Prologue: Relaxation

Hermione was currently sat in her lover's bedroom, with his arms wrapped around her, feeling guilty.

She was in Australia, like she had told her parent's, but not staying with Harry, as she had told her parents. Harry was at Grimmauld Place (unlucky idiot, he's missing aload of fun, but he doesn't like Severus, so he can't come) and she had lied to her parents so that she would be able to spend time with Severus Snape, talking, scuba diving, doing whatever they wanted- a favourite hobby of theirs was kissing. Because her secret lover was Severus Snape, the Greasy Git, the Wingless Bat, the Black Bastard, whatever you called him, he was the Potions Master at Hogwarts.
'It's nice without Ron freaking out whenever I go into the Dungeons, or go near any male, for that fact.' Hermione said. 'Despite his freaking out hes actualy the more ok of him and Harry.'
Severus moved from behind Hermione and sat down, heaving her onto his lap.
'I actualy prefer him to Potter.'
'Sev, please refer to him as Harry...' she said gently.
''K, 'Mione.' He answered.
'I love you, you know that, don't you?'
'Yeah,' HE said. 'I love you too, Hermione.'
Hermione looked at the time. 9 PM.
'To bed, Professor?'
'To bed, Miss Granger.' They both chuckled and snuggled in bed, Hermione reading a book, Severus writing in his Holiday Diary (which Dumbledore had forced him into writing).

Chapter One: Crap. Crap. Crap.

Hermione linked hands with Severus, and they both lifted their heads and ignored the turning heads. When they reached the Security Guard, he took their passports and noticed hey went under different names.
'She your daughter?'
'No,' Severus said silkily. 'She's my girlfriend.
'Huh?'
'I'm his girl-friend.' Hermione sounded out slowly. She had picked up several habits from Severus.
'Ok.' The Security Guard let them through.
'I'm glad you sent Ron and his Family off New Zealand for half of the School year. not only does he deserve it, but we both need to get along with Harry- I do, but I'm not his best friend anymore- seeing his teacher and best friend post s e x took it out of him.'
'I know. I'm glad Dumbledore let us off the hook.' Severus said, smiling at the memory.

Two Months Later

'Aww- but- Sevvy!'
'You've lied to your parents enough about me, Hermione, so don't complain. See you next month.' He kissed her softly and he apparated off. She dragged herself down the road back to her parents- Severus had come to tell her he was setting off to Hogwarts.
'Hey, sweety.' Called Hermione's mother. 'Who were you talking to?'
Crap, Hermione thought. 'Er- No one, mum!'
'Well, it didn't look like no-one, seeing as you kissed him. How old is he? eighteen?'
Hermione stiffled a laugh.
'38, Mom.'
'Huh?'
'38. We've been going out for three months.'
'Seven, more like.' Hermione's dad said, walking over. 'You snogged him to death when we came to pick you up at the end of sixth year, not something that happens fast.'
'Ok, so we've been seeing each other six months. Almost a lifetime, right.'
Hermione's mum narrowed her eyes.
'I've seen him before somewhere...'
'He's..' She gulped.
'Oh my goodness, Hermione Jane Granger, HE'S YOUR TEACHER!'

A month later

It was the end of the feast and Hermione didn't feel like going back to her dormitory. She wanted to make the most of the night and was going to spend it with Severus. She wanted to make the most of the year, in fact, as she was now seventeen and in her final year.
Harry followed her. She heard the footsteps and smiled, thinking it was Severus. She turned around and was about to kiss him when she realised who it was.
'Ergh- hi Harry.'
'Hi 'Mione. Off to sh ag your boyfriend?'
'Yes, actualy.' She replied curtly. This shocked Harry enough to make him head for the dormitory. Footsteps followed her again and then time when she turned around she met Severus' lips.
'Hello, darling.' She said. They both backed into the nearest classroom, ravishing one another's mouth, when they heard an unnatural silence. Hermione then noticed Mcgongall, Flitwick and Trelawny standing in the room.
'Crap.'
'Crap.' Severus repeated Hermione's word as he turned and faced the three teachers.
'What,' Said McGonagall, 'is going on?'
'Well, we've been seeing one another for seven months, that is what is going on.' Severus replied coolly.
'What?' Exploded the tiny Flitwick.
'Aah, it was written in the stars, it was written!' Said Trelawny, mysterious as ever.
'Crap.' Hermione repeated.
'Miss Granger!' exclaimed McGonagall. 'Of all people to have a teacher/student relationship!'
'We wanted to keep it a secret.' Hermione squeaked. 'And wait until the end of the year and announce our engagement.'
'Engagement?'
'I don't wear a ring, nor does Hermione, but I have proposed, yes, and we celebrated by going on a trip to Australia.' Severus said.
'How can you even think about touching him?' Flitwick said. 'Let alone kissing-'
'Let alone sha gging?' Hermione smiled, and then she and Severus burst into a fit of giggles.
'Well- don't let us interuppt you-' Said Trelawny wisely, dragging McGonagall and Flitwick away.
Severus sat on the windowsill and Hermione straddled him.
'This is interesting.' He said with a raised eyebrow.
'Why? Because we're not having s e x whilst sitting like this? I am within my rights to sit this way.'
'Rights?'
'You're my boyfriennd/unofficial fiance.'
'Ah, I see... Sortof.'
'You sound like Ron, Sev.'
'Of please, don't destroy my pleasent half-a-year without him, Hermione.' He said, rolling his eyes.

Chapter Two: Whoops

Later That Week

There was a sound of footsteps outside Severus' Private Quarters and Hermione and Severus woke to the noise.
Severus gave her a kiss.
'What's the day?'
Severus rolled over to look at his clock (it showed the days of the week).
'Saturday..' He groaned.
'Mmm.' She said. 'Good. I don't have to get up.'
'Just like in Aussy, mmm?'
'Mmm- MMM! SEVVY!'
'What?' He said innocently. He'd just stuck his tounge down Hermione's ear (a act he knew annoyed her).
'Ergh. Severus Snape, I swear if you do that again-'
'You'll what?' He said, cutting her words off with a kiss.
'What's happened to my brooding, most evil, cold and cruel Potions Master, Sev?' She asked.
'What? You liked me when I called you Miss Granger and took points from Gryffindor?'
'Well, no, but he's not even appearing in classes and you take to staring at me when I'm working. Sev, someone is going to notice!'
There was a knock at the door.
'Stay here.' He said to Hermione, pulling on his dressing robe. 'It might not be someone who knows.'
He opened the door. And gulped. He called Hermione over. She pulled on his spare grey dressing robe and walked to the door. She slid her arms around Severus' waist and rested her head on his side, just at his ribs.
He put his arm around her shoulder, kissed her and she stood straight, one arm around Severus instead of two.
'Oh no.' She gasped, seeing who it was.
'Hello Mum. Hi Dad.' She said meekly.
'Why didn't you tell me they'd found out?' Severus said stiffly. He was exchanging dagger looks with Mr Granger.
'Whoops,' She said quietly.

Chapter Three: Meet the Parents

When Hermione managed to force Mrs Granger and Mr Granger (who didn't want to come, severely ((no pun intended)) intimdated by Severus), Hermione was flushed. She was going to sit in another chair, but Severus beckoned to his lap, which she obligingly sat on.
'I'm Severus Snape.' he said stiffily.
'I'm Alex Granger, and this is my wife, Andrea Granger.'
'Pleased to meet you.' Severus said. Hermione winced as she noticed his coldness return to his voice.
'How old are you, Mr Snape?' Mrs Granger asked.
'500 Years old.' He said mockingly. 'I'm 38.'
'Are you aware of how old my daughter is?'
'I teach her.' Severus snorted. 'Of course i know how old the Gryffindor Know-It-All is.'
Hermione elbowed him in the stomach. He glanced at her and then realised the problem.
'She's seventeen, isn't she?' He said. The coldness hadn't gone, but the mocking and sarcastic manner was gone.
'Yes. And you have already touched upon the subject of being her teacher-' Mr Granger began.
Severus waved a hand in dismissal.
'Myself and Hermione both have Headmaster Dumbledore's blessing in our relationship, as long as it is discreet and the Students don't find out.'
'Right. Well- we don't like you.' Mr Granger said shortly.
'FATHER!' Hermione shouted suddenly. 'JUst because he doesn't trust strangers, and he has a cold manner it doesn't mean he isn't the kindest, nicest, most loving person ever!'
Mrs Granger sighed.
'Alex, let them be. Mr Snape does seem a very nice man. Just a little troubled, tht's all..'
Severus bristled. 'Are you implying I need councilling?'
'You will if you keep up like this because I'll leave you, Severus Snape! Keep your temper!' She bristled in turn, glaring up at him. Even when sitting down he was still considerably taller than her.
'Sorry, Hermione.' He mumbled.
'Mum, Dad, he's a good person really, he's just not very trusting- I didn't trust him at all last year, and look now, seven months together, slept together on numerous, countless time and had s e x plenty more.'
'Darling, we didn't want to know that.' Mrs Granger grimaced.
'Mum, can we just all go home, and forget about it?'
'How can you go home?' Mr Granger inquired.
'This room,' She gestured about Severus' study, living area and bedroom, 'Is my home. More home than the whole of Hogwarts. I sleep here at the weekends and stay in the Gryffindor Tower from 11 in the evening Sundays to Thurdays.'
'Is this true?' Mr Granger asked.
Severus nodded. Hermione smiled proudly at him keeping his temper and kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear, 'I'll give you a treat later.'
'Oh goody.' He whispered back.
'Well- Mum- Dad- get lost.' Hermione giggled.

Chapter Four: Never so Relieved

Monday Night

Hermione lay on her bed, pretending to be asleep. She kept her eyes slightly open, making sure the girls were asleep, before slipping from the bed and pulling her robes and shoes over her nightdress.
'Mione?' Said Lavender weakly.
'I can't sleep, Lavender. Just gonna go for a walk.'
'Ok, 'Mione. Don't get caught.'
'Thanks, Lavender-'
'Don't get raped, either.'
'Lavender!'
'Soz. I was just freaked out last year. Shame they didn't find out the culprit. He would have been expelled! Hey- imagine if it was SNAPE!'
'Lav, he's horrible, not that horrible though.'
'Well, did it feel like an adult?'
'Lavender- I do not want to talk about how I lost my virginity!'
'Suit yourself. Just trying to help.' Lavender sat up and watched Hermione's blushing face as she went to the door.
'Mione... you're always going for "walks".'
'Lavender, so what if I can't sleep lately?'
Lavender shrugged and lay back down.

Hermione quietly went out the Portrait Hall and the Fat Lady spoke up.
'Hello, Hermione! Going to visit Severus, I presume?'
'What? Keep your voice down! How do you know?' Hermione hissed.
'Dear, one does not go into the Dungeons for a simple walk, and occasionally, you talk to yourself about Severus. Whenever you come back up here, you're flushed; your robes are askew and half undone. All the signs!'
'Ok, you're right, just- don't tell anyone.'
'Don't be later than eleven, Hermione!' The Fat Lady called as Hermione jogged down the stairs.

As Hermione went along the halls she heard footsteps behind her. She turned and expected Severus to either tickle her or kiss her, but no one was there. She watched for a minute before continuing.
She heard the footsteps again and began to run. The footsteps became heavier, and she could just hear ragged breathing.
She slammed her fist on Severus' door in a panic and when he opened it she flung herself onto him.
Stumbling back, he fell into a chair, along with Hermione. When he tried to move slightly she clung onto him.
He sat up and stroked her head gently. He cradled her head and rocked it softly when her grip on his robes lessened and she was able to stand properly. He moved onto a sofa and patted his lap silently. She stumbled over and straddled his lap.
'What happen, 'Mione?' He asked softly.
'I heard footsteps, Sev, and when I turned, expecting to see you, you weren't there and I began to run and I heard harsh, ragged breathing and heavy footsteps- Sev, I've never been so relieved to see you!'
'Hush,' He said, kissing her softly.
She wriggled slightly and looked at him. Her eyes showed no signs of crying but she was shaking.
'C'mon.' He said, lifting her off him and taking her hand.

Chapter Five: Truly, Madly, Deeply.

It was nearing the end of the first half term and there was going to be a ball. Due to Hermione's looks and performance at the Yule Ball, there was a large interest in her.
She turned them all down and told them she had arranged something else.
Which was, in all aspects, true. She would be staying at Hogwarts, of course, but she was going out with Severus, as they couldn't go to the ball together. Dumbledore, of course, knew al about it. He knew everything Hermione and Severus got up to- annoyingly.

So, thaty evening, Hermione came down the stairs and stood in the Entrance Hall in a pair of tight, flared black denim jeans, and a blue halter neck top. She had brushed her hair back into a busy ponytail, and added a hint of blue eyeshadow to her brown eyes. Blue really brought out the colour of her eyes.

A few moments later, Severus came down the stairs. His hair was, it seemed, washed and cleansed- it wasn't as greasy as it looked in the first place, but now it looked soft and very touchable- and it was swept behind his head in a ponytail, with a few loose strands of hair. He'd opted for a pair of leather pants, pretty tight ones (not that Hermione minded, though), and a white shirt.
He looked her up and down, his eyes hovering on her halterneck and they occasionaly flickered to her black strapped low-platform shoes with a chunky heel. Coated in leather.
He walked past her and as he did so, grabbed her hand and pulled her behind a statue in a crevice.
'Well, who is my little sexy beast today.' He said, smiling. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. She leant back an pushed him gently away.
'We're not even out the door yet, Sev. Can't kiss me yet.'
'You sure about that?' He said, raising an eybrow. Without warning, he grabbed her and pulled her close. She fell against the wall in a fit of giggles as he kissed her.
'You know, Sev, no wonder that security guard thought I was your daughter.'
'Why?' He said, smiling. His knee prodded at hers, and she lifted her knees apart so they could stand better.
'Because,' She said, 'You're far too tall for me.'
'All the better to reach you with, dear.' He said. 'If you catch my drift.
'Sev!' Hermione snapped.
'Sorry, Sorry....' He put his arms around her waist and began kissing her everwhere he could see- of course, Hermione kept her ears in the no-go zone.
She wrapped her arms around him and flattened her hands on his upper back. He shifted slightly and his knee jabbed her slightly, making her gasp.
'Sorry-' He repeated. He shook his head and laughed.
'Good thing everyones at the ball, huh?' He said, taking her hand. They went out the door, took a carraigde down to Hogsmeade and they stepped out. Hermione wriggled an arm around his waist and then closed her eyes. He held onto her tightly and with a POP they apparated.

Muggle London. Club.

Hermione and Severus were no different to the other dancers in Le Serpent Rouge (a private club that her cousin Ominione owned). The only difference between she, Severus and the muggles was hte obvious- they had magic.
The song that was on was a slow song, and the lights that usualy flashed all colours slowly flashed a deep blue and gold.
The song was Truly, Madly, Deeply by Savage Garden. Hermione and Severus instantly went to the floor. Severus placed his hands on Hermione's waist, and she put her arms around his neck. As the song started, Hermione slowly swayed her hips. Neither moved much, but they danced all the same. Severus lowered his head to her ear and began to sing the song to her.
'I wanna stand with you on a mountain,
I wanna bathe with you in the sea,
I wanna lay like this forever,
Until the sky falls down on me...'
Hermione smiled softly and kissed his cheek.
'I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy,
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly Madly Deeply do...' She sang softly back to him.
He looked at her and smiled. He rested his forehead on hers.
When the end of Hogwarts came, they would stay like this forever.

Chapter Six: The Dark Mark

They walked outside, smiling at one another. Severus suddenly collapsed, panting.
She knelt with him and looked frantic.
'Sev? Sev?'
'The Mark,' He spat. 'Burning.'
She rolled up his left sleeve.Sure enough, the Dark Mark was throbbing.
Severus apparated.

Hermione went inside and waited. Unexpectedly, a tall figure came to her and held out a hand.
'Can I have tihs dance?' He said in an oddly familiar voice. She smiled and took the hand. He did the real dancing= Hermione wasn't in the mood. He pulled her close and hissed in her ear.
'The Dark Mark burnt on his arm for a reason, Granger. The Dark Lord knows he's a traitor. Your Slytherin Lover isn't gonna last long!'
She looked at the face.
'Lucius Malfoy!' She gasped. He swept her across the dancefloor.
'Yes, here on the orders of the Dark Lord himself! Granger, you better be careful on your little midnight sh ags with Severus, because you might just hear footsteps!'
'It was you!' She whispered.
'Yes- and I would of gotten you, too, if it hadn't been for your desparation to f*** your lover.'
Hermione began to become afraid as Malfoy forced her closer to him to make it look natural.
'You're going to love the next few hours, Miss Granger..' He hissed, forcing her out the doorway of Le Serpent Rouge.

Chapter Seven: Reminded

They, or rather Lucius, apparated Hermione back to Hogwarts. They took a coach and he threatened to hurt her if she didn't cast a spell to make them invisible.
She realised where they were a few moments later- in the Charms Classroom, the place that had started Severus' and Hermione's relationship off properly, starting with an arguement and ending in Hermione's loss of virginity and Severus touching a woman for the first time a decade.

Lucius grabbed her and almost hurled her against the wall, where she sank with a little Ooomph. In her momentary dizziness, Lucius pounced.

It was exactly the same as before. Lucius simply straighened and corrected his robes, and Hermione tried to reach her clothes. Only this time, there was no apology- just the slam of a door as he left.
She began sobbing.

It was almost two hours before Severus found her. Hermione was almost in peices by then.
She jerked horribly when he swept beside her, still in the clothes he had been wearing earlier, although the shirt was missing.
'Hush, MIone, it's me.' He croaked. Burns marked all over his body- they gleamed on his masculine chest and slashed across his throat. Dry blood ran through his hair and was over his hands and chest, and green marks scattered over his arms. Hermione's jeans and top were in peices, so Severus kissed her cheek before lifting a miniture cloak from his pocket.
'Engorgio.' He muttered. The cloak grew into a decent size, and he wrapped it around Hermione's shoulders.

Chapter Eight: Putting aside formalities

Hermione was still very shaken and Dumbledore had taken her and Severus' situation seriously and decided, yes, she could be allowed to sleep there.
And he'd told the Gryffindors that due to her extremely good behaviour and quality marks, that she was going to be Proffesor Snape's assistant, and it would be more convienient for her to have a room in the Dungeons.
Naturaly, Lavender was straight onto Hermione about it.
'Why are you in the dungeons?'
'I thought Headmaster Dumbledore had told you,' She said silkily. 'Or were your eyes stuffed too far up your bum and your ears buzzing about in other peoples conversations to notice?'
Lavender had looked horrified and reported her to McGonagall, who gave Hermione a detention, then told her not to attend it, and had comfortingly smiled and said it would be natural to picks up his habits. Of course, she didn't say who the "his" was.

Three Months Later

Nearing the end of the school year, Hermione thought as she walked into the Potions Shop with Severus. Of course, it looked like they were merely gathering ingrediants, and when he went into the Jewllers he made Hermione stay outside and tell whoever asked her what she was up to was that she was waiting for him to come out with the Jewel needed for a Potion.
He came out with a small box. He pocketed it and Hermione knew better than to ask. They went down the street together, and whilst it looked like they had their free hands in their pockets- charmed to look that way, of course- they had linked their hands.
Harry came tearing down the streets. He grabbed both Hermione and Snape, and dragged them into an alley.
'Malfoy- the big one- Death Eaters!'
'What?' Severus said. 'My mark isn't burning though!'
'Trap- to make- you- feel safe!' Harry panted.
'I see.' Severus said. 'Potter-'
'What, Snape?' Harry snapped.
Hermione stepped between them.
'IF you two aren't going to get along we aren't going to survive this!' Hermione snapped coldly. 'Severus- you are going to call HARRY by his first name- and likewise, Harry! You, Severus Snape, are going to forget all about James Potter- and you, Harry Potter, are going to forget about your less-than-friendly rivalry with Severus!'
They shook hands.
'Sorry, Harry.' Severus spat. And he meant it, even though he didn't sound like he did.
'Sorry, Severus.' Harry mumbled. He meant it too.

Chapter Nine: The Battle Begins

Severus literally tore his robes off, leaving a shirt and trousers. Harry didn't, as he could move better in his robes (it came from running away from werewolves and such). Hermione gave Severus a soft kiss, they all drew their wands and ran into the battle that was staring.
'PETRIFIUS TOTALUS!' Was the first spell that Hermione shouted.
'Hermione,' Said a hoarse voice. Severus touched her shoulder and she followed him.
'Indulge me,' He said softly, kissing her. She smiled and stood on tiptoe and kissed him. He pulled her closer, his hands grappling at her robes, rough- harsh- everywhere.
Then, without warning, he apparated.
Hermione breifly saw Harry before she was taken away and found herself in Severus' quarters.
Voldemort and plenty more stood there, waiting.
Shreiking, she turned and tried to run and take Severus with her, only to be obstructed by Severus. He muttered a spell and Hermione screamed again.
She'd just been making out with Lucius Malfoy.

The real Severus, however, was fighting Bellatrix Lestrange. Curses flew everywhere, and there was no sign of Dumbledore, even though half the Order had arrived.
Harry, however, had apparated after Hermione. When he burst into Severus' quarters he blasted several spells (a good deal of them Crucio's), and then shoved every single Death Eater away from Hermione.
Except one.
For the love of godd why was Hermione being protected by Lucius Malfoy?

Chapter Ten: The End

Lucius straightened up.
'Oh just you, Potter.' he said.
'What are you doing to Hermione?' Harry burst out.
'He's not done anything, Harry.' Hermione piped up, wiping dust from her robes.
'Whatever,' Harry said, suspicous. He grabbed Hermione's hand.
'C'mon-'
'HARRY! We have to get Dumbledore- Voldemort- he's here!'
And then, an explosion rocketed through the room.

Severus felt a tearing sensation as Bellatrix Lestrange abandoned her wand and ripped at him with scythe-like nails and tore his shirt, ripping and digging at his skin as she did so. She tore at the front of his shirt but it held, and she held up her wand as he fell to his knee, weakened.
'AVADA KEDAVRA!'
Bellatrix began laughing in the smoke. As Severus expected her voice to fade, it didn't.
Then he noticed the body lying at his feet.
Ron Weasley.

Harry lifted himself away from Hermione. She shuddered as she saw Lucius Malfoy, his leg stuck under rock, and what looked like Voldemort's arm several feet away. The rest of him was poking a little from under the rocks.
'The ceiling must of collapsed,' Harry said.
Hermione looked at him.
'We did it.'
'What?'
'We did it.' She repeated. 'He's dead. Gone. He can't come back. The Man who Failed to Kill the Boy-Who-Lived is dead.'
'Voldemort's dead?'
Then they both started dancing and laughing- it was truly over, at last. The end of Lord Voldemort's reign, the end of the wide-spread fear he had caused, was over.

Chapter Eleven: A Funeral, A Proposal, a Graduation- and Naturaly, a Wedding

Dumbledore stood up and caught everyone's attention. Severus quickly put his hand in his pocket, and received a frown from Hermione. He ignored her, as standard.
'As you all know,' Dumbledore boomed, 'The Graduation will take place on your very last day of term- the very last day for Seventh Years, too- and it is then that the NEWTs results will be told.'
Then, he looked very grave.
'Also, it will be a sad day, as well as one of joy. For in an effort to save his teacher, Ronald Daniel Weasley perished at the hands of Bellatrix Lestrange.'
Severus closed his eyes sadly and Dumbledore continued, the twinkle back in his eye.
'And I believe said teacher has something to say.'
Severus smiled. He stood up.
'Would Hermione Jane Granger please come to the High Table,' He said, his cold voice ringing through the hall.
Hermione stood up and went to the table. Severus came round the front, bent in front of her on one knee, and lifted a little black box from his pocket. He opened it. Inside, there shone a little silver and gold ring with an emerald snake and a ruby lion joined together on it.
'Will you, Hermione Jane Granger, make me the happiest ex-Death Eater to walk this planet, and marry me?'
Naturally, Hermione's lips had jumped straight to his in a passionate kiss. He stumbled up, still kissing her, and slid the ring on her finger. They stood there for a few seconds, still kissing, before, without any prompting from the teachers, the Slytherins and the Gryffindors burst into appulause.
A legandary moment, Hermione thought, the joining of the two most rivaled houses and them accepting it.
Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff weren't clapping. Au contraire, they were gaping in disgust. It took several claps from Dumbledore (who had been indulging in some fatherly twinkling and smiling) to get them going. Their clapping was somewhat forced, however.
Severus and Hermione didn't notice. Severus was too busy sitting at the high table, Hermione on his lap, and Hermione was too busy fighting the urge to do some incredibly naughty things to him there and then.
Severus muttered something to Dumbledore, who stood up again. The clapping ceased, though a few of the Slytherin kept whooping until they realised everyone was watching Dumbledore.
'As well as the Funeral on Graduation, Proffesor Snape has just told me that the Wedding will take place then, so that the Professors, his house, and Gryffindor House, and well, everyone, could enjoy their bonding.'
He smiled and then added, 'Of course, he meant it was mostly in convinence to Hermione so she could celebrate with him and Harry later.'
'Headmaster!' Both Severus and Hermione said, more out of humor than anything.

The months came and went suprisingly fast. Now that Severus' and Hermione's relationship was out in the open, they held hands in the corridors and no longer made up excuses as to why they were talking. Strangely enough, Hermione's sudden engagement to Snape had forged friendships and love between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Harry was dating a good few of the Slytherin Girls- at the same time- and Draco had started dating Ginny. Just Ginny. And she was happy for the company- she needed something to take her mind off her dead brother.

Hermione and Severus' work load wasn't going to give itself up. There were hundreds of Potions NEWTs Grades to mark, and she still hadn't sorted out her Maid of Honour or her dress.
Severus had picked Harry as a best man, and she knew he'd of sorted his suit for the wedding- it was green, with a silver shirt. Typical Slytherin.


First came the Funeral. Weeping, sadness, and lots of nastiness directed Severus' way for not stopping Ron from taking the spell.
Then it was the Wedding. Oh, the blissful wedding.
Hermione walked down the isle with her father, her hair elegantly shaped on the top of her head, and a little blue eyeshadow flattering her brown eyes. She wore a long, rose-pink dress with a green choke rose necklace the rose in silver. She smiled at her soon-to-be husband, and smiled as she felt confetti, thrown not-so-elegantly by a few Slytherin and Gryffindor first years, waft over her. She smiled at Harry beside Severus, at Ginny, opposite them. Then, she was suddenly alone- she walked the final stretch of the aisle and Severus took her hands in his. They stood opposite each other and Hermione barely heard the words that Dumbledore boomed as she locked eyes with Severus. She said "I do", and then, she waited.
Severus looked at her.
'I do.'
And it was those two little words that made her explode with happiness.
Before Dumbledore managed to get the words 'You may kiss the bride' out, she was kissing Severus. He was a little startled at first, but then took her into his warm and soothing embrace.

The Graduation passed with little incident (apart from Hermione yelping in suprise as Severus rubbed a hand over her thigh under the table and catching everyone's attention) and she felt more at ease with being around Severus now that she was offically no longer a student.

After Graduation, he took her back to his- their- quarters, where they instantly threw themselves onto the bed.

After some intense lovemaking, Severus lay on his side and looked at her softly.
'I love you, Mrs Snape.' He said gently.
'I love you too, Severus.' She said softly, kissing him.

The End

ooc: don't fuss, folks- I will, indeedy, make a sequel- look for the topic called Shadowed.