Epilogue

Disclaimer: I don't own anything relating to Harry Potter.

Someone stumbled across the body of Severus Snape later that same day. No legal action was taken against anyone involved because too many high-ranking officials had ties to the crime; Wizarding Britain would have been left without a governing body had everyone been convicted that was involved.

Three days after the body was found, the funeral was held at Hogwarts. Severus would have wanted it that way. Hermione sat in the front row with Ernie at her side. She tried to keep her composure but had a terrible time.

She hadn’t spoken to Harry since that night when he tried to give her Severus's ring. It was probably better that way. She didn’t know what her reaction would be if she saw him now.

*****

“Hermione, you have a visitor,” came Minerva’s voice through the Floo.

“Send them down.”

Hermione was reading at her desk when Harry Potter stepped out of the flames.

“Hermione,” he said.

She made a great show of closing her book. She finally looked up and said, “Yes, Harry?”

“I came to give you this.” He held out Severus’s wedding band. “He wanted you to have it. It was the last thing he said. I’ll leave forever as soon as you take this, if that's what you want.”

Hermione just watched him for a moment. “Sit down, Harry.”

He sat.

“I won’t pretend that we’re okay because we’re not. You had a hand in killing the man I love. I know you didn’t know what was going on, but that doesn’t matter to my heart. I will take Severus’s ring because that’s what he wanted. Also, the next time I want to be anywhere near you, I will contact you. I don’t know when that will be, so don’t ask. I still want you as a friend, but it is going to take a long time before I can stand the sight of you again. I ask you to please respect my wishes.”

Harry nodded and placed the ring on the edge of her desk.

"Hermione, I really am sorry for what I've done," he said before turning and heading out the door.

*****

The very next day, Rufus Scrimgeour pulled the same stunt that Minister Robards had when he resigned. The day he stepped down from his position as Chief Warlock, Scrimgeour granted Severus Snape a full pardon. Of course it was a little too late[;] the people responsible were still going to get away, but it made Hermione happy to know she could tell Severus she was right after all.

Having Severus's name cleared made moving on easier for her. Though, she still struggled day to day with the knowledge that murders were out free, and her husband had been robbed of his life.

*****

Hermione had received a letter from Lucius Malfoy three days after the funeral. She had been very surprised when he hadn't attended the funeral of his 'old friend', but was glad he hadn't ruined that day for her. She was out by the lake when the owl arrived with the letter.

As soon as she detached the parchment, the owl flew away.

Dearest Hermione,

Lucius Malfoy

"Bastard!" Hermione spat as she crumpled the letter in her hand. Tears were falling down her face and landing in her lap.

She let the sobs overtake her body until she could barely breath. She had not allowed herself to cry since Harry told her what happened.

Hermione felt a hand on her back and started because she hadn't heard anyone approach.

"Madam Snape," a voice said from directly beside her.

She turned her head to see Draco Malfoy standing there. Rubbing the tears from her face, she tried to compose herself.

"Yes, Mister Malfoy?" she said with only a slight waiver in her voice.

"I wanted to tell you that Lucius can never hurt anyone again."

Hermione stared at him for a moment before responding, "What do you mean?"

"My father can never hurt you or me again," Draco said with great emotion. Relief could be seen on his features.

She watched him, trying to figure out the meaning of his words. All at once, his meaning became clear to her. "I owe you more than I can ever repay, Draco," she replied softly.

Draco smiled and turned, walking quickly toward the gates.

*****

Well-Known Member of Wizarding Society Gone Missing

by Rita Skeeter

Three days ago, infamous member of wizarding society, Lucius Malfoy, disappeared. His wife, Narcissa Malfoy, reported the incident to the authorities after Lucius failed to return home one night. Lucius has long been suspected of multiple murders. Though never charged, this reporter believes that Mr. Malfoy got what was coming to him.

The Ministry has not stated what course of action it was going to take. I personally hope they leave Lucius Malfoy's body to rot wherever it turns up.

Author's Notes: Thank you to everyone who listened to my concerns about this fic. GinnyW, in particular, can be thanked for the alternate ending. Another huge thanks to Sophi and Zen Lady for their beta work.

Reviews and feedback are appreciated.