"Severus, please tell me what's going on. Why does she hate you?" Albus asked sitting at his desk. "We had a fight, well she played a prank on me and I lost it. I told her it was over, I cancelled our engagement. And she was hurt, and I tried to apologise but she told me I was too late. And now I'm sat here holding my mothers ring feeling like the ground has broken beneath me, I'm being consumed by this grief that's too strong to fight." Severus explained, Albus nodded and rose from his seat to place a gentle hand on Severus' shoulder. "I did not know you planned to marry, you really love Miss Granger don't you boy?" The old man said sadly. "Yes, so much. Even more than.." Severus stopped and swallowed but Albus knew. "Severus, cast your patronus. Please?" Dumbledore asked. "Why?" Severus sighed. "Please just do as I'm asking!" Albus insisted. Severus stood and pulled his wand from his pocket. "Expecto Patronum!" He yelled and a blue light exited he end of his wand, and there it stood.....

An otter.
"It seems the doe has disappeared Severus, that must mean something." Albus smiled.
"You knew?" Severus gasped. "Of course I knew dear boy, I'm Dumbledore. I know everything!" He chuckled. Severus was just about to pipe up to moan when he was interrupted "Shhh! You're insecurities have damaged your relationship, you must learn to fight them from now on Severus. Did it not occur to you that her patronus didn't change but yours did for a reason?" The old mans eyes twinkled over his half moon glasses. "My patronus has changed because i no longer love Lily, Hermione is my soul mate isn't she?" Severus looked at the old man with desperation. "Yes, Severus she is. And you must fight to win her back, no matter what it takes, or you will continue to live a lonely and miserable life. The girl was sent to save you from yourself." Dumbledore explained. "Do not give up Severus!" He added with a smile. "How long have you known Albus?" Severus asked in confusion. "Since her very first day at Hogwarts, why else did I send her the letter?" "But when you caught us...." Severus couldn't find the words.
"Well, it was hardly appropriate behaviour, if the ministry found out.... Trouble would ensue."

Severus rose from his seat in a panic, "I must make this right Albus!"
"And you will, she will forgive you. I'm not sure when but I do know she will have to think about the welfare of somebody else." "Albus? What do you mean?" Severus pressed. "I cannot tell you Severus, but I can give you one word..... Consequences."