Chapter 8

Flashback August 1st, 1998

Almost four months have passed since Voldemort was defeated, and a lot has happened since then. During that time, the wizarding world has been in a state of rebuilding and renewal. Many of the citizens are still recovering from the trauma and destruction that Voldemort and his Death Eaters caused. There is a sense of hope and optimism as people look to the future. The castle is almost repaired, with the help of professors, students, and volunteers. The rebuilding process has been faster than expected because of the strong sense of community and collaboration between the professors, students, and volunteers. Everyone has come together to help restore the castle and get back to a sense of normalcy. The school reclaimed Severus Snape as Headmaster. Reluctantly, he agreed. Swearing to do a better job than the previous one. Speaking of Severus, he had a long road to recovery after the attack in the shrinking shack. Despite all the rebuilding and restoration, Severus has had the toughest journey of all; yet he is determined to lead the school with a firm and caring hand. Poppy healed the scars on his neck. The first month he was in the hospital wing, Hermione remained by his side. Assisting Poppy with his recovery. Brewing the necessary potions, antivenin, Wiggenweld, and burn paste. Not just for him, however, but also for the injured. Neville was severely injured. Broke both his legs and several ribs after decapitating that damned snake. He took a nasty fall when he witnessed Luna dueling McNair.

Down in the dungeons in Severus' private lab, he found Hermione hovering over a cauldron. He watched her while hiding in the corner. 'To think she still loves me, even after everything.' When he saw her place the ladle down on the table, he knew she was almost done cleaning up. He was moved by her actions, feeling a deep appreciation for her in that moment. He could see her dedication to their relationship and knew that, despite all that had happened, she still loved him. Walking behind her he gently covered his hands over her eyes.

"Guess who?" He purred in her ear. For a second she tensed, then relaxed at his voice. She was taken aback by his sudden gesture of affection, but at that moment, she felt a wave of warmth and security. She knew that, despite the challenges they had faced, they were still in this together. He still cared deeply for her. She turned around and met his gaze. Her heart swelled with joy. Smiling, she turned around to face him as he enveloped her in his arms. Tucking her head under his chin, she breathed in his scent. She sighed contentedly as he held her close, feeling nothing but peace and happiness in his embrace.

"Severus, you're supposed to be resting. You've been through an ordeal." She said, concerned. He pulled away from her, looking her in the eyes. "It's worth it just to feel your arms around me again. I'm not going anywhere, I promise." He kissed her forehead, and she felt the warmth of his love and support radiating through her. She knew that no matter what happened, Severus would always be there for her.

She smiled and hugged him tightly. They stayed like that for a while, in peaceful silence. They had come through the ordeal together and they were stronger than ever. "I've been sleeping almost all day. I've been restless. What say we take a little way, shall we?" he asked.

"Let me finish bottling up this potion. I just finished brewing you a month of Ampicillin."

HGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSS

As the couple strolled, Severus led her to the back of the castle. There is a large willow tree, the leaves shimmering purple as the cool breeze brushes by. With his wand, he reveals a wooden door. "Severus?" Hermione wonders. In a soft voice, Severus said,

"This door will only appear to you and me. Come, there is more to show you." Leading her down the spiral staircase. Once they reached the end, the area opens up, showing a large garden filled with roses. Hermione's eyes roamed the area in awe. He took her hand and led her to a gazebo in the center of the garden. "I created this, it's charmed so we can view the lake undisturbed. This is where I want to bring you," he said, "for a moment of peace and tranquility." Hermione is at a loss for words as she is mesmerized by the beauty he created. The sun sets as the moon takes its rightful place and stars scatter, painting the sky like a canvas. Entering the boulder wall, she notices an abundance of roses of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Various fairy statues are scattered, with marble bird baths and benches. Hermione marveled at the garden's size. The moon's light reflecting off the lake created a sparkling shimmer that illuminated the garden, making the roses look like diamonds. Hermione was in awe of the beauty that surrounded her. The sound of crickets filled the air, and fireflies sparkled around the garden. She couldn't believe she was in such a magical place and Hermione knew she'd never want to leave. It was filled with the scent of roses, and the fairy statues cast a magical spell over the area. It was like a secret garden, and Hermione was in awe of it.

Severus escorted her to a small bench. In a moment of silence, they're both lost in thought. Hermione felt a special connection to the place, as if it was calling out to her. She felt a peace that she never had before and knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be. Severus looked at her with a knowing smile, and they both smiled in appreciation of the moment.

"Hermione, this past year has had a great deal of ups and downs, more downs than anything else." He started. He's holding her hand, gently caressing her knuckles.

"But I am so proud of you for how you have handled it all. You are strong and brave." he said, looking into her eyes with love and admiration.

"You are an inspiration to me and to everyone around you. You have so much love and resilience in your heart, and I am so lucky to have you in my life." He spoke.

"I don't have much in this world to offer you. I can be a pain in the ass, the most stubborn man you've ever met-"

"Severus..." Hermione whispered. She interrupted him before he could finish his sentence, understanding the magnitude of his words. She could see the emotion in his eyes, the way his voice cracked as he spoke, and she knew that he was offering her the best of what he had.

"Hermione, please... " He paused as she nodded. She could sense the sincerity in his plea, the vulnerability in his voice, and knew that he was asking for her understanding and acceptance of his feelings. It was clear that he was putting his heart on the line, and Hermione was moved by his gesture.

"I don't know if you've thought about your future, or what your plans are." Severus stumbled a bit, trying to convey what's in his heart.

"But I can promise you a secure and safe life, with me by your side." With one hand, he fiddles around a small velvet box, holding a silver ring inside it. He clears his throat and looks up at the person he loves.

"I want you to know that I will be there for you, whatever your plans may be. I want to be with you, now and forever." Bending down on one knee, he stares into her eyes.

Hermione thought her heart would explode. She wanted to respond but controlled herself to allow him to finish. Severus took a deep breath and said,

"I don't say this enough but know that I love you with all my heart and soul. I will protect you, provide for you in the most effective way I can. I want to be there for you in all of your successes, and comfort you when things get rough. Will you marry me?" Severus was filled with anticipation as he waited for Hermione's response. He had put his heart and soul on the line, and now he could only wait to see if she would accept his proposal. Hermione felt her eyes fill with tears and nodded, unable to speak. He smiled, took her hands in his and kissed them gently. She flung her arms around him, and they kissed, sealing their promise of forever.

"I love you Severus." Hermione cried. He looked deep into her eyes, his own shimmering with tears of joy.

"I love you too, Hermione Granger," he whispered before pressing his lips to hers again.

End of Flashback.

Hermione and Severus sat on the bench where he proposed all those years ago. In their own beautiful and private sanctuary overlooking the lake, beneath the old willow tree decorated with purple leaves. It was impossible for them not to be overcome with emotion upon seeing the bench and the beauty of the lake. Their love was as strong as the willow tree, and the purple leaves hung like decorations in the sky, signaling the bright future ahead. They held hands as they cherished the moment, content with the love they exchanged years ago. Her hand was held gently by him as he kissed it. He smiled and said, "I still remember the day with such fondness. I was so nervous, but you said yes." She smiled and said, "It was the best decision I ever made." They closed their eyes and sighed contentedly. They were happy to be together after all these years. Hermione rested her head on her husband's shoulders. The scent of roses filled the air around her, and she took a deep breath.

In that moment, the love and joy they felt were encapsulated, and it was a reminder of the bond they had formed over the years, regardless of their successes and failures. Their gratitude for each other's company was reflected in the beauty of the night sky and the fragrance of the roses that surrounded them. Severus' hands clasp with hers. The occurrence of moments such as these is becoming fewer and further apart. They have created a slice of heaven for themselves. They felt a sense of peace and contentment that results from being loved and trusted by someone. The scent of roses around them reminded them of their strong connection and how far they had come together. It made them both feel valued and appreciated. They were grateful for this time together.

"Who would've thought we'd still be here 20 years later?" Hermione said. They held each other's hands and laughed. They had come so far and had built a life they never thought was possible. They knew it was all thanks to their love and determination.

"Two kids later, and one on the way. I never dreamed my life would be like this. If I traveled back in time and told my younger self how my future would unfold, I would probably have thought I would be mentally ill." Severus admitted. Severus never expected to be in the position he was in. Not only was he dealing with the unexpected responsibility of having not two but soon to be three children, but the idea of it was so far removed from what he had imagined life would be like that he was almost in disbelief of his own reality. "But now, I wouldn't change a thing," Severus added with a knowing smile.

"We are soulmates, Severus. No matter if we lived in another world, I would find you. Our paths will meet in an alternate reality." Hermione sighed happily. She looked into his eyes and saw the same emotion reflected in them. He smiled, and the two of them embraced, content in the knowledge that their connection was unbreakable.

"And I, you." Severus kissed her head. "Forever," he whispered, emphasizing his commitment to their bond. He pulled her a bit closer to his side. No matter where the universe takes them or what decisions they make, in the end, they will always find each other. It's a bond of fate that transcends all boundaries of time and space. It's a bond that is unbreakable and eternal.

A/N: Please Read and Review! I love reviews, and I truly appreciate your time. I wrote this chapter mainly because last chapter didn't really have much of HG/SS. I love fluff.