Warning
This story is not suitable for readers under the age of sixteen. It contains sexual content, including some non-consensual, and may offend some readers. If this subject is offensive to you, please do not read this story.
Chapter 51 – Endings and Beginnings
The first day of Severus' married life was more wonderful than any other he could remember.
From the top of the hill where they had spent several perfect hours together, they walked hand in hand back towards the castle. Making themselves invisible long before approaching the school, they stopped to kiss as they crossed the site by the lake where the ceremony had taken place. After they had left it, shortly after the last of their guests, Dumbledore had broken the spell over the area, and there was no evidence that anything had taken place there, but to them it was the perfect place of happiness.
It was almost time for breakfast as they entered the school, but they returned to the dungeon for Hermione to change.
"You look beautiful, my darling," he told her softly as they entered his room, "but you can hardly wear your wedding robes to breakfast." Lifting her hand, he touched her wedding ring. "Unfortunately, we must also do something about these."
The thought of not being able to tell the world that he was married to the enchanting witch was cruel, but he knew he had no option. The longer their relationship stayed secret, the better. The reaction of the likes of Poppy Pomfrey showed just how strongly feelings ran about the teacher student relationship. He also had many enemies, who would be glad of a chance to influence the Hogwarts governors and have him thrown from the school – or worse.
No – however much he wanted the world to know of his love for Hermione, secrecy had to be maintained for as long as possible. With a regretful sigh, he tapped his wand on each of their rings, concealing them from view.
"I will see you at breakfast, Mrs. Snape" he whispered.
With a kiss, Hermione stepped into the fireplace and disappeared.
- - -
With lessons ended, and on a beautiful day like this, the grounds of the school were relatively crowded later that morning. After a near miss, where a group of third-year students had caught them by surprise, and almost walked into them, the newlyweds headed further away from the school, where the paths were seldom trodden. In a shaded and secluded area, well away from both students and staff, they sat together for most of the day, enjoying each other's company and breathing in the rich air of the summer day.
They talked of everything – school, plans for the future, friends, family – it was perfect.
"Hermione?"
They were laying on his cloak, with her head resting lightly on his chest, and he gently stroked her hair. She murmured in response.
"What do you think would have happened if you had not regained your memory?" It was something he had wondered about, but had never found the right time to ask. "Do you think we would ever have reached where we are now?"
Hermione sat up and gazed down at him, pondering this thought. "I fell in love with you the first time, Severus. It could have happened again, but …" she paused and stroked his cheek with her fingers, " … I could see the depth of your passion, and how much your past has affected you. Without remembering that, I'm not sure that I could have grown to love you so deeply."
He was not quite sure how to respond to this, and felt very unsure of himself. "Are you saying that you could not have fallen in love if I had not …" Maybe he should never have asked.
Hermione stepped in quickly. "No. But I am saying that if I had only seen the gentle, romantic side of you, that it wouldn't be as … real. I couldn't have fallen in love with only half of you, without knowing the rest."
"Then I am glad that your memory returned, my darling." A lump was forming at the back of his throat as he thought about this. "Because I could never have shown you that side of me by choice. The first time, I completely lost control of myself – I promised myself then that I could never hurt you again. I would rather have just let you go than ever … "
Gentle lips cut off his words as Hermione leaned close to kiss him.
"Shhh, Severus," she whispered. "We've been through this before. The past is a part of us, but it doesn't need to rule our lives. We accept it and we go on."
Snape began to speak again, but she cut him off.
"I love you. That's all that matters, whatever happened – or might have happened – in the past."
The words made perfect sense and he knew it. He had to let go of these feelings. The fact that she loved him was all that mattered in the world. Giving in to her words, he drew her down to him and kissed her, and for a long while they lay in silence.
When Hermione spoke, she changed the subject completely.
"I'm not looking forward to my interview with Rita Skeeter tomorrow," she said, mildly. "I'm not exactly one of her biggest fans."
Snape had wondered about this, when she had mentioned Dumbledore's request. He had met the woman himself several times, and disliked her intensely. The stories she had written about Hermione two years ago had been unpleasant, but he had a feeling that there was more to it than that.
"I remember what she wrote." With a pang of guilt, he also remembered some of the things he had said to Hermione that year.
His puzzlement over what had happened was short-lived, however, as Hermione chose to tell him the full story. The idea of Skeeter being an Animagus surprised him – he would not have thought she had the ability – but what he found more amusing was the way that Hermione had dealt with her.
"So," he drawled. "My beloved little witch is not above a little blackmail, herself, when it suits her!"
Hermione laughed. "Don't start comparing me to your Slytherins, Professor Snape," she retorted. "Keeping Rita Skeeter's vicious quill away from parchment for a while did the wizarding world a favor! I wasn't doing it for my own benefit."
"There was no hint of revenge in your motives, then?"
The response to this was a snort. "The only person I wanted revenge on at the time was a certain teacher who made my life Hell! You reduced me to tears so many times, that year. I hated you!"
She was teasing him, but the truth of this statement hurt, and he knew it to be justified. His behavior towards her during her fourth year had been vindictive and entirely deliberate. He hadn't known why he had wanted to hurt her so much, but he had never missed an opportunity. Still – dwelling on it was pointless.
"I apologize for my behavior, my darling," he said, sincerely, but then changed his tone to one of mock evil. "However, it is a little late now to decide that I am such a terrible person. You are, in fact, stuck with me for the rest of your life!"
With a swift movement, he rolled Hermione over onto her back, and pinned her down with his weight. She giggled.
"Don't worry – I forgave you for that a long time ago!" she laughed. "If you hadn't made that horrible comment about my teeth, I might never have had them fixed! I suppose I have Malfoy to thank for it, as well."
"I will be sure to tell him that!"
He closed his mouth on hers, and he kissed her deeply. "If anyone had told me then that you would one day be my wife I would have thought them out of their mind. Now, I cannot imagine ever being without you!"
Morning turned to afternoon, and afternoon to evening, but the passage of time went unnoticed by the lovers. They talked and kissed, laughed and made love, in bliss – unaware of their surroundings, and unseen by the world around them.
A perfect day.
- - -
There was a great deal of excitement in the corridors as Snape made his way to the staffroom on Friday morning. He had left Hermione early, to post the Slytherin exam results outside the House entrance, and students from all houses were now exchanging grades. Most looked happy or relieved, although there was the usual quota of disappointed expressions.
"Poor results, Harris?" he sneered at a particularly miserable looking second year from Ravenclaw. "Perhaps you should have spent more time concentrating on your studies, and less on your futile efforts to tame the giant squid!"
The only exam results not displayed were those for the N.E.W.T.s. The distribution of these were the responsibility of the Heads of Houses, and McGonagall was waiting at the staffroom for the heads of Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff with a stack of envelopes for each of them.
"These are for your seventh years, Severus," she told him. "Although Miss Gr … Hermione … is in my house, she took only one N.E.W.T. this year, and I thought it might be appropriate for the Potions Master to give her the result."
Snape nodded, pleased that she had thought of this. With the envelopes came a scroll marked with his name, and he quickly scanned down the list of marks it contained, to find his wife's name. She was still listed under the name Granger, and he grunted in satisfaction at the grade 'O' for 'Outstanding'next to his subject. It was no surprise, but gratifying to see it on parchment. She deserved this.
As the students gradually filled the Great Hall, he moved up and down the Slytherin table, handing out the small envelopes to each of the seventh years. Congratulating some and berating others, he watched the doorway for his wife, finally seeing her enter with her friends. With a feigned air of resentment, he stepped over to the Gryffindor table and stood behind her, dropping the envelope disdainfully over her shoulder onto her empty plate.
"Granger," he growled, stressing the inaccurate name. "This is an adequate result."
He watched as Hermione tore open the envelope and stared at the result inside.
"I trust that your other subjects did not suffer as a consequence." It sounded like a weak excuse for asking her what her other results were, but he wanted to hear it. Not that he had any doubt, of course.
She turned to look up at him with a controlled and polite smile. "No, Professor Snape. I got an 'O' in every subject."
With careful practice, he made sure that his eyes showed no hint of being impressed by this. "Then be sure that this does not make you complacent about the rest of your N.E.W.T.s next year."
Looking down at her, he almost wished he had given her the result in private. He wanted to congratulate her – to take her in his arms and tell her how amazingly gifted she was as a student, and how proud of her he was – and her eyes said how much she wanted that too. The way that her right hand was casually rubbing her invisible wedding ring gave every appearance of being an unconscious action, but he knew it to be deliberate.
Before he could do anything foolish, he turned quickly away from her without another word, and strode off to hand out the rest of the N.E.W.T. results to his House.
Malfoy was ready with a sneer as Snape passed.
"So how did the Mudblood do, Sir?"
Snape stopped, making his irritation appear to be directed at the Gryffindor, rather than the Slytherin before him. "Surprisingly well, Mr. Malfoy, despite her unfortunate heritage."
The young wizard was not impressed by her intelligence. On the contrary, he seemed to see this as a failing.
"Well, her brains won't help her in the real world, will they, Sir? We all know that it's family and power that counts!"
The Potions Master regarded his young charge with an amused sneer.
"Indeed."
He had to admit that Malfoy had a point about the importance of family, but then, Hermione was a Snape now, if only by marriage. Malfoy was sadly deluded if he thought that his heritage and money would get him what he wanted out of life. True, they would go a long way, but put his beloved 'Mudblood' next to a Malfoy and there could be no comparison.
- - -
At the end of term, there was much for the staff – and particularly the Heads of Houses – to do. After breakfast, the Potions Master headed for the staffroom, while Hermione, Ron and Harry walked slowly towards Hagrid's hut, to be greeted by an excited Fang.
"Not long now 'till yer all off 'ome for the summer," Hagrid boomed as he greeted them. "Gonna be quiet round 'ere without yer."
It was a pleasant morning. They sat outside on the grass and Hagrid brought out tea and some of his home made rock buns. Fang dashed from one student to the other, licking Hermione's face, almost knocking Harry over with his huge, wagging tail, and finally settling on the ground with his head on Ron's lap, drooling on his robes.
Hermione felt relaxed and peaceful. Throughout her time at Hogwarts, Ron and Harry had been her true friends. There had been difficult times, when they had argued, and months, even, when they had not spoken, but everything had always been resolved. Things had changed over the years, of course, and they seemed to spend less and less time together, particularly now that Hermione was with Severus, Ron had Parvati, and Harry, Ginny. Spending a morning like this with Hagrid, who even now was still more a friend than a teacher, was a warm reminder of things that were important to all of them.
In the afternoon, the three friends offered to help Hagrid with a few things he had to do. During the summer, he had plans to acquire some new creatures, and needed to prepare. Together, they helped him create a large enclosure behind his hut for the hedgehog-like Knarls, filling it with plenty of potted plants and pretty garden ornaments to smash.
When Hermione left them at four o'clock they were about to make a start on building a hive for Glumbumbles. She would much rather have stayed with them, but Rita Skeeter would be waiting.
An interview with a reporter for the Daily Prophet was something about which many of the Hogwarts students – and many in the wizarding world at large – would be extremely pleased. For Hermione, however, it promised to be an unpleasant experience that would simply have to be endured.
Since the day that she had released the beetle from its jar, and watched it turn back into the angry form of Rita Skeeter, she had not seen the witch. She had, on occasion, though, checked on her writing, to be sure that her work lived up to their bargain. Other than her closest friends, Hermione had told no one of the witch's status as an unregistered Animagus, and she was happy to see the nervous expression on the reporter's face as they met.
Rita was sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, and stood as Hermione entered. Hermione had almost forgotten the extravagant appearance – the painted nails, and painted face, and those awful glasses. Clutching her crocodile skin bag to her, the witch extended a hand and the two women exchanged the limpest of handshakes.
"Hermione," the reporter said, hesitantly, "I know that you are only here because it was a request of Dumbledore, and I am only doing this because it was an order from my editor, so I suggest that we get this over with as quickly as possible."
Hermione could not agree more. "Very well, Rita. Let's just get on with it, and keep them both happy."
Quickly, Rita sat, and pulled a long ornate pink quill, which matched her robes, and several sheets of parchment from her bag, placing them on the table. Eyeing the quill suspiciously, Hermione sat down opposite her.
"You're still using a Quicknotes quill?" she asked, with a frown.
Rita was quick on the defense. "No, no, no. It is a Truenotes quill," she told her. "it works the same way, but it has less of an … artistic license!"
Hermione nodded. "You mean it doesn't just make up whatever will look good in print!"
The reporter looked away, obviously seething, and making a great effort to control her acid tongue. "It assists me in making sure that all my quotes are accurate, word for word." She took a deep breath, and forced a smile.
"So, Hermione," she said, making no secret of her hurry for this to be over. "How does it feel to be the only student at Hogwarts ever to be published while still attending school?"
Even when speaking about her project, Hermione found it difficult to muster up much enthusiasm when talking to the reporter that had caused her so much trouble. The questions were simple, and what she had expected. What made her choose those subjects for her project? What did she think of the rest of Arkletan's book? Was she planning to contribute to more books in the near future?
She tried to sound as excited as possible, but knew that the effort was wasted. Skeeter looked bored, as though not really interested in this – presumably still sulking about being forced to carry out the interview in the first place.
After a few general, bland questions about the book, the conversation turned to her Potions N.E.W.T. How difficult had it been to prepare for it, a year in advance? How did she respond to the suggestion that her high grade was awarded in order to prevent accusations of prejudice against muggle-borns? Had the formidable Slytherin Potions Master been against her taking the exam early?
Hermione knew perfectly well that there had been no such accusations of prejudice – it was simply Rita Skeeter hoping for a reaction. She refused to rise to the bait, and handled this question, and the one about Severus, calmly.
"I believe that the mark I got was entirely justified, Rita. I worked hard for this. As for Professor Snape, he knew that I was capable of taking the exam early, and approved my entry along with Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster."
The questions turned, inevitably, to Harry. Somehow, no doubt from one of her Slytherin spies, she had found out that he was going out with Ginny.
"How serious is the relationship between Harry and his best friend's sister?" she asked with a smile.
Just after she had asked this, however, the witch glanced down at the Truenotes quill, moving furiously across the parchment, and a strange look came over her face. She seemed to lose her train of thought, and broke off mid sentence, glancing sharply at Hermione, then back at the parchment. Hermione looked down, but the paper was upside down, and was quickly snatched away before she could make out the words.
All of a sudden, the reporter was in a hurry.
"Well, Hermione, maybe I should ask Harry about that himself. I wouldn't want you to think I was digging for gossip."
Rita stood, rapidly pushing her things into her bag. There was a look of eagerness on her face that Hermione did not like at all.
"I think that I have taken up enough of your time, she said, giving her darting glances, but not quite meeting her eyes. "I must go and write up my story, and I will see you at the feast tonight."
At that, she hurried from the Great Hall, leaving Hermione both puzzled and worried.
- - -
"So, how did it go?"
The Gryffindor common room was busy as Hermione, Ginny and Parvati came down from Hermione's room. Being in the fifth year, Ginny still slept in a shared dormitory, but this evening, all three had piled into Hermione's room to get ready for the end of year feast.
"It went okay," Hermione replied to Ron as they met the two boys at the bottom of the stairs, "but there was something strange at the end – like she'd suddenly remembered she'd left a cauldron over the fire and had to rush off. It might have something to do with Harry and Ginny, though – she'd just asked about them."
Harry groaned. "Oh, great! I wonder what she'll write this time."
"Maybe we should give her some other gossip to write about," suggested Parvati. "Erm … Dennis Creevey breaking the school record for the number of times anyone has ever fallen in the lake?"
They all laughed. Stepping through the portrait hole, they made their way, with the rest of the House, towards the Great Hall.
"How about Ivan Kimmins from Hufflepuff getting hexed by Laura Madley when he broke her crystal ball?" Ginny tried. "I heard it was horrible. Should definitely be worth some gossip!"
Ron nodded. "Or we could tell her about Malcolm Baddock's hex backfiring the other day," he suggested. "He got out of the hospital wing this morning, by the way."
Hermione's interest was caught by this unwelcome news. She listened intently as she heard that he had been seen, looking very sulky, being dragged off to the Slytherin dungeon by his brother.
"Apparently Malfoy had something to do with it," Harry said, as though this did not surprise him at all. "Neville says that Malcolm was trying to tell Malfoy something, but Alistair saw him and tried to keep him quiet. That's when they started fighting, and Malfoy's been trying ever since to find out more."
Hermione froze at Harry's words. They had now almost reached the Great Hall, and she could see Snape towering above the students as he approached the entrance with Madam Hooch.
"You go ahead," she said to her friends. "I need to ask Professor Snape something about my N.E.W.T. I'll catch up with you."
The two couples shrugged, and continued on their way, while Hermione hurried towards her husband. "Professor Snape," she called, and watched as Madam Hooch tactfully entered the Hall alone.
Snape turned to her, and stepped to the side of the hallway. "What is it, Granger?" he snarled, feigning irritation at being stopped by the Gryffindor.
Keeping her voice low and her expression calm, she told him what she had just heard. His face remained impassive as he dropped his voice to a murmur.
"I saw the Baddocks together, earlier. I believe that Alistair has his brother on a tight leash, and it is unlikely that anything can be said over dinner." He paused to consider for a moment, then nodded, decidedly. "I will deal with this after the feast," he said quietly, then turned and strode into the Great Hall.
- - -
Most of the other teachers were already at the staff table as Snape approached. Dumbledore's place in the center was still empty, flanked by McGonagall and the school's guest for the evening. With a sinking heart, he realized that the only empty seat was on the reporter's other side. Of all the people at the top table, he had been cursed with a place between Rita Skeeter and Sybil Trelawney. He sat, ignoring the two witches, and glanced at the Slytherin table. He would have to do something about Malcolm Baddock, but for now he was relieved to note that Alistair had kept him well clear of Malfoy.
"Well, Severus," Rita Skeeter said, in a sickly voice, next to him. "You're looking particularly handsome this evening. You even look happy. Quite unlike your usual foul self – I can't imagine what the reason for this could be."
Unable to ignore her for long, Snape glanced quickly at her. There was a twinkle in her eyes that gave him a very unnerving feeling.
Before he could reply, however, Dumbledore approached, and the reporter's attention was turned to the headmaster.
The Hall fell silent, and the old wizard beamed happily about him. He began to speak.
"At the start of each year, I have the enviable pleasure of welcoming a new group of young students, bright eyed and eager to learn, into the school. I watch their progress over the seven years that they are in my charge, and eventually, I have the honor to watch a fine group of young witches and wizards go out into the world."
As Dumbledore spoke, Snape watched the seventh years at the Slytherin table with well-concealed satisfaction. There were some among their number of whom he would be glad to be rid, but others – he had to confess – in whom he took considerable pride. Teaching had its challenges, but the rewards of guiding the progress of a young mind were quite something.
Dumbledore continued. "Hogwarts has been in existence for over one thousand years, and has seen many changes during that time. This year, perhaps more than most, the winds of change have blown freely through the school. Times, indeed, have changed, and we must adapt and learn as we are carried along.
"The students in the school today include some of the finest I have ever known. Some are now leaving us, and others will be with us in the coming years.
"To those of you who are ready to enter the world as adults, I say 'Adieu, and good luck', and to those who will return next year – 'try not to forget everything you have learned so far!'
Next came the part of the evening that had angered Snape for several years – the awarding of the House Cup. This year, however, the sting was not quite so sharp. The only thing that could annoy him more, at this time of year, than not winning the cup, was having to watch Gryffindor take it – something he was, thankfully, spared for the first time in several years.
Strangely, and unexpectedly, he felt a certain satisfaction as he looked up at the gold and black decorations, and heard Dumbledore's proud announcement of "Hufflepuff". Slytherin and Gryffindor were close behind, with Ravenclaw bringing up the rear, but this was the most closely tied battle for the cup in many years. It even amused him to think of the part that he had played in the Hufflepuff victory – after all, if it had not been for the considerable number of housepoints he himself had awarded to Gem and Bale, for their assistance in the potion needed to aid Hermione's recovery, the outcome would have been quite different.
He listened as Dumbledore continued. "All that remains is for me to say – Let the feast begin!"
The plates in front of them were suddenly piled high with food. At Snape's side, Rita Skeeter reached for her glass and turned to the headmaster.
"Still an old windbag, I see, Dumbledore," she said, in a treacly voice.
Dumbledore smiled. "And I see that you are as charming as ever, my dear Rita."
It seemed, however, that Rita Skeeter was more interested in speaking to the Potions Master than to the Headmaster, and it gave Snape a very uneasy feeling.
"I have already owled my story about your young … student … to my editor, you know, Severus," she told him. "It was so fascinating that I could not help but want to send it as quickly as possible."
Snape said nothing, determined not to give her a reaction.
"It will be in Monday's edition," she continued, unfazed. "I do hope you'll read it!"
Across the Great Hall, Snape saw his wife glance up at him, then look quickly away, back to her friends.
He turned to look at the reporter, whose eyes twinkled with smug satisfaction.
"How did you know?" he asked, softly.
- - -
Snape and Hermione sat together that night, comfortable in their wide armchair, snuggled close. Snape's arms were wrapped possessively around Hermione as she leaned back against him.
"It seems that forcing Rita Skeeter to be more truthful had its drawbacks," he said softly. "The Truenotes quill she uses simply wrote down your name. Hermione Snape."
Hermione rested her head back against her husband's shoulder, and sighed. She should have suspected something like this, from Rita's reaction. It sounded like the same type of magic that caused the Marauder's Map to show the true names of the people in the school – even when under the effects of Polyjuice Potion.
"Hermione Snape," she repeated. "That name sounds so right!"
Tenderly, he bent his head to kiss the top of her hair. "We belong together," he whispered, contentedly.
"And by Monday, everyone will know it!" Hermione said, resignedly. "Well, by the time it is published, we will be safely in Haven."
Snape squeezed her. "Then let us simply let it happen, and deal with the consequences when we return. You know, Hermione Snape – asking you to marry me right away was the best idea I have ever had."
He could not believe that he was so happy. He had the woman he loved in his arms, and now she bore his name. He tightened his arms around her and kissed her again. Her skin was so soft on his lips, and she smelled so good!
Standing, he drew her to her feet and smiled. What more could be possibly want than his wife in his arms?
Gently, he lifted her from the ground and carried her to his bed.
- - -
"It seems so strange to be saying goodbye to you here, instead of at King's Cross." Hermione had her arms around Harry, giving him a big hug. Ron was next, followed by Ginny.
Their trunks were loaded onto the train, and students all along the platform were climbing aboard the Hogwarts Express. Hagrid was blowing his nose loudly into a dirty handkerchief, and one or two other teachers were helping students with their trunks further down the train. At the far end of the platform, Hermione could see Snape giving some final words of advice to Alistair Baddock, who seemed to be at the end of his rope.
Ron gave her a grin. "Remember that we're all going to meet in Diagon Alley in a few weeks," he said, cheerfully. "Anyway, I don't think you're going to be thinking about us for a while!" He nodded towards the dark figure of the Potions Master, and Hermione grinned back.
There had been several questions about why Hermione was not going on the train, and the explanation had been put about that it was to do with Arkletan's book. She had not gone into details, and there were several curious looks, but generally, it had been accepted.
The door shut behind her friends, and they all crowded around the open window, waving happily at Hermione and Hagrid.
Further up the platform, Snape was deep in conversation with Alistair Baddock.
"Thank you for your advice, Sir," the young wizard was saying, but his expression was still worried.
Snape gave him a reassuring nod. "You will be fine, Mr. Baddock," he said. "You will be fine."
Baddock stepped onto the train as Malfoy passed Snape, followed by his henchmen. "See you next year, Sir," Malfoy said. Behind him, Crabbe and Goyle loaded his trunk on to the train, followed by their own.
"Enjoy the summer, Mr. Malfoy."
As the student was about to board, he turned and nodded down the platform. "I hear Granger is sticking around for another day. Something to do with that book," he sneered. "Ridiculous, if you ask me. Anything for a bit of extra attention, that Mudblood!"
Snape's lips twisted into a smile as he held the door open for the Slytherin.
Suddenly, everything became completely clear to him. On Monday, Rita Skeeter's article in the Daily Prophet would announce the marriage of Severus Snape to Hermione Granger. The wizarding world would know then. What was the point of hiding it any longer?
He slammed the door behind the student, and leaned close, through its open window.
Very softly, but clearly, he spoke. "Mr. Malfoy," he said in a dangerously low voice, "that Mudblood is my wife."
The few teachers who had been there were already heading back towards the castle, and the station was empty apart from Hermione and Hagrid at the far end. With a feeling of complete exhilaration, Snape turned from Malfoy and strode deliberately down the long platform. Robes and hair flew out behind him, and his swift motion attracted the attention of the students on the train, so that by the time he had reached Hermione, many had their faces to the windows, wondering what was going on.
As the train began slowly to move, and Hagrid stepped away, Hermione looked up at the approaching form of Snape and gave him a startled smile. Swiftly, he strode the last few paces between them, and took her in his arms. Her lips responded willingly to his as he kissed her fiercely.
Gathering speed, the train beside them moved off – the faces of the amazed Hogwarts students staring out in shock.
Wrapped in each others arms, Severus and Hermione Snape were aware of nothing but their love. The train sped off into the distance, leaving them together on the deserted platform, locked in a loving embrace that neither of them ever wanted to end.
THE END