Chapter 71

A/N: Well, here is the fateful chapter we've been waiting for. How will Hermione and Severus discover what happened after war? Will they go on the run? What about Serena's grave? How will Severus react to seeing it and learning more details about his daughter's death? But most of all, what has Harry done, knowing Hermione left the battle before it was over? As always, my deepest thanks and respect for WriterMerrin who worked on this chapter. You are a princess among women!

***

When Severus and Hermione woke, the morning sun was breaking over the horizon. They dressed and went into the kitchen for coffee, remaining silent. Without uttering a word, both knew they were thinking the same thing. What if Voldemort had vanquished the Order and Harry was dead? They remained standing, sipping their coffee. Finally, Hermione couldn't take it anymore.

"Severus, when will we find out what's happened?"

He furrowed his eyebrows and said, "Are you already eager to face the world?" he asked softly without looking at her. "I thought perhaps we could remain here for a while...and forget."

She placed her hand on his. "I can't stand not knowing. Where should we go?" she asked.

"The Leaky Cauldron," he said. "If the Dark Lord is anywhere, he's at Hogwarts. The Leaky Cauldron is our best bet. If he has won, and all is lost, we'll disappear into Muggle London and leave the country. We'll take nothing but our wands."

Hermione turned to walk back to the bedroom. Severus caught her hand. "Are you positive this cannot wait? I dreamt of bringing you here so many times; it was my only comfort. I wanted to be with you here and revel in you."

Hermione blushed as he swept the errant strands of hair from her face. "I guess I've been waiting so long for a conclusion, unable to do anything about it... I just want this dreadful feeling of limbo to pass so we can be safe. Once I know we are safe, then I can really relax and enjoy being together."

Severus wrapped her into his arms and whispered against her ear, "You will always be safe with me. I swear I will protect you."

"Severus," Hermione whispered, "you can't make that promise. The best of intentions cannot dictate what will be."

Hermione returned his embrace, resting her head on his chest. She heard his soft baritone rumble against her ear that was pressed against him as he spoke. "So, you don't think I can protect you?" Hermione lifted her face to look into his. His face was full of hurt and pending rejection. "The vows and promises we made were all I had left. I meant to keep my word to find you and make you safe again. I failed, and you suffered for it. Our daughter died because of it."

Hermione place her fingers against his mouth. "Stop," she murmured. "Let's not start assigning blame between us. Don't do it. We are alive now and together. The most important promise we ever made was to love each other and to never stop believing that it's real."

Severus' forehead touched hers. "Remember the first time you promised to be my friend?"

Hermione smiled. "Yes. You were so sad and lost. You looked as if the world was going to end."

"It was!" he insisted. "At least for me. I thought I would die if you left me too." He lifted her up from the ground so he wouldn't have to bend his head to kiss her.

Hermione closed her eyes and kissed him. Collapsing onto the sofa, Severus pulled Hermione onto his lap, opening her shirt to fondle her breasts. Hermione shrugged out of his shirt and ground her pussy against his hardening cock. Severus toyed with her nipples as she thrust her hands into his black hair, fisting it as ripples of pleasure spread throughout her body. Her hands left his hair to release him from the confines of his trousers. Severus lifted his head, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. She sank her hungry quim onto his rigid maleness, claiming him as he had claimed her the night before. Hermione gasped as his radiated heat warmed her while she slid further down his wide shaft.

Widening her eyes and letting herself go, she allowed her senses to take her over. Her mind was empty, save thoughts of the pleasure while she rocked against him. It was her pace, her way. Severus' face was flushed as his eyes fluttered shut, murmuring things she couldn't hear. She was a part of him again, leaving nothing hidden from his penetrating eyes. He held onto her tightly, his hands splayed on her back, holding her and keeping her to him as his lips blazed a trail from her mouth to her breasts. She cried out as her orgasm took her by surprise. Severus was not far behind, moaning her name.

***

Severus and Hermione went back to the bedroom and put on their clothes. Hermione's were filthy, but they were all she had on her. She cast some cleaning spells, and when she felt she could do no more, she came out and waited for Severus to finish dressing. Severus put on his boots and looked at Hermione.

He gave her a once over and frowned. "Whatever has happened, you need new clothes."

They took hands and Apparated to the Leaky Cauldron. As soon as they stepped inside, the crowd turned and looked at the both of them. Severus had his wand out and at the ready. Tom, the barman, came over with two shots of firewhiskey and said, "We've all been waiting for the two of you to show up! Harry Potter said you would when you both were ready. We all weren't expecting you to surface so soon!"

He placed the shot glasses in their hands, and they were given a copy of the Daily Prophet. On the front page were Harry, Ron, and Ginny, waving to the cameras. They were filthy and weary, but happy. The caption read: Harry Potter defeats Tom Riddle! And underneath the picture, a second headline read: Potter declares Severus Snape and Hermione Granger as Spies for the Order of the Phoenix!

The Snapes looked at each other and then broke out into smiles. They raised their glasses and toasted their success and drank, much to the joy of the patrons there, clapping and congratulating them.

***

Hermione wanted to see Spinner's End immediately. It was the only place she could think of as home. However, Severus decided his wife was long overdue for a proper wedding trousseau. They went to Madame Malkin's, and Severus insisted on nothing but the finest robes the store had to offer.

Hermione looked at all the clothing in front of her and sighed. "Severus! This is far too much...you know I mostly wear jeans and a jumper."

"Not anymore," he said as Madam Malkin happily bustled around, altering her new robes. She was elated at having customers again...and well-paying customers at that. Hermione decided to allow Severus to pamper her. After all, he hadn't been able to for so long.

***

Returning to Spinner's End was terribly emotional, and neither knew what to say. A lifetime and more had occurred in this small, dingy house. After Hermione had worked on dusting the kitchen, Severus insisted that they bathe and rest.

"Where will we sleep, Severus?" Hermione asked as she brushed her teeth.

"In my room, of course," he replied with a mischievous grin.

"And why is that?" she asked as she embraced her squeaky-clean husband, still warm from his hot bath.

"I have one more fantasy that never was fulfilled," he said as he led her inside the small room. He took off her towel, and she gasped, "You dusted in here and cleaned the sheets!"

"I'm afraid we'll never be able to sleep in your old room anymore. Wormtail lived in there when he stayed here. But, this room remained my own, and for twenty years I have wanted to do this."

"What?" she asked suspiciously.

"I want to make love to you in my bed," he whispered into her ear as he wrapped his arms around her from behind. "I can't even recall the number of times I had to take the problem in hand, as it were. I have fantasized about you in every way possible. Now that this nightmare is over, I will finally have what I have wanted since I was a teenager. It has been too long since I've heard you make those sweet sounds when I am inside you stroking just right, we are still out of practice."

Hermione jumped on the bed and watched Severus look at her like a predator. She started to giggle nervously as he came slowly towards her. She had turned to get off the bed when her husband promptly grabbed her by the ankles and slid her towards him. She lay prone, stretched out underneath him as he rubbed his erection along the juncture of her bum.

"You feel so good," Hermione murmured against the sheets.

She felt her hair being pushed to the side as Severus began to kiss and nibble on her neck and shoulder. She laughed as he tickled her sides.

"Stop!" she said as she gasped for air between laughing fits. Severus got off of her, and they both knelt on the bed, touching each other gently. Severus brought her lips to his, and they kissed ever so innocently.

Hermione brought her arms up around his neck and shoulders, her breasts lightly grazing his chest and whispered, "I remember that kiss."

"It's a shame they closed down that store," replied Severus. "I would have loved nothing more than to take you there again."

They kissed deeply as their craving for each other grew. He led her to lie back on the bed. He pushed her legs up and slid his hands under her bum, tilting her.

Hermione remained still, absent-mindedly biting on her finger. Severus closed his eyes and sank into her without his hands guiding him. "After all these years, I know how to find you," he whispered.

He opened his eyes and said, "It would be wonderful if we made a baby now, Hermione?"

Hermione couldn't reply. Of course it would be wonderful, but she knew if she spoke, she'd burst into tears.

Severus stroked inside her and squeezed her bum with his hands. He quickened the pace. She caressed her own breasts as her pleasure mounted. Her self-enjoyment elicited a groan from Severus, and his eyes glazed over as he continued to watch her. Hermione's breath hitched, and she began to squirm and mewl as she felt the waves of her impending orgasm building up inside.

"That's it," Severus breathed, his voice husky with lust. "That's what I want to hear, those lovely cries for me, sweet girl."

He withdrew his hands and grasped the sides of her head, hungrily kissing her mouth.

"I love you, Hermione," he gasped as he came inside of her.

"I love you, Severus."

***

The following day they went to Hogsmeade. Rosmerta was there, looking worried and tired as they came into the Three Broomsticks for a drink and also to find more news about the end of the war.

"Rosmerta," said Hermione as she leaned over the bar and touched her arm. "What's wrong?"

She brushed the hair from her face, and her eyes began to tear. "I'm going to have to appear before the Wizengamot for my involvement in Dumbledore's death. You'd better take Severus to the Ministry. He might be in trouble as well."

Hermione sat back on the stool, and Severus, who had been stopped by an older wizard to wish him well, was standing there a couple of feet from her.

"Did you hear that?" she asked him softly while the din around them grew. A small group of drunken wizards and goblins began to sing in the back.

"I suppose we had better get along to the Ministry," Severus replied darkly.

He came closer as Hermione sat frozen in her seat with her head lowered. She grasped the front of his robes, holding him closer to her. "What if they take you away from me?" she whispered. "Let's go away, just us."

Severus looked her and replied, "We would always be fugitives then, Hermione. Always looking over our shoulders. That's no life to bring children into."

Hermione turned her head from him and tried to stop the tears, but they came anyway. She felt her husband's arms wrap around her, and she whispered, "I want to go to Andromeda's. I need to be with Serena."

She started to shake, and Severus helped her walk outside. Her gave her a handkerchief, and she started apologizing.

"I'm sorry, I-I j-just c-can't help it."

Severus held her to him and Apparated to Andromeda's. When they arrived, he took her small hand into his larger one. "Hermione, you don't have to carry this alone anymore. Serena was my baby too. Let's grieve together."

She nodded, and he kept one arm wrapped around her protectively as they walked up the road to the house. The garden came into view, and Hermione could see the tiny grave marked with small stones. Hermione wrenched free from Severus and sank onto the grave, clutching the grass, wishing she could hold her baby instead. The tears dropped onto the fresh grass, and Hermione whispered to her daughter of how much she loved and missed her. She saw the shadow of her husband behind her. She turned her face towards him and looked into his pained face.

"What was she like?" he whispered.

Hermione laughed through the tears. "She was so impatient. When she wanted to eat, she would kick and punch...I literally thought she had my insides black and blue!"

He smiled as he knelt down on one knee. Hermione tucked her feet under her and rested her hands on his knee.

"She was so beautiful...so tiny...she had black hair and was so...I don't know...she was mine. When she was inside me, I never really felt alone...it was like we were in this mess together. When I lost her, I thought I had lost everything."

Severus gathered her into his arms and rocked her as she wept. Hermione felt his body tense, and she looked up at him and saw him watching the house. He swiftly drew his wand and pointed it at someone. Hermione turned and looked and said, "Remus, you're here!"

Remus schooled his eyes on Severus, who was not speaking and had a murderous look in his eye.

"Severus," Remus said calmly. "I will ask you to lower your weapon. You have no enemies here. I assure you."

"Then why have my wife and I been instructed to go to the Ministry of Magic?" he demanded. "Am I still a wanted man by the Order?"

"No, Severus," Remus replied solemnly as he carefully walked towards them. "Harry showed Kingsley his memories from his discussion with Hermione. We also spoke with Lucius. Not that there was much needed to be said. Why don't you both come inside and have a drink? Come and meet my son. We named him after Dora's father, Ted. We're calling him Teddy. He's a Metamorphmagus like his mum."

He offered his hand in a gesture of peace. "Please Severus. Too many have died." Severus looked at him warily, but accepted the outstretched hand and shook it.

Hermione wrapped her arms around Severus' waist and led him towards the house.

"We'll have to get a headstone," he murmured as they walked past the tiny grave.

***

They sat down at the table and drank. The atmosphere was rather tense. Severus didn't trust Remus, and his wife was an Auror. Hermione watched as Tonks held little Teddy in her arms, and she felt a pang of envy and loss. Severus reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She looked at him and realized he knew her. The thrumming magic sang through her body, and she understood then the connection between them would always be strong and unbreakable.

"I suppose you all want to know what happened after you both left?" asked Remus as he swallowed the rest of his firewhisky.

"Actually, Lupin," replied Severus, his tone cool. "I'm more interested in how the Ministry sees our disappearance from the battlefield."

"Please, Severus, you have to believe us when we say neither you nor Hermione have to fear. If it will make you feel better, go see Kingsley. He probably would appreciate the help. There are about ten or so Death Eaters unaccounted for. Except for Avery and Yaxley, the others were lower-level minions," he said as he poured all of them another drink.

Andromeda took Teddy, who had started to fuss, from his mum. Tonks joined the conversation and said, "Riddle was furious when you were nowhere to be found. When Ron Weasley brought Lucius Malfoy inside the castle, Arthur Weasley took him briefly into custody and sent me his Patronus for me to formally take his statement and place Lucius under arrest. He explained what his family had suffered. Arthur and I saw the marks from where Lucius had been beaten, and Lucius told them his wand had been confiscated months ago, and he and Narcissa had been living as servants in his own manor. He said it had been horrifying. Day after day, they had to watch Draco be placed under the Imperius Curse in order to inflict Unforgivables on those who had 'displeased his Lordship.' He said the rest of the time Draco was not being manipulated, he just sat in fear. He said they all were afraid: first, because Lucius had not delivered the Prophecy, and second, Draco failed to kill Dumbledore."

"How did the battle end?" asked Hermione.

Lupin answered. "Voldemort called his troops back and gave one last ultimatum. That was when the Advance Guard with the Auror contingent went into forest with Ron and Harry where Voldemort had retreated and was holding his hostages. Hagrid and a few students had been captured and tortured."

Hermione grasped Severus' hand and Remus carried on. "It was horrible. We fought in that dense wood, hexes flying everywhere and ricocheting off of trees. We lost Proudfoot, and Savage and Hestia are in St, Mungo's. Hestia will be fine; we don't know yet about Savage.

We watched as Voldemort struck Harry down with the Killing Curse, and it was sheer pandemonium. It was kill or be killed. We got many Death Eaters, but more were coming as he summoned them. We surrendered only after we realized if we continued it would only be the needless slaughtering of every Order member, and we couldn't do that...not if we had any hope of a future uprising.

"Hagrid carried Harry up to the castle, where everyone began to cry and scream in shock when they saw Harry's body. Then Voldemort made his final mistake. He let his guard down. He thought he had won, but he hadn't. As soon as he released Nagini from the magical cage, Neville Longbottom, who had the Gryffindor Sword, slaughtered the snake. In the commotion, Harry was back up and fighting, and everyone ran away in all different directions. We all fought, and then some of the other Death Eaters joined in, and everyone came back, and it started all over again in the Great Hall. Ginny killed Bellatrix Lestrange, and Ron with George took down the Lestrange brothers. There were some Death Eaters we saw escape, and as Harry and Voldemort circled one another, we all heard the real story behind the Horcruxes, and Harry taunted him with the fact that Severus had left him, that he had never been with him, all these years had been an act to protect the people he cared about."

At this, Severus squeezed Hermione's hand under the table.

"Voldemort was disoriented and confused that Severus, his most trusted servant, had broken his allegiance. Harry went in for the kill shot, and it was over," Remus concluded.

Tonks slipped her arm into her husband's as he continued, "It was just like that. It was over. We all stood for a long time in silence, and then it was as if we had to wake ourselves from a dream...or nightmare...and then we had to take roll call and gather bodies."

"Whom did we lose?" Hermione asked.

Remus spoke up. "We lost Fred Weasley, but Percy had returned to reunite with his family and fought with us against the Ministry. It was Percy who killed the wizard who killed Fred: the Minister of Magic, Pius Thicknesse. So at least, for Molly, she says the one bright spot is that she lived to see all her children together, and the family reconciled before Fred was killed.

"We also lost Colin Creevy. He must have snuck back in and joined the fight. I never saw him," he added.

"We lost Lavender Brown," said Severus. "She had been dueling Fenrir Greyback, and they took a nasty fall. Trelawney killed him with a well-aimed crystal ball. I tried to get Miss Brown to safety without detection, but she died in my arms. The slashes and bites were far too extensive."

"There was Cho Chang, Michael Corner, and Oliver Wood," Remus continued. "It was very tragic. So tragic."

Tonks continued then as she poured everyone another round. "It took time to sort out the wounded...there were so many...but they will be fine, except for Savage. We're still waiting. After we got the bodies and identified them, we separated the dead and burned Voldemort with his Death Eaters. Each body was photographed, and an item of a personal nature, a wand or a wallet to identify them, was taken before the burning. The Unspeakables did that. Kingsley was named Minister of Magic unofficially for now, but as soon as things can get sorted, and those who are in Azkaban unjustly are released, we'll be able to do something formal. The funerals will begin tomorrow. Kingsley ordered an area just outside Hogsmeade to be portioned off for the dead so they can all be together as fallen comrades and magically bound so no one can disturb the land.

"I know that everyone would love to see the both of you. Lucius told us all about what Voldemort had said. Malfoy knew if you had remained Voldemort would have killed you. He thought the wand he possessed was not working for him, and he was growing frustrated. He didn't want to get you, Severus. He said he was glad to be arrested and taken out of the madness. It's all very confusing, but Kingsley gave a short speech at the end, after Harry, Ron, and Ginny spoke with him, and all the dead had been accounted for. Kingsley declared you and Severus as war heroes who had done more than anyone for the war effort and declared you both as faithful Order members.

"What about Dumbledore? We heard from Madam Rosmerta that she is going on trial for her part in his death!" Hermione said in a terrified voice.

"Oh, yes," said Remus. " No charges will be filed against you, Severus. It was something that had been done as an act of war, and it also had been the strategy of Dumbledore to get you farther into Voldemort's good graces. Could you imagine how life would have been last year if Greyback or Yaxley had been headmaster? It would have been hell. So don't worry," he assured them as he smiled. "It would be a nice gesture to go pay your respects to Kingsley. He may need to enlist you, Severus, to help the Auror Department track down the rogue Death Eaters. Hermione may be needed at Hogwarts to help with the rebuilding. There is so much that needs to be done. I have to go back to the Ministry to help with the Department of Magical Creatures. We've got goblins, elves, and werewolves displaced and scared. It's a mess."

Severus was so quiet; Hermione was worried. He swirled the amber colored drink in his hand and finally spoke.

"I want to know the details of my child's burial."

Remus and Tonks turned their heads sharply towards Andromeda who shifted her eyes towards her family and then Severus. Andromeda turned pale and whispered, "Severus, there couldn't be a proper burial. We wrapped her in a towel and buried her."

"No coffin?" he queried as his voice began to betray him.

"I spoke the rites...Dora, Hermione, and I. But it was after we had buried her. Hermione was so ill, she had lost so much blood, it was days after the burial before any blessings were said over the grave."

Severus reached for Hermione's hand. "We will be settling down somewhere close to the school, perhaps outside of Hogsmeade." Severus turned to Hermione. "A little cottage, modest, but cozy. I will want my daughter's body moved to our property. We shall let you know. Let's go, Hermione."

Severus was eager to leave, and Hermione was puzzled as to why. She stopped and went to Andromeda. "Thank you so much for everything. I know I wouldn't have survived without you."

Andromeda gave her a hug. "Don't be a stranger," she told her. "That goes for you as well, Severus!" she shouted after him.

Severus pivoted stiffly on his foot and faced Andromeda. "I will always be grateful for your care of my wife and child when I could not." With that he pulled on Hermione's hand, and they Apparated outside of the Ministry of Magic.

***

As Severus and Hermione entered the Ministry, they made no stop to speak with anyone but Kingsley. Hermione kept her hand firmly grasped with Severus'. She watched as they walked by the demolition of a gruesome statue of a witch and wizard sitting on a throne made of human bones. She looked at the gigantic statue with horror. She must have shivered or shook because Severus stopped them and whispered, "Don't look anymore, Hermione. You don't have to worry about it anymore."

He placed his arms around her shoulder. He's doing that a lot lately. He must feel I need to be petted and coddled, she thought. Perhaps he needs to feel like a protector since he couldn't before.

The entire Atrium was in the process of being stripped. It seemed the wizarding world wanted badly to erase any memory of what had occurred here. As soon as they entered Kingsley's undersecretary's office, he came out and beamed at them while reaching for their hands.

"By Merlin, Severus, Hermione, are we glad to see you!" he said with his bright, gleaming smile.

***

"Oh, but of course in a few months we'll have a big celebration to honor those who died and those who were heroes. You both shall receive the Order of Merlin, First Class," Kingsley informed them as they all sat down in his office. "As you can see, we want to get rid of everything that Voldemort put into this place. There are so many people that we have had to arrest, and still there are many who escaped as soon as they knew the bastard had been killed. Bleeding rats jumping off the sinking ship. You never know how many rats until it's time to bail out," he added darkly.

Hermione's fingers remained interlaced with her husband's as she asked, "Where is Harry?"

"At Hogwarts," Kingsley replied. "He, Ron, and Ginny are taking a much-needed rest. They are staying in Gryffindor Tower with the whole Weasley clan. It's been quite an ordeal for them, losing Fred. I think the resting and allowing the house-elves to feed and care for them will be best for them."

Hermione felt there was a gigantic elephant in the room that no one wanted to acknowledge. She was no different, but she had to know. "Kingsley, do the Weasleys hate us?" she whispered. "I know how it looks...we left right in the thick of the fight..."

Kingsley raised a hand as he interrupted her. "Hermione, you must never allow yourself to think this way. If Severus had stayed, he would have been killed. Harry told us you were completely right to steal yourselves away. He was most adamant about it and would not hear anyone even say a word of doubt against either you or Severus.

"Yes, of course we were confused afterwards. There were murmurs, but Harry and Ron silenced everyone with their information. Then Remus and Tonks told us about how they had hidden you after almost dying from losing a child...a child Severus didn't even know about. When we all found out about that, it was just devastating. So many felt responsible for you having to flee for your life in your condition when you had no other choice...only to discover your parents murdered, and you were on your own. It was providential you stumbled upon Ted Tonks and his group.

"Severus, Hermione, on behalf of the wizarding world, I offer my humblest apologies and condolences for the loss of your daughter. Of course, this will all be done officially. Everyone needs to know how much you both sacrificed for our safety and freedom. As soldiers, we always are prepared to give of ourselves, but never do we require the life-blood of our children.

"You had been separated for so long, and Harry has spoken most forcefully that the fault lies with him. He has demanded all responsibility and that if any punishment is required it shall be on his head. Your combined suffering weighs heavily on him. No one begrudges either of you. Remember you both discovered the last Horcrux that neither Harry nor anyone could puzzle out. He told us all about it, and then said he had seen the destroyed Diadem Hermione kept hidden wrapped in a towel. He told us you both destroyed it. That made things so much easier for Harry...and then for us.

"Because of Harry's full disclosure, we know now how much you both endured...so much more than you should have...and we hope that we will not lose you. Harry, Ron, and Ginny all hope that you will still want to be a part of the Reconstruction of our world."

Severus and Hermione stood, holding each other's hands in a vice grip. Hermione turned to face her husband, feeling they were as one, and said, "I can't believe this nightmare is over."

Kingsley stood and shook her hand. "Believe it, Mrs. Snape. And know that if you so desire, you can return to the Auror Department any time, welcomed with open arms. And Severus," he added as he shook his hand, "name the position, and it is yours. If you want to train our Aurors or return to your post as Headmaster, even if you want to just stick around for a couple more years until Hogwarts gets back on her feet and stay on as Potions master, anything you would be interested in during this process, it would mean all the difference, and we would be honored to accept any and all terms you request."

Severus' face did not betray any emotion. "I shall need time to think on it, Kingsley. However, we shall immediately return to Hogwarts and speak with Minerva. I assume she is in charge?" Severus asked.

"Yes," Kingsley replied. "She and Filius are working with the other volunteers for the clean-up. She would be absolutely overjoyed to see the both of you. She is most grieved and is desperate to beg for your forgiveness."

"Thank you, Kingsley," Hermione said as they left his office. "We appreciate your generosity."

"Not at all," Kingsley replied as he opened his door. "This is the least we can do. Anything you require, this Ministry is at your disposal. Even if that means a complete break from the wizarding world. It will become law to punish anyone severely if your privacy is breached. I am your humble servant."

As Severus and Hermione left, Hermione looked to Severus to see his reaction.

"Well?"

"It's a magnanimous start; however, I will not believe a word of it until I see it demonstrated in real life."

***

A/N: Only three chapters left! PLEASE REVIEW!