Intent, Hermione knew, was just as important as skill and knowledge. That was why she had insisted that she be the one to perform Snape's obliviation; she could not trust anyone else to not harbour any resentment or ill will towards the Headmaster and have it unconsciously affect the spell and thus his mind. The last thing that she wanted to do was hurt him, and she would willingly break her mind and magic before doing that to him.

He sat loose-limbed and calm on her parent's sofa, dark eyes opened wide; in the back of her mind, she recalled her mother and father sitting the same way as she obliviated them out of her life over a decade before.

They had not fought her because they had not known something was amiss until it was too late.

Severus was not fighting her either.

And it was that, more than anything that shattered her calm. Severus Snape was a man who fought everything and everyone, who never let down his defences. And yet he had left the safety of Hogwarts, willingly submitted himself to obliviation, had apologised and tried to offer comfort… why?

Why is he passively accepting this? Why isn't he fighting me?

In Severus' open mind, she found an answer.

He called it obsession, but it was far more complex than that. It was recognition and respect. There was a fierce need to protect and shelter, and a deep longing to be needed. To care for her in all the ways that he could. Despite all the facades that she had thrown up, he had recognised the essential core of her and found something good in it.

It tasted a lot like love.

"Oblivia-" she heard her herself say, as if from a great distance.

Abruptly, Hermione's throat closed up and her wand shook wildly as something shattered within. The last syllable of the spell would not come. "Oh, god," she groaned, everything collapsing into shambles around her. "I can't… I can't do this again."

Because the truth was, she loved him too.

She always had been in awe of him, of his intelligence and fearsome drive. Hermione had been stunned by the full extent of his sacrifices at the end of the war; she had often wondered how he had the fortitude to endure the abuse over the decades. And then at a ridiculous dinner party, she had met Severus, the man, not the fearsome Professor Snape.

He was flawed, yes, but he was so much more than the sum of his parts, something he'd demonstrated by his brutally honest confessions and keen observations. He'd also had been utterly correct in his assessment that the overwhelming nature of their attraction had frightened and angered her. But in the fleeting, tender moments that they had shared in this house, Hermione had felt safe and loved in a way that she could barely remember. It had been an unexpected boon, and one she could not cast into oblivion.

Her wand hit the floor with a noisy clatter, and then Hermione was sobbing with the full force of a Scottish gale. Somehow, she ended up in his arms, and the delicious heat of his body almost hurt after the weeks of living in the perpetual chill of a half-life.

Burrowing her face in the spicy, soothing scent of his robes, she wept for what they were losing.

Severus didn't try to shush her, or croon useless words of comfort; he simply held her, one hand pressing her into the sanctuary of his embrace, and the other tracing the length of her spine back and forth.

Uncounted minutes passed, and Hermione finally breached the surface of her grief. She could feel heavy eyes on her and knew it wasn't Severus. Shifting, she turned to look towards the doorway.

Moira was framed in the arch, wand out and magic buzzing as she prepared to cast spells of binding and confinement.

They both stiffened, and Hermione understood the price of this failure. Fumbling for the catch of her bracelet, she took it off. With a wandless incantation, she restored one of the dangling charms into her Unspeakable badge and offered it up in recognition.

"I am sorry," Hermione said, voice still rough with emotion. "I can't do it. I can't do this anymore."

"You are giving up your commission as an Unspeakable?" the other woman asked, not reaching for the bracelet.

"Yes. I would have done so regardless. What I did…"

A flicker of anger appeared in Moira's expression, her regard shifting over to Severus accusingly.

"It isn't his fault," Hermione explained hastily. "I didn't just break all the cardinal rules of the Unspeakables. I broke too many of mine, as well."

Severus' hand reached out, the long, nimble fingers twining with hers in solidarity.

"Granger, you do realise that this means that I will have to obliviate the both of you? And given that I don't have your talent at mind magics, it likely won't go well? I could turn your brains into little more than scrambled eggs with the tiniest mistake. Are you really prepared to take that risk?"

Hermione sucked in a sharp breath. Oh god, she thought, feeling sick. My weakness is going to get Severus killed. I have to be the one to obliviate him. It's the only way that he'll have a decent chance of making it through this! For a painful moment she stared at her wand on the floor, but the force of will and determination that had carried her through so many travails was finally exhausted; Hermione knew that she would never be able to harm Severus in such a fashion, even to save him from a greater pain.

Stricken, she turned back to look at Severus. "I'm so sorry. I know I should be the one to do this, but I just... can't. I destroyed my parent's love for me by obliviating them eleven years ago, and it broke me into a million pieces. It's selfish and weak of me, but I can't do it all over again… even knowing the costs, I just can't do it to you."

Unexpectedly, Severus smiled. It was a gentle expression, and one with such an empathetic comprehension that it brought a fresh round of tears to Hermione's eyes. "I understand. It's alright."

"It's not," she sniffed, guilt attacking her anew.

"It is. Hermione… if I were forced to go back in time and relive watching Charity's murder, or aid in the torture of countless people… if I had to go back and kill Albus Dumbledore once more to save Hogwarts, I could not do it. Even knowing that it would likely mean the war not ending in our favour, I could not stand by and do it all over again. There is a limit to what we can withstand, and I don't blame you for having hit that limit."

"It's not fair that you will have to pay for my mistakes."

His smile turned a shade wry. "Life isn't fair and you know it. Moreover, do I really need to remind you that I was an active and willing participant in our downfall?" With his free hand, Severus brushed a tear from her cheek. "I didn't expect to live to see the end of the war. To be perfectly frank, I didn't wish to. But by some quirk of fate I did, and I don't regret any of it for one moment. These last ten years have been a gift. I was given the chance to make my apologies, to have the time to create a legacy that wasn't all about hate and poor choices. To finally… live. If the worst happens… it happens. I knew the consequences in coming here, and it was worth it to know you live."

From the doorway, Moira made a harsh sound. "What am I supposed to do with the two of you?" she inquired acidly, wand lowering abruptly.

"I am sorry," Hermione repeated uselessly, weariness and pain swamping her all at once. She sagged into Severus' arms, all fight gone.

The apology didn't appease Moira. "Do you have any idea what you've done, Hermione? By breaking our rules and then refusing to clean up the resulting mess, you've backed me into a right nasty corner. On one hand, there are the vows that I made when I became the Head of the Department of Mysteries to protect and guard those under my care… and then there are the two of you, looking every bit like wide-eyed puppies who have just been thrown into the burlap sack meant for drowning."

Tapping her wand against her leg with irritation, Moira released a put-upon sigh. "And do you really think I relish the thought of lobotomising not only my brightest agent but the reformist Headmaster of Hogwarts who is a Slytherin to boot?"

"By the tone and manner in which you are asking the question, I gather not," Severus responded sardonically. The impudence earned him a hard glare. "Moira, when we were students together you were known for your ability to negotiate successful compromises. Surely there is another option that will allow for the protection of your Department and secrets while preserving the sanctity of our minds."

"Hermione couldn't pay the price, so you will? Is that it? Tell me, Snape, will you permit yourself to be bound to another's service and cause once more? Because that's the only way I am willing to compromise with you."

"Name your price," Severus said quietly, and Hermione flinched at the repressed sentiment contained in those three words. To ask that one thing of him..!

"Severus-" she exclaimed, but he cut her off.

"Let me make my own choices in this, Hermione. As I said, a good deal of the blame goes to me as well." His gaze returned to Moira. "What is the price?"

"First, you will make a magically binding vow of silence regarding the events that took place."

"I offered to do that before, and take no exception to it now." Severus' deep voice was calm and sure at her side.

Moira's mouth twisted. "Ahh, but there are only two conditions within the secrecy laws governing the Unspeakables that permit me the freedom to make that offer. One, of course, is lifetime employment with the Department of Mysteries, which is how Hermione has been bound. The other choice is a vow of secrecy woven into undissolvable marriage bindings. Luckily for you, Hermione put in for a relationship exemption weeks ago. Your security clearance was completed yesterday. What will it be, Snape? Employment or marriage?"

Hermione felt like she had just been hit by a Bludger, shock stunning her into silence. What? Is she really going to let him keep his memories? Is she breaking her own rules for us? A rush of hope made her lightheaded, and she clutched at the chair.

"Marriage is completely out of the question," Severus replied coolly, and Hermione closed her eyes at the fierce stab of pain his statement provoked. It appeared that his forgiveness only went so far, and she couldn't blame him for it.

It's not as if I have shown myself as trustworthy in any of this, Hermione reasoned, taking a measured breath in. I have no reason to be hurt by his quick dismissal. I should be over the moon that there is a solution that doesn't involve taking his memories… and after all, the dynamics of our relationship haven't exactly been healthy. One perfect night together and weeks of fighting are not any sort of foundation for a marriage. Regardless of any attraction that lays between us- regardless of my feelings- marriage is a massive step. If this is what it takes for Severus to keep his memories and mind intact, then so be it.

"What would the conditions of employment be?"

"We are painfully understaffed at this point. I would have you help to recruit recent graduates into our ranks, and if a particularly thorny question arises concerning potions, be available to provide assistance. I will use you as a consultant, not as an Unspeakable or active agent. It would not be an onerous time commitment from you."

"You do understand that my vows and duties to Hogwarts would always come first. I will not put the school at risk just because of some Ministry cock-up or hare-brained initiative that needs to be sorted out."

Moira returned his frosty glance. "Naturally. A stronger Hogwarts would be in our favour, as well."

"And this would be all agreed upon in a signed, magically-binding contract? Standard employment conditions and restrictions?"

"Yes."

Severus narrowed his eyes. "Don't get snippy with me, Moira. We are both too much of dyed-in-the-wool Slytherins to trust promises made blindly or in the heat of the moment."

"And you know that I would far rather gain a new agent, even in a limited capacity, than lose one of my best and be forced to obliviate both of you. It behoves me to act in good faith in this situation. Are we agreed?"

"Yes, with one further condition," Severus said. "You will not unduly punish Hermione for what happened. No re-assignments to far off shiteholes, no endless queue of onerous tasks assigned, and she is not to be given every single wildly dangerous case that comes up in retaliation for what has happened."

"You dare dictate how I manage my people at a time like this?"

"I do, yes." He leaned back in the chair. "Note that I said 'unduly', Moira. Discipline is discipline, but given her condition, I would say that any punishment you could devise would be superfluous at this point."

Moira said nothing, anger making her go thin-lipped.

"I will not have her broken for this," Severus warned flatly, magic imbuing his words with power. "Moreover, I know my worth. If I agree to this, you not only get me, you gain a foothold into Hogwarts and her mysteries."

From the way that Moira's jaw briefly tightened, Hermione knew that Severus had scored a hit. "Fine," she spat. "If you'll permit us access to the Restricted Section of the Library, I'll even sweeten the deal. Should Granger wish to retain her commission as an Unspeakable in a month, I'll allow it rather than forcing her to stay in the ranks as a general researcher."

"Only two people from the Department are allowed in per month, no material can be taken from grounds or copied without my express permission, and anyone working in the Library cannot disrupt student or staff research," Snape countered.

"Agreed. Do we have a deal, Headmaster?"

"So mote it be," he replied formally, and all three of them jumped when with a sudden whoosh and a flash of silver, a snowy owl Patronus appeared in the lounge.

"You are perilously close to being late in your return, Burke. This medicine can't take itself. Get the patient back here before I take it out of your hide rather than hers," a male voice intoned crossly before the owl dissipated into nothing.

The Head of the Unspeakables actually rolled her eyes at the threat. "Granger, we need to leave before your clever clogs of a Healer gets even more impatient than he already is."

Numbly, Hermione staggered up from the sofa and Severus' lap, thoroughly discomposed by the unexpected turn of events. She wanted a good cry. She wanted to laugh. Mostly, though, Hermione wished to be alone so that she could put herself back together and repair some of her fractured masks that protected her from the world. Fleetingly, she wondered if this was a trap, but no; while Moira could be ruthless, she never, ever offered false succour.

Severus stood up next to her, a large hand on the small of her back providing badly-needed balance. Hermione took an obedient step forward, but Severus stopped her. "Moira, I need two more minutes."

"Don't push your luck, Snape. I need to get her back to take her potions. She is quite ill."

"And I only need two more minutes. Two for the price of one, remember?"

"Fine," the woman bit off. "Come hell or high water, I am leaving in two minutes with Granger in tow. Make it brief." Burke turned around and walked back to the kitchen.

Severus stared down the hallway, and with a huff, cast a privacy spell. His lean frame was tense, and Hermione could see apprehension in how he held himself back from her. There was an unfamiliar emotion in his eyes—fear?—and combined with his earlier words, her heart started to pound uneasily.

"Hermione… I have to know. Can there ever be anything more between us?"

A great gasp of air escaped her, and Hermione went weak-kneed at his inquiry. Marriage question aside, his speech about forgiveness hadn't just been placating nonsense; he did care for her. And just maybe, Severus can forgive me…

"I rather thought that you had already claimed me," she said shakily, daring to hope. "In the library the night of the attack. Was I wrong?"

Long arms went around her in an instant, the harsh world cut off by the security of wool and warmth. It will be okay… everything is going to be alright…

"You weren't wrong. But I would not hold you to a decision made under duress. If you really want me as a life partner, I am entirely yours." Severus low voice rumbled over her skin, and she hugged him tighter.

"Did you consider it? Marrying me instead of taking the offer of employment?" Hermione blurted, and felt Severus take a sharp breath in. She looked up.

His hand cupped her cheek gently, and their gazes held for a breathless moment.

"Of course I did. But I told you- I won't hold you to a decision made under duress. Marriage, any binding of that magnitude… it should never be used as a weapon like that. To start a relationship with those sorts of dynamics is a recipe for disaster."

"Be that as it may, I would have done it, and done it gladly." She gave him a shaky smile, wondering why she felt like weeping again. "And it wouldn't have been just to protect you. Severus. I… care about you deeply."

"You humble me, Hermione." Gently, and giving her plenty of time to demure, Severus leaned down and kissed her. Unlike previous times, it wasn't a ferocious meeting of lips, or a gesture full of desperation. Rather, it was a tender exploration, flavoured with curiosity and banked passion. It was a beginning to something, not the prelude to a finish. They eventually parted with a shared sigh, and Hermione rested her head on his chest, hearing the comforting beat of his heart.

"It would have been foolish, anyway," she reasoned regretfully, letting the exhaustion of the last month creep over her now that she was safe. "This way is far better. After all, we might know a bit of each other, but we don't know each other's habits and preferences, all the little things that matter… and our communication, among other things, definitely needs some work-"

"Marry me," Severus interrupted, tone silken and compelling. "A long engagement would be the prudent choice, but I don't really give a damn."

Guilt—or maybe it was insecurity—forced her out of the sanctuary of his arms. "Severus… I wasn't trying to push. I just…"

"You're tired," he finished for her, bridging the gap by once again embracing her. "And you broke all of your rules—moral, ethical, hell, even common sense—to be with me and protect me. And you've paid a painful price for those choices, and need to know that this is real, that it won't disappear like a puff of smoke on the wind. That you do, in fact, have some solid claim to me."

"Yes," Hermione whispered, stunned that he could articulate something that had only been a nebulous swirl of sentiment within her. "How did you know?"

"My love… I broke all of my rules, too. I need you just as much. These last weeks, thinking you were dead… it put a lot into perspective."

He caressed the sensitive line of her jaw with his knuckles, and she melted into his touch. Leaning in closer, Severus brushed his mouth over hers softly, this kiss healing some of the bruised vulnerability that darkened her soul. Hermione lifted her hand to the nape of his neck and let her fingertips drift into the fine black hair, pulling him closer. She welcomed the subtle intrusion of his tongue, a new sort of weakness filling her.

"You know," he murmured, breaking away reluctantly, "it's customary to answer the question when someone asks you to marry them."

"We have a lot to sort out, but my feelings aren't going to change. I'd rather do that sorting as your wife, or at the very least, your fiancée. Severus… I love you."

Severus laughed, and the sound was beautiful enough to make angels sigh. "I love you, too. And you are right: we need time to figure out how to do this correctly. Codependency isn't a good look for either of us."

"And?" she pressed when an answer wasn't immediately forthcoming.

"I want to be your husband rather sooner than later." One black brow went up in a supercilious manner. "Besides which, I am given to understand that wives are particularly good at nagging and cleaning up husbandly messes."

"Are you giving me permission to boss you around?" Hermione asked with a mocking leer, buoyed by the warm humour in his gaze.

Severus' lips drifted down to her throat, and he nibbled softly until she gave a faint moan. "As it will clearly be mutually beneficial for both of us, yes. I've also heard that the registry office in North Yorkshire is quite beautiful this time of year-"

"Ahem…" Moira Burke said from the doorway, the faintest of smiles on her lips. "Your two minutes are up. Snape, am I to assume that you are coming with us?"

They turned as a couple to look at the Head of the Unspeakables wearing identical smirks.

"Yes," Snape said firmly. "Among other things, I have a highly detailed contract to sign, do I not?"

Moira shook her head. "Why do I have the sinking feeling that you two are going to keep me busy?"

"Because unlike many in Wizarding Britain you're not an empty-headed numpty?"

"Yes, yes, save the brown-nosing for a time when it might work, Granger. You are still on my shit list."

"Arms around my neck, Hermione," Severus ordered, bending his knees so that she could reach. She complied without hesitation, and with a show of careful strength, he picked her up, cradling her in his arms.

Hermione gave a startled squeak. In three easy strides, they were out of the lounge and entering the kitchen. "Severus, what are you doing?"

He gave her a chiding look. "Carrying you across the threshold, albeit in the wrong direction. Still, it's the sentiment that counts, isn't it?"

"I can walk," she protested, but it was half-hearted at best.

"I'm sure you can, but I would rather you expended all of your energy in getting better. If you are going to be my golden girl, I would prefer that it be a metaphorical reference, not a literal statement of fact because you are in advanced-stage liver failure."

"I love you," Hermione repeated softly, and had the pleasure of watching Severus' lush mouth curve into a smile.

"I love you, too." His suddenly sardonic gaze shifted to Moira. "Now, where the hell is your super-secret spy cave located? We have far better things to do than wait while you faff about with a load of bumf…"

A.N.~ And another safe landing...

Prompt: What is Hermione doing by running down on a Yorkshire hill? And why is Snape chasing after her? What is hidden in Hermione's valise?

A massive thanks to everyone who helped in the writing of this story, the amazing mods of the SSHG Gift Fest for hosting the highlight of my fandom year yet again, Cabepfir for creating such a fun prompt, and all you wonderful readers who continued to show this story some love. Cheers to meg527, ZoeyOlivia, kaddiekat, Snapesphoeniks, melody1019, lostmariner4803, maritinkerbell, teishamarie, Ewa W-icz, TheLadyBookworm, Montara, and several guests who left comments on the last chapter- it brings me so much joy to read your reactions!

If you've enjoyed this, please check out my profile for other stories. Indeed, in about an hour or so, I will be posting the first chapter from the 2019 round of the SSHG Gift Fest for you all to enjoy, entitled 'A Good End'. As a teaser, here is the synopsis- 'Memory is only half the story when it comes to the bonds uniting love and family; when Severus Snape learns that Hermione Granger has lost her parents after the war, he steps in to help her restore their memories. But not all goes to plan, in ways both beautiful and terrible. Can Hermione forgive Severus after he breaks trust with her?'

As always, happy reading and be well!