The rest of the year passed quickly for Hermione. She decided to stay in Potions, relieved that she and Severus, Professor Snape for now, had worked out their issues. Harry spent several weeks begging Hermione's forgiveness for his part in what happened to her, plying her with books and extravagant gestures of friendship. Alicia laughed along with everyone else when Harry dropped down on his knees in front of the Great Hall and proclaimed his undying friendship to his best friend, Hermione Granger, if only she would forgive him for his actions, or lack thereof. Hermione laughingly told him to get off his knees, and that she forgave him without reservation, as long as he promised to leave her love life alone and accept whomever she ultimately chose.

Severus Snape smirked as Potter gladly swore he would.

Ron Weasley remained confused to this day about what happened between Hermione and his sister. He immediately stopped trying to woo her after the potion incident, to his friends' unending relief, choosing instead to bestow his affections on other women in the student body who admired the tall red-head. Ginny Weasley learned an important lesson about friendship and acceptance, and for the rest of the year went out of her way to regain her friends' trust. Hermione was unable to accept her apology in the two months that remained of school, but she promised to keep in touch with Ginny and try to forgive her.

Severus watched sadly as the train departed after graduation, knowing his heart went with it. Graduation had been difficult, knowing she was leaving for America in a few days, but he reminded himself that she was right in her assessment of the situation. Despite everything he felt for her, he still cringed at the idea of moving further into the world of dating and the physical expression of love. He had no desire for his first time with the woman he loved to be a battle between his desire for her and his feeling that he was violating some sacred trust and taking advantage of a student.

"She will return, Severus," stated Albus with a twinkle in his eye. It was the first time the Potions professor felt relieved to see that damnedable twinkle. Surely the headmaster would know if she meant never to return.

The first letter from America arrived less than a week later. It was a quick note informing him that she arrived safely, and that she was going to be busy over the next few days making arrangements for her school and lodging. Severus knew her parents had been unhappy with her decision to leave England, but that they came around when she explained that she was going to a school that would teach her both sides of her heritage. Hermione was going for degrees in Physics, Arithmancy, and Charms, with a minor in Potions. Salem University had been ecstatic to have her, offering a full scholarship if she agreed to take her full schooling at the institution. Hermione agreed, pushing back her return to England by two years, but Severus understood that an opportunity such as that was not to be squandered.

Several years passed, and instead of growing apart, Hermione and Severus became closer than ever. They missed each other greatly, however, which compelled Severus to accept the invitation to speak at Salem on his research with the Wolfsbane potion. He decided to leave it a surprise, hoping she would be happy to see him. Despite three years of letters, he still had difficulty imagining a woman such as her could be interested in him.

The flutter of wings caught his attention, and it was with a light heart that he recognized Hermione's owl. It bore a letter and a small package wrapped in emerald green and gold paper. He smiled at that. Hermione was forever trying to fuse their houses into something for both of them. He eagerly opened the letter.

Dear Severus,

You'll never guess what's happening here in a few weeks. We're having a Potions Symposium and they've invited some of the greatest Potions masters in the world to speak. I wish you could be here, but I know your research is at a very crucial stage and cannot be left unattended. I swear I miss you more every day, and have been considering taking the summer off so I can come visit this year. Going to school year-round is beginning to exhaust me. I've asked Professor Hathor if he plans to record the presentations, so I'll be sure to send you a copy once everything is done. I'm sure you will find some of your colleagues speeches entertaining, at the very least. I seem to remember a rant on Master Tovenasovich from a few years ago adding colour to an otherwise boring day.

Well, I've got to go. Selena is insisting upon dragging me out to a dance club this evening, and unless I want her to interrupt my studies every night for the next week, I have to go. I only hope they didn't invite her friend Charles. I swear that man is related to an octopus!

Love always,

Hermione

Severus finished the letter, frowning at the last part. Her roommate Selena had tried to "hook" Hermione up with every young man she knew for the past three years. Apparently, the girl failed to believe that Hermione had someone back in England that she was devoted to. It flattered him that she refused to date on his account, but he also worried that she was missing out on an important part of her young life. Would it be better for her to do some dating now and get it out of her system before she returned to him?

He mentally slapped himself for a fool. If there was one thing he knew about Hermione Granger, it was that she knew her own mind. If she wanted to explore the world of dating, she would have told him in no uncertain terms. He respected that about her, recognizing that after two decades of spying, he needed someone like that. Someone who he could have faith in. Albus and Minerva were already part of that select group, but he could not imagine any woman besides Hermione earning his trust. Nor did he want another woman.

It was interesting thinking that, he observed. A few years ago, he was convinced the Wizarding world hated him, and that Hermione was the only woman willing to give him the time of day. After the Prophet ran a series of very detailed articles about his life as a spy for the Order, not only did he receive his long-awaited Order of Merlin, First Class, but he was inundated with letters by literally dozens of women who found themselves fascinated by the idea of dating him. Out of respect for Hermione, he refused to even consider their proposals, replying instead that he was otherwise committed. Telling Hermione about the letters had been a very nervous exercise, but the young woman was far wiser than her years. She merely asked him if he wanted to pursue any of the women, and left him to sort out for himself if his interest was worth possibly losing the woman who loved him. Whom he loved.

The answer was a resounding no, delivered by Albus Dumbledore's phoenix, Fawks, who had been all to happy to carry his letter and the small, gold and sapphire promise ring he sent with it. Two days later he received a photograph of Hermione Granger seated at her desk, waving the hand bearing the ring at him.

And now he was to see her in person.

Severus roamed restlessly around the room, wracking his brain for ideas on what to take her. He wanted to give her a gift worthy of her love for him; one that showed her how much he reciprocated her feelings. She wore his promise ring – the same ring his grandmother wore for the majority of her life. She knew how he felt – that was obvious, he thought, in every letter they exchanged. Books were out of the question, as were things to enhance her schooling. This needed to be personal.

"And simple, Severus. Miss Granger is not an extravagant woman."

Severus whirled in surprise to face Albus Dumbledore. The elderly wizard chuckled at his friend's astonishment, amused to see even Severus could be startled a bit these days. The younger wizard's eyes narrowed at the sight of the headmaster standing in the middle of his sitting room, twinkling like a damned Christmas tree.

"Perhaps not, Albus, but she is still a woman who needs to be loved the way she deserves. I will not be one of those men who take their women for granted until it is too late. It has been difficult enough to keep her with me as it is." The startled wizard glared at his mentor, who merely chuckled and gingerly lowered himself into "his" seat.

"Not as difficult as you think, Severus. She loves you, truly, and you would do well to remember that."

He sighed. "I know. It is just… difficult, at times, to be parted from her. Especially when I do not even get to see her during the summers."

"It is either that, or she stays at university for another year, my boy."

Severus impatiently raked a pale hand through his hair. "Yes, yes. I would rather see her sooner than later, but what if she finds someone else? What if she realizes that I'm just a sour old man unworthy of her briefest glance? What if she comes to her senses and decides never to return?" His eyes were oddly vulnerable as his gaze met that of the headmaster. "What if I lose her forever?"

Albus reached out to gently pat the distraught wizard's hand. This is what he had awaited for three years. For Severus to finally realize how truly important the young woman was to him. To finally admit it aloud without coercion. "She will return, my boy, and she will be returning to you. If you doubt it, ask her when you are at Salem next week. The best gift you can give her, Severus, is the truth. Tell her, in no uncertain terms, how you feel about her. She will love you all the more for it."

Sensing the truth in his mentor's words, Severus nodded, and began planning what he was going to say to the woman who was more important to him than life.

Hermione Granger was running late, for once in her life. She was upset that her alarm never went off, and that her roommate had made off with her favourite sweater. Admittedly, it was sitting out on the couch, but that was only because she knew she was going to wear it today. Her shoes seemed to be jinxed, preventing her from finding a complete pair for at least five minutes. Added together, she was running a half an hour late, which meant she missed the arrival of the Potions masters. Bloody hell.

Racing down the halls of the school, Hermione headed for the auditorium, determined to miss nothing of the lectures. There were a number of things she wanted to discuss with Severus, and she knew he would be disappointed if she failed to attend the opening presentation. Cracking the door open only wide enough for her to slip through, she entered the large room, immediately scanning for an open seat. The auditorium was packed, surprisingly enough, but she supposed it was to be expected from the mystery surrounding the guest of honor. No one knew who it was, but the rumours indicated they were in for a surprise.

A single chair near the aisle beckoned to her, and she quickly grabbed it, happy that she was able to secure such a great seat. Hermione smiled brilliantly at the young man next to her as she slipped onto the rickety wooden chair, pausing only to snatch up the program. Eager to see who the mystery guest was, she opened the brochure and discovered that the page containing information on the featured Potions master was obscured by a Disillusionment spell.

Severus waited tensely backstage, projecting cool confidence to those around him. Anyone who knew him, however, which was a very narrow list, would have noticed the slight tightening of his lips whenever his speech was mentioned, or the nervous flutter of his hands whenever he looked at the stage. It was odd, he thought, that a single, mere slip of a girl could reduce the wizard who faced Voldemort on a regular basis without fear to a nervous wreck of a man. What if she was angry that he lied to her? What if she decided she no longer wanted to be with him? What if…

"Master Snape, sir? You're on."

Severus vaguely heard them announcing him as he confidently strode on the stage in a flurry of black robes. He barely registered the response of the crowd, hoping against hope that he would be able to see a bushy-haired brunette amongst the masses. The auditorium quieted, watching respectfully as he raked his eyes across the room. He opened his mouth to begin his prepared speech, and then stopped as he saw her.

The years had been good to his beloved. She told him about the new shampoo she discovered several years ago which "reduced this bushy mass to something more manageable". Mere description had not done the result justice. Her chestnut hair fell about her shoulders in loose curls, artfully mussed (or not) to give her a more casual appearance. She wore a light blue blouse and navy slacks, perfectly suited to her now curvaceous form. Her creamy skin glowed in the dim light, and he could see her brilliant smile from the stage. Relief washed through him as he realized she was not angry. Her encouraging nod prompted him to begin his speech again, this time his voice resonating with all the confidence he was known for.

It seemed to Hermione that the speech was far too short in some ways – she had a huge list of questions – but far too long in others – she wanted to see Severus as soon as possible. Joy and genuine interest kept her on the edge of her seat for the entire presentation, marveling at the brilliance of her snarky, gifted, and deliciously sensual love. She had forgotten how his voice affected her, until he opened his mouth and the silky tones caressed her like an absent lover. It was all she could do to turn her attention to the material, admonishing her now-mature urges that the time was not right. Not yet.

Severus ended his speech, surprisingly choosing to answer a few questions before he exited the stage to parts unknown. Hermione was disappointed when he left, but knew he would find her when he was finished with his social duties. Professor Anderson, Potions Mistress of Salem University was a great admirer of his, Hermione frowned at the thought, and would no doubt insist on hearing everything she could about his research and findings. Perhaps things would not be easy after all.

Hermione still possessed a certain lack of confidence in herself, which led her to fear that Severus would suddenly realize that there were so many other women in the world far more beautiful and intelligent than her. In the years since the war, Severus Snape had become a bit of a celebrity, his notoriety turning him into the tall, dark, and mysterious former spy desired by many women. She was curious as to why he did not tell her he was coming to visit. Was it a last minute thing? Or was he hoping to have as little contact with her as possible? Maybe he was going to tell her he moved on or was no longer willing to wait. It pained her to think of it.

The students left the auditorium in a slow trickle, many surprised that the infamous Severus Snape would speak at their school. Hermione stayed behind, hoping to see him, but mostly avoiding the masses of students crowding the doorways. By the time she left the theatre, the professors had rushed the guests off to dine with the school administrators. Clumps of students still mingled in the halls, deep in discussions ranging from Potions to the recent exploits of their dormmates. Hermione avoided all of it, choosing instead to return to her room in the vain hope that Severus might visit. She decided to pass the time studying, but kept being distracted by the thought of Salem's beautiful, flame-haired Potions mistress and the Potions master of Hogwarts.

It was shaping up to be a long night.

Severus politely made a heroic effort to pay attention to the yammering fool in front of him. Albus should give him a medal, he thought. There were any number of rude comments he wished to say to the coy little bint, if only to get her to shut up and leave him alone. Did she truly think that her odious perfume and low-cut dress was going to entice him into her bed? What was it with these women? Did they have no respect for the phrase "otherwise committed"? Hermione was no doubt wondering where he was this very minute, upset with him because he kept his visit from her and then disappeared before they could talk. What kind of gift was it going to be if he was forced to associate with the sly little bag of feminine wiles that passed for a Potions mistress at this school? What would that say to Hermione?

Finally, the bit paused in her blathering, giving him the very opening he needed.

"Fascinating," he sneered, "I find it interesting that you have managed to discover the underlying truth of all potions-making with a few short years of research. Truly you must be proud that even Nicholas Flammel himself was unable to discern enough of a pattern to predict the interactions between any mixture of ingredients using Arithmancy." He eyed her disdainfully. "I was unaware you were a mistress of two disciplines."

The annoyed wizard raked his eyes around the room, making his contempt apparent. He had tried to be nice for Albus' sake, but look at where it got him. Spending his precious time listening to a two-bit hack try and take credit for his beloved's work. It was time to introduce the gaping dunderheads to the real Professor Snape.

Dean Erastus, Albus Dumbledore's state-side equivalent and old friend, was struggling to hide a grin as the dark Potions master took his professor down a peg. In truth, Professor Anderson was, in all probability, in her last year at the university. According to the stories, Miss Granger would not be the first victim of her scheming, but she was the first student wise enough to register her research with the goblins. It had infuriated the Potions mistress, he knew, but he refused to interfere, citing the school's code for protected study. She apparently did not take the hint.

"I…uh… Severus. I… I apologize," she simpered. "I had no idea you thought I was making such outlandish claims. You misunderstand. I…"

She trailed off as her eyes met the darkly furious orbs of Professor Snape. "You seem to believe, Madame, that I have an interest in continuing this discussion. I do not. I have better things to do with my time than cater to your simplistic and transparent attempts to impress me." He turned to the dean. "Erastus, forgive me, but I have somewhere to be, and I am running very late."

The old wizard smiled indulgently at the younger man and nodded. "I understand, Severus. Good luck, my boy, and do not despair for I do not believe the situation is as bad as you fear."

The anger in Snape's eyes was replaced with shock at the dean's words, but he tossed the subsequent chaotic thoughts aside in order to leave.

In a swish of black robes, he was gone.