A/N: Only five chapters and an epilogue after this one... where has the time gone, y'all? Thanks so much for your support and encouragement throughout this story- it's really meant a lot to me:)

I still don't own anything!

"Move over. There isn't room for both of us when you lie like that."

"Insolent witch," Severus muttered as he moved so she could lay in the grass beside him. They were at their spot by the lake, laying out to enjoy the summer sun.

The school year had been over for about a month. Severus had been relieved to see the students go, knowing that he had the next three months to be free of dunderheads. Hogwarts was quiet; the only people staying were the professors and Hermione. Neville had passed his N.E.W.T.s last summer and started his work with Professor Sprout, but she'd all but forced him home for the break. She sent work for him like Severus had done for Hermione last year, and that was that.

Their summer had been peaceful so far, and they were enjoying the quiet. They lounged around their rooms in the mornings, sat in the sun with their books during the afternoons, and wandered the castle in the evenings. It was nice to have a routine, and they were growing closer as they spent more time together.

Hermione had struggled for a bit after her abduction, but she was more like herself again now. It had been just over four months, and she had healed from her extensive exposure to the Cruciatus Curse; she still suffered the occasional tremor, but it was going away slowly. Her bruises and cuts had all been healed by Severus, and she was fine, physically.

Mental and emotional healing were taking much longer. After she'd been brought back to Hogwarts, she'd taken a few days off before returning to her work. Professor Slughorn had been all too happy to lessen his workload again, but Severus was cautious. He was worried about her, and rightfully so. She had been having panic attacks again, and the nightmares had come back with a vengeance. After much assurance from Hermione and a brief row, he'd relented. Jumping back in gave her something to do, and the attacks became less frequent. She often had lots of marking to keep her busy, so she was too exhausted for nightmares.

During those first two months, she'd refused to leave the castle without Severus. He couldn't help but see the irony; she felt safest with the one she'd been with when she was taken. Nevertheless, he would take her out to Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley when either of them wanted or needed to go out. They'd had many an ice-cream date, which pleased her to no end, and they went to Flourish & Blott's regularly, as well as the apothecary. Slowly, she became more comfortable going out, and could now go alone, although she preferred to be with Severus.

Yes, his witch was strong, and he was glad that she was doing so much better. It was a relief to know that Dolohov and Rookwood were back in Azkaban. Lucius was dead, which pleased Severus. While they'd once been friends, Lucius had crossed a line that eliminated any mixed feelings Severus may have had before.

Hermione was Severus' family now; anybody who came after her had to deal with him. Or her, technically, considering it had been her potion that had killed Lucius. Either way, he'd do whatever it took to protect his witch.

The rest of the summer passed without incident, and the students were returning to Hogwarts before they knew it. Severus and Hermione were thrust back into the chaos of a new school year, leaving the peace of summer behind them.

Things were going well, and Hermione was taking on sixth years now. She was busier than ever, but she and Severus somehow managed to find time together. Some nights it was a few hours of reading, others they just sat and finished their marking before going to bed. Things were easy. It was nice to have a break; they'd had a rough year.

In the past few weeks of the new school year, Hermione had started a revision group for Potions, and it was a big success so far. Students from all houses were coming, and they were all working together. Before long, there were requests for help with Arithmancy, and then Defense, and now Hermione was tutoring in just about any subject. The meetings were two hours every Tuesday and Thursday, and she helped them with whatever it was they were struggling with. She was happy to be putting what she'd learned to good use, and it was fulfilling. It made her day when students showed her their improved marks and thanked her.

For Hermione's birthday, they took the day to lounge and ignore work. They'd done a bit the day before, knowing that Hermione just wanted time with her wizard. They'd made love many times throughout the day, and by the time they went to bed that night, Severus was teasing her for how insatiable she'd been.

In her defense, they were both busy, and weren't intimate as often as they wanted to be.

Severus was content. So far, this term was considerably better than the last, and he could only hope that it would stay that way. The last thing he needed was for Hermione to be abducted and tortured again.

Now it was November, and the two had already visited Hermione's sister's grave. He hated to see her in so much pain, but it was something she needed to do, and Severus didn't mind going with her.

But, he was also plotting something. The day she'd started her apprenticeship was fast-approaching- less than a week away- and he had something big in the works. She would only have another year before she was a Potions Mistress, and he was proud to say that she would be the best in all of Wizarding Britain.

Last night, he'd come home late, and she had almost caught him. Luckily for him, she had been in the bathroom, and he was so tired that he threw himself into bed and was asleep before she came back to bed.

That morning, Hermione had asked him where he had been, and he told her he had an errand to run, and it had taken longer than expected. It wasn't a lie, but it was just vague enough that she was eyeing him all day, curiosity never leaving her face.

The staff noticed at dinner and, upon asking what was going on, he told them that they would know soon enough. The matter was dropped, and Severus was smirking to himself for the rest of the evening. Upon reaching their quarters, Hermione had asked so many questions that he almost broke, if only to stop the endless inquisition. He was able to distract her easily enough- all it took were a few kisses and his strong arms carrying her to their bedroom.

"Don't you dare think I'll forget about this, Severus. I'm just… otherwise involved," she panted as he pushed into her.

He just chuckled and the conversation was dropped as their attentions were turned elsewhere.

Today was the day. Hermione had been hounding and badgering him almost constantly, but he was good at redirecting her thoughts. He was more tired than he'd been for a while, but it was a good tired; he'd been up almost all night for the past two evenings with his witch, and he certainly wasn't going to complain.

After the last class ended, Severus found Hermione as she walked to meet him in his room.

"Come with me?"

She nodded and took his hand, and he led her out of the castle and to their spot by the lake. When she saw it, she gasped.

The lights wrapped around the trees were similar to the ones they'd had on their Christmas tree, and they lit up the small nook as the sun set. There was a blanket set out, and a single plate of chocolate cake with two spoons sat in the middle.

"Severus…" she trailed off, looking at him with a huge smile and tears in her eyes.

He gave her a small smile in return, and they sat on the blanket. They were stretched so that their legs were entwined, and the cake rested on his thigh. Hermione couldn't help but point out his sweet tooth again, and he laughed. It was the beautiful laugh that made Hermione want to smile and laugh with him.

After they'd eaten, he pulled her into him and they laid under the trees, staring at the stars that were coming out as the sun disappeared.

Severus reached into the pocket of his robes on the side she couldn't see, and kept it hidden as he sat back up. She followed, looking at him with a soft smile.

Taking a deep breath, he began.

"Hermione, you know that after the war- which I never expected to survive- I didn't have anything to live for. I'd just go back to teaching and move on with the new life I didn't know what to do with.

"I offered you your apprenticeship exactly two years ago today. What began as a tentative friendship has grown into much, much more. I have something worth living for now. I have the most beautiful, loyal, brave, intelligent witch I've ever known. You are my life, my family now. Hermione, I love you, and I can't imagine living a day without you. Will you allow me the honor of making you my wife?"

For a moment, she just stared at him in shock, tears streaming down her face. He had a fleeting worry that she would reject him, but that wonderful smile of hers graced her face, and she took his hand.

"Severus, the honor would be mine. Yes, of course I'll marry you!"

He leaned forward and kissed her gently, and so much love was in his kiss that Hermione thought her heart might burst. As they pulled apart, he pulled out a small black box and held it open for her.

The ring was lovely. It was gold, with an intricate scrolling detail along the sides. In the center, there were five small, round, dark green stones; Hermione didn't know exactly what they were, but she could tell they weren't emeralds. One was in the middle with one on each side, and in between the four outer stones were diamonds.

"This ring has been in my family for generations, and now it is yours."

Severus took the ring from the box and placed it gently on Hermione's finger. Unable to fight off her curiosity, she had to ask.

"Severus, what stone is this?"

Still holding her hand, Severus looked at the ring, considering it. "Uvarovite garnet. It is very rare and, as such, symbolizes that which is precious and lasting. Believe it or not, it is said to heal feelings of insufficiency, and garnet is my birthstone. It also heals feelings of a scarcity of love, which we can both relate to; it's almost like it was made for us in a physical relationship, it brings souls together; we are one and the same. At the same time, it enhances solitude, but without the loneliness. Even when we're apart, we're together.

"The green is for advancement and prosperity, and helps keep things on track. If all this is true, it should help keep us on track, despite whatever rows we may have. I'm not going anywhere, Hermione. I love you."

With his explanation, Hermione's eyes welled up with tears.

"I love you, too, Severus."

It was perfect. She turned her hand and watched the stones catch the light, and she kissed him with everything she had. He kissed her back with the same feeling and enthusiasm, and he vanished everything in their nook and took her back to their bedroom, where they made sweet, languid love as newly-betrothed.

At the Head Table the next morning, it was Minerva who was the first to notice the ring on Hermione's finger.

"Oh, congratulations! I couldn't be happier for the both of you," she said as she hugged Hermione and put a gentle hand on Severus' shoulder. Although he only nodded, she knew he was happy when he didn't shrug her off.

"Thank you, Minerva," Hermione answered for the both of them, shooting a pointed look at Severus. This earned her a small scowl as he muttered his thanks.

"What is all the commotion, Minerva? It's a little early for-" Dumbledore's eyes went to Hermione's finger, and he smiled at the two of them. Severus gave him an almost imperceptible smile in return, but Albus saw it. The man he thought of as a son was finally able to live his own life as he pleased, and he was happy. The Headmaster couldn't ask for more.

The students noticed quickly that something big was happening, and most of them were openly staring. The professors weren't paying any attention, though; all their focus was on Severus and Hermione. While the two were uncomfortable with all of the attention, they were also grateful that everyone seemed to be so supportive.

Aware that the students would all know by the end of the day- news had always travelled fast- Hermione lifted her goblet with her left hand, turning it just enough so the students knew what was going on.

It was obvious when the students noticed, as all conversations seemed to stop before picking back up again, but now they were hushed. Severus looked to see what his witch was doing and he smirked. Sometimes, he really wondered why she wasn't in Slytherin.

Hermione reached under the table and set her hand on his thigh, palm up. Severus placed his larger hand in hers, and she laced their fingers together. Still watching her face, he warmed when she looked at him with a big smile. It was his favorite of her smiles; whenever it graced her features, her entire face lit up, her eyes seemed to sparkle more, and she looked as if she'd never been hurt. He could only hope to make that true for the rest of her days.

News of their engagement was coursing through the castle for the rest of the week before the students were distracted by Merlin-knows-what. Some pointless piece of gossip, Severus assumed.

Soon enough, it was exam week, and Hermione was doing her best to catch up on sleep. Her revision group had taken up more time in preparation for O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, and she was very sleep-deprived.

Taking on six of the seven years was proving challenging, but Hermione loved a challenge. She had found early on that teaching was something she very much enjoyed, and couldn't wait to be teaching all of Professor Slughorn's classes. It was intimidating, but she knew she could handle it.

Term would be over soon, and she was excited. Severus was taking her on holiday, but she didn't know where. All he'd said was that it was somewhere he'd always wanted to go, but had never had the chance. They'd never been away together before, and Hermione couldn't wait. She knew it would be lovely, and she was curious about where he wanted to travel.

They would be gone for a week, so Christmas would be spent away from home. Hermione already had most of her things packed; Severus had mentioned that it wouldn't be nearly as cold where they were going, so she'd packed for fall rather than winter.

At the moment, Hermione was laying on the sitting room floor with Crookshanks curled up on her stomach. She was drawing random patterns on the ceiling while she waited for Severus' exams to finish. Her mind was running rampant, and it felt good. It had been a long time since she'd just gotten lost in her thoughts.

Brewing came to mind first. Severus was teaching her how to make Wolfsbane, and it was both draining and time-consuming. It only needed another day to brew, for which Hermione was grateful. She didn't mind brewing it, but she would be glad when it was finished.

Then came Severus. His gentle hands, wonderful smile, and Merlin, that voice. It was a comfort to Hermione, and it always had been. As she thought about how much she loved hearing her name on his tongue, she brought her hand to her neck absently. Her thoughts continued to wander. She found herself enjoying thoughts of how hearing him say their name as they made love aroused her. His hands on her body, his lips on hers… she had to stop herself as she felt her face grow warm.

Pulling her thoughts back to just her wizard, Hermione studied his hair. She had always been attracted to its color- something about the depth of the black made her think of a raven, which brought her to one of her favorite poems by Edgar Allen Poe. Hermione remembered that, growing up, she'd read the poem frequently and wondered if she'd ever find her raven. It seemed that, in doing so, she may have become someone else's.

Her next thought took her breath away. She saw Severus, but he was smaller. His dark eyes were the same lovely dark grey that they were now, but there was something off about his raven-colored locks. They were thicker, with more curls. His nose was a tad smaller, and there was a warmth that never seemed to fade from his face. Oh.

Is this what their son would look like? She hoped so; this was the most beautiful little boy she'd ever seen.

But she and Severus hadn't discussed having children. Would he want to be a father? Did he want to have children with her? Maybe they should talk about it; she did want to be a mother someday…

Relax, Hermione. Of course I want to have children with you; don't be ridiculous.

Severus! What are you doing in my head?

I should be asking you that. I was doing my marking when the heart grew warm. I think it was unintentional, if your surprise is anything to go by.

How long have you been there?

Since something about my voice being immensely arousing.

Oh, gods! That's embarrassing.

Why? Who's to say your voice doesn't have the same effect?

Now you're just trying to make me feel better!

I can feel your blush, Hermione. Calm down; I'm not lying to you.

Whatever you say, Severus. So… you saw the boy, then?

I did.

And?

There's been a similar picture in my mind for some time now, Hermione.

Really? Why didn't you say anything?

Well, seeing as the child wouldn't be growing inside my body, I figured that this was something that you needed to think about.

How very kind of you, love. How many do you want?

It really doesn't matter, but two would be acceptable.

Two is nice. I think four is the limit, though.

Why don't we start with one and see where things go from there?

Alright, Severus. When will you be up?

In about half an hour, I think. Have I ever told you how much I enjoy exam week?

Yes, Severus. I believe you've mentioned how much you prefer the silence about… oh, only a hundred times in the past three days.

Impertinent chit.

Oh, Severus, do be careful. We wouldn't want the students to see that little smile on your face, would we?

I'm sure I have no idea what you're referring to.

So I'm just imagining things again?

You must be.

If you insist.

That I do, witch, that I do.

Alright. Hurry back, love; I've got something for you.

You do know that Christmas is still a week away, don't you?

Yes. Although, if you don't want it, I guess I'll just have to handle it myself.

Hmm… A tempting offer, minx. One I'm afraid I can't refuse. I'll be there as soon as I can.

I'll be waiting.

And with that, her head was her own once more.

Severus had been admittedly worried when he'd felt his pocket grow warm. While they'd used the hearts to communicate when they were across the castle from each other, part of him still feared that last year's abduction would make a reprise.

As soon as his hand met the warm glass, he'd thought her name, only to hear no response. He thought it again, and then he realized that she hadn't meant to call him. Hermione had a habit of playing with her necklace when she was idle, and he'd caught a few glimpses of things he wasn't necessarily supposed to see.

This time was no different. She was thinking about how he said her name, explaining the lack of response. Her thoughts seemed to be drifting in no particular direction, and he did his best to ignore them; the last thing he needed was a hard-on while administering exams.

Hermione's thoughts about the raven had caught his interest, though. He was familiar with the poem, and had once wondered, as she had, if he would ever find his. Severus was pleased to know that he had, and he felt the same as Hermione when he realized that he'd become somebody else's.

And then the boy leapt into his mind. He'd seen a similar child before, and he was surprised to see that Hermione was imagining the same thing. Then the realization hit her, that this was their child and not her wizard. Severus hadn't been expecting the worry, though. At first, he'd been alarmed; what if she didn't want his children?

It hadn't taken him long to realize that the concern she felt mirrored his own, and he'd felt as if he needed to settle it immediately. Hermione didn't need to work herself into a nervous wreck when it was completely unnecessary.

Now, though, knowing that she was waiting for him, time couldn't possibly be moving any slower if it tried.

A/N II: Yay! Severus finally did it! Here's the link for her ring, for those of you who are curious:

www . brilliantearth dot com /The - Nevis - Ring - Gold - BAL1003 /

Make sure you type it without the spaces.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it and I'll see y'all next week:)