28. DECADE PAST

10 Years Later

Hermione walked through the hallowed halls of the castle that had been her sanctuary for eighteen years. Hogwarts was home, even now. Ten years had passed since the Second Battle of Hogwarts, as it had come to be known, and the return of so many familiar faces to its fortification meant that it was time for a celebration.

Hermione entered the Great Hall, and gazed at the enchanted ceiling. The stars were brilliant white against its cobalt backdrop. Glitter fluttered in the air and caught the light from the hundreds of candles. The walls were adorned with white and gold drapery and golden streaming fabric hung and billowed across wooden beams. The hall had never looked so beautiful. Hermione straightened a crease in her dress - a deep emerald green, floor length, modified a-line, with a halter neck and subtle silver beading. Every time she caught a glimpse of herself in a mirrored surface, she had to take a second look. She hardly recognised herself. It was nice to have an excuse to dress up. She had become something of a homebody in the last few years, but with a home as beautiful as hers, why would anyone want to leave.

The room was filled with her friends and loved ones. Such is the blessing of such a small community. A string quartet played classical suites and Hermione felt herself begin to move to the music. Severus moved in beside her and placed his free arm around her waist.

"God there's a lot of kids here. Is it too late to go home?"

"Why wouldn't people bring their children? We brought ours."

"Yes", he said, "but I like our children."

In his other arm, Severus held their daughter. Her black hair sat in perfect but asymmetrical ringlets, fixed in place with a little white flower.

"Speaking of our children... Where's Wilfred?"

"With Dean and his boy", he said and jutted his chin towards where their four-year-old son held a play wand in pretend combat with little Zeke Thomas.

"I wonder where Lavender is... oh never mind."

Lavender was a vision in a pearl dress, just at the side of the room by the bar. She stood beside Dean, and their two sons who looked slightly overwhelmed by all of the people. She supposed that Hogwarts was overwhelming when you first arrived. Lavender spotted Hermione and greeted her with a hurtling hug of welcome. It had only been a couple of days since they had last seen each other, but Lavender always greeted her in the same way - as though it had been a lifetime.

"You look wonderful!" Lavender said. "Severus, nice to see you. It looks so good in here, doesn't it? I think it should look like this all the time."

"You don't think it may be a little much, Lavender?" Hermione asked.

"Maybe a smidge! Do you think I could persuade Minerva to put all this stuff in the hospital wing when we're done? It'd brighten up the place."

Severus gave a throaty chuckle.
"Maybe if Dumbledore was still in charge, but you've got no chance with Minerva. You know she's..."

"You know she's what?"

McGonagall tapped Severus on the shoulder from behind. He turned and gave her a pleased grin.

"... Sensible."

"You're damn right I am."

She wore scarlet robes for the occasion and wore them well.

"Minerva", he said and kissed her on the cheek. "You look nice."

McGonagall raised her eyebrows.
"Don't sound so surprised, Severus. I thought I should make an effort. I see you have too."

"I, however, was forced to make an effort."

"Forced to attend as well, no doubt. Now if you'll excuse me, everyone, I should go and greet some more guests. Make no mistake; I would rather be here with you all. Hopefully, I will catch you again before the night is out."

"Are you still able to make it for dinner tomorrow, Min?" Hermione asked.

"Wouldn't miss it", McGonagall said with a smile. "Severus, you don't fancy making the rounds with me, do you? I'm already quite bored with small talk."

"If I must?"

"I won't insist. I will, however, hold it against you."

"Of course. Hermione, will you be okay if I leave you with Lavender for a while?"

"I'm sure I'll manage... will you keep Effie with you and I'll keep an eye on Wilf?"

Snape nodded and gave Hermione a kiss that she hoped would last forever. Even ten years later, she still marvelled at his kisses.

Hermione and Lavender walked the room and greeted their lifelong friends. Life had moved so fast and the world had moved on quickly from the pain of the last battle. Still, nobody ever forgot - the agony had faded to a dull ache but it still hurt from time to time - like a long-healed broken bone that throbbed in cold wind. That was what this night was for, to remember those who had lost their lives, and to celebrate their victory.

Molly and Arthur were surrounded, or rather swarmed by, their grandchildren - all nine of them. Hermione laughed as she and Lavender moved to greet them with a kiss on both of Molly's cheeks and a warm hug with Arthur. She had been all but adopted by the Weasleys in lieu of her own parents who had chosen to stay in Australia. They were happy there and they so deserved to be happy. She still saw them from time to time, and they spoke on the telephone once a week.

Ron's son was obvious immediately - he was the spitting image of his father when Hermione had first met him. He ran rings around his cousins; laughing and carrying on. Percy and his wife Audrey sipped champagne at a large round table covered with a crisp white tablecloth. Their two daughters sat politely at their side, a mirror of their father's earnest solemnity. Beside Percy sat Fleur and her new husband Jean-Luc; together they raised Victoire, and had two sons of their own - Raphael and Etienne - both handsome blonde boys who bore a striking resemblance to their mother but with a more masculine beauty. George and Angelina sat close and spoke in whispers; their daughter Roxanne would be in Hermione's class in a couple of years and she dreaded the moment she walked through those doors. Roxanne had inherited her father's love of mischief and her mother's nerve. Now she was a teacher herself, Hermione realised just how much of an irritation she, Harry and Ron, must have been when they were children.

Hermione caught sight of Neville stood by one of the many tables filled with party food. He held his tiny daughter in his arms and Luna cooed down at the baby, named Pandora, for Luna's mother. They were an odd couple she thought, but Hermione knew that the best relationships were forged in fire. Neville and Luna had understood each other on a level that nobody else would ever understand and they were, admittedly, very sweet together. Ron and Juliette were beside them. Ron was eyeing up a plate of chicken drumsticks, and when he eventually caught Hermione's eye he beckoned her over. Lavender understood this as her cue to leave - she had never quite forgiven him for their break up.

"I'll catch you in a bit", Lavender said and sauntered into the crowd.

Hermione greeted Juliette with a kiss on her rouged cheek and gave Ron a long and overdue hug. Life was hectic as an auror, and so he hardly had time to stop by. That suited her well, however, because she was just as busy at the school now that exam season was approaching.

Ron ran his hand through his hair mindlessly, while he sipped on a pint of ale. This Ron was much more self-assured. She assumed that stepping out from Harry's shadow had done him good, and being a dark wizard catcher couldn't have hurt either. Having gotten to know Juliette too, Hermione had realised that she was good for him. They were a lovely little family that Hermione felt blessed to know. It seemed a lifetime ago that she and Ron had been a couple. The world had ended since then and in this new world, that was a distant memory

"Are Harry and Ginny here yet?" Hermione asked and Ron shook his head.

"He's pretty much the guest of honour, isn't he, since he was the one to kill You Know Who", Ron said, tucking a strand of his long hair aside, revealing Bill's fang earring, hanging in his lobe. "He's probably off hiding somewhere. Sick of the spotlight, isn't he?"

Hagrid and Kingsley sat at the table nearest them and Hermione waved at them both. Hermione didn't see much of Kingsley since she avoided the ministry as best she could, but she still managed to find time to see Hagrid. They bumped into each other often at Hogwarts - he was hard to miss, after all - and she and Harry would visit on Thursdays after his Care of Magical Creatures class finished, for a cup of a tea and a catch-up. It was like old times, except these were newer, better times.

Hermione spotted a glint of sparkling gold from the corner of her eye and she settled on the figure of Ginny Potter. All eyes fell on her. If Harry hadn't wanted to draw attention to himself, he probably shouldn't have attended with the most beautiful witch in the room. Harry adjusted his glasses and gently pushed James and Lily into the room, pointing out their cousins. They bounded off but Albus Potter stayed by his mother. He wasn't as sure as the other Potter children, but e was just as free-spirited, and the kindest of them all.

Behind Harry and Ginny were Remus and Tonks. Tonks wore a tea-length, fitted blush pink dress that flared at the bottom; her mint green hair complemented it. Remus stood beside her in a navy suit and dark waistcoat. Little Teddy, who was not so little any more at fifteen, wore a yellow blazer and green tartan trousers. He was so much his mother in the way that he expressed himself, but his gentle soul was all Remus. Teddy raised a hand and waved, and Hermione smiled to see that his excited greeting was for her husband. Severus broke away from Minerva with an apologetic nod and threw an arm around Teddy shoulder. They had a strange bond, but it was solid. Snape put his hand on Tonks' waist and kissed her cheek, and then shook hands with Remus. Severus closed his hand around the shake in the way that he did with only his friends.

Hermione left Ron deep in conversation with Neville and made to greet Tonks. She was intercepted by Katie and Susan, however, and Hermione was grateful for it. She saw Remus and Tonks all the time nowadays, but Susan and Katie had since moved to Canada to be near Katie's family. She hugged them both tightly and then looked down at the little girl in a navy and white dress, between them. Her brown hair was plaited elaborately, and fixed with white ribbon. Hermione knew it wasn't possible, but the little girl looked like the perfect combination of both of her mothers. Hermione greeted the little girl warmly.

"Hello there."

"Granger, this is Alma", Susan said.

"Hi, Alma. It's nice to meet you. I'm Hermione."

The little girl gave a cheeky smile.

"That's a silly name."

Susan burst into a song of laughter and Katie grinned apologetically.

"Isn't it just", Hermione said.

As the evening wore on, Hermione found her way back to Severus. She dropped her arms into his charcoal suit jacket, and stroked his back through the soft fabric of his shirt. She dropped her hand to his waist.

She missed him. They had been apart for two hours at most, and she missed him. Even after all these years she still wanted to spend all of her time with him. Even when he was surly - even when he groaned and griped - she wanted to be with him.

Severus spoke with Harry, who was as loathed to be present as Snape was. They had found common ground in the years since the second battle. Ever since Harry had started work at Hogwarts as the Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher. Both Severus and Remus helped to create his syllabus. Harry had enjoyed the security of the castle, and Severus too had spent most of his time there in his old quarters, which now belonged to the Potions Mistress, who happened to be his wife. The wizarding world was still obsessed with The Boy Who Lived even now. They were also quite interested in the Death Eater turned spy, Severus Snape. Harry and Severus shared their disdain for their celebrity and Hermione enjoyed the gentle irony of it all. Ginny held Effie in her arms, and she was a perfect contrast to Ginny's golden hues, with her black hair and silver party dress. Severus' choice, of course. He doted on her, after all.

Hermione glanced over at Wilfred, who played happily with the Weasley children. It filled her with warm nostalgia to see their relationships blossom, just as hers had with Harry, Ginny and Ron. Severus' head drifted to the right and he nodded at a burgundy figure from across the room. The figure drew nearer and clapped his hand to Harry's back. Albus Dumbledore was even more of a caricature now that he had retired. He collected sweet wrappers, which he displayed on his walls, he spent most of his time in muggle libraries and had even started a band with old friends and colleagues. He was also very funny, and quite sweet at times, Hermione had learned. Now that he was no longer under pressure, she got to know the real Albus and had found that she actually rather liked him.

The room bustled with excitement as the string quartet moved aside and were swiftly replaced by a band that Hermione did not recognise, but from the reaction of the crowd she figured that she should. The dance floor filled as the band began to play. Neville, Luna, Remus and Tonks were among the first on the floor. There was such joy in the room, and Hermione felt warm as she watched Susan and Katie, then Lavender and Dean join the crowd. Arthur pulled Molly forward to dance, and Ginny dragged Harry, who rolled his eyes at Severus and then put on his falsest smile.

Severus looked at Hermione with a face that said don't get any ideas. Draco Malfoy aimed a similar look at his new wife, Astoria. She was a pretty, dark-haired witch with dramatic eyebrows that she furrowed at Draco. Severus caught sight of the display and laughed.

"Shall we join them?" Severus asked.

Hermione nodded and moved towards the table where Draco sat with his wife, and his father perched on a seat on the other side of him. Lucius looked around the room with a sullen face. Severus had taken Lucius under his wing ever since Narcissa had died. He's had a string of failed relationships but none that stuck. Lucius was lonely, she knew, and his wife's death had softened him. She had grown to care for the old Death Eater, much to everyone's surprise. None more so than Lucius. His eyes lit up when he saw Hermione, and he stood to his feet to hold out her chair for her. He was a traditionalist - a gentleman - she supposed. Hermione thanked him and took her seat. Severus sat beside Hermione and they both listened intently as Lucius spoke of his recent encounter with an old friend from school, and Draco told of his experience as an Auror. Hermione still found it funny that Ron and Draco worked together. It was funnier still that Remus Lupin, a bloody werewolf, was their superior. Things really had changed in the last ten years, but nothing more so than attitudes.

As the ball wound down, the band began to play a slow song. Hermione looked at the dance floor with a longing gaze and then back at Severus with a pouted lip. He rolled his eyes.

"I remember when you used to look at me like that", Severus said with a smile that told her that he was not serious.

"If you dance with me, I'll look at you like that when the kids are asleep."

"Remus, would you look after Effie?" he asked, and handed his child to her godfather who squeezed her tightly and kissed her forehead. "Hermione deserves at least one dance. Let us just hope it's a short song."

Severus grinned at her and held his hand out for her to take and she obliged excitedly.

"Come on then, love", he said with a hand on the small of her back.

Hermione followed Severus to the dance floor and he drew her close to him as they swayed to the music. He wasn't much of a dancer and so his feet seldom left the floor, but still he was there and he was willing to humour her, even if he was horribly uncomfortable, as she expected. That was one of the many reasons why she loved him so much. Even though he did not enjoy all that much in life, especially activities that required leaving the house, he always plastered a smile on his face, no matter how obviously fake, and did his best to enjoy himself.

Wilfred tugged on Severus' coat tails and he breathed a sigh of relief at the interruption.

"Dad! Can I stay at Zeke's tonight?"

"I don't know... Have you asked Mr and Mrs Thomas?"

Wilfred nodded wildly. Hermione caught Lavender as the song ended and she and Dean broke apart from their slow dance.
"Hey... Wilf said something about a sleepover?"

"Yeah, if he wants to stay, he's more than welcome."

Wilfred tugged at his mother now.

"I do want! I really want" Wilfred demanded.

"If you're sure?"

"Of course", Lavender said, ruffling Wilf's wild, black curls "We could even take Effie off your hands for the night if you wanted some time to yourselves?"

"Oh God, yes!" Severus blurted.

The rest of the evening whirred by in a blur. Hermione said goodbye to her friends and family with hugs and kisses and warm wishes. They would all see each other soon, but Hermione knew all too well that you can never know which goodbye will be your last. She and Severus never went to bed on an argument for the same reason. She never held a grudge and if she had an issue with someone she would be sure to speak up and rectify the problem with minimal damage as quickly as possible. That was just one of the many ways that life, and Hermione, were different now.

As Hermione and Severus returned to their cottage, they lingered in the doorway for a kiss. Severus swept into the lounge and Hermione followed.

"Finally", he said with a kiss on the nape of her neck as he unzipped her dress. "We're alone and we have a whole night with no children... you know what that means?"

Severus pulled his shirt over his head and unbuckled his trousers. Hermione stepped out of her dress and then they both turned and crashed onto the sofa with heavy sighs. Severus kicked up his feet onto the velvet stool and Hermione lay on her back with her head propped against Severus' lap and dropped her feet over the armrest. She pulled her wand from her purse and summoned a book from the bookcase. Severus did the same.

"I've been meaning to finish this for the longest time", Severus said with a glint in his eyes.

"I know. I've read chapter six about five times already. Not a single word has taken root. I couldn't tell you what happens. Every time I sit down to read it, one of the kids comes running in. I might finally figure out what's happening."

"Then I hope you finally get to enjoy it, love."

"Oh God", Hermione said, dropping the book to her lap. "Our first night alone in weeks and our big plans involve a couple of cups of coffee and a book each. Are we horribly boring, Severus?"

"Yes, I suppose we are. Isn't it wonderful?"

Severus licked his finger and turned the page.
"You always said you wanted a normal relationship... I think this is about as normal as it gets."

"Oh, you're right", she said, "I don't think anyone else in the world is as content with 'normal' as I am. I'm... I'm really happy, Severus. I hope you are too. I know we don't have the most exciting life..."

Snape wrapped his arm around Hermione's chest, and ran his thumb across her collarbone.

"Hermione, you have given me love and friendship and a place I can truly consider my home. My apothecary is only doing so well because of your help and wisdom and inexplicable business acumen. You have given me my two extraordinary children- you have given me a family. Of course I am happy."

He closed his book on his finger, marking his place.

"I'll tell you what", he said. "I'll read my book, and you read yours like the boring couple we are, in the normal relationship we have. And then, when we're finished, I will take you upstairs, and I will show you, in the least boring of ways, just how happy you make me. What do you think?"

Hermione rested her chin on Severus' arm.
"I could be amenable..."

With a flit of her wand, two large mugs of coffee floated in from the kitchen and she and Severus each caught one.

"Drink it down, love", she said. "You won't be sleeping much tonight..."

Snape turned his book to study the spine.

"You're right, it is a rather long book."

"Oh hush, you", she laughed.

Hermione leaned back into her husband, who played with her hair between his thumb and forefinger as he read his book. Hermione opened hers, breathed in the smell of the pages, and sank into the glorious warmth of being boring and normal; safe and whole... and finally, remarkably happy.

AN: And that's it. Thank you so much to everyone who has read, followed, favourited and reviewed. You're all wonderful.

Please feel free to hit me up if you've written something you think I'd enjoy. I'm looking for something new to read now that I've put this baby to bed.

If you liked this one then I'll be posting another in a few weeks, so keep an eye out for that, if you're so inclined. If you didn't like it, then I really don't know why you made it this far but I'm impressed by your commitment. I once read what I knew after two chapters would be the WORST BOOK OF ALL TIME, right to the end, simply out of spite, so I get you.

Anyway, thanks for putting up with me for the last few weeks. I've had a lot of fun!