DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.

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Chapter 32: A Genuine Friend

"'I'm sorry.'

'I'm not interested.'

'I'm sorry!'

'Save your breath.'

It was night-time. Lily, who was wearing a dressing gown, stood with her arms folded in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady, at the entrance to Gryffindor Tower.

'I only came out because Mary told me you were threatening to sleep here.'

'I was. I would have done. I never meant to call you Mudblood, it just -'

'Slipped out?' There was no pity in Lily's voice. 'It's too late. I've made excuses for you for years. None of my friends can understand why I even talk to you. You and your precious little Death Eater friends - you see, you don't even deny it! You don't even deny that's what you're all aiming to be! You can't wait to join You-Know-Who, can you?'

He opened his mouth, but closed it without speaking.

'I can't pretend anymore. You've chosen your way, I've chosen mine.'"

-J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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1994

(Cedric and Hermione's past)

Cedric Diggory could not believe his luck. He was holding hands with Hermione Granger - brilliant, kind, and beautiful Hermione Granger. The girl he had known since he was nearly thirteen. They became friends, best friends... and now, she was his girlfriend.

He glanced at her. It was still dark; they woke up early to travel via Portkey to the Quidditch World Cup venue, where they would be staying for a couple of days; at least until the match lasts.

Hermione still looked sleepy but was trying to keep up. Her hair was in a loose ponytail. He reckoned she was in a hurry earlier, not wanting to keep him and his parents waiting. She was wearing a carnation pink sweatshirt and her usual pair of denim trousers and trainers. She was also carrying a backpack. He offered to carry that for her, but she said in a teasing manner, he was her boyfriend, not her servant. And after all, it was not very heavy. She had hidden her magical beaded bag inside. The backpack was just for a show - not everyone could cast magical extension charm on their bags, his father explained, and it should be registered. Of course, Hermione's bag was registered.

"Ced, Hermione! We found it!" called his father from afar, waving at them while the other hand was holding an old boot.

"Is that the Portkey?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah," he replied. "Let's hurry." Still holding hands, they ran towards his parents.

"Arthur, over here!" he heard his father call, and soon, they were joined by a pack of redheads and one jet-black-haired boy.

"Amos! Cecile!" called the other man jovially.

Ced offered a smile to the Weasley twins, but they didn't look happy seeing him.

"Are all of these your children?" asked his father.

"Yeah, the four redheads. My three oldest sons are still at home. And this one..." Mr. Weasley pulled Harry Potter to his side, "is Harry Potter."

"Oh!" his father exclaimed and Ced wanted to look away. Hermione cast him a knowing look. His mum elbowed his dad discreetly, but it didn't help.

"Ced's written about you, of course!" his father told the boy. "About the Quidditch match. He was..."

"Sorry about the accident," his mum quipped to silence his father. "And felt bad that he wasn't able to convince Dumbledore and Hooch for a rematch. That's our Ced, a true Hufflepuff."

"Of course. He values fairness," his father said gently.

"And this is Hermione Granger," his mum told Mr. Weasley, placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder. "She's our Ced's..."

"Best friend," he cut his mother off but not in a rude way. He saw it again, the longing in Harry Potter's eyes.

Hermione gave him an unhappy look, but he leaned closer to her. "Sorry, I'll explain later."

Hermione nodded and his facial expression softened. The adults talked again about the other neighbors who might be joining, but Mr. Weasley said they were the only ones assigned for the Portkey. They all placed a finger on the old boot and seconds later, they landed on a green field.

Ced, just like his parents and Mr. Weasley, landed on their feet, while Hermione, Harry Potter, and the Weasley children landed unceremoniously on the ground. He felt rather unhappy seeing that Hermione fell on top of Harry Potter's back. He quickly offered her a hand to help her stand up.

"Thanks," she smiled brightly, meeting his eyes. He smiled back and offered Harry Potter a hand, too, but he ignored it. He still smiled at him politely before taking Hermione's hand and followed his parents, walking away from the Weasleys.

"So?" he heard Hermione ask softly.

He cast her an affectionate glance. "I was worried Dad would make a big deal out of it, and Harry Potter was looking at you again. Longingly."

Hermione sighed and looked up at him. "I'm sorry about that."

"You have nothing to apologize for," he assured her.

When they reached a camp that had their name on it, he helped his father build a tent, while Hermione and his mum made fire the Muggle way to prepare tea. Soon, Susan and Aunt Amelia joined them.

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"Hey, Amy," she heard Mrs. Diggory greet Susan's aunt, Amelia Bones. She already met the head of DMLE last month when Madam Bones went to the Granger residence to bring Susan. "Are you staying with us?"

"The answer is still no, Cecile," replied Madam Bones with a laugh. Then she sighed exasperatedly. "So much to do at the Ministry. The Aurors are stationed everywhere. Thanks again for taking Sue."

"No problem. You know we like her being around. And Amos, well, she's his only niece. If you change your mind later, you can stay with us." Mrs. Diggory said.

"Yeah, thank you." Then, Madam Bones met her eyes.

"Madam Bones," she greeted politely.

"It's good to see you again, Hermione," the woman said kindly. "May I speak with you for a moment, dear?"

Curious, she nodded and followed the woman to the back of the tent.

"Hermione, do you remember about the wards in your village?"

She nodded, not taking her eyes off of her. "Did you find out who cast the protective charms?"

Madam Bones nodded. "The Aurors recognized the magic, dear. I say I'm surprised to know who it is... Can you tell me about your relationship with Professor Snape?"

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August 2020

(the present)

Hermione Diggory walked inside the apothecary as if she owned the place.

"Severus?"

Her former professor and mentor peeked from the room behind the counter, wearing his usual black robes and, of course, scowl. "Yes?" he drawled.

"I need a favor," she declared, walking behind the counter.

"Obviously," he sneered, "otherwise you wouldn't be pestering me on my lunch break."

She was taken aback. "Oh, I'm sorry." She stopped and turned around, biting her lip to avoid crying. "I'll just stop by some other day..."

But before she could walk further, Sev's larger hand grasped her wrist. "What's the matter?"

Hermione was not a weepy girl. She could be emotional when she was young, but as she grew older, she improved a lot when it comes to managing her emotions. It was also part of her training as a healer before. They were trained to refrain from being too emotional (but still empathetic, just not too emotional) especially in front of their patients.

But right now, in front of her friend and mentor, she could not help the tears again.

"Hermione?" Severus was holding her shoulders now, bending a bit to meet her eyes. "What's the matter?"

Hermione cried and cried until Severus pulled her into a brotherly hug and his robes were wet already from her tears.

"Someone died again... my patient. A baby," she sobbed.

Severus waved his hand and then a chair appeared behind her. He sat her there and locked the door of the shop. "You're exhausted again," he said gently.

Hermione tried to calm herself, feeling better now. Severus handed her a cup of tea. "Thanks," she said, taking the tea with two shaking hands, but Sev still held the bottom of the cup to assist her. After a few sips, she put the tea down and Sev sat beside her. She looked up to him. "You're right, I've been exhausted lately... You know me, I don't like talking about my patients and work matters at home. I mean, I can talk to Ced, but not right away... I'm sorry for always running into you first every time I have an emotional breakdown."

Sev placed a comforting hand on her shoulder again and his face softened. "It's all right, Hermione. That's what friends are for... And you're always there for me. Me. Your old and grumpy former teacher."

That made her laugh. "Oh, Merlin. I just hope Hugo will never be like you, even if you influence him a lot."

"Don't worry, his father still has more influence," he replied softly. "Would you like some more calming draught?"

Hermione nodded. "And dreamless potion, please... But later, maybe. May I stay for a while? They already sent me home."

"You may, of course," he replied and summoned his lunch. "Would you like some sandwiches? I can buy for you at the Three Broomsticks."

Severus's apothecary was located in Hogsmeade. His main customers were Hogwarts students and teachers, and Hogsmeade residents. Since it was still a summer break, he only had a few customers.

"No, I'm good. I'll just eat at home; I'll go home before two."

"Rose and Hugo will be glad," he commented, eating his sandwich.

She gave him a small smile. "They're growing up fast. And hey, look after Rose again, will you? During Hogsmeade trips."

Severus snorted. "Gladly. But you have nothing to worry about your children. It's not like Rose would go on a date with a boy and flirt in the middle of the road. She's a well-behaved girl."

She laughed. "Just like me?"

Severus didn't say anything but made a sound of agreement. After a few seconds, he spoke again. "When is the other Mr. Potter leaving?"

"This week," she answered softly. "Harry Potter saw him in the hospital when he had an allergy attack... He insisted talking to him, but of course, Ced and I didn't allow it."

"I reckon, even in the other universe, Potter's a trouble."

Hermione studied her old friend for a while. Sev noticed her staring, so he gave her a questioning look.

"In the alternative universe, Al said, you didn't survive... and Harry Potter looked up to you as a hero because... you sacrificed your life for Lily Evans's son."

"Lily Potter," he corrected her gently. "It's all right, Hermione. I just wished he didn't name him after me because he's got green eyes - Lily's eyes."

"Do you still carry a torch for her?" she asked carefully.

Severus reached out for her hand. "She was my first ever friend. But you're my most genuine friend. Her absence in my life is much longer than her presence..."

She grinned. "Well, you're welcome."

Severus sneered again and dropped her hand. "Go home, cheeky witch."

Hermione felt a bit better now and she was smiling as she watched Severus stood up and returned behind the counter. "Give me potions first."

Severus looked unhappy when he handed her vials of potions, but Hermione didn't take it negatively. She had known him for three decades now and she knew him so well.

Maybe, in the other universe, Severus Snape's priority was Harry Potter's safety.

But here, in this timeline, Severus Snape cared so much for Hermione Granger and Cedric Diggory. He was their mentor, friend, and family. And truth be told, she was happy that Severus Snape here got over his feelings for Lily Evans. He deserved to be loved back, even as a friend. He deserved true friends.