Hey everyone! I am so terrible at keeping up with this! I'm taking classes online and it's so stressful trying to keep on top of due dates!

Anyway, I've set a new goal for this story: 500 reviews! I know you can do it! You guys are awesome and your reviews are extremely inspiring to me, so keep them coming!

Also: I may not have Internet for a week; I'm going to my Grandma's house, who may or may not be getting Internet this week, so if I post on Tuesday, you'll know I have Internet!

Enjoy!

For a brief moment, everything was silent. People remained staring at the spot in which Voldemort stood mere moments ago. And then as if someone had turned a switch, cheers, applause, and shouts erupted throughout the air. People flooded around Potter, who simply stood there, not yet registering the fact that he had just saved the entire school and saved thousands of lives.

Severus saw her before she saw him. Hermione embraced her friend for a moment before scanning the faces around her. Shoving past people, her hair was as wild as her eyes. Severus stepped forward, and began making his way through the crowd. A break in the people allowed her eyes to find him and a grin broke out onto her face as she ran towards him.

A moment later, she was flinging herself on him and he eagerly wrapped his arms around the small witch. Her arms were wrapped so tightly around his neck it was nearly painful. She was sobbing and trying to talk to him, but he couldn't hear a word she was saying. He pulled away to peer into her face.

"Why on Earth are you crying?" he asked seeing her face wet with tears.

"I don't know," she sniffled as more tears poured down her face. "I'm happy, and relieved, and Harry is alive, you're alive, Remus and Tonks, and…everything is finally over. We finally beat him,"

She began sobbing again, wrapping her arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, stroking her hair while pressing his lips to the top of her head.

The sun began shinning brighter than before, and Severus lifted his face to the sky, giving it a small smile, meant only for his mentor, Albus Dumbledore. He knew the old man was looking down right now, with a twinkle in his eye that said he was right all along.

People spent the next few hours running after one another and searching for friends and relatives. Many people took up the search for the wounded and the dead while Severus found Minerva directing a few boys who were carrying their wounded friend.

"Bring him into the Great Hall, someone will be with you as soon as possible," she said, grimacing at the sight before her.

The boys shuffled by and Severus stepped forward, standing beside the old woman who released a sigh.

"I can still remember the last time Voldemort was killed. The celebrations went on for days," Minerva said, staring out across the obliterated courtyard.

"Mm," Severus answered.

He could remember the last time Voldemort fell. He was grieving over the loss of Lily Potter. Raising his eyes, Severus looked around at all of the damage the school had taken. Minerva followed his eyes and offered a deeper sigh.

"I know how much this place means to you, Severus. I'm sure many people will offer to help repair it,"

"I'm sure they will," he replied, his eyes finding the three heroes standing on the bridge together.

"I think that it would be wise, before anything, to search the grounds for stray Death Eaters. We don't need people being attacked when they are helping bring the wounded back to the castle. I would like the Order to be responsible for that, if it's not too much to ask,"

"I'll inform them immediately," Severus answered quietly.

The two fell silent, as they watch Potter toss something off of both sides of the bridge. The three turned away from the school, and slowly, took one another's hands. The bond between the three was practically tangible in the air. Since the moment the three had been sorted in their first year, until they beat the most horrific dark wizard of all time, they had been together, right until the very end. Everything they had work for had ended, no doubt they would be lost for a few months without a constant threat hanging over their heads.

The three remained on the bridge for a while, and Minerva eventually made an announcement that everyone was to either return home if they so wished or gather in the Great Hall until the grounds were fully searched and any threats eliminated.

Slowly, people began shuffling through the large doors, finding one another to enter into conversation as they waited. The last to move were Potter, Weasley, and Hermione. Embracing in a large group for a few moments, they separated and began heading back to the school. Severus took this moment to find Lupin and Tonks to inform them of what Minerva wanted.

The three talked for a few moments as more of the members began to join the group. Many offered to take certain areas of the school, and broke away to do their job. Severus, naturally, took the dungeons as well as the first floor. The forest would be left until the end, when the entire Order was convened.

Arthur and George Weasley approached, with red eyes to offer their assistance. Severus looked over their shoulders and saw Fred sprawled out amongst the dead, surrounded by his family. Looking away from their faces, Lupin spoke up for a moment.

"We've got every place covered, it's alright," he spoke softly.

"We want to help," George offered.

"Your family needs you," Severus suddenly interjected, causing most to stare at him.

"We can't do anything more for him," Arthur said quietly.

Severus nodded once, and then sent the father-son duo to search the area around the library. Each group broke off, Severus being on his own, and left the Great Hall. As they left the room, the trio was walking in.

"Where are you all going?" Hermione asked in a slight panic.

"Searching the grounds to make sure they're clear," George said before falling in line with his father.

Hermione instantly caught Severus as he exited the room.

"Be careful," she mumbled quietly, for only his ears.

"I'm sure most of them fled already. Things should be relatively clear,"

"I want to come with you,"

"No, stay here," he ordered quietly.

She wanted to retort, he could see it written across her face, but she was exhausted.

"Watch your back when you're down there,"

"I will,"

Severus brushed by her, gently grazing her fingers with his before making a beeline for the dungeons. The only thing he found in damp corridors was scared students, and a few injured people who had fled there to avoid the brunt of the fighting. Severus healed most of the injuries, and sent the rest to the Great Hall to be put under the supervision of Madame Pomfrey. The first floor was completely deserted, except for one man whose eyes were glazed over and skin was pale.

Severus finished his inspection and then silently cast a spell to have the man float on a stretcher behind him and back to the Great Hall. Flitwick took the man to where the other deceased people were lined up and slipped a sheet over the body.

Severus stood in the middle of the Great Hall for a moment, taking in the scene before him. The right side was a makeshift hospital, and many people were bandaged up while others cried out in pain. By the looks of it, most would be transferred to St. Mungo's as soon as the people arrived to collect the injured.

The left was more like a funeral parlor. Families wept over lost loved ones, while others sat, unclaimed. Some families were making arrangements to have the bodies of their loved ones moved so the proper arrangements for the burial could be made.

"Attention!" Minerva's voice boomed across the room. "We have a list here for missing people. If you have checked with Professor Flitwick and Madame Pomfrey, and their name is not present, please, come up front and add their name to this list here,"

A fairly large group of people made their way to Madame Pomfrey and Flitwick. The poor man watched as families lifted sheets, and either sighed with relief or cried out in horror. The room was buzzing with voices and Severus stepped through the large doors and stood in the Entrance Hall.

At that moment, a group of people dressed in white came climbing over the rubble. Severus immediately recognized their uniforms. The people carrying stretchers looked around in awe and shock, most became pale and fell speechless.

"Through here," Severus murmured to the lost crowd, leading them over to Madame Pomfrey so she could better direct them.

For most of the day, people were being funneled in and out, until finally, only a few remained. Potter remained close to Weasley for most of the day after he had told his family to go home without him, and that he would be back in time for the funeral. Hermione, on the other hand, was never in the Great Hall for more than five minutes. She would grab one of the assistants from St. Mungo's and would return later with someone on a stretcher.

Before the sun could lower in the sky, Severus met with the Order near the Forbidden Forest to give it a quick sweep. It was then that they found a group of Death Eater's congregated in a small clearing. They were outnumbered, restrained, and taken to the castle where the Ministry (which had been reclaimed, under Kingsley's control) was contacted.

As the few Death Eaters were paraded into the Great Hall, screeches sounded, along with gasps and exclamations. The Order kept a boundary between them and the angry people wanting to have justice right then and there. Thankfully, the Ministry arrived soon, and escorted the prisoners to Azkaban.

Hermione entered the room just as the Death Eaters were leaving, and took a step back in shock. She watched for a moment as they were taken from the room before turning her eyes on Severus.

The loss of blood Severus endured in the Boathouse was starting to affect him now; he could feel how weak he was becoming. He knew, for the most part, he was now safe, and his body began relaxing itself. Severus casually took a seat and attempted to appear like he was viewing the room around him.

Hermione was at his side a moment later, placing her hand on his shoulder. Her fingers gently brushed his face and he winced as her fingers touched something.

"Have you taken a Blood Replenisher yet? You look extremely pale,"

"I'm always pale,"

"Severus," she sighed, staring into his eyes.

"No, I haven't,"

She sighed at his stubbornness before pulling out her wand and pointing it at his face. He stared at her with questioning eyes.

"You have a gash on your cheek. I want to heal it before you get an infection,"

He listened to her whisper softly to herself while gently moving her wand back and forth for a few moments. Severus watched as she suddenly walked away and spoke to Madame Pomfrey for a few short moments before being handed a small red bottle. She returned and handed the bottle to him. Sighing, he swallowed the contents quickly, making a face at the bitter taste. Hermione took the bottle from him and gently brushed his hair from his forehead.

"There, at least you have some color back,"

Severus stood then, and the two slowly walked out of the Great Hall and paused in the doorway that separated the Entrance Hall from the outside. Hermione sat down on the stair, and Severus swiftly followed her. The sun was setting in the sky, painting the scene around them in a dark red color. Severus turned his eyes to her face, and studied her casually. She was exhausted, but highly relieved. Her eyes no longer flashed with fear and panic. She turned her eyes from the sky to him, and gave him a small smile.

Before he could smile back at her, she slid against his side, and rested her head on his shoulder, sighing deeply. Severus rested his cheek on her head, closing his eyes.

"What do we do now?" her soft voice suddenly cut through the air.

Severus slowly peeled his eyes open as he pondered her question. What would they do now? What would they all do now? After another long paused, Severus closed his eyes again.

"We rebuild,"

The answer seemed to set her mind at ease because she remained silent as the sun continued to set, and Minerva called everyone back into the Great Hall to sleep. Hermione and Severus stood close to each other, though not touching, as they entered the room, listening to Minerva.

Most of the dead had been claimed, and most of the people moved to St. Mungo's. The remaining were moved to another room while the injured were moved to the Hospital Wing, leaving the Great Hall empty.

"I think it would be wise if everyone who will be remaining here tonight, to sleep in the Great Hall. We may keep this in effect for a while, until we are certain that all threats are banished from the grounds. If we all stay together, we will be better protected,"

As she spoke, sleeping bags began to materialize out of nowhere, and people began dragging them off and choosing a spot to rest for the night. Remus then spoke up behind Severus.

"Those of you who are returning home, please gather here. You cannot Apparate on school grounds seeing as the protective enchantments have been replaced. We will be walking into Hogsmeade where you can Apparate or take the Floo Network,"

People began walking towards Lupin and Tonks, and Hermione and Severus stepped off to the side. Lupin's eyes then fell on Hermione, and he stepped forward with a tired smile. Severus watched as she wordlessly embraced the thin man, both with tears in their eyes. Lupin pulled away from her, and spoke to her in low tones, causing her eyes to widen for a moment. Another few words and she smiled gently at him.

"I think that we'll stay here for tonight, but thank you for the offer,"

"Okay, we'll see you tomorrow then, bright an early,"

"Say hello to Teddy for me," Hermione said smiling again.

"Will do,"

Lupin gave a nod in Severus' direction before leaving the castle with the group of people wishing to return home. Hermione returned to his side, lost in her own thoughts. After a moment of silence, Severus glanced down at her.

"What did Lupin say?"

Her eyes flashed to his for a moment before she looked back at the people leaving the room.

"He said that Teddy wouldn't have had parents if it weren't for you,"

Severus looked away from her, embarrassed.

"We should turn in, I'm sure Minerva will allow you to sleep downstairs. I've strengthened the wards on the rooms,"

"Would it be alright if we stayed here?" she asked shyly. "I…I'd like to be with everyone,"

"I'll go get us sleeping bags," Severus replied, happy to turn the conversation away from himself.

Within ten minutes, everyone was settled down and most were asleep already. Severus and Hermione had taken a spot near the corner of the room, and Ron followed, though Harry claimed the spot between him and Hermione, causing Ron to grumble loudly. The lights were extinguished moments later, leaving the clear and starry ceiling above them.

Severus, even though he was exhausted, couldn't seem to find sleep. His mind was whirling with thoughts, all fighting their way forward for his attention. He had made it, all the way through this war. He was alive. Severus was beginning to realize just how lucky he was. He could have died in that Boathouse, cold and wet, if it weren't for Hermione. He could have died if he had walked with Albus a little farther. He could be at peace right now, but he knew that he would never be able to abandon Hermione like that. It would have been selfish for him to choose death over life.

For the first time ever, he had publically fought for what he believed in, and he had finally felt good about himself. He was doing the right thing, even if others didn't realize that. No doubt he would be arrested because he was a known Death Eater. He would most likely be tried, and executed. He killed Albus Dumbledore.

Perhaps if he showed them his memories? Severus suddenly remembered that he had given Wonderboy his memories. Well, that explained why Potter stared at Severus like he had fifteen heads all day.

A small movement beside him caused his mind to freeze for a moment. His blanket was suddenly lifted, and a warm body was suddenly pressed against his. Severus was only using the sleeping bag as a cushion between his body and the cold stone. Actually sleeping in a bag, to Severus, was a ridiculous notion.

"I can't sleep," Hermione whispered into the darkness.

Instinctively, Severus opened his arms to her, and she eagerly snuggled against him. He shut his eyes as her fingers traced patterns on his shirt. That was until he felt her tears leaking onto his neck.

"What's wrong?" he asked immediately.

"Nothing, I'm being ridiculous," she muttered, furiously swiping at her face. "I keep thinking about the Boathouse. You-you could have died there. For a moment I thought that you had. Your eyes…they weren't right. What if I had done one thing differently? I could have killed you,"

"You did everything perfectly, and I'm here now. That's all that matters,"

"I know, it just scares me that it was that close,"

"You were close also," he said quietly.

"How?"

"You call flinging yourself in front of Voldemort a smart decision?"

"I suppose you're right," she sighed and after a moment added "I've never heard you say his name before,"

"I think it's about time we call him for what he is,"

The two fell silent and Hermione began to nervously played with his buttons. Eventually, she propped herself up on her elbow and peered into his face in the dark, though he knew she couldn't see him.

"I wanted to tell you before; about Lupin and Tonks…it was extremely brave, what you did,"

Severus could feel his face heat up, and thanked the world that it was dark in the room. He cleared his throat and licked his lips.

"It was nothing,"

"Yes it was," she murmured, resting her cheek back on his chest. "You're the bravest man I've ever met…and I wish that everyone knew you how I know you,"

Severus was sure that it was possible for a person to die of pure embarrassment. He wasn't one to take praise, and usually ignored it when it was given or secretly appreciated it. But to hear the words from her lips, made his heart flutter.

"I know you're going to pretend none of this happened because you're stubborn," she murmured with a smile in her voice.

Severus gave a small smile before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.