Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Lucius approached the desk again. Over the past few weeks this had become a ritual. She didn't mind, as long as he behaved himself. They had developed a friendship of sorts in that time. She was supposed to be his mentor after all.

"Professor Granger," he drawled.

"Mr. Malfoy," she greeted.

Severus stood at Lucius' side. She nodded to him.

"I was wondering if you were going to Hogsmeade this weekend," Lucius asked.

"I'm scheduled to chaperone, yes, I'll be there."

"Would you like to accompany me?" he asked seductively.

"She's going with me," Severus piped in.

Hermione smiled. "That's right, Mr. Malfoy. Mr. Snape will be accompanying me this weekend. Why don't you take your girlfriend?" she asked.

"Your loss," he said with a toss of his hair. He quickly left the room.

"It's a wonder they ever get married," she mused after he was gone and immediately her eyes went wide. That was information that need not be shared.

"They get married?" Severus asked.

"Shh! Don't say a word to anyone!"

Severus put his hand over his heart. "Your secret is safe with me, my lady."

She giggled as he bowed and left the room. That man was absolutely charming.

oooOOOooo

Severus hurried through the halls after lunch on his way to his next class. He was deep in thought, mulling over the potion they had just brewed in his last class. He had followed the directions exactly, but was now wondering if perhaps he should have cut the flobberworms on the diagonal instead of straight across. It might have given the potion a little extra potency. He was concentrating so intensely, he failed to notice the three students who had appeared behind him. Sirius, James, and Peter stealthily snuck up to Severus. Sirius sent a jelly legs jinx from his wand. It struck Severus and he crashed to the ground, but not before extracting his own wand and sending a jinx behind him at his attackers.

The other three boys grasped their faces in their hands and sunk to the floor. Large welts began to form on each of the boys' faces, and they moaned in pain.

"What's going on here, boys?"

It was Hermione. She had been coming up the hall behind all four of the students and had caught the whole exchange. She was once again enraged at the audacity of Black and his friends. They were out of control.

No one said a word.

"All right then, up with the lot of you and follow me," she demanded.

Without a look back she started down the hallway. She heard some shuffling and knew that the students were following her. Glancing back eventually, she saw them, Severus staggering in the back, still recovering from the jelly legs jinx. Up the stairway and down the hall she went all the way to the Headmaster's Office. She waited for the four boys to catch up with her before saying the password, 'English Toffee.' While the Gargoyle moved aside, she sent her Patronus to get Minerva. She assumed that she would be needed as the Head of House of the three troublemakers. When the Gargoyle had moved aside she haughtily ascended the stairs and knocked on the Headmaster's door.

"Enter," came Dumbledore's voice from inside the room.

Hermione opened the door and let the four boys pass her before going into the room herself.

"Headmaster," she exclaimed. "These four students were caught fighting in the halls."

Dumbledore gave them an appraising look and asked what had happened.

Peter piped up, "We were just minding our own business, when Severus turned around and hexed us."

Hermione said nothing yet, but she fumed at the lie. Dumbledore turned to Severus.

"Is that what happened?"

Severus snarled, "They hit me with a jelly legs jinx first!"

"Nonsense!" cried Peter. The other two boys nodded, going along with the lie.

Albus turned to Hermione. "Professor Granger, did you happen to see what went on?"

Hermione sighed, "Mr. Black shot a jelly legs jinx at Mr. Snape, who was able to jinx the three of them back before falling to the ground."

At that moment Minerva came through the door, looking on at her charges with concern.

"Oh, what happened to your faces?" she cried.

"Nothing they didn't deserve," Hermione mumbled under her breath.

Severus, who was standing closest to her, heard her and his eyes snapped toward her. She ignored him and stared straight ahead at Dumbledore. Albus repeated everything for Minerva, who was staring at the three Gryffindors in disgust.

"I believe," Dumbledore went on, "that a month's worth of detentions would be an appropriate punishment for such an infraction, especially since these boys lied about what really happened. Do you think that is fair, Professor McGonagall?"

She nodded.

"Headmaster," Hermione chimed in. "I think that given their past history of tormenting Mr. Snape, these boys should be expelled."

The three Gryffindors' eyes grew wide at the thought of being thrown out of the school.

Dumbledore regarded Hermione for a minute. "Perhaps they should all be expelled then, Professor Granger, after all, Mr. Snape has been told repeatedly not to hex back at these three students."

Hermione bristled at the comment, upset that Severus was left with no recourse when he was clearly the one always being teased and attacked. She narrowed her eyes at Dumbledore.

"I'm afraid that his actions are partially my fault," she confessed.

Severus whipped his head over and stared at her. Dumbledore regarded her curiously, and Minerva just waited for Hermione to explain her odd statement.

"You see," Hermione explained, "several weeks ago, when I first discovered the teasing that went on from these three and Mr. Lupin, I advised Mr. Snape to stand up for himself and hex them back. It is unfair for him to have to take such abuse without recourse."

"Professor Granger," Dumbledore said kindly, "I know you are new here and not aware of all of our rules but..."

"I am perfectly aware of the rules, Albus, don't talk down to me. There's no reason for Severus to take such abuse from these bullies and let them walk all over him."

"Professor Granger, do you realize the possible outcome that could come of such a duel?" Minerva asked.

Hermione straightened herself up. "I believe we see some of the possible results in front of us, Professor McGonagall."

"Enough!" Albus declared. "There will be no expulsions today. A month's detention for the three of you," he said to Sirius, Peter, and James. He then looked to Severus. "I will overlook your infraction because of Professor Granger's advice to you, but be warned, you will not get off so easily the next time. You are all dismissed. Mr. Black, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Pettigrew, report to the infirmary."

The four boys left the office, but Hermione and Minerva remained. Hermione turned to Albus after the students had gone and the door was closed. She looked at him in anger.

"How long are you going to let this go on, Albus? They have been tormenting him for seven years now while you turn a blind eye." She turned to Minerva, "And you! When was the last time you sat those boys down and told them to act like seventh years instead of babies?"

Minerva bristled at the comment. "I have spoken with them numerous times, Hermione, but I cannot control their actions any more than you can."

"That's why they should be expelled," cried Hermione, "or suspended, or something other than a mountain of detentions. They don't care if they spend the rest of their lives in detention. It's worth it to them to see Severus humiliated."

Minerva sighed and Albus regarded Hermione over his glasses.

"Hermione," he said. "They have done much worse things in the past."

"Are you talking about the incident with Lupin in the Shrieking Shack?" Hermione asked tersely.

Albus nodded. "Severus was nearly killed."

"And what punishment was handed out then, sir? Did any of them even receive a detention?"

"Hermione, it was more important to keep Remus Lupin's secret than to seek punishment for their infractions."

"And if it had been the other way around? If three Slytherins had played a trick on a Gryffindor, what would have been the outcome then?"

"Hermione, I am not an unfair person, the circumstances . . ."

"I don't care about the circumstances! What will have to happen before something more is done about this constant war that is going on between the five of them? Will you have to have five dead or dying students in the infirmary?"

"This is the last time I will discuss this with you, Professor Granger. The students will stay in school. If they act up again, they will be punished, but this teasing is not an expellable offense. If it were, half of the student body would be sitting in their homes as we speak."

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Albus. He would do nothing. Her admiration for him decreased several levels in that moment. She gave him a glaring look and stormed out of the office. Rushing down the stairs in a huff, she was surprised to find James Potter waiting for her by the Gargoyle. His face had puffed up considerably and he would need some help from Poppy soon to avoid skin damage.

"Professor Granger?" James asked tentatively.

Hermione stared at James in anger, but his voice reminded her so much of Harry at that moment that she felt some of her annoyance wash away.

"What is it, Mr. Potter?" she asked in resignation.

"I'm sorry if we got you in trouble in any way."

Hermione stared at James, dumbfounded. "I am not in any trouble, Mr. Potter."

James relaxed somewhat.

"Perhaps you should be apologizing to Mr. Snape instead of me," she instructed.

James made a face.

"What do you have against him anyway?" she asked out of curiosity.

"He's a git."

"Ah, and you are not a git when you curse him when his back is turned?"

To James' credit, he looked embarrassed.

Thoughts of Harry flooded Hermione's mind as she regarded his father. They were almost duplicates of one another, but how different they were in personality. Harry would never go around picking on someone because he thought they were inferior. He wouldn't think anyone was inferior in the first place. He didn't even provoke fights with people he disliked, like Malfoy. They were always the instigators, taunting Harry until he could bear no more and lashed back.

"Can I give you a word of advice, Mr. Potter?"

James looked at her curiously and nodded.

"One day, you will leave these hallowed halls and have a life of your own. I assume you will get married and have a family. I don't think you will feel very proud of your actions toward Severus Snape when you have to explain to your children about how much of a bully you were in school. Grow up, Mr. Potter."

With that she turned and left him staring after her, deep in thought.

She continued down the hall keeping her head down so she wouldn't have to interact with anyone passing her. Thoughts of Harry filled her. She had been gone for many weeks now and hadn't realized how much she missed Ron and him. She felt herself begin to tear up. Interacting with James Potter had opened a gaping hole in her. She ached to see her friends again.

"Professor Granger?" a voice called from behind her.

She debated ignoring Severus' call to her, but she didn't. She wiped her eyes covertly before turning to him.

He caught up with her and looked at her tentatively.

"Are you upset with me?" he asked her.

She regarded him curiously. Why would she be upset with him?

"Come with me, Mr. Snape," she ordered as she turned and made her way in between students toward an empty classroom. When they were both within its walls, she closed the door and turned to Severus.

"Why would you think I was upset with you? You weren't at fault in any of this."

"Didn't you get in trouble for defending me?"

She looked at him curiously. "Why would I get in trouble for that?"

He shrugged. "Well, you took the blame for my hexing those prats."

She raised an eyebrow at his use of the term 'prats'. "I did not get into any trouble."

Severus studied her for a minute, noticing her angered state and teary eyed expression.

"Why are you so upset then?"

Hermione folded her arms in front of her and tapped her foot, unsure whether she should open up to Severus about her feeling homesick. She decided to go ahead. He was her friend after all.

"Several things, really; I'm upset about the conversation that went on after you left, which I will not go into. Then when I came down from the office, James Potter was waiting for me. He actually apologized for his actions. In that moment, he seemed so much like Harry that I realized just how much I missed him."

Severus frowned. "You miss James' son?"

"Of course, he's my best friend. We spent practically every waking moment together for years. He's someone I enjoy talking to and spending time with. Not a week went by this last year when he and Ron weren't at Hogwarts visiting me, making sure I was okay."

"I'm your friend too," Severus said quietly.

Hermione looked quickly at him. "Severus, I didn't mean to belittle our friendship. Please don't be upset with me. I just . . . I just miss him. We fought Voldemort together, side by side. We worked together to figure out what Harry had to do to defeat him. We relied on one another when there was literally no one else to rely on. We formed a special bond and I miss that bond and I miss him. Can you understand what I'm saying?"

Severus looked at her for a long while. "You love him, don't you?"

Hermione shot a glance at Severus and burst out laughing. "Love Harry Potter? Well, not in the way you're getting on about. It's never been like that. He's like the brother I never had. He's always been there for me when I've been upset; he teases me when I'm sad so I will perk up. So yes, I love Harry Potter, but only as a friend. He's married anyway." She smiled thinking of Harry and Ginny. "They're perfect for each other, really. I don't think I know of a couple that loves each other more."

Severus relaxed a little. He had secretly been afraid that she was in love with this Harry person. He was glad to hear that wasn't the case.

"You will see him again soon," he soothed her.

Hermione looked at the floor. "I know; I just wish he was here."

"I'm here," Severus said softly.

Hermione looked up at Severus and caught something in his eyes. It was only there for an instant. She wondered at it. She smiled at him gratefully.

"I know you are, and I appreciate that," she told him finally.

oooOOOooo

That evening they were both absorbed in their own activities. Severus was reading a large Potions tome, and Hermione was carefully correcting papers. She made huge red marks on one paper, sighed and put it on one pile. She then extracted a new exam from the other pile and began to correct it.

Severus was watching her over his book. He studied her as she bit her lower lip while she concentrated on grading. It was very cute. He liked the way she narrowed her eyes when one of the students had given an answer that was so far out of bounds it was silly. She was really beautiful. She had an inner beauty for one thing. Even if she had been awful to look at, her inner beauty would have overshadowed that. But she wasn't awful to look at. Her curly hair framed her face nicely, and her bone structure was delicate and exceedingly pleasing to the eye. All in all, Hermione Granger was a lovely package, one he wished he could possess.

He had practically forgotten about Lily in the past few weeks. His friendship with Hermione had grown, and as it had, he found himself thinking less and less of Lily. That was a really good thing, for Potter and she displayed their feelings for each other everywhere. They walked arm in arm in the hallways, stealing kisses when they thought no one was looking. The whole thing was rather disgusting, but he found that he didn't long for Lily to notice him anymore. He didn't wish that she would see how much he loved her because to tell the truth, he didn't any more. He wished they could still be friends, but he no longer loved her. In a way, he was happy that he was finally able to move away from her and go on with his life.

"So," he said suddenly, "are we going to Hogsmeade together then?"

She looked over at him. "We probably should. It's best to keep up appearances. We don't want Lucius to think we broke up."

He nodded.

"Maybe we could have a butterbeer with Narcissa and him," she said absently.

He nodded again.

She frowned and went back to her grading, but was absorbed with other thoughts. She wished this were really a date, not a pretense of one. Over the past few weeks her friendship with Severus had grown to something more on her part. She loved spending time with him and had grown incredibly fond of him. She found that she secretly was attracted to him. She loved the deep conversations they would have on just about any subject. She found her mind turning to him often throughout each day, and after the intense look he had given her in the empty classroom earlier, she had been unable to keep him out of her mind. The look in his eyes had captivated her. Part of her wanted to see him look at her like that all the time, but another part of her was scared by what she had seen. He was brilliant and handsome, but ultimately unattainable. Even though she wanted to get involved with him, it was a really bad idea. The timeline and all would be in an upheaval at that and she feared what would happen when she returned to her present. Better to leave it alone than face uncertain consequences in the future.

A/N: Next up: The good, the bad, and the ugly Narcissa Black.

Do you think Hermione is being stupid or smart about her relationship with Severus? Let your opinion be known! Leave a review. Thank you all for reading.