Epilogue B

Hermione spent the next two weeks at St. Mungo’s. She refused to leave the hospital. The Healers and Medi-Wizards had managed to magically reattach his hands and fingers. His other injuries were healing well and needed little extra attention. It was slow going, but he was going to be all right.

Hermione hadn’t spoken to Harry since that night. It was probably better that way. She didn’t know what she would do if given the chance. She had known that Harry hated Severus, but she didn’t know that he would stoop to cursing a man just for fun.

*****

One night while she was there, a Healer told her she had a visitor. She followed the man out to the hall. Harry Potter was standing there, looking very uncomfortable. When he glanced up at her, she saw the unease and questioning in his eyes.

Noticing the Healer was still around, she said, “Follow me, Harry.” She led them toward the end of the hall. She turned and looked at him hard for a moment before saying, “I won’t pretend that we’re okay, because we’re not. You had a hand in hurting the man I love. I know you didn’t know what was going to happen, but that doesn’t matter to my heart. Though, I do owe you thanks for bringing him here. I hope that some day we can be okay, but 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.”

“I am sorry, Hermione. I know that doesn’t mean much. Please tell Professor Snape that I wish him a fast recovery.” With one last look, Harry turned and walked away.

*****

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

*****

“Severus, you can come home! They're releasing you today. The Healers thought it would be a nice congratulation present for being pardoned,” she told him that afternoon.

“Good, I’m tired of these dimwitted Healers hovering day and night.”

Hermione helped him change into his robes. He glared at her for her efforts. She smiled in return and left to fill out the release papers.

As they were heading home, Hermione remembered that she still had Severus's wedding band.

"Oh, Severus, here. You'll be wanting this back." She got the ring out of her pocket and handed it to him.

He stopped and looked at her hand in disbelief. "I thought I'd never see that ring again." He shook his head before continuing, "I asked Potter to give it to you because I was dying. I'm very glad he chose this once to listen to me."

Hermione placed the ring back on his finger where it belonged. Before she could stop herself, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. To her pleasant surprise, he turned and kissed her. "I certainly have missed you, wife. I guess I will have to thank that brat for returning me to you."

"Don't you think it's time you gave Harry a break? Yes, he hurt you. He's hurt a lot of people, but he's a good man. You've been cruel to him long enough."

"Oh really? Does this mean that you’ve completely forgiven him for helping to injure me?" he shot back.

"No, but I'm not going to be cruel to him because of it. Severus, he's the reason you're alive. If it hadn't been fore him you would surely have died that night!" She was becoming more upset by the minute.

Severus let out a loud breath before replying, "I suppose you're right. I will try my best to be civil, shall I ever see him again."

"That's all I ask. Now, let's go home." She placed her hand on his arm.

He turned toward her, and let her Apparate them back to Hogwarts.

Hermione and Severus were in their chambers a week after his release when there was a knock on the door. "Enter," said Severus.

The door open and Draco Malfoy entered the room. He was dressed in navy blue robes with silver stitching. Looking at Hermione, then Severus, he gave a small bow.

"I have come 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," he glanced at Severus, "or anyone again," Draco said with great emotion. Relief could clearly be seen on his features.

She watched him, trying to figure out the meaning of his words. Before she could work it out, Severus replied, "Draco, I owe you more than I can ever repay."

"We're even then," Draco replied with a smile. He bowed to the two of them and turned to leave.

*****

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 Zen Lady and Sophi for their tireless work as betas. Also, a great thank you to GinnyW for putting up with my complaining about the endings. Thanks, dear!

This is officially the end. I hope you enjoyed, or at least, got something from this tale.