved me in my ear. Of course, if I had married Snape, he'd probably be complaining about everything.

Septimus and Julie did look happy though, and I refused to be the one to ruin their special day for them. I straightened my shoulders and put on a smile. I took a sip of my pumpkin juice and walked among the other guests.

The night of the ball had been filled with pain and tears. Septimus had left early, leaving Julie to make his excuses. I had curled up into his lap and sobbed, repeating over and over that I wished I didn't love Severus; that I wished he'd leave my heart alone. Septimus had hugged me, telling me that everything would eventually be all right and the pain would go away. I had fallen asleep there, and Septimus had put me to bed.

Any attempts at talking about that night were interrupted with me telling the person I didn't want to speak of it. Septimus, Julie, and all the Malfoys attempted too. They told me that Severus had explained what happened, and that I should hear them out. But I didn't want to, instead preferring to pretend that nothing had happened, that I wasn't in love with Snape.

I had discovered a whole bunch of little booklets on a proper Wizard wedding in the library, hidden behind some books on household charms. When I asked about them, Julie broke down and told me about her and Septimus' wedding plans. After explaining to her that I was happy for her and that she shouldn't put off the wedding on my sake, she agreed to go ahead with it. Septimus had been upset at first that Julie had told me, but he managed to put aside his concerns when faced with Julie's happiness.

And she is happy. She glowed, even in the shade. Her smile was bright and shining, and even Septimus, with his characteristic Snape darkness, seemed to shine. It did hurt to seem them so happy, but it wasn't as bad as Septimus thought it would be. Suddenly amused, the picture of myself falling to my knees and screaming why, all the while crying and tearing my hair out popped into my head. I coughed to cover my laughter. I found myself suddenly amused as the picture of myself falling to my knees screaming, "Why?" popped into my head.

I settled into my seat at the head table, next to Julie. Julie was occupied with Septimus, so I was left alone. I scanned the crowd, smiling at some and simply nodding at others. The Malfoys stood off to one side, talking with Dumbledore and McGonagall. Lupin was near them, discussing something with Potter and Weasley. Weasley gestured with his hand and nearly dumped his cup of cider on Potter, while Lupin observed with a smile.

Family members from Julie's side were clustered around a few tables, talking and laughing amongst themselves. The wedding wasn't a very big affair, not that I thought it would be with Septimus being the groom. Not a single family member from Septimus' side was here. Instead, the Aries staff was attending, along with the aforementioned Hogwarts Headmaster and staff. My friends (and Septimus' too) were off to one side listening to Julie's family talk. Every now and then, one would make a comment and the others would laugh.

Headmaster Tubby was attempting to make a balloon animal the muggle way, and I watched him for a few minutes, laughing softly when the balloon escaped him. He managed to get one balloon into a knot, and popped the balloon when trying to untie it. Finally giving up, he handed a plain balloon that was long and thin to a child nearby and commented that he had made a snake just for him. With a flick of his wand, the snake had two eyes and a mouth, with a forked tongue sticking out. The child thanked the Headmaster profusely, and ran off to show his treasure to his family

Septimus and Julie had gone for a traditional bonding. They had appeared in plan white robes, feet bare and hair loose, with no makeup or jewelry. They had held hands while Dumbledore (who apparently had a marriage license) invoked the God and Goddess and blessed them with a happy, healthy life. With each blessing (may their life be full of love, may they always be happy, never cheat, work out their differences, etc.) a thin rope tied their hands together. The thin rope tied around their hands on it own as they were blessed with a life full of love, full of happiness, fidelity, and understanding. When the ceremony was over, they shook the ropes off, but could not cut them, which would dissolve the marriage. With the ropes in one hand, and their other hands linked, they raised them up above the sky, causing those present to cheer. It was a beautiful ceremony, made all the better by the nature that surrounded them and the love and approval of those who loved the newlyweds.

The sun shone, the smell of flowers lingered in the air, birds chirped, and curious squirrels watched from safety among the trees. It was a wonderful day to get married. It's just one of those classic great days where it seems like nothing could go wrong. I propped my head up on my hand and watched a butterfly float past. I continued to watch as it went higher and higher, finally settling on the hair ornament of one of Julie's family members. After a few moments, it lifted off again, moving towards the woods.

"Hey, Hermione." I jerked upright, startled out of my reverie. I hadn't noticed Tabby and Jon approaching. They watched me wearily, like I was a wild animal that might suddenly attack them. Good friends they may be, but they were uncomfortable with any public display of affection. It's not like I'm going to break down and cry if the talk about Snape in front of me. I thought irritably.

"Hey," I responded.

"So...um...what are you doing tonight? Wanna hang with us?" Tabby asked. I gave her a funny look.

"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" I asked. Tabby looked away, leaving Jon to answer.

"We weren't sure if you'd feel up to it."

I sighed. "I'm not a china doll that'll break if you discuss something that will upset me."

Jon nodded. "I know, I know. But we just want to make sure we aren't...er...taking away from your 'me time'."

"I've had a week of 'me time'. I would love to be invited to have some fun," I snapped. Tabby grinned down at me, suddenly not so anxious.

"Good." She went to say more, but Draco interrupted, inquiring politely if I wished to dance with him. I agreed and left Tabby and Jon smiling happily at the head table.

Draco and I settled easily into the dancing position, not accustomed to holding the other. We twirled around the dance floor with the older couples. I didn't bother to look for anyone I knew. I was suddenly tired, and I just wanted to lie at the edge of the clearing in the sun and sleep. Draco spun me around, and as I swung around, my hand was gripped not by Draco, but somebody taller and darker. It took me a moment to realize my face was pressed against somebody's chest, which would account for the reason it was so dark.

I pulled back, my mouth opening to apologize, when I finally noticed whom I was dancing with.

Severus Snape stared back at me, dark eyes watching me closely. I could only stare at him, feeling the world around me slow and come to a stop. Then my senses came back to me, and I attempted to jerk away from him and leave. However, I had forgotten how strong Severus could be. He continued to hold my hand and slid his arm around my waist, holding me to him. He moved across the dance floor with grace, his gaze never leaving my face.

"You wouldn't want to cause a scene at their wedding, would you?" Severus asked quietly. I glanced towards Septimus and Julie, who were laughing at something that was said to them by Tabby and Jon. I couldn't do that to them. I refused to look at Severus, however, even if I was forced to be near him. I didn't bother to dance, just shuffled around the dance floor as he moved. I stepped on his feet a couple of times, and I didn't bother to apologize.

"Hermione..." He spoke softly, just like he did at the ball. I didn't want to look at him, but I couldn't seem not to. I had nearly forgotten how much I loved his voice and his scent. I could barely remember what it felt like to be held by him. The dull ache in my chest - the one that seemed to never cease - slowly faded away into nothing. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't because I was with Severus, but I knew that wasn't true.

"Hermione, let me explain." I didn't want to hear it; I didn't want to know anything about him. I didn't want to feel the pain of him leaving ever again. As if by not looking at him I could force him to disappear, I looked away. My eyes traveled from the head table to the forest, to the other couples on the dance floor. Severus stopped trying to even pretend he was dancing, instead standing still on the edge of the dancing area.

Rather startled that he had stopped moving so suddenly, I made the mistake of looking up at him. His eyes caught and capture mine. His lovely dark eyes, so expressive if you knew him well enough to read them. They looked down on me with regret, pain, and hope. I didn't realize I hadn't let go of his hand, and I couldn't bring myself to. I continued to stare up at him, wishing with all my might I could hex him and leave.

"Hermione...I arrived at Malfoy Manor at the same time as Veronica Seine. We had grown up together - our parents had been friends, and at one time it was thought that we'd be betrothed." He took a breath and kept talking while he held me captive. "We haven't spoken in years, not since she told me she could never love somebody as ugly as me. That was fine by me, as well. She was a vain person who loved money. She seemed different a week ago. Nicer, less inclined to insult those she thought were beneath her. We had reached the ballroom doors when she pushed me against the doors and shoved her tongue down my throat.

I struggled, but I didn't want to cause her damage. She's quite smaller than I am. Anyway, it was quickly apparent that she was drunk - she tasted and smelled like firewhiskey. She seemed determined to...have her way with me." I noticed that at that point, Severus ears turned pink. It was rather endearing. "She got my pants unhooked before I could get her off me. I wasn't expecting her to rush me, though. She slammed right into me, knocking the doors open."

Severus looked away, gathering his thoughts. Without him staring at me, I could move again. Do I walk away now, or let him finish? That little voice in the back of my head, the wise, logical one that I rarely heard from, spoke up. Do it. Listen to the man. Give him a chance to finish what he wants to say. I stood where I was, no longer touching him after he dropped my hand. He looked back down at me, surprised to find I hadn't walked away. I watched him without saying anything.

"Hermione, I came here with the full intention of telling you how I felt. Since I couldn't at the ball, I tried to get others to say it for me, but you refused to listen. I came to realize that this was something I'd have to say for myself. I warn you, I'm not used to making speeches of affection, or anything like it." He cleared his throat.

"Before you I was a bitter, uncaring man who only wanted the war to end so I could go back to existing. I didn't have any hopes of surviving the war, but on the off chance that I did, I just wanted to return to my dungeons and live like I did when the Dark Lord was...incapacitated. Actually, I wasn't going to live. I was going to exist. Living each day the same as the one before, neither hoping nor wishing for change. But then you re-entered my life, and I found all my views changing.

"I was drawn to you, like a moth to flame. I wanted to capture some of your vitality and keep it as my own. You lived life to its fullest. You had hopes and dreams, and you refused to give up on them. Slytherins fight for what's in their own best interest. I was intrigued on how a little Gryffindor could survive in a Slytherin-type house. But you had changed. The Order had changed you, and not for the better. You were secretive and mistrustful. You became quite good at sarcasm and backhanded compliments. But still you lived with that same vitality, never giving up on your hopes and dreams, no matter what happened to you.

"I wanted to know you. I wanted to do things with you that I knew a teacher shouldn't even think of doing with a student. But I couldn't help myself. I wanted you to smile at me, to laugh at a comment I made. I wanted you to give me that fond look you give your friends. I tried to resist - you were the traitor after all, and Dumbledore is like a father to me. I didn't want to disappoint him. But still, continued to be drawn to you. I listened carefully to what Septimus said about you, hoarding all the information I could get. I can't explain why. I just had to know. You were quickly becoming important to me. I began to believe that Septimus was right. You wouldn't have betrayed those that were most important to you. But there was no proof, just a feeling.

"Then it all came out that you were innocent, and suddenly Dumbledore looked on you with approval. You still didn't trust us, but for good reason. I couldn't fight it any longer - I was going to be near you. Those times with you have been the best in my life, more so than anything I've ever experienced. You made me feel good, brave, intelligent, and desirable. And it terrified me. I wasn't supposed to feel that way. But I couldn't let you go, not yet. Just a little more time, just a few more memories that I'll keep with me before I die. I knew I'd have to give you up eventually. You're too good for me.

When I broke it off with you, it hurt. I wanted to lock you in a room and keep you forever. But you choose to stick with me, never letting me forget your feelings for me. I realized that life without you wouldn't be any real good life at all. I wanted you by my side, in fact, I needed you there. So I'm telling you now what I should've said before."

He took a deep breath.

"I love you, Hermione Granger. Please, don't leave me. Stay with me, hopefully forever." He looked down at me, baring his emotions. His loves, his apprehension, his trust, all were laid out for me to see. My breath caught as I stared at him in wonder. He wasn't the type to explain his actions like he just did. Nor was he the type of man to make long-winded speeches. Not even bothering to think about it, I threw my arm around him and kissed him. His arms came up around me to hold me close, kissing me back feverishly.

"Gods, I've missed you," I murmured.

"The feeling's mutual," he mumbled. He kissed me again once, and then pulled back. I stood before him, flushed and thoroughly kissed, feeling happier than I had in days. He looked as I did, with his lips swollen and the small smile on his face. I reached out and took his hand, and pressed it to my chest.

I grinned at him. "My heart beats for you, and you alone Severus." The words were sappy and stupid, but there was an element of truth in it. He smiled down at me, and I beamed back up at him. Then, I slowly raised an eyebrow.

"So Severus...you asking me to stay with you forever...was that a proposal?" He blinked, and blinked again, then flushed a soft pink. His hair swung down to hide his face, and I tucked it behind his ear. I leaned forward and kissed his protruding nose. He glanced up at me, his dark eyes glinting from behind his hair.

"It was if you want it to be." A slow smile lit my face.

"Oh yeah, I want it to be." To my surprise, he let out a small whoop and lifted me off the ground, swinging me around hugging me close. All conversation stopped as people stared in wonder at us. I smiled cheekily back. Septimus stood up and made his way over, the Hogwarts and Aries staff following, along with my friends.

"What's going on, Hermione?" He took in our smiles, how Severus was holding me close and Septimus began to grin. "You're finally back together?" I glanced at Severus to see if it was all right to share the news. He gave a single sharp nod, but couldn't quite make his small, but happy smile disappear.

"Yes. In fact...we're engaged."

I've had this chapter done for quite a while now, but I was at my cousin's house, so I couldn't post it. But I'm home now, so here it is! Sorry for the delay.

When Hermione, Septimus and Julie apparated, I said that there was only two pops. Septimus and Julie duel-apparated. Or disapparated. However that works.

I'm not sure the dates are right...but oh well. If you are, sorry. I'm only human!

For those of you that believe Hermione would have let Severus explain at the ball: she just saw the man she loved with his pants around his ankles, with some strange woman in his lap. As cool-headed and logical as she can be, I think that'd be enough for anybody to be slightly upset. I just wanted to say that, to stall any protests and/or questions.