Chapter 5

Disclaimer: Not mine. I just borrowed them for a while. I promise to put them back when I'm done. Oh, nope, no money either...just for fun.

I want to give a great big thank you hug to EverMystique and DuchessOfArcadia for combing through this to help me make this presentable for reading. You're the best, thank you!

Because of the diary, Severus knew that he'd been in a fight with Potter and Black after Ancient Runes on his way to Herbology. He knew where, right after he turned the corner to head for the stairs, but not precisely when, just approximately. So, if I wait, if I stall for time, maybe the fight wouldn't happen. Maybe I'll get to Hermione before either Potter or Black see me, or her, and I can avoid the fight altogether. He checked the corridor to see if any of the Gryffindors were around as he exited the classroom and walked as casually as he could, given that his nerves were on high alert for an attack. Merlin, I hate second-guessing this. That thought alone made him determined to take better notes than his older self did. In fact he'd write down all his 'encounters' with Potter and Black and maybe avoid them all... Who am I kidding, a lot of good that would do me now!

He saw Danny Wang in the corridor, apparently catching up with his friends. "Wang, wait up a moment," Severus called out, holding up a hand to get his attention. He'd rarely spoken to the guy and never outside of class, so it was no wonder that the guy looked back at him suspiciously. The four Ravenclaws stood together as Severus approached.

Now he had to ask the guy something without sounding like an idiot. "I was wondering if I could ask you something about the essay assignment for Arithmancy," he lied. It was the best he could think of.

"Okay," Wang replied, his eyes still narrowed suspiciously. All four guys looked at him expectantly, two with their arms crossed defiantly.

They all took the subject, so he'd have to come up with something quick. Now what? "On the length, did Professor Goddard mean that the assignment was to be a total of four feet or are the individual questions to be four feet each?"

All four looked at each other in confusion as if Severus had announced a new theory. Wuhin shrugged, Wang looked at Severus with wide eyes, and Cox shook his head and shrugged. It was Daniels that answered, "All four total, I think."

"Oh. Well, er," Severus pretended to stammer as if that wasn't the answer he'd expected.

Wang took the bait. "What? Is that wrong? Is it four feet per question?"

Severus could see Black waiting at the junction of the corridors, pointing in his direction. He turned his attention back to Wang. "I thought it was four feet per question, and I have finished the first three questions, but I can only get two feet of material on the third, Ferris' theory, including a comparative to Wentworth's equation of equal congruent probabilities." It was a lie. He could write a book on the improbability of Ferris' theory since he thought the wizard was a dunderhead.

"Well," Wang stretched out the single word as his mind went into gear. "There is the obvious hole in his theory about using triad equations... and Kincaid's principle..."

Severus snuck a quick glance and noticed that Black was moving away. "Great, because I was going to factor in parallel versus congruent probabilities with multiple vectors," he said, resisting the smirk when Wang, Cox, and Daniels looked impressed. It was hardly a stretch as the theorems were compatible anyway. "Okay, thanks, I have to go."

He walked to the junction of the corridor and knelt to retie his shoe, slyly checking his watch. She is due any moment...unless the wizard was wrong. But then his older self had said that Hermione appeared in the middle of the duel and had been hit. No telling how long the fight had gone on in the old wizard's time, but in his time, the fights with Potter and Black were usually rather quick. Neither Black nor Potter wanted to be seen firing a spell at him by a professor...but if he was seen firing a spell at them...that was a whole other matter. He adjusted his sock and glanced down the corridor. Lupin was coming, which didn't bode well. Severus switched position to retie his other shoe. Lupin nodded as he passed and kept going. He couldn't wait any longer. He opened his bag as if checking something and saw Potter walking up to Lupin. Severus stood, backed into the corridor out of sight and collided with a stunned Hermione Granger.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed and then smiled even though she still looked a bit confused. "Oh, hi."

"Quiet," he hissed, taking her hand in his to make her run with him. "This way. C'mon." He took off for the end of the corridor, dragging her along, dropping her hand when they reached the statue of Anuguard the Stout. He had to get her to the dungeons from the fifth floor and not run into the Gryffindor bullies that were still in the corridors on their way to Charms or run into any of his house mates.

"Why are we running?" she asked softly enough.

"Because I have to get you safely tucked away before I am late to class," he said, leading the way down another corridor. He was going to be late to class anyway. At least she was keeping up with him, or trying to, considering the bag she carried. He knew from experience it was really heavy and full of books, and not just her school books either. He pulled his wand out and charmed the bag to be lighter so she could keep up with him better.

"Thanks," she said, picking up her pace. "Why don't I hide in the library until...?"

"Are you daft?" he asked, nearly breaking stride from turning his head too quickly to look at her. "You cannot be seen. Remember?"

"When's lunch?" she asked.

He silently swore. "Had it," he snapped, willing her to be quiet. "Dinner is in four hours." He didn't want to attract any more attention than could be helped.

"Oh," she said, and he could hear her disappointment.

"Yeah, oh." He stopped and turned to consider the fact that she might have missed hers. The book told him what time she arrived, not when she'd left. It could be a long time to dinner for her. "Are you hungry?"

"I can wait," she replied, shrugging and hitching her bag up on her shoulder.

He nodded once, opened a door, and hurried down a spiral stairway.

"Does this go to the Ravenclaw common room?" she asked, her voice carrying loudly in the stone stairway.

"I have no idea, but it goes down to the first floor. I...the only ones I know are Slytherins' and Gryffindors' common rooms," he answered her, growing a bit impatient with her questions.

"Why is that?" she asked, stopping on the last step as Severus stopped to the opened the door.

"Always good to know where the vipers nest is," he said. He pulled out the small blue box and opened it. "Put it in here again. That way the setting won't change, unless it has while we were running."

She pulled the chain over her head and dropped the Time-Turner inside. "It should be all right," she replied with a frown as he pocketed her Time-Turner.

Severus checked to see if the coast was clear, ignoring her apparent disappointment. So far they'd lucked out; they hadn't been seen by any of the professors and very few students.

When they got to the main stairs, Severus hesitated and held his wand ready in case he had to make a diversion. "Okay, make a nogtail and run for the dungeons. Don't stop. I'm right behind you." She took off running, and he easily caught up to her, smirking at her nice, even stride. She ran like a deer: she maneuvered quickly, was sure footed, and her footfalls made only light thuds on the stone floors.

Once they'd made it to her room, Hermione gasped at the changes Severus and Snape had made that his older self had suggested. They had done as much to the room as they could to give her a comfortable living space. "I made a few changes," he said as he pulled out her Time-Turner and checked it carefully. "Good, no damage. But the sand is clear, and it's really hot."

"How is it that you know when I'm going to appear?" she asked, crossing her arms as if cold.

"I can't tell you that," he said and turned to go. "I'll be back after Herbology. So don't go anywhere."

"No, I'll wait for you," he heard her say before he left. He ran all the way to class, hoping he wasn't too late and that Professor Sprout would buy the excuse that he'd been trying to avoid a fight with Black.

Hermione looked around the small classroom. What had caught her eye upon entering were the Slytherin four-poster bed in the corner and the tapestries on the walls to cut the cold. The green drapes of the bed were tied back, and she could see an extra quilt folded at the foot of the bed. A bedside table with a lamp stood against the wall and a rug lay on the floor so she'd be able to slip from the bed and not freeze her feet on the stone floor. The desk she'd transfigured into a kind of trunk had been modified and now stood a few steps from the bed at the edge of the carpet, making a definite sleeping area. He'd placed a large pitcher and wash bowl with a few hand towels on it for her use. There was even a comfortable chintz chair next to a reading lamp near the foot of the bed. Her gaze swept across the room, noting that the teacher's desk still stood next to the enlarged student's desk she and Severus had used to read and revise the last time she had been here. She wondered where the bed had come from, then assumed that he'd found the bed and moved it in here for her.

The benches were stacked just as she'd left them, and the blankets were still stacked neatly on them along with her plate, cup and cutlery. His two cauldrons, some potion ingredients, a pile of books and some utensils, scales, and a set of measuring spoons and cups took up one bench. She touched the old scales reverently with a soft smile on her lips. I wonder what he'll brew while I'm here...or if he'll brew anything?

She walked over and peered under the bed. Her chamber pot was still there as well as six rolls of toilet paper. Hermione stood and laughed. She sat on the bed and gazed around again. He has really tried to make this as comfortable as possible for me. Such consideration astounded her. Sure, he had been really thoughtful the last time she'd accidently bounced back to his time, but that time he'd really only seen to her needs. He hadn't gone all out for her like this. She ran her hand on the green and black quilt, smiling at the feeling of the velveteen. The drapes were a heavy, green damask with sheer white curtains underneath. They would be prefect if she wanted privacy but still wanted to have some light while sitting in bed.

She walked over to look at the items in the trunk. The robes he'd given to her to use were neatly folded inside along with three pairs of socks and two nightshirts, one grey and the other white. Her hairbrush and toothbrush were in the trunk as well as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste... even flossing mints. Severus had thought of everything.

She walked over to set her bag down on the table and wished she'd had her books to write her Potions essay for Professor Snape, then chuckled at the irony of her situation.

Severus ducked down the stairs to the kitchens after Herbology. He still had Charms, but if he hurried, he could make a quick stop at the kitchens and then see Hermione for a bit before class.

His older self had suggested enlisting the help of Mystery, one of the house-elves that took care of the Slytherin dormitories. He had no idea how he could convince the elf to help him, since they didn't like to get involved in students affairs and wouldn't keep a secret from Headmaster Dumbledore.

All the elves gathered around him the moment he entered the kitchens.

"Is sir wanting something?" a female in a tea towel-toga asked as a male who had his towel tied around his waist asked, "How can we serves you, sir?"

"I was wondering if I could have something to eat?" he asked, not sure of what Hermione would like. "You know, snacks."

Several of the house-elves sprang into action, bringing all kinds of food, from sweets to a variety of fruit, corn, chips, chicken legs, cheese and crackers. Another elf handed him a platter as Severus started selecting various foods for Hermione, and the eager elves helped him pile on the goodies.

As he turned to go, a female elf handed him a pitcher of pumpkin juice. "Does sir want anything else, sir?"

"Ah, no. Thank you. This is so much... more," he said, trying to open the door with his hands full, "than I expected."

A small elf pushed the door open for him, grinning with a huge smile. "Thank you, sir. We is glad to haves served you, sir. Bye, sir."

He set the pitcher down and cast a spell to keep the food from falling and added a Notice-Me-Not on himself, the tray, and then the pitcher. He made it to the dungeons without incident and kicked the door to the old classroom with his toe. "It's me, let me in."

"Severus?" Hermione asked as she opened the door with her wand held ready in her hand.

"Well, who did you think it was?" he snarled as he carried the overloaded tray and pitcher to the desk.

"Well, I dunno, Filch, maybe? One of your house mates, possibly? Even Professor Dumbledore," she rattled off with her hands on her hips. "It's not like we have a secret password or a code or anything."

"All right, I'll use Menelaus," he said sarcastically, turning to face her.

"Funny," she snorted and put away her wand. "You are not my father, and although my father says my mum is the most beautiful woman in the world, she never sank a thousand ships."

"So you are up on your mythology," he said, impressed despite himself. Interesting. Well, she had a Muggle background, and her father liked reading historical stories to her. If she was from a wizarding family, she would know her wizarding mythology as well... "So you've read the stories of Helen of Troy."

"I've read all the stories of the Greek legends and mythology. My father loves history and mythology, so he'd read it to me as bedtime stories," she stated.

"I remember you saying something about that last time. So, now, what to do with you?" he asked, leaning against the desk he used as a workbench. "Last time you managed to stay in here pretty well, but this time the Time-Turner might take longer to become usable. As I recall, you got a bit stir crazy at the end, and I have to know that I can trust you."

"I couldn't help it. I'm sorry," Hermione apologized and looked at the floor as her face flushed a bright pink. "Why do you think that it may take longer?" She looked up, the blush still present, tinting her cheeks. "And how did you know me, last time? How is it that you knew when and where I would show up? Why are you hiding me and not the Headmaster? Does the Headmaster even know I'm here? Or Professor McGonagall? Shouldn't I be under their supervision?"

Severus let her get all her questions out. He'd rolled his eyes at the second question and had ran his hands over his face into his hair at the fourth one, and his hands fell to his sides at her last. "Are you through, or are there more?" he asked, exasperated by the endless questions that he couldn't answer. "I cannot tell you how I know you or how I know any of this. I assure you it isn't by Divination. As for the Headmaster, I dunno. I didn't tell him anything. But I think that since I'm apparently the only one to know, its best we keep it that way, all right? The fewer who know about you or see you, the less influence and interference there is on my...your timeline. This...us...it's risky enough, but if you mess around, I'd hate to think the consequences you'd cause."

She sighed heavily and looked at her bag on the floor. "I don't have enough work to keep me occupied for a week, let alone longer."

"I'll bring you books. We can brew together, if you like. We can... I dunno, practice spells," he suggested, remembering what his older self said. He doubted he'd enjoy brewing fourth-year level potions, but it would keep her occupied. At least she seemed to cheer up at his suggestions, and he could give them to Slughorn to fulfill Madam Pomfrey's request list. "I usually spend my time in the library when not in classes. I think I can come here at least one break a day without notice. I'll bring food, and I can come here in the evenings, like last time." Although, Avery was getting pretty curious last time. "But if my house mates start getting suspicious and start looking for me...at least none of them come in here. They know I come in here to brew, though. The bed can be hidden if that becomes a problem..."

"I appreciate that, and I'll keep to this room as much as possible." She turned to look at his potions kit on the benches. "What were you brewing?" she asked, sounding hopeful.

He smirked. "Whatever I damn well feel like, actually. You know that I sometimes brew potions that my house mates want for money. Lately, when Pot-er, Madam Pomfrey needs something for the hospital wing, Professor Slughorn gives me extra credit to help out." He cursed himself mentally. He almost told her that he'd been brewing his own potions to relieve whatever Potter and Black did to him. He even kept a journal of counter curses and hexes in his pocket, but he didn't want to tell her that either.

"I'd love to learn Healer's potions," she said enthusiastically.

"All right, we'll do Burns, Sprains, and Fever Potions after dinner for the next few days. Madam Pomfrey is always glad to have those on supply. We can do Pepper-Up and Pain Potions as well, if they aren't too difficult for you," he suggested. "Of course, you did all right last time we brewed together." Besides Madam Pomfrey had already said she'd pay him for his potions. The improvements he'd made alone on the Burn Pastes had really impressed her. He wanted to try and improve the Anti-bacterial Salve for cuts so that it stung less when it was applied.

That night he showed her his directions for the second and third degree Burn Paste.

"You write in your books?" she asked, looking up at him as if he'd committed a mortal sin.

"Yeah, I write in my books. Don't you make annotations while revising?" he asked, knowing that all of his books were covered in his handwriting.

"I use a journal or a notebook," she stated, fingering the page with a look of regret. "I suppose I respect and treasure books too much to deface them."

He scoffed at her and pulled his book away from her. "You sound like Madam Pince."

"I like her," she stated as if talking about a long lost friend.

"No one likes her," he scoffed at her and started to pull out the ingredients he'd need from his cauldron.

She tipped her head to the side and smirked at him. "You do...well, you will, and the professors get along with her well enough." She picked up the coffee filter and furrowed her brow in confusion then set it down. "There is a rumor that she and Mr. Filch are a couple."

He laid the filter on the spouted glass jar. "Okay, that's a visual I didn't need, thank you very much." He passed her the comfrey. "Do you think you can press the sap from the stems and then dice the leaves?"

"Sure," she said, reaching for the trenched cutting board and pestle he'd borrowed from the Potions classroom. He watched her carefully as they worked, only having to correct her technique a few times.

By the time the second potion was simmering, he was even slightly impressed. She was quite proficient at following his directions. She had only needed to be told or shown things once and had only asked pertinent questions while they worked. Maybe this won't be so bad after all. He looked at his watch. "Damn, it's late. It's past curfew already!"

"I can finish up here, if you like?" she offered.

He quickly gathered up his utensils. "I have to clean my utensils and there isn't a sink in here." The potions needed to sit for a few hours.

"I'll watch the potions. The first is nearly done and the second still needs an hour to simmer according to your directions. Since I'm here anyway, I'll take care of them. Really. It's not like I have anywhere to go or anyplace I have to be tomorrow."

He checked the timer and the potion.

"When the timer goes off, lower the flame until it's barely visible and let it sit another half hour," she said as if reading his mind. "Then turn off the flame, and let it cool another fifteen minutes before bottling. You said we're using the clear, brown jars for the Burn Paste."

"You're sure?" he asked, not wanting to trust the potion with anyone but himself, even her. He was getting six Sickles per cauldron for these potions.

"I'm sure," she said, looking up at him with pure sincerity in her large, soft brown eyes.

He hesitated, lost for a moment in her gaze, then turned his head and grabbed his utensils. "Thank you."

"No problem," she said as he hurried for the door. "Good night, Severus."

"Night."

The next day, Severus collected a mountain of books on all subjects, still not sure which ones Hermione was taking. He'd simply grabbed at random from each section. Madam Pince raised an eyebrow as he set the pile on her desk. "You are certainly becoming an avid reader," she sneered. "You have a twelve book limit, Mr. Snape."

"Some are for Avery," he lied, wondering what Avery's book limit was.

Apparently, Madam Pince didn't know either as she had to look it up. "He never checks out more than three."

"He's in the hospital wing for a week, Ma'am," Severus stated, mentally crossing his fingers. He was in the hospital wing, recovering from a bad reaction from being hit by two different spells. "I thought it would help him keep up on his class work."

"Very well, but you'll have to sign for them," she replied. "And you will be responsible for their return...and their condition."

"Absolutely," he agreed, knowing that someone who loved books as Hermione did wouldn't deface them. Hermione's delight at seeing the books made carting all twenty books down to the dungeons worthwhile. "I had no idea what subjects you take, so I grabbed something from each subject..."

"Oh! This one was lost...and this one had been off the shelves forever!" she exclaimed, picking up the top books and reading the titles. "This one was in the card catalogue as missing... and you have Mortensen's Aquatic Botanicals! Oh, Severus, thank you!"

"Oi! That's for my Herbology! I need that one!" he said, taking it back. "It's about class level six... I can't believe you're reading sixth-year Herbology books!"

"I wanted to know about the coral of the lophelia in the Darwin Mounds of Cape Wrath," she said, eyeing the book wistfully.

"It's a potions ingredient for Nail Strengthening Potion," he said, placing the book in front of him as he separated the books he'd gotten for his own essays from the ones he'd checked out for her.

"Used in hair and nail strengthening potions, actually," Hermione stated, still eyeing the book hopefully.

"Figures a girl would know that," he scoffed. He'd not taken her as one of the type of girls that worried about their appearance. She sure didn't while she'd been here, except for requesting regular trips to the showers.

"My dorm mates, Lavender and Parvati, are into all that girl stuff. I'm interested in the coral, how it's harvested and its properties..."

Severus snorted a laugh and handed her the book. "We'll share it," he said. "Well, happy reading. I have class. I'll be back at lunch."

Hermione picked up the book and hurried over to her chair by the bed. He shook his head as he left her to her amusements.

~ T. B. .C. ~

Author's Notes:

Do you see much of Professor Snape in young Severus' actions?