oO Five Years Later Oo

"You cannot possess me for I belong to myself. But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give. You cannot command me for I am a free person. I pledge to you that it will be your eyes into which I smile every morning. I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care. I shall be a shield for your back, and you for mine.

I shall not slander you, nor you me. I shall honour you above all others, and when we quarrel, we shall do so in private and tell no strangers our grievances.

This is my wedding vow to you.

This is the marriage of equals. So both do you agree?"

"I do."

"I do."

Hermione and Severus turned their heads down to the cord that tied itself around their joined hands. Severus' on top at the right with Hermione's on top at the left. The connection between them solidified for all eternity. A soft smile lit up Hermione's face, rivaling the shine of the crown resting upon her head. The love shining from her eyes putting to shame her gorgeous robes. She had forgone the traditional wedding dress, choosing instead a more Celtic design. They were the softest blue, the color of the early morning sky, and detailed with the gold sewn throughout giving it a most illuminating shine. Her hair fell down in a sea of chestnut waves held only partially back from her face by a braid woven with gold and blue to match her dress. To Severus, she had never looked more ethereal, more divine, than she did standing there before him on that day.

Severus too had dressed well for the occasion. Choosing a more midnight blue for his robes. While simple beneath, his cape held its own grandeur. Intricately woven with silver and blue to match Hermione's own it resembled the night sky with its shine. His hair had been pulled back as well and held in place with a small silver band. The crown upon his own head shimmering just as bright as the love in his eyes.

Together they raised the chalice, Hermione drinking first with his gentle hand pressing the rim against her lips before she returned the gesture. It wasn't something they had practiced but they executed it flawlessly. When the last of the wine passed their lips the cords binding their wrists followed bright before disappearing. The gold and silver cord reappearing on the alter tied in an infinity knot for all the world to know. They were one.

As the chalice was placed down, the modest chapel erupted in applause. Family and friends having come to celebrate the wondrous occasion. Harry and Ginny, who had two years previously tied their own knot and had their first child on the way. Molly and Arthur, the twins with their respective wives and young ones. Bill and Fleur. Minerva, Shacklebolt, and Hagrid. Neville and Luna who were set to wed in the fall. Galia, Renatus, who had grown by leaps and bounds and Reglan who couldn't have looked happier for the couple. Hermione's parents, of course, who could hardly hold back the joyful tears in their eyes.

"Hermione?"

Hermione groaned softly pulling herself out of the pensive. Her name coming once again, more clearly this time. She opened her eyes to the man who had turned her life into a beautiful fairytale.

"I was just getting to the best part..." Her voice came out with a soft whine as she accepted Severus' help in removing the pensive from the bed where she had been laid to rest for the past two weeks leading up to her due date.

"Watching our wedding again?" Severus glanced at the vial on the bedside table before gently placing a tray laden with strawberry pancakes, fresh apples, and tea beside it. It seemed all she wanted as of late was anything sweet but he didn't dare to deny her what she wanted. "I remember our night being much more pleasurable." Severus grinned slowly leaning carefully over her rounded stomach to place a soft, and very welcome kiss upon her smiling lips.

"Mmm...indeed." Hermione kissed him back with a small hum running her hand over the fruits of that most magical night. When he made to pull back, she grinned and pulled him back down for another kiss. She desperately missed his touch but she knew she was in no condition for anything more. Growing one life was tiring enough but two? Even she had her limits.

"How are they today?" Severus licked his bottom lip, slowly leaning back to sit beside her, mindful of the tray. His hand running slowly over her stomach trying to feel the growing lives inside.

"Impatient." Hermione grinned a little, settling her hand over his, moving it down to where she could feel them moving about. "I think they believe my spleen to be a wonderful place to strengthen their legs."

Severus smirked slightly, gingerly rubbing the area with his fingertips, "It'll all be over soon." Severus had never wanted to be a father; but seeing Hermione as she was: the light in her eyes, the smile that never left her face, he could think of nothing better. They had had their arguments over the topic before they'd found out. Once it was known there was no more debate. He would be the best father he was capable of being.

His temperament hadn't changed much over the time that had passed. At least not to the outside world but inside their home, he was free to be his true self. His kind, understanding, patient self. Though they had not moved into the castle itself, they had built a home beside the one they had originally resided in. A more comfortable manor style home fitted with a proper study, a modest library, living area, and kitchen. The upstairs held a rather spacious master bedroom with an attached bath while across the hall held two bedrooms with shared bath. One had been made into a nursery while the other stood as a guest room until the twins would be old enough to separate.

There wasn't a dark room in the house. All the walls had been painted soft colors that reflected the natural light of the sun through the many windows. They had forgone building a potions lab inside their home as the castle was now a mere five-minute walk from their home. The walls surrounding the magnificent castle had been lowered to allow the passerby to marvel at its splendor but the gates remained locked to all those who had not been accepted into the wards.

Their crowns had been reverently placed in the throne room that was off of the entrance way. Not forgotten nor disregarded but rather holding their place should their power ever need to be utilized again. Parvapro and Librous had both been freed from their bonds tying them to the castle but neither of them had strayed far. Librous had taken time to explore the world that had been stolen from him but had returned to the castle on his own volition, stating that he needed a purpose to make his life worth living. He had, however, found love during his travels and now the castle had a small troupe of house elves keeping it shining and new to all those who were welcome inside.

Parvapro had taken to playing with the children of the village, more specifically Renatus. The two of them had almost become inseparable these days. Though Hermione had offered her one of the beautifully restored bedchambers in the castle, the gentile creature had taken to staying with Galia and Reglan.

Aluxya had remained inside the castle, nesting at the top of the watchtower. Though almost every evening if one looked out at the right time, Aluxya could be seen making a low flying sweep around the entire town. Ensuring everyone's safety and letting them know she was there, watching over them. She had grown quickly leaving her able to fend for herself mere weeks after her rebirth. Hermione had watched over her during the time between before she had returned to the castle one night on her own.

The wards that had hidden the village from the world had been removed and traders from all over the country would often find their way to the small little town. Marveling at the ancient castle and spending their time trading goods with the artisans therein. They still didn't use money for the residents but they did accept coin from the weary traveler.

It truly was a gorgeous place to live. Harry and Ginny had even discussed moving there sometime in the future, much to Severus' disdain. Nothing was set in stone but it was something that was on the table. Hermione would have loved their company but she also enjoyed the privacy their small town provided. It wasn't like she wasn't just a portkey away. The relationship with the villagers hadn't changed nor had their status in the wizarding world been made public. They were just two simple magical folks living out their lives in peace.

"What are you thinking about?" Severus had settled down beside her when he'd seen her eyes drift away, leaving her lunch under a stasis charm for when she would be ready to eat.

"How much I love you." Hermione blinked slowly, turning her head to nuzzle her nose into his chin.

Severus snorted softly, "Only the fates know why." He jumped slightly from her gentle thump to his chest before gently wrapping his arm around her stomach pulling her closer.

"Are you taking the potion today to St. Mungo's?" Hermione nestled herself carefully on her side, nuzzling her head under his chin to enjoy his gentle massage of her lower back.

"I am. I'm scheduled to arrive in an hour."

Severus had been utilizing the castle's lab and all the ancient books in the library to complete a managery of potions that had not only helped Hermione and himself but all of wizarding kind as well. He completed a few smaller projects first. Like trying to make the scars on Hermione's back and chest fade away faster and had actually created a potion that had not only removed the discoloration but had left behind only the smallest of seams where they had been. It had been his gift to her on their second Christmas but she had only agreed to use it if he would as well. Though neither of them cared about their scars vanity wise, they both knew that they were reminders of a past they had both left far behind.

Severus' skin had never looked so healthy. With his scars faded to almost nothing, he'd actually started working outside without his shirt. True it was only within the safety of the walls surrounding the magical herb garden the castle provided, it was a wonderful sight for Hermione nonetheless.

She'd resumed her work at the ministry and had now taken over three related departments. The records had been resorted alphabetically instead of by bloodline, streamlining the process for the way records were kept and making it nearly impossible to tell just how much 'magical' blood resided in the family line. Newly discovered witches and wizards were researched and provided the most rudimentary of lineage but still, it was something more than just a single file with a name. It brought a sort of balance to the world that hadn't been seen for some time. It was actually rather fascinating at times to find that someone would share a common ancestor that otherwise may not ever have been known. Like how about seven generations back Harry's mother and Neville's father were second cousins.

Family records were still kept together with the most current last name marking their place. It had been both a heartwarming and heartbreaking moment when she'd moved her file from G to S. While she hadn't completely removed her name, choosing instead to hyphenate it. She did find it easier to keep her records with his. Afterall, they were a family now.

"You really are a wonderful man. I only wish I could be there myself to see if it works." Hermione knew that the potions he'd be delivering today were designed to help victims of the cruciatus curse and botched obliviate spells regain their ability to process, store and retain memories. She had already spoken by owl to Neville, urging him to speak to the healers about using the potion on his parents.

"I will show you the memory when I return." Severus pressed a small kiss to her ear before pulling himself from the bed. "Galia will be by any moment should you need anything."

Hermione turned her head to the tray of food waiting for her, "I'm sure I'll be fine, though I wouldn't mind a new book." Hermione lifted her present reading material from Severus' pillow. He hadn't been alone in coming up with his solutions. Hermione had been by his side nearly every step of the way, checking and rechecking his theories. It was a rather comical reversal of past roles at times when she'd find something wrong with calculations or when he would forget to factor in some other obscure variable that would have blown the potion up in his face. While she wasn't always correct in her observations; she had prevented a fair few potion mishaps. She wasn't a potions master but she did have a wealth of obscure knowledge that came from absorbing everything she could get her hands on. Her gift of being a walking encyclopedia of knowledge had never been so appreciated.

"I shall bring another." Severus took the offered tome tucking it under his arm, "I should return within three hours."

"I'll be here." Hermione pushed herself up against the headboard offering a soft smile to his retreating form, "Severus?"

Severus turned on his heel to give her his attention, "Yes?"

"I love you."

"And I, you." He gave her the tiniest wisps of a smile before turning out of the door.

oOo

Ron frowned deeply at the black and white news clipping of a happy couple on their wedding day. The bright smile of the woman standing so tall and proud with a crown of jewels upon her head made his stomach grow cold. To say he was bitter would have been an understatement to the feelings that had wrapped around his heart.

All hope had left his life the day he had stumbled across the article one day while he was out shopping. News of the wedding had made headlines all across the wizarding world. Rejoicing in the return of the last wizarding monarch while simultaneously explaining that neither of them would be taking on any royal duties. It was definitely history making even though nothing in the world had truly changed. At least for everyone but him.

That had been the day that everything in his life had turned grey. Every sunrise brought another cold reminder to how his mistakes would forever be a burden upon his shoulders. That nothing he could ever do from that day forward would ever bring back the love he had lost.

He had moved then, far away from his family and his friends that'd he spent his childhood beside. Choosing instead to be forgotten rather than face up to his mistakes. He'd relocated to a small village just on the outskirts of the dragon breeding preserve that his brother Charlie was in charge of. While he didn't work beside him he would occasionally see him in the pub that he'd taken a job at. Though their relation was known by the local patrons one would never know by the way the interacted with each other.

"Quit your slack'n and go clear table four!"

Ron snapped out of his dark pensive to the command of the gruff pub owner. Hastily shoving the worn clipping back into his pocket.

oOo

"Hello, Professor."

"Not a professor anymore, Ms. Burkins." Severus sighed softly through his nose. He'd had this conversation with the former Hufflepuff every time he'd come to drop off his new potion though today he didn't feel like correcting her any further.

"Is this the memory restoring draught?" The young witch carefully picked up one of the ten vials turning it in the light, "It looks like water."

"It should do as prescribed." Severus kept his tone even as she set the vial back inside the small wooden box turning away to get the head healer on staff to sign the required form. When he turned away to look down the ward his eyes narrowed just a fraction. He knew that stooped walk. The walk of a life almost too heavy to carry. He tilted his head away trying to appear aloof but still kept his eyes on the boy who had broken the record for melted cauldrons during his teaching days at Hogwarts.

Neville took a deep breath; today was the day the healer had told him to come. They were going to try a new treatment for his parents. There hadn't been many breakthroughs in his life but the few they had tried had had no effect on the mental state of his beloved mother and father. He hadn't given up hope that one day they might be able to live a normal happy life again but he would always love them just as they were, no matter the outcome.

By happenstance, it also happened to be the day before his 25th birthday. It was a day he would have come regardless. Though his parents could never wish him the best; he wanted to show them how much he'd grown every year. Show them that their sacrifice wasn't in vain. He would never let them down. Even if they may not have understood that time was passing, he knew in his heart that they still loved him with their souls.

Neville took a small breath, looking down at the bouquet of flowers he'd brought. He didn't usually bring things but Luna had insisted. Her father had not survived the war. His body too broken. Luna had been able to say goodbye but Neville knew it left a hole in her heart. He had been there for her throughout. When she'd finally broken down and cried—really cried—for her loss, he had been right beside her. Holding her, promising her that he would always be by her side.

It had been one of the reasons he had chosen to come alone that day and leave her to plan the small party for his birthday that coming weekend. Regardless of the outcome; he would celebrate not for himself, but for his parents.

A deep breath opened the door to the homely room, bright and airy with the windows partially open to allow the warm summer breeze inside. His soft eyes turned towards the corner where his parents sat side by side in their respective chairs, relaxing in the warmth of the sun. Their eyes were tuned to different points on the wall.

"Hello, Neville."

Neville couldn't help but jump slightly when the healer, Mrs. Rayennyte came up behind him placing a gentle hand on his back. The young man gave her his iconic lopsided smile before letting out the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding before looking down at the vials she had in her hands.

"Is that it?"

"Just arrived."

Neville let out a slow breath trying to keep his heart from beating out of his chest or allowing his hopes to raise too high. He didn't know where the potion came from nor who had been behind any of it. All he had known was that Hermione had spoken to him about a potion that would possibly help his parents. She hadn't said either who or where the potion had come from but he didn't think too much about it as she always seemed to have the right information for the time.

Neville swallowed down his ambivalent anxiety and nodded his head moving aside to let her pass into the room. He paused just for a second when he thought he caught a black figure out of the corner of his eye but when he turned his head he found that the hallway had cleared leaving him to pause for only a moment. He didn't bother to linger on it and turned back into the room.

Severus had learned many things in the years that had followed the day he'd accepted his birthright. Many questions over time had been answered. One of the most forefront on his mind and that had often kept him awake at night was why Ariana Dumbledore's obscurus was in the castle. Both he and Hermione had learned that the castle had become a safe haven to those who had known of its existence.

Albus' father had known Galia's great-grandfather, the caretaker of the castle and keeper of its secrets at the time. He didn't possess the magical prowess to obtain the crown, having failed the test of heart when trying to claim the castle for his own. His younger brother Algurth II, having taken the throne reluctantly in his failing. He still remained pure in the bloodline and though the castle hadn't bent completely to his will he still had access to most of its most sacred areas. One of those being the room that had been guarded by Lux.

Though he did not possess the power of the crown, his tongue had persuaded Lux to take the obscurus for safekeeping, going behind his brother's back to do so. The transfer of the obscurus was found out by Algurth's youngest daughter. She had tried to stop her uncle from bringing such a dark power into the castle without her father's wishes, but she had only been seven at the time. A seer by birth, her power was too great for her to control and when she saw that the obscurus was destined to kill her father she had tried to create her own to try and stop its immense power, unfortunately, she was much too young to wield it and lost her life trying to save her father's. It had been such a betrayal, that the King, mad with his grief sealed the castle away for all those he deemed unworthy to reside inside.

Severus had also learned something he had never believed possible. That his mother, whom he had not seen since he had turned 16, was still alive. He had presumed her dead when he'd come home to find his father had drunk himself to death. His mother's disappearance afterward had sparked both a muggle and magical investigation but neither side had ever yielded results. The media hadn't covered it, as it was just another death, in a poor rundown part of town and he never spoke of it. His father got what he deserved and though for a few years he had wondered why his mother was gone, he had never truly put any effort into finding her.

It wasn't that he didn't care for his mother's well-being, it was that at the time, he believed that she had left for a reason. A reason a boy such as he couldn't understand. She had left a note, something he had never shared with anyone else. It had simply read, 'There is a time for everything.' He had spent many nights thinking about its meaning but as life returned to its normal routines and the suddenness of being completely on his own took precedence, he slowly forgot.

Now, he was walking down the hall where she had resided for the last fifteen years. Unknown, held by only her maiden last name, Prince. It had taken him nearly a year to even discuss his found knowledge with Hermione. Her response had been gentle and supportive but he knew she wanted him to make peace with his mother. If nothing else, to say goodbye to a woman that brought him into the world. It took nearly another year for him to dare to enquire. The information that he'd found in one of the books in the library had only given a small hint as to where she had been and what had happened to her. It had only been luck that one day at the time he was dropping off his potions, that he'd caught a glimpse of her walking down the hall towards her room.

He had been so shocked by her appearance that he hadn't been able to approach her at all. Her hair had turned silver, long and straight as it ever was, falling down to the small of her back like the shining moon. Her steps were slow, her shoulders strict but rounded with age. However, what had really stopped him was when he noticed that her left arm, was completely gone.

He had Hermione use her connections at the ministry to try and find out if it was, in fact, his mother whom he had seen. It was hard to tell as the woman had had her back to him, but he knew that walk, that stride, it was his very own. He had caught just the smallest glimpse of her face when she'd turned into her room. Her sharp dark eyes forever narrowed and creased with time. Her lips pursed and frowned. There almost no denying.

He hadn't had the strength to go to her room until now. The information Hermione had been able to uncover had not been hopeful in any regard. The file she had been able to have released had told him only that she was suffering under the effects of an unknown curse that had taken her ability to speak. It had been one of the catalysts for the potion he had brought today though he wasn't sure what good the potion he'd brought with him would actually do. He had tried to read the scryer's books for any hint as to what had befallen her but they were written in such an opaque way they were nearly impossible to pin down any true cause.

Severus took a small breath as he came to stand in front of the door he'd seen her enter. The name plaque beneath was empty and the door was partially ajar. A cold feeling started to grow in his stomach when he reached out to give it a small push.

The door swung open to reveal what his heart already knew. His eyes turned around the sterile space, completely devoid of any sign that someone was being cared for within. His jaw tightened marginally as his hand curled tighter around the vial in his free hand. He was too late.

A slow breath left his nose as he turned away from the room. She wasn't the only person whom he had wronged through his life. Though he was unsure as to what he had done to make his mother disappear he was quite sure it was his fault. A slow centering breath returned the vial to his pocket, clinking softly against another that had been specially prepared.

"Are you looking for Ms. Prince?" A kind looking young girl, whose name he could just faintly recall looked up at him with a kind smile and a small clipboard held her chest.

"Indeed."

The girl's smile turned sad for a moment and she turned her eyes shyly down to the clipboard in front of her, "I know I'm not supposed to say anything, but I remember you, Professor." The girl turned her face up again and her name suddenly registered. Pritchard, Melody. Slytherin house. She was young at the time but he could see it now. "You were kind to us, even if no one else was. Strict but kind."

Severus could only incline his head slightly, resisting the urge to gather the information he needed by listening in on her thoughts. He'd never even considered what his actions might have looked like from a child's perspective. He had only done his best to keep as many as he could from seeking their fame by following the path to darkness. It was a rarity to find a Slytherin in this line of work but he found comfort that one of his students had chosen a more noble path.

Melody pulled the clipboard back to her chest, her face preluding the words that were to come, "I'm sorry to say she's passed. About four hours ago. She had no family listed but when we were cleaning we found letters addressing a son. We've sent an inquiry to the records office but they said it'll take some time as their head of department is out on maternity leave."

Severus lowered his eyes to show his reverence for his mother's passing, "Perhaps I can be of assistance."

"Really?" Melody couldn't help but smile softly, "That would be wonderful, professor. Maybe something in one of the letters would give a clue as to where to start."

Severus took a slow breath looking back down the hall. As much as he wanted his own resolution, there was another that deserved it much more.

"Is Miss Hissand still under care?"

"Yes but-"

Severus didn't allow her to finish putting his hand up to silence her protests. He had seen her once already, through the glass that separated her from the outside world. She had been one of the 'chosen', who had become one of many pets the formally occupied Malfoy Manor had played host to. A mere fourth year at the time of her capture, the only small favor the fates had given to her was that she had been given to Narcissa instead of her insane sister. She had been the only survivor. If one could consider what was left of her fragile young mind living.

He had by some miracle convinced Narcissa to keep her close and out of her sister's insane warpath. Playing on the woman's own fears as a mother to ensure the young girl's safety. While her father had been killed, the girl's mother had somehow survived her numerous injuries. Severus would often see her standing outside the room her daughter had been placed in, tears of sadness running down her cheeks at the sheer hopelessness of the situation.

"This potion contains Swooping Evil venom, make sure that the healer in charge of her case measures carefully." He pulled the vial from his pocket holding it between his fingers so that the light shone through the light green liquid.

The girl's eyes widened considerably but she reached up cautiously nonetheless, taking the small vial into her palm, "I'll make sure it gets placed on her potion regime."

oOo

Hermione let out a soft sigh tilting her face towards the sun, taking in the fresh clean air. Galia had come by to help with the housework and make sure Hermione was looked after. With her due date quickly approaching it was a nice security for the first time mother to be. Though it was Severus who had requested her presence Hermione didn't mind her being nearby. She didn't come every time Severus left the house but on the days he would be out of town for an extended length of time she would stop by to check on the witch and see if there was anything she needed.

Presently she found herself walking towards the quiet little town, assured by Galia's 'insight' that the small walk would do her no harm she'd taken up the offer for a nice relaxing walk. She wasn't instructed to be on bed rest but moving around with a 10kg beach ball attached to her stomach was rather labor intensive.

"Where's Renatus?"

"He's out with his uncle playing in the orchard." Galia smiled softly motioning towards one of the many orchards that provided a beautiful backdrop to the town, "He showed him his broom and the boy was completely ensnared."

"Boy's and their toys." Hermione giggled softly absently running her hand over her stomach, "Please, you must tell me when they're going to come." Hermione didn't stop the playful whine that came into her voice as she looked up at Galia for an answer she'd been asking from the moment she started to show.

"Nope, haven't a clue." Galia grinned softly and ran her hand through her dark hair turning her eyes towards the center square fountain. It had been repaired by Librus after his return to the castle, shining in all its glory. The resting golden phoenix resting its head down over the large coat of arms that had been changed when Severus and Hermione had taken the crowns. The water flowing out from the plinth to fill the large alabaster stone basin beneath.

Hermione gave her best pout but decided not to push the topic any further. She was just becoming excited and anxious. Her life had been a rollercoaster thus far and it felt like she was just reaching the highest point. She tucked some of her own hair behind her ear when a flash of red hair caught her eye. She turned slowly shifting her stance to see around the fountain while her heart sped up just a little.

oOo

Severus let out a slow breath setting down another letter. Sitting in the consultation room for newly admitted wards family's he'd been given permission to look through what little personal effects his mother had left behind. It wasn't much, even though she had stayed there for some time. Just journals and letters. Decades worth of ramblings.

Her journal had been nearly indecipherable, though he had tried to crack the code, he had decided it was outside of his realm. What he had been able to decipher had appeared to have been nothing more than her observations about her daily life in the ward. Nothing too innocuous. What had garnered his attention were the small bundle of letters, seven in total. The date had remained constant, January 9th; his birthday.

He started with the oldest, the one that would have marked his seventeenth birthday. The handwriting was neat and clean but the page was warn, as if carried for a long time. The heading simple: To my dear son. He ran his eyes down the page, unfettered by the apology written within. It commented upon his daily life at Hogwarts, urging him to remain strong through it all. Aside from the apology there sections praising him on his intelligence, his abilities and his resilience in the face of adversity. Following that, she had warned him—a little too late—about the relationships he had been building with his fellow Slytherins. Condemning him for his choices at times.

It was all surreal, as though his mother had been right beside him during the entire year. When he came to the end of the letter his brow furrowed. She asked him if he had seen her—watching him—if he had gotten her gift. His mind spiraled back decades trying to recall just how exactly he'd come to be in possession of the battlefield potion's kit. The words written in the letter gave him no clues and it was hard for him to recall so long ago.

With pursed lips, he moved on to the next letter but before catching sight of her closing: There is a time for everything and everything in its time, Mum. The same words came over and over again as he looked briefly through the letters but when he came to the last his brow furrowed even deeper. The letter was shorter than the others, only one page, in fact, it spoke of very little regarding his life that year only that he needed to press onward, keep fighting the closing of the letter simple, yet complex: It is time. No signature followed it but he was left to wonder if these letters were ever meant to come to him at all. When he turned his eyes up to the last line, a deep indescribable feeling settled in his chest, 'I'm coming home.'

Severus set the letter down lifting his eyes towards the window. The date would have marked his 23rd birthday. The year of his life best left forgotten. He closed his eyes for a long moment, bringing his hand up to rub his tense brow. The Dark Lord had been gone by then but his life had been taken captive by another. So many webs, so spiders, waiting to snatch you away. It was hard for him to even recall who was the fly. One thing was certain, she'd never made it.

Severus folded the letter with extreme reverence. Letting his emotions cycle through unhindered. Reliving the darkest days of his life had been whole fully unprepared for. Though he had found some consolation that the past was over, it was still something that would mar his soul until his last breath. With the strength that could only be found from a hard life, he placed the letters back inside the small file box beside the clothes she had been found in. His hand brushed against something warm hidden in the fabric and he could hear the faintest of whispers against his thoughts.

"Professor?"

Severus let out a deep growling sigh before carefully pulling back the shirt that laid on top, he didn't turn his head nor shift his eyes, his action revealing a small glass orb filled with a dark smokey like substance that shifted to his touch, "Yes?"

"I think you'll want to see this."

Severus pursed his lips, wrapping his large hand around the orb before obscuring his action with the lid of the box, slipping it carefully into his expanded pocket before replacing the lid on top. He left the box as he came to follow the assistant healer out of the small room and through the office. He followed her left down the hall towards the room the Longbottom's were being cared for and took a slow breath to clear his thoughts.

The whisper had gone quiet but he could still feel the pressure against his shields. Gently caressing, not pushing nor prodding, as though waiting patiently to be let inside. As he rounded the doorframe to the room he kept his glance away from the other healers that had gathered near the entrance. All starring with wonder and extreme relief as the sight therein. Some could hardly hold back their emotions with tears of joy streaming down their faces.

Severus paid them little mind turning himself so that he could get a clear view. Muffled voices filled his ears as he watched the weeping family wrapped in the others embrace on the floor. Neville's parents held him tight as they wept. Their voices graveled and soft from years of unuse. Yet still, their words of adoration could be heard. Severus wasn't sure what the long-term would bring but the fact that they were speaking and recognized their son brought hope. He had nothing to say to anyone therein, as it his actions that placed them there in the first place. A long winding road of crossed paths and happenstance had inadvertently caused their misfortune. He made not have held the wand that had done the deed but his hands were not clean.

You have done well, my son.

Severus turned away to the whispered voice. It was faded into the back of his memories but he knew the owner. It was then, he knew without a doubt just what or rather whom, resided inside the orb. Without wanting to make his role in the 'miracle' before him, he turned away back down the hall to make his exit. He had no need for any praise or commendment for what he'd done. It was just, something that needed to be done.