Day 2, Auror Office, French Magical Ministry, Paris

Harry Potter sat around a small table in the Auror office. He reviewed the notes he'd brought with him and added any that the French Aurors obtained.

"As you can see," said a stout man named Marceau, "we've managed to trace the signature you sent us to the border of Luxembourg. However, it falls away after that."

"Why is that?" asked Harry.

Marceau pulled a map from under some parchment and opened it for Harry. "These are the Wizarding ley lines of France and parts of Belgium and Germany. As you can see, they are quite strong in the southern borders of these countries and the eastern part of France. We know for a fact there are several strong communities of magical people in them. However, for some reason, Luxembourg does not have a sizeable population, and we believe it's because of the ley lines. As you can see," his fat finger traced a blue line, "there is only one."

"Are there a lot of magical folks along that line?" asked Harry.

"It is a very small community," answered Marceau.

"Shall we have a look?"

"We will have to contact the government of Luxembourg. Since we are searching for a possible fugitive, we must follow standard protocol, especially if you wish to extradite him to England. Who was the wizard again?"

"Snape, Severus Snape," replied Harry.

Marceau stood, gaping at Harry. "Bon sang! But he is dead! Even the French Wizarding community followed the trials after your battle. He was cleared, was he not?"

"Yes, he was; completely. But if Hermione is with him, there may be charges for kidnapping and possibly for being a fugitive."

"If you'd like my opinion, Mr. Potter, from everything I've read about the trials and your testimony, I'd leave him alone. He apparently is living quietly somewhere near the border and has made no trouble. Perhaps he wants it that way?"

"Then why would he kidnap Hermione?"

Marceau raised a knowing eyebrow. "He is a man. Perhaps your Miss Granger meant more to him that you know?"

It was that statement Harry thought about later in his hotel room. In that last year at Hogwarts, his sixth year, Hermione had taken an apprenticeship with Madam Pomfrey and, if he remembered correctly, she was also being tutored by Snape, learning to brew some of the potions she'd need to know. But surely there was nothing there? A student teacher relationship was forbidden, even if Hermione was of age at the time.

Another memory came to him. It was while they were on the Horcrux hunt, near Christmas, because Ron had left them only a week before. He and Hermione had taken it in turns to keep watch each night; one would sleep, and the other would watch. One night, Harry had just come from a makeshift bathroom trip just outside the wards—sleep was precious to them both and he was loathe to disturb hers by using the loo in the tent. When he returned, he thought he saw shadow in the tent. Hermione wouldn't sleep without the light on, so at first he thought he saw a man's shadow, but that couldn't be right. He remembered he waved it off as the light distorting Hermione's shape. He was tired, so didn't trust his eyes.

Another time, when Hermione was supposed to be on watch, he thought he heard her talking to someone. Again, he waved it off because he knew that occasionally, Hermione read out loud. He snorted as he remembered thinking at the time that Hermione must be going a bit mad because it sounded like she was doing different voices as she read.

Could Snape have found them then? Phineas Nigellus' portrait was in the bag Hermione always carried; could he have told Snape where they were? It would answer the question of how Hermione always seemed to have the potions they needed whenever they needed them. A potions prodigy Harry was not, but even he knew that certain potions had expiration dates.

Harry rolled over and pulled the pillow more firmly under his chin. He'd have his answers, soon, he hoped. If Snape was alive, why would he kidnap Hermione, and if there was more than meets the eye between them, where did Ron fit into the picture? He felt sorry for his best mate; he knew Ron loved Hermione, but the pieces of a bizarre puzzle coming together in his head meant that Harry figured this would not end well for Ron.

Day 2, Severus Snape's flat, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Hermione woke the next morning, her head aching from everything that had happened over the last day and a half. She and Severus had talked long into the night about all that had transpired in the last six years. Today, she would make her decision.

She and Severus guessed that the Aurors would find them soon, if not today, and they both realised that it may not go smoothly. Technically, Severus was a fugitive and could be brought back to England to face charges for that and for kidnapping her. She, of course, would not press charges. Although Severus and been cleaned of his war crimes, that wasn't to say that some small thing wouldn't be dug up in order to charge him and have a new trial.

It would be so easy, she thought, to stay here for the rest of her life. The memories she had seen in Severus' pensive about his life since the war were wonderful. Although it was apparent he was lonely, he was happy here and had made a fulfilling life for himself. He worked, still brewed on occasion, and had a small social circle that included the Malfoys and his work mates. He had dated on occasion, and it made Hermione jealous, knowing that he had brought a date or two home. Those particular memories were not in the Pensive, but Severus had told her he did not live like a monk.

What resonated most throughout her visit into the Pensive was his continued love for her. She knew that he could love like that, given his love for Lily all those years, but would she doom him for the rest of his life, loving yet another whom he couldn't have?

And what about the soul bond? Severus had explained that while he lived, she could marry someone else, but it would only be a sham. They would be able to have all the trappings of a marriage, but the deep abiding love, respect and affection that a true marriage has would not be there. While her husband could experience these emotions, Hermione would never be able to. She would always feel as though something was missing.

She also realised now that that is exactly what had kept her from saying yes to Ron all these years. She knew deep within herself that there was something missing. Her love for Severus hadn't changed, but in essence, she should have moved on as any woman might have after being widowed, but it would be a different sort of love.

Hermione rolled over onto her back. In the last day and a half, she had finally felt complete, as though she was finally home. She wanted Severus. She wanted to marry him, love him, and grow old with him. It would mean a lot of changes. Severus had told her that there were larger Wizarding communities just over the borders of Belgium, Germany, and France, and she could work in one of the hospitals or set up her own practice. With a good recommendation from St. Mungo's and her reputation as a war hero, perhaps it would be easy to make a new living here. If not, then Severus said he'd see about getting her job at his restaurant; she didn't need a great deal of experience as a under chef; her years of preparing potions ingredients would help her with that.

Yes.

Yes, she decided. She would stay with Severus. With that decision, she felt as though a weight had lifted from her. She felt spiritually free and hadn't felt that way in years. Slipping out of bed, she left her bedroom and knocked quietly on Severus' door.

"Come in," a sleepy voice said.

Hermione opened the door and entered. She walked quickly over to the bed. "May I join you?"

"I'm too sleepy to argue," Severus mumbled.

Hermione slipped under the covers and snuggled close. "Well, you'd better wake up. I've something to tell you," she giggled.

Severus shook his head and opened his eyes. "What is it, love?"

"I've decided to stay. Here with you, I mean. If you'll have me, that is?"

Severus pulled her close and kissed her. "Do you mean it?" he asked a moment later.

"I do." Hermione smiled. "I thought about it quite a bit, and I realised I have never felt as whole and complete spiritually within myself until I was here with you. I don't want to let that feeling go."

"Oh, Hermione," Severus sighed. "You've made me very happy."

"I'm so happy, too," she said.

They began to kiss and before long, it was inevitable what they both wanted. Hermione said, breathily, "Will you make love to me? It's been so long since I've felt you in me, around me, loving me. Please love me, Severus."

"I will love you, Hermione. Today and until the day I breathe no more."

Day 2, Aurors' Office, Ministry of Magic, Luxembourg

"We have found the work records of a Severus Snape," said Head Auror DeBlaise. "He works at Restaurant Postkutsch and lives at sixty-eight Rue Alyose Kayser. He has no Muggle police record, nor any record of wrong doing in Wizarding Luxembourg."

"Thank you for this information," said Harry. "Am I and one or two of my men able to visit him?"

"I would prefer one of my men go along as well. According to the information Marceau gave us, he may be wanted for kidnapping and is a possible fugitive. He may be dangerous."

Harry really didn't want any trouble from the government of Luxembourg, but he didn't want them to come with him either. He had come to the conclusion that Snape rescued Hermione from making a mistake. He just wanted to talk to them and find out why this had happened, and what their plans may be. He had an assurance from Kinglsey Shacklebolt, via owl just this morning that Severus would only be charged with kidnapping and only if Hermione wanted to press charges.

"I don't think that'll be necessary, sir. The English Minister of Magic has declared that only if Miss Granger wanted to press charges would Mr. Snape need to be extradited."

"If it's all the same to you, Mr. Potter," said DeBlaise tightly, "we will send one of my men along."

"Very well," conceded Harry. "Do you suppose he is at work or home?"

"His restaurant doesn't open until early evening on a Monday, so we can go to his home."

"Okay. Shall we go then?"

DeBlaise nodded and turned to one of the Aurors who had be sitting quietly off to the side. In rapid French, he issued instructions and then turned to Harry. "Dietrich here will take you to Snape's residence. You will Floo to a point within walking distance and proceed from there. He has been instructed to arrest Snape should he prove dangerous or if Miss Granger has elected to press charges. If that is the case, he will be brought back here for processing and then have an extradition hearing. He may face charges here as well for the kidnapping."

Harry rather tersely said, "I hope that will not be the case, but we will work together, I assure you." With a curt nod, he followed Dietrich out of the office and to the Floo network.

Severus Snape's flat, Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg

Severus and Hermione, both well-sated, had showered and were eating a light breakfast while seated at the kitchen table. They discussed their future together, making plans to move Hermione into his flat and helping her find out what she needed to do to either work in one of the Wizarding hospitals, establish a private practice, or simply work in the same restaurant as Severus. They were both transparently happy at the moment.

"So we'll need to go to my parents to pick up a few things I have there yet," said Hermione.

Severus' response was interrupted by a knock on the door and a shout.

"Severus Snape! It is Auror Dietrich of the Luxembourg Magical Ministry. Open up!"

Hermione's face paled.

Severus said, "We have been expecting this. We are ready for whatever happens. I love you."

Hermione smiled tremulously. "I love you, too."

The couple rose and went to the door, but Severus pulled Hermione slightly behind him as he opened it. He wisely did not have his wand in his hand, but it was at the ready, regardless.

"Gentlemen, please come in," he said calmly.

As soon as Harry walked in behind Auror Dietrich, he spied Hermione. "'Mione!" he cried, hurrying to her and hugging her. "Are you all right? Has he hurt you? Are you okay?"

Dietrich took command of the situation. "Mr. Potter; please release the woman. Mr. Snape, please let me have your wand. We need to ask you some questions about this woman. You may elect not to answer them, but if not, I will take you into custody and into the Ministry. Veritaserum will be administered against your will."

Hermione indignantly said, "You can't do that; you haven't even given him his rights!"

"Madam, we do things a bit different here in the Luxembourg Ministry than in yours. Now, Mr. Snape—your wand please."

Severus handed it over. "I trust this will not take long? Potter, what's going on?"

"Let's sit down, shall we?" said Harry. Now that he had seen Hermione and knew that she was alright, his professionalism took over, and he took command of the situation back from Dietrich.

The group sat. "Hermione, what happened?"

"I am fine, first off. He has not harmed me at all. Quite the opposite in fact." She smiled smugly and looked at her lover. "I will not be pressing charges, by the way. I am not here against my will."

Dietrich interrupted, "But you were taken against your will. Quite another matter altogether."

"True," agreed Hermione. "However, I am still not pressing any charges whatsoever."

Severus cleared his throat. "Are there any charges at all? Will I be extradited to England on some trumped up charge from the Ministry?" he finished snidely.

Harry responded, "No. Kingsley has absolved you of all wrongdoing both from the war and in this matter, should I deem it so and Hermione doesn't press charges. But I must ask, what happened? What's going on?"

Hermione and Severus looked at each other. "It's a long story, Harry," said Hermione, reaching out to take Severus' hand. "It, according to Severus, begins and ends with me. Shall we tell it, love?" she asked Severus.

"Indeed."

Over the next hour, Severus and Hermione told their story, beginning with Albus' request to teach Hermione what she needed for her Healer's apprenticeship and ending with their discussion of last night. Silence rang for several moments when they had stopped talking.

At this point, Auror Dietrich stood and said, "Despite my appearance here in my official capacity, I am like a Frenchman when it comes to romance. I will offer my congratulations and be on my way. I will ensure this matter is resolved at my Ministry. I assume you will be registering as a citizen at the Ministry in a few weeks, Miss Granger?"

"I will be." Hermione answered with a smile. "Thank you."

When the door closed, the trio faced each other again. Harry spoke first. "You know, there were times during the Horcrux hunt, when I thought I saw a man's shadow in the tent. On those nights were you and I took turns sitting guard. I even heard you talking one night while you were outside; I thought you were going nutters, reading to yourself and doing the voices. It was him, wasn't it? He was visiting you."

"Yes," said Severus. "I would come and replenish your food and potions on occasion."

"This is one time when I'm not sure I'm glad I was right," scoffed Harry and then he turned to Hermione and asked, seriously, "What about Ron?"

Hermione slumped back onto the couch next to Severus. "I know," she sighed.

"He loves you, you know," said Harry. He felt angry at once again being put between Ron and Hermione and their fights. He was tired of it in school, and he was damn sure tired of it now.

Hermione grimaced. "I know! Don't you think I know that? Do you think that I am as uncaring as all that to just blow him off?"

"It seems like it," Harry said accusingly. He nodded his head in Severus' direction. "You don't seem to be upset that he stole you from your wedding," Harry said, his voice rising.

Severus spoke up. "Did you not hear what we told you? Our souls are bound. Even if Hermione were to marry Weasley, it wouldn't be love. She would be miserable, always searching for a way to love him and never finding it."

"Harry, when this started," she pointed to herself and Severus, "Ron was dating Lavender. It's not as though I cheated on him. I never cheated on him, even after they had broken up."

"What about the kiss in the Chambers? Ron said that was the beginning of you two together."

"Yes, he thought it was." Hermione stood up and paced the room. "But I was running on pure adrenaline by then; I'd just witnessed the apparent death of my soul bond, I was tired, and cold, and hungry. I did everything automatically in those last hours. If I were in my right mind, I probably wouldn't have kissed him at all." She sat back down. "But think about it, Harry; why did I keep putting off our ceremony? Yeah, part of it was because I was so focussed on school and my career, but the real reason was that I knew deep down, I didn't love Ron like I should."

"But you would have gone through marrying him anyway?" Harry nearly screeched. "That seems a bit selfish," he sneered.

"I suppose it was," Hermione agreed. "But at the time, I didn't know Severus was alive, and, well, everybody expected us to get married, so I just sort of went with it."

"Yeah, what about that?" Harry spat. "Why did you let her go so long without letting her know you were alive? If you loved her, why didn't you come for her sooner? It would have saved everyone a lot of heartache."

Severus nodded in agreement with Harry. "For once Potter, you are correct in that I was at fault. I should have let her know sooner. I love her, but I loved her enough to let her be happy in whatever life she chose to live. It wasn't until I read about the upcoming marriage that I began to rethink my stance. I imagine it was the soul bound that compelled me to take some action, regardless of what I thought at the time."

Harry made a face. "So what is next for you two?

"As we told you and the Auror, we will return to England long enough for Hermione to make arrangements to leave her current job, pack and move in with me," said Severus.

"I'll have to also take the time to talk to Ron and his family," Hermione uttered quietly.

"Yes, you will," said Harry. "You owe him that much."

Tears glimmered in Hermione's eyes. "I know. I didn't mean to hurt him, you know that, don't you Harry?"

Harry looked at Hermione for a while. "Yeah, 'Mione, I know," he answered quietly. He stood up and picked up his cloak. "I need to head back. Ron is waiting for word, and I don't want to leave him hanging longer than I have to. When can I tell him you'll be back?"

"Um…"

"Tell Mr. Weasley that the two of us will Apparate to Hermione's flat tomorrow morning. We will then come to The Burrow to chat with him and his family."

"Please," Hermione implored, "don't tell him anything other than that I am well and unharmed. Tell him, however, that there will be no wedding, and that I will explain tomorrow when we see him."

"Ginny will press me for details, you know that, right?"

"Tell her what you want," Hermione said. "Only please make her promise to not say anything to her family. That duty lies with me."

Hugging Hermione to him, Harry asked one more time, "Are you sure?"

"I am, Harry; very sure."

Releasing her and turning to Snape, he extended his hand. "If you hurt her, I will kill you."

Taking Harry's hand, Severus said, "Understood. You've nothing to worry about, I assure you."

Day 3, Just after sunset, Hermione Granger's flat, Chelsea, London

Severus sat with his witch across his lap as she cried. The visit to The Burrow did not go well. Shock and indignation were expected, but words like, 'whore', 'traitor', 'slut' and 'paedophile' had not been, and this had devastated Hermione. He was used to hearing these words and similar being hurled at him regularly during his time as a spy and when he was in school. There had been no curse throwing, for which he was grateful; it would have been an even uglier scene if the Aurors had shown up.

Hermione had not made a noise in the last minute or so, and he put a finger under her chin to pull her face up to him. "Are you okay?"

She shook her head and snuggled back into his shoulder. "No," she answered wanly. "I feel like a part of me has died."

"No, it's not that part of you has died, but a chapter of your life has ended. You are allowed to grieve for it."

Hermione snorted wetly. "Is this part of our story that supposed to begin and end with me?"

Severus hugged her. "Yes, love, it is. Only now, we get to write it together."

"And you say you're not romantic."

Severus sniffed. "Romance is overrated. Well phrased ways to tell you I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you are not."

"I love you, too."

"But you didn't answer my question, Hermione."

Hermione lifted her head up and looked into his eyes. "What question?"

"I want to spend the rest of my life with you; will you marry me?"

"Of course I will!" she exclaimed happily and leant in for a kiss. "When?"

Severus laughed. "Well, not right this minute. We've a lot to do first. Maybe next year?"

"That long?"

"How about we marry when we feel it's right. Be it two months from now or a year from now, all right?"

"All right," Hermione agreed and then yawned. "Let's go to bed; it's been an exhausting day."

"That it has," said Severus. He stood with Hermione still in his arms. "Erm, how tired are you, anyway?"

Hermione snickered. "I might not be all that tired. You are incorrigible, you know that?"

"I've been told a time or two," he answered, kicking the bedroom door shut behind him.

Fin

Seven months later, A park along a river dotted with Willow trees, Chelsea, England

Things had started quietly enough. Hermione stood by her father, her hand tucked into his arm. This is it, she thought. Dressed in her wedding finery of champagne coloured satin and lace, she shook with giddiness, flowers quaking in her left hand. Her father smiled down upon her and together, they began the walk down the aisle.

Mr. Granger laughed as he noticed Hermione was a step and a half ahead of him, eager to get to her Severus. "Hermione," he whispered, "slow down! He is not going anywhere."

Hermione laughed. "I can't help it, Daddy. I love him so much. I just want to become his wife!"

They were only one-quarter of the way down the aisle when Mr. Granger halted and pulled his daughter to a stop as well. Taking the bouquet from her hand, he kissed her cheek and said, "Go on then!"

The entire crowed began to laugh and clap as Hermione lifted the skirt of her gown and bolted down the aisle. When she reached the altar, she threw herself into Severus' arms, her motion propelling them into a circle, and snogged the daylights out of him; she wore no lipstick this time.

The minister—who was much younger than the vicar who almost married her to Ron—cleared his throat and good naturedly said, "If you two don't mind, the kiss comes last! Shall we start at the beginning?" He smiled widely at the couple.

Hermione let herself slip from Severus' arms to the floor. Grabbing his hand, she exclaimed, "Oh, yes! Please do!"