Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Forbidden Rapture	By : Marionne25 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Snape/Hermione Views: 49900 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter and am not making money from this story.

Chapter List
- 39
- 40
- 41
Author's Notes:

WARNING QUITE A LONG CHAPTER. YES. VERY LONG. TOOK ABOUT 30 SOMETHING PAGES ON MY WORD FILE.

Chaymae- nope, not really time traveling. Something else, something more.
Hope you be patient with this chapter. It says a lot and draws a whole lot more of emotions.

Nightstar - not really a skeleton key. But something that opens somethin quite important.

Ilina - i sent you an email. lol anyway HOLD YOUR HEART.
here's a chapter but NOT yet what you've been anticipating. yes, I plan to hold onto another cliffhanger before that. I neeed some things to be clear for some questions to all my readers and certain revelations. i love your long reviews and all don't worry. i really love hearing what my readings think whether good or bad or what. but by far i just love all your reviews. and all other revies.

notes for the chapter:
very long. be patience.
I've chosen the title as you would notice that's the sort of 'theme' of the chapter. hmm. questions are very much welcome. no violent reactions but you may react and write as loooooooong reviews as you want.

few chapters left.
will be uploading at a03 now.

i'm enjoying my vacation.
loving this month. it's my 2nd fave month of all. will return to practice on the 19th. lol

lots of love and please, i'd love to hear from you all.

xx

Chapter Thirty Nine
Choices

“Is everything alright, professor?” asked a small voice.
Snape’s thoughts were thrown away at the sound of the voice.
His whole being became alert after a moment of silence.
He turned and quickly found Hermione standing a few feet from where he was.
“Miss Granger?” he asked sharply turning to her. “What are you doing here?”
“I was getting some fresh air, professor.” Hermione earnestly replied.
Snape didn’t seem to quickly register what she had said.
He was looking as if he was still lost in his own thoughts.
“Professor, are you-“
“I’m fine.” Snape snapped at her as he straightened up.
He walked closer to her and stared down at her with utmost irritation all over his face.
Was there no privacy in the castle?
Hermione slightly cowered at his taller and lean form staring down at her.
“Are you aware of the curfew hours?” he asked her suddenly.
“I still have ten minutes.” Hermione replied with a straight face. “I was heading back downstairs when I thought I saw you..”
Snape opened his mouth to say something but realized that there was nothing to say to that.
“Are you following me?” he asked suspiciously.
Hermione’s eyes narrowed.
She looked offended at his accusation.
“No.” Hermione said irritably.
Snape’s eyes narrowed further.
“I mean, no sir.” Hermione quickly said. “I’m sorry. I’ve got here at the North Tower earlier on.”
Snape stared at her and noticed how she was trying to control her tone to show respect.
Snape raised his eyebrow at her.
“You got here first?”
“Yes.” Hermione said. “I’ve missed dinner and been here since then.”
“Pray tell why you’ve missed dinner.” Snape said crossing his arms.
In truth, he had missed dinner as well.
What with all the stress he had and the additional one that Draco was causing him.
Hermione opened her mouth to say something and realized it was a ridiculous answer.
“Well?” he asked waiting impatiently. “Are you lying to me?”
“I’m not lying to you.” Hermione indignantly said. “I’ve never done that to you.”
Snape stared down at her.
He wasn’t sure why but there was something interesting in her tone.
“So why are you here?” he asked again.
“I’ve missed dinner because..” Hermione said looking away. “Because Harry and I fought.”
Snape controlled his expression.
His lips pursed at her words.
“You fought with Potter?” he repeated slowly. “Why does he control meals at the-“
“We’ve fought because he’s been acting stupid lately.” Hermione blandly said.
Snape stared down at her with a confused look.
He never wanted to deal with teenage dramas.
The drama surrounding his life and the lives of those he had to save were more than enough for him.
And yet, it interested him somehow to know what she and that wretched boy had fought about.
“And why would you two fight?” he asked curiously.
Hermione looked away from him again.
“Ah.” Snape sighed. “Let me guess.. lover’s quarrel.”
Hermione’s face turned red.
There was some truth in that.
“No.” Hermione said. “He just makes bad choices lately.”
Snape folded his arms and continued to stare at her.
So the rumors were true.
Potter-Granger were indeed a serious and true item.
Hermione didn’t know what to tell him.
They did fight but she didn’t want to tell him or anyone that the reason was because of that stupid book that Harry could barely put down.
She was getting worried about it.
She was not jealous of it.
Harry may have been getting ace-scores over his practical exams and a couple of assignments or potions to turn over but Hermione felt something was really wrong with the book he was using.
She was patiently waiting for it – not Harry – to mess up somehow and she was more than willing and ready to turn it over to the professors.
Today, Harry won a potion called ‘Felix Felicis’ from their activity at Potions class.
No, she wasn’t jealous that Harry had won.
She was angry that he cheated his way to win it out.
She could almost sympathize with Draco that afternoon as they both watched in awe and surprise as Harry brewed the perfect potion and has earned the most-coveted Liquid Luck.
“Well whatever it is, Miss Granger, you’re not going to win it.”
“I’m sorry?” Hermione said looking back at him. “What did you-“
“Potter.” Snape said clearing his throat. “Whatever you two fought about, Potter is unlikely to give up on the subject. “
Hermione snorted knowing he was right.
Harry would never in a million years give up that book he kept.
She had got to find out who owned that freaking book and who wrote all those perfect guides and corrections into making fine-potions.
Hermione looked up at Snape and opened her mouth to ask him.
“Yes?” Snape asked her quietly.
Hermione didn’t know why, but she somehow felt it wasn’t right to ask him.
She closed her mouth shut and turned pale.
She wasn’t supposed to talk to anyone about the book no matter if she and Harry fought about the said book.
Harry might get into a deep trouble and these were the times when he couldn’t afford that anymore in his life.
“Nothing.” Hermione said. “Sorry professor, I have to go. Five minutes to curfew.”
Snape didn’t say anything and only watched as she collected her small bag from the floor and a couple of books with her.
“The North Tower is good when thinking.” Hermione said with a smile as she slung her bag around her shoulder.
Snape only nodded at her.
He had always been doing that in his Hogwarts days.
Only years ago, he had a bestfriend who did it with him and at his final years, he did it by himself.
He has never found anyone else who thought like himself – that it was a good place to think if one wanted solace.
“Professor, can I go to you?” Hermione suddenly asked him.
Snape blinked and he quickly looked back up at her.
He hoped that she didn’t notice that his eyes had been keeping a close watch around those long legs as she bent down for her bag and books.
“What?” he asked furious with himself for the way he acted and how she might have caught it.
Hermione didn’t seem to notice anyway.
“If I have a question about Potions. Can I go to you?”
“To me?” Snape asked but not unkindly. “You already have your new Potions-“
“Yeah. But he’s a little..” Hermione paused not really knowing how to continue. “A little over-“
“The library is at your disposal, Miss Granger.” Snape said as he straightened up and walked ahead of her.
“Yes. But it’s different when it comes from you.” Hermione said and it made him stop.
He didn’t say anything and Hermione felt it was alright to continue.
“It’s different when it comes from you.” Hermione repeated quickly pacing after him.
She reached him but didn’t know anymore what to say as she stared at his back.
Snape waited.
“It’s something special when it comes from you.” Hermione said. “It’s weird and all but - when the answer, the knowledge comes from you – it’s quite different.”
He didn’t turn back towards her but he didn’t take another step forward either.
“Please?” Hermione’s small voice came. “Even if not always but from time to time?” she hopefully asked him.
Snape sighed heavily.
The girl was relentless and merciless when it came down to gaining knowledge.
“If you cannot find answer at the library, perhaps I will.” Snape simply said without turning back.
“Thank you.” Hermione gratefully said after a while. “It will be really nice, professor.”
“Only if you have not found answers, Miss Granger.” Snape said as he stalked away. “But these days, I can tell that Potter seems to have all answers you may want.”
Hermione opened her mouth to say something but Snape already stalked away from her without turning back.
And in truth, as Snape turned a corner, he could almost swear that he heard her mutter something like ‘if that stupid ‘prince’ no longer have the answers for Harry is more like it’ as he drew away from her - leaving her alone in the hallway that led at the Northern Tower.

Lupin was finishing the coffee he was about to serve to the others at the Weasleys’ place when he heard someone arrive.
He heard talking in the living room of the Weasleys but before he could check who it was Molly had quickly gone to the living room.
She looked both perplexed and worried at the same time.
“What’s wrong?” Lupin asked him.
“Harry.” Molly answered with an uncertain tone “Remus I’m not sure if he’s aware you’re here-“
“It’s alright. I’ll talk to him and leave if he’s not comfortable at my presence here.”
Molly nodded and followed Lupin back at the living room where the commotion was.
Lupin had not seen Harry face to face since the last trial for which he had been drawn out as the sudden witness to take the stand.
He wasn’t sure what Harry’s reaction would be then but right now, he had to deal with it.
He was sure that he wasn’t pleased but he was ready to face the boy’s hatred.
“Harry. Can we talk?” he quickly said as he entered the living room.
His eyes then widened in surprise.
Everyone in the room had a mix-matched of emotions.
Some looked excited and some uncertain.
Harry was at the midst of the room with a very large box open for them.
Invitations were being opened by the Weasleys and he was drawing out a couple of suits and dresses from the other large box.
“What’s going on here?” Lupin asked as he watched an excited Ginny put over a beautiful and intricately designed dress over her.
“Wedding dresses and suits for the entourage people.” Harry replied as he gently drew out a formal looking suit.
Harry smiled at him and stood from his position in the living room.
Lupin eyed Molly momentarily as Harry reached him with a smile.
He stared at him as if nothing happened in their last meeting at the trial.
He had been so sure that Harry was extremely furious with his honest answers before the Wizengamot.
“I’m glad you’re here.” Harry said.
“Harry, listen-“
Harry smiled and Lupin stared as he handed over the formal suit.
He looked up at the boy with question in his eyes as took it from him.
“For my best man.” Harry said with a glimmer of excitement over his face.
He was genuinely staring at him as he extended his hand with the suit.
Confused as he was, Lupin took the suit from him and gave a short smile.
He looked around him.
Bill was wearing his own as Fleur helped him out with the ribbon.
He smiled and looked at them but Fleur seemed displeased.
There was something in Fleur’s facial expression that Lupin seemed to sense was quite different.
Looking at Ginny, it wasn’t there.
It was only written over her and Molly’s face.
“Gin, this is for your dad.” Harry said handing a small box towards Ginny. “Just check his size later when he gets home from work and let me know if changes should be made.”
“Sure thing, Harry.” Ginny excitedly replied as she took the box and settled it aside.
Lupin looked around at the open invitation around the room.
Freshly made and magically designed.
“Potter-Granger Nuptials”
Harry chose the colours of vibrant red and gold for their wedding theme.
Gryffindor colours.
Or rather, the color of victory.
“Are you not going to check the size?” Harry’s voice came up at Lupin’s ear.
Lupin opened his mouth to say something when Molly re-entered the room carrying the tray of coffee that he had been planning to give everyone in the room.
“I think your guess on my size would be fine.” Lupin said with a smile as he placed his suit atop a dressed in the room to ensure its safety from any possible mess around the room.
“Alright then.” Harry said looking away from him.
He watched as he returned to the invitations and counted them over.
Lupin saw that he pulled out a notebook over and checked and crossed several things over.
“Harry, you’ve fixed the documents you needed for marriage?” Lupin curiously asked hearing from Arthur a few days ago that Harry was going to have a slightly hard time since Hermione was Muggle-Born and her records needed double checking and all sorts of arrangements that usually took time.
“Yeah.” Harry mindlessly answered as he continue to tinker with the things around them.
Lupin’s eyes narrowed.
It usually took about a few months for that and if Harry was already handing invitations and suits then it was either it wasn’t fixed and he was bluffing or some miraculous task has been done to accomplish it.
“It usually takes time.” Lupin gently reminded him. “About four months to-“
“I’m Harry Potter.” Harry said looking sharply up at him. “I can have anything I want in no time.”
Lupin stared at him and the glint in his eyes was visible for a moment.
It vanished as he blinked and looked away from Lupin.
Lupin sighed and stared around the room.
Fleur was the only one listening to their conversation and staring back at Lupin with that look in her eyes.
“Do you need help?” Lupin slowly asked as he sat down next to Bill who stood next to the sofa and was checking his reflection at the mirror.
“Help?” Harry asked looking up at him from across the room.
Lupin nodded at him with a small and hopeful smile.
“From you?” Harry asked slowly with that glint in his eyes again.
“Yes, Harry.” Lupin answered with confidence. “I haven’t got much to do. I can run certain errands for you or reservation or-“
“No, thank you.” Harry said as he turned back to a box with some intricate pins and ribbons and hair accessories from which Ginny asked for.
“But I could perhaps be of good help to some choice you need to make-“
“No.” Harry insistently said. “I need people who could make the right and good choices and at the moment professor, that’s not you.”
Lupin only nodded and gave a smile.
There was something in the gleam in his eyes that he had before turning away from him and completely ignoring him that alarmed Lupin even more.
Harry was nowhere well-conditioned.
He was preparing for a wedding that wasn’t going to take place and with a very unwilling bride.
He knew that he meant something else with the ‘No, thank you’ remark that he had replied him with.
He knew that Harry was never going to ever ask him any help anymore.
He tried not to have anyone notice his uncomfortable feeling he was having and it seemed to him that only Molly and Fleur felt that something really wasn’t right at that very moment.

“That’s cheating.” Hermione giggled as Snape nipped her neck and then opened his mouth as she playfully placed a small piece of grape in his mouth that she has dipped from a cup of chocolate.
They were at the middle of the bed, both stark naked and facing one another.
Snape’s legs were on either side of her waist while hers were at the same side on Snape’s part.
A bowl of grapes and chocolate syrup lay by their side and a small thickly folded parchment that was already stained with chocolate was in Hermione’s hands.
They have been playing a small quiz on certain ‘subject facts’ for which Hermione had drawn up to do when they had nothing to do at the cottage.
Apparently, Snape thought of making the game little less boring by counting off their points.
Winner gets to be fed the fruit and be given something else in return by the loser.
By this time, he had already taken half the grapes from the bowl and had been able to place his mouth in certain areas of Hermione’s body as the ‘something for her to give up to the winner’ part of the game.
Amidst it all, Snape had taken out a large bottle of wine for their pleasure and for which Hermione had been enjoying the entire afternoon.
“I haven’t been cheating.” Snape replied as he took another kiss over her neckline and left a small mark.
Hermione groaned in pain and pushed his face off from her.
“The game says to kiss.”
“No.” Snape said. “The game says to take something from the loser. It did not say to merely kiss.”
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and then flipped another part of the parchment to ask another question.
“It’s my turn to ask.” Snape said taking the parchment from her.
“Fine.” Hermione said handing it to him. “Whatever.”
Snape chuckled and as he read through possible questions for her to answer his free hand ran up and down along her shoulder and down the side of her thighs.
He was reading through, teasing her with the possible questions but Hermione was silent.
He gently moved his eyes from the parchment and stare opposite him.
She was nibbling one of the grapes and was staring down at the bowl.
“Are you alright?” he asked her with a gentle smile.
He looked at her eyes to see how drank she was.
No, she wasn’t that drunk to be feeling that way.
She shook her head.
“I’m fine.” Hermione said as she turned back at him. “What’s the question?” she asked.
Snape stared at her.
Something was wrong.
“What’s wrong?” he asked her moving forward her.
“Nothing.” Hermione answered irritably. “Just ask away.”
He stared at her and gently smiled.
He placed down the parchment and took a grape from the bowl.
He dipped it on the chocolate area and teased it over her mouth.
“Eat it.” Snape gently commanded her.
Hermione shook her head.
“I lost in the game. Just ask another question so I can earn something or you’ll earn something.”
Snape couldn’t help but notice the annoyance in her tone.
Did he do something?
“Sweetheart.” Snape whispered placing the chocolate filled grape across her closed lips.
She tightened her lips.
He glared at her.
“Are you serious?” he asked her disbelievingly.
Hermione sighed heavily.
Snape placed the grape over her lips and let the chocolate smother there.
“Please?” he asked her.
But Hermione refused to open her mouth.
Snape stared and then without warning, her threw the grape aside and placed his hands on either side of her cheeks.
He locked her in place and licked her closed mouth.
Hermione remained unmoving.
She remained defiant.
He licked the chocolate off her lips and licked again.
And again.
Hermione still refused to open her mouth.
“What do you want?” he asked her.
Hermione opened her mouth to answer but Snape grabbed the chance.
He took her mouth to his and forced his mouth into her.
He forced his tongue inside her mouth and Hermione moved against him in defense.
A clank.
The bowl of grapes toppled over their bed.
Snape pushed her back over the bed and had begun kissing her hungry.
But he seemed to be the only one amused by their little game now.
Another clank.
The empty glasses of wine rolled over from the bed and down their carpeted floor.
“Let go off me.” Hermione irritably said pushing him off her.
Snape was in the middle of reaching out and kissing her again when Hermione pushed him roughly off her.
Snape looked up at her breathless form.
Her hair was all over her face and she looked like she had just did very bad on a quiz.
Was she irritated because she was losing the game?
“Hermione-“ Snape gently said reaching for her arm and kissing it.
Hermione pulled her arm away from him and backed away from the bed.
“I’m tired.” Hermione muttered grabbing the fallen blanket on the floor and securely wrapping it around herself.
Snape stared at her with question in his eyes.
“Did I say something wrong?” he asked her worriedly.
“No.” Hermione snapped picking up the fallen glasses and bowl and placing them over the side of the room.
Snape watched her and quickly followed her around the room.
Hermione stared at her reflection by their dresser and she began combing her hair.
Soon enough, Snape swept behind her and placed his hands on either side of her.
He slipped on hand inside the blanket groping her behind while the other hand tried to get through the blanket.
“Tell me what I’ve done.” Snape whispered kissing her shoulder blades. “Sweetheart, please.”
“I’m said, I’m fucking fine.” Hermione snapped at him as she threw the comb back over the desk and stared at him.
Snape’s eyes glowered.
He grabbed her by the arm and made her face him.
“I am tired.” Hermione spat at him. “Can’t I get tired?”
“You were bloody fine a while ago.” Snape reasoned. “What could possibly tire you out?”
“Can’t I get tired?” she said loudly. “Is that also not allowed now?”
“Hermione-“
“Well, you try doing the same fucking thing every day and then you’d see how it suddenly feels all tiring.”
Snape blinked and stared.
Where the hell did that come from?
They were just having a good time, a great time even.
“What’s wrong?” he asked and this time it was a demand.
All sense of romance had vanished from the both of them.
“Nothing.” Hermione said avoiding his gaze.
Snape stare at her, wondering with all his might what could be wrong.
Ofcourse there was a thousand of reasons that could be wrong and she could be angry about him.
But they were just playing a game.
She was losing the game but it wasn’t like she’s never lost to him before.
She usually won and he was just having his luck this time.
She enjoyed the bowl of grapes and chocolates that she specifically requested earlier to have as a snack.
She was even the one who suggested to play the game that afternoon.
He collected her with a yes and a wine and brought her to the room to play the game with her.
She was even game to the new sexual rules of the game that were applied.
So what could be wrong at that moment?
His black eyes searched her and wondered what made her feel that way and how he could cheer her up.
He was running out of ideas lately.
Three years would have anyone running out of ideas.
Until it hit him.
“You’re bored.” Snape clearly noted at her. “You’re bored, aren’t you?” he asked her.
Hermione bit her lower lip and looked away.
It were enough gestures as confirmation for Snape.
It worried Snape.
“Let go off me.” Hermione said moving his hand away from the blanket.
“Hermione-“
“I’ll make us dinner.” Hermione said as she moved across the room and picked up her fallen clothes from the floor.
“I’ll help you out-“
“No.” Hermione said grabbing her clothes and walking to the bathroom. “I’ll do it. It’s fine.”
“Hermione.” Snape quickly followed and grabbed her wrists to him. “I know you’re bored. What do you want me to do?”
“Nothing.” Hermione tugged her arm back from him.
“Sweetheart.”
“Don’t call me that!” she breathed out angrily.
Snape’s eyes flashed and she seemed to have realized what she’d done.
“I asked you what you want.” Snape repeated at her. “Hermione, please.”
“Really?” Hermione asked with glint in her eyes. “You want to ask me that?”
“Hermione-“
“You couldn’t give me what I want even if I tell you.” Hermione lashed at him.
“I’m worried about-“
“You wouldn’t even know what I’d want pro-“ she bit her lip back. “I’m going in.”
Hermione tugged her hand back again.
Snape stared and didn’t know what to say.
They were not going to cross the boundary of those issues again.
“I just want to know what you would like.” Snape said almost pleadingly. “Hermione, we were having a good time-“
“Yeah.” Hermione snapped. “Yeah, we were. But.. it’s not..” she sighed heavily. “It’s not always like that.”
“What do you mean?” Snape asked irritated at her answer.
Ofcourse he knew what she meant.
She was talking about their age gap and how he would never understand her and her wants.
She was just too sensitive and nice enough not to directly address it to him.
“Hermione, tell me what you want.” he insisted.
Hermione lost her patience.
She rolled her eyes and turned to him.
“You really want to ask me that?” she angrily said. “You really want to ask that and what? Will you give it to me?”
Snape didn’t answer her.
He opened his mouth but no words came out.
He tried to reclaim himself but Hermione gave him an insulting smile.
“Ofcourse you wouldn’t answer nor give me that.” Hermione muttered.
“I would give it if it’s reasonable.”
“What’s reasonable for you?” Hermione lashed at him. “It’s never reasonable or whatever you want to call it. It’s always your choice on everything so don’t give me that offer like I have a choice on anything around here.”
She withdrew her hand from his frozen form and pushed herself inside the bathroom.
And before Snape could do anything, she closed the door right at his face.
Despite that she no longer locked the door since she wasn’t really allowed to do that, he knew she was dressing up.
Her silence wasn’t the one that worried and bothered him.
It was her attitude.
She was getting bored.
She was bored again.
He’d noticed it several times already and he had unconsciously ignored that fact.
Ofcourse she was bound to get bored around him.
She may be intellectual and mature for her age and definitely one that was fond in knowledge and books as himself – but she was still a child.
Not a real child per se, but she was still younger than him.
Her likes, dislikes and interests were completely different from him.
Their age difference didn’t help either to give him ideas on what could possibly cheer-up her adolescent or coming of age self.
He knew that it was a possibility for her to feel this way towards him and he ignored that fact.
He thought that books alone would be enough to entertain her.
Or rather, he alone was enough to provide her with certain needs she’s come to need at her coming of age.
It deeply worried him.
How would she take her back and her attention and find ways to give her all of her needs at the cottage?
She was already showing signs of these boredom and he neglected its presence.
It was a terrible thought.
Bored people tend to do terrible things in their time if not saved from.
Bored people could think of terrible thoughts and ideas.
She was a danger to him and to herself if these boredom of hers becomes out of control and she tends to certain ways of coping through it.
He knew it was coming.
He knew that she was going to get bored with him and in the cottage sooner or later.
It frustrated him to think that they were just in their third year and she was at the tip of her patience already.
There were four more years to go.
Four long years he had to deal with her and everything else that he needed to.
It was as if fate really wanted him to suffer for the rest of his life.

“This is all my fault.” Lupin said. “This is all my fault. I’ve chosen not to follow my instinct that something could be wrong with Harry.”
“He’s not fine.” Bill said as he stared around the empty living room. “He’s fucking not fine.”
“And what do you suggest we do about it?” Charlie asked as he entered the room.
The weeks of working abroad, he had come home a week or two ago when Fleur begged Bill that the family might need him.
That Harry might be needing an older brother at hand.
Bill had taken hint from Fleur and had asked if Harry could accompany them back to the dress shop at Diagon Alley to make certain arrangements for Fleur and Ginny’s dress.
Ofcourse Harry wouldn’t say no to anything that will add perfection for his wedding day.
“So he thinks this could be pushed through?” Charlie asked them staring over at the suit for him that Harry had bought to be made for him at last minute.
“This is ridiculous.” Bill said. “It’s completely insane.”
Molly stared at his sons and back at Lupin who was speechless.
He deeply blamed himself for what has happened to Harry.
“I noticed things but I ignored it.” Lupin sighed heavily burying his face in his hands. “What good use am I to Harry?”
“I think you shouldn’t blame yourself.” Bill said as he crossed the room and filled a glass with soda from the small gathering earlier.
He drained the glass and filled a new one and handed it over to Lupin.
“It’s all my fault.” Lupin said. “Bloody stupid.”
“No.” Bill said. “It’s all ours. All of us. Don’t take it all on your shoulder, mate.”
“He’s right.” Charlie said sitting next to him. “We should have noticed it.”
“He is family.” Molly gently said as she tried to keep tears from her eyes. “He’s family and we always watched over him and this time.. we failed. We’ve neglected him.”
“Mum, what time is dad coming home?” Bill suddenly asked.
“I sent him a note that it’s an emergency and he should come home.” Molly said. “But I sent him a Patronus to keep it from anyone and most especially from Harry incase the note gets intercepted in any way.”
“And Hermione?” Bill asked turning to Lupin.
“Draco sent me a Patronus.” Lupin replied and most of them seemed surprised at his answer. “She’s safe with him.”
“When’s the next trial?”
“Less than some hours.” Lupin replied with hopelessness in his voice. “Hermione would definitely be present.”
“Is there a way we can talk to that Malfoy?” Bill asked Lupin.
He shook his head.
He wasn’t sure.
He didn’t have a plan at hand.
All he knew was that they could be too late to save Harry and to save an unwilling bride and most of all, to save a man that could have been innocent.
No, he wasn’t innocent.
He already concluded that.
But he was a hero at the beginning – even just at the beginning.
And that still deserved the slightest bit of credit.
“I’m not sure what we can do.” Lupin said looking up at them.
“Yeah.” Bill said as he grabbed his black jacket from the couch. “But we can neither sit around here.”
“Where are you going?” Molly asked seeing his slightly pissed features.
“Try to save a would-be bride and a would-be-mental patient.” Bill replied as he walked out of the living room.
They all stared at one another.
“Call Draco.” Charlie suggested as he too grabbed his cloak from the well where he hung it over. “I think we need to set aside this whole Pureblood-traitor bullshit and save whom we can save.”
Lupin nodded at the next Weasley brother.
He was left with Molly in the room who looked down at him with such worry over her face.
“Did I fail?” he asked worriedly. “Did I fail James, Molly?”
“No.” Molly answered him. “You only wanted what seemed and felt best for Harry at the time. We neglected him thinking he was getting happier by the days. We became happy and content for him when Hermione returned. We failed to see things as they were. But you didn’t fail. You acted as to what instincts told you.”
“James would not want Harry to turn out this way.”
“But James would neither want to see you feeling this way.”
“But what do we do, Molly?” he asked her with worry over his face. “What do I do?”
“What we always do.” Molly answered.
She smiled at him.
“We become a family.” Molly said. “We become a family and try to take and save everyone and anyone we can still reach.”

“We try to take and save everyone and anyone we can still reach.”
That thought haunted him down up to the last day of the seven years.
It was a thought that was also going to haunt him for the rest of the remaining days of his life.
The seven years was over.
Hermione Granger was free of the Urduja Curse.
He was free of a responsibility that was shoved right up at him.
She was free to go back to her friends and family.
He was free to go back to a few days of solace.
And then he was going to go to the Ministry of Magic and surrender himself.
This was the end point of his plans.
He was able to protect her fully all these years from harming anyone else and from harming herself.
He had successfully bounded and extinguished the curse inside of her.
She was finally free.
And despite of all those years of pain and living and loving one another, it has to come to an end.
An end that he had prepared himself all this time.
Nothing might make sense of his plans and decisions but one was for sure:
Hermione has to go home.

“You don’t want me to go home.” Hermione’s voice suddenly came. “Just tell me that you don’t want me to go home.”
He looked up and felt her hand over his.
She was smiling brightly up at him.
He had forgotten how beautiful her genuine smile was.
She has never smiled that beautifully in years.
He was not likely to forget that smile of hers.
She looked happy and healthy and vibrant.
She was wearing a short white dress with bright red design of a drawn up rose across the dress.
She looked very beautiful.
“You have to go home.” Snape said kissing her forehead. “You have to go, Hermione.”
Hermione’s eyes narrowed with sadness.
She looked up at him.
He felt so distant from her from the past two days.
Did he really not want her anymore?
Did he really want her gone and away?
It wasn’t like she didn’t know this was coming.
She knew this day was also going to arrive but she didn’t think that he’d be this way.
He felt so cold and distant when she thought that they should be savoring their time together.
Or so until he settles things down with the Ministry and then they could be together.
Hermione tugged his arm back to stop him from walking.
“You’ll be late for your train.” Snape said as he gestured at the large cloak atop of them.
They were at the main train station in London.
Both dressed well for the occasion.
They had enjoyed a last morning view by their cottage and then they travelled by a small boat, by a bus and by magic from a port area where a Portkey may be used.
It took them several hours already and Snape felt that time was ticking quite faster than it should be.
He had taken her to the local café and let her enjoy her meal despite his tirades that she should eat faster because she was going to be late.
In truth, he just wanted to hurry things up so he could finally not see her.
So she could not see what he would be feeling right after.
“Are you really so fond to get rid of me?” Hermione asked in her pursed lips and mischievous grin.
She was smiling but her tone was indifferent.
She was hurt and he knows of that feeling.
He wasn’t going to be weak and pointless at that moment.
This was the moment he had been afraid of and yet he knew it would come.
This was something he promised her and promised himself.
Despite of everything that has taken place at the past seven years at that godforsaken cottage, he would – whatever it takes – bring her back to London and to the others once the seven years was over.
Seven cruel years it might have been for the both of them but it has come to an end.
Seven years of pleasure and pain for him but it has come to end.
Hermione was going back to her family and friends no matter the consequences.
Regardless of everything that has taken place and the feelings that were developed there, she was going back as he had promised.
“Miss Granger.”
“And now you’ll call me that?” Hermione asked.
Tears were becoming evident at the sides of her eyes.
“Hermione.” Snape whispered taking hold of her hand. “You need to go back.”
“Are you in such hurry to throw me back to them?” Hermione asked him. “Can’t you give me a few moments to enjoy my last moments with you?” she asked him.
There was still that fire in her eyes.
It has never died.
It had always been there and he had always admired that.
He knew how much the situation had broken them both and how much damage he might have caused her, but she was always a Gryffindor through and through – brave and daring and often times, even reckless.
She will always be his Gryffindor girl.
“I’m not throwing you away.” he quietly said as he gently placed his arms around her and pulled her to him in an embrace.
They just stood there by the train station standing quietly with Hermione in his arms.
They watched as the people passed them – all of them oblivious to who they were and their situation.
Pairs of trains passed by to the next stop after another.
Chatters of people arriving and bidding goodbye.
Trolleys of snacks and of souvenirs were being pushed around.
The grand clock atop the station was ticking and had chimed in the hour.
A few minutes and Hermione’s train would be arriving.
“When will you follow?” she asked him as she slowly moved to face him. “When will you follow me back there?”
“When I’ve finished what I have to.” Snape said. “When I am done, I will follow you at London.”
But in truth, he wasn’t sure.
He wasn’t sure how long it would take him to transfer all the rights and properties of the cottage somewhere and to someone else who could keep the transaction a secret.
He wasn’t sure how long it would take him to find final buyers over his left creations back at the cottage.
He needed to find a small space to keep Hermione’s books and other left belongings at the cottage for which in time he could send her back at London.
He wasn’t sure when he’d finish covering all their traces at Beltane and then go at the Ministry to surrender himself as Death Eater who would plea guilty and who would hopefully be given a retribution or small reprieve in accordance to his previous work at Hogwarts and for the Order.
He knew he wasn’t getting away from his past mistakes but he was willing to face them.
He was willing to accept a few or more years at Azkaban before being with Hermione again.
He wasn’t sure when he was going to follow her back at London.
But he was sure that he has to bring her back before he goes back to Beltane and clear everything that should be.
He wasn’t going to erase what were, he was just going to put things back to where they belong.
And he knew that Hermione never belonged to him.
“And our plans?” Hermoine hopefully asked. “Should I just wait for your letter or so about me helping out at the Ministry? Should I contact people to let you back at Hogwarts and all-“
“Hermione.” Snape quietly said placing his arms on either side of her. “Please. All you need to do is focus on your return to them. Once at main city, you prepare yourself to what is to come. I’ve placed enough funds on your account on an extended account and identification. It is legit and it will fund your needs. Go to Diagon Alley at the closing time of the shops and ask Ollivander for a wand. You need to be well protected before you face anyone.”
Hermione only nodded at him, barely comprehending what he was instructing her.
She was part of all these plans but now actually executing them felt so horrible and impossible at the same time.
“Are you listening to me?” he asked her seeing he distracted features.
“Yes.” Hermione said biting her lip in uncertainty. “Yes, I am.”
Snape stared at her in doubt.
“Hermione, please.”
“I’m listening.”
He looked reluctant but he continued his instructions.
“Remus Lupin is the first you should find.” Snape said. “He should be found at the Ministry if not at Hogwarts. One way or another, I’m quite sure you would find him. Once you have your wand, use a Patronus if you must. A letter may be easily intercepted or may fall into the wrong hands by accident. You must be wise in your actions before you return and reveal yourself to them.”
“What do I tell professor Lupin?” Hermione asked although she already knew what to as they’ve already talked and planned all of these ahead of time.
“Lupin is a wise man.” Snape said. “As much as I hate admitting this to you, he is the only one fair enough to know first what to do. Tell him I will await for his message in form of a Patronus as well.”
Hermione nodded at him knowing the enchantment that will lead her Patronus to help Lupin’s to find Snape if time should come to that.
“And Harry?” Hermione asked. “What do I tell Harry?”
Snape’s face turned passive for a moment.
He wasn’t really ready for that one but he knew it must be faced.
“Lupin will know what to do.” Snape instructed her. “Let Lupin decide.”
Hermione looked up at him with another tearful gaze.
An announcement up ahead told them that the train was to arrive in two minutes’ time.
“Are you ready?” he asked her as he handed over the ticket that she would hand to the train’s assistants and guide that will carry some of her belongings.
Hermione nodded at him as she clutched the ticket in her hand.
Snape gave her a gentle smile – one that was genuinely ever so rare of him.
Hermione cried.
“Severus!” she gasped placing her arms tightly around him.
Snape stood still unable to do or say anything.
He was trying to avoid contact with her at all costs if possible.
If she does not leave soon, he might not have the courage and strength to let her.
“Hermione, everything will be alright. We’ve waited for this. Did we not?”
“But I thought we’d be out there together again.” Hermione cried at him as she tightened her grip around his neck.
“We would be.” Snape said placing his arms around her. “We would be. But not just at the same time.”
“I’m scared of what will happen.” Hermione cried at him. “I’m scared of the world out there and what it might..”
“The Dark Lord is gone, Hermione.” Snape whispered as she tried to calm him down in his embrace. “And the Urduja Curse is gone. Death Eaters are gone, has fled and are in Azkaban.”
“And they will bring you there.” Hermione cried. “Please, please. Let me help you. Let me do this for you. Let us do this together.”
Snape closed his eyes.
He felt hot tears threatening to fall down.
“There are things we could do together, Hermione.” Snape whispered. “But there are things that we should and must do separately.”
“Did you not always tell me the Order’s motto?” she asked as she leaned a little away from him so she could face him.
“Hermione-“
“Do you not always tell me?” Hermione asked pleadingly. “Do you not always remind me?”
“Hermione, this is different.”
“It’s not.” Hermione said in tears. “Do you not remember, Severus?”
Snape didn’t say anything.
Hermione placed her hands on either side of his pale face.
“Severus, we become a family and try to take and save everyone and anyone we can still reach. Is that not right?” she asked him. “Did the Order not teach us that? You’ve never left me… you promised never to leave me. I can’t leave you.”
“You can.” Snape said. “You can and you will. You must go. Please.” Snape slowly took hold of both her wrists and lowered her hands from his face.
Hermione looked so confused and hurt at the same time.
They could hear the train finally arriving as people walked passed towards the gateway that will lead to the train’s door.
“Severus.”
“I promise I will see you again.” Snape whispered avoiding her gaze. “I promise you that. But things has to go back in order first.”
He gently took her hands and kissed them gently.
He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead and embraced her tightly.
“Go, Hermione.” Snape whispered. “You must go now.”
Hermione opened her mouth but no words came out.
Only tears came falling down from her face as Snape securely placed her hand-carry bag around herself and secured her cloak in place and pulled over her hood so that nobody could easily recognize her.
The train had finally arrived and people started lining up to get into it.
The guards and guides were already calling out and announcing the passengers to line up for ticket check and entry.
Snape pressed her hands into his and gave her a final embrace.
“I promise I will come back for you.” Hermione cried tightly grasping him. “I promise you we’d be happy.”
“Go.” Snape said as he gently guided her near the front of the line. “Go, Hermione. Please.”
“No – I – Severus-“ Hermione cried in gentle protest as he moved and pulled her towards the line.
“I promise, I will follow. But right now you must go.” Snape insisted as he secured her in a line.
The guards had then placed the long rope that secured the passengers and separated them from their relatives or friends that bid them goodbye from the station.
Hermione held her bag mindlessly around her and clutched the ticket in her hand.
She still had her face turned back at Snape’s direction.
She felt so far away from him already when the only barricade between them was the metal and the ropes.
He was standing there and waiting for her to board the train and for the train to leave.
He stood tall in his cloak and black traveling attire with his long hands inside the pocket of his cloak.
Hermione had suddenly realized how beautiful and tragic he looked at the same time.
Age seemed to finally caught up with the professor she fell in love with.
Tears were streaming down her face as she was pressed against the crowd with the people pushing through to get ahead or line up in the queue he had pushed her through earlier.
Her heart was beating faster by the moment she walked forward the train.
The seven years has ended before she could really let it sink inside of her.
All her suffering were over.
Snape’s suffering in taking her in and protecting her were also over.
She was free.
He was also free of everything.
They were both free and free of one another.
She had never been this far from him and the feeling was reeling her into a whirlwind worse than she has ever imagined.
They were going to be separated for the rest of their lives and she knew it.
Tears streamed down her face as she walked forward and nearer the guards checking the tickets before boarding the train.
There was no going back once she walked forward the guard waiting at the very front of the line.
Once she enters the train, there was no going back on that.
Suddenly, her memories of Snape and with the man came flashing before her eyes.
Could she really leave him?
Could she really leave him behind?
He promised her that he would only settle things and then he would follow her back there at London.
He promise her that they would see one another again.
But how long would that take?
Days? Weeks? Months? A year?
Seven years?
It was breaking her heart.
But looking up ahead of her, flashes and memories of Harry came to her.
Memories of her parents she could now revisit once more.
Memories of people from Hogwarts, her friends and her professors.
She could go back and in a few months’ time, she could as well fix her life again and live normally.
She was going back to her friends and love ones.
No longer will be the days when she knew none about them.
She was finally free to know about how they were doing and how things have been.
Nobody would be telling her off or that she wasn’t allowed to know about the outside world.
She even have a small copy of the latest edition of a newspaper tucked inside her hand carry bag that Snape had bought at the station.
She as excited to go forward that train and go back to the rest of the world.
But the price was leaving Snape and all those seven years behind.
Did she really want to go back?
What about Snape and what will become of him?
Were they not happy? Were things not enough for her at the cottage that she really wanted to go back?
What would they say?
What would Harry say?
What would the others and the Orders think of her and what has taken place in the past years?
Did she really have a life to go back to or was the life fate gifted her with was the one she was leaving behind?
She wildly looked around, craning her neck painfully to look for him amongst the crowd that was left at the other side of the rope.
She could barely see him and sooner or later she knew that he’d most probably Dispparate without waiting for her to get into the train and leave.
She was never going to see him ever again.
“Severus, no.” Hermione cried in panicked as she was pushed forward the moving line and was pushed farther from where Snape was.
“No wait –“ Hermione said as she tried to squeeze her way back from the line but the people were getting irritated and annoyed by her that they blocked her way instead and kept pushing the line forward.
She looked ahead of her with her heart beating very fast.
She was going to leave him and no matter of his words, she felt that she was never going to see him again most especially if he plans to surrender himself to the Ministry after all these years.
Panicked rose further inside her.
She had not prepare herself for this part of their life.
She couldn’t find herself far and away from him and she feared the world she was going to return to.
Yes, she did longed and prayed for this day to finally arrive and now she was unsure if she wanted to go back.
What if there was no more Harry waiting for her and that he has moved on with his life?
What if her parents were unredeemable in certain ways?
She was going to be alone.
What if there really was no life to return to anymore?
But Snape said that they were going to be there and that she has a life to return to.
Snape said that she had to go back.
Snape said there was a life waiting for her at the other side.
Did he really not want her anymore?
Hermione’s heart palpitated as she felt herself going far and away from safety and was being forced forward into the unknown and into her fears.
Only seven people were now ahead of her as the lined shortened as they all took steps forward the train that was blowing off its steam in a deafening sound.
Did she really still want this life she was going back to?
Six people.
Is there still a life awaiting for her at the other end of the train station?
Five people.
Would Harry and the rest of the world out there still love and accept her as she is even if they found out certain things and stories of her seven years?
Four people.
Was she still really not happy or content enough to just stay with Snape at the cottage since they were peacefully living there for so long and that he has given her everything?
Three people.
Will they ever see one another?
Two people.
Did Harry still matter to her more than anything and anyone else in the world?
A last person was in front of her and she held her ticket so tight that she was making creases around it.
Did Snape not make her happy and proved to her the kind of sacrificia love she has never really seen nor felt before?
Was Harry going to love her the way Snape had done all these years?

“Miss?” the guard asked, smiling at her and gesturing for her ticket.
Hermione blinked and stared at the guard that was asking for her ticket that she was halfway of handing over.
The line behind her were making a slight fuss at her slow pace of handing over the ticket.
She stared at the guard who looked back at her with a smile but was confused by her facial expression.
“Miss?” the guard repeated. “Please hand over the ticket so you can board and the line may move.”
Hermione’s heart was beating so fast as the guard gently tugged for the ticket from her.
In her confused thoughts, she let go of the ticket and the other guard poked its stick over her bag to check her belongings as procedure.
She was greeted and bid goodbye by the guards for a safe trip and she was gently pushed towards the train.
Her right foot stepped inside the train’s ledge and the other still stuck behind her.
She felt that she was stuck somewhere there in the middle, literary unable to move.
People ahead of her stared back at her with a confuse glare and the people behind her were already talking and complaining with her annoying way of walking ahead of them.
But she couldn’t move.
It was a life a head of her or the life she has lived behind her.
Did she really still want this life she was about to go back to?
Was there a life to even return to?

“I told you I wouldn’t answer nor give you that.” Hermione sheepishly said throwing the book over his head.
Harry grabbed her around the waist and pulled her with him in the large and very soft couch of the Weasleys.
It was Christmas week and Mrs. Weasley decided that a special dinner was in order tonight since on the event itself on Christmas, some Order members would not be present in order to remain at their designated positions to protect Harry and ensure he does have a good Christmas as the headmaster’s order.
The girls had helped Mrs. Weasley cook all the dishes whilst the boys had been busy putting final decorations around the house.
The table was magically expanded to accommodate all of the Weasleys and the visitors for the night and the following day and ofcourse the Weasley twins amped up everything by preparing a couple of fireworks for the night.
“Oy, you two.” Ron breathlessly said as he entered the small living room where the two were.
He looked slightly annoyed that the two of them were by the fireplace and enjoying one another’s company.
Harry was sitting on the largest armchair by the fireplace with Hermione sitting over his lap and her legs hanging at the side of the arms of the sofa chair.
They were both giggling and red in the face when Ron entered the room.
“Yeah?” Harry asked knowing that he was going to ask them to help out in the house.
“Maybe you two would like to help around.” Ron said eyeing Hermione.
Hermione rolled her eyes at him and didn’t say anything.
Ofcourse Ron wasn’t really annoyed.
In fact, he was fond on seeing them that way.
It made him feel good seeing that for once Harry wasn’t completely troubled and that he seems to forget the looming problems of the Dark Lord’s rise to power.
And the best part of it, it was Hermione he was in a relationship with.
“We’d be there in a bit.” Harry said pulling Hermione’s face loser his and closely staring over some of her freckles.
Hermione giggled again as his other hand moved around and secured her around the waist.
Ron rolled his eyes off at them.
“Fine.” he said waking away. “Whatever. Mum, Harry’s a little busy at the moment to help carry out the stuff in the dining you needed.”
They both listened at Ron’s fading voice and footsteps.
Hermione looked up at Harry.
“Shouldn’t you be out there helping?”
“Shouldn’t you be cooking with Fleur and Ginny?” he asked back as he pulled her and sniffed her around the neck with his hands slowly moving around certain parts of her that he wouldn’t have done so in any other day or if anyone else was in the room.
Hermione breathed through as she felt Harry’s hands slowly climbed up around her legs.
He was gently running it up and down between her thighs and closing his nose around her neckline and nudging his nose with hers.
Harry moved his face forward her and kissed her.
Hermione was slightly caught off guard and she looked up at him hesitantly.
“Someone might walk in.” Hermione breathed but she already shifted her position in accordance to what was comfortable for Harry.
He laid her closer to her and had moved his other hand secured around her waist and the other brushing along her thighs and then up and down her arms.
“Who will walk in?” Harry breathed to her mouth.
He moved closer and pressed a soft kiss over her mouth.
Hermione bit her lower lip and stared at him.
He moved and she caught his lips this time and kissed.
Harry moaned and pulled her hand to stay over his lap while he placed his hands around her face and pulled her into a deep kiss.
They were both moving and moaning, kissing one another deeply and almost uncaring to whoever might walk in to them.
“Harry, they might-“
“They wouldn’t care.” Harry breathlessly said in between their kisses. “They already know what we have-“
“Yeah, but it might-“
“Shush, ‘Mione.” Harry said as he held her tighter and closer him. “I love you. Just stay with me here okay..”
“Alright.” Hermione whispered back longing for his kisses and embrace since they didn’t really get to be this close at Hogwarts as they weren’t that kind of couple who paraded what they had.
Harry’s hold of her became tighter and with great need and his kisses became deeper with longing and passion.
He began unbuttoning the upper buttons of her dress as he held her closer and had began touching her under the dress.
Hermione closed her eyes and surrendered herself at his touches and the feel of Harry’s hand inside her fully-clothed form.
His kisses stifled her moans of his name.
“Forever, ‘Mione, yes?” he whispered as he paused from moving his hands around her.
Hermione looked up at him with a nod.
Brown eyes met emerald ones.
They gazed at one another as if there was no more tomorrow.
Harry carefully brushed his fingertips along her red and swollen lips.
“I love you.” Harry whispered staring at her with such love. “I love you, ‘Mione and we’ll survive this war together.”
“I love you too.” Hermione whispered back with tears in her eyes. “I will always do. Forever, Harry.” Hermione promised him as she touched the side of his face with her soft fingers.
“Forever.” Harry said moving his face closer to her again. “I will always choose you no matter what. I promise that I will protect you and fight for you.”
“I will do the same for you.”
“I will protect you, Hermione.” Harry promised. “I would kill for you if I have to.”
Hermione moved her face to him and nodded.
“I would love you forever.” Hermione whispered back inching her face close to him again for another kiss.
Harry smiled at him and then he inched another inch closer to her face and continued to kiss her regardless of the place they were in and the people who might walk into them to see them in the open living room.

“What the fuck does this open?” Draco asked himself for the nth time.
He was back in his office at the Malfoy Manor and had been staring at the key that his uncle had given him.
It wasn’t something he could think of as familiar in any way.
It wasn’t intricately designed to be associated to anything that was Slytherin or even anything that desperately reminded him of a Death Eater nor of the Dark Lord.
The key was different in itself.
He had first thought that it was a key to Azkaban prison – perhaps, something to open his godfather’s cell.
But then again he realized that keys didn’t really open the cellular doors of the prison wards at Azkaban.
It was nowhere a Hogwarts key as well.
And even more crazy, it wasn’t any key to open any door at the Malfoy Manor.
So what the fuck was the key for?
He stared closely at its old-looking design and had even wasted an hour of his precious 31 hours in the library to check if there was any reference to it in the books there.
He had found nothing.
He promised himself that if he does not figure it out on his own within half an hour, he would go directly to Hermione and ask her if she was familiar with the key.
Ofcourse he didn’t want to do that immediately as he didn’t want to alarm her any further or stress her any more over the things that were happening.
In his desperate thoughts, he even went to his mother’s old bedroom and tried the key around.
Her old dresser, her old wardrobe areas, some shelves and so and so on but it did not open anything in her bedroom.
Definitely, it wasn’t something that was associated to her mother either.
His clock was ticking and he wasn’t getting any closer to any answer that the key was supposedly to give him.
He stared closely at it.
The obvious was that it was nowhere associated to Slytherin and the Malfoys.
It wasn’t a very large key to tell him that it opened only doors but it was neither too small to open certain drawers.
What other choices did he still have for the key?
It might be something like a lock to some vault.
But a vault?
Would Gringotts be answer?
But no.
Snape had nowhere been associated with Gringotts since he had been gone for years.
Gringotts wasn’t an answer.
But a vault perhaps may be.
A vault?
But what vault could it open?
And if indeed it was a key to a vault, what could it possibly be keeping inside it that may help Snape’s life.
If it was a vault, where could he find this vault that should be some sort of answer he could come up with to all the questions and problems they were facing within the span of 30 hours?
What key can it possibly hold that could be answers to saving Snape’s life?

She was gone.
She was gone forever, Snape thought miserably.
He went back to the café to gather an umbrella he left behind earlier and for the small book Hermione left him earlier.
She said it would be her some kind of souvenir.
Snape sight heavily and stood over the table for which they stayed for quite some time earlier.
The café was full of people so nobody really noticed that he was having some sort of sentimental moment over the coffee table they used earlier on.
He looked around him with a sense of loss in him.
She was gone forever.
He was going to face life alone from now on.
Warm tears were threating around his eye lids.
No.
He wasn’t going to cry.
He already told himself that he wasn’t going to cry.
She was meant to go back.
She wasn’t meant to stay.
She wasn’t his to begin with.
Snape sighed heavily and knew that he had to return to the cottage to fix and organize things.
Maybe stay there for a day or two just to feel everything and mourn about everything else.
Maybe a day or two to prepare himself to what was to come.
He had to surrender to the Ministry of Magic to give up his freedom.
His life no longer mattered.
He had done his precious piece of job for the Order.
He had saved Hermione and the others’ lives by containing the Urduja Curse.
He had managed to save Narcissa and her will for Draco.
He was a man who had accomplished what he had to.
Now he had to pay for all the debts that he had taken no matter what it caused him.
Snape sighed heavily and stared down at the book that Hermione had left.
He had bought it for her a few years back and she enjoyed reading it.
It was obviously one of her favourites and she left it behind for him telling him that it would and should remind him of her at the time being that they were not together.
How innocent she was still seven years later.
She was still very naïve and beautiful inside and out at the same time.
She still believed that he could be redeemed.
Hermione was the only one who believed that he could be redeemed.
She was the only one who believed in the goodness in him that he had believed himself to be gone a very long time ago.
Despite of everything that he had done and had done to her, she still believed that his soul could be redeemable.
She believed in the smallest spark of goodness in him.
She had love him unconditionally.
He had to give the favor back and bring her back to where she really belonged no matter how painful it was.
Snape sighed at the memory of her that he was going to miss for the rest of his life.
He picked up the book and kissed it.
He was going to break his heart in a daily basis for what he has done but that didn’t matter to him.
His job for the Order was accomplished thoroughly.
His job as her protector had also been accomplished astoundingly.
And most of all, his job as her beloved has been done accordingly.
He had accomplished it all fully.
Hermione Granger was to be happy once more even if that meant that he wasn’t included in that happiness.
He had loved her so deeply that he didn’t even recognize it fully until the moment he knew he had to decide to let her go.
He gently took the scarf on the table that she also left for him.
Sighing heavily, he took both the book and the scarf from the table and decided to go home.
It started raining again.
He looked up by the window and stared at the beautiful and sparkling droplets of rain high above.
The sky was mourning with him.
His black eyes were blankly staring around the window until he thought he saw something.
He blinked several times and moved closer to the window to have a clearer view of what he thought he saw.
No.
It couldn’t be.
His heart pierced painfully and it started beating very fast.
It just couldn’t be.
Without another thought, Snape grabbed his things and ran towards the door.
He bumped across several people along the way as he dashed to the door and pushed himself outside and ran the other side of the coffee shop.
The rain had started to come down heavier from the sky.
It was no longer mourning for him – it felt more like a blessing for that split of a moment.
It couldn’t be.
“Hermione.” Snape breathed out heavily trying to strain the water from his eyes.
There, standing visibly clear a few feet from her was a drenched looking woman he had come to protect, care and love for the past years.
Before he could move towards her, she had come running from across the street towards him.
She looked up at him with a pair of eyes that had obviously been crying.
She was drenched in the rain but she seemed uncaring of their present situation.
“What are you doing?” Snape managed to ask her as they stood at the sidewalk under the rain.
“I don’t know.” Hermione cried through the rain as she moved herself closer to him. “I don’t know, Severus.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked hoarsely. “You shouldn’t be here - please, you shouldn’t be – you should go back-“
“Please don’t throw me away.” Hermione begged him. “Severus, please – don’t throw me away –“
“I’m not throwing you away.” Snape answered firmly. “But please, Hermione. You should go back.”
Hermione miserably shook her head at him.
Snape stared back at her with tears already at the sides of his own black eyes.
“You should go back where you belong.”
Hermione sniffed and shook her head.
“You have my scarf.” Hermione commented staring at her now drenched scarf in his hand.
Snape nodded and held it tightly.
“It must stay with me wherever I go.” Snape told her moving closer. “But you have to go back.”
“I am back.” Hermione whispered unable to stop her tears as she moved towards him.
“Hermione, you need to-“
“I’m back.” Hermione said shaking her face and staring at him. “I’m back for you. I told you that I’d come back for you.”
“This isn’t right-“ Snape said under the rain as his heart palpitated faster at the sight of her. “You shouldn’t have returned-“
“I love you.” Hermione cried placing both her hands around him. “I love you, Severus. And that’s all I know in this world.”
Snape stared down at her.
The umbrella and scarf in his hands had fallen as Hermione held him.
His heart was beating so fast he felt it was going to burst out.
“Hermione, you need to go back to your life.”
“You are my life.” Hermione said pulling his face to him. “You are now my life. Not there, not anywhere else.”
“I have nothing to give.” Snape said. “I have nothing to give you.”
“Are you not enough?” Hermione asked him as she moved her lips closer to him. “Can we not live this way?”
Snape stared at her and knew that he should not get this close to her.
He didn’t even want to touch her nor be touched by her.
He feared that he wasn’t going to be able to let her go anymore once he touches her once more.
“Hermione.” Snape breathed out heavily trying to restrain himself as she pushed herself to him.
“Please tell me you don’t love me and I would leave you.” Hermione said as she stared at the black eyes.
Snape remained still, unknowing of what to do nor say.
“I’m here.” Hermione whispered drawing his face to her. “I’m here, Severus. That’s all I know. I know not what is right or wrong anymore because with you, everything just feels so right-“
“You have to go back-“
“I don’t want to go back.” Hermione admitted. “I don’t want to go back anymore. This is the life I’m choosing, Severus. I’ve chosen this. I’ve chosen us.”
“Hermione-“
“I’ve chosen you.” Hermione cried at him. “Please. I’ve chosen you.”
“I can’t give you the life and freedom that you would want.”
“I don’t want any of those.” Hermione said moving her lips inches from him. “I don’t want anything nor anyone else anymore but you.”
“You have to-“
“I don’t have to do anything. I’m choosing this.” Hermione whispered moving her lips over him.
Snape stared at her unable to breath properly with the unbelievable gift that the heavens were pushing in his hands.
“I have nothing to give you.” Snape whispered taking hold of her and moving her securely to him.
“I have no want for anything else.” Hermione shook her head in tears.
“Hermione, I’ve given you your freedom.”
“I don’t need my freedom if you can’t be in it.”
Snape didn’t know what to say anymore to her.
Ofcourse he didn’t want her to leave him.
But this way her life and that he promised he would give it back to her once the seven years were over.
“I choose you.” Hermione whispered back. “No matter what happens, I’ve chosen you. Please don’t let me go.” Hermione cried at him to the point of begging.
Snape stared down at her not knowing what to say nor do.
“If you stay with me you may never see them again.” Snape said not wanting to hear her answer and yet wanting to hear the truth in her words.
“Please. I just want to stay with you.” Hermione said. “I don’t think I have a life to return to-“
“Potter would be waiting for you-“
“I don’t want to go back. Please, I don’t want to go back.”
Snape didn’t understand it but neither did he want to understand it.
He wanted to put a blind eye and feelings on this possible hallucination he was seeing at the moment.
“If you stay with me you can never go back, Hermione. You would have to live with me and the life that we had.”
“I don’t want to go back.” Hermione cried at him. “I’m here and I’ve come back just for you.”
Snape stared at her.
His thoughts began to swirl at the possibility of a life – a beautiful life – with her.
It was almost unreal to hear these words.
But there she was, solid and visible as she could possibly be in his arms.
She wanted to stay.
She wanted to stay with him.
Someone wanted to love him for the rest of his life.
“This is my choice.” Hermione whispered to him clinging tightly to him. “You had given me my choice and I’ve chosen now.”
“Hermione, you have a life to live and that’s not with me.” Snape whispered back at her.
She could see the longing and pain in his eyes that she understood above anything else.
“I love you.” Hermione whispered at him gazing straights at his black eyes with deep assurance and certainty. “I love you, Severus Snape.”
Snape stared at her with great longing.
Words were not enough to match as an answer to her.
And though without warning, he gently closed his arms around her and moved his face to her and captured her lips to him – kissing her as deep and as passionate as he could as he wrapped his arms around her until moments passed and Hermione didn’t really feel the sensation and magic as he had Disapparated them from the train station in London and back to the life they had lived together for seven years.
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Forbidden Rapture