DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: All is well on my end. I hope you are all safe and healthy.

Thanks for the wonderful reviews! Please support my other fanfic as well: "Erasing My Past - Their Future".

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Chapter 5:

July 25, 1995

(present time)

Hermione and Mrs. Weasley were crying in the library with the newspaper clippings laid on the coffee table in front of them. Hermione was sobbing silently, but Mrs. Weasley was crying openly. She placed a hand on the older witch's back, trying to comfort her.

She shook her head as she read one of the headlines.

Delphini Slytherin - The Dark Lord's Daughter

It turned out that sometime in 1998, before the so-called 'Battle of Hogwarts', Bellatrix Lestrange, Voldemort's strongest lieutenant, gave birth to a child out-of-wedlock and they called her 'Delphini'. She was Voldemort's and being conceived when her father still had seven Horcruxes (including Harry, to Hermione's grief) made Delphini a very powerful witch. At age seven, she could already duel even without a wand.

Hermione's eyes darted to the next clipping.

The Dark Lord Rises Again

Everyone in the year 2004 thought that Harry Potter finished Voldemort in 1998. But it was revealed by Voldemort himself in the year 2006 that he couldn't die. Nobody could kill him unless the Light side could risk having their souls tainted by destroying his final Horcrux: eight-year-old Delphini Slytherin.

Mrs. Weasley's sobs continued as she picked a particular clipping. It was about the Weasleys, being targeted by Death Eaters. It was revealed that Mrs. Weasley finished Bellatrix Lestrange off during the Battle of Hogwarts and little Delphini wanted to avenge her mother. Hermione and Mrs. Weasley also learned that they lost loved ones during the Battle of Hogwarts: Remus, Tonks, and Fred.

"I cannot let my son die," Mrs. Weasley cried.

Hermione hugged the woman she considered her second mother in the Wizarding world. "We won't, Mrs. Weasley. Leo was sent here for a purpose. I am sure, Professor Dumbledore is already planning how to prevent these things from happening," she said, trying to console her.

Mrs. Weasley held her hand appreciatively. "Thank you, Hermione. Even if you aren't the Hermione who sent him here."

"Professor Snape, er, Severus," she blushed at his name, so she ducked her head, "said that I have to watch the memories in the Pensieve with him and the headmaster. Apparently, there was an instruction in his future counterpart's letter that the Order has to plan as soon as possible. I will let you know if there's something we could do to keep your family safe," she offered.

Mrs. Weasley wiped her tears and forced a smile. "That's really kind of you, dear. Where are you going to watch the memories? The Order is planning to collect Harry two days from now. Originally, it's scheduled next week, but because of the Dementors in Little Whinging last night, Harry received a summon from the Ministry. He has to be here on Monday," the older witch explained.

Hermione's heart almost melted at the thought of her best friend facing two Dementors. "Poor Harry," she muttered. "Severus said, we cannot keep Leo here when Harry arrives, so he asked me earlier if I am willing to go with him to a safe house with Leo."

"Oh. Are you all right with that, dear? Do you need help in taking care of Leo? I can ask Albus to let me come and watch over the boy while you view the memories," Mrs. Weasley offered in a motherly tone.

"Thank you, Mrs. Weasley, but I'm sure Severus will find a way. I don't want to keep you from your family and Harry will be here. Plus, it's summer and - "

"Nonsense, dear," she cut her off with a smile. "Leo was an honorary Weasley in his time. It's not hard to make him one this time."

She smiled sincerely and met the woman's eyes. "I'll tell Severus about your offer. Thank you."

Mrs. Weasley patted her shoulder. "You're always welcome, dear."

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Severus Snape had been staring at the open wooden box for an hour now. It was given to him by Hermione earlier this morning when he returned to Grimmauld Place, as he promised Leo.

After making Leo eat his breakfast, Hermione went to get Leo's bag and together, they inspected what else was inside aside from the boy's personal belongings.

They found a lot: a sealed envelope with the label 'pictures', another box containing vials but labeled 'private memories of S & H', and also a box with his name on it. He and Hermione decided to take a look at the pictures and private memories after watching the first set of memories with Dumbledore. The vials containing the memories were labeled with important events that could help the Order plan, especially now that Potter got a summon from the Ministry for using magic in the presence of a Muggle. Severus took home the box with his name on it.

He found letters for him - from his older self; potions journals, wedding rings, a wedding photo, and a potion with a note attached to it.

He inhaled deeply when he saw the wedding photo. He felt relieved. His heart was joyful and for the first time after fifteen years, he happily smiled with tears in his eyes.

There were instructions in the letters and he would follow them. But now, he felt so excited that he was torn between two things. Part of him wanted to go to Dumbledore and tell him everything. Albus Dumbledore could be a meddling and annoying coot, but he was a good friend. He could be demanding to Severus, but that didn't mean he couldn't demand to him as well. And right now, he wanted to demand that they start viewing the memories as soon as possible.

Another part of him wanted to go to the people he considered family; the first people who ever accepted him and his mother before he started his Hogwarts education. He wanted to see the man he considered his father, the only man who loved him without asking for anything in return; the man he respected.

Severus took the wedding picture and one of the letters from his future self. He dressed up in a casual Muggle shirt and jeans, before leaving the house. For the first time in a decade, he walked in the streets of Spinner's End, passed by the dirty river and saw the playground which held many of his childhood memories. He turned left, to another street: Grange Road, where Haigh Hall Medical Practice was still standing. He passed by Parkland Primary School which only made him think of the younger version of the love of his life. He turned left, to Otter St and stopped at a two-story maroon-painted brick house with a wooden low fence and gate. He sighed with a smile and rang the doorbell.

The main door was opened by an old man, in his mid-sixties. His once brown hair was now salt and pepper. He had a button nose, and almond-shaped brown eyes which, Severus remembered, would always look at him with kindness. He was wearing the same style and shape of spectacles he remembered when he was a boy.

"Sev! My boy!" the old man greeted with a smile as he opened the gate for him and hugged him in a fatherly way.

Severus returned the man's embrace. "How do you do, Bob?"

Robert Puckle pulled away and led him to the house after Severus closed the gate. "Old and bored," the old man replied with a chuckle.

Once they were inside the house, the two men sat across from each other in the sitting room. "So, what brought you here? I am quite hurt that you haven't visited me since the Yule," Bob began.

Severus snorted. "How did you know I didn't come to bring bad news?"

"Oh, well. I knew that if something bad happened, you wouldn't be appearing in front of the gate, but in my fireplace."

"Something happened, though," he announced. "Is Rose around?"

"Unfortunately, I am alone at the moment. Rose went to London yesterday to spend time with Mona and will come back tomorrow," replied Bob with a frown. "Is this about..." he trailed off.

Severus rested his elbows in his knees and clasped his hands. "Yesterday, something strange happened. You are familiar with time-turners, I believe?"

"Yes, I still remember what you told me about it two years ago," Bob replied anxiously.

"No, it's not about her. A boy appeared at the house where she is staying. The boy is around four years old, carrying a very advanced time-turner; so advanced that it could take you back to the past as far as twenty years."

Bob gasped but did not say anything. Severus continued. "The boy has her eyes - your eyes and nose."

"The boy is..."

"Hermione's," he nodded.

"And the father?"

"I am," he swallowed and reached for the letter in his pocket. He handed it to Bob.

Bob took the letter in his hand and started to read it. Severus waited in silence. When Bob finished the letter, Severus could see the shock in his face, but Bob smiled after. Severus pulled out the wedding photo in his pocket and handed it to Bob.

"She remembered. Her memories came back when she took the potion on her birthday in the year 2000," he repeated the words in the letter, once again, feeling relieved. "The potion which took my older self three years to complete. There's another potion that could bring back her memories before that year."

Bob smirked. "I hope I - or my other self still had the chance to walk her down the aisle."

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July 25, 1969

(twenty-six years ago)

Severus watched the girl with bushy brown hair alone at the park. She was picking jasmine flowers. She would clutch them in her hands and when she opened her hands, the flowers weren't white anymore but of different colours.

"Wow!" he heard her whisper. "It's like magic."

Severus smirked and walked up behind the girl. "It is magic," he said in a low voice, causing the girl to startle.

Severus was able to take a good look at the girl. She had deep brown, almond-shaped eyes, a button nose, and light skin. When she opened her mouth in shock, he noticed that she had two large white front teeth. She wasn't beautiful like the first girl he saw a week ago - the one with long, auburn hair and bright green eyes that reminded him of Christmas. This girl's brown eyes reminded him of chocolates and almonds, and her eyes didn't narrow upon seeing him, unlike the beautiful girl who narrowed her eyes when she saw his attire.

"I'm sorry I startled you," he said bashfully. He straightened his too-big trousers. They were his father's. One of the reasons why he didn't have friends was because he always wore too large clothes; hand-me-downs from his father.

To Severus's surprise, the girl gave her a friendly smile. "It's all right," she replied softly.

Severus returned the smile, but he was too shy to show his face. Children in his primary school often teased him for his 'abnormally large hooked nose'. He kept his hair long so he could hide his face easily.

"You can do magic," he muttered, looking down. He found her black Mary Janes interesting. They look expensive.

"And you're not afraid of me?"

Severus looked up, only to see the girl's face. Her eyes were searching for him and she was frowning but not in an unfriendly manner.

He gave her a tentative smile and shook his head. "I am a wi-... I mean, I can do magic, too," he whispered.

The girl didn't look convinced, but he smiled and picked a jasmine flower. He let it flow on the air, towards her.

The girl smiled and caught the flower in her hand. She looked relieved and laughed. She jumped. "I'm glad I'm not the only one!"

Severus frowned but smiled in amusement. "How long have you been doing that?" he asked, sitting on the grass. She followed suit, sitting Indian-style. Severus eyed the girl's clothes. She was wearing a short-sleeved blue knitted shirt and checkered trousers. She looked too comfortable with them.

"Since I was seven," the girl replied and turned to her. She offered her hand. "I'm Hermione Puckle, by the way."

Severus took the girl's hand hesitantly. "Severus Snape." He half-expected her to laugh like the other kids in his Muggle school, but she didn't.

"That's a unique name," she said rather appreciatively.

He raised an eyebrow but quickly replaced his confusion with a polite nod. "Thank you. I like your name as well."

She giggled. "My classmates find it hard to pronounce."

He snorted. "Must be dunderheads, then."

And Hermione laughed again. "So, tell me more about magic," she whispered. "You see, no one else in my family could do this."

"My father couldn't, too. It's just me and Ma," he admitted. "Ma said she's a witch." Her eyes widened. "She was educated in a magical school."

"Oh. Really? What was it like in her school? Do you reckon you will be going there, too?"

He nodded. "Ma thinks so. She said I might receive an acceptance letter when I turn eleven. I have two more years."

He noticed that Hermione's expression fell. "Do you think I will also receive a letter?"

Severus sighed and looked at her seriously. "I don't know, honestly. I don't know anyone who's not from a magical family that could do magic. Only you and the girl with red hair. She lives in this area as well and she's the same age as us, I think. I will try to ask Ma about the school's acceptance letters," he promised.

Hermione smiled appreciatively and Severus decided that he liked her smile. "Thank you. I appreciate it. So, you've met another... witch?" She whispered and was hesitant to say the last word.

"I think she is a witch," he whispered back. "I saw her doing magic just like you. But... she and her sister were not very nice."

Hermione turned to her with sad eyes. "I'm so sorry to hear that. Maybe she'll come around..."

He shrugged. "Maybe. I don't really care," he replied frankly.

"Hermione!"

He stiffened at a new girl's voice. Hermione stood up and turned to her left. He saw her wave at someone coming towards them. "Mona! Here!"

A girl older than himself and Hermione approached them with a friendly smile. She had brown hair like Hermione, but not bushy. The girl had light brown eyes, but the shape was like Hermione's. She also had the same button nose.

"Who's your friend?" asked the other girl casually.

"His name's Severus Snape and I just met him today," replied Hermione matter-of-factly. Then, she leaned forward. "He can do magic, too."

The other girl gaped but smiled afterward. "Really? That's amazing!"

Hermione turned to her with a smile. He stood up to face the two girls. "Severus, this is my sister, Desdemona."

Severus saw the kindness in the girl's face, so he offered his hand. "It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too," she replied cheerily. When they released each other's hand, Mona turned to Hermione. "Come, we're going to London with Mum and Dad!"

Severus saw Hermione's eyes brightened. "Oh, right! We're going to buy books today!" she said excitedly.

Mona nodded eagerly. "Yes!"

The two sisters turned to him. "Sorry, Severus, I have to go," Hermione said apologetically.

He nodded politely. What could he do? Stop her? Tell her that they should meet again?

"Can we meet tomorrow? Same time? Here."

What?

Severus saw Hermione biting her lower lip, looking at the ground. Now, she found her shoes interesting, too.

"I would like that," he found himself saying.

Hermione looked up with a bright smile on her face. "See you tomorrow, then!"

The two girls waved goodbye. Severus smiled and waved back. He sat on the grass again. He just didn't want to go home yet to his drunk father and poor mother.

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July 25, 1995

(present time)

"She remembered. Her memories came back when she took the potion," he repeated the words in the letter, once again, feeling relieved.

Bob smirked. "And her appearance changed as well because of the potion. I hope the future me had the chance to walk her down the aisle."

Severus snorted. "Of course! I've read other letters and yes, you're very much alive in Leo's future, so I don't see any reason why you won't be at the wedding of your youngest daughter."

Bob grinned. "Tell her now, my boy! There's no point in hiding. I want to see my grandson. I want Hermione to know that she is my daughter, not my granddaughter."

"You make it sound so easy," he snorted. "There are instructions and we have to start with Dumbledore around."

"It is easy!" exclaimed Robert Puckle. "Call the old man now and see what happened in the alternate future! Then, use that potion your future self sent to bring back her memories! An older Hermione would help you very much in this war that you are facing. Do it, Sev. I want to see Hermione and my grandson."

Severus sighed and nodded. "I will speak with Dumbledore. Thank you, Bob."

.

July 25, 1979
(sixteen years ago)

"The Dark Lord wishes for me to court you again," he told her quietly.

"Why?" Hermione asked conversationally. She was pressed to his side, safely tucked in his arm. They were sitting on the rug in front of the empty fireplace, while she was reading a book on Animagus Healing. Their source of light was the chandelier powered by Muggle electricity. Hermione had always preferred reading with the 'Muggle' lighting.

"Because he is now accepting Muggleborn lovers in his ranks," he replied sarcastically.

"Sev," she chided without looking up from her book.

Severus snatched Hermione's book away. "Don't lose my page!" she protested. He gave it back and let her put a bookmark. Then, she shifted so that she was facing him. He took the book from her and placed it on the coffee table behind him, then he held her with both hands.

"Now, what?" she asked.

He met deep brown eyes. Those eyes always sparkled and look at him with kindness and love. The owner of those eyes has been his light for ten years now.

"He wants me to gather information about the Order, through you. He thinks that when we get back together, Dumbledore will grab the opportunity to make me his spy for the Order," he explained.

"But we can't do that," she said matter-of-factly.

He rolled his eyes. "Obviously because we never broke up and I am Dumbledore's spy."

Hermione giggled and pecked his cheek. "There'll be no more hiding?" she asked hopefully.

"You will let them think that you could just accept me again easily?" he frowned.

She raised an eyebrow. "It won't be hard to believe because you were my best friend and everyone knows you were special."

"I am special," he corrected her.

She rolled her eyes. "Conceited."

He laughed and kissed her forehead. "But we still have to be very careful. You have to act like a lovesick girl. Otherwise, his minions wouldn't believe that you trust me enough."

"Oh, right. We have to make it look like I'm madly, desperately in love with you, and that I'm too trusting for my own good," she giggled. "I think I can do that." She grabbed her book again and leaned against him comfortably.

"Hermione."

"Hmn?"

"Are you free tonight?" he asked tentatively.

Her eyebrows furrowed. "It's Tuesday, Sev. As far as I know, I am. And even if there are emergencies, Healer Diggle doesn't call me when it's my day off. Why?"

"Tonight," he said slowly.

"Huh?" she asked, clueless.

He swallowed. "I mean, can I stay tonight? Let's just... spend time here and eat. I'll cook for you and we can watch telly, or read."

Hermione gently pulled away to meet his eyes. "We always do that whenever we're both free from our pieces of training and masters. What's wrong?" she frowned.

He shook his head and smiled, not breaking their eye contact. "Nothing. It's just that... today is different. You know, it's been ten years."

Hermione's brows furrowed deeply, before smiling tenderly. She didn't say anything. Instead, Severus was pushed on his back on the rug and his witch snogged him senseless.

Ten years of happiness, he mused as he wrapped his arms around her waist and responded to her ministrations. They met ten years ago and he was sure, he started falling for her a year after that.

"Do you love me?" she asked with her husky voice.

He smirked. "Since 1970."