Severus had been heartbroken before. But this was new. Granger had told him she'd be back in a couple of weeks time since thats how long she estimated the potion to take to kick in Lupin's system. He hadn't heard from her a few days after the estimated date and thought something might have gone wrong with the potion. He waited patiently but gradually that patience turned to fury and then hopelessness. He realized that she had not felt the way he thought she did when he saw in a local magical world newspaper that 'Attero werewolf' worked. He immersed himself in alcohol. When he went long enough without alcohol he'd ask himself why she hadn't reached out to him. His rational mind would respond , it's because you are in hiding and she doesn't want anyone finding out. But heartbreak doesn't listen to reason.

'What are you doing here?' he said while looking at Tonks at his door.

'Severus , I'm so sorry, she's dead.'

His heart felt like an anchor on his chest,

'I can't believe it... She was here just a few months back. Are you lying?'

But he could see she wasn't ...

He sank down to his feet, unable to stand. His breathing was heavy and he suddenly felt lonely.

Was it Lupin?' with anger in his voice.

'What? No...no ..it was a muggle disease. There was no potion that could have helped her and it was so quick. She passed away in the night suddenly, her magic wasn't strong enough to keep her alive. I don't know if you've heard about it?'

'I know. I've heard'

They were quiet. Him holding his face in his hands and her looking down at him, eyes glistening with tears.

'Leave' he said abruptly.

She nodded, Hermione had been able to tell her how he'd react.

'She left this for you.' Tonks handed him a leather bound diary. It had a golden and silver HG embossed on it.

He took it and she disapparated.

Dear Severus,

If you're reading this you'd have read all my earlier entries about you too. And that means this thing took me. I'm awfully weak as I'm writing this and so want to share this with you.

The plan was that after the potion worked,I'd return to you. I imagine we'd have eventually lived together and had kids (I can practically see you roll your eyes)

You see,I haven't felt this about anyone but you. Even Harry and Ron said that they'd never seen me this calm. There's just something in the way you make me feel, that I'm enough.

I was worried you'd think I'd abandoned you. I didn't want your cover to be compromised and I don't trust the ministry or the media. If you'd exposed yourself, I was worried they'd try to hold you accountable for some things that you did even if it was to help the wizarding world.

My energy is almost up, so I'll finish with this. I know that you are someone who's a gift to this world but act as anything but. You have a great capacity of kindness, generosity and love in your heart. You need to experience a full life, Severus. You are just avoiding the magical world back here, you aren't avoiding life.

I hope you find someone who is as wonderful as you are. Keep living Severus, not just going through life.

I love you forever,

yours,

Hermione.

He closed the diary and thought about her.

THE END