Reunited

Pookah, thank you so much for checking the contiguity of my story. I really appreciate your honest opinions. Thank you also to MadBrilliant and Southern_Witch_69 for the beta read. We are almost at the end, girls. Thank you so much for sticking through this with me.

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Reunited

~May 1979~

Being in the inner circle wasn't exactly how Severus thought it would be. The Dark Lord rarely planned his raids in advance, unless he wanted to attack a village or something big. The scouts would report what they knew, or the messages came from spies within the school or the Ministry, and the Dark Lord would summon whom he wanted for the attacks. Being called for a raid usually meant scraping the bottom of the barrel in Severus' opinion. Moreover, some of the more zealous Death Eaters took it upon themselves to make numerous random attacks on Muggles and Muggle-borns, boastfully reporting their successes to the Dark Lord in hopes of gaining his praises.

In addition, the Dark Lord did not trust Dumbledore; he was always wary of what Dumbledore was doing, what he was planning, or where he might be. It was annoying. However, from what Severus observed, Dumbledore was only intent on stopping or impeding the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters, and he rarely made preemptive strikes. Not that there was a place or a headquarters to strike against because the Dark Lord himself, wherever he happened to be, was where they were summoned and gathered, and he was rarely in the same place twice.

Most of Severus' friends were now from the influential pure-blood families, and among the Death Eaters, he was accepted by all of them, except Bellatrix Lestrange. She was becoming more and more like a zealot of the Dark Lord, as were some of the more shady characters the Dark Arts attracted. Severus was spending most of his time at Malfoy Manor or the Lestrange estate because he hated being at home. Lucius and Rabastan didn't mind. They liked having Severus around, especially Rab. Both houses held huge libraries in which Severus was welcome to spend countless hours. Of course, that came with a price – the experimentation and formulation of new potions or the development of new spells and curses. However, the favorite spells of the Death Eaters were still the Cruciatus and the Killing Curse.

Severus looked over the wizards called together for the attack on three sites in Manchester: Rusholme, Deansgate train station, and Burnage.

Severus never liked Macnair, Darney, or Barton; they were wild cards in a fight, slicing and dicing, or toying with their victims before killing them. Rowle and Thortensen, they liked to blow things up and create massive damage. Hodges didn't really have the stomach for gore, but he packed a wallop behind his curses. They were to target the train station.

Dolohov was in charge of the Rushlome raid. The plan was laid out and the targets identified, a section of low, terraced homes said to be harboring Muggle-borns. As one of the oldest Death Eaters, Dolohov was experienced in this type of attack.

Severus cringed as Dolohov spelled out his strategy for attacking the houses, knowing that he was expected to do the same thing at the house he was being sent to. "You demolish the house and the ones nearby. We are to make as much destruction as we can and get out. No survivors," Dolohov stated, and the Dark Lord nodded, obviously pleased.

Severus was being sent with the Carrows, McBurnery, Hawthorne, and Macnair to Burnage to strike a semi-detached house, thought to be the home of Aurors, a family of blood traitors, and a Muggle-born. The Dark Lord was coming on this raid himself. Severus tried to avoid looking at either Amycus or his sister, Alecto, as the Dark Lord laid out his plan. For all their arrogance, the Carrows were dirt poor, living in a single shanty, but they were pure-bloods. And they gave Severus the creeps. They simply loved to torture and kill.

Severus and the others Apparated directly on the grass in front of the house and instantly moved to their respective positions. The Dark Lord positioned himself boldly in the front garden. His voice rang out true and clear in the evening air, and what he said made Severus' blood run cold.

"Sirius Black, I know you are in there. Come out. Come out and I will forgive you. You are of the oldest and noblest of families, and I would welcome you to my fold. There is no need for you to hide from me. Your friends, they have deceived you. You and Potter, both. Potter, you and that wife of yours, I'll give you the same chance."

Sirius' voice came from a down stairs window, "Never," he shouted as Lily's voice came from above him.

"You liar! You would never spare me. How could you since I represent everything you despise."

McBurnery was to demolish the base of the chimney so they couldn't escape through the Floo, but he looked nervous and anxious. This was supposed to be a kill, demolish, and run raid. Severus was supposed to enter the house from the side, by way of a Blasting Hex, making as much damage as he could and kill anyone he saw inside. Lily was upstairs in the other side of the duplex. If he made his blast strong enough, and fired early, he might give them a chance to get away. Severus waited for the Dark Lord to give the signal, the spell already on his lips.

"For you, lady, I will make an exception," the Dark Lord offered. "I will grant you your life if you serve me."

"I could never serve a murderer like you!" Lily shouted loud and clear.

The Dark Lord bristled and moved out of Severus' sight to stand facing the window from which Lily was hiding and shouted, "One more chance, witch. Join me. Join me or die."

Three jets of light shot out from the house all aimed at the Dark Lord. He deflected them easily, but Alecto took the attack and the resulting sparks as the signal to attack back, as did her brother. Severus reached as far down in himself as he could and released the spell, destroying the side of the house. He hit it again for good measure, making the kitchen of the house erupt in flames as if it were a gas explosion. McBurnery fell on his bum, his spell hitting the upper part of the chimney, before he corrected himself, making the rest for the bricks crumble and fall in the explosion.

Back at Malfoy Manor, the Dark Lord paced in rage, ranting about the incompetency of the Carrows. "You let them escape!" he snarled venomously. "We had that Mudblood and those blood traitors in our grasp, and you let them escape!" He pointed his wand and hit her with the Cruciatus.

Alecto fell to the floor, screaming and writhing in pain.

Severus watched, trying to maintain a mask of indifference as he waited either for his turn to be tortured or dismissed. A few seconds that seemed like minutes to Severus, Amycus was writhing on the floor as his sister had been. Severus waited, trying to control his breathing, appear calm and keep his heart from pounding in his chest, dreading the fact that he could be next as the Dark Lord paced, still ranting at the incompetency of his followers.

"And you, Severus, what have you to say on your defense?" the Dark Lord asked.

Severus hung his head in mock shame to hide the fear in his eyes. "I heard the explosions and thought you'd given the signal, my Lord. Had I – all I can say is that I am guilty of acting prematurely. If they escaped, then I, too, am to blame."

The Dark Lord stopped directly in front of Severus. "Look at me," he demanded softly.

Severus swallowed, thinking, 'placid lake, blue placid calm, keep calm,' as he looked up. There was a sharp, thrusting feeling in his mind as the Dark Lord stared at him, glaring angrily, the brown irises surrounded by red sclera of his eyes so difficult to stare back into. Severus knew he was being violated with Legilimency; nevertheless, there was little to see in his mind but the truth. When the connection between them was broken, it made Severus sway on his feet. The Dark Lord turned, his robes swirling about him as he rounded on McBurnery.

Once he was dismissed, Severus Disillusioned himself and returned to the street of the raid. Firemen, police, and rescue workers combed through the wreckage. Severus magically changed his robes to mimic a rescue worker, walked casually to the house, and began making his way up to the room in which Lily had been. It was a bedroom, or what was left of a bedroom. He looked around the charred, water-soaked furniture, blackened, sopping wet rugs, and blistered, burnt paint. He saw picture frames lying burnt and broken on the floor. In the wardrobe, there were robes, boots, Muggle clothes, and a small box. Severus took the box and, after searching further, realized there was nothing else left in the room.

He Apparated to a small hilltop and opened the box. Lily's Hogwarts letters, various cards, and other letters were stashed inside, bundled in ribbons. He scowled at small collection of cards and notes from Potter tied in a red ribbon, then smiled at the notes and letters he'd written her, tied together with a green one. Under the letters were her prefect and head girl badges, a charm bracelet, an old pocket watch, a penknife, a pair of pretty hair combs, and a Moke-skin pouch. He opened the small pouch and a small gold cross on a chain, a Snitch charm on a chain, a pair of earrings, and a ring fell out into his palm.

Severus sighed seeing the ring, his lips stretching into a smile, and a tear slid down his cheek. It was a simple green stone between two knots that he'd given Lily – a friendship ring, a promise to be friends forever. She kept all my letters, every one, tied in the green ribbon I gave her to wear to our first Quidditch game and my ring. He held the ring tightly in his hand as he stared out at the grassy landscape and tall majestic oaks. She did love me, I know it. Oh, Lily, why do you defy him? Why fight him when we could be together by his side?

Severus put the everything back inside the box and closed the lid, laying his hand on the smooth surface. He would try harder. He would learn to control his fear around the Dark Lord, master Occlumency, and ingrate himself even further with the Dark Lord. Somehow he, Severus Snape, the Half-Blood Prince, would become a Prince of the Death Eaters. He would find a way to be indispensable and never be in the dark as to the Dark Lord's activities again. Only then could he truly protect Lily.

~May 1999~

The afternoon of the Ministry ball and Hogwarts May Second celebration, most of the girls were in their rooms getting ready. Although Professor McGonagall had indicated that the Hogwarts party would be casual dress, many of the girls planned on wearing dresses and dress robes, even though few of the boys wanted to dress up. Hermione was surprised that Darlene wanted to attend the one in the Room of Requirement rather than the big Ministry party in the Great Hall.

Hermione was thrilled, and a bit surprised, to see Harry, Ron, Neville, and Hannah in the common room when she and Ginny came down the stairs. Harry's mouth literally fell open when he saw them. "Almost a year apart and I suppose he forgot what I look like?" Ginny giggled as they stepped off the last step.

"Gin, you have grown up a bit this year, and you are now a lovely young lady," Hermione chided her, sounding so much like her own mother at the moment.

Ginny smiled. "Thank you, but I think I'll go greet my fiancé properly," she said. She coyly glided over to Harry, wrapped her arms around him, and Harry kissed her once he came to his senses, causing quite a few catcalls and whistles from the other guys of the house.

Ron and Neville were openly gawking at Hermione as she approached, greeting each of her friends with a hug. Ron bashfully introduced Roseanna Montero, the pretty Spanish girl Ginny had said he had been seeing.

Dinner was served under a huge gossamer tent so sheer that the guests could see the stars, which were held up by delicately carved poles that resembled flowering trees. There seemed to be at least a hundred tables, each with a tall slender vase of cascading flowers like miniature trees, surrounded by tea lights and iridescent glass bubbles. Fairies and butterflies fluttered among the flowers and softly glowing bubbles, and the tiny candles filled the tent with a soft glow.

As heroes of the war, Hermione, Harry, and their friends were seated at a table near the high table that held the Minister, several key people of the Order of the Phoenix and several department heads. Three nearby tables were reserved for the members of Dumbledore's Army. Hermione sat at the designated table with seven of her friends, Harry, Ginny, Luna, Neville, Hannah, Ron, and Ron's date, Roseanna.

The acknowledgements and accolades seemed to stretch on for over an hour, and several people were asked to give speeches. The members of the Order of the Phoenix were asked to stand and be recognized, each receiving a gold medallion with a relief of a lovely phoenix on it. Hermione stood when her name was announced and scanned the room one last time when Kingsley announced Severus'. He never stood – meaning that he wasn't present. Her heart sank in her chest.

"He'll come," Ginny whispered, getting an odd look from Harry. "He's probably just late."

Likewise, the members of Dumbledore's Army were asked to come forward and receive honors. As acknowledged leaders of the DA, Hermione, Ron, Harry, Luna, Neville, and Ginny were asked to come forward first. Hermione tried looking at the sea of faces in hopes of seeing Severus enter. She waved at Seamus, Dean, Padma, Parvati, and Lavender at one table and Justin, Megan, Susan, and Ernie at another, but she couldn't see Severus anywhere. When the rest of the DA gathered on the dais, Harry leaned over to whisper to Kingsley. He nodded in understanding. "We have two young men who joined Dumbledore's Army's ranks last year and stood in defense of the castle the day of the final battle, Draco Malfoy and Greg Goyle. If you'd both like to join us here and be recognized."

A stunned Greg Goyle, apparently astounded at hearing his name called, had to be urged to stand and go forward. Draco had a momentary expression of surprise, but stood proudly and came forward. Harry and Draco shook hands as Hermione shook Greg's.

"These two men crossed the lines, leaving Tom "Voldemort' Riddle's side and standing valiantly for ours, showing a strong face to the world for what they knew to be right. Gentleman, I congratulate you," Kingsley stated. As people clapped, the members of the DA shook hands and hugged friends before taking their seats.

Kingsley then announced the recipients for the Order of Merlin. Hermione, Harry, Ron, Neville, Ginny, Luna, and Draco were called up together, to be acknowledged again for receiving the gold first-degree medallion and Seamus received the silver second-degree medallion. Kingsley announced Severus' name along the members of the Order of Phoenix to receive their Order of Merlin, and as with the honor presented earlier, the Minister accepted Severus' gold first-degree medallion on his behalf.

Hermione turned her head while she applauded the recipients, trying to keep from crying, and felt Ginny's arm slide across her back, giving her a reassuring hug.

"He probably is just delayed... or he wanted to miss the ceremonies," Ginny whispered.

"You'd think he'd want to be here for this," Hermione answered. "I'm just so disappointed that he isn't here to receive the accolades he so justly deserves. Shouldn't he have wanted to show everyone that he was a hero? He deserves this, Gin, all of it."

"Yes, I agree. But he is a private person, isn't he?" Ginny whispered, her eyes imploring her to keep on hoping. "He'll be here. He said he would. Severus isn't the kind of man to back out on his word, is he?"

Hermione made a small shake of her head gave her friend a wan smile. "You're right, he isn't." She was thrilled when the ceremonies came to an end and dinner was finally served. Throughout dinner though, she still watched the doors, eagerly anticipating Severus' entrance.

*

Severus had decided to arrive late to avoid any grand entries and as much of the ceremony as possible. He knew that Narcissa and Draco had arrived earlier, wanting to be on time, but he'd begged off, and thankfully, Narcissa had understood. Because Draco's and Narcissa's parts in the war had helped ensure Harry's defeat of the Dark Lord, Severus had sent a letter to the witch in the Social Affairs office insisting that the Malfoys be allowed to attend as his guests or not to expect him at all. Narcissa's letter, thanking him for inviting them, had accompanied a set of handsome dress robes. In all probability they were merely ones that Lucius hadn't worn, but Severus was thankful for the gift, besides the fact that he had nothing in his own wardrobe that would have sufficed for the occasion.

He arrived just as people started to mingle about. Long tables of fruits and desserts and shiny silver fountains of punch stood on the edges of the tent and in the corners of the Great Hall.

"Severus!" Minerva exclaimed, quickly coming to his side. "Young man, how are you? Where have you been? No owl, no messages of any kind... Goodness, I was wondering what had become of you!"

"I had a life to rebuild," he said softly, feeling somewhat like having been scolded.

She looked at him, her usually stern bearing replaced with that of a concerned friend. "A life... of course, you did," she said with a smile. "You look well – no, really! I've never seen you look better."

"I have a lot less stress in my life as of late," he said, relaxing somewhat from her friendly demeanor.

"You had to carry more on your shoulders than any one person should have. And you had to keep so many of Albus' secrets; the things he asked of you. I had no idea," she said, clearly gearing up for an apology. "Can you ever forgive an old biddy?"

"Minerva, I forgave you for any transgression you may or may not have committed long ago," he said with a genuine smile. "Albus – secrets breed mistrust, lies generate distrust, and my actions could well have ensured that you'd never trust me again – or forgive me. All I can say is that I should have trusted you, but Albus wanted everything kept close to the vest."

"I truly understand, Severus. I've given that ol' painting of his quite an earful over the last year," she said with a smile. She turned her head and then looked back at him. "Will you dance with an old lady?"

"Minerva, I'd be delighted," he said, accepting the olive branch for what it was – reconciliation.

They stayed together on the floor for two dances, the first having to assure her that no hurt feelings remained from her lack of faith in him and the second answering her inquiries as to his future plans.

~*~

Hermione saw Ron walking toward her, but Ernie touched her arm from her other side and asked her to dance. "How are things?" she asked him, once they started moving to the slow waltz.

Ernie was smiling at her as he tried to lead her to the music. "I'm fine. I'm working at the Ministry with Mr. Weasley. Oh, and Megan and I are getting married," he said, his smile getting even bigger.

She accidentally missed count and stepped on his foot. "Ernie, that's wonderful! I'm happy for you," she exclaimed.

"Er, thanks," he said, shaking his foot once and holding her a little farther away than before. She grinned in understanding. He laughed and started off their dance again. "She's dancing with Justin. Did you hear? He's been attending law school – wants to be a barrister." He tried a turn, and she was glad that they didn't collide with anyone. When the song ended, he dropped his arms. "It was good to see you. Thank you for the dance."

"Thank you. I'm sorry about your toe. Do give my best to Megan, in case I don't get around to saying hi to her," she replied.

Ron swooped in a second later.

~*~

During the second dance with Minerva, Severus saw Hermione dancing with Ronald Weasley. She was standing close to him, laughing at his comments and trying to protect her toes. She was a vision in dark emerald green, her hair pulled up with long tendrils of curls to cascade down in back. She was laughing and smiling, obviously having a good time. His heart skipped a beat seeing her and fell as he realized she must have come to the party with him.

When Severus saw Hermione next, she was dancing with Potter, if that's what you could call the slow awkward movements the pair was doing. Ginny Weasley was now dancing with Dean Thomas and Susan Bones with Ernie Macmillan next to them. When the music changed, the six friends formed two lines, exchanging partners in the promenade steps of the dance.

Severus waited and moved into her line of sight as the music of the dance came to a close. She turned and saw him, her hand grasping Potter's arm as if she'd seen a ghost. His heart sank, and he turned away. She never had answered his letter, and she apparently had moved on with her life, as she should have. He didn't deserve her anyway.

"Severus," he heard her say. He turned around, facing her again after such a long time apart. She rushed over to him, clasped his arm, and looked up at him expectantly. Being this close to her, gazing into her eyes, she took his breath away. The youthful child who had been his student had developed into a mature and beautiful young woman. Her lips were accentuated in a rosy pink that reminded him of how they looked after he'd kissed her. Her eyes were dusted with shadows, and her lashes were darkened in a way that framed them without being too overly painted, making them stand out dramatically. But her expression was one of concern and uncertainty.

"I..." He had no idea what to say to her. He wanted to take her in his arms and hold her, to hug her and kiss her again, but he had no claim on her. He had forfeited that right to let her have the life she deserved.

"You're here," she stated, as if not trusting her eyes or the hand that rested on his arm.

"I did tell you I would be," he said softly, fighting the urge to caress her face. It was an odd feeling, the room faded from view, and all he could see was her, standing in front of him.

"You promised me a dance," she said softly, expectantly.

"So I did," he said, taking her hand from his sleeve and indicating the floor with his other. He started the dance with proper decorum, holding her in a formal position as the music started, not daring to be improper toward her. She moved with him easily, not that he wasn't a firm lead. He wanted to hold her close, feel her body move with his, and smell her perfume. But even in this formal dance position, she felt so good in his arms. As the music changed, they were dancing closer to each other, swaying and turning to the music. They danced in silence, and he so enraptured by her smile and the happiness in her eyes that he barely noticed the music change again. Well, not until he realized that Hermione had turned to his side as the other dancers were doing, and she was swept away as she rotated, palm to palm with another wizard before returning to face him.

It was his turn. He kept his eyes on the girl he rotated with and smiled as he faced Hermione, clasping hands as they stepped right, then left, and faced partners again. The annoying country-dance continued, each repeat in the music separating them as he watched her turn with another wizard.

*

Hermione couldn't believe it; he was here, dancing with her and seemingly able to keep his eyes off her. When she returned to face him each time they parted in the steps of the dance, the intensity of his gaze made her heart skip a beat. He looked dashing in his tuxedo-style dress robes and pristine white shirt and waistcoat. His hair was clean, brushed back a bit from his face, and he looked healthier than she remembered.

When the music stopped and the participants applauded the minstrels, he stepped forward again.

"Severus, thank you, but I could use some fresh air," she said and quickly amended, "Will you walk with me," when she saw his expression take on his old 'mask' at her words.

One side of his mouth curved into half a smile as he nodded, but he only said, "As you wish."

She looped her hand on the crook of his arm and followed him through the doors to the grotto beside the tent. Topiaries of roses and rosemary were alight with fairies, and night jasmine lined the walkways, filling the air with their aroma. "Oh, it smells divine," she murmured, taking a deep breath and gazing up at the stars. He remained quiet, watching her as they strolled slowly. At a fountain surrounded by a low rock wall, Hermione stopped at turned to face him. She was bursting with a myriad of questions. "Aren't you going to say anything to me?"

His look of shock nearly made her laugh. "Yes, of course."

"Well, what happened to you? Why didn't you ever write me? Where have you been? What have you been doing?" she asked, the questions flowing from her lips like water crashing through a broken dam.

He smiled and cupped her face with his hand. "You have no idea how I've missed you."

"You've an odd way of showing it," she said accusingly and regretted her tone, but he only smiled at her.

"Oh, Hermione, I couldn't have contacted you until after the war, for fear that it would have given your hiding place away. Then my trial, no matter the assurances of Kingsley and Potter, I still expected to be found guilty, and by the time I had my freedom, I had no idea what to do with my life. I felt homeless. I moved into an abandoned home of a raid victim and tried to piece my life back together. I didn't want to teach anymore. I didn't want anyone over me, telling me what to do... and I had nothing – nothing to give you, not that I believed that you were waiting for an old wizard like me."

Hermione threw herself at him, hugging him tightly. "Oh, you foolish wizard! You're not old."

"Not so foolish. I had nothing, Hermione," he said softly against her hair, and she could feel him inhale as if taking in her scent. "I couldn't even go to my house because of the people watching it, and someone had taken all my belongings from my quarters here... so I had nothing. I was starting life all over with nothing – from scratch."

"I have them," she said, laughing, as she inhaled his scent, the familiar oak moss, sandalwood, patchouli, leafy vetiver, and various herbs of potion ingredients.

"What?" He pushed her away at arm's length and looked at her, confused. "How?"

She pulled gently on his hand in an unspoken gesture to sit with her on the wall and held his hand on her lap. She inhaled to steady her nerves and hoped that he wouldn't become angry with her. "Well, I – I mean Ginny and I broke in. You – I blew up the door, then repaired it once we were inside. We collected everything I could find and asked Kreacher, you know, Harry's house-elf, to take it all to Harry's house." Severus cringed at the mention of Kreacher, or possibly that his things were now at Harry's, but she couldn't read his expression. "Oh, Kreacher's changed, such a transformation since Harry gave him Regulus' locket. He even recognized my and Ginny's voices when we asked for him."

"He never said anything," he said, staring at their hands.

Hermione didn't want him to think Harry had taken any of his possessions. "I didn't tell Harry what it – I have your things in boxes with the stuff I kept from my parents' house. I didn't want anyone rifling through and taking... But it's all safe, and you can have it back anytime you want."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," she responded automatically.

He asked about school. Photographers appeared and he tried to shoo them away, but they were undaunted, requesting poses and smiles. Clearly irritated by their persistence, he guided Hermione back inside and out onto the dance floor. "It's safer."

"It's to be expected," she said, smiling. "We're famous now."

"Infamous, you mean," he said, holding her reverently and gazing into her eyes. "Oh, yes, the greasy bat of the dungeons dancing with the Gryffindor princess."

"I never called you that," she snapped, then chuckled when he raised an eyebrow. "And I'm hardly a princess."

"You are to me," he said softly. After three more turns on the dance floor, they slipped out into the grotto again. Severus drew her into a secluded corner and cupped her face, his thumb caressing her cheek.

Hermione forced herself to breathe as she waited for him to kiss her. Suddenly struck with the memory of her Yule Ball, an uncontrolled giggle escaped her.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"Nothing," she replied, feeling her cheek warm under his stare.

He lowered his head closer to hers. "Liar, you're practically grinning like a Cheshire cat."

"This reminds me of – it's silly – but I feel like I did at my Yule Ball, only with you as my partner," she admitted and felt her cheeks grow warmer, undeniably blushing.

"You were beautiful that night, just as you are now." Severus' lips curved into a smile. "I wanted you to be – I wanted to ask you to come to this with me, but I didn't think you'd be inclined."

"Why not?" she asked, looking up at him, ignoring the heat in her cheeks.

"Because of the way I treated you all those years, the way I took advantage of you," he said softly, moving a stray curl off her face. "Because I'm older – my past – lots of reasons."

She leaned her face into his palm to feel the contact again. "All of which don't matter to me. I wanted to thank you for your letter. I can't tell you what it meant to me."

Severus leaned forward and kissed her, a soft gentle caress that made her heart skip a beat. She wrapped her arms around him, and he teased her lips sensually before deepening the kiss as if savoring her. He pulled back and rested his forehead on hers, and she was surprised to sense that his breathing was as ragged as hers.

"I have wanted to do that for so long."

Hermione smiled, never feeling this happy in her life.

He stood, as if suddenly aware that they could've been observed by the photographers. "Are you thirsty? I can get more punch."

"I'd like that."

*

Severus went to get punch, feeling like a young man. Filius intercepted him on his way to the refreshment tables. "I'm sorry I doubted you, Severus. All this time you were on our side, and I never knew! But in all fairness, you could have trusted me – you didn't... I had no idea what you were doing, of course. I-I'm sorry..." Filius stammered and then held out his hand. "Forgive an old wizard?"

Severus bent down and shook it. "I hold no grudge. I hope you can forgive me."

Filius beamed. "Already did, and, Severus, I'd like to be friends – if you'd like."

"I'd be honored to call you my friend," Severus replied softly, hoping that Filius didn't hear the crack in his voice.

Severus looked up and saw Hermione dancing with Kingsley. He conversed briefly with Filius, then excused himself to get refreshments. Hooch hurried up to him, took one glass of the punch and began a speech of apology, forgiveness, and friendship. He excused himself and retrieved refills. Professors Sprout and then Vector were the next to approach him, followed by a snockered Trelawney. Severus only managed to get Sybill to release him, by dumping her off on Elphias Dodge, who likewise had come up to apologize. He couldn't believe the acceptance his old colleagues were extending toward him, especially after the horrid year they'd had when he'd been Headmaster.

He was cornered by Hestia and Dedalus on his way back. Unfortunately, he could see Ronald Weasley confronting Hermione only a few paces away, and Hermione looked upset.

*

"I can't believe you're here with him," Ron spat angrily, grabbing her arm and turning her around to face him.

Hermione nearly lost her balance at the way he'd jerked he around. "He's..."

"A traitor and murderer, regardless that he got off," Ron sneered.

She recoiled in shock. "Ron, you can't be serious?"

"It doesn't change what he is. Besides, he's old enough to be your father. He was your professor, and you're throwing yourself at him," he snapped.

Hermione couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I-I'm what?" He has a date. I thought he was over me! Ginny and Harry both said so!

"You heard me. You can have any bloke you want," he said, flinging his arm at the couples dancing, then pointed at Severus, "and you settle for him?"

"I am not settling! You're just jealous because I broke it off with you," she shouted back, no longer caring that they were drawing attention.

"We never had anything to begin with, right? Isn't that what you said?" he snarled, his ears red. "You were never going to be with me, were you? I was simply convenient – the sidekick."

"I never..." She couldn't' believe this; he was with someone. He was supposed to be happy. "You're just jealous! This is just like you – you're acting just like you did when I went to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum! What is it with you?"

"Right, I wasn't famous then – just good ol' Ron. Just like now. I should have known, I was never good enough for you," he said and stormed off.

Hermione followed him back into the castle in through the open doors, hoping to make him see reason.

By the time Severus reached the Entrance Hall, Weasley was storming off out the huge oak doors heading for outside, and Hermione was running up the stairs.

Severus knew where she'd go, and he followed her.

*

She had no idea why she came here; she was too distraught to feel any solitude. All her repressed emotions were whirling in her, and she hugged herself. The door opened, and Severus stepped in, this time setting a thick wooden wedge under the door to force it to stay open.

Hermione turned to gaze out the window at the forest not wanting him to see her tears. "I suppose that is so you can leave without molesting me?" she asked, not sure why she was lashing out at him. Ron was the one who'd hurt her.

"It's so you can leave without my needing to. Is that how you feel, Hermione, that I molested you?" he asked softly, hurt evident in his silky voice.

"No, I never thought of it that way." She couldn't look at him; his presence was enough. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he asked, moving to stand behind her until his face appeared on the glass next to hers as if she was gazing at a portrait of the two of them.

"I needed to think, to be by myself," she replied, unable to face him. His reflection on the glass was enough. "Too many memories, too much heartache. The patronizing and having to smile when I wanted to... needed to..."

"Cry?" he asked tenderly.

"Yes, cry," she admitted, two huge tears escaping her eyes. "Why did you follow me?"

"I didn't follow you, although I knew where you would go."

His voice was soothing, but he was partly the reason she was here. "Really," she choked out and wiped her face. "See me in your inner eye, get a vision in your ice cubes, an afflatus?"

"No. This is where I always came when I was troubled or needed solitude," he said, handing her a handkerchief.

She stared out of the window, not really seeing the forest so much as their reflection in the glass. "I'm not troubled, I just wanted some peace and quiet."

"Then look at me," he demanded softly.

She wiped her face. "No."

"Hermione," he implored.

"I can't," she choked out and wiped her face again.

"Why?"

"Because, I can't." Her heart was breaking; she was trying to fight back the tears and was losing. "I-I just can't."

She heard his footsteps retreat and covered her face in her hands, openly sobbing but still trying not to make any sound. He kicked the wedge away and approached her as the door slammed shut. She spun around to face him. "Why did you do that? I'm not shagging you again. I can't go through that again!"

"You won't have to," he said, standing in the middle of the room.

"We are stuck in here now until we do!" she cried out, raising her voice at him, although she didn't really mean to.

"No, you only have to be honest with yourself – and with me," he stated, the side of his mouth curving up in a cocky smile.

She dropped her hands to her sides, fisting his handkerchief in her hand. "What do you mean? I have always been honest with – well, most all the time!"

"Say it," he demanded softly, crossing his arms.

"Say what exactly?" she asked, flinging her arms up and back to her sides.

He stepped forward, and she took a step back. "How you feel. Be honest, but say it," he said firmly.

"Why?" She toyed with his handkerchief noticing a green SS stitched in one corner.

"Just do it," he said, taking another step forward.

"I – I can't," she sobbed and turned around facing the window. He stood immobile and silent behind her. "I – all year I thought about you. I couldn't get you off my mind."

"But how do you feel, Hermione?" he asked, now so close she could feel him. "Could there be any possibility between us? Could you ever find a way to..." He hesitated. "See yourself with me. Do you have any feelings for me?"

"I loved you!" she replied, her voice cracking.

"Do you?"

"Yes," she said, staring at the monogram on the white cloth in her hands.

"Say it," he urged her. "I have to hear it, Hermione, say it."

Her fingers tightened on the cloth. "No, I can't do this. I lost you once – I can't!"

"You can't what?"

She whirled around. "Love you. I can't – you'll only break my heart again."

"Not if you say you want me," he said, his eyes looking at her with such longing. "Do you want me, Hermione? I'm yours if you'll only say you do."

"Yes, I want you. I've always wanted you," she said, giving in to her heart.

"Tell me what I need to hear," he said, angling his head to try and look her in the eye. "Do you love me?"

"Yes, I love you," she admitted, looking up at him. "I love you, all right?"

"Perfectly all right," he said, reaching out, pulling her to him, and wrapping his arms about her. "Do you feel it?"

She clung to him, feeling like she was melting in his embrace. "Feel what?"

He tipped her head up to look in her eyes. "Free. Like a weight has been lifted off your heart. Like everything is clear."

"I have only one question for you," she asked, feeling her gut clench in anticipation, their gazes locked onto each other's.

"Yes?"

"Do you love me?"

"Yes. Merlin, yes!" he exclaimed, pulling her to him and embracing her tightly. "It was you, your voice I heard in the Shack that made me fight back – that made me want to live. It was for you that I walked up to the castle to face the Dark Lord. I love you, Hermione Granger. And if you'll have an old ex-Death Eater, double agent, greasy git, murderer – I'm all yours."

Everything about him assaulted her senses: his strength, scent, warmth, and the solid feel of his chest under her cheek, and felt like she was flying. "Yes" was all she could say as fresh tears streak her cheeks.

He kissed her, capturing her mouth and nearly bending her as he poured all his feelings into the contact, and she clung to him, returning her feelings for him as much as she could. When he broke the kiss, she stumbled, her knees weak as rubber, her heart pounding, and breathless. His exuberant smile was infectious and made her heart soar.

"Hermione, when your schooling is over, after you leave, I would like to court you."

She laughed at his formality and with the joy overflowing from her. She threw her arms about his neck and squeezed tightly. "I'd like that very much," she said, burying her face in his neck. "But why wait until then. Why can't you be mine now?"

He hugged her and lifted her off her feet. "If that's what you want." He set her down and cupped her face. "But I'll still have to wait until you finish school until we can be together."

"But we're together now," she said suggestively.

"And you'll be missed from the ball, madam." He kissed her soundly. "How about going back to your room and fixing your face so nobody thinks I made you cry, and then come back to the Great Hall with me? I want to show off my witch."

She hugged him and followed him from the room, never realizing that the door opened for them to let them leave unimpeded.

~ T B C ~>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the nod to the Yule Ball and Ron's behavior, but I had to get them back into the tower room. Needless to say, I hope, they had a good time at the ball. Because they caused a few raised eyebrows and few people stared... but isn't that to be expected?

On another note, this chapter ended up having a lot here, so unfortunately there are two more chapters, and that will conclude this story. Thank you for reading and following along, even though I haven't updated all that frequently. Your support and reviews have made this a wonderful experience for me, and I appreciated every comment you made. Hugs~