What are dependants left to do when betrayed by those they trusted most, but to find a way to become individuals in their own right. AU, OOC, set after DoM fiasco in OotP, slash: HP/SS, het: DM/GW, TN/HG, NL/LL, Dumbledore bashing.

Summer 1995. Two young people are left alone to drown in helpless anger and fear. How far would the Boy-Who-Lived go to continue living? And what would Hermione Granger sacrifice to fulfil her childhood dreams? AU, OOC, SS/HP, LM/HG, more inside.

It is never too late to hope for love, as Severus finds out firsthand. Slightly OOC.