In a dormitory at the highly acclaimed University for Witchcraft and Wizardry in Dublin, Hermione Granger was reading an owl she had received from Albus Dumbledore. She had just graduated at the top of her class and was ready to get out in the “real world.� In the owl, Dumbledore congratulated her and asked her to come to Hogwarts to meet with him about a career opportunity. She was hesitant about the whole thing. She had too many memories from Hogwarts, memories that she’d been trying so hard to forget. During her seventh and final year there she had realized all the hatred she felt towards Severus Snape was actually love. She spent many sleepless nights, tossing and turning, trying to figure out when it had happened- when did she fall in love with the dark, sinister, crude Potion’s Master? She figured it was probably all those N.E.W.T. classes she took with him during her sixth and seventh years.

When she finally realized she had to tell him, she found a small glint in his eye that told her she wasn’t alone in the emotions she was feeling. They never did anything inappropriate, but occasionally when Harry and Ron thought she was in the library – a place they didn’t venture to much – she would go down to the dungeons and spend time with Severus.

The day she graduated from Hogwarts was one of the most depressing days of her young life. Not only was she leaving the place she’d been calling home for the last seven years of her life, but also she was leaving the one man she loved more then anything. She hadn’t seen him since.

And now, five years later, she was supposed to go back and act like nothing ever happened? A thousand doubts rushed into her mind, not letting her think of anything else. What if he found someone else? Okay, that was doubtful. What if he wouldn’t forgive her for leaving? What would happen when they saw each other for the first time in half a decade?

She wrote back to Dumbledore - letting all her worries leave her – and told him that she would be honored to meet him. She also asked when would be an appropriate time to come. She sealed the letter and sent it off with her owl; she got it when she graduated from Hogwarts. She looked around her empty room, it was mid-June and a lot of the students were gone for the summer holiday. She was about to leave herself. All her things were packed; she had planned on leaving that night but now thought she should wait until she got a reply.

She smiled when she recalled a memory of their first kiss. It was a dreary day in early December. Severus and Hermione were in his private quarters, they sat in front of the fire talking about anything and everything. It was odd- Hermione had no trouble talking to him, and vise versa. Severus said something and they started laughing when they looked at each other they fell silent. They were a few inches apart and moving closer. All the worries and fears that might have been in their heads disappeared and they finally let their lips meet. For Hermione time stood still, the taste of his lips and tongue was intoxicating and she couldn’t get enough. Severus wrapped his arms around her waist and she wrapped her arms around his neck. It all seemed so natural, so pristine. Until that moment Hermione was unsure if she loved him, but after that kiss she knew she could never love another the way she loved him.

That night while she was at dinner she got a reply saying the next morning would suffice and he told her the password to Dumbledore’s office. So the next morning she took her stuff to her parents’ house and Apparated – a new thing for her – to the gates of Hogwarts. She walked the rest of the way. She got to the great oak doors and sighed heavily. It was about quarter after ten so the kids would be in their lessons; she decided to go right to Dumbledore’s office.

The corridors of Hogwarts had not changed they were still home-like and comfortable. The portraits were all looking at her and whispering. She ran into Nearly Headless Nick- the Gryffindor ghost.

“Well, Hermione! I did not expect to see you here!� said the ghost.

“Hello, Sir Nicholas. I’m here to talk to Professor Dumbledore about a job,� she said, friendly.

“Ah, yes. I believe it has something to do with Defense Against the Dark Arts. You know how people believe it’s cursed or something,� he said in a matter-of-fact voice.

“Thanks, I don’t want to be late I must be going.� Hermione said trying to walk away.

“Oh before you go, I think you should know that Severus is extremely proud of how well you did at the University,� He said with a smile and floated off.

Hermione flushed. He must still care, she thought to herself. She had a bit of a smile on her face as she headed towards Dumbledore’s office.

I don't own these characters, or settings, JK does. I just control the plot.

~

“Professor Dumbledore?� Hermione asked, peeking her head into the old wizard’s office.

“Ah– Hermione, right on time, as usual. Come in, come in!� Albus Dumbledore said the same old twinkle in his blue eyes.

Hermione opened the door wider and stepped inside. The office had not changed. The pictures of past headmasters and headmistresses still hung on the walls, Fawkes the Phoenix was still perched by the desk, the golden orbs and other various magical objects hovered around the room and it was the same old desk with the same elderly wizard behind it. Hermione smiled, she liked the familiar feel of it all.

“Please, sit down,� Dumbledore instructed. Hermione did as she was told. “Now to get down to business, Hermione you graduated at the top of your class in Dublin – and we’re all very proud.�

“Thank you, sir,� Hermione said confidently.

“And after all your past…“ he paused, as if choosing his words carefully, “adventures, I am certain that you could be put to any task and succeed brilliantly.�

“Thank you again, sir,� Hermione said quietly.

“So I firmly believe that you are the perfect candidate for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position for next term,� Dumbledore said happily.

“Excuse me? I’m sorry sir, I’d love the job, but – well – isn’t someone already teaching that class?� Hermione asked logically.

“Well, right now it’s Professor Tawney- he’s from Ireland, isn’t doing so good. The students are eating him alive. He sent me an owl in January already saying he’s not coming back next year,� he said dismissively. “So, how about it Hermione? I know that you would be great with kids and you are determined by nature. You are the best person for the position,� he added. Hermione turned a lovely shade of red.

“Well, thank you, Professor. I – um – I mean, of course I’ll do it. I’d be honored. So – when should I ‘move in’? I assume the students leave soon,� Hermione said questioningly.

“Well, the students leave next Friday, and most of the Professors take a month off, so I’d say August first,� he said grinning.

“Okay. Thank you, sir. Is that all?� Hermione asked getting up.

“Yes and no. I feel it’s best you go and talk to some old professors, new professors, students, and maybe someone else of interest to you. Classes end in three minutes and some professors have a break,� he said being anything but subtle.

“Yes, well I might go see if Professor McGonagall is on break,� she said, not making eye contact with her old headmaster.

“Not whom I meant, but anyway, I’ll see you on the first Hermione,� he said quietly.

“Goodbye, Professor Dumbledore,� she said walking out.

When Hermione got to the bright corridor she walked in a trance-like state. Dumbledore knew about herself and Severus, about what happened all those years ago. Of course he knew- what didn’t he know? There were so many questions left unanswered. Severus refused to see her off the day she graduated from Hogwarts, he didn’t even say goodbye. She figured he thought it'd be easier, but it wasn't. She remembered the heartache she’d felt when she realized that he wasn’t going to write her, or visit her, or see her again. The thought was almost too much to bear. Her feet instinctively took her to the Transfiguration room. When she neared the door it swung open and missed her by an inch.

“Excuse me,� she said politely, thinking it was a student.

“No, it was my fault,� a cold, familiar voice said quietly. Hermione gasped.

“Severus,� she said breathlessly as the tall, pale, figure stepped out from behind the door, and came face-to-face with her. He stopped dead.


~

I don't own these characters, I'm just playing with them! ;)

Enjoy!

~

“Hermione,� he said in a low drawl. There in front of him was the young women he had fallen in love with, her face now had an adult look to it, the face he fell in love with was still visible though. Especially her eyes, he absolutely adored her eyes. They were so big and bold, so mysterious. Everything hit him with a tidal force. All his emotions and memories came back, after being shut away in the deepest closet of his mind for years.

“You look – well,� she said conversationally. She was trying to read his emotions that he hid so well. She wondered why he did this, why did he always conceal everything? She knew how he was and he didn’t like people to know how he was really feeling. But this was her; she thought he could tell her everything, wrong again she thought to herself.

Severus took her arm and led her into an empty classroom. When he – unwilling – let go, Hermione was about three feet away from him. She had so many questions she wanted to shout out at him and yet she couldn’t, her voice had died the moment he touched her. His touch was electrifying, she didn’t want him to let go, not for a minute, and she silently cursed the effect he had on her. Severus in turn had no trouble voicing his thoughts.

“I was very happy for you when I heard about your accomplishments at the University, not that we expected much less of you,� he said with more then a hit of pride in his voice.

Hermione didn’t say anything, nor did she make eye contact with him. She just stared at the same patch of floor she’d been looking out since they entered the room.

“I wanted to write you Hermione, honestly I did, but you know how it is,� he said bluntly. He said them, those six little words women hate: ‘but you know how it is.’ Hermione’s eyes flashed with rage, she had found her voice.

“No! I don’t know how it is! Maybe you should explain it to me! I thought you loved me! You didn’t visit me, you didn’t write me, you didn’t even say goodbye to me the day I left! But I guess that’s how it is, right?� She said bitterly.

“How would that have looked? I was your professor, if anyone would have found out then, what would have happened?� he asked seriously.

“I’m not your student anymore, and I haven’t been for quite awhile now, so don’t give me that! You could have at least owled me!� She cried, “ I loved you! When I realized you weren’t coming to say goodbye I knew the feelings I felt towards you were not mutual. I tried getting over you, but I couldn’t! I couldn’t! I gave you my heart, and how do you repay me? You make me look like a fool. Like a love-sick puppy that has no brain and now no heart,� she yelled, hot, angry tears streaming down her face.

This made Severus cringe. How could he tell her that he missed her tremendously over the years? That every time he picked up his quill to write her, his hand would tremble in the fear that he would say something stupid. He did love her – not that she knew this was defiant – but he couldn’t tell her, not now anyway. He was never the one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and he only told things to people at relevant times – he didn’t feel this was it. In his mind there would be an exact moment when Hermione would desperately need to hear those three words come out of his mouth. Now wasn’t it. He would know when the time was right. After a short moment when neither of them spoke Hermione headed for the door. Severus didn’t stop her, but he did need to tell her something.

“Hermione?� he said quietly, his black eyes that hid more then they revealed softened. She turned toward him and he heard her sigh.

“What is it, Professor Snape?� she said coolly, knowing it would annoy him.

That’s exactly what it did, ever since Hermione’s seventh year they had been on a first name basis – secretly of course, but none the less a first name basis. He remembered that day vividly. They had just finished the last class of the day and coincidently hers was potions. He asked her to stay after class to discuss her paper. She stayed and they talked a couple minutes. And while they were walking out the dark dungeon classroom she brought up the first name thing.

“Professor, I only see it fitting that we use our first names, I mean not in class, of course but when we’re alone why not?� she asked angelically.

“Well I suppose that could be arranged,� he said grinning, “Hermione.� That made her smile and he was glad she was happy.

But that was a long time ago and she was mad at him now, so he figured the first name basis was out of the question now.

“Did you want something, sir?� she asked impatiently. He hadn’t realized that she was still standing there waiting for him to talk.

“Have a nice summer and I’ll see you in August, I suppose,� he said steadily. Hermione looked shocked.

“Excuse me? H-H-How’d you know about that?� she stuttered.

“I’m the one who dropped your name to Albus, not that he would have overlooked you, but I helped persuade him,� he said faintly smiling. He then walked up to her and put a hand on her cheek and defiantly smiled. She looked at the ground again. But what she really wanted was to collapse into his arms and never let go, but she couldn’t do that. He took his hand away and walked out the classroom, his black robes billowing.

Hermione’s heart sunk. “Why doesn’t my heart listen to my head?� she mumbled harshly, leaving the room in a huff.

~

I'm sorry that it has been forever, but I hope this makes up for it. I was my favorite to write.

Many thanks to Ashley for being my beta!

I don't own these characters, I'm just playing with them.

~

Severus wanted no more then to kick himself . . . hard. He knew that his life was royally messed up, and the damage that was done would be very hard to fix; he couldn't help but curse himself for leaving her alone in that classroom.

At the time it was a perfect plan: He wouldn't say a thing to her, not even see her off. Then, she would realize that they were never meant to be and meet someone new. He thought it would be better that way.

Was he ever wrong -- he was even more inept at fortune telling than Trelawney herself.

"Hermione is a bright young woman, she deserves better, much better than me," he harshly thought to himself. As his feet took him the familiar path to his office, he sighed; the last thing he wanted to do was hold her back, and he knew that's exactly what he would be doing if he allowed himself to get too close to her.

Peeves the Poltergeist bobbed happily above him, then suddenly stopped in front of him. "Why, hello, Professor Snapey-Wapey!" he said mockingly.

"What is it Peeves?" he asked hotly. Peeves was the one person -- er,
ghost -- in the castle Snape hated the most.

"I saw Miss Know-It-All in the castle today! Why is that?" Peeves asked
innocently.

"Maybe it's because your eyesight is particularly good for your age," Snape offered rudely.

"Don't try to be cute, Snape-e-poo, it doesn't work, especially with you,"
Peeves said before he blew a giant raspberry and floated off. Snape cursed him silently.

Severus got back to his original train of thought: Hermione. The day
Hermione left, he had been heartbroken. He sat in his office for several
hours before Albus came down to check on him and gave him a few words of support. He didn't believe them for a second.

"She will return, Severus," the elderly wizard had reassured.

"I doubt it, Headmaster. I seriously doubt it," Severus had replied numbly. Albus had given him an encouraging pat on the back and left him to his thoughts.

He remembered the many times he had sat at his desk, a quill in his hand, and attempted to write her. He never had any success. However, he had managed to get halfway to the owlery before turning around and ripping up the parchment. He always told himself that he wasn't good enough for her. She was at university, where there were bound to be numerous eligible young men. She would find someone new, and, therefore, forget all about Severus, or so he thought. He sighed and started to walk a little faster.

When he reached his destination, he closed the big oak door and locked it with a spell. He retired to his large armchair and picked up his book on Shakespearean sonnets. He usually wasn't the type to read poetry but Shakespeare made him feel better -- because it had always made her feel better. He read aloud in the empty room: "Let me not to the marriage of true minds/Admit impediments; love is not love/Which alters when it alteration finds,/Or bends with the remover to remove./O no, it is an ever-fixed mark."

"Don't I know it?" he mumbled sadly to himself.

-------------------------------------------------

Hermione didn't feel like seeing Professor McGonagall anymore. Instead, she silently walked to the entrance and left the castle feeling very confused. Her feelings had not changed at all. She still melted when she saw him, and feared nothing could change that. Hermione was a strong believer that each person had only one other in this world destined for them, and when you find that person, you'll know that you could spend the rest of your life with them.

She walked into the town of Hogsmeade, not wanting to go home straight away; she couldn't face her parents now. She stopped at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer. Madam Rosemerta -- who was wearing her usual outfit of skirts and homemade tops, her hair up in anyway it would go -- waited on her. When she realized who it was, Hermione thought her head would explode.

"Hermione, dear how are you?" she asked in that airy voice that sounded almost as though she could be a divination professor. Rosemerta was never one of Hermione's favorites, but she did find her voice interesting.

Hermione had a thing for voices. While other women fawned over eyes or hair, Hermione loved voices and the special qualities someone's voice had. That's probably why she had been attracted to Severus in the first place. The first time she heard him talk she was blown away. His voice was ungodly quiet -- barely above a whisper -- with the perfect fit between a British and Welsh accent. Hermione had always found it soothing (except when he would yell). Hermione suddenly snapped back to reality.

"I'm just fine. How are you?" Hermione replied politely.

"Couldn't be better, business is booming," she said flamboyantly.

"That's great; I'll have a butterbeer please, to go," she said on second
thought.

Rosemerta brought it to her in a little more then a minute. Hermione paid, thanked her and left. She was not about to deal with that woman when her day had just turned out so, well, she didn't know how to describe it.

She walked the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade, smiling at all the memories it brought back. She inadvertently ended up near the Shrieking Shack, and sat down next to the fence around it. She couldn't help but think about the night when she, Ron and Harry had set Sirius Black free.

And now he was gone . . . Hermione remembered Harry's attitude that summer holiday. It was a mix of anger, depression, and sadness. The many times Hermione had sat up with him while he told her how he was feeling, and what had been going on in his life. Harry knew Ron wasn't good with emotions; that was Hermione's territory. She was also delegated that responsibility with Ron and Remus. Hermione was surprised how much Remus would tell her, but she loved every minute of it. Remus Lupin had always been a sort of mentor to Hermione, and she admired him greatly. They would talk for hours at a time about anything and everything.

It was the times like that she missed terribly. Her days at Hogwarts were filled with many adventures and she met them (for the most part) head on. In her first year, she realized friends were more important then books; without her friends, she would have been -- and would be -- lost.

Sitting there reflecting on old memories, she also thought about all she had lost in her past: Sirius, Severus and so many more little things that
somehow just didn't matter at the time, but now matter greatly.

She sighed and thought about Severus. He told Professor Dumbledore that I'd be great at the position. He must still care! Wait what I am I saying? I know he still cares! But somehow it's not as easy as that.

Hermione's parents were very traditional people; Hermione doubted they would approve of a man in his late-thirties when she herself was barely twenty. That was always the thing that Hermione feared, but now it did not seem important, especially since Severus was behaving like a five-year-old.

She reflected on one of her favorite poems:

-love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.
O no, it is an ever-fixed mark

"Don't I know it?" she asked herself hopelessly. "Maybe accepting the job was a stupid idea. I'll have to ask Remus about it." She continued as she stared at the old shack as it swayed silently in the June breeze.

I'd like to thank Ashley, my awesome Beta!

I don't own these characters! I'm just messing with them!

---

It was a beautiful June day as Hermione walked the streets of Muggle London. She was meeting Remus Lupin in Diagon Alley for lunch and decided to walk around the city before she had to meet him. She walked past numerous stores and shops, only one catching her attention.

It was a little shop squeezed between two larger stores. When Hermione saw the store’s sign hanging dimly in the window she knew she had to go in. The sign had said ‘Books, Books, Books!’ As Hermione opened the door, a tiny bell rang and a plump elder man came walking out from a door behind the counter.

“Can I help you, love?� he asked in a very thick Yorkshire accent. He had on a very daft jumper and khaki trousers.

Hermione smiled at him and replied politely, “I’m just looking, thanks.�

“Well we have a lot of books here; I’m sure you’ll find something you’re interested in,� he said reassuringly, like Hermione hadn’t already realized that. She could be in a book store with 10 books and find at least 5 she liked. He smiled, “If you need help I’ll be in the back room; the name’s Warren,� He concluded and disappeared behind the door.

Hermione strolled up and down the aisles looking at the spines of various books. She found quite a few that she did not have in her collection. She headed up to the counter to pay for “A Tale of Two Cities� (paperback of course, she already had the hardback), “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare�, a couple of history books, a biography, and two other fiction books. Warren came out and stared at the amount of books in her hands.

“I guess you like to read,� he jokingly said as he began to ring up the prices on an antique cash register. When he was done Hermione paid him using muggle money and headed out of the store.

As soon as she was a block away from the store, the urge became too great, she pulled out “The Complete Works of Shakespeare� and started reading as she walked -- a skill she had mastered a long time ago. It was not long before she was in front of the Leaky Cauldron; she opened the old, dirty door and walked to the back. She pulled out her wand and said a spell that made the books and the shopping bag they were in very tiny. However, she kept Shakespeare out. She dug in her pocket for her robe, which was also tiny; when she found them she said the reversal spell and put the bark blue robe on. When she was sure that her books were safely in her pocket, she took her wand and tapped the bricks to open the gate way to Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley wasn’t as full as it would be in a month or two when Hogwarts students would be in search of their new school materials, but it had a nice crowd to it. She was meeting Remus in ten minutes at a café near Quality Quidditch Supplies. She walked down the cobblestone street and almost ran into someone when they came out of a shop and did not look to see if anyone was in their way.

“God, watch where you’re going,� a cold, but all too familiar voice said bitterly.

“Ah – Draco, they let you out of the kennel early, I see. Couldn’t have been for good behavior,� Hermione said triumphantly. She had realized that the years of hanging out with Harry and Ron had augmented her ability to deliver a good comeback drastically.

“Mind your attitude, you filthy Mudblood,� Draco said narrowly.

“Why? What are you going to do, take house points?� she asked sarcastically. That left Draco speechless; he soon stormed away in a huff. Hermione felt great, it was almost as good as the time she had punched him in the face during her third year.

She walked to her destination with a new spring in her step. The café, which was plainly decorated, seemed like the type of place Remus would choose. It was the kind of person he was; he didn’t need fancy and extravagant things. There was no sign of him yet and she decided to get a table and wait for him.

A witch that looked to be in her late thirties, early forties came out and showed Hermione to an empty table.

“Would you like a drink, dear?� she asked nasally. The witch had jet black hair that was very short and spiky; it reminded Hermione of Madam Hooch. She was wearing white pants and a purple shirt; she was quite a character, to say the least.

“Yes, please, I’ll have water with lemon,� Hermione said politely. She figured she could at least get a drink while she waited for Remus.

“Coming right up,� the witch said brightly, and walked back towards the kitchens. Hermione took everything in, it was a beautiful café and she wondered why she never came in here before.

The walls were a dark wood and the tables had white table cloths on them with a vase full of purple lilacs. It was pretty empty, and Hermione was glad; she didn’t need everyone and anyone hearing about her problems. Her table was near the window and she kept an eye out for Remus. The witch soon came back with a large glass of water and a lemon slice on the rim of the cup. She handed Hermione a menu.

“Oh, I’m waiting for someone so I don’t need this right now,� Hermione explained.

“Ok, I’ll be back when I see you have company,� the witch said with a wink and walked back to the kitchens again. Hermione was left alone to her thoughts, which was never good lately. If she didn’t take the job she knew she’d regret it, but she didn’t want her relationship with Severus to affect her teaching. Relationship… she wasn’t sure if that was the best word but she didn’t care. Immersed in her thoughts, she didn’t even realize when Remus came up to the table; she snapped back to reality when he sat down.

“Penny for your thoughts,� He said jokingly, “How are you Hermione?�

“Confused, how about you?� she asked smiling. Remus was wearing the same old tattered robes, and was a little paler then usual, but the full moon was two days ago so Hermione understood. It was still the same old Remus though.

“I’m hanging in there, but this meeting isn’t about me, it’s about you, now tell me what’s bothering you,� He said in that teacher-like quality he had. It was really a pity he couldn’t continue teaching; he was great with kids and was a wonderful teacher.
“Ok, Professor Dumbledore offered me the Dark Arts position for next school year, and I accepted it,� She started.

“Good for you,� Remus said smiling, “But…?� he started for her.

“But, I don’t know if I can do it,� she said pessimistically.

“You don’t know if you can teach or you don’t know if you can work in such close proximity with Severus,� he said seeing right through her. Remus was pretty much the only person who Hermione felt good talking to about this, no one else really knew.

“The latter,� Hermione mumbled as the witch came back out to take their orders.

“Ready now, love?� she asked Hermione in a caring tone.

“If you are, I am,� Hermione said to Remus.

“Go for it,� Remus said, grinning.

“I’ll have a grilled chicken salad with an oriental dressing,� Hermione said. She had seen the specials board on her way in.

“That sounds good; I’ll have the same and a glass of water,� Remus said politely.

“Okay, another glass of water, and two chicken salads, got it,� The witch said and walked to the back yet again.

“Now where were we?� Remus asked, “Ah – yes, why you can’t work that close to Snape. Now in most cases it’s just because he’s . . . well . . . just because he’s him, but for you it’s much different,� he said trying to lighten the mood.

“Remus, I still love him, and I don’t know what will happen if I go back there,� She said not making eye contact with him, “What if he acts like it never happened? I couldn’t deal with that,� She finished dishearteningly.

“Listen Hermione, you can’t help who you fall in love with. And I don’t think you’re supposed to. If Severus truly loves you in return, he won’t act like the giant git that he is,� he paused, “Oh, sorry, Hermione but there are too many bad memories attached to him, I’m trying though, honestly I am,� Remus finished.

“It’s okay; I know that you never liked him,� Hermione said quietly. She finally met his eyes. “Remus, am I being foolish? I mean I’m so much younger than him and no one will approve of this relationship, if there even is one! You don’t even approve,� she said hopelessly.

“Hermione, don’t worry what other people think, take the advice from someone who knows, and never ever dwell on other people’s thoughts because it can only lead to more negativity. If you love him, let him know, don’t beat around the bush,� Remus said seriously.

“Thanks, Remus I feel better, a lot better,� Hermione said truthfully.

Their salads came and they discussed recent events that had happened in the wizarding world. They never went back to the subject of Severus, or Hogwarts for that matter. They were soon walking the streets of Diagon Alley, and though it came all too soon for Hermione, he had to leave. They said their goodbyes and Remus apparated. Hermione sighed and did the same.

She was in her bedroom at her parent’s house. She took her books from her pockets and made them their regular size. She placed them on her already full bookshelf. She then positioned herself at her desk with a piece of parchment and ink bottle in front of her and a quill in her hand. She began to write:

Dear Professor Snape,

She scribbled it out and started on a new sheet of parchment:

Snape,

She scribbled it out again and got yet another piece of paper:

Dear Severus,

I never did say thank you for telling Dumbledore about my needing a job.

She scribbled it out and tore it up into a thousand pieces. “Forget it!� She thought to herself, “I’ll just talk to him in August.� She sighed and allowed her head to go face down on the top of her desk.

This is the last chapter in this story, sorry it took so long. Many thanks to Ashley my awesome beta for helping me. Enjoy!

---

July came particularly fast for Severus; he was spending time at the Snape Estate in Rome. This was usually his least favorite place to visit but he remembered that Hermione once said she loved Rome. He stood in the doorway of the balcony and looked over the perfect view of the city. The mansion was nestled on a hill about a five minute walking distance from the center of the city. He could see the Coliseum, a medieval bell tower, and a famous Renaissance palace. He knew Hermione would love it.

He walked over to a white rot iron chair and sat down on it. He had to stop thinking of her, but that was easier said then done. He sighed to himself and covered his eyes with one hand, the sun was bearable today but he felt a headache coming on. Thousands of memories flooded his brain, images long forgotten.

The first was the five year old Severus hiding in his room while drunken shouts came from the other side of his bedroom door. Then there were memories of his school years, not the most pleasant time of his life, various images of James Potter and Sirius Black taunting, teasing, and ridiculing him.

There was a dark room, filled with cloaked figures standing around a man on a chair that looked more like a throne. A sudden burning sensation being impressed on his forearm. A wizard duel, streams of blue, green, red erupting from wands, just passing his head.

In the distance he heard the bell tower start to ring. He removed his hand and peered over the city. He knew he had been an idiot, and he knew that he hurt her. He also knew he couldn’t wait until August to see her.

He slowly stood and Apparated to a block away from her parents house. Not sure what he was going to do or say, he slowly started walking down the street.

---

“Defense against the Dark Arts! Brilliant!� Harry said excitedly. They were all at Hermione’s house for a change. Ron and Harry had just come back from something with their Auror training. The three of them sat in the living room drinking the butterbeers Harry had brought with.

“I can’t imagine the look on old Snape’s face when he heard that you were the one to take the position he always wanted!� Ron said not bothering to hide his feelings toward their old professor.

“I actually didn’t see him when I was there.� Hermione lied flat out.

“Really? Well that’s not surprising seeing as he barely ever leaves the dark, cold dungeons.� Harry said grinning.

“Honestly, and people wonder why he’s so pale. I don’t know the last time he’s seen sunlight -- a decade or so.� Ron exaggerated.

“Oh come on Ron, stop being so dramatic.� Hermione said defending Severus. She was still annoyed with him but she didn’t like that Ron and Harry were bad-mouthing him.

“I’m not being dramatic! I’m telling it like it is! No one likes him, except for maybe Malfoy but that does NOT count.� He said harshly. “And why are you defending him Hermione?�

Harry just watched and listened. He didn’t dare comment on this subject.

“For your information Ronald me telling you to stop being dramatic is not defending him.� Hermione said hotly.

“It sounded like you were defending him to me, what do you think Harry.� Ron said trying to drag Harry into this head on.

“I think that I’m staying out of this conversation.� Harry said sipping his butterbeer. “So Quidditch World Cup this August?� He said desperately trying to change the subject.

“Thank you Harry.� Hermione said giving Ron a stare that could kill. “I’m not sure if I can go.�

“You have to! It wouldn’t be the same without you! Plus we get really good seats with work!� Ron said, acting like the feud never happened.

“I honestly don’t know if I can because of,� Hermione was cut of by the doorbell. “I’ll get it.� She said sighing.

She walked out the room and to the front door, expecting it to be a neighbor or friend of the family she opened the door with a smile on her face. And there was Severus standing in the threshold. Hermione stopped dead and just stared at him, after a moment of keeping each other’s gaze she stepped out onto the porch with him. She didn’t need Ron (or Harry for that matter) hearing this.

“Can I help you Severus?� She asked politely. If he thought she’d go crazy, and fall into his arms he was wrong.

“I couldn’t wait till August, Hermione.� He said truthfully. He put a hand on her arm but she shook it off. “Listen I know you’re still upset over the way I acted but I’m so sorry.�

“I know you’re sorry but I don’t know if I can forgive you, Severus.� Hermione said looking to her left so she wouldn’t have to look him in the eyes. “You really hurt me.�

“I know I did and again I’m sorry.� He said softly. “I just wanted you to know that. I’m sorry for everything I did that ever hurt you -- every comment in class, every bad mark, every time you were willing to give me your heart and pushed you away. I’m sorry.� He said and gave a small sigh. He then turned and walked off the porch and down the sidewalk.

Hermione jumped off the porch and ran to catch up with him. She stopped him and looked up into his eyes. “I forgive you, Severus.� She said quietly. They tightly embraced and shared a soft kiss.

Severus pulled away and grinned at her. “I love you Hermione.� He said truthfully.

Hermione grinned, “I love you too, Severus.�

-Fin-