Chapter 23

Hermione's POV

'How dare he deny me? After everything, he has put me through. How dare he!' I muttered to myself as I marched through the destroyed corridors. Most of the Great Hall and it's surrounding corridors had been demolished during the battle. Somehow, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor towers had remained intact as well as the Astronomy tower and were now housing the displaced Hufflepuffs as their common room near the kitchens had caved in on them.

I violently kicked a softball size rock down the hallway. Hogwarts was my home. I had done everything I could to protect it and my family. I had removed every memory of me from my parents' mind, I had become a mistress for the cruelest, most vile human being in this world, and I had become a mother through my Potions Professor. The very same man that I thought was only capable of being sarcastic and unfair.

I ran a hand through my hair, the ponytail I had put it in at the beginning of the battle had long since been lost. I continued my descent into the bowels of the castle. Very few people would have questioned my being there. Not that there was anyone to really do any questioning.

The Weasleys were all in the Hospital Wing keeping an eye on Fred. Harry and Luna had disappeared to either Gryffindor Tower or Ravenclaw tower since the Room of Requirement had been destroyed. Draco had disappeared up to the hospital wing as soon an Auror had cleared him.

And I felt dreadfully alone. I could have returned to my daughter at Malfoy Manor, but everyone I cared about and loved was here.

'Miss Granger!' a voice called. I turned to see Madam Pomfrey walking swiftly towards me. 'Madam Pomfrey, I'm in something of a hurry.' I said barely slowing down 'Miss Granger, you must have this.' She said handing me a vial.

I looked at it in confusion. 'It's an anti-venom potion. Mr. Weasley informed me that both you and himself had been in contact with that murderous snake and this is only a precaution.' She said before bustling off to help the next unfortunate victim of the war.

I looked at the potion in my hand before I uncorked it and drunk the potion down. I stuffed the vial in my pocket before I started down the stairs to the dungeon. I had only one thing on my mind and that was bringing my daughter's father home.

Ginny's POV

I looked up as a pair of arms wrapped around my waist and head come to rest on my shoulder. 'I can't believe that it's finally over.' I whispered knowing that Draco was standing behind me. 'It feels so surreal. I mean we've been fighting this war most of our lives.' He said in agreement.

I nodded before turning to look at Fred. He'd been knocked unconscious when Amycus Carrow had decided to blow up half of the Great Hall. 'How is he?' Draco asked. 'The Healer said he has a bit of a concussion and that he just has to wake up on his own. George hasn't left his side since.' I said quietly and took Draco's hand in mine and he squeezed.

'I'm sure he'll be fine.' He said. 'What about your family? Did everyone survive?' I asked. He nodded. 'They were going to haul the lot of us off to Azkaban before Hermione stepped in to help. I'm not sure what would have happened if Father and Aunt Bella had been forced to go back.' He said. This time I nodded. I'd heard stories from Dad about witches and wizards that had been there. How they lost who they were and had gone insane, before the verdict was read and sentencing was carried out.

I leaned back against his shoulder and looked into his silver eyes. 'I was hoping I wouldn't lose you.' I said as he kissed my cheek. 'You would have never lost me, not really.' He said as a moan sounded from the bed. 'Freddie?' George said his eyes shining with hope as our brother started to move for the first time in hours.

'I feel like I got hit by a ton of bricks.' He said as he tried to sit up. 'You did Freddie.' George said making his twin lay back down. 'Oh, then that explains the splitting headache.' He said holding his head with his hand. I shook my head and looked across the bed at Ron. I looked back at Draco who released me. I went around the bed and wrapped my arms around my youngest older brother.

'I'm sorry Ron.' I said hugging him. 'I'm alright Gin.' He said hugging me back. I looked back at Draco who suddenly looked out of place amongst my loud, overly affectionate, loveable family. 'Get over here Draco.' I said beckoning him to come over.

'I don't care what you have to do, but you two will at the very least call a truce between you.' I said as I crossed my arms. They both muttered. 'Truce Ferret?' Ron asked offering his hand to Draco. 'Truce Flying Weasel.' Draco said taking it. 'Good.' I said kissing Ron's cheek and then kissing Draco.

'Do you know where your lips have been woman?' Draco said breaking the kiss suddenly. I smirked and rolled my eyes as Ron muttered 'My face is clean.' I slapped him lightly on the arm before jumping on Fred's bed.

'Oi! Knock that off.' Fred said. 'Don't you ever do that to me again.' I said hugging him fiercely. 'I won't little sister.' He said hugging me back. I didn't realize I'd started crying until Fred wiped a tear away. I sniffled then laughed. 'How is Harry feeling after defeating the noseless terror?' Fred asked smiling.

'I don't know actually. He and Luna disappeared after they carted Voldemort's body away and made sure you were still breathing.' I said. 'Must be in need of post war sexual tension relief.' George said. 'I agree Georgie.' Fred said. I rolled my eyes. It was good to have my brothers back right where they belonged.

Hermione's POV

I stood in the boathouse staring at the pool of blood that Severus had died in. 'It makes no sense Elena.' I said looking around for any signs that he had been dragged off, even a short distance. The tiger sniffed at me and then looked at the blood pool.

'He's gone Elena and now I can't even give him a proper burial.' I said falling to my knees. What I didn't notice was that a familiar dark figure hovered in the shadows before disappearing with a crack.

I turned to see who had apparated or disapparated but there was no one there. 'Come Elena, we have to prepare Severus' chambers for the night and Syria will need a crib.' I said petting my tiger's head. I stood and dusted of the knees of my jeans before turning away from place where my teacher, my friend and my lover had drew his last breath. 'I love you.' I murmured to the empty room before exiting.

I held my wand loosely in my hand as I trudged back up the steps towards the castle. The vials of potions that I had intended to revive Severus clanked solemnly in the bag that hung from Elena's side. I didn't say a word nor did I slow my pace as I entered the remains of the Great Hall and made my way towards Severus' private rooms.

Severus' POV

I listened to Hermione as she spoke to her familiar. She did care about me. I watched for a few moments and shook my head when the tiger looked back to see me. It sniffed then turned back to its mistress. I allowed myself a few precious moments before I attempted to apparate into my chambers without splinching myself.

I reappeared in the middle of the living space and immediately fell to my knees. I pressed my hand to the open wound on my neck and pulled it away. It was soaked in blood. 'Bravo Severus, you've managed to make yourself bleed out.' I thought as I attempted to get back to my feet long enough to reach my lab in the next room and the potions I would need to save my skin.

Unfortunately, my body did not seem to want to cooperate and I promptly fell to my knees again. 'Bugger.' I thought as I slid to the floor and laid there staring at the ceiling.

I'm not sure how long I laid there. I only roused into a the weakest form of consciousness as cold hands pressed to my face and neck. I felt liquid being poured down my throat as the counter-curse to my own foolish spell was whispered.

'Severus, you can't possibly be here. Are you real?' She muttered as she continued to pour different potions down my throat. 'No, I'm a glittering fairy princess. Of course I am real you daft girl.' I said as I almost choked on the potion she had been ready to pour down my throat.

I felt her tears as they fell on my face and rolled away. I stilled her hand before sitting up, pulling her tightly to be, and kissing her soundly. 'You insufferable, foolish, irresponsible, wonderful, brilliant, ingenious girl. Do you think I would willingly leave you and our daughter alone without protection?' I asked as she cried into my robes.

'I thought I had lost you. I saw you take your last breath.' She sobbed. I pressed a kiss to her head. She tilted her head back and looked into my eyes. 'I knew Syria was mine from that night you tried to tell me. I wasn't about to leave this earth without knowing that both of you would be taken care of.' I said. 'You won't ever leave me because if you do, I'll follow you to the ends of the earth.' She said.

'And whom may I ask would look after our daughter?' I asked. 'Draco, Ginny, Harry, Luna and Ron, of course.' She said simply. 'You would leave her in the hands of those dunderheads?' I asked with an eyebrow raised. 'May I remind you that one of those dunderheads is your godson?' She said. I rolled my eyes.

'We should let Minerva know that you are alive and well.' She said getting up. I groaned. 'Can it not wait until morning? It has been an exceedingly long and tiring day.' I said as she helped me up. I leaned heavily on her shoulder at first before trying to stand on my own.

'Where is our daughter by the way?' I asked as we slowly made our way to the bedroom. Almost as if to answer me, a squeal and a cry erupted from behind the door to my bedroom. 'Cissy must have sent Tibby along with her.' Hermione said as we entered the room to see our daughter lying in a conjured crib. Hermione helped me to the bed and allowed me to take a seat before going to the crib and picking her up and bringing her closer.

'Severus. I would like to meet our daughter, Syria Abigail Snape.' She said as she handed me the swaddled infant. I took the baby gingerly and held her close to me. The little girl opened her eyes to stare up at me and blinked.

'She has your eyes as you can see.' Hermione said as she stood watching us. 'Why did you name her Syria?' I asked quietly as I gently stroked my daughter's cheek. 'It's the name of the brightest star in the sky.' She said quietly. 'You know most pureblood families name their children after constellations, correct? Look at Draco and Bella.' I said as I stroked the little girl's cheek.

She had the beginnings of dark black hair a top her head but her eyes revealed that she was indeed her mother's daughter. 'And to think, I was hoping that I would not live the see the end of the war.' I thought as I held little Syria in my arms.

I looked up to notice that Hermione had laid down on the other the side of the bed and fallen asleep. I chuckled under my breath. 'I do believe your mummy has been worn out. What do you think little one? Should we follow her example?' I asked the little one. Almost as if to answer my inquiry, she gave a yawn and snuggled deep within her blanket.

'An excellent notion.' I said as I stood, crossed the room and gently placed Syria in her crib. 'Sleep little one.' I said before crawling into bed before gathering Hermione in my arms and promptly falling asleep.

The next morning – Hermione's POV

I heard Severus curse as he sat up to answer the somewhat loud and persistent knocking at the door to his private rooms. Syria 'Mr. Potter, I can assure you that Miss Granger and her daughter are well. If you hadn't noticed Potter, the war is over and some of us would like to recover from it.' Severus said snidely.

'I want to see Hermione and speak to her.' Harry said stubbornly. 'It's alright Severus.' I said as I came up behind him. 'Professor McGonagall would like to see you in her office as soon as you are rested and able.' Harry said. 'Potter, if that was all you wanted to say, it could have waited until after dawn.' Severus said crossly.

I gave Severus a pointed stare and nodded to Harry. 'Mrs. Weasley would also like to speak with you. Fred is awake so she's been preoccupied with him.' He said. 'I'll make sure I go see her. How's Luna?' I asked. 'Fine just fine. Xenophilius is resting in the Hospital wing, the Malfoys were able to release all the prisoners who were still alive.' Harry said before hanging his head.

'Go get some rest Harry. You look like you've been awake all night.' I said before giving him a hug. He nodded before turning away. 'Potter wait.' Severus said suddenly. I turned to see him reaching into the cabinet. He tossed something at Harry, who caught it.

'I trust you understand how addictive Dreamless Sleep potion can be and how you should use it sparingly?' He said with a raised eyebrow. 'Thank you Professor.' He said before turning around and leaving. I closed the door and turned to Severus.

'I think we should go and see what Professor McGonagall wants.' I said before starting towards his rooms. He grabbed the back of my shirt. 'It can wait until after we've had a shower. 'I'm sure Tibby can manage the baby on her own. She did for the battle.' Severus said as if reading my mind. I nodded.

Several hours later

'Miss Granger, you understand the gravity of your actions correct?' McGonagall said. 'Professor, I know gravity of the situation, but I do not regret making my decision for a single moment.' I said. We'd been arguing for more than an hour about the events of the last year.

'Miss Granger, you became a mother at only 18 and by your Potions Master no less! You were a mistress to one of the darkest wizards of all time. It is a miracle you even survived, much less maintained a strong foothold in the inner circle. I would like to know how and why you did it.' She said.

'The how's are not important. The why? I did what I had to help Harry survive. I was suckered into it by Professor Dumbledore, Merlin rest his soul, and while it started out as merely way to defeat Voldemort, it became much more than that when I realized there was something worthy fighting for.' I said looking at Severus.

'Am I to understand that you took the job as a spy because of Albus but the only reason you stayed was because of Severus?' She asked. 'Something like that Professor.' I said with a smile. 'Very well Miss Granger. Am I to assume that there is to be a wedding in the near future?' She asked.

'Wedding?' Severus and I asked. 'Come now Severus, you realize that Student-Professor relationships are frowned upon. What will the Board of Governors think when they find out that you have seduced, impregnated and refused to do right by a student?' Minerva said with a twinkle in her eye.

'Dear Merlin.' I thought. I looked at Severus. 'Will an autumn wedding be satisfactory for you Hermione?' He asked. 'Severus, are you serious about this?' I asked making sure that he was okay with this and not doing this because of McGonagall.

'It's high time I did something for myself, for once.' He said as he stood. He took my hand and I stood with him. 'Hermione, I'm broken. I'm sarcastic. I'm menacing when I want to be and above all I'm besotted by you.' He said with a smirk on his face.

'Marry me.' He whispered in my ear. I shivered. 'Yes, of course.' I said. 'Well, I don't think I'm going to get a better proposal out of him for you Hermione.' Minerva said from behind her desk. 'It's alright Headmistress. It was perfect just the way it was.' I said smiling as kissed Severus passionately. He pulled away to transfigure a quill into a simple ring and slipped it on my ring finger.

I smiled and kissed him again as Minerva sniffled. Severus picked me up and carried me from the office and it took me mere seconds to realize that he wanted some alone time.

10 years later - Hermione's POV

I sat at the staff table as Severus brought in the new first years. I smiled as he smirked up at me.

I turned my attention to Minerva as she stood and gave her speech. After she sat down, Severus began the sorting. I held my breath until he called 'Snape, Syria.'

I watched as my daughter walked nervously towards her father, much like I had all those years ago and sat down on the stool. It took the hat a few moments before it shouted 'Slytherin!' and Slytherin table erupted in cheers. I clapped as little Carina tapped my arm. 'Does this mean that Syria is in Dad's house?' She asked. I nodded. 'She is one of the students that your father will have to look after yes.' I said. 'Can I be in Dad's house too?' Her eyes wide with excitement.

'We will have to wait and see. You can be in any house you wish. The sorting hat does take your wishes into consideration.' I said. 'Really?' She asked. 'It did for your Uncle Harry.' I said as Severus kissed my cheek and sat down.

'How are you feeling today, my love?' He asked as Minerva laid down the ground rules for the first years. 'Tired, your son is awfully rambunctious today.' I said as I rubbed my stomach. 'That's my boy.' He chuckled as food appeared on our plates and Severus began cutting pieces of meat into smaller pieces for Carina.

As I ate, I reflected on the past 12 years. If given the choice, I know that I would not go back and change a single moment, because being able to spend these years in love with the man I married and our blooming family it was it was all about.

FIN

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