12th February 1977

Over the course of the next two weeks, Hermione had still not begun saying her goodbyes. She knew it was foolish, and that it would only make it much more difficult when the time finally came, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it. She wanted to enjoy her remaining time in the past, and knew that if Severus was told she would be leaving, things would have been tense. No, better for a clean break right at the end, she convinced herself.

Hermione had also been avoiding Professor Dumbledore for those two weeks as well. She worried that the moment he got her alone, he would send her home, since she did tell him that her work had been completed. But she very well couldn't leave when she and Severus had made a date for their Hogsmeade, Valentine's Day weekend. That would have crushed him.

After Hermione and Severus finished eating breakfast, they met one another at the doorway in the Great Hall. Severus tugged at the cuff of his sleeve, he was nervous.

Truthfully, Hermione was a bit, too. Sure, it was silly. The two have been a couple for quite some time at that point. Hell, they've slept together! But something about an official date seemed to have made both of them anxious.

"Ready to go?" Hermione asked, looking up at Severus' face.

He gave her a smile and nodded, before taking her hand and leading her out the door.

The weather was miserable, as they walked out onto the grounds. The wind was howling, and the rain was unrelenting. Hermione cast a charm which kept the rain from falling on both of them, and they began their walk down to the village.

"Where are we going once we arrive?" Hermione asked as they crossed the grounds.

"I - I thought perhaps we could have some coffee at - at that tea shop," he suggested with a hint of trepidation in his tone.

Hermione had to suppress a laugh. Madam Puddifoot's was the absolute last place she would have ever pictured Severus in. This Severus, or adult Severus. What in the name of Merlin caused him to choose there, she wondered?

Obviously she had no interest in the place, herself. However, she did want to witness Severus in the overly pink, overly fluffy tea shop. She beamed up at him.

"That sounds absolutely lovely, Severus."

When the two of them entered Madam Puddifoot's Hermione almost choked from trying to hold her laugh in, looking at the expression on Severus' face. He looked as if they had just stumbled into somewhere filled with raw sewage, rather than a tea shop filled with floating cherubs, hearts, and pink candles. It was a bit over the top, if she were being perfectly honest.

"You're sure this is where you wanted to go?" Hermione asked, her voice strained with repressed giggles.

Severus cleared his throat, and rearranged his expression into one less disgusted.

"Sure," he began, as he towed her towards an open table. "This is, erm, what girls like, correct?" he asked as they sat down.

She couldn't hold it together a moment longer. Laughter burst out of her as she shook her head.

"What?!" He exclaimed. "I thought you would enjoy this."

Hermione pulled herself together as she reached for his hand across the table they now sat at.

"Oh Severus, you're rather adorable when you're flustered, did you know that?" she teased.

Severus scowled, and grumbled something she couldn't quite make out.

"But, as for your question," she continued. "I am sure some girls, and some boys, like places like this." She gestured around her.

She watched Severus' face fall. Oh no, this was not going well. Even though this tea shop wasn't exactly, well, her cup of tea, it didn't mean she wasn't perfectly content in just spending time with Severus. Perhaps she should have shown a little more tact, she thought.

"The place doesn't matter to me, Severus. It's the thought, and just being together that's important to me."

The corner of Severus' lips lifted.

"This place is rather… pink," he said, as if it were a dirty word, "isn't it?"

Hermione let out a loud laugh.

"It's dreadfully tacky," she agreed, as one of the little cherubs zipped past their heads.

The pair were interrupted when the stout, silver haired witch who owned the tea shop stopped at their table.

"What will it be for you two, loves?" she asked with a kind smile.

Hermione looked at Severus, who shrugged. He was completely out of his element.

"Two coffees, please," Hermione answered the woman. "And… a croissant, I think," she added.

The woman looked at Severus.

"Erm, nothing else for me," he mumbled.

Hermione thanked the woman, and as she walked away, Hermione glanced around the room. A few tables to their left, it seemed that a couple were arguing.

"Really, a Fifth Year?!" they heard the pretty blonde girl screech.

Severus snorted. "Seems Nott's girlfriend must have found out he's been shagging that Hufflepuff," he said.

The girl stood up and threw her drink in Nott's shocked face. The entire tea shop went quiet.

"Oh dear," Hermione said under her breath, suppressing a laugh.

As the girl stormed past Hermione and Severus' table, with Nott chasing after her, Severus chuckled.

"Good for the prat," Severus said quietly.

Hermione was surprised. She assumed that Nott, as a future Death Eater, would have been one of Severus' friends. Or, at the very least, someone he was on decent terms with.

"You're not fond of Nott?" asked Hermione.

Severus shook his head. "I'm not fond of people, Hermione."

Hermione frowned.

Severus reached across the table and took her hand in his.

"Well, with one exception," he said with a smirk.

Hermione felt her heart flutter as his dark eyes pierced her caramel ones.

"I'm glad I'm the exception," she said.

Severus raised an eyebrow.

"Who said it was you?" he teased.

Hermione laughed. "Oh shut up."

Just then their drinks and Hermione's croissant arrived. The pair drank, and Hermione ate, in a compatible quiet, as Hermione glanced around the tea shop. Couples everywhere were sitting side by side with one another, some shamelessly snogging in front of everyone. It all seemed very performative to her.

When Severus took the last drink of his coffee, he looked at Hermione.

"Do you want to get out of here?" he asked.

Hermione nodded. "Yes, I think so," she said.

Severus stood and left money on the table to pay for their drinks and food. Hermione protested, but Severus insisted on paying.

When they got outside, Hermione was relieved to see that the weather had cleared significantly. There was still a chill in the air, but it wasn't anything like it was on the walk down. Neither of them were quite ready to go back to the school yet, so they walked hand in hand through the streets of the village, not really with any destination in mind. Hermione was content walking with him, chatting about nothing of importance. It was moments like that which made Hermione's heart ache, knowing that soon she would be going home.

Later on, when they arrived back at the castle, the two decided they would spend some time alone together in the abandoned classroom they frequently used. Once the door was closed, and she turned to look at Severus, she saw the burning desire for her in his eyes. It only took her a moment to catch up with his mood, and before either spoke a word, she silently locked and warded the door.

Severus immediately advanced, and took Hermione into his arms, holding her tightly against him. The two kissed passionately, and within moments, they were peeling off each other's clothing. Neither of them charmed a pillow for them to lay upon, but rather fell onto the floor, where they lost themselves in one another, unbeknownst to her, for the last time whilst she was in the past.

ooo

15th February 1977

Professor Dumbledore sent a note to Hermione, which she received at breakfast that morning. He wished to see her the following evening, and she did not have to be a Seer to know why. He would be insisting that she returned home. She had stalled as long as she could. As much as she didn't want to, she had to go home.

It was difficult to concentrate in her classes, and Amelia and Severus both questioned her on what was wrong. Hermione lied to both of them, claiming it was her stomach, that she was not feeling well. She shut down both of their suggestions to see Madam Pomfrey, swearing that it would pass and that she was fine.

There were loose ends that Hermione needed to tie up, if she were to be leaving. She wanted to try to make some sort of amends with Lily. She wanted to speak to Sirius. She had not spoken to Sirius since that night after he had assaulted her in the dark corridor, and as much as she was still angry with him for that, she felt she needed to say a proper goodbye. As for Lily, well she didn't feel quite right leaving on bad terms with her. For as much as they may have bumped heads at times, she would still one day be the woman who sacrificed herself to save her best friend.

After classes, Hermione told Severus that she was going to Ravenclaw tower for a bit before dinner. When in reality, she was hunting the castle for either Sirius or Lily, and did not want Severus there for either of those encounters. Luckily it did not take her long to find Lily, as she ran into her in the girls' bathroom on the third floor.

When Hermione walked in, Lily was at the sink washing her hands. She looked up when Hermione entered, and immediately looked back down at her hands. Hermione took a deep breath.

"Lily?" Hermione said tentatively.

Lily didn't look at her, but responded cautiously.

"Yes?"

Hermione took a step towards her. Her heart raced.

"I - I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for how things ended up between us. I never wanted us to fight," Hermione admitted.

Lily turned off the tap, shook her hands, and reached for a towel to dry them. She did not respond.

"I know things became complicated between you and Severus, which made things tense between us. But I want you to know that I do not have any ill feelings towards you. And…" she hesitated. "I wish you nothing but the best in life."

Lily finally turned to look at Hermione. There was no hostility in her eyes, but there was none of the warmth she had seen her first week of term either.

"Thank you," said Lily softly.

Hermione went to speak again, but Lily cut her off.

"You know, there was a time that I thought perhaps Severus and I would be together," Lily admitted.

Hermione's heart sank. Why was she telling her this? Did Lily still want him? More importantly, would Severus still want her?

Lily must have noticed the flash of panic in Hermione's eyes.

"Please, do not misunderstand. That was a long time ago," Lily reassured her. "It would have never worked. We were too different. I wanted him to be different. But with you…" she trailed off, then took a breath. "He didn't have to change. You love him for him. A part of me will always be grateful to you for that. And then," she smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "A part of me will always resent you for it."

Hermione did not know how to respond. What could she possibly have said to respond to that?

"Lily, I-" Hermione began.

"You don't have to say anything, Hermione," Lily cut her off for the second time. "You didn't do anything wrong. You love him."

"I do," said Hermione, in a voice rough with emotion. "Very much."

This time Lily's smile did reach her eyes.

"He would probably rather die than admit it, but that's all he's ever wanted. To be loved," Lily said, her eyes becoming shiny with unshed tears.

Hermione felt a lump form in her throat. As much as Lily couldn't forgive Severus, it was very clear how much she still cared for her old friend.

"I really do wish things could have been different for us," Hermione admitted.

Lily still smiled at her.

"Maybe one day," Lily said with a shrug. "But everything that happened with him is still too fresh. It's difficult to be around you. You remind me too much of him."

Hermione understood. She also knew that day would never come. Soon Hermione would be gone, and Lily would no longer be around when she returned. It was a pity. She and Lily did have many similarities. She was sure they could have, in another life, been great friends.

"Maybe one day," Hermione repeated in a whisper.

Luck seemed to be on Hermione's side. Or, more accurately, bad luck seemed to be on her side. She was emotionally drained after speaking with Lily, and a part of her hoped that maybe she wouldn't have run into Sirius. However, as she turned a corner on the sixth floor, she nearly toppled right into him.

"Shit! I'm sorry!" Sirius exclaimed, grabbing Hermione by the upper arms to keep her from stumbling backwards.

When Sirius realized who he nearly ran into, Hermione watched his cheeks turn red, and he immediately let her go. It was the first they'd been alone together since he attempted to apologize to her that evening several weeks ago.

"Oh," he said, reaching up and rubbing the back of his neck. "Hi Hermione."

"Hi, Sirius. And, it's okay. I didn't see you either. No harm done," she told him.

Avoiding eye contact with her, Sirius stepped to the side.

"I'll just… go," he said, then began to walk away.

As tempted as she was to let him go, she couldn't just let him leave. There were things she wanted to say.

"Wait!" she yelled, as he walked away. He turned around, his eyes guarded, and Hermione took a step towards him. "I wanted to speak with you."

"About…?" he asked apprehensively.

Hermione looked over her shoulder, making sure no one else was around. That would have been all she needed. To have Severus spot her chatting with Sirius alone. She knew he wouldn't have thought twice before assuming Sirius was trying to push himself on her again. Thankfully, the corridor was deserted.

Hermione gestured towards one of the stone benches against the wall.

"Would you sit with me for a moment?" she asked.

A small flicker of hope shone in Sirius' eyes. Hermione knew what he must have thought. She would have to make her intentions clear immediately.

Once they were sitting together on the bench, Hermione angled herself towards him.

"I don't know if I've completely forgiven you yet, Sirius," she began. "But there are some things I want to say."

The hope vanished from Sirius' eyes, and was replaced by remorse.

"Hermione, I truly am sorry about what happened," he told her, his voice saturated with sincerity.

Hermione knew he meant it. She remembered what he said to her, that night he was pissed in Grimmauld Place. She also knew that Sirius would eventually change. A part of him would always be a bit rash. A bit hot-headed. And even a bit cruel at times. But deep down, he was a good man. And, she couldn't leave without letting him know that she felt that way.

"I know, Sirius. Really, I know," she told him.

"Do you think you will ever be able to forgive me?" he asked, as he looked down at his black boots.

Hermione took a deep breath, and let it out audibly. She would tell him the truth.

"Yes," she admitted.

Sirius looked up from the ground, and into her eyes. That spark of hope was back.

"You do?" he asked, sounding much more like a small child than the teenage boy who sat next to her.

A small smile tugged at Hermione's lips, despite herself.

"Yes, Sirius, I do. You're not that person, I know that."

She paused, wondering exactly how much she should say. Then she decided, to hell with it.

"You're going to do some good in this world, Sirius. I know you are. But first, you just need to grow up."

Sirius scowled and looked away from her. He mumbled something she couldn't quite make out, but chose to ignore it.

"You have so much potential," she continued. "Please don't waste it. You have to stop drinking yourself to near oblivion, and you have to remember that when someone says no, they mean it."

She watched Sirius' shoulders slump, and heard him sigh.

"I know," he said softly. "I mean, you're right. I know you're right. And," he turned back to face her again. She saw nothing but sincerity in his expression. "I'll try."

Hermione placed her hand on his forearm.

"I know you will, Sirius," she assured him.

"Do you think we can try again one day? At being friends?" he asked her.

Hermione smiled warmly at him, thinking of how, in the future, they would end up somewhat friends. For a brief time, anyhow.

She nodded, as she tried to swallow down the grief that clogged her throat.

"Absolutely."

ooo

16th February 1977

Hermione paced in front of the stone gargoyle, which led up to Dumbledore's office. She was not looking forward to this meeting. She was not looking forward to saying goodbye. Her heart sounded like it pounded in her ears.

With a deep breath to steady her nerves, she gave the gargoyle the password, "Licorice Wands," and stepped on to the rising staircase.

When Hermione was seated across from Professor Dumbledore, she sat on her hands to keep them from shaking. He looked at her over the tops of his glasses, and a sad smile touched his lips.

"Miss Granger," he began. "The Time-Turner is ready. You, yourself, have stated it is time to return home. I have allowed you weeks to say your goodbyes. I feel we should not delay any longer, do you agree?"

Did she agree? The rational, logical part of her did. She was not sure what else she could have done, at that point, to show Severus he was valued and loved. Her potion was successful. It truly was time to return home, and ensure that Severus lived. Then, hopefully, if he would still have her, they could finally begin their lives together. If he did not still want her, well… hopefully he would at least be alive to make that choice.

"Yes, sir," she said in a hollow voice. "I suppose I should not delay any longer."

Dumbledore nodded.

"Then let us discuss what needs to be done," he said.

Tomorrow was the day. That was what she and Professor Dumbledore had agreed on. Less than twenty-four hours, and Hermione would be returning home. A broken sob escaped her lips, as she walked, almost trance-like, down the deserted corridors back to Ravenclaw Tower.

Gone. She would be gone. How was she going to tell Severus that after tomorrow, she would be gone? She should have given him warning, she realized. A clean break was suddenly looking like a terrible idea. This would crush him, she was sure. Why had she thought doing it at the last moment was a good idea?

Hermione hadn't realized she stopped walking, and stood sobbing in the middle of the corridor, until a soft voice called her name.

"Hermione?" said Remus, his tone filled with shocked concern. "What happened?"

Without a second thought, Hermione turned around and hurled herself into Remus' arms. He froze for a moment, obviously startled, as Hermione cried into his shoulder. Slowly, she felt his arms go around her, trying to comfort her.

"Shh, shh, Hermione. Hermione, it's okay," Remus attempted to soothe her.

Hermione sobbed harder, knowing he was wrong.

"N-No it's not, Rem-Remus," she hiccoughed as she backed away.

She then felt embarrassed, at seeing the giant wet spot she had left on his robes. Remus seemed to pay no mind to it, but watched her with obvious concern.

Hermione calmed slightly, and began to wipe the tears from her face, but to no avail. She sniffled and tried to hold back the tears that still flowed down her cheeks.

"Hermione, please, what happened?" he asked again.

She was fighting absolute exhaustion at this point. Her conversations with Lily and Sirius the night before, everything with Dumbledore just moments ago, and now her breakdown. She felt as if she could have collapsed right there on the floor. Luckily a bench was to her left, so she sat down upon it. Remus stood in front of her.

"You have to promise you will not say anything to Amelia yet," Hermione began. "I want to be the one to tell her."

Remus' brow furrowed, but he nodded.

"You have my word," he told her.

Hermione gave him a small smile.

"Thank you," she said, then inhaled through her nose. "I have to leave the school. Tomorrow," she told him, in a voice barely above a whisper.

Remus' mouth popped open a hair, then he moved to sit down next to her. Hermione turned towards him, and felt more tears fill her eyes.

"Why?" he asked, just as softly as Hermione had spoken.

"My parents," she began to lie. "Uncle Albus just received an owl. They enrolled me into the American school. They -" her breath caught in her throat. "I have to go home."

"Does Severus…?" Remus trailed off.

Hermione couldn't hold it together a moment longer at the mention of Severus. She began crying once more, as she shook her head.

"I - I only - just - found out," she struggled to get out through her sobs.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione," said Remus. "I'm going to miss you."

Hermione swallowed and tried to pull herself together again. She took a few deep breaths in through her nose, and out of her mouth. Finally, she managed to speak.

"I'll really miss you, too, Remus," she told him.

And she would. If this was their goodbye, it would be the last time she would speak to him. She swallowed again.

"You have been an incredible friend to me, Remus. Promise me that you will look after yourself, and Amelia," she said.

Remus gave her a smile, although his eyes looked sad.

"I will, Hermione. And you look after yourself as well. I hope that after your schooling is over, we can see each other again," he said hopefully.

Hermione returned his smile.

"I feel sure that our paths will meet again sometime," she said, knowing that they definitely would.

When Hermione finally returned to her dormitory it was very late. All of her roommates were fast asleep. She was grateful. Hermione wasn't sure she would have been able to handle saying goodbye to Amelia that night. Not after how taxing the last two days had been.

She climbed into bed knowing that had just been the tip of the iceberg. When she woke up, she would be preparing to have one of the most difficult days of her life. And after all she had been through, that certainly said something.

ooo

A/N - Hi all! As always, thank you all so, so, so much for the kind words, love, and most of all patience. I truly appreciate every single last one of you, regardless if you have been following this story for years, or recently stumbled upon it. I hope you're all (finally) ready for regular updates, because they are going to be coming once a week from now, until the very end. Things are about to get super heavy, so make sure you grab some tissues!

I hope you enjoy this chapter, and the following final chapters to come!