Writer's note: I was reading through the Harry potter fanfic archives and I realized that one of the authors wrote a story line like mine (and better :D) No infringement intended, this was pure coincidence.

Astronomy Tower. Death Eaters all around.

His wand pointed at Dumbledore. The moment that would decide everything.

'Avada,' he began.

I can't.

You must, my boy. Everything must go to plan. Or Lily would've died for nothing. Remember what you must do after. Please.

'Kedavra!'

A blinding jet of blue light shot out of Snape's wand.

Blue. Harry never mentioned the color.

Hermione was not there that night, but she was now, in Snape's memory. The Avada Kedavra spell always casted green. She had read it.

~x~

Snape's new quarters as Headmaster of Hogwarts. An old suitcase stood beside the bed open but unpacked. As if its owner knew that his stay here would be a short one. Snape was bent over the writing desk, quill in his hand. She read over his shoulder.

It was a Muggle will with a letterhead of Old Bailey Solicitors. He was filling out the details with no expression, as if he were grading papers. Snape signed his name with a scratch, folded the paper and attached it to a school owl that was perched on the window sill. He was lost deep in thought as he stroked the owl's head and opened a window for it to fly out. When that deed was done, Snape looked at another sealed envelope on his desk.

Hermione Granger.

He picked it up, walked to the Sorting Hat who was perched on a high shelf.

'Keep this safe for me, will you? Hermione Granger will come looking for this someday. Make sure she receives it."

The Old Sorting Hat folded upon itself and the envelope disappeared within its many leathery creases.

With a tired sigh, Snape turned around and scanned the room, looking for unfinished tasks to complete. Hermione realized with a heavy heart that he had the air of someone who was putting his affairs to order, a man who was going to face the gallows that very same night.

Finding nothing, Snape approached a full length mirror in the Headmaster's quarters. Hermione, watching this memory, followed and stood behind him. He looked at the reflection of his pallid face. Tiredly, he ran his fingers through his hair, which had in fact turned quite greasy these last few days.

'Please don't hate me for what I've done,' he whispered softly, stroking the scars on his palms, which had become a habit of his. He looked up. Hermione froze. For a moment, it appeared as if Snape had made eye contact with her across time.

'Finite oblivirum incantantum.'

Hermione's head snapped back as if slapped, staggered a step backward. Memories were flooding into her brain in a jumble. She gasped as a switch was unlocked in her mind and all her feelings for Severus rushed into her heart.

Severus knelt on the couch in front of her. Kissing her hand. By the lake. Wrapped in his embrace. Breakfast at the Great Hall. Stealed glances. Him cornering her in the corridors. Foreheads touching, just breathing. On his bed, being possessed by him. Her hand over his strong beating heart. Hers.

Hermione stifled back a sob. He had given her his love and then erased her memory. She had not remembered but he had had to look at her and suffer her hate for him every single day after that until the day he died. Why did he have to be so valiant?

'Oh you stupid man….you stupid, stupid man.' She reached out to touch Severus in his memory and he dissolved into a cloud of black smoke as Severus Snape's final memory ended.

~x~

Severus' letter

Hermione dearest,

If you are reading this, then Dumbledore's plan worked and I hope that the war is finally over. There was no other way for Harry to defeat him other than this. And that was a gamble in itself. I'm sorry I cannot be there for you. There is so much I want to tell you but have not had the chance.

When Lily Evans died, my only life purpose was to see to Voldemort's demise. And when he's dead, I was going to take my own life. Being a Death Eater sears into the soul and I have done things that condemn me to Hell thrice over.

I never thought anyone would give a damn about me after I had chosen this path for myself. Thank you for caring about me and giving me the chance to love you. You won't remember any of our times together because I had to alter your memories for your own safety.

My mother gave me this ring to give to my soulmate. I used to scoff at the idea, who would love someone like me? Somehow you did. This is for you Hermione, please keep it with you so in a way, I'll always be close to you.

If Dumbledore's plan worked, there is a future for us, if you can find it in your heart to still love this old man after you have learned the truth.

Please forgive me for the pain I caused you.

Yours,

Severus

~x~