Hermione approached Harry in the great hall, "What do you want? Why don't you go see to the more worthy of living bat in the hospital wing?!" Ron sneered aggressively. He was no longer the boy Hermione once adored, he may be justified to be angry, or feel betrayed, but he had become a repulsive and venemous creature.

Even George, although upset for a while came round. Yes, they were never friends again... but he was mature enough to except that it must have been hard for Hermione. And that there must have been a good reason for her decision, Unlike Ron.

"Ron, stop this please. Everyone lost someone they cared about in the war. It's time to let it go and stop taking it out on Hermione." Harry cut in with exasperation. "Are you serious? She could have saved Fred! she chose Snape? You have officially lost your mind Harry, is it the fame that's gone to your head?" Ron spat, throwing down his cutlery and storming out of the hall.

"Ignore him, please." Harry insisted. "I would have chosen Fred... I really would... but Professor Snape..." Hermione cried desperately, as Harry got up and pulled her to him. "I know, he was a hero.. he deserved a second chance. You've told me before.. stop explaining yourself Hermione you made the right choice." Harry insisted, pushing her upper body back so she could see the seriousness in his eyes.

"Thank you Harry, I don't know what I'd do without you." She sobbed. "Well, life would have been a whole lot less complicated wouldn't it?" Harry joked, Hermione couldn't help but chuckle.
He asked her to go for some fresh air with him and she happily obliged.

"Ron is just looking for someone to blame now that Voldemort is no longer around to take responsibility." Harry sighed, as they walked out of the castle.
"I know, I get it. I'd probably be the same.." Hermione agreed.

"I know how you feel Hermione, I live with the pain and guilt every single day." Harry explained, "Harry you haven't done anything wrong! You're a hero.. you killed Voldemort!" Hermione replied, annoyed by his words.

"Hermione, if I had died the first time.. as i should have. So many people would still be here! Fred, Tonks, Remus, Sirius, Dumbledore..."
"It's not your fault that any of this happened Harry, that weight you carried on your shoulders all of those years? I could not have done it, but YOU did." Hermione reassured him.

She knew it wouldn't change anything, except give him some temporary relief from his feelings of guilt. It's a cross he would have to bare for the rest of his life.. and her too. "How is Snape doing?" Harry asked, he honestly wanted to visit him but was still trying to take in all that the potions master had done for him, all that he had endured for him.

"He's bed bound, his wounds are healing slowly but he still cannot walk, nor use his hands. He has to be fed and bathed.. you an imagine how he feels about that." Hermione replied honestly. "Bloody hell... you're right, I don't see him taking too kindly to any assistance he receives either. It must be soul destroying for him..." Harry replied.

"You should visit him Harry, you owe him that after he showed you the truth. Your mother would have wanted you to thank him."

Harry knew she was right, his mother would have so much to thank him if she was alive. Snape gave his life to protect her son, even after all the pain and heartache he endured due to Harry's exsistance. "Ok, I will. Will you come with me? I'm a bit nervous to see him again after... after I saw him take his last breath." Harry admitted, straightening his glasses.

"Of course, I will warn you though.. he's still as snappy as ever."
"That's a good thing though, isn't it? It means he's back to his old self mentally."
Harry laughed, "you know, you're absolutely right." Hermione grinned.