Chapter Fifteen

The next day, Hermione and Severus walked down to the train station and watched the train come in to take the students home. There were lots of waves and goodbyes, and just as the train was filled and started to move, a lone figure stepped off it.

Severus heard Hermione cry, "Harry!" Then he watched as she ran to her friend and was engulfed in a hug and swung around. He found it slightly annoying. He felt himself gather his shields a little closer and flexed his wand hand, not sure that Harry Potter would not start flinging curses. He had known Hermione had sent Potter a letter by owl a few weeks ago, but it was a shock to see the boy... no man... holding his fiancée in such a tight embrace. He forced that emotion behind a screen. Hermione might find reason to actually be mad at him if he abused her friend now. He stood waiting as the hug ended, and Hermione linked her arm with Potter's and half dragged him over.

The two men stood for a minute looking at each other, and then Harry stuck his hand out and said, "Thank you, Professor Snape.

Severus physically would not allow his tear ducts to overflow, but the genuine look of gratefulness in the man's eyes was something he had never expected to see. He reached out and found his hand clasped warmly by Potter's. He said with a rather low voice clouded with emotion, "Thank you, Mr. Potter. I will not say it was my pleasure, but it was my duty."

Harry released Severus' hand and said, "Very little of that time was a pleasure, sir. I could have been civil. I could have been less pigheaded when people told me you were a good man. I didn't want to see my father for the bully he was."

Severus blinked again in surprise. "What boy wants to know his father wasn't the paragon he believed him to be? Come, let's go to the Hog's Head and have a drink. We might get mobbed out here."

Hermione smiled at her two favorite men. This was all so very promising. She linked her arms through theirs, threading her fingers in Severus', and the three walked slowly into town. They caused quite a stir as they came down the street. Severus had not been out much and Harry always drew a crowd.

To see the three war heroes together brought out the local news photographer and a picture or two was taken. A crowd began to gather, Harry and Severus spoke with the locals for a few minutes. Hermione could see that Severus was very uncomfortable with the adulation in some people eyes, but when she stroked the pendant, he glanced at her and she could feel his gratefulness. She found he was quite touched with the thanks he was getting.

Hermione called to the photographer, "Please make me some prints and send them to Hogwarts."

"Certainly, Ms Granger. Professor Snape, you look good, we heard you'd been sick," the news man said.

Severus smiled tightly. "Come to the Hog's Head in a couple of hours, and Ms. Granger and I will give you a brief recap of the story. For now we wish to catch up with an old aquai... friend," he amended.

He glanced at Harry and saw the relief on the young man's face. They entered the Hog's Head and although everyone looked at them and saw who they were with interest, it was an established rule that no one bothered anyone within these walls. The trio selected a booth in the far corner, after placing their orders.

Harry opened the conversation. "I heard a rumor that Hermione had found you alive. I didn't really believe it until the letter came. It's amazing that you survived that long in Muggle care."

Hermione snorted. "If you can call it that," she muttered bitterly. Severus gave his defender a fond look.

"I wasn't aware for the first three and half years," Severus told Harry. "I slowly became aware of sound. But I was unable to move. I had only my mind and magic left to me, and I reached out... It took a very long time to make the connection with Hogwarts. Once a person has been Headmaster, the castle forms a bond with you. It hears you no matter where you are, yet it is not sentient in the way we would know it. It was necessary for me to contact another human, and I was able to do that with the blood I had shed in quite a number of places in my office and rooms."

Hermione squeezed his fingers, giving him her physical support, and she stroked the pendant slowly adding her mental support as well. Their handholding did not go unnoticed by Harry. He laughed nervously. "Hermione told me you were together, sir. I can't say this isn't a shock, but I do know of no one I'd trust to take care of her better than you. She deserves to be happy, and I know she would not pick you if you weren't deserving. You both are quite alike," he observed.

Severus sat forward and said to Harry, "I am glad you are alright with this relationship, if you hadn't been, I would have been forced to turn you into a turtle and place you in a pond." He gave Harry one of those nasty smirks that once would have brought the young man's anger to bear, but Harry saw the corners of his eyes turn up in mirth, and the younger man started to laugh, Hermione joining him a moment later.

Severus sat and glared at them, finally smiling when they were having trouble catching their breath. "You are both acting like twelve year-olds," he remonstrated mockingly.

Hermione beamed. "Isn't it wonderful?" she asked.

Severus gave her half a smile and replied, "Wonderful is not what I might have called it, but it is gratifying to put a big skeleton back in its box and lock the lid."

"Yes, can we have a permanent truce, sir? I am in your debt, and I would like it if we could be friends," Harry said quite sincerely.

"Being friends with you was never something I thought to work toward, but we both love Hermione, and I think we could be reasonable friends," Severus replied looking directly at Harry's eyes.

"Could I one day ask you to tell me about my mother?" Harry asked, cringing slightly, half expecting a verbal attack from the other wizard.

Severus looked at him for quite some time then said, "Perhaps around the holidays when you come to visit. She was my best friend. The story is a hard one for me to talk about mostly because of my guilt."

"Sir, I will not ask you about that time. I have seen your memories; I do not need to know about that. Just a few other stories about my mom. You paid over and over for your mistake. I can let it go... It was as it had to be for all of us to end the life of a monster. I've learned to let it go and be at peace. To save our world wouldn't we all go through it again?" he ventured.

"Not all if I could help it. For one thing I'd pull a machine gun out of my robes and shoot the snake before it had a chance to move." Hermione and Harry stared at him open-mouthed until the side of his mouth curved up and they started to laugh until they could not breathe again. Severus glared at them again, but he quite enjoyed seeing his fiancée so happy. "I could find a few of our childish adventures you might enjoy, to share with you."

Later Harry sat with them as the reporter took a short version of their story. He took a few more pictures, then thanked them and left.

Hermione could see the fatigue in Severus face and felt it through the bond when she stroked the pendant. "Harry, we need to go. Will you walk with us to the castle?"

"Yes, I'm actually staying a few days. Minerva is expecting me and Albus requested a talk." He had a pained look on his face.

Severus told him, "I expected to feel really bad seeing him, but he loves us, Harry. May I call you Harry?" Harry nodded so he continued, "All I saw was love in his eyes. All I saw was his joy at seeing me again. No anger, no recrimination, just love and acceptance and he thanked me..." his voice cracked a bit, and Hermione squeezed his hand tightly.

They got up without another word and left the pub. It was later in the day now, and there were not many people around. They walked slowly back to Hogwarts. They did not even talk, a comfortable silence filling the space between them. Hermione had put the pendant inside her clothing to help support Severus along. He was emotionally exhausted. He was still having trouble with the realization that people now accepted him. The whole situation was stressful, physically and mentally, though a relief in many ways; he had not had time to assimilate it all yet, spending the majority of his time as he had sequestered within the walls of Hogwarts.

The three parted at the top of the stairs. Harry went to find Minerva, and Severus and Hermione ended up going to the secret room. Severus got into his night clothes and crawled into the bed. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow. Hermione sat next to him and stroked his hair for a while. Not feeling in the least bit sleepy, she selected a book and settled down to read until she fell asleep.

Severus woke the next morning to find Hermione peacefully asleep with a book open over her chest. He smiled and removed the book, setting it on the bedside table. He bent to kiss her, nibbling at the corner of her mouth with soft kisses. She smiled in her sleep and sighed, her body stretched in an arch up against his; her fingers slid into his hair and she opened her eyes. "What a wonderful way to wake up," she said with a sigh.

He kissed her deeply and she responded with equal enthusiasm. She sighed after awhile. "I need to use the loo. Maybe we can continue this in the tub," she suggested seductively.

"That sounds like a plan to me," he said, sliding from the bed and drawing her with him.

They padded to the bathroom and Hermione entered first. Severus waited patiently until she called for him to come into the room. She had slipped into the tub and waited while he relieved himself under a silencing charm. He pulled off his nightshirt and slipped into the giant bath next to her, pulling her against him for more kisses.

"Harry will be waiting to have breakfast with us," she said.

Severus groaned then gave her a lascivious grin. "He will have to wait a little longer." He slid onto one of the inbuilt seats and pulled her onto his lap straddling him. His hands held her close for more kisses, and then they lost themselves in each other as hands began to explore and bodies joined.

******

Hermione and Severus wandered into the Great Hall about twenty minutes after they should have. Minerva took one look at them and flushed. They were both rosy cheeked from their morning's exercise. She did not say anything, but bent over her food to hide her blushing cheeks.

"It's about time you two got here," Harry said with a grin. "I was about to send out a search party," he teased.

Severus gave him a scathing look and Harry laughed which made him groan. He would never be able to intimidate Potter again.

Hermione took the seat next to Harry, and Severus sat on her other side. He took up his morning coffee, grateful for the magic that placed it within his reach, at the perfect temperature, and in the flavor he most enjoyed. He sighed in satisfaction. Then Potter interrupted his blissful moment by asking, "Are you feeling better this morning, Severus?"

Severus groaned again. "Yes, but hush until I've had my coffee."

Harry glanced at Hermione. "I always thought he would have a nasty morning demeanour."

"He's actually quite affectionate in the morning," Hermione announced matter-of-factly, serving herself some toast in the process.

This time it was Harry and Severus who both blushed with bright red spots on their cheeks.

"Well, then it must be me," Harry said with a laugh.

"Please cease this general chatter until I've had my coffee!" Severus demanded again. "Now eat!"

Hermione grinned at Harry who grinned back. Minerva had been watching the exchange with interest as had Pomona and Poppy. They all laughed which earned more glares from Severus. But their laugher was infectious and he soon relaxed and gave them a smile.

When Pomona finished her breakfast she stood and moved to Severus' chair. She gave his hair a light tousle and said, "Sev, Hermione, come and see me when you finish, we need to discuss those wedding plans. No time like the first day of summer to get on it." She kissed Severus' cheek and turned and left.

Harry was watching with an open mouth. "What the bloody hell was that about?" he asked.

The corner of Severus' mouth turned up. Harry got half a smile and half a smirk.

"Pomona emotionally adopted me when I was a child. She's my mum now."

Harry stared dumbfounded. Hermione giggled.

"Well, where have I been all my life..." Harry stated.

"In a cupboard I expect," Severus said straight faced.

It was Harry's turn to give him a smirk. "You really are full of surprises."

"Everyone has their secrets; many of mine wouldn't have had to be secret if I'd been able to live the life I was meant to."

"And if I wouldn't have had so many secrets kept from me," Harry returned a bit bitterly.

"Have you ever considered that your innocence and pureness of heart where necessary qualifications to defeat Tom?" Severus asked him.

"No," he said quietly thinking about that.

"You survived because of love, the love of your mother and the pure love you had for Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna and all the others that played a part in the entire drama." He indicated all the teachers who were now listening.

Harry's eyes filled with tears. "I'm just glad it worked out." It was all he could manage.

Hermione took his hand and squeezed it. "We are all free and, I think, pretty happy now. My God... that reminds me, I forgot to ask last night, how is Ginny?" Hermione asked hoping to lighten the tension and defuse emotion.

Harry smiled, "I forgot the news too...Ginny's pregnant!"

"Oh, Harry, how could you forget that?" She laughed, giving him a congratulatory hug.

"How many is this, Harry?" Severus asked, having forgotten what Hermione had told him.

"The third," Harry said proudly. "The last I think. I'm not going to compete with Molly for the most number of children."

"Well, thank Merlin for that," Severus drawled.

Laughter lightened the rest of the meal.

******

Later as they walked down to the greenhouses to see Pomona, Hermione said to Severus, "I'm so proud of you. You and Harry took to each other so well. I was thinking you might come to spells yesterday when he got off the train. I saw you flex your wand hand." She was holding his arm.

Severus nodded. "I just wanted to be prepared; I didn't know what his reaction would be. I'm glad to see Harry's grown up."

"A lot of it is you too, Severus. You've changed as well," she observed.

"Only because of you, my love. Your acceptance of me as I am, scarred, with lots of nasty baggage, has meant the world to me. I do not know what I would have done had you not been willing to come and rescue me. Allow myself to die I expect."

Hermione shuddered and hugged his arm more tightly. "I think we need to make a pact not to look back anymore. The future started new when I pulled you off that bed and we Apparated the hell out of there. Other people lived those lives before, not us."

He stopped walking and pulled her against him, bending to kiss her. He just held her for a moment before they started to walk again.

Pomona, Minerva and Poppy where sitting in one of the flower gardens of greenhouse three having tea. Severus observed them shrewdly for a moment before asking, "Now what is this, an ambush?"

Pomona smiled. "They wanted to be in on the plans as well."

"What did you do with Harry, Minerva?" Severus asked curiously.

"He is visiting with Albus. I daresay they may talk for hours. I wanted to give them their privacy."

Severus pulled a chair out for Hermione to sit in and then took the one next to her. "I daresay they will," he agreed, wishing he was a fly on the wall and nowhere near this wedding talk.

Pomona asked, "Have you set a date?"

"We thought the last Saturday of July. That would give us some time for the planning and also a couple weeks to travel before we need to return to prepare for next year." Hermione replied.

"But that's a mere seven weeks away!" Poppy shrilled. "It does not give you very long to prepare."

"We are magical, we can have the great hall ready for a wedding tomorrow," Severus pointed out. "The house-elves would have an amazing dinner prepared. Plus, we are working on a tight time schedule, we must be married before the students return," he said, staring at Minerva and daring her to contradict him.

"True, if you were only having Wizarding friends, but there are Muggles involved and we need to make it compatible for them as well," Poppy argued.

"Yes, of course, I know that. Just making conversation," Severus rejoined.

Pomona laughed, "Well, I have never heard you 'just make conversation', Sev. I love Hermione more and more each day. You are becoming a human now, as well as a wizard."

Severus snorted. "Get back to the plans, old woman." He gave her an affectionate smile.

They spent the next couple of hours discussing the wedding and who might be coming. Once they realized the only Muggles attending were Hermione's parents, who were well aware of what she was, they relaxed. There would not need to be any magical dampening spells or a need to hide the house-elves. They made a list of all their friends and a few dignitaries, like Kingsley Shacklebolt, who would need to be invited. They went round and round about the Weasleys. Hermione decided to let Harry bear the invitation home with him, and allow the individual members of the family to decide if they would attend or not. She would make sure he was aware, that no matter what, Ron was not included on the invitation.

As they returned to the castle, Severus could tell Hermione was upset. "What's wrong?" he asked.

She was silent a few more minutes and he waited patiently for his answer. "Ron is Harry's best friend. I hate to ask him to be the bad guy in this."

"Do you honestly think Weasley would be a problem? He walked away Hermione," Severus reminded her.

"I know he did. I always thought, even before I felt something for him, that the three of us would be together on my wedding day. It just makes me angry again at him for tearing our friendship to hell," she said vehemently.

Severus placed his arm about her shoulders and drew her closer. "I know," he said soothingly. "I could literally disembowel him for hurting you." He felt Hermione shiver. He stopped and turned her toward him and lifted her face so he could see her eyes, "I promise you, Hermione. I will never hurt a hair on his body, but I may very well give him a very harsh piece of my mind."

She smiled, "Just make sure I'm there to see it." Severus gave her a nasty smile and they continued walking back to Hogwarts.

Merrin, thank you so much for all the work you do.

Suzanne and Becky, you each read and correct these chapters. I appreciate every error you find.