Taking Advantage of the Situation

Disclaimer: Recognize it? JKR created it. I'm just having a bit of fun with her creations. I'd like to thank all authors that have written brilliant stories, as I have been greatly influenced by many.

A big thanks goes out to my brilliant beta, Charmed_Nay.

Hermione kneeled between Harry's legs in front of the couch as she cradled his head against her chest. It was the first time he'd had a real cry. She knew it was only a matter of time before he broke. The news that they'd heard earlier had hit them all hard, but it'd hit Harry the hardest. "Sshh," she soothed. "It will be all right, Harry. Somehow. I promise." Harry's arms closed around her, and he began rocking back and forth with her.

"Mione, he's gone. I can't believe it," Harry choked out through sobs. Hearing the desperation in Harry's voice brought reality slamming back upon her. She allowed her tears to mingle with his. Another pair of arms encircled them, and more tears of loss were shed. "Ron, he's gone," Harry mumbled hoarsely.

"I know, mate. I know," came Ron's soft reply. "The Order is here now. We'll have to be going."

"Why him?"

"Because he," purred a low voice, "happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Snape," Harry said angrily. "Were you there?"

Professor Snape raised an eyebrow and shook his head in annoyance. "Ever the brat, aren't we, Potter?"

"Now is not the time, Harry," Dumbledore said softly. "Your things will be delivered by the others later. Ron, you will go with your father and Bill. Harry, you will come with me. Hermione, you will go with Severus. Ginny is going with Molly and Moody. Everyone else will have decoys. We are going to start leaving immediately, and we will meet at Hogwarts tomorrow before the train gets in with the rest of the students. Take only what you will need overnight."

Hermione gaped in shock. She was to go someplace overnight with only Professor Snape! Why? Everyone else seemed to be paired off with two people. Feeling lightheaded, she took the eloquent hand offered to her and rose quickly, releasing Harry and Ron. "I trust you will be able to gather only what you need for tonight, Miss Granger?" Professor Snape asked, looking at her worriedly.

She nodded and moved to her room as quickly as she could. Ginny was there putting a few things into an overnight bag as well. "Why can't I just go with you?" Hermione asked as she pulled a few things into her bag, not really noticing what they were.

"They pulled names. Mum said she was coming with me no matter what, so when Moody pulled my name, she announced her intentions. When Bill pulled Ron's name, Dad insisted that he go as well. Harry got Dumbledore of course. Imagine that," she said bitterly. "Who'd you get?"

"Professor Snape," she said in a whisper.

"Better to be off with him than Tonks," Ginny said sourly. "She's a ruddy menace."

Hermione knew that Ginny suddenly disliked Tonks since the beginning of the summer holiday. She wondered if it had anything to do with Tonks and Remus becoming a couple. It seemed that Ginny had developed a kinship with the Werewolf after the loss of her lover the previous year. The man never stepped over bounds with her, but she'd been jealous of Tonks all the same, likely hoping that he'd still be single when she became of age.

"Too right," she said, not bothering to argue. "I'm done. Be careful."

"We will. Same to you."

Hermione left the room and found that Professor Snape was waiting for her right outside the door. "We are going to exit through the rear of the house, walk quickly down to the brook, and I will Disapparate us where we need to go. No talking. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well," he said, pulling her by the forearm. "Come along." She'd no choice but to follow him. As they passed by the others, she could see them preparing to leave. She also noticed that Tonks had fashioned her hair and body to resemble her own. "Decoy," the professor said when he noticed her stare.

A million things went through Hermione's mind at once. Where was he taking her? Why did they have to leave in pairs and have decoys? Was headquarters breached? Just as they reached the backdoor, she heard, "Mione!" She turned around to see Ron running to her. She broke away from the professor's grip to hug him tightly. "Be safe. I love you," he said emotionally.

"I shall. I love you," she whispered.

"That'll do," Professor Snape said, pulling her back against him and moving towards the door. "Say farewell."

She waved to Ron before turning to go with the dark man. As soon as the night air hit her body, she shivered. It wasn't exactly cold. Something in the air just felt sinister, wrong. When they stopped, her Potions master pulled her arms about his body. "Hold me tightly," he commanded. She did as bidden. Moments later they appeared in a dark alley. "Keep still," he said sternly. She didn't dare to move a muscle. Her face was buried into the front of his robes against his chest. The fragrant scent of cologne mesmerized her. With no warning, they Disapparated again. This time they were in a small room no bigger than the kitchen at number twelve, Grimmauld Place. There was no couch or bed in sight. She wondered if they intended to sleep here, or if they were just stopping here until they were sure that nobody was following. "One more time, Miss Granger," he said softly. Crack! They were inside another room, but this one had a mattress on the floor near a fireplace and a loo partially hidden by a curtain.

Her professor moved away from her and looked around in disgust. "Surely this isn't where he meant for us to come," he murmured incredulously. "Good Lord." He shrugged his shoulders and sighed. "Get ready for bed, Miss Granger."

Hermione's eyes widened for a moment. Where would she change? Her eyes drifted towards the small, makeshift loo. "All right," she mumbled. Once there, she maneuvered the curtain to hide things entirely. She repaired one large hole in the material before washing her face, brushing her teeth, and braiding her hair. She decided to simply wash herself with a cloth instead of taking a complete bath. She'd had one during the day anyway. Besides, she didn't feel comfortable being so vulnerable with Professor Snape in the next room, not that she didn't trust him, mind, but it was just a bit odd, is all. She discarded her clothes entirely and kicked them into a pile near the bathtub. Quickly lathering and rinsing, she was able to complete her toilette in record time. She slipped into her knickers and her unfortunately short nightgown. She wished that she'd paid more attention to what she'd packed, but she was emotionally drained and didn't have time to whinge about such things. She made her way out and padded over to the mattress.

Professor Snape was leaning against the mantle; his head in one hand while the other held a tumbler of some amber liquid. Hermione squealed as a rather large spider scuttled across the floor. She'd drawn the attention of the man across from her. "Spider," she said by way of explanation. Suddenly, she began crying, silent tears as she lay down onto the mattress, sliding under the fresh sheets that he must have put on it. "Miss Granger, I didn't know you suffered from arachnophobia."

"I don't," she said softly, wiping a few tears away, turning on her side to face him. "That's Ron." She giggled slightly. "I was just thinking that...that Hagrid would have tried to be its mate." These words brought out fresh tears. Looking completely uncomfortable, the man moved forward to sit next to her on the floor. He didn't touch her, but he looked at her intently.

"He died for the cause, he and his brother both. It was his choice. Hagrid would have done anything to protect the headmaster, and by giving his life, he did so."

She smiled and nodded, wiping the last of her tears away. "This is going to break Harry. Vol-"

"Do not speak his name," he said sternly.

"The Dark Lord probably knew this would happen. He probably wanted it to happen," she said sadly.

Severus looked away from her for a moment. She didn't know how right she was. His Lord had called upon them just after Hagrid and his brother had been killed. He had wanted to share the news with his followers personally. He'd boasted what a blow to Potter and Dumbledore it would be. He was right. The headmaster was almost as nearly shaken as Potter was, but Severus wondered to himself if he'd only made things worse. Severus did feel badly about the loss. Hagrid had always been kind to him, even when he was a student at Hogwarts. The great man had always tried to make him feel welcome. He sighed slightly. Would the Dark Lord's impulsive move backfire? The past day had seen a fiery change in Dumbledore, and Severus was sure that Potter would be even more determined to win this war. "Try to rest," he said, looking at the girl lying next to him. Her nervous glance did not go unnoticed. "You are quite safe with me, Miss Granger. I shall remain awake this night. Sleep."

"Sir, this mattress is quite large. I trust that you could sleep on the other side without m-my disturbing you," she offered shyly.

He smirked slightly. "I shall consider it." He turned away from her to stare into the fire whilst spreading his legs out and leaning more into the thick mattress. Severus didn't trust himself to lay with her, not just yet. When she'd gone behind the curtains to change, the light from the candle there had cast her silhouette onto the curtains. He'd seen her shadowy profile as she stripped down to nothing before hurriedly washing and slipping into her nightclothes. Surely she hadn't imagined that she would be sleeping next to him when she had quickly packed, not wearing such an inappropriate thing. It reached mid thigh, and the dainty yellow fabric was very sheer. He'd shamelessly watched her dress and knew that she was wearing no bra beneath the gown. It was all he could do to keep his eyes on her face, but he imagined that if he looked close enough he could see the outline and a faint hint of the color of her nipples.

Yes, I'll be sleeping in my trousers and shirt tonight. It wouldn't do to strip down to what I normally sleep in. She would certainly not be safe with me. This is the time I need to build her trust in me. It had been easy enough to rig the name pulling earlier. He certainly didn't want to get stuck with one of the Weasleys or anyone pretending to be one of the brats. Her even breathing signaled that it was safe to venture into the makeshift bathroom to relieve his bladder. It wouldn't do for her to see his silhouette on the curtains. He made his way to the toilet, quickly relieved himself, rinsed out his mouth, and turned to leave. A small bit of lace caught his attention. Severus squatted down to inspect the pile of clothes. Damn it. Sure enough, atop the pile of clothing were her discarded knickers. He reached out to snatch them and looked at them longingly. His witch had worn these. He wouldn't dare keep them. It would undo him. He placed them back just as he'd found them and stood to leave.

"Fuck this," he muttered darkly, bending to retrieve them. He brought the small bit of fabric to his nostrils and inhaled heavily. "Yes," he hissed to himself, as her lovely scent was embedded into his soul. His cock tried to jut to attention, but the fabric of his trousers was restricting it painfully. He wanted her. Inhaling once more, he shoved the fabric into a secret pocket on his trousers. Nobody, save him, would be able to find them there. He moved towards the mattress where she lay sleeping. He threw his robes to the side, kicked off his boots, and began to unbutton his frock coat. Once that was discarded with the others, he allowed himself to look at the sleeping witch. One knee was bent upwards slightly while the other leg was sprawled sideways. The gown had ridden up, and he could just make out her peach-colored knickers. Frantically, he began to unbutton his shirt. He could have her. No one need know. It would be simple enough to Obliviate her.

No. He could not do that with her. Hermione was too smart. She would know that something wasn't right, and any trust he might have gained from this night would be lost, jeopardizing his plans. "Control yourself," he whispered, pushing aside his darker tendencies. He wouldn't be that way with her. No matter what side won this war, she would be safe. He'd see to it personally, and then she would be his. This one night would begin building a foundation of companionship between them. He'd slowly begin to lure her in. Once she was completely taken with him, she'd follow him to the ends of the earth. That included being at the Dark Lord's side if he so chose. Taking care to touch no part of her, he lay on the edge of the mattress and simply watched her sleep. He hadn't lied. He would stay awake through the night, most of it anyway. And, it wasn't due to worrying that fellow Death Eaters would come upon them in a frenzy to find Potter's friend.

He knew that they were not even looking for Potter at the moment. The Dark Lord had plans for Potter, but those plans wouldn't be ready until near the end of the year. This was something that he'd mentioned to the headmaster, but the man still insisted on taking precautions. Who was he to judge? He'd landed himself a night with Hermione Granger. After nearly two hours of watching her even breathing contribute to the rising and falling of her chest, he succumbed to sleep.

Hermione's eyes opened widely to see that the fire had gone out. The room was completely dark. She shook her head slightly to help orient herself. She wasn't in her bed at Grimmauld Place. She was... Damn! Everything came back to her: Hagrid and Grawp's deaths, the splitting up to keep everyone safe, and Professor Snape. It was then that she realized something was wrong. A hand was cupping her sex possessively. Her knickers had been pulled down, and a finger was delving inside of her in painful exploration. "Oh," she gasped, trying to pull away. A hand came over her mouth to silence her cries. The moment she felt teeth sink into her shoulder, she sat up right and screamed slightly.

The fire was still lit. Professor Snape, fully clothed, was at the far end of the mattress. It had been a dream. Her scream had him sitting up, however, with a drawn wand. "What is it? A spider?" he asked sleepily.

"Nightmare," she panted. "Sorry, sir." He mumbled and lay back down. She noted that he inched a bit closer though, and she followed suit, inching a little closer. She wanted to feel safe. The stress of war and worry was taking its toll. Professor Snape would never do something like that to her. She could trust him. "Sir?"

"Hmmm?"

"I'm afraid."

"Don't be. If we've not been found yet, they won't find us. Go to sleep, Hermione," he grumbled.

She stared at his still form until he began snoring lightly. He'd called her by her given name. She'd always been Miss Granger or Granger. Hermione smiled faintly. It sounded nice. If he'd done it to soothe her, it worked. She knew instantly that this was the very man that risked everything to protect them and to spy for them. He'd never harm any of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What a ruddy way to start our last year," Ron said, slinging a large rock into the lake. "I mean, Hagrid is gone. This can't be good. It's like an omen or something."

"You've been paying too much attention in Trelawney's class, mate," Harry said solemnly. "I do agree though. Things could be a hell of a lot better. What the hell were Hagrid and Grawp doing together out in that open field? Why won't they tell us anything?"

Ron nodded. "I tried to get dad and Bill to talk, but they won't say a word." He hugged Hermione close. "What of Snape? Did the bat have anything to say on it?"

"Only that Hagrid died for something he believed in. It sort of sounded as if he died to protect Dumbledore," she said softly. "Did Ginny not hear anything?"

"No, she tried listening in behind a closed door, but she said that Moody saw her with his ruddy eye."

"Oh," Hermione said. "I suppose we should be glad that everything is all right for now. I mean...everyone else is safe."

"But, for how long?" Harry said bitterly. "I wish I knew what to expect." A loud howl pierced the air, sending birds scattering. "Fang!" He pointed across the grounds at the form of a limping dog, making its way to them. The trio took off at a sprint to get to him. "You're alive! You've made your way home!"

"Just barely! Come on. Let's get him to Grubbly-Plank," Ron said urgently.

"I'll go. Stay with him," Hermione said quickly, sprinting for the castle. She headed to the staff room as quickly as she could. It was the only place that she could think to locate the woman. She pounded on the door for only a few moments before it opened. "Professor Snape. I need to know if Professor Grubbly-Plank is here. Fang has come back, and he's had better days."

He moved aside and gestured for her to enter. The witch she'd been searching for was smoking a pipe and talking to Madame Hooch. "Wilhemina? Miss Granger requires your assistance. It seems that Hagrid's dog has found his way home, but he needs treatment."

The witch nodded, put down her pipe, and said, "Show me." Hermione quickly led her to the spot where she'd left the boys. Fang was still howling slightly. The professor pulled her wand to examine Fang magically. "Right, then. I'll need to bring him with me for a bit, but he'll be as good as new soon."

"Where are you staying?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Never you mind," she said crisply. "I think you should get up to the castle and change. It's nearly time for the students to arrive. I'll keep you posted."

They watched as the woman walked away with Fang hovering behind her. "What the bloody hell was that all about?" Ron asked incredulously. "I'll bet she's been given Hagrid's quarters. He's barely cold, and she's here taking over everything."

"Ron, someone had to take over his classes. It's not her fault," Hermione said softly.

"Seems right smug about it though, doesn't she? The slag!" he said hotly. "I'll see you two later."

After he'd gone, Harry reached over and took her hand. "He'll come around."

"I hope so." She squeezed his hand tightly, and they made their way back to the castle.

Severus watched the exchange from a distance. What did Potter feel for her? It was the second time in two days that the boy sought her out for reassurance. The Dark Lord would find that very interesting, wouldn't he? At this stage, it wouldn't be prudent to let him know, or he might have other things planned for Hermione Granger. No, for now, he would keep quiet. It wasn't that he believed Potter to be in love with her, but they shared a bond; of that, he was certain. It would indeed break him to lose her. A smug smile tugged at Severus' lips. "Too late, Potter."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione settled into her new dormitory and relished in the fact that she now, being Head Girl, had a private room for herself. One door opened into a corridor while the other opened into the Gryffindor common room. If she didn't feel like putting up with the boys or any chattering nonsense from the girls, she could just slip in and out through her other door. She loved it. Hearing that Ernie Macmillan had been elected Head Boy had put her at ease. She had feared that it would be Draco Malfoy. Doing weekly duties with him wasn't something that she was up to. She and Ernie had become good friends, so working with him was at least one thing to look forward to. Harry had a lot on his mind, and Ron seemed to be increasingly distant.

Ever since his mum had warned them about behaving inappropriately, his attitude had changed. He'd truly taken her seriously. They'd had a few minutes alone together after they'd arrived, and he'd only held her. There were no attempts at touching or fondling. He hadn't even kissed her. This left her feeling slighted. On one hand, she was pleased that there had been no pawing, but on the other hand, she'd been offended. Didn't he want her anymore? She didn't want to lose him, not now with all that was happening. She needed him. Maybe she could ask Ernie for some advice. He and Hannah seemed to get on well. Pushing her thoughts away, she snuggled into her bed. She sure could use Ron's arms around her. It was a little disconcerting to sleep alone. Anything would do, even Professor Snape.

"Severus Snape," she said with a giggle. Now there was a gentleman. He'd not made her feel uncomfortable at all the evening before. The man was certainly different when he was away from Hogwarts. Ron could definitely take a page from his book. Would Ron have lain so still all night? Of course not! He would have been all over her and trying to get into her knickers, but then again, Professor Snape wasn't interested in her that way. What would it feel like to be wanted by a man, a real man? This disconcerted her for a moment. He'd told Ron that he never had any dealings with girls that day at Grimmauld Place. Was that how he thought of her? She supposed it was, and it was just as well. It wasn't like anything would ever really happen between them. She was in love with Ron anyway. Things would be better. Before she drifted off to sleep, she idly wondered what happened to her knickers. She imagined that she'd kicked them under the tub, but she heard some odd noises under there and wasn't about to go searching for them. "Let whatever creature that lives there keep them!"

The next couple of weeks saw everyone settling into their routines. Professors Snape and Flitwick had worked out schedules for all patrolling the castle. It was the night before her eighteenth birthday that she'd been patrolling the lower levels of the castle. Professor Snape, Ron, Pansy, and she had duty this night. She'd made her rounds earlier, but since she couldn't sleep, she'd decided to give things a once over again. As she neared a turn to an adjacent corridor, she stopped. There was someone moaning slightly. She pulled out her wand and crept forward. A hand came from behind and covered her mouth.

"Sshh," someone breathed into her ear, and she stilled completely. It was Professor Snape. He must have noticed or heard something as well, and he wanted to be the one to put an end to whatever it was. She nodded indicating that she would keep quiet and allowed him to walk ahead of her. The reaction on his face when he saw the scene before him had puzzled her. He seemed shocked and horrified at the same time. "What is the meaning of this?" he barked loudly. She heard two sets of voices panicking. His eyes met Hermione's for a moment, and she saw that he seemed disappointed. "You may leave."

"But, what is it?" she asked softly.

That's when she heard it. "Oh, no." Ron. It was his voice. She brushed around Professor Snape and saw that her boyfriend of just a few months shy of a year was trying to pull up his trousers. Pansy was there as well, buttoning her blouse hurriedly.

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked softly.

"Mione, it's not what it looks like."

"Indeed," Professor Snape growled. "Parkinson, thirty points from Slytherin, detention for a week with Filch, and I will be writing to your parents. Also, I will suggest to the headmaster that your stint as a prefect be ended. Get out of my sight." Crying slightly, the girl ran past them to go to her dormitory. "Weasley, I am beginning to wonder about you. This is the third time that I have caught you in a situation such as this. Fifty points from Gryffindor since I have warned you about this already, detention with Filch for two weeks, and I will certainly let your mother know that this has happened. As with Parkinson, I will suggest that your stint as prefect be ended."

"Three times?" Hermione asked numbly. Her Ron had been doing something with Pansy. She wasn't quite sure if they'd had sex, but it seemed they were on their way there. How could you do this to me, Ron? I thought you loved me.

"Not that I have to answer your question, Miss Granger, but out of concern, I shall. A few nights ago I found Mister Weasley in a similar compromising position. I warned him and took away points. This is completely unacceptable," Professor Snape said.

"But, that's only two," Hermione said softly.

"Well, the third was at headquarters of course," he said firmly. "I know that you two have much to talk about, but I would ask for you to come with me, Miss Granger." She nodded. "Weasley, get back to your common room. I shall summon both you and Parkinson in the morning."

Ron nodded. "Mione, look, I don't know what-"

"That is enough, Weasley. Save your pitiful excuses for later," Professor Snape said curtly. Ron hurried off giving Hermione one last sorrowful glance. "Come along, Miss Granger."

She followed her Potions master down the corridor a little ways to his office. Once inside, he closed the door and directed her to a chair in front of his desk. He busied himself in a small room before returning to her and handing her a cup of tea. He sat in a chair next to her with his own cup. Hermione shakily took a sip of her tea. What was he playing at? Why had he brought her here? "Sir, I do appreciate this, but..." What could she say that wouldn't offend him?

"What you have just witnessed is likely a shock to you, and I'm certain that it's not quite sunk in as of yet. Your lover, Miss Granger, was in the process of having his way with another. That cannot be too easy for you to face. I simply thought you might like someone to talk to, and you might like to have a little space and time between the two of you before you speak about what happened." He smirked lightly. "A clear mind never hurts. I think it wise to wait until tomorrow after you've had time to think things through."

"I just didn't know that you cared," she murmured.

"To be honest, I don't," he said, leaning forward. "I've found myself in a similar situation before and handled things badly, if you must know. I also know that your only other close friend is Potter. We all know that he is preoccupied at times. Miss Weasley is your lover's sister. That would not do, and I don't know if you'd feel comfortable talking to Minerva about this. I thought that since I have already, and unfortunately, witnessed intimate things betwixt the two of you that you might feel comfortable talking to me."

That made sense to her, and for some reason, a burden was lifted from her shoulders. "I really appreciate that, Professor. I wouldn't know where to turn. I thought he loved me," she said in a whisper. "I suppose not."

"Sex isn't always about love, Miss Granger. May I call you Hermione?"

"Of course, Professor."

"Hermione, sometimes there are other things that drive men to women. One of those things could be lust. It is perfectly understandable that Mister Weasley would love you and would choose you above all others for a serious relationship, yet still be tempted by Miss Parkinson. It's not very honorable, but it has happened to many men before...and women as well." He took a sip of tea. "Why he would want another woman when he has such a bright, sensible, and appealing girl such as yourself is beyond me."

She was shocked. He'd just paid her a compliment. Did that mean that if he had her he wouldn't want any other woman? She felt the need to clarify something. "Sir, Ron and I, we haven't ever...what you saw that day..." She couldn't voice it.

"Was that as far as the two of you have taken things?" She nodded, relieved that he'd said it for her. "I see."

"You see?"

"Well, that explains it. Boys his age are very antsy. They tend to see straying as gaining experience. I do not know what excuse he'll give you, but I would think that you should think hard before accepting it. I'm afraid that he hasn't shown you much respect by doing this." He took another sip of tea and watched her intently.

Her eyes dropped away, and she studied her cup. "You said you'd warned him about this already. What did you mean? Were they...?"

"He was alone. It was late, and I caught him with...his pants down." Severus took a long sip. "I do not know if they'd seen each other before that, and it prompted him to take matters into his own hands." He smirked as she blushed. "Please, Hermione, do not be offended. I'm only answering your question honestly."

"No, sir. I'm not offended. Really. I'm just shocked and very disappointed. Maybe I should have done what he asked. This probably wouldn't have happened."

Professor Snape put his cup aside and took hers away as well. He then took both hands into his and made her look at him. "Hermione, never sell yourself short. If you weren't ready, as you clearly voiced that day, then he should have had the decency to wait you out. There are more important things to a relationship than sex." He squeezed her hands. "I've taken the liberty of putting a Calming Draught in your tea. I'm sure it's the only reason you've so easily spoken to me. I am always here for you should you need someone to talk to, but I would prefer if you kept that betwixt us only. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Professor." She smiled as he released her hands. "Sir, what would you do?"

He seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Could you trust him again?"

"I don't know."

"If you are uncertain now, it may take a long time to build your relationship back up. Examine why you weren't ready to be with him sexually. Perhaps your mind and body were telling you something that your heart did not want to hear." He patted her shoulder slightly. "I would end things." Hermione looked down as tears gathered in her eyes. She'd failed. She couldn't keep him happy. "It's nothing that you've done wrong, Hermione. I would say that the blame lay with Mister Weasley."

She wiped a tear away with the back of her hand. "The last time Ron was angry with me, he turned Harry against me too. I ended up spending most of my time with Hagrid and Fang because I haven't many other friends. He listened to me and didn't mind my tears. What will I do now if the same thing happens again? I have no one."

"I told you already. I shall be here for you, as long as you keep that to yourself."

"But, why, sir? You don't even like me."

"I like you, Hermione, but I can't show it whilst the Dark Lord is still alive. He might not like that I favor a Gryffindor that is friendly with Potter. Do you understand me?" She nodded. "You remind me of me," he said simply. "I, too, went to Hagrid when I was lonely in my days here. He was always good to me, even after I turned to the Dark Lord. I regret his demise as well."

Poor Professor Snape! He needs my friendship as much as I need his. No wonder he's extending an olive branch. We truly do have much in common. "Thank you, sir. I will come to talk to you again soon if you don't mind."

"Not at all. Come; I shall accompany you to your dorm." He stood and offered a hand to her. They walked in silence until they were standing outside of her portrait. It was of a young witch reading a book. "Will you be all right?" he asked silkily.

"Now. I've a lot to think about," she said. "Sir? I...thanks."

"Not a problem." He stood there as she murmured her password, Lord Byron, and made her way inside. "Interesting." A smug smile played upon his lips as he made his way back down to his chambers. That went extremely well. He'd hoped that she would find her way to the pair. It had actually been the fourth time that he'd seen them together. Tonight, they seemed to be taking things a bit farther. It was pure luck that Hermione sensed the need to have another patrol. When he saw her nearing, he knew that victory was at hand. Soon enough, Ronald Weasley would be out of the way, and she would turn to him.

She already seemed pleased and honored that he'd divulged personal information and adult advice to her. The act of kindness would not go unanswered, and he knew that she would keep her vow of secrecy. He would slowly help her forget about her love for the Weasley berk, and he would slowly show her all that Weasley had done wrong. The picture he would paint of a real man's actions in a relationship would keep her curious. Hermione was as good as his already. "So it begins." He decided to look into this Lord Byron. Just who was he? Why would she have that name as her password?

Southern's Notes: I'm thinking that Severus is very smooth with her. Hopefully, nobody is put off by his kindness to her. It's all part of his plan. He uses everything to his advantage. Our little Gryffindor should watch out, I'd say. I hope nobody minds my using Lord Byron as her password. I simply adore all of his works, and a Byronic hero (defiant, melancholy, brooding, mysterious, something unforgivable in his past) is always appealing to me. That screams Snape sometimes. Cheers, mates. More up soon.

I hope that any Ron fans are not offended. I'm simply trying to portray him as an eager teen that would like some experience. He does love Hermione, but he's also curious. I'll have their talk in the next chapter. xoxoxo