Minerva waited patiently as Harry and Ron came outside. She noticed that Ron looked substantially more cowed, she would suspect that Harry had something to do with it, evident by his stiff walk and puffed up chest. She watched the boys come men with kind eyes.

"On the count of three gentlemen. One, Two, Three..."

As the world snapped back into focus Minerva took the lead, "This way." She crossed over the back garden waiting for them to catch up before opening the door.

A deep moan, that certainly wasn't one of pain, halted Minerva's entrance into the kitchen. Her eyes went a bit wide and she silenced her footsteps, she put a finger to her lips at the two boys on her tail and motioned them in silently.

"Stop that." A deep accusing tone.

"I can't. It feels so good." A teasing quip.

A brief pause before another low groan of relief.

"Granger." Another warning tone.

"Give me back the shirt and I promise to be quieter." A softer but still deep voice lined with a smile.

"No."

"Then suffer."

Minerva and the two boys crept around the frame of the doorway. From their angle, they could see the back of Hermione's head and the part of her shirt draped over her curled arms. Ron felt his blood boil but the wand at pressing into his side kept him still. His eyes moved to the black haired man who was leaning over her. He could see his hands run briefly up her bare back and his eyes flared. That was his.

Hermione let out a squeak and jumped whipping her head towards the man. "You did that on purpose."

"Prove it." His voice was lighter as if he was hiding a smile.

Hermione groaned softly with indignation letting her head fall back down. It was then, when her eyes turned away, that she spotted the spies peeking around the door frame. Her eyes flashed with fear before she slowly recognized the messy black hair.

"Severus." Her arm came from under her shirt reaching back behind her, "We're not alone."

He paused for a brief moment before putting on the last of the salve. Let come what may. Meticulously closing the jar, he listened to the train of steps entering the room.

Ron was seething, his face nearly as red as his hair when he stopped short at her state of undress. She looked so beautiful, her skin had returned to its soft sun kissed tone, her eyes were bright and alive just as he had always dreamed. Her hair fell in beautiful chestnut waves around her soft cheeks and small lips. His heart fluttered at the very sight before his eyes shifted to her exposed back. His face pinched. Her back, her skin. It was...

Harry kept to his side keeping his wand pressed into the red head's back. He didn't know what they'd walked in on but it certainly wasn't something he ever would have imagined in his wildest dreams.

Hermione shifted nervously, the look in the red head's eyes unsettled her. She refused to look away, like prey caught in a predators trap. His name came gradually to her silent lips, Ron. She watched him adjust from one foot to the other before she dragged her eyes back towards Snape. She felt so exposed and vulnerable. She didn't like the way he was looking at her and shifted uncomfortably.

"My shirt..." She urged reaching back towards the stone faced man that had come to his feet stare challengingly down at the red head.

Severus turned his eyes at her movement, though he kept the corner of his watchful eye on the fuming boy, he slipped his wand from his sleeve and drew it down the seam of her shirt pulling it together once again. The very instant he finished Hermione pushed herself up sitting behind his the wall he had created from his stance.

Minerva came around with a badly concealed smirk at the corner of her lips and nodded her head to Snape. He glared at her in return knowing full well the witch could have easily announced their presence.

Hermione resisted the urge to wrap her arms around Severus' leg as the two boys shuffled a touch closer. She settled for holding tightly to his pant leg as she watched Harry bend down to be level with her.

"We didn't mean to scare you," His voice was gentle, a kind smile lighting up his green eyes, actively ignoring the professor. "It's Harry and Ron," He motioned to himself and Ron who stood like a statue still glaring at the man she clung to. "We heard, that you wanted to see us." He stood cautiously looking a bit nervous.

"Yes...I...I uh, I did." She gave him a nervous smile in turn but didn't release her hold.

Minerva smiled and shifted a chair over, quickly elongating it so that it would fit two. She didn't dare touch Snape's chair as she came around the back of it. She motioned for the boys to sit sending a sharp glare to Ron who was snapped out of his staring contest from the sharp tug to his arm from Harry.

Severus watched them sit before looking down at Hermione. He didn't need their connection to know what was painted so clearly on her face. He tugged lightly on his pant leg before flicking his chin. She shook her head a little before scooting further down the lounge. Severus let out a heavy sigh through his nose as he moved to sit between her and her friends.

Minerva watched the exchange with extreme interest not just from the scene they had walked in on but the way Hermione seemed unable to separate herself from Severus. Harry watched their dynamic with the same interest, it was unsettling to see his best friend find her comfort in someone else. Though, at the same time, he was also relieved that she was able to find comfort at all; knowing what he knew now about the creature inside her. Harry shifted a bit pulling out a small shrunken photo album.

"I uh, brought some pictures you may enjoy...I know Ron and I would be happy to share the story behind them." His eyes flicked to Snape seeking his permission, after last time, he took no chances with the still very dangerous wizard.

Snape nodded his head pulling the small table between them. He shifted a bit closer so that the woman would join them. Hermione moved hesitantly closer, her eyes flicked to Ron before down at the resized book on the table. Harry pulled his hands back smiling gently.

"Go ahead." He kept his movements slow and controlled, she was like a rabbit, that at tiniest shift would go running off. He looked to Ron who was doing an admirable job of restraining himself from reaching out to touch her.

Hermione opened the book slowly. Her eyes took in the front page and she couldn't help but smile at the small decorations surrounding a much younger image of her waving both hands at the camera man before smiling so brightly. She tilted her head to read the writing beneath.

To my best friend and her two friends who saved the world- Love, Ginny

The name brushed against her mind but she didn't focus on it. She could tell the book was made with meticulous love and that was enough for her right now. She turned to the next page with care, Harry and Ron each had their own page. Similar decorations adorning their pictures.

She took in Ron first, the bottom of her eye twitched, it was the face she remembered, though much cleaner and not so afraid. His smile was lopsided and he flattened his hair before straightening up trying to look tough. She smiled back at his image before turning her gaze to Harry's. He looked tired but happy all the same, she could see the love in his eyes as he looked at the camera.

Ron's heart lightened when she smiled at his image; she did recognize him or at least his past self. There was still hope left. He gradually relaxed back into the sofa his eyes watching her without reservation.

Severus relaxed as she did, though she didn't speak, he watched for any sign of distress. He knew she needed this, more than him; she needed her friends, the love that they could give her was more than he could ever imagine comparing himself to.

Harry gently narrated as she moved through the book, each new set of pages were dedicated to a year of their schooling. Though only Severus noticed the growing sadness in her eyes. When she turned to the seventh year, there were no happy smiling pictures, just small news clippings of their heroic endeavors. A tear forlornly slipped from her eye and Severus reached forward gently closing the book.

"That's enough." His voice was sharp but not jolting. Ron looked ready to protest when Hermione sniffled softly, hastily brushing away the tear that had fallen. She had allowed Harry's words to paint the images in her mind instead of trying to recall the memories herself, but it still felt hollow inside. When Severus closed the book she felt an overwhelming sadness wash down her body and turned her face into his shoulder.

Harry said nothing as he pulled the book back from the table, he hadn't meant to make her cry. He desperately wanted to reach out and hold her, tell her that everything was going to be okay. Though he knew, deep down, that it wouldn't help, not now. He made a bit of a face as he tried to keep himself from crying at her loss, his loss, their loss.

"I...we love you, Hermione." It was Ron who broke the silence, his voice was low but controlled. He swallowed back his own tears flexing his hands.

Hermione nodded her head against Snape's arm but she didn't feel it in her heart to repeat it back. She could tell they loved and cared for her; it was evident. But still, she felt reserved in reciprocating their affection. Her mind briefly went to her current situation and a spark of empathy filled her heart for the man beside her.

"I want to try the spell..." She said softly into the coat, her tone left no room for argument. "I want to do it now..."

Snape's brow rose just a bit but he schooled his features quickly. He looked at Minerva, "Take the boys to the back yard. We're going to test our theory. A triangle should be a proper substitute for now."

He waited for all of them to leave. Smartly, neither boy protested his command. As the back door shut he pushed gently on her shoulder so her eyes would meet his.

"You don't have to do this now."

"Yes," She sniffed, a determination reaching her brow, "We do." She took a deep breath swallowing down all her mixed feelings. If not now, then when? When would possibly be the right moment? The creature inside had already tasted her soul and she knew it was just a matter of time before it came again. She knew Severus would always be by her side, but she was also a realist. There was no way he could watch over her every moment of every day and the creature had an uncanny sense of just when to strike. She wouldn't risk his life anymore. This needed to be over. It needed to be over now.

Severus took a calming breath pulling away to stand. "I'll get the potion."

Hermione nodded her head rubbing her quickly reddening eyes. She was so tired of crying. She took a few quick breaths as she tried to mentally prepare herself for what they were about to do. It didn't take long for her to find her courage. Getting to her feet she squared her shoulders with a very impressive scowl and sharpness to her steps indicative of the man in the kitchen. She entered with consternation on her brow taking the potion from his hand.

"Always?"

"Always."

Without hesitation, she took a measurable drink of the cosmic looking liquid. She squinted as she felt the shield start to form around her inner thoughts. It left her with an odd sort of out of body experience like feeling. She could recognize that she was touching something but it was nothing more than a pressure. It was sort of like being on some sort of hallucinogen.

Severus retrieved the vial taking a measure of the missing amount, based what remained it would leave them with approximately 17 mins. He watched her eyes go in and out of focus before settling on someplace in between. He gingerly took her by the bicep and led her into the back garden. Minerva was straight to the front at the top of the triangle with the other two taking up corners at equal distance. He led Hermione directly to center before releasing her arm. She blinked a bit vertiginous before setting her face again. It was hard, harder than ever before. Her eyes sharp and refocused. She was the spitting image of her shadow.

Severus turned on his heel addressing the two young men, "This is not going to look pretty but it is essential that you remain exactly as you are. Should you move even one toe," His piercing eyes shot to the both of them strong enough to split through stone, "The spell will weaken and during the official run, we do not want this creature to escape. Am I clear?"

Harry and Ron blanched but nodded their heads, determination filling their faces as they raised their wands. Snape flicked his eyes between them before turning back toward Minerva, he gave her a brief nod before dropping his wand into his hand. This was it. The moment of truth. Should they succeed, they needed only two more people to complete the protection and then...it would all be over.

Hermione tilted her head back as the shimmering light formed above. She watched the three wands' magic come to a point directly above and felt substantially more secure. The soft light shimmered away, though stark white lines came from each point showing the boundaries of the pyramid, each one strong and vibrant against the darkening sky. Hermione looked around Severus' shoulders to the two men who stood to protect them. Their faces were completely focused on the task at hand and she felt a swell of pride in them. They were her friends, these were the people who had stood behind her. Her eyes moved to the man who had brought them all together again. She owed him so much more than her life. Her heart swelled taking in his posture, he was ready for war, a man with principle and unwavering focus. All the uncertainty washed away as she stared into those deep black eyes. She could do this, she would do this. For him, for them.

"I'm ready." She let out a heavy breath, her brow twitched as she saw just the smallest of hesitation in his hand, "We can do this." She came closer, her hand holding his; uncaring at the audience around them. Her smile ticked when he couldn't stop himself from flinching. His gaze was so fierce, hers so genial. Like Ying and Yang.

Ron's eyes were staring straight between the two of them as it took every single ounce of self-control he had in him not to break his stance. He was doing it for her, to bring her back to him.

The corners of her mouth curved into an understanding smile as she ran her thumb lightly over the top of his knuckles. She knew with all that was left inside her that he was the only man strong enough to do what needed to be done. She pulled her hand back, taking a few steps backward, she turned her back to him lowering down onto her knees in the soft grass. She clasped her hands behind her head, her eyes looking at some distant point over Minerva's head. Her posture straight, she looked like a prisoner of war awaiting their execution with unwavering bravado.

Harry watched with caught breath as his best friend kneeled to the ground, it shook him to the core with the reality of how dangerous what they were about to was. He was certain that if he were in Snape's position he never could have done what needed to be done. He respected the man even more as he watched the scene slowly unfold before him.

Severus took a deep steady breath the grip on his wand made the wood groan against his palm. He straightened his back pulling his wand up, "Anima Revelare..." His pronunciation was sharp and clear, he felt a sort of surge run from his chest down his arm, a soft white glow appeared at the tip of his wand. He dragged the light downward at a slight angle forming a small crescent, the light rested just above her shirt. He gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing at her back. He could do this. He had to do this. The light steadily grew with power and he pulled upward. It was hard, like trying to cut steel with a cold torch.

Hermione's eyes went wide as she felt the curse slowly start to make contact. Her mouth opened in a silent scream as she felt the flesh of her back being torn away. It felt as if thousands of tiny dull frozen razor blades were digging into her skin. She arms trembled and her legs quivered beneath her as she struggled to stay in position. The vision around her eyes was growing dark as the pain moved upward.

Severus could feel his power wavering, it was taking everything inside him not to break the spell. He could feel her trembling, even if he couldn't see, he knew she was struggling to stay with them. He had to finish what he started, his jaw opened to aid his breathing as black blood started to pour down from the opening. He was almost there, he hissed through his bared teeth as he raised his wand to the nape of her neck.

At last, he snapped his wand back. The light of her soul was red as it shined through, it was blinding, obscuring his vision of her. He couldn't stop himself from falling to one knee panting from exertion a hand coming up to shield himself from the light.

The scream was deafening to all those around, it echoed through the trees, trembling the ground beneath their feet. As the curse snapped her voice was abruptly cut off. The sound of her body collapsing forward trailed the echo before all went still.

Severus lifted his head with an extreme effort, his entire body trembled like never before. Unable to stand he crawled towards her, the light dimmed and slowly pulsed, his eyes adjusted to its change and he could finally see what he had done. His hand landed blindly on the back of her knee as he moved closer. It was wet and burned his skin but he pushed himself up further beside her.

Hermione pressed her frame against the vault, the shield was keeping her safe but she could hear the monster scratching against the door, it was searching, searching for a way out. She wouldn't let it win, her entire core shuddered and she lowered her head to the cool steel. She knew that he'd done it, it was cold, so cold all around her. She focused, feeling the thread between them pulse and wrap itself around her as if that was the only thing keeping her soul from shattering to thousands of little pieces. She waited, waited for him to finish what they started.

Severus could barely breathe but continued with his duty, he tilted his head. Her eyes were closed, but he could feel her pressing against him, she was there, she with him and she was strong. He glanced to Minerva managing to nod his head just a fraction before he raised his wand again.

He dragged it through the light whispering, "Conprimo Anima..." He pushed, it was easier, like moving through deep water. His hand trembled but he tightened his grip, even more, he could feel every individual grain against his palm as he watched the red light disappear back inside, the black gave way to red slowly spilling down washing away the evil.

The protection over head trembled and melted away, it was Minerva who broke the spell as she rushed forward, the boys wasted no time in following her lead.

"Don't touch it!" His voice was tight and he pulled back, his breathing heavily restricted. His vision swam as he kept himself from falling over her. He fell back onto his heels focusing on breathing for just a moment before he turned his body pushing the hair back from her face.

"Severus?" Minerva fell to her knees behind him as he swayed. She pressed her arms into his back to keep him steady. He didn't even have the strength to shake her off his focus was solely on the woman under him.

Ron and Harry stood in shock at the blackness that crackled as they approached. Ron's eyes went to her back stained red just like that day and he couldn't stop the image of her sightless eyes staring so accusingly at him and he fisted his hair. He felt Harry wrap an arm around his chest as wavered.

Severus closed his eyes searching for her through the void. He could feel her and called out, the line between them glowed softly showing him the way. He followed its path into the brilliant whiteness, he saw her, the barrier was still in place, its swirling light pressed against the door. Like before he couldn't see inside but could hear her through the thread.

"Come back, it's over."

"Severus."

"Hermione."

"Don't leave me..."

"I'm right by your side. Open your eyes, and look at me." Severus felt her move beneath his hand and his heavy eyes sought her face, her smile.

Hermione felt herself slip from the safety of the shield, the warmth of his palm was the first thing to register, her lips curved up under its gentle touch, her eyes fluttered open just enough to take in the soft grass that she laid on. With an extreme effort, she turned her eyes open falling into endless dark golden flecked pools. She felt her heart thump heavily and if she would have had the strength she would have kissed him, whether he liked it or not. Her happy thoughts were shattered by a searing pain running down her the back of her entire body.

Severus took a breath filled with a new power. He pulled himself away his hand leaving her cooling skin. He finally registered someone else's arms around him and shrugged his shoulders to dislodge them.

"Get her inside, we need to remove its blood. Quickly."

Ron and Harry broke from their stupor moving forward as Minerva helped Severus back to his feet. Harry ripped open his long sleeve shirt and quickly placed it over her back while Ron moved to the side, together they got her up into his arms.

Ron couldn't help the swelling feeling in his heart as the weight of her body was pressed against his. It had been so long. So long since he'd felt her touch. He knew he couldn't live another minute without her. Harry kept pace but his shorter legs kept him two steps behind.

No one, not even God himself, could have predicted what happened next. As Ron spun on his heel Harry screamed out, but it was too late. A soft pop and they were gone.

"I'm going to kill him!" Harry seethed turning with wide eyes.

"Get in line."

Snape was suddenly the most insurmountable force Harry had ever witnessed. His eyes sharp and filled with murder. His voice was dark, and Harry knew that it wasn't an empty threat. It was a promise.