19 (I do not own)

Hermione crashed into Snapes quarters in a whirlwind of emotions

"Severus!" She panted, frantically searching the room.

Seconds after Remus left her, Hermione's brain went into turmoil, ruminating every single possible outcome. What if he shut her out of his life again? Time had caught up, Severus was free.

A free man, and a war hero, it wouldn't take long for a far more superior suitor to sweep him off his feet. Then what? Hermione who?

She tried to shake off that thought, she didn't want that outcome it made her feel sick.

"Would you do it again?" His voice was strained, yet vulnerable at the same time.

He waited, but no response. He continued to sit at his armchair facing the fire.

"Would you kiss him again?"

This time he heard a little exhalation of breath.

As she made her way to the back of the chair, an arm sneaked round to touch him.

Instantly tensing up, it was as if her touch was like acid, buring through his clothes. He wanted to indulge in her loving touch, but his mind was running riot.

Her breath was hot against his ear as she gently spoke the words,

"No... I never wanted to, I never chose for it, it was an event that occurred while I was with you. In my mind it never actually happened, it was almost like a dream."

A dream? His head whipped around to look at her equally as distressed face.

"So that's what last night was about? You dreamt about him?" Hurt filling his eyes.

"It was my memories returning from the changes in the timeline Severus! How was I supposed to know that saving Remus as well would lead to him kissing me, before I went back!?"

She turned away from him, frustrated.

"Honestly how stupid! He could of changed everything! I could of... I could of lost you again, I might not have saved you." Tears clogged up her throat as she slumped to the floor. "And you overhearing Remus... I thought you would turn your back on me."

"I care about you Severus, I would go back to save you a million times if I had to. I love you! For Merlins sake! I would never want to hurt you!"

Suddenly Severus sauntered over to Hermione, wrapping himself around her.

"Ssh." He crooned into her wild hair. The light scent of cinnamon and parchment filled his nose, Severus knew by now that this very scent would be his Armourtentia.

He gently rocked the distressed Gryffindor, he breathed her in again. The very scent of her bought comfort to him, she was home, and would always be.

"I am a fool, anyone would be a fool to doubt your love."

His gaze met hers. "I heard everything Hermione." She glanced back confused,

"I listened to every word, every word spoken about myself, with such love. Love, I still frankly don't believe I truly deserve. Any gentleman in his right mind would of been overjoyed.

Believe me I was. However my insisent insecurities clouded my mind with doubt, although it was a memory, it still happened..." Severus paused, feeling unsure.

"I had doubts that the past you enjoyed it and dissolved any feelings you had for me." He said looking away embarrassed.

"They didn't Severus! Look, I'm still here despite having to reassure you once again that I'm here and I'm not going to

Leave!"

Severus internally scolded himself.

Looking deeply into Hermione's eyes, he gently caressed her brilliant mind, filling her with a reciprocated love that she constantly showed him.

There's a time and place for words, but right now actions were indeed louder.

He swiftly scooped the surprise witch into his arms, and placed her gently on the bed.

He treated her as if she was the rarest bone china in the world. Each caress and gentle touch warmed Hermione's heart. This wasn't intimate, yet at the same time entirely intimate.

The embrace of lovers entwined by the pure closeness on one another.

Still both fully clothed wrapped up around one another, slumber caught them both.

It was only three days of undisturbed bliss before the responsibilities of reality hit them.

Both Hermione and Severus were summoned to the Head.

"So, Hermione, Severus I called you here to discuss what happens now, what your plans may be. Firstly, the school will be reopening to only those who missed out on their newts.

It's August now, and those returning will have until October to complete."

She paused glancing at her student, "Now Hermione, due to the length of time you were in the past I would assume you are more than of age in both in wizarding and muggle."

"Yes Professor, I will be 21 in September."

The elder witch smiled at that, and continued. "Then my dear the choice, if you would like to take your newts, is up to you. However if you do, as you are not staff, when taking your newts you would be in the school a student once more. Which would mean, this..." gesturing between Hermione and Severus.

"Would be strictly frowned upon."

A large scowl formed on Snapes brow, his eyes burning into Minerva's.

"Don't grump at me Severus! You know the rules! However I am willing to allow you to connect your floos. As long as it stays in your private time, and doesn't become outside knowledge."

"Now with that aside, Miss Granger there has been has been an offer made for an apprenticeship, after you finish complete your NEWTS that is."

In an instant Hermione's interest had perked up. She almost resembled a dog at the mention of a walk, head and ears shooting up, and a tail wagging ten to the dozen!

Hermione's eyes sparkled in excitement as she asked, "Who is it for? How long is it?" Eagerness spilling out of every word.

Honestly the young woman looked as if her eyes were about to pop out of their sockets. Severus chuckled internally and discreetly placed his hand on her leg, immediately she could sence her body relaxing.

"Madam Pomfry has expressed interest in training you up, as she is getting older she wishes to lighten her burden by having an apprentice, who can eventually share head matron, until she wishes to retire."

Hermione's mouth was agape. She couldn't believe what she was saying!

Turning her gaze to Severus, Minerva smiled warmly. "Severus, I'm assuming you would like to remain at your post?"

Before making his decision his gaze fell on Hermione. "Minerva it depends on what Hermione would choose."

Both stares were on Hermione, however the big smile and the grin on her face confirmed it all.

A/N Thank you for the patience, please enjoy!