Pairing: HermioneSeverus

Prompt: 553. Road untaken

Word count: 498

Road Untaken

Severus opened his eyes, only to be blinded by the sunlight coming through the window. Oh, what a mess this place was! Firewhiskey bottles laying on the floor and half-drunk Butterbeer bottles. It was disgusting. Severus turned his nose up at the sight, and then looked around. It appeared the owners of this filth weren't at home.

Draping his coat over him, Severus made for the exit and walked down the quiet, cobble-stone street and into the open hair. He tucked the Time Turner hanging around his neck under his cloak and continued on his way. There were many things he could prevent by coming back to this time, but there was one thing he had really come back for.

Would it still be too late? What if he once again made the wrong decision? Took the wrong path? This chance was his last hope; if he failed to save her this time then there was nothing else left.

He walked to a secluded area and Apparated to her house. He had arrived a whole minute earlier than last time, which was all he needed.

He hoped.

Stealthily he walked up to her house and without knocking unlocked to door. There she was, nose buried into a book and completely unaware of what fate would befall her in approximately forty seconds.

She jumped to her feet in shock, staring at the sudden intruder in her house.

"Professor S-Snape?" She appeared bewildered – almost frightened.

"No time to explain," Severus urged, moving towards her. "I just need you to take three steps to your left right now."

She frowned at him.

Ten seconds.

Nine.

Eight.

She was still standing there.

Seven.

Six.

"I urge you to do as I ask."

Five.

Four.

Three.

"Please."

Two.

One.

The ceiling above them suddenly began to crack. Her eyes glanced in horror as plaster fell. Severus wasn't going to risk it. He grabbed the young woman's body and pulled him towards her. He did so just in time, for the ceiling of her small house had now fully collapsed onto where she had been standing just a moment ago.

She fell on him like they do in those Muggle movies, and they look into each other's eyes and suddenly realise they're in love with each other. This was no difference. The shock and confusion left her there, until Severus did the most cliché thing in the book, and kissed her.

Finally, after seeing her die many times, they were together again.

He reached into her own top and pulled out the same Time Turner he was now wearing around his neck. He ripped it from her and tossed it. "This," he said gruffly, enjoying the fact she was on top of him still, "will cause us lots of trouble in the future."

She was confused, but didn't question him. He was not going to lose her again. He had taken the last road possible, and it had worked.

He would not fail again.

This pairing was requested by Veronica-reads.

I now have all request spots filled for this one, but don't worry I will have 9 more lots of 100 coming up haha.