Author's note: So the time has come, i must say goodbye to one of my favorite characters. I feel great happiness at being able to have prolonged his life a tad longer in this story, but it must be done. This is one of the most emotional chapters i will write, as i just recently lost my great grandfather to cancer. Bare with me readers, the romance is on it's way. Like i said, slow build.

Over the last two days since she had finally taken residence in Hogwarts, she had been by Albus's side as much as possible. Even taking meals and working on her syllabus by his side. Each day, she remained a pillar of strength for the withering wizard as she listened to his endless stories, or sat in silence as she worked. All the while Warren remained curled up aside Albus, assuring he never felt any pain and slept peacefully. Each night, she would wait until he had been asleep for a few hours before gathering her stuff, and retiring to her bed. She allowed Warren to stay by Albus during the night, missing him painfully but knowing she felt better for the peace he gave him. Minerva had let slip that Severus had been brewing potions tirelessly in the dungeons since arriving, not taking well to Albus's turn of health at all. Each day she fought the need to find and comfort him, knowing Albus needed her more presently.

As she woke, with sunlight warming her from where it poked through her bed curtains, she rolled over to find Warren missing as usual. Sliding from her bed, she took a long and warm shower as her thoughts returned to her previous conversation with Poppy after a check up on Albus. She didn't think he would last the day, and could feel his magic leaving him at a quicker pace. As she allowed a moment of tears in the downpour of her shower, she calmed her emotions and cleared her mind. Strength, a pillar of strength, thats what Minerva and Albus needed as well as the rest of the residents in the castle. Harry and Ron would be arriving in a few minutes with their wives, Ginny and Lavender. Hermione knew she should be panicked at finally seeing them all once again, but couldn't find it in herself to worry over anything aside from Albus. Even the fact that she had been in the castle for three days now, and had yet see Severus once, even Warren saying he hadn't seen the professor at all should have brought the panic she felt at his empty cabin back.

Once she had changed into a comfortable outfit, tended to her hair, she slid her wand into the drawer aside her bed. She had found that the magic encouraged her wandless magic to the height she no longer needed her wand for even the most powerful of spells. Grabbing her jacket, she left the sanctity of her rooms and made her way to the foyer to see Harry and Ron.

As she reached the bottom of the steps, she heard two girlish screams and commotion break out. Breaking into a run, she rounded the corner to find both Ron and Harry sheltering their wives behind them as Warren stood annoyed at their greeting. She laughed, as her love for the boys and annoyance at their immaturity brought back old feelings.

"Oh, put your wands down, they wouldn't do anything to him anyhow." She came to stand beside Warren, chuckling again as both Harry and Ron's jaws dropped in sync to her laying her hand on Warren's head in a loving show of possession. "Warren, meet Harry and Ron. Their wives behind them are Ginny and Lavender."

Ron was the first to stupidly raise his wand once more, his face turning red in confusion. "Hermione, get away from it! It's not safe!"

"OH RONALD, put your wand away you idiot. This is Warren, my familiar. He would rather die than hurt those who are important to me."

Harry cleared his throat while putting his wand away, "That beast is yours?"

"Watch it Harry." She loving scratched behind his ears, "He doesn't like insults."

Ginny finally nudged Harry out of the way to run forward, Hermione finding herself suddenly enveloped in a suffocating hug.

"Oh, Hermione. It's so good to see you again. I've missed you dearly." Hermione smiled as a rush of thanks came forward for Ginny and her attempt to make her feel more at ease.

"I've missed you too Ginny. How are the boys?"

"Why is he staring at me?" Ron's voice came out as a whine, Hermione shook her head in annoyance.

"Perhaps because you still have your wand pointed at him, Ron put it away."

As his face once gain flushed red, he stowed his wand away. "Well you could have warned us you had a beast for a familiar Hermione, i mean come on look at him."

"This beast...as you boys so eloquently put it, is a ancient being who has chosen me as his familiar. Have some respect."

Both men muttered apologies as they shuffled their feet, a familiar response to her chastising them from their childhood. Hermione smiled softly, "Shall we go? Dumbledore is waiting."

They all nodded, Hermione chose to ignore Lavender's presence, still unable to deal with the witch presently. Taking up the lead with Warren beside her, she found Ginny whispering heatedly with Ron and Harry, both looking very apologetic.

As they entered the Headmaster's quarters, Warren immediately leapt onto the bed and curled aside the older wizard, but faced the crowd in a protective manner over him. Hermione felt pride and love swell within her at his gesture for the older man. Knowing that these last few days, Warren had formed a bond close to theirs with the older wizard.

The bedroom had been expanded magically to hold a long table with different snacks along it, Dumbledore's bed still in the middle of the room surrounded by chairs for people to come and sit with him, and pay his respects. It was his wishes that everyone come today instead of later to a funeral, he wished to pass in the presence of those he held dear and be buried in silence. Hermione took her chair closest to Albus, laying her hand in his, and smiling softly as Warren licked both of them.

It won't be long now Hermione, i can feel it.

Wishing for their conversation to remain private she opened her occlumency shields, Is there enough time for the others to show Warren?

I believe so.

Hastily, she wiped a tear from her eye. I can't believe this is happening.

I'm right here Hermione, be strong. We will mourn later.

Hermione sat quietly, with a brave face, as she watched the others bring Albus into conversation one by one. Each relaying some memory they had with him, bringing weak laughter or smiles to his face. With each word she felt her heart crack, as Albus was being showered with respect and love. One by one the order members showed, until finally Kingsley showed. Leaning slowly with a cautious eye on Warren, to hug Albus. Just as she felt that everyone was present, her body froze as she became aware of a pair of eyes studying her from the entrance. Turning slowly she found Severus Snape standing frozen in shock at her presence, his eyes flying between the massive lion and her curled form aside Albus.

Hermione, leave him be. Let him speak to Albus and deal with this after. This is not the time nor place, stay strong my dear.

She turned to see her familiar's deep blue and silver eyes staring back at her, felt his love flow through her building her strength back up. She nodded once as her mouth finally shut, and she returned her gaze to Albus, finding a knowing twinkle in his soft eyes.

Softly, she heard his voice in her mind. I hope the two of you find the happiness you both deserve my dear, it is my greatest wish.

She nodded softly, once again gripping his frail hand in both of hers. As the rest of the room seemed to fade in the background, she looked up to find Severus take a seat next to Albus's knees. With his body facing Hermione, he bent over and hugged the older wizard, whispering something in his ear. Albus smirked as Severus stood back up, before turning to Warren's questioning stare.

Severus Snape i presume?

Yes, and you are? Hermione almost gasped at the rich baritone of his voice filled her head, she glared knowingly at Warren for allowing her to hear their conversation.

I have been named Warren, I am Hermione's Ancient Familiar of Romania. It is a pleasure to finally meet you sir.

I see. How is it exactly you know who i am?

She heard Warren laugh softly at Severus's question. My feelings and emotions are Hermione's. Obviously i would know who you are my boy.

I suppose you are staying in the castle then?

Of course, as long as Hermione resides here, i will be as well.

Severus looked to her with a questioning and shocked look, but his eyes held warmth in them that she had missed for the year she had been gone. She nodded in affirmation to Warren's response. Severus nodded once, turning back to Albus.

Hermione's gaze followed his, as she found Albus's eyes closed, a small smile on his lips. Looking at Severus once more she found a single tear to have fallen from his eye, to which she felt her own break free. Warren? Is he?

Yes, Hermione dear. He has passed.

She gasped, as the realization of what had just happened settled in, Hermione pushed free from the crowd that rushed to surround Albus. Running from his quarters at a faster pace than she had meant to allow. Hearing Kingsley's deep voice yelling her name, she broke in a faster sprint from the steps of the castle, it's warmth caressing her in it's own form of mourning. She ran, and ran, numb to the emotions breaking free as much as she was to the opening sky and it's downpour. As she reached the gate's opening she swirled her hands in a circular motion as her body phased into flight, and she flew with no destination in mind.

Just as she reached the first quidditch goal she felt her body thrum in answer to a ferocious roar from below, looking down she found Warren sprinting below her.

Hermione! Stop!

With a numbness she found scary as well as overwhelming she ignored her familiar and pushed her flight faster. Once again looking below her, she felt her emotions attempting to crack through at the vision of her familiar's mane rippling with wind at the speed with which he gracefully followed her. Suddenly his gaze found hers, Fly my dear. Keep going, i'll be here when your ready to come down.

She felt strength envelope her as her body began to weaken, flying with ease once more she soared past the forbidden forest, all the while feeling his warmth below her. She continued to fly for moments she wasn't able to count, time seemingly stood still as the scenery below her began to calm her raging mind. As she reached the mountains a few miles past Hogwart's grounds, she landed in a heap of sobs and tears. Becoming enveloped in her familiar's grasp as he curled around and over her in protection and love.

She lay curled on the soft grass, with the rain and wind swirling around her, sobs flowing from her throat and a river of tears cascaded from her eyes. She grasped Warren weakly in her arms as she used him for both warmth and love while her grief overcame her. As time became lost to both of them, with her curled up in Warren's embrace, and her sobs becoming small shaky breaths she realized it was dark out. Taking a moment to survey the sky, she found a star twinkling merrily above her, shining brighter than the rest. Unraveling herself from Warren, she stood to gaze on it, suddenly feeling at peace as the star reminded her all too well of a pair of twinkling blue eyes.

He is up there now Hermione, watching over us all. Standing tall with strength and pride, healthy and happy with those who have fallen during the war. Having conversation and whiskey while catching them up on his thoughts and wishes during his time here. His legacy remains around us, and he will burn with pride as he watches everyone of those he held dear uphold it. I promise you my dear, you will meet him again, but he would wish you lived this lifetime to the fullest in his name. In both health and happiness.

She knelt beside Warren, curling her arm around his neck and he curled it around hers. They sat that way for a few more minutes, with Warren hugging her, and she staring at the twinkling star. Until finally she felt her strength return, as well as determination to make Albus proud. Standing once more, she caressed Warren's large muzzle lovingly while staring into his eyes.

"What would i do without you?"

You will never have to know Hermione. Are you ready?

"Yes, i think i am." He nudged her hand before she took flight.

I'll race you.

She laughed as she watched him sprint off, shaking her head as her wrist curled in command, her body curling into a magic mist whilst taking flight once more.

As she landed just below the steps to the front doors, Warren sped up beside her.

"I win."

By choice ma'am. Always by choice.

"Yea right you mangy mutt." He nipped her playfully as she walked through the doors to find Harry and Ginny waiting patiently at the bottom of the steps, Harry holding her lovingly in her arms.

"Harry? Ginny? Everything okay?" Harry stood at once, having not noticed her presence before.

"Hermione, you worried us taking off like that."

She looked away, unused to the look of concern that burned brightly in the man's eyes. "I'm sorry Harry, i needed air."

He laughed in response, "Apparently the flying type? Since when do you enjoy flying, i've been trying to get you on a broom for years."

Ginny laughed while smacking Harry's arm playfully. "Flying on a stick and flying are two totally different things husband. Shesh."

Hermione smiled brightly, suddenly enjoying their presence once more, before becoming silently shocked as Harry started to pet Warren. "Not such a beast anymore is he?"

Harry glanced shifted anxiously, "No, he definitely isn't. Sorry bout that Hermione."

"Apology accepted."

Ginny stepped forward, laying her hand on Hermione's elbow. "Everyone's gone, Minerva and Hagrid and carried Dumbledore down to his vault. "

"It was as he wished Ginny, he is in peace now."

She gave her a slight hug before nodding, "i know, just thought it'd let you know."

Hermione nodded before turning to find Harry and Warren deep in conversation. "You know secrets don't make friends you two!"

Both Harry and Warren's gaze snapped to hers, Harry smiling in response while she could hear Warren's chuckles in her mind. Harry stood and gathered his wife, "Well we will leave you two for now, it's time to retire for the night."

"So soon?" Hermione suddenly wished she had longer to get caught up with her best friends, even if the circumstance were what they are.

"Yeah, it's late." Harry grabbed her in a fierce hug and whispered in her ear, "I'll visit soon i promise."

She nodded, and watched as both Ginny and Harry disappeared around the corner. Just as Hermione turned to make her way up the steps, she noticed Warren staring at the darker hallway below.

"Warren?"

"Apparently, you can't have any unknown followers now Ms. Granger." The deep baritone voice she recognized all too well came from behind her, turning she saw Severus step from the shadows.

"Why are you lurking?"

Severus stood straighter in annoyance as he scowled at her pointless question, "It's what i do remember?"

She shook her head, "No, actually i remember a completely different side of you Severus. Or did you forget?"

He moved to stand on the step below her, bringing him to her height. "Never." She felt her breath catch at that response, her eyes getting lost in his dark gaze.

Clearing his throat, he held his hand out, "Shall i walk you to your rooms Professor?"

She turned to find Warren waiting at the top clearing of the steps, his eyes burning in protection for her. She gave him a questioning look at his reaction to Severus, before starting to climb them. I'm not sure of him yet Hermione, take it slow.

Oh please Warren, i've known the man longer than i've known you. Calm down.

Softly growling in her mind Warren glanced behind her to Severus, just take it slow for me okay? If he hurts you, it will be the last thing he does.

She nodded as he disappeared into her quarters, turning to face Severus once more. His hair had grown longer since she had last seen him, now long enough to be braided back. He looked thinner but healthier, she could make out a stronger stance in his build. His eyes held a question burning in them, almost unsure of what to do next.

"Thank you for escorting me Severus, it is getting late, i should retire." She turned from him, about to push her painting open when he grabbed her wrist to stop her.

"Hermione, i-..." She faced him once more to find his gaze burning with an unidentifiable emotion, but felt hope bloom in her heart once more. "Where have you been?"

"I went all over Severus. I spent weeks, days, sometimes months in different locations."

Severus turned from her eyes, pausing, almost as if to gather what he would say next. Until finally his gaze reached hers again, his eyes burning with a heat, "Thank you. For the diary."

She had forgotten she left her journal with him, feeling her heart thrum faster at the idea of him having read it after she left. "You're welcome Severus. It was the only way i could actually explain to anyone what had happened to me. The only way i could make you see why i had become what i had."

He stepped closer but then backed away, almost having thought better of it. "I didn't need your memories to know you couldn't have become that person without something horrible happening Hermione." He paused taking a deep breath, Hermione watched as he forced himself to swallow. "I was so worried when you left..."

"Severus..."

"I looked for you, even though i promised myself i would let you go. I still looked, but i knew i had to leave you be." Severus took another step back from her, giving them space.

"I know, i'm sorry i never reached out. I just needed...needed to be alone."

He gave her a look of understanding, and for a passing glance she thought she saw something else, but it disappeared before she could be sure.

"I'll leave you to retire. Just wanted to say thank you." He turned to leave down the steps, and as much as she fought against she called his name to stop him. Taking the last few steps to stand level with him, she laid her hand on his shoulder before stepping on her toes and softly kissing his forehead. Her heart ached for her to do more, but she could hear Warren's warning in her mind, so she took a step back.

"I'm sorry about Albus, i know how close you two were."

He nodded, as sadness fell over his face. "I'm sorry for you too, i know you were as close to him as i was." He turned to take another step but hesitated, before whispering, "Hermione, can we start over?"

She nodded, her eyes welling with tears once more. "There isn't really a reason to start over Severus."

"Yes there is." He looked once more into her eyes before turning to disappear down the steps, leaving Hermione to slowly make her way into her chambers. Warren sat patiently on the bed, awaiting her arrival. As she stripped from her clothes, she ignored the tears streaming from her eyes once more, climbing in bed. Warren once more curled around her, and laid his head along her stomach, gazing into her eyes knowingly.

Let it out Hermione, i'm not going anywhere.