Author's Note/ Disclaimer
Final part. I hope you've enjoyed it. If so, review. If not, tell me you hate it. I own none of the characters. Now, on with the show.
Part Three
Two weeks later, she attended the feast at Hogwarts with him. It felt strange to be seated at the head table, to watch the Sorting from this point of view. She was seated between McGonagall and Severus, as the headmistress had considered her a guest of both of them. She recognized some of the sixth and seventh years, they had probably been fourth year when she had left Hogwarts, before the last battle. She could hear them whispering.
Later, as the Great Hall emptied out, McGonagall caught her arm.
"Miss Granger, I'm curious, where did you ever get the bail money for Severus?"
"Professor McGonagall, I-"
"I do not intend to tell him myself dear."
Hermione sighed. "Part of it was the inheritance my parents left me. The rest was my sum of what Harry left to the remaining Order members."
McGonagall smiled. "He looks much better than when I saw him last, at the trial. You've done well."
She waited until that night, when the halls had quieted down and everyone was settled in. She found him in his office, he looked up as she entered.
"I just thought I'd come say goodbye before I left. It'll be strange not having you at breakfast tomorrow morning."
He stood up and walked around his desk to her. "I'd like to hope that someday I'll be able to repay you for everything you've done for me."
"Severus, I don't want repayment from you. I could have left you in there to rot, but it was my choice, and I did what I thought was right. Your gratitude is enough. Now I must go, I hope you'll keep in touch."
She made to leave, but he caught her arm, turning her back around to face him and pulling her close.
"Would you stay? Just tonight? I have a sofa that transfigures nicely." he added, a trace of a smile in his voice.
She smiled and leaned forward, resting her head against his chest.
"I thought you weren't going to ask."
"You knew I was going to ask. You're always welcome to stay."