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Severus,

I’ll never forget your smile, your kiss, or the way you looked at me as you walked away. When our lips met for a moment of perfect bliss, I knew I would never love another. My heart was yours the night we slept in each other’s arms. I was content to have one moment of peace—of true happiness before everything would become more complicated in the months ahead.

Watching you leave, not knowing when I would see you again was quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever done. I knew you had to leave for your own safety, but I wanted you to stay with me more than anything. I wanted to hold you, to protect you, to love you, to cherish you, and to let you know there was a reason I rescued you from death’s firm grip.

Although you promised you would return when it was safe, I wondered if it was true. Would you really want to come back to a world where you were vilified? Would I be worth what someone would do to you?

So much time has passed, Severus. Two years have gone by since I last saw you in the rickety shack, and it’s been a difficult road. The path to clearing your name has not been an easy one. I battled in court to get them to see who you really are: an honourable man who has spent his life walking the perilous line between Light and Dark so our world would be safe. I tried to make them see how you had forfeited your life the night you were asked to be a spy. Harry and I gave all the evidence we had in your favour, and we waited for the verdict. The decision came down today, and they have exonerated you. After all of the struggling, it’s finally over; I can’t believe it.

Your exoneration was the easiest part; however, changing public opinion was a monumental task, and it’s not something I’d ever like to experience again. For the most part, it should be safe for you to return if you choose to do so, but there are some who still think you deserve death.

I miss you, and I hope you will choose to return.

Hermione

***

Severus perched on the edge of his overstuffed, emerald-green sofa with his head in his hands. I can’t believe she did it. She, along with Potter, actually helped me gain the freedom I’ve never had. For the first time, my life is my own.

Placing the folded letter in the pocket of his wrinkled, black trousers, Severus Disapparated. Arriving in Hermione’s exotic garden, he made his way to the back door.

A heavy thudding could be heard throughout Hermione’s house as she hurried down the stairs with a towel in her still-dripping hair. I wonder who's here? Probably just Harry or Ginny, or maybe Draco. It's sort of late for any of them though.

Wrenching open the sturdy, grey back door, her gaze fell upon the man she hadn’t seen in nearly two years. He looked the same as he did before, only now there was a healthy glow to his skin and a smile curved his lips.

‘Severus, I... I didn’t think you’d return after everything.’ Hermione touched Severus’s face and traced over his full bottom lip.

Severus took her hand away from his mouth and held it tightly in his. ‘How could I not return? All I want is right here.’

‘I just thought—’

‘Hush now.’ Severus softly kissed her. ‘You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to kiss you.’

A/N: Thanks go to lyn_f for the quick beta.