"Unanswered Prayers"

“Ms. Granger…”

Snape and Hermione found themselves in the same corridor days after her dinner with Ron. With the students gone, their voices echoed in the empty passageway.

“Professor…”

“How has your transition back to this reality been?”

“Chaotic and overwhelming, actually…”

“May I be of help?”

“No. I’ve been so busy I haven’t checked to see how you are. Impolite of me. I’m sorry.”

“The catchphrase returns. I am a competent potions master, Ms. Granger. When I use the last of your healing draughts, I’m sure I’ll succeed in following Poppy Pomfrey’s overly complicated recipe.”

The corner of his mouth quirked; she smiled at his teasing.

“And you? Have you and Mr. Weasley reconciled? Should I expect an announcement soon?”

Her expression confused him, unreadable but clearly not pleased.

“We’re… working on it. It will take time.”

“Time I hope he will grant you. Good day, Ms. Granger.”

Acute hearing brought her farewell to him on an echo.

“Good bye, Severus.”

“Tell me again — why are you here, Albus?” Snape asked without looking up from the his notes.

“Minerva thought I might be of assistance in your pursuit.” the portrait, now hanging over Snape’s work table in his rooms, replied conversationally.

“I will make it a point to express my gratitude when I see her.” Snape retorted in annoyance, prompting laughter from the painted Albus Dumbledore.

“Finding a dissolution potion for a magical bond has proven elusive in the past. If you are successful, you will be considered the most brilliant potions master of the millennia.”

“How will I handle the paparazzi? Should I hire a muggle publicist?”

“If not for glory, why else would you risk certain death to break your bond with Ms. Granger?”

“Because I choose to live my life as it was.”

“You choose, Severus, to punish yourself with loneliness to atone for Lily, for not saving her. For not dying instead of her.”

Snape stared up at the portrait, deep in thought.

“Lily has forgiven you and would not consider your feelings for Hermione a betrayal. You were, after all, Lily’s first and oldest magical friend.”

Snape lowered his head back to his notes to avoid the truth-revealing look the dead headmaster aimed at him.