Later that night Hermione left Severus for a minute in favour of talking to her friends for a bit after he practically dragged her to them and then left to get something to drink. He told her that he didn't want to keep her from being with her friends. She, of course, knew that his mother would use that as an opportunity, and so she hesitated at first. After a little staring contest, which she lost, Hermione acknowledged her defeat and left him to his own devices for a while.

+++

"Severus?"

The dark-haired wizard immediately started to scowl and ignored her at first, but seeing as she could be very stubborn, he just stayed where he stood.

"What is it?" answered Severus coldly upon realizing that she wouldn't just go away.

"I just want to talk in private, nothing more. Since you always avoid me, this is the only way I can get through to you. Please give me just a minute of your time," pleaded the older witch to which he sighed in defeat and led her to the next best room, warding it behind him.

"You have exactly one minute."

"OK. Severus, I know that I have told you this before, but I am so sorry that I was not there when you needed me the most. I left you to fend for yourself when you were merely a young lost boy with no hopes of a good future, in fact, all I ever did was add to your anguish. 

I won't ask for forgiveness. No, that's way out of my reach, and I am aware of that. But what I ask you to do is try to see my reasons," said Eileen who stood opposite the man she was inwardly very proud to call her son, even though he wanted nothing to do with her.

Severus stood there, not moving an inch, thinking about her words again. It took him quite some time to answer.

"I'm not angered that you weren't here when Potter and his cronies attacked. In fact, the only persons I think who are to blame are Potter and Dumbledore. 

Potter, because he instructed the others and manipulated them and Dumbledore, because he, no matter what, always punished me instead of his precious Gryffindors who were obviously guilty. I don't even condemn you for your wanting to escape that house I called home. No, living there was like living in hell when Tobias was there. 

The only thing that I blame you for is that you faked your death instead of just getting a divorce and that you didn't take me with you. I know what made you do this and I kind of understand you, but I'll have you know that coming to terms with this will take time. Just don't push your luck and things might change for the better. 

Now, that that is discussed I'd rather go back to my waiting date. I want to dance with her at least one more time until the new year starts," said Severus before lowering the wards and walking back to the Great Hall.

+++

"Severus, where have you been? It is nearly Midnight!" asked Hermione upon catching sight of him.

"I just cleared up a few things with a certain person. Don't worry, I was civil the whole time. Now, if you don't mind, I'd love to dance with you into the new year. That's how I want to end this year and start the new one. In proximity to the one I love the most," smiled Severus when they were back on the dance floor.

Hermione was caught off-guard by his open admission of his feelings for her. They had been a couple for a bit of time now, unofficially or at least they never really spoke about it, but this was as close as one would get to an official admission from him.

"What a great idea, my dear," smiled Hermione as he led her over the dance floor.

As they danced, the few people surrounding them started to count down the last seconds of the old year and cheered when the clock struck 12 o'clock.

They smiled at each other before Severus leant in and kissed her.

"Happy New Year, my love," whispered the black-haired man once they parted to which she just replied: "Happy New Year to you, too. What a great way to start a year."

They all toasted to the New Year and stayed in the hall chatting and dancing away for quite some time after that and despite really hating small talk and chitchat, Severus also engaged in those - much to Hermione's joy.

"Hey, Mione, what exactly is he to you?" whispered Harry who stood next to her at some point.

"The man I want to spend the rest of my life with, but for now, I'll accept the title of his girlfriend," winked Hermione, who was sure that Severus could hear what they were saying despite talking to Filius. She could see it in the way his eyes flickered to her, with quite an amount of heat behind them.

"I see you seem to plan ahead again? Well, who am I kidding? Of course, you'd be planning ahead, you're Hermione Granger!" laughed Harry.

"You see, I've always been this way and I probably won't ever change."

"And for that, I am more than glad. I wouldn't want you any other way, my little know-it-all," smiled Severus, pressing her to his side.

"I really am happy for you two, I really am," said Harry before turning to find his red-headed girlfriend.

"I think it is time for us to retire for the night," murmured Severus into Hermione's ear to which she nodded.

They bid their goodbyes and made their way down to the dungeons.

Once in their chambers, they went straight to the bedroom and both had a feeling that they wouldn't get any sleep anytime soon and neither was sad about that.

Up in the Great Hall, however, Minerva and Poppy were some of the last few people and sat at a table in a corner, both sipping on some punch while idly chatting away about everything and everyone. Eventually, the topic of Hermione and Severus was bound to come up.

"I think, Severus has finally found himself someone suitable. Someone who takes him just the way he is with all his quirks and mood swings," said Poppy.

Minerva nodded at her best friend's statement.

"I'm happy for him and Hermione. In my opinion, everyone should find that special someone to love. Alas, love is what everyone needs, and everyone deserves to have someone equal to them, someone to care for them and someone who loves and is loved. 

It is not important to be loved widely, but deeply. It is the deep love that one might only experience once in a lifetime. That is what we should long for, that is what keeps us going, and we all should catch it and never let it go once we have found it."