A/N: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.
"She's safe now," he whispered trying to keep his face emotionless.
"It had to be done. If anyone found out..."
"I hate you, Albus."
"We both know you don't mean it." Severus didn't even respond before turning and storming out of the office.
Severus stood at the large white tomb, his hands shaking in fury.
"You knew!" he screamed tears streaming down his face.
"You knew," he whispered falling to his knees shaking.
The shop was crowded. He almost snapped as another customer nearly bumped into him.
"Will this be all?" the sales witch asked.
"Yes, can I have it gift wrapped." She nodded pulling out a small selection of wrapping paper options. He almost chose the green and silver, but instead went with a more neutral one with pastel bears.
Every year the same, every year for three years watching from the shadows. She was safer without him. She didn't remember. She never would, Dumbledore had made sure of that.
He stood just outside the property. This would be the same.
"I know you're there." He froze at her voice. Slowly he stepped from the shadows.
"Severus."
"Hermione."
"I know. I know what we did. What we were."
"How?" His spell had been perfect, if it hadn't been, Dumbledore would have done it to make sure. "For how long?"
"A few months. I found an old diary. I thought I'd lost it." She met his eyes.
"I see."
"Who did it, Severus, who erased my memories. Who erased you?" He could tell she was angry, hurt.
"Me, on Dumbledore's orders," he admitted. It would do no good to lie to her, not now. She hissed.
"Bloody meddling miserable old fucking git!" He bit back a laugh. "Did he know about her? Did he?" she demanded tears streaming from her eyes.
"Yes." That one word broke her, she fell against him. She looked up at him, fear on her face.
"Did you?"
"No, I never would have if I'd known, Hermione, I swear on...on anything you want me to. I swear on my own life, I had no idea." She nodded slowly tears still streaming down her face.
"Do...do...do you want to meet her, Severus?"
"You'd let me?" he had expected her to tell him to go to hell.
"Yes, of course, you're her father, Severus. If you are willing to be." He nodded allowing her to lead him into her house. She may not remember everything that happened between them, but he had a feeling she was willing to give him another chance.