I'm back writing after a small break! Believe me, I didn't intend to leave you guys on on such a cliffhanger :D I simply ran out of time to finish this chapter before my holiday. Finally, some Severus perspective! 

This is also the final chapter before the epilogue! Enjoy! H.x

There was a ringing that filled Hermione's ears and drowned out Kingsley's melodic voice as he reeled off a list of all of all of the crimes to which Severus was to be held accountable. She stared blankly ahead. Flashes of cameras ignited all around her, but Hermione took no notice. She felt guilty, and heart broken and maybe a little angry, but she was far too disassociated to produce any outward display of emotion at all. 

It was over. 

Except it wasn't. 

As if he was shouting from a distance, Kingsley's voice reached Hermione's ears. "... that Mr Snape will not be required to serve sentence in Azkaban Prison."

Reality slammed into Hermione with enough force to give her a concussion. Kingsley was shouting, the court had erupted into argument, some shouting for the condemning of Severus Snape and others arguing for his freedom. It was hard to tell who was louder, as all of the voices blended into one unpleasant surge of noise

"SILENCE." Kingsley shouted, banging his gavel erratically. The commotion in Hermione's head, and the room itself simultaneously died down, and Kingsley continued. 

"As I was saying, the Wizengamot have agreed that, due to his phenomenal contributions as spy for the Order of the Phoenix during the war, Mr Snape will not be required to serve a sentence in Azkaban Prison. Instead, Mr Snape will be forced to meet the terms of a five year parole agreement. If, at any point, Mr Snape does not meet the terms of his agreement then he will be recalled to serve a prison sentence. 

"In addition, Mr Snape will be required to spend a period of twelve months working without income, in order to supplement the damage dealt to Hogwarts school during the war. During this period, he will be obliged to spend a minimum of 45 hours a week contributing to the rebuilding of the school. After the 12 month period has been completed, he may return to paid work."

Kingsley addressed Severus directly. "Severus Snape, you are released from the custody of The Ministry of Magic. Someone will be in touch regarding your parole agreement, however you are free to leave. Court adjourned."

____

Severus couldn't quite believe what was happening. The noise levels in the room peaked, as people stood, discussing loudly their opinions of the outcome of the trial. There seemed to be mixed reactions. Severus forced his occlumency shields down, hard. He had worked hard to keep a straight face all day, he wasn't going to break now.  

He had sat in an uncomfortable chair, handcuffed like a muggle, while his life had been dissected for public humiliation. Despite having been rubbed emotionally raw, Severus had concealed his pain impeccably. If he had managed to get this far, Severus could easily wait until he got home before he exploded. His internal clock was ticking. 

More camera's flashed in his face, as Severus's hands were released from the manacles by the apologetic-looking Ministry Wizards, and his wand was presented back to him. It's familiar feel in his hand was largely comforting. He stood and stretched his legs, his back aching from being forced to sit so uncomfortably. 

Severus let himself look up towards the family bench, something he had been avoiding doing all day. But it was empty. 

Scanning the crowds, he saw her desperately pushing through the people who crowded the stairs, to get to him. His wife. In an instant, Hermione slammed into Severus, her arms encasing him and squeezing him in a tight embrace. Severus wrapped his arms around her violently shaking body, and buried his face in her curls. 

In that moment, all of his self control was lost. Severus squeezed his eyes shut, hoping that no one would catch the tears in his eyes. He tried to quell his sobs as Hermione cried unashamed into his chest, dampening his robes. 

He felt a massive surge of relief, that he was permitted to spend the rest of his life in relative freedom. He didn't care about the parole, or the community service, as neither would prevent him from seeing Hermione. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his friends, who had supported him through such a traumatic time. He didn't exactly know how he could ever thank them, but Hermione would find a way. 

Severus's final thought was freedom. He could do whatever he wanted, without being at the mercy of either Master. He was no longer required to teach. He didn't have to reside at the castle. While the position of Headmaster was open to him, it wasn't necessary for Severus to accept. 

He willed himself to get it together, blinking the tears out of his eyes and bringing his hand to his face to give it a subtle wipe, before taking a step back from Hermione. If she noticed the redness in his eyes she thankfully didn't say anything, she gave him a watery smile. 

The rest of the room came into focus. People were still piling through the doors to leave the courtroom, although it was mostly empty. Their friends; Minerva, Draco, Harry, Ron and Ginny stood to the side, waiting for them to finish their reunion. 

Hermione squeezed Severus's hand. "Lets go home." 

____

Severus considered her words later that night. Home. A place of comfort and love. A place in which one should not have to hide their emotions or personality. A place of warmth and security. For Severus, home was not a building. Home was a person. 

After a quick meal, simply a formality, Hermione and Severus climbed into bed. Curling up with his witch in his arms, Severus felt no greater sense of home. Emotions welled up in his chest, and he didn't feel the need to fight them. 

They lay together, in his old bed, in the dingy house that he had grown up in, in a squalid part of the North of England. For once, Severus allowed himself to dream of what could happen next.

"Can I ask you something? You have to answer honestly?" Severus broke their comfortable silence. 

Hermione hummed her approval. She was running her fingers across the faded scars on Severus's exposed chest. "What next?"

"Well, you have your parole meeting on Tuesday?" Hermione answered.

Severus's mouth twitched at the corners. "You know what I meant. Where do we go from here?"

"I'm going to go back to school to finish my NEWT's" Hermione said. "I suppose there is a small mercy with the outcome of your case. If you cant return to work next year, you wont be forced to teach your wife."

Severus had considered the repercussions of them both returning to Hogwarts. He certainly didn't want Hermione's social standing to suffer because of him. He knew well enough how cruel young people could be. 

Thoughtfully, Severus ran his fingers through her hair. "Make no mistake, there will be no extra tutoring sessions." He used his best teaching voice. "I wont be accused of favoritism.

"No one would accuse you of favoritism because they're too afraid of you! Despite your very obvious bias towards your Slytherins!" Hermione teased. 

Severus said. "Someone had to advocate for them, and it wasn't going to be Dumbledore."

Hermione smiled, it seemed like so long ago that her greatest worries had been finishing homework on time and doing well in exams. It would be strange going back to school now that she considered herself an adult. After living somewhat independently for almost a year, it would be difficult to go back to the rigidity of a school schedule. She knew that living in a dormitory would be much more difficult, now that she had her own space. 

 A sadness dawned on Hermione. "I'm probably not going to get much chance to see you, if I'm going back to live at Hogwarts."

Severus thought for a second. "I'm sure I have a favor or two to cash in with Minerva. We'll work something out. Besides, I imagine that my court terms will require me to be at the school often enough."

"It won't be the same as living with you." Hermione frowned. 

Her adorable pout only made Severus hold her tighter. "We will manage." Hermione snuggled into his neck, relishing in his warmth. Her hair, made frizzier by Severus's fingers, seemed to be everywhere. Severus had grown used to being completely choked out by her tresses. It was worth it, cuddling Hermione before bed, whenever he wanted, was surely his favorite thing about his marriage. 

"When did I become so needy?" Hermione wondered aloud. "It's like, all of a sudden, my happiness and well-being has just become entirely dependent on you."

Taking a bold leap, Severus began to kiss his wife's neck. "Some people would argue that you are in love." 

Hermione exhaled slowly as he pressed his lips lightly to her throat. She released her hold on him and succumbed to his ministrations. Severus spoke in a low voice. "Although in my opinion, you have always been needy, my dear. You've always craved attention, haven't you?"

Severus illustrated his point by nibbling the pale skin just above her shoulder blade. Hermione whined, and her eyes fluttered shut. 

"Yes." Hermione gasped, as Severus continued to gently bite and kiss her neck. He sneaked a warm hand under the pyjama top and across her abdomen. 

"My needy girl." Severus murmured into her ear in his most sinful voice. His hand traveled to her breasts, he cupped one and squeezed gently, causing Hermione to moan. She tipped her head forward, trying to catch his lips. Severus teased her for a second, and pulled away every time she got close to kissing him. Hermione frowned, letting out a small sound of annoyance. 

Smirking, Severus gave in, and kissed his wife. Their lips danced, and their tongues met in a truly delicious moment. Severus continued to gently squeeze her breast under the cover of her clothing. He ran his forefinger over her nipple, a small warning before he pinched it. Hermione squirmed but didn't break the kiss. 

Every time Severus didn't think she could be more perfect, Hermione surpassed his expectations. High achiever. He continued to kiss her like he needed her to sustain himself. He would never tire of the way her soft lips pressed against his. Her taste was intoxicating. Her mouth was warm and inviting, and evoked sinful thoughts in Severus's head. 

Hermione breathed heavily, consumed by his actions. There was an erotic feeling between her legs which was impossible to ignore. Severus squeezed Hermione's breast again, pinching her nipple not-so-gently.

Hermione whispered. "Severus, please."

"Take it off." He instructed, tugging her pyjama top upwards. 

Once removed, Severus set to work kissing every inch of her chest, skillfully avoiding the area she wanted his mouth on the most. Hermione writhed especially when he ran his tongue down the center of her chest, between her breasts and placed a gentle kiss on her belly button. It was only after he was sure that he had kissed everywhere else, did Severus unleash his hot mouth on her breasts. 

Severus was not particular a boobs or an arse kind of man, he could swing either way. But, in his opinion, his wife's tits were spectacular. 

He was beginning to get uncomfortable himself. Severus's underwear seemed intent on strangling his manhood in a way which, he was sure, would affect his child bearing abilities should he not remove them immediately. 

The remaining item of clothing, Hermione's shorts, acted as pointless barrier between them. Severus had returned to kissing the witch, and was pressed up against her so hard that he could feel her heat and wetness on his cock through the flimsy material. Hermione kicked and wriggled to remove her shorts, but they only made it to her ankles before Severus had rolled her onto her side and entered her without ceremony.  

Hermione gasped at the intrusion and tensed. Severus panicked, realizing that he'd let his urges get the better of him. "Shit i'm sorry, Hermione. I forgot-" He urged.

"Don't bloody stop now, Severus." She moaned, bucking her hips on his cock. She looked adorably desperate, as she begged him to continue. 

Grabbing hold of her hips, Severus thrust in and out of her properly. Hermione dropped her head backward, letting it rest on his shoulder. Despite the mane of hair in his face, Severus pressed his chest against her back, forcing them impossibly closer while he drove his cock inside her warm hole. 

"Feels so good." Hermione said, her voice oozing with desperation. 

Severus pushed her hair out of his face, and nibbled on her ear. "All mine." He whispered seductively. 

"I'm all yours, Severus." She confirmed. 

Severus pulled Hermione's leg backward over his thigh. Hermione gasped, wondering how a subtle change in angle could proceed to blow her mind entirely. Each thrust seemed to hit a deep unknown spot inside of her that sent waves of pleasure throughout her entire body. There was a building pressure inside her stomach which was becoming increasingly noticeable. 

"Oh god." Hermione whimpered, she clenched her inner muscles in anticipation of her oncoming bliss. 

Reaching down between her legs, Severus rubbed her special spot, adding a newer and more intense feeling to the mix. Hermione had heard that some men struggled to find that particular spot, but Severus seemed to have no trouble at all (to which she was very glad indeed). 

"Don't rush it, love. Just relax." Severus said in her ear. 

She was squeezing him so hard, Severus was convinced that he wouldn't last much longer. He had well and truly intended to make slow, intense love to Hermione, but that plan had gone out of the window as soon as she began chasing her orgasm. Severus's hips seemed to act of his own accord, and his cock felt as though it would erupt at any second. He would scarcely last longer than one of her schoolboy friends. 

Severus accepted his fate, and comforted himself knowing that there was no rush. He was sure that his wife would be amenable to a second helping later, should he suggest it. 

"Severus, I need to-" Hermione moaned. She reached back and clutched his hip, digging her nails into his skin as he continued to fuck her. 

"That's it. Come for me." Severus reassured. He continued to rub that spot between her legs relentlessly. 

Hermione gasped through her climax, overwhelmed by the release she felt. She relaxed entirely as a pleasant feeling swept her body. Severus did not let up at all, thrusting into her swollen opening, searching for his own orgasm. 

Hermione was beginning to feel deliciously overstimulated, when Severus started to grunt into her ear, from behind. She covered her own mouth with her hand, so that she could hear his noises rather than the moans that escaped her own lips. 

"Gods woman." Severus groaned, burying his face in Hermione's neck as he emptied himself inside of his wife with a shout. He was entirely lost in her, for one brief beautiful moment, and it was perfect. 

They each caught their breath, meanwhile Severus felt himself softened inside of Hermione's warmth. Neither of them wanted to move.

Only yesterday did this feel impossible, Severus thought. Not 24 hours prior, Hermione had sobbed into his chest, as he had told her to forget about him and to go and live her life. Convinced he was going to prison, Severus had committed Hermione's beautiful naked body to memory, and yet here she was, sweaty and spent on his cock as if none of that had ever mattered.

Usually Severus hated being wrong. But not this time. Now, Severus was relieved that he would be able to spend the rest of his life with his perfect witch. No matter what happened, or where life took them, Severus felt compelled to follow Hermione to the ends of the Earth. For the first time in a long time, he was somewhat at ease with himself. It was true; Severus Snape was not a kind man. He likely never would be. But now he had a young woman who would shine brightly enough for the both of them. 

 Most importantly, after spending the last 20 years giving himself entirely to his two Masters Severus had decided that, in his freedom, he was going to be selfish. In his first selfish act, Severus wanted Hermione Granger all to himself.