Author's Note: Sorry, it took me long to update. I was busy with my studies. Anyway, hope you like the new chapter. Read and review guys...

Chapter 3
Graduation Day

Hermione was taken aback by the two men standing in front of her. The two of them seem eager to dance with her. She looked at Ron's expectant face and then to Snape's you-must-dance-with-me-or-else look. She sighed and then she made up her mind.

She looked at Snape and said: "Sure, I'll dance with you- ," and then she suddenly turned to the man beside him, "Ron". She stretched her arm to him, her hand waiting to be taken.

Ron smiled broadly and took her hand. Snape looked angry and at the same time jealous. He watched the pair of them go to the dance floor. He crossed his arms and glared at them.

Dumbledore, seeing Snape alone approached him. "Severus, there should be no wasting time standing here. You should dance with… Oh," said Dumbledore when he suddenly saw Hermione dancing with Ron.

"You haven't made it up yet?" asked Dumbledore.

"Obviously," said Snape shortly.

"Haven't you talked to her after our meeting?"

"No, she's been avoiding me."

"Oh, in that case, why don't you cut in?"

Snape stared at Dumbledore. Dumbledore just smiled. He was aware that Snape had not thought of it. Even the simplest of ideas seemed to evaporate from his head when he was clearly jealous.

"I'll take your word for it," muttered Snape.

Dumbledore chuckled and patted Snape on the shoulder in a fatherly affection. He left Snape to dance with other staff members.

Snape took a deep breath and pushed his way to the center of the dance floor where Ron and Hermione were dancing. Hermione's back was turned back to him and Snape noticed that Ron looked happy. He tapped Ron's shoulder. "May I cut in?" asked Snape in his silky voice.

Ron's smile faltered. He knew Snape's voice too much. He noticed that his voice had a hint of anger. Ron, not wanting to let Hermione go looked at her. He was expecting Hermione to make Snape go away but she pulled away from Ron.

"She's all yours," said Ron in a defeated voice. He smiled a little at Hermione and walked away from them with his head hung.

Snape placed his hands on her waist and Hermione put her arms on his shoulders somewhat reluctantly. He kept looking at her but she avoided his eyes. The two of them were not talking for a while until Snape had the sense to break the ice.

"Hermione, look at me," said Snape. He almost pleaded.

She looked at him with tear-filled eyes but she turned away instantly. Snape placed his hand on her jaw and turned her head to him. She leaned in his touch and she closed her eyes. Tears ran down her cheeks.

"Hermione, I am so sorry for how I acted but I'm not going to change my mind," said Snape softly.

She opened her eyes, still crying. "I knew you were going to say that," said Hermione sounding hurt. "But I forgive you."

"Thank you."

"Would you like to go outside?"

"Sure. I want to spend the night alone with you before I leave."

Hermione was saddened when she heard the word leave. Snape clearly noticed that so he led her out of the dance floor and they went to the lake. They sat under the tree near the lake. Snape wrapped his arms around Hermione. She leaned against Snape's chest.

"I never want to forget all of these," said Snape.

"All of what?" asked Hermione.

"All of our memories together," Snape kissed her head.

"I will always remember you Severus Snape," she turned to look at him intently.

"I'm leaving tomorrow after your graduation."

Her eyes looked down and she felt tears coming out of her eyes. She brushed them away with the back of her hand.

"Don't cry Hermione, please."

But Hermione could not take it anymore. She broke down and cried on Snape's shoulder. Snape embraced her tightly.

After her crying had subsided, she pulled from the embrace. "You're going to leave me and you're asking me not to cry?" said Hermione half-exasperated.

Snape laughed a little. "I just don't want to remember you crying." He kissed Hermione under the moonlit sky.

The next day, all seventh years were excited because it was now the day of their graduation. All were preparing for the special day.

Then, the moment came. The seventh years, together with their parents gathered in the Great Hall. All of the Weasleys were there for Ron and Harry. Mrs Weasley could not help but cry to see Ron and Harry get their diplomas. Mrs Longbottom, Neville's grandmother burst into tears when Neville received his diploma. The Grangers were also there. Mr and Mrs Granger beamed when Hermione got an award for being the top of their batch. Snape looked really happy to finally see Hermione graduating and being the best in their year. He felt really proud of her.

After the ceremony, Harry, Ron, and Hermione went outside to take a stroll around Hogwarts. They visited Hagrid and he cried when they reached him. Their heads banged together when Hagrid hugged the three of them. After visiting Hagrid, they went to the lake to rest and to watch the Giant Squid for the last time.

"I'm so happy we graduated!" exclaimed Ron.

"Yeah, now we have to train to become aurors," said Harry happily.

Hermione was happy that she was the top one. But a part of her was really sad because Snape would be leaving later that day. Harry and Ron noticed her silence.

"Hermione, what's wrong? You should be happy; you're the best in our year. Why the long face?" asked Harry.

"Harry, Ron, Severus is going to leave the Wizarding World," she said throatily. She burst into tears. Ron embraced Hermione while he patted her back.

"Don't worry Hermione, I'm sure he'll come back," said Harry trying to lift Hermione's spirit.

"No Harry. He didn't say when he will return. I don't think he's coming back," cried Hermione.

"When is he leaving?" asked Ron.

"Today but I can't bear to see him go-,"

"You should go Hermione. It would be better for you to see him now," said Ron sincerely.

"You're right. I should see him immediately."

"Go, he might be leaving right now," said Harry.

Hermione smiled at the both of them. She ran towards the castle and she bumped unexpectedly at Professor Dumbledore.

"Sorry, Professor Dumbledore but I need to see Professor Snape," she said in a hurry.

"Severus? He's at his office packing his things. You should see him now before he leaves," said Dumbledore.

"Thank you, Professor."

She hurried to go to the dungeons. When she finally reached it, she opened the door and found Snape almost ready to go.

"I knew you would be coming," said Snape smirking.

"Of course, I would come. I have to see you before you go."

"In that case, would you mind accompanying me to the grounds? My carriage is waiting."

Hermione nodded. Her eyes are starting to burn. But she did not want to cry. She wanted Snape to remember her smiling face. They walked in silence. When they reached the grounds, Hermione was not surprised to see Dumbledore waiting beside the horseless carriage. When they approached Dumbledore, he smiled at the pair of them.

"Goodbye Severus. I hope you will find yourself now. Thank you for everything. Hogwarts and the Wizarding World will never forget you," said Dumbledore. He looked sad to see Snape leaving.

"What about my post? Who will fill in for the Potions post?" asked Snape worriedly.

"Oh that," Dumbledore waved his worry dismissively. "I'm sure Miss Granger will be up to the task, isn't that right Miss Granger?"

"Yes, and I would be glad to teach Potions." She smiled at Snape.

"I'm sure you will be a great Potions mistress," said Snape.

Snape embraced Dumbledore like a father. "Thank you Albus, for everything you have done for me. You trusted me when everyone did not. I will never forget you."

Dumbledore smiled at him. "I think I must leave you two alone," said Dumbledore pointedly. His blue eyes twinkled at them and then he walked towards the castle.

"I'll miss that old man," said Snape once Dumbledore was out of earshot.

"I know you will," said Hermione.

He smiled sadly at Hermione and he kissed her once more. "I love you Hermione," he breathed.

"I love you too Severus," said Hermione. She burst into tears again. "Will you come back?"

"I will. When I finally get things right, I swear I'll come back for you."

"How long?"

"I don't know, I'm sorry."

She cried harder after hearing that. Snape went inside the carriage and closed the door.

"Will you wait for me?" asked Snape from the carriage window.

"I…I will."