A/N: I've been getting a bit of flack about Hermione sticking with Ron so just wanted to give a quick explanation. Before the war I 100% agree she would never stay with someone she didn't legitimately want to be with. I think this is more about her being young and it being her first real relationship - with one of her best friends - and not wanting to hurt him. After he had lost his brother, she wanted even more to protect him.

I once was in a relationship with someone where I met another guy I immediately fell for. I didn't let it go on long (and nothing ever happened/ I didn't cheat or anything), but I know first hand that feeling of wanting someone else so badly but just the thought making you feel guilty and almost indebted to your current S/O. In the end, I told him about it and he yelled at me for hours, and eventually after a few weeks we did break up.

So long story short, I totally get your comments about it not being very Hermione-like. But for my story, I feel she would just feel too indebted to Ron to leave him over something she was unsure of. Hope that makes it a bit easier to swallow! :)

Too soon, Hermione found herself walking down the aisle toward Ron. She was stuck with the poufy wedding dress as she never went back to try anything else on. The bridesmaids were in a sickening Pepto-Bismol pink color, and Hermione felt numb - as she had since that day in August when she left the prison. She had tried to visit once, the night before her wedding, but was turned away. The guards said he no longer could receive visitors, but she thought it might just be that he didn't wish to have any.

Neville had offered to walk her down the aisle, as her parents were still obliviated (and irreversibly so, she had found out). Her steps were halting but she eventually made it to Ron and made her way through the ceremony, hardly able to breathe. She fantasized a little that somehow, Severus would show up, shouting that he objected. But of course, he was still in Azkaban.

The ceremony was over quickly, and soon they were at the reception. She was relieved that Minerva consented to make some revisions to her dress. It was still too big, but at least it was now sleeveless and the skirt was a bit less poufy. She spent her time mostly talking to Minerva about the school year, and Ginny about her pregnancy. Harry was so sweet with Ginny, casually resting his hand on her swollen belly as they sat or even as they danced. He obviously never had been more in love with her, and she found herself insanely jealous.

The months passed surprisingly quickly – there was so much to do throughout the school year. One day early in April, Ginny delivered a beautiful baby boy whom they named James Sirius. Hermione and Ron were there soon after the birth, cooing over the tiny baby, cuddling him and congratulating the happy couple. As Hermione sat holding the sleeping figure, she couldn't help but imagine what her own dark haired child would look like. With a start, she corrected herself. No, it wouldn't be dark haired, because Ronald was now her husband. Her children would be with him. The thoughts of Severus had subsided quite a bit, but were no less painful when they crossed her mind.

Very soon the school year was over and she was back to working from home, planning lessons and such. One particularly nice day late in June, they were going about their normal routine. Hermione made toast and coffee, Ron sat reading the paper and Hermione read a book. Then Ron would fold the paper on his plate, give Hermione a quick peck on the cheek, and leave for work. She cleaned up after him, as usual, but stopped short when she saw a familiar figure on the front page of The Prophet.

SEVERUS SNAPE TO RETURN TO HOGWARTS?

By: Rita Skeeter

Barely a day after being released from Azkaban, Severus Snape, former Death Eater, was spotted leaving Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For what, you ask? We can only assume to try and convince the Headmistress to rehire him. Neither Snape nor Headmistress McGonagall could be reached for comment. I'm sure I am not alone, though, in hoping this monster was turned away immediately.

Hermione shook her head. What an insufferably vapid woman. Thinking quickly, she contacted Kingsley at the Ministry to obtain Severus's address. She was shocked to find he lived only a few blocks from the cottage she shared with Ron. After a brief argument with her conscience, she dressed in a blouse and skirt with flats, packed a few scones and some fruit into a small wicker basket, and set off towards Severus's new home.

Severus had slept in… or he had lain in bed late. He still couldn't get a decent night's sleep, which showed in the dark purple shadows beneath his eyes. He was still too skinny, his bones visible beneath his skin, but he was forcing himself to get healthier.

This particular morning, he had remained in his pajamas (a pair of dark gray striped lounge pants and a thermal gray top), and had gone to the kitchen for some tea. He had debated about making himself some eggs, but got caught up in a potions text. Sipping his tea and deeply invested in a chapter about a potion in production, he jumped a bit when he heard a knock at the door.

He glared warily at his door, contemplating whether or not he should answer it. Lately reporters had been following him everywhere. But, it might be someone important, he thought with a sigh. He strode to the door and opened it, stopping suddenly when he saw the eyes that haunted his dreams staring up at him. She smiled, unsure, at him and asked if she might come in. After a beat or two, he took a step back and gestured for her to enter.

She cautiously moved inside, and in towards the kitchen. She placed the basket on the table and sank into a chair as he shut the door and wandered over. Finally he found his voice.

"Would you care for some tea?" Hermione smiled and nodded, also seeming a bit lost for words. He busied himself with pouring her tea, and then stood awkwardly as she tried a sip.

"It's delicious, thank you." She smiled up at him again and placed her tea on the table, looking around and squirming a bit. "I apologize for showing up unannounced." Her eyes finally landed on his attire and her cheeks reddened a bit. Severus lowered himself into a chair. He said nothing, but watched her warily.

"Anyways," she continued. "I saw in the paper this morning that you had been released, so I got your address from Kingsley and decided to stop by and welcome you to the neighborhood."

"Welcome me to the neighborhood?" He asked quietly. Hermione nodded.

"Ronald and I live just down the road. So I thought I'd go for a walk and bring you something… as a sort of good will gesture. If we are both to be teachers next year, I don't want animosity between us."

"Nothing has been decided." Snape said quickly. "Minerva is cautious, which she is right to be, about my reputation and the parents. She told me she would make her decision later in the summer."

"Oh. Well, I'm sure it'll all work out." Hermione said. Severus looked at her and said "We'll see. I wouldn't blame her to refuse me. I certainly don't deserve a second chance."

Hermione reached over and put a hand on his knee. "Stop saying that. You deserve it just as much as anyone else." Severus said nothing, distracted by the heat spreading out from his knee where she touched him.

"Now then," Hermione sat back and snapped into her usual no-nonsense self. "You look too thin. Have you been eating? Let me make you something. Oh, and we really ought to clean up a bit around here. I'll help you sort your books and dust and repair some of your furniture. Now that you are home, you should have better surroundings." She had stood and begun raiding his icebox, finding eggs and bread and setting about making him a large breakfast. Severus simply sat, stunned a bit by the whirling dervish of a woman whom he thought he had driven from his life forever. And here she was in his kitchen, making him breakfast. He allowed himself only a moment to fantasize that this happened every morning, before he rose to get dressed for the day.

Throughout the summer, he got his wish. Every day after Ron left for work, Hermione would dress and rush over to Severus's house. She would make eggs and toast, and he would make the tea. They would read the paper, do some crosswords and then spend the day organizing and working on her lesson plans for the coming school year.

Mid-August she arrived at his house as usual, surprised to find him setting his dining table. He looked up and his face softened. He had made a large breakfast for the two of them: fresh fruit, sausage, pancakes and tea. Hermione had gotten used to only having coffee in the morning with Ron so that she could have breakfast at Severus's place. She smiled and took a seat, Severus sitting across from her.

"What's the occasion?" She giggled. Severus raised an eyebrow at the beautiful sound and replied, "Minerva contacted me last night." He took a bite of sausage and stared mischievously at her. Hermione could barely contain herself.

"And?" She asked, breathless. Severus chewed slowly and took a sip of tea before answering, deliberately enjoying watching her squirm in anticipation. "She said she's corresponded with most of the parents and offered me my old job."

"Severus! That's wonderful news!" Hermione squealed and threw herself at him, awkwardly landing on his lap while hugging him. For a stunned moment he was frozen, but then despite wanting badly to embrace her, he guided her to stand. "Thank you." He cleared his throat and resumed eating.

Hermione's cheeks reddened and she took her seat once again. "I can't believe we'll both be at Hogwarts next year. It'll be so strange seeing you at the head table as well, and passing you in the halls as a coworker rather than professor." Severus looked up suddenly. He hadn't thought of that. Seeing her every day at meals, staff meetings, events… he had to fight to keep his expression neutral.

The rest of the day, she helped him with his lesson plans as he had much to do and little time to do it. She had made them sandwiches they could eat while working, and by the time they finished, they had planned well into the year. Hermione sat up to stretch and caught a glimpse of darkness through the window.

"Oh no! What time is it?" She exclaimed. Severus checked the wall clock and replied, "Half past seven." She jumped to her feet, knocking over her chair. Hastily righting the chair and gathering her things, she began running out the door.

"I'm so sorry but I'm so late! Ron was expected home at six, and I always have dinner prepared. I must run!" And she fled out the door. Severus slumped in his chair. As wonderful as their days together were, as much as he liked to pretend she would be staying all day and night, it always disappointed him when she left. This time, though, hurt more than the other times. Rushing off to prepare dinner for her husband - yes, her husband – she was married and he had to understand that. With a deep sigh, he buried himself in his work, and late into the night, fell asleep atop his textbooks.

Once again, he dreamt of her, but this time, she was his. It was a lovely night full of dreams that she was his, not needing to run out the door in the evening, having her prepare dinner for him instead of Ron, and waking up next to her. How wonderful that would be.