AN: This chapter is dedicated to my grandmother, who died two years ago today.

Thank you for all the support! It is very deeply appreciated!

"Did Severus really call you a dunderhead?"

The head researcher nodded as he dabbed his lips with his stained napkin.

"We all looked at him, and he didn't apologize," the man to the right of the head researcher added. "He just glared at us, sneered, and we all moved on with the experiment. I'm pretty sure when he thought we weren't looking he smirked."

Hermione covered her mouth and giggled, careful not to stick her elbow into the streaks of teriyaki sauce on her empty plate.

"I won't lie, I was quite taken aback when he did it." The researcher took the bill from the waitress' hand. "It was somewhat refreshing though."

"How?" The other man asked.

"It meant nothing had changed between us." The head researcher shifted through his coins. "When I became the head researcher people began treating me differently. My once confident students became star struck adolescents, and former colleagues were more careful in what they said in my presence. It was nice to see that Severus hadn't changed though. He made sure I knew I was only a human, which at the time is what I needed."

"He had a way of reminding people of their humanity." She uncovered her mouth. "Even if his methods for doing so were unconventional."

"Indeed they were."

"I miss him." Hermione took one last sip of ice water. "I know he was here in spirit, but I wish he could've lived long enough to see this."

"I wish he was here too," the head researcher put the coins on the table. "But if he was, he would be proud of you."

"Although it would pain him to say so," the man beside the researcher noted.

"I don't know if he'd be pained to say it," she replied. "If he wasn't spying he might have been freer to say what he truly believed. It may have meant he could've given out a well earned compliment every once in awhile."

"Do you think he would've congratulated you?"

"I would like to think he would," her voice was soft.

"Professor Snape aside," the head researcher put the bill face down on the table. "You should be proud of your accomplishment."

"I am," she replied.

"You really are amazing!"

She and the head researcher glanced at the other man.

"I mean," He bowed his head and blushed. "You've done so much. I admire you as a researcher and a person."

"Thank you, Henry," she replied. "It's been an honor getting to know you too."

He raised his head and gave her a small grin.

"Speaking of getting to know people," the head researcher continued as the waitress took the bill. "You'll need to contact the patent office next week to copyright your potion."

"I can do that."

"If you need me to, I can walk you through the process," Henry cut in.

"Thank you. I could use a guide."

"I'd be more than happy to serve as one."

"Good." The head researcher rose and extended his hand. "In the meantime, I'll let you know if there is any change in the subjects' condition."

"Thank you for that, and for everything else." She shook his hand. "It's been a pleasure working with all of you."

"The feeling was very mutual." The head researcher released her hand.

"It was." Henry stood.

"Do you need help getting to your hotel?"

"No, I can apparate there just fine," she replied.

"I." Henry gulped. "I can go with you."

"That's very lovely, but unnecessary." She blushed.

"No, I insist," Henry folded his hands. "I mean, it's been so long, and I'd really love to see you again, just to catch up."

"If you want to catch up we can always get a cup of coffee."

"If we could, I'd love that!"

"Well, then," she gestured to the door. "Lead the way to a good coffee shop."

He looked at her as if he had just won a millions galleons. She swallowed. It had been years since someone had looked at her with so much joy. Perhaps she should enjoy the moment and not overthink things. Perhaps she should value the man before her instead of letting her mind wander to the spirit dwelling outside of Purgatory.

It had been a few hours since she used the prayer line.

The silence wasn't unexpected given that a researcher was often busier after the potion was declared a success than they were before the results. Still, Severus could not help but wonder how she was faring.

He attempted to focus on the page. Yet a curious picture formed in his mind.

Hermione danced upon the clouds, kicking tufts of cumulus with her bare feet. She was glowing a bright yellow, almost as radiant as the sun. Her robe was the purest white, a perfect contrast to his black ones.

"Can you teach me how to make a butterfly?" She asked, her glow brightening.

"Certainly." He flicked his wrist. "All you need to do is envision what you would like and it should create itself."

A butterfly emerged, wafting into the air. It landed upon her shoulder. Her glow intensified.

"Now you should try."

She flicked her wrist. Another butterfly emerged from the clouds. It floated into the air. The one Severus made followed after it. Together they wafted in the air.

"Have I told you that heaven is only pleasurable because of you?" She asked.

"I find it difficult to believe that I make anything more enjoyable," he answered.

"But you do. I could not envision being happy in heaven without you by my side."

"Funny." Severus gazed into her eyes. "Heaven would not be worth anything if you were not with me."

She moved closer to him until their glows fused together. He pressed her against his chest. The peace which had filled him when Sirius embraced him returned, only it was much more powerful, more serene…

Sirius' laughter jolted Severus back into reality.

"I'm sorry!" Sirius squeaked. "But you are hilarious when you turn pink!"

Severus snarled and turned red.

"I've never seen you so pink, but it's so adorable."

"Have you ever imagined that I could be falling ill?" Severus went white.

"Oh no, you don't look sick at all. When you turn pink you look quite happy." Sirius stopped giggling and cocked his head. "Huh, I never thought I'd see the day when you were happy."

"That is because I am never happy around you," Severus growled.

"It doesn't mean at some point I won't make you happy.."

"I will be infinitely happier without you and your running commentary."

"You were happy just now." He slid closer to him. "Care to share what you were thinking about?"

Severus smirked and leaned closer to the other spirit. He lowered his voice. "I was thinking about how pleasant the afterlife will be without you."

"Sure you were," Sirius drawled.

Severus leaned back.

"Fine, don't tell me," Sirius replied. "Just keep your happiness to yourself."

"Don't you have a book to read?"

Before Sirius could answer, Hermione's voice echoed in Severus' mind.

"Hello. I'm sorry I haven't said much since they made the initial discovery. I've had a chaotic day to say the least. You've been in my position, so you'd understand."

"All too well," Severus muttered.

"Anyway things are still working out. I will tell you all about when I see you tomorrow evening."

His glow brightened.

"I miss you, but I know you're close and watching over me. Still, I can't wait to tell you this in person."

"I cannot wait to see you either."

"Good night and know that I'm thinking about you."

"Good night," Severus replied. "Know that I am thinking about you too."

"You're pink again!"

Severus rolled his eyes and turned around.

"You should be pink more often. It looks good on you." Sirius chuckled.

"Go read," Severus grumbled as he floated towards the sofa.

Sirius hummed. Although he opened his book, his mind was not focused upon philosophy. Instead, his thoughts centered on why thoughts of Hermione would make any spirit turn pink.