"You had to choose," Severus heard himself saying, heard the desperation in his voice. "You never had choices. It was all I could do, and it was something that I felt I must. You’re—" he tried to say  you’re so young, but the words wouldn’t come. Hermione had never been young, even when she was. He had been the same way. Instead, he said, "You didn’t choose to marry me. Nor did you choose your role in the war. I thought it would be a mercy."