Embracing Sleep

Harry and Hermione could hear the sigh in the Goddess' voice before she answered, "Severus Snape thought he loved your mother, but there are some people who can't let go of themselves enough to truly love another. He unfortunately falls into that category. If your mother had lived, Harry, how would she have liked how Severus has treated you? Would she have been happy? Answer that question and you have your answer."

"But he cared for her didn't he?" Harry asked.

"They were best friends when they arrived at Hogwarts," Miranda replied. "She was almost the only happy memories he had in his childhood. It is that Lily Evans he cherished, the one who talked to him when he was a child, the one who boarded the train with him, the one who stalked away with him when your father insulted him. Though for some time to come, they told themselves they were friends their paths began to separate almost the instant they removed the sorting hat from their heads," Miranda paused for a beat and then continued. "Remember what he asked you to do right before he died?"

"He...he wanted me to look at him."

"He wanted to see your eyes, or actually, Lily's eyes. He didn't want to see the son that had brought your mother so much happiness; he only wanted to remember his own."

"Thank you. I think I understand now," Harry said, as an explanation penetrated into his mind. "That explains his Patronus, doesn't it? His only happiness came from memories of my mother, but the Patronus comes from happiness felt, not given."

"He can learn, Hermione. There is hope," Miranda said to person who had been just listening. "Correct, Harry, the Patronus only suggests his happiness came from memories of your mother, not that he loved her. He thought he did, but as I said, he was one of the people who could never understand what love truly is. But now, all of what was past is now present. You will have to interact with him again."

Hermione had put her arms around Harry and held him. "It's going to be strange," Harry thought. "I just watched him die last night, and now he's back alive. When he glares at me what am I going to feel?"

"Whatever it is, I'll be right there beside you," Hermione replied then a little mental laugh. "I think I will be getting a share of those glares once he sees us together."

"I'm sorry love."

"Don't be. It's not your fault he became who he is."

"No, but you shouldn't have to suffer because of his hatred of me."

"I would suffer far more than Professor Snape for you."

"So, when is our first potions class?" Harry asked trying to change the subject of away from Hermione suffering.

Hermione opened her planner and thumbed to the right date. "Oh, I forgot how much I hated Mondays this year. Double Potions right after History first thing Monday morning," She flipped to another page. "And you have Divinations in the afternoon, and then we have Double Defense."

"You had my schedule as well?"

"Of course, Harry. It wasn't that much different than mine. I even kept track of what homework you had."

"I'm sorry, you know. Sorry for not telling you how much I appreciated you."

"Well, you have now, and since you're married to me, I guess I'll let the previous years go."

"So, first thing Monday morning for potions? Well at least I won't suffer from waiting," And as he looked at his wife, he couldn't help but smile. "Do you know how beautiful you are?"

"No, but I know how handsome my," She looked around at Dobby who was still cleaning and then back at Harry "life mate is."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"You two are so sweet together," Miranda voice broke in as they heard something like sniffling. "I really outdid myself in you two."

"Thank you, oh my Goddess," Harry replied. "For giving me my soul mate."

"You're welcome, Harry," The Goddess of Love replied as the sniffling turning back to a slight giggle. "Take care of each other."

"We shall," The two Potters answered at the same time.

Harry glanced at the window, and noticed faint light of the new day had arrived. "It's getting light out. Maybe we should go up and lie down, and wake up with everyone else in a couple of hours. That'll let Dobby finish down here without us around."

Hermione looked at the little elf, "I hope the other elves will come back and help him. Maybe I should apologize to them. I still wish they were all free but…"

"I understand, love, but we can discuss that later, for now let's go to bed," Another kiss, then they both walked up their respective staircases and crept into their beds. As they climbed into bed, neither thought they could sleep after the tumultuous changes that had occurred, but as their head hit the pillow, the pleasant thoughts of their soul mates drew them into slumber.

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