Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I'm just amusing myself and readers (hopefully). No money's being made.

Thanks to LITC for the look over. :)

As soon as she walked into the castle, she made for the hall. Sure enough, Dumbledore and other professors were there. How could she act as though she was his cousin in front of them? Surely he would turn her out. She decided to play it off--walk up to him, tell him hello, and hand him the note. She checked her pocket. Yep, the letter was still there. She saw that only a couple of students were in the hall. They watched her walk up to the staff table. The staff in turn looked at her suspiciously. Dumbledore, though, was smiling.

She took a deep breath and prepared her best French accent. "Hello, Cousin Dumbledore." Her voice was cheerful. She handed him a parchment. He saw his own seal and his own writing.

He looked at her over her glasses and smiled. She saw McGonagall, who still sat to his immediate right, suck in a breath. "Who is this, Albus?"

Hermione smiled at her haughtily. "I am Mione Dorset, his distant cousin. We used to live here, but moved. Now my parents feel I should come back under his protection. You do know he is the greatest wizard of our time, don't you?"

McGonagall looked like she was about to reply sharply, but Dumbledore placed a hand over hers. "Yes, yes, of course. You have grown, haven't you? Let's go to my office, shall we?"

"Of course, dear cousin," she said. She followed him quickly. She took note that all the staff were staring in disbelief. When she passed back through the front door of the Great Hall, she met up with James Potter. She almost called him Harry, and she stopped to stare at him for a moment. He flashed her a dazzling smile and passed a hand through his already untidy hair.

"Come along, Mione," Dumbledore said pleasantly. She nodded at Potter and followed the Headmaster. Once in his office, which looked nearly the same, he offered her a lemon drop. She declined as he settled in to read the letter he wrote to himself. She looked up when he began to chuckle.

"Sorry?"

He smiled, his eyes twinkling. "Sometimes I amaze myself. I'll have the hat out in just a moment. We will sort you in front of the entire school. I will, of course, be sure you get a dorm of your own in the Slytherin dungeons. People will of course say I am playing favorites to my niece. You can of course use that to your advantage if you'd like."

"Thank your, Professor Dumbledore. I assure you I am not snippy as I was with my Head of House. I mean, Professor McGonagall. I just have to act... differently to befriend Sev--" She put a hand over her mouth. She had given away something already.

He simply smiled. "Severus is a fine boy, is he not?"

"One of your sternest and most loyal professors, sir," she said immediately. She saw his eyes light up. Damn! She had done it again. "Sorry."

"It's quite all right, dear girl. I just want you to know that I am here if you need me, though I won't pry too much into what you are doing. I will say good luck and welcome to Hogwarts, dear cousin." He got up and patted her on the back. She felt better already. She had hope that she could do this now. She followed him back to the Great Hall; it seemed the whole school was now present. She swept into the hall right behind him as arrogantly as she could.

When they passed by the Gryffindor table, she heard James Potter say, "Look, Sirius, there's the one I told you about. Sexy, eh?" She looked directly at him and crinkled her nose. She tried not to look at Sirius though. She knew it would affect her too deeply. Just then a boy with dark, greasy hair jumped back from his table as if something hit him. It was Severus. Her breath caught in her throat. He was brushing off his robes like mad. To her left, James, Sirius, and Peter were sniggering. Lily was watching through narrowed eyes at James while Lupin pretended to be reading. She then saw the small flame on Severus' robe. He put it out easily and whirled around at the Gryffindors, his hand on his wand. He looked very much like her Snape, only younger. His face had not quite filled out to fit his nose. He was a bit thinner now, but he still had a nice build.

"Oh, look! Snivellus is angry. What you gonna do there, mate?" Sirius teased.

Before she realized it, she drew her wand and sent blue flames at Sirius. They missed, but exploded right over his head with a loud bang. The entire hall went silent. "Next time I won't miss, stupid Gryffindor," she hissed.

"Gee, I wonder what house she will be placed in," James quipped. Lily and Lupin both looked amused though while Peter just sat there in awe. She didn't even look at Severus. She swept passed him in an air that said she owned the place. McGonagall came forward angrily though. Dumbledore stopped her and whispered in her ear. She glared daggers at Hermione. So, this is what it felt like to not be in her good graces. She could still hear James and Sirius talking.

"Well, I bet she is a Slytherin through and through," James was saying. "Gonna be hard to pick that one up, mate." Lily slapped his shoulder. "Ow!"

Peter piped up. "Good thing for Snivellus she came along, eh?"

Sirius started laughing. "I love a challenge."

She glanced back and smirked. Her expression would have made Snape proud. She saw him shift uncomfortably. It was only then that she dared to glance at Severus. He didn't seem too happy to have been rescued by a girl, but she saw respect in his eyes. She nodded and turned back to McGonagall who now held the Sorting Hat in her hand.

"I would like everyone's attention please," she said loudly, though everyone was already watching. "I would like to introduce Mione Dorset. Her family moved from England years ago to France. She is now back at their request to finish her education here at Hogwarts. She may find that we do things a bit differently here." That last statement had Hermione pierced with a stern expression. Hermione just smirked as if she didn't notice. "Have a seat."

Hermione sat on the stool. Before the Sorting Hat could hit her head, it shouted, "Slytherin!" She stood up proudly. McGonagall escorted her to her new Head of House, a Professor Odkins, who had been talking to Dumbledore.

"Welcome to Slytherin, my dear. We are very, very pleased to have you, especially a cousin of Dumbledore's. I see you are quite resourceful." He walked her toward the table. Those who'd overheard what he'd said gasped.

"Of course, I am pleased to be at such a fine establishment," she said haughtily.

"Oi! You there, Severus. You will show her around. I will excuse you from your classes for this morning. Bring her to the dungeons to show her to her room. She will be in the lone room off the common room," he said firmly. Then to her in a much softer voice, he said, "Please, let me know if I can be of help to you."

She simply nodded at the professor. "Are you Severus?" she asked Snape, knowing exactly who he was. He nodded once shyly, his hair gathered around his face as he looked down at his place.

"Mione, pleasure," she said, though sounding like it wasn't. She heard something from behind her.

"Pssst." She ignored it. She couldn't believe how handsome Sirius, James, and Lupin were. Peter was just as disgusting as ever. Lily was beautiful. She would be sure to stay away from them. "Pssst," she heard, louder this time. She turned to see who it was.

To her surprise, it was Lily. "Good one you did just now. I'm Lily." Her eyes met Harry's. Hermione stared into them for a moment.

"I'm Mione, pleasure," she said, extending a hand.

Then she heard Sirius. "Oi! Introduce me, Lily."

Mione raised an eyebrow at him, then turned around abruptly.

"Idiots," she muttered. She thought she heard a snort from Severus. "Sorry, did you say something?" He shook his head. Well, how shy can a person be?

"Oh, don't bother with that one, honey. He's a quiet type. I can help you get acquainted around here though. Narcissa Black. You've just met my idiot cousin. He's the one you threw flames at," she purred. Hermione looked at her. Draco's mum. She noticed that Severus looked up then and threw her a look of disgust.

Hermione thought back to when she'd witnessed Harry and Draco talking on their first day of school. Though Harry never shook Draco's hand, she took Narcissa's, but she said, "I can sort people out for myself, thanks."

Narcissa just grinned admirably and nodded.

"Areyougonnaeat?" She heard this from her left.

"What?" she asked.

"Are you going to eat? I wanted to show you around." His voice was the same as the Snape she knew, just not as confident. He darted a look to her and then back down to his plate. She picked up a slice of toast, took one bite, put it down, and sipped her juice.

"There, I'm done," she said.

He grinned at her quickly, then changed his expression to a blank one. He stood, and she did as well.

"Until later," she told Narcissa coolly. She glanced around at her fellow Slytherins before following Severus out the hall. She heard Sirius cursing something about Snape couldn't handle a French lass. Snape took a right outside the hall and ventured down toward the dungeons.

"That was quite impressive," he offered. She thought about what Snape from the future had told her before answering.

"I can't stand show offs. He's clearly an imbecile," she replied.

He stopped then and looked at her in the eyes. His dark eyes pierced into hers. He raised an eyebrow. "Did you not think you were showing off then?" he questioned.

"Certainly not," she said. "He was reaching for his wand, as were you. Now, as I know neither of you, I did not want some badly aimed hex hitting me, now did I?"

He nodded approvingly. "How did you know they were Gryffindors?"

"Dumbledore is my cousin. I did a bit of reading in Hogwarts: A History. Quite simple," she said.

He smiled, though it was a small one. "I saw that... uh... Lily talked to you."

"Yes, beautiful eyes, that one," she said softly, thinking of Harry. He nodded his agreement and continued to walk.

When they got to their dorm, he said, "Mighty Salazar." The painting swung open. "That's our password."

"All right," she said. He moved aside so she could enter first. How nice, she thought. A gentleman. He led her to a door just inside.

"You're very lucky to have this dorm. The Head Boy or Girl gets it usually if they are from Slytherin. This year we have none," he said bitterly. She knew from his brilliance that it should have been him. She wondered why he had not gotten it. Then she thought of Lupin who was surely Head Boy. No, come to that, it might be James. Poor Severus.

She opened the door and entered. It was very nice. It was just as her Head Girl dorm was except for the colors of course. She saw that he didn't come in. "Come in, please, Severus. I won't bite. Not just yet anyway," she said, smirking at him. He walked in looking uncomfortable. She opened the bathroom door. "Very nice. Tub could fit a few people in it, couldn't it?" No reply.

She walked back out. "All right then, care to show me around?"

He nodded and walked out. She spent the morning walking with Severus through Hogwarts. He showed her the library, the classrooms, the lake, Hagrid's hut, and then they went to the Astronomy Tower. "What a beautiful view," she said. It was a very pretty day. Spring had just come through. Life was once again blooming around them, and the snow was all gone.

"It's nice," he agreed.

"Why don't you talk much, Severus? We've spent the morning together, and you barely speak. Is everyone like this? Or is it just me?" she asked, looking a bit dejected.

"I just don't... trust anyone. I'd rather be alone. Nothing... nothing against you," he said, not meeting her eyes.

She noticed how he shielded his face with his hair. He was extremely shy.

"Severus, I think you are a proper, handsome gentleman. Please don't feel that way," she said softly and took a step toward him.

"Ha!" he said, stepping back. "You just wait. You'll hear what they all call me."

"I don't care what they call you. I can make decisions for myself. I just want to get to know you," she said.

He was looking at her oddly as if daring to hope. Then he bolted toward the door.

"Colloportus!" she yelled. The door locked. He couldn't open it. "Please stop." She finally reached his side and went to take his hand. He moved away. This was not going well.

"Unlock this door," he said, fumbling in his robes for his wand. Hers was already out, but she put it back inside her robes. He drew his wand finally and pointed it at her. He blinked when he saw that she'd picked up her wand. She let tears form in her eyes.

"I only wanted to talk to you. To be a friend. I'm alone here. I just thought... I could trust you," she said, wiping a lone tear that fell. Those must have been the right words to say. He put away his wand and took a step closer to her.

"Why me?" he asked.

"You remind me of me not that long ago. Shy. Suspicious. I think you are... attractive. Those eyes look as if they can see into my soul." She smiled softly. "I guess you don't like bushy hair then?"

He touched her hair and stepped closer. "You're pretty. I just... This never happens to me."

"Do you have a girlfriend already?" she questioned boldly, letting him put both hands in her hair.

"I care deeply for someone, but she... has another."

Hermione nodded. "That's another reason I am glad to be away from France. I had a friend there. He was my first boyfriend. Well, I thought of him as a boyfriend anyway. He would have liked to date me, but my father didn't approve. He is a half-blood, you see. I wanted to try to still see him, but he said I wasn't worth it, the fighting for our relationship. He is dating someone else now." She bit her lip, hoping that her lie was believable. His eyes went wide. All she did was hand him a story not unlike his own. It hit home with him though. He pulled her close for a soft hug and released her quickly.

"So, you're a pureblood then," he said softly.

"Yes. While I don't agree with my father's beliefs, I still want to honor him. Does that make sense?" She brushed a strand of hair out of his face.

He flinched. "It does. I too... the girl... she's a Mudblood. My father... he doesn't approve," he said.

She hugged him this time. At first, he didn't respond, but then he gathered her close in a tight hug. She was faintly reminded of the Snape she knew. These arms were strong as well and held her much like he did. Severus was a little shorter now, but she still fit, her forehead touching his cheek. He smelled faintly of spices.

"I think we can be friends, Severus. What say you?"

"I agree. You want to take lunch with me?" She nodded. He held out his arm; she took it. After ending the enchantment on the door, they made their way down to the Great Hall. Right before they entered, they met up with the Gryffindor gang. She noticed that Severus was holding himself more confidently already. It was as if he was proud to have her on his arm. He didn't give any of them a second glance until he heard them speak.

It was Peter Pettigrew. "Snivellus seems to think he's won himself a lady. She must not be much if she is holding his arm."

Out of nowhere, Severus drew his wand. "Apologize, Pettingzoo," he said coldly. Now this was the Snape she knew. His sneer. His harsh voice. She saw Peter's eyes go wide with fear. James and Lily were holding hands. Lupin didn't stick around. He walked straight into the hall. She saw Lily pull James closer to her, but Sirius would not be deterred.

"He doesn't have to apologize to you, Snivellus. But I do think he owes Miss Mione here an apology," he said, trying to sound gallant.

Hermione didn't know if she liked this version of Sirius. He was... different. He was planning something.

"So... sorry," Peter wheezed.

The moment Severus lowered his wand, Sirius hit it out of his hand and pushed him back away from Hermione. Peter then pulled his wand. "Give me one reason, Snivellus."

James was laughing. Lily looked embarrassed. Sirius was taking his wand out of his robes. Hermione grabbed it and threw it behind her. She decided to play unfairly just as they were playing. Sirius jumped back in surprise. Peter didn't know whom to point his wand at: Severus or Hermione. She smirked at him coldly, feeling for all the world like Draco Malfoy.

"Gonna hex someone without their wand, are you?" she asked harshly. She cocked an eyebrow at Severus. "Did you say his name was Pettingzoo?" She didn't wait for a response, but looked back to Peter coldly.

"Leave her alone, Peter," Sirius was saying.

But Peter had sized her up and felt she was a bigger threat the Severus. His aim was at her face. It was time she showed them a little something Harry had taught her: non wand magic at its best. She glared at him and put all her energy into her hand. It took moments before she felt the flow. Blue flames were her specialty after all. Harry had taught her how to use this in tight situations. She lifted up a hand and blasted it at Peter. He went flying back and his wand flew to her. He didn't catch on fire, but his face was covered in soot. She pointed his wand at Sirius and saw Severus get up, dusting off his robes.

"What the hell?" James said wildly, Lily holding him close and not allowing him to go for his wand.

Sirius just stood there dumbly.

She pulled out her own wand and threw Peter's behind her near Sirius'.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" she yelled. Peter flew up a few feet. She directed him toward the wall quickly and smiled wickedly as his body connected with a thud. She let him slide to the floor. "Never speak to me or about me again, you filthy half-blood." Her words were like venom. She had no qualms saying this to him. He was, after all, the bastard who ultimately got Harry's parents killed. She placed her arm in Severus' and was about to lead him into the hall when McGonagall came flying out.

"What is the meaning of this? Explain yourselves!" She was as stern as ever.

Severus tried to speak, but he couldn't talk. She spoke. "These Gryffindors tried to ambush us. I should think they've learned their lesson though. Slytherin is a force to be reckoned with." She saw Narcissa watching, along with a few others. They must have followed McGonagall out. "Severus and I make a most interesting team."

"Ten points each from Slytherin!" McGonagall said roughly. Hermione laughed and waved her aside with a hand. She let Severus lead her into the hall. She heard McGonagall doing the same to Gryffindor. At least they were not the only ones who lost points. She felt guilty about being so rude to them, but they deserved it. McGonagall did not however. She would definitely have to apologize when she got home. Before the noon meal was out, word spread like wildfire about what had happened. Everyone was looking at her: some smiling, some admiring, some shocked. Others, such as the Gryffindor gang, looked at her as their newest foe. It's just as well, she thought. She couldn't get close to them.

"What class do we have next?" she asked Severus, who was not speaking but was looking very smug.

"Potions with the Gryffindors," he groaned. "I do need a partner though."

"I accept. I don't have the books. I suppose you could share?" She smiled sweetly at him. He smiled back just as warmly. It was important for her to impress him. Not just because he was her future professor, but it was something else.

"Sure," he agreed and proudly said, "My book's in great condition. I'd never mistreat it or write in it like others do. It's like new."

Narcissa spoke. "Severus, I think I'm seeing you in a new light. I'll be sure to tell Lucius next I see him." She smiled at Hermione. "Slytherins are indeed better than all else."

"Quite right," she agreed.

Severus waited for her to eat her food before getting up. He held out a hand to her. She accepted it. She saw him look over to the next table. He smirked. Once in the dungeons, he brought her to their lab station. No one else was in class, as they'd left earlier than anyone. "I... I could study with you this night maybe. Go over some things. Touch you up some."

"I would like that. I do need to be brought up to speed here. I don't know how much differently things are here than back home."

"They must teach Dark Arts," he said gingerly. "I saw what you did with that flame."

"It's not exactly the professors who taught us that. A friend, Harry, taught me. He's very good at it. Do you have interest in the Dark Arts?" she asked.

"Yes. Sometimes I want to do that, but I haven't practiced much. Maybe you could give me pointers on it," he asked shyly, looking away from her.

"I'll share anything with you. Thanks for taking up for me back there." She touched his cheek.

His black eyes met hers. "I didn't do much. Once again, you proved you can handle yourself." His voice seemed a little resentful.

"You had it under control when that imbecile played unfairly. You would have easily swatted that guy. I don't doubt that."

He seemed mollified and brightened.

She was compelled to kiss him. She moved closer, but then they heard people nearing. The class started coming in then. To her dismay, Sirius, James, Lupin, and Peter were paired off at stations right across from them. She saw that Lupin was looking ill. Was it a full moon soon? She decided to ask Severus after class. Professor Odkins came in and slammed the door behind him. He ranted and raved for about five minutes at Sirius and Peter.

"I have a mind to take more points from you! How dare you accost a new student? Severus, I am glad you were there to protect her," he said proudly.

Severus was about to protest, but she put her hand on his arm. He looked down at her hand and raised an eyebrow at her. She just shrugged.

Class progressed quietly. Everyone seemed subdued. They were mostly taking notes on a potion they would be making the next class period. She watched Severus as he took notes and almost laughed. He held his face so close to the parchment that his nose was almost touching it. She'd recognize that handwriting any place. She'd had many comments on her essays and tests from him. The hard arse!

After class, they made their way out to the lake. She saw that he kept looking at her from the corners of his eyes. Finally, she scooted closer and took his hand. They didn't say a word to each other, only looked out at the lake. They weren't at peace for long.

James and Lily were out taking a stroll as well. They stopped. James spoke, "That was very impressive... earlier."

Hermione nodded.

Lily spoke then, but she looked at Severus. "A lot can change in one day, can't it?"

Was that a wistful expression on her face? Hermione narrowed her eyes at her. The expression was gone. She glanced over at Hermione and saw that they were holding hands. Lily moved closer to James, and they walked on. Mione looked at Severus. Though he had not spoken, he was following Lily's movements with his eyes. When he finally tore his gaze away, he was startled that Hermione was watching him.

"What?"

"It's her, isn't it?" she asked.

"Yes. A bit out of my league. She went with Potter," he said bitterly.

"Her loss then," Hermione said softly. She leaned in and placed a kiss on his lips. The familiarity of them made her feel safe. He opened his mouth and tested her as if seeing how far she was willing to go. She let him kiss her until they broke apart for air. He looked as though he was about to run off, so she held his hand tighter.

"Mione..." he said softly as if testing her name on his lips. He drew her closer. She willingly snuggled into his arms, her head on his shoulder. It was near dark when they heard a cough behind them. McGonagall.

"You might want to be getting indoors. The evening meal is about to start." They started to get up when she spoke again. "I would like to speak with you a moment, Miss Dorset."

"I'll meet you there," she told Severus. He seemed reluctant to leave, but he did so, nodding at McGonagall.

"He's a quiet boy," her mentor began. "I know he is treated unfairly. Though I don't know if you are a good influence on him. I haven't see him look so confident in a long time nor lose house points. Even though you are Albus' cousin, you will respect me while you are here. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly," Hermione said, feeling guilty. "Really, they ambushed us though. Said if I was with Severus I must not be worth much."

"You will do to learn that they are immature. Boys mostly all are these days. Do as Severus tries to do. Avoid them. You could be a good thing for him. I fear he is headed down a wrong path, but I would hope that you wouldn't actually help him along. Go on in," she said firmly.

"Yes, ma'am." Hermione felt tears burning behind her eyes. She made for the dungeons and walked into her dorm as quickly as she could, all thoughts of dinner thrown aside. She lay on the bed and began crying. She didn't hear him come in, but she could feel him.

"Sorry, Severus," she said. "I should have let you know that I wasn't coming. I just... couldn't."

He pulled out an apple from his pocket and gave it to her.

"Thanks."

"Not a problem," he said, backing toward her door. "I didn't mean to intrude."

"Please stay," she said softly. He sat on the part of the bed farthest from her. She giggled.

"I like that," he said. "Your laugh."

AN: I should have uploaded this a couple of days ago, but I hated to jump in front of deserving stories when queue is so long. :)