This chapter is honestly why I started this story. It's a bit personal and well... just enjoy. And if you can guess the flowers I shall make you coffee-brownies :) Oh and the Hades and Persephone story is an original by me :)

The conversation between mother and son had lasted for hours. Hermione eventually walked out into the backyard and was stunned by the beauty she found in this little corner of hell, which had obvious Muggle-repellent charms on it.

There were bluebells and roses and yellow sunflowers among the tentacula leaves and mandrakes. Potions ingredients mixed beautifully in organized chaos with the non-magical. If she had looked much closer in the corner of the tiny plot she would have seen her favorite flowers, however that would have led to the conversation as to why Severus Snape owned such a plant and if the petals were a reminder of his lost love or something else entirely.

Between two trees at the very back of the plot laid a worn hammock that was fraying on the edges. Since she could still hear the arguing within the house, Hermione decided to fix the frays and perhaps have a glance at the stars. Being on the run for the last year and looking at them for her Astronomy class had left her unable to enjoy looking at the inky sky. As she lay there, the thought of being able to sit there forever ran through her mind. Not that Severus would allow it, although they had become close the last few months it was still difficult to deal with the man. He was clearly still in love with Lily and Hermione would be expected to marry Ronald, even though they haven't seen each other in the two months since the Final Battle. Molly had wanted all of her children at home after losing Fred, and Ron being the good son had stayed right where he was wanted. He hadn't made a move to speak with her and she hadn't made one to him. And after the Ginny debacle Hermione thought that was for the best.

It's not that Ginny and Harry didn't love the Weasley's. They just needed some alone time and be able to sort themselves out, "and shag like bunnies," Hermione thought with a smile. Her smile faded as thought of Ron again, perhaps it was for the best. It was highly unlikely that they would be able to maintain a relationship, he was just too... simple-minded. Quidditch and food and breasts. Yes, perhaps he was better off with a woman like Lavender Brown.

With that issue solved and many still weighing on her mind, Hermione let the stars lull her into a restless sleep.

"And why exactly is that little Mudbl-Muggle-born taking care of you darling," said Eileen. Severus sighed, this was going on two hours now and they seemed to be getting nowhere. Perhaps portraits really couldn't think and were incapable of making sense. Would make a lot of things Albus' portrait had said make much more sense. 'Severus really, you should trim your hair with perhaps some gold highlights? Really Severus- Black eyes, black boots and all black clothing? Darling you are doing something wrong, mmmhmmm.' At the moment he informed the former Headmaster that he did in fact wear several white button-down shirts under his robes and owned two blue and three green shirts he would wear when someone got him to do the tango with Hagrid.

"She found me Mother, she took care of me and now I can't seem to get rid of the chit," Severus replied. There were several reasons he declined to explain to his mother. He had grown to care for the Granger girl. But being twenty years older and generally hated by the populous would put a damper on courting her. And add the fact that even if those issues weren't to be taken into account, she was whole and light while he had scars all over his body and mind from his work as a Death Eater. Severus couldn't count how many nights he had woken up screaming even with his mental shields.

He gazed at his mother again, who just happened to be wearing a knowing look in her eye. "You deserve to be happy Severus," she said softy, barely reaching his ears. "And if she can be the one to bring light into your life, so be it."

"Oi," Hermione heard, jerking her out of slumber. When did she fall asleep and why the devil was she still outside? The hammock began to sway, relaxing her tense body. 'Oh that's why.'

She managed to pull one eye open to look at Severus, who was standing with a irked look on his face and his arms folded across his chest. "That's my spot you know. I've heard the grass is very comfortable this time of year, which you are more than welcome to have." He sneered, "Or better yet, your own home." She sighed and snuggled deeper into the hammock, "Move me if you want Severus, otherwise I'll be perfectly content staying here all night." She heard him sigh and saw him run a hand through his hair. The venom in Nagini's bite had turned it grey and the healers at St. Mugo's had trimmed it impossibly close but now it curled around his ears and collar. Hermione thought it was a very dashing look and then the effect would be ruined by something coming out of him mouth.

"Budge up then," he said softly. More quiet than Hermione had thought he was capable. The bites had ruined his once lovely voice. Now he sounded raspy, almost like he had a constant cold. As he crawled in the swing, (much more dignified than she had she noticed) she felt his firm body press against her more pliant one. She wasn't fat per-say, but having a little junk-in-the-trunk never hurt anyone.

After a while of staring at the stars, he began to speak softly. "Did you ever hear the story of how the Northern Lights are connected to Hades and Persephone?" At the shake of her head, he nodded. Debating with himself, he took his arm and wrapped it around her shoulder, almost waiting for the rejection but smiled at the darkness when she instead nestled closer into his chest.

"Well the story I was told by Mother goes as such: Hades had loved Persephone very much and when they had spent more time together, she had learned to love him as well. However, when Demeter had made her threats, Persephone had agreed to go with her for part of the year. During the summer there were few Auroras, here and there but not always. But during the winter, when Hades had regained his queen, they are said to have burst forth and signal to the world that the Lord of Darkness had found joy once again."

Severus grew silent, the lack of motion from Hermione seemed to imply she had fallen asleep. Needless to say he was startled and almost flopped out of the swing when she spoke. "Do you think Persephone was happy living between two worlds? Do you think she regretted her decision to love him since it would mean the rest of the world would hate her?" He gazed down at her and tightened his grip on her shoulder, Severus didn't think they were talking about the Gods any longer.

"I don't know Hermione," he found the taste of her name on his lips was like honey. "I know Hades loved her unconditionally and was most loyal. But that doesn't mean Persephone was happy loving him."

Their bodies swayed in the night, both rocked to sleep with no thoughts occupying their minds but each other and in the haze of sleep, Severus felt his lips touch her forehead and missed her words she spoke softly when she felt his breath even out.

"I think she was."