Looking for Clues

Disclaimer: It's not my creation, but I do enjoy manipulating things. No money for me though. Enjoy.

A big thanks goes to my beta, Charmed_Nay, and to my friends over at Potter_Place.

"What?" Severus asked incredulously. What the fuck was the boy thinking? "Well, where are they now? Surely they've not left the grounds, not after what's happened."

"I am afraid so, Severus. They are not here," Dumbledore said. His eyes dropped to Hermione's, and he studied her momentarily. "Would you know anything, Miss Granger?"

"No, sir," she said. "Not about that."

"Why don't you tell us all what happened?" Dumbledore asked kindly.

Hermione nodded and recanted everything that happened after the others came out of the post office. She knew that they'd been under the Imperius Curse. What had shocked almost all of them was that a centaur had been in on the activities. She told them that there was Lucius, who seemed to be leading the three other Death Eaters, and that they were all gone once her professor had arrived. Severus was glad that she'd not told the true story in front of the others. Under no circumstances could they know the full truth. Not yet. She finished up by saying, "It was clear that Lucius and Bane were interested in Ginny. They didn't seem to want her harmed."

"What's he got planned for my little girl?" Molly asked, weeping. "I thought everything was going to be all right. He was just waiting there, waiting to snatch her away!"

"Calm down, dear," Arthur said. "We don't know that..."

"But don't we?" Lupin interrupted. "The boy was obviously up to something. Why, he left the pub just as she and the others did earlier. I wouldn't doubt it if he had something to do with the entire thing."

Tonks nodded. "For all we know, it could be."

"Ridiculous," Severus hissed. "You've got some bloody nerve, Lupin! And, you, Tonks, are no better! The boy isn't that stupid. Furthermore..." his voice trailed off as Dumbledore held up his hand.

"Severus, I need for you to go to have a talk with our Mister Crabbe. He and Draco are rather close. It is likely that he'll know something. Find out any way that you can," the headmaster said, meeting his eyes levelly.

"I shall," Severus agreed. "Did Goyle's family not see or hear anything?"

"No, they had since departed."

"Very well, sir, I shall return." He looked to Hermione. "Stay here." She nodded. His eyes drifted back to Dumbledore's. He waited for him to say anything, but he remained quiet. With a curt nod to the others, he swept away, allowing his robes to billow out behind him.

If Draco was planning something, he doubted seriously that he'd let Crabbe know anything. That would be the first person that Dumbledore or the Dark Lord would have questioned. There might be some subtle clue, however, that someone of only Severus' expertise could find. Some subtle hint or clue as to what he was thinking. The damn idiot! He should know better than to do this. Why would the girl go willingly with him? Was she still not enamored with Lupin? Had things progressed between them unbeknownst to all around? That was unlikely. He had either forced the girl to go with him, or she trusted him enough to believe that he was helping her somehow. The question was now quite simple. Where do Draco's loyalties lie?

To have his loyalties with his father would be disastrous, as it was quite unknown what Lucius was about. Why kill those two meaningless Hufflepuff students? Who was helping Lucius? Goyle, seeing as he was caught and killed, was a given. Who else? Crabbe was likely part of the plotting, but that didn't make Severus feel any better. Lucius was not a fool. He'd never defy the Dark Lord without more support. Crabbe and Goyle were always loyal to Lucius, but they weren't the bravest or smartest of fellows. There had to be someone else. Think, Severus. Lovage. Mallowsweet. Ginevra Weasley. Centaur. He shook his head. "Damn it!" he groused aloud.

Without incident, he went into the common room and found Crabbe sitting in the corner, alone. "A word, if I might?" Severus inquired, but his tone left no chance for refusal. The lumpy boy nodded. Taking a seat across from him, Severus asked, "Where is Draco?"

"Don't know."

"What do you know?" He made eye contact with him and mentally chanted the spell that would open the boy's mind. Even as the boy mumbled something about thinking Draco was going off for a walk, a mental picture assaulted him. In the flash, Crabbe was pulling on Draco's robes, trying to get him to stay. Draco pushed him off and exited without looking back. Severus felt the boy's grief and knew that Crabbe didn't want to lose a second friend that day. Before he could break contact with the boy's mind, however, he saw another flash come to life. It was of Crabbe and Goyle as they were helping Draco up, clearly after he'd been Stunned. A Death Eater appeared before them, grabbing Goyle, and then disappeared without missing a beat. So, the boys hadn't been lying.

Severus broke eye contact and leant back to ponder the image in his mind. It wasn't Lucius. That Death Eater didn't have the proud stance of his friend. No, it was someone else. But whom? He'd have to think on it at another time. He focused on Crabbe again. "I am very disappointed, boy, that you are refusing to speak the truth. Tell me now, and I shall not tell the headmaster or anyone else of your refusal to assist me in this matter."

That got the boy's attention. "Sir, I swear. I told him not to go. He said he was going to go someplace that had no magic, someplace nobody could find him, and he said...he said he was taking her with him." The boy nodded vigorously. "I swear it."

Leaning forward, Severus asked, "Has your father asked you to bind with him in some spell as of late?"

"Y-yes. He said to say nothing. H-how do you know?"

Snape raised an eyebrow. "There are many things that I know. You are not to leave this school under any circumstance. Do I make myself clear?" The boy nodded. "If your father should come to call upon you and ask you to leave, I want you to come straight to me. If I am not present, seek out the headmaster."

"Yes."

"You forget yourself. You will always address me appropriately."

"Yes, sir. I'll come to you."

"Very well. Try to get some rest." In a shocking display of affection, Severus placed one hand upon the boy's shoulder. "Things will work out in time." Feeling uneasy about the gesture, he quickly made his way back to the headmaster's office.

He didn't stop until he was standing before Dumbledore's desk. "What have you found out?"

Aware of the others listening, he said, "He tried to stop Draco from leaving. All our young Malfoy told him was that he planned on going to a place without magic where it would be safe and that he was taking Miss Weasley with him."

Molly said, "But why? Why would he want to bring her? They aren't friends!"

"I feel that he wants to protect her from something," Severus said defensively.

"Codswallop if you ask me!" Lupin bellowed. "He's clearly trying to bring her to his father or someone else."

"I wouldn't be so certain of that!"

Arthur said, "Now, see here, Lupin. We appreciate your concern, but you've no need to be saying things like that in front of Molly."

"I apologize," the man said abruptly. "You know why I am upset."

"We don't all know," Severus said sarcastically. "Why don't you enlighten us? Or is it, ah, that you prefer we draw our own conclusions? Hmmm?"

Tonks stood in front of Lupin, as if afraid he'd try to attack him. "Look, Snape, we don't have time to get into this right now. It's not anything bad. Trust me. I know."

Severus simply smirked and ignored her. He turned to Dumbledore to speak when Hermione interrupted. "Just so you all know, Ginny and Draco are friends. She told me so."

Stunned, he looked at her. Why would she give away such information in mixed company? Nobody was to know that Draco was working for Dumbledore. He hoped his widened eyes would convey that.

"Meaning they talk in the corridors?" Dumbledore asked, apparently hoping to guide her to safe conversation.

"Yes, exactly right," Hermione said, cheeks reddening as she looked at Molly. "She fancied Lupin, and for some reason, she felt compelled to talk to Draco about it. She thought Tonks to be a dishonest girlfriend, and I think Draco was just trying to...help."

"She still believes that? I had hoped she would see how much I care for him and realize that it was a misunderstanding on her own," Tonks said in disbelief. She looked to her lover. "I told you to come sooner, Remus. It would never have gone this far." She looked to Molly. "Do you know she sent him a letter earlier before all this went on? It was anonymous, of course, but it was filled with filthy things about me. This has gone too far!" She tried to move past Lupin but tripped over his feet, landing on her hands and knees. "Sorry," she said, before getting up and leaving.

Molly sniffed. "I just thought she shouldn't know until he could come in person. I thought it would have been easier on her to hear it from him, face to face."

"No one is blaming you," Arthur soothed.

Severus made a tsking noise and turned back to the headmaster. "Shall I go to Malfoy Manor?"

"Yes, straightaway."

"Very well," he said, eyes drifting to Hermione. "Headmaster, on the matter we discussed earlier..."

"Miss Granger will be safe enough at headquarters with the Weasleys and Harry for tonight, Severus. After Minerva finishes interrogating her students on anything Ginevra might have said, "We'll send them off."

Without looking at anyone, he glided out of the headmaster's office. He immediately went to the Apparition point past the school's gates. An instant later, he was on Malfoy property and moving towards the front door of the manor house. As usual, an elf opened the door and led him inside. He waited only moments before Narcissa met him. She was only wearing her silky dressing gown, and her hair was down and tousled. She'd apparently been sleeping.

"Severus," she said, moving to hug him closely. "Is something wrong?"

He could hear the tremble in her voice. "Not yet," he admitted. "However, Draco has gone missing. We believe he left school of his own free will."

"Oh, no," she moaned. "Not my boy. What is going on? I heard about Gregory. Does this have something to do with that?"

"Narcissa, I am going to ask you something, but I'll only ask it this once. I need you to tell me the absolute truth." His eyes bore into hers. "What is Lucius up to? Is he planning something?"

"I've not seen him for two weeks and only then it was a brief visit," she said bitterly. "Aurors are always about. I'm followed, you know." She shook her head. "If Lucius is doing something, I have no idea what it is, Severus. Really. Perhaps the Dark Lord..." Her voice trailed off. "Dear God. Is our Lord displeased? Is that where Draco is? Are we to be punished because of something Lucius has done?"

"I fear that Draco has gone off on his own. Our Lord shall not be pleased about this. As you well know, he had his own agenda this year. His leaving will not look favorable."

Tears filled Narcissa's eyes. "Sometimes I wish..."

"Have a care with your words, Narcissa," Severus warned. He looked around the room. "When is the last time you heard from Draco?"

"Well, there was an owl that came by earlier. Would you like to read it?" she asked. He nodded, and she left the room to retrieve the parchment. Upon her return, Severus quickly took it from her and opened it.

Mum,

Draco

Severus shook his head. It was just a simple letter. Simple for someone that didn't know how to read between the lines, that is. Draco was telling his mother goodbye in this letter whether she realized it or not. He'd obviously sent the letter before he trekked out to find the Weasley girl. Sometimes the things we must do are the things we can't. He'd changed his mind. Whatever his father had wanted him to do, he had decided to not do it. Severus brought his finger up to his mouth to trace his lips whilst thinking and staring blankly at the words on the parchment. If this was the case, he could plead to the Dark Lord and say that he was simply keeping the girl safe until the Dark Lord was ready for her and hadn't the time to warn anyone. Their Master would likely not be pleased, but it would be better than admitting to blatant refusal of duties. Either way, this didn't bode well for Lucius.

"Thank you, Narcissa," he said, handing her the letter. "Your son cares very much for you." He made to leave, but a dainty hand on his arm stopped him. His eyes trailed down to the hand and back up to her face.

"Won't you stay awhile?" she asked hopefully. "Usually only Bella comes by. I'm a little lonely, and you've always been here for us...for me. Would you stay...the night?"

He removed her hand. "Narcissa, you know that I can and will not stay. Lucius has been a good friend to me for far too long."

She nodded. "Forgive me. I don't know what's come over me."

Severus smirked. "Lucius is a lucky man." Lucky that only one witch could ask and be able to have me stay an entire night with her.

"Be safe," she said, cheeks flushed. "Please let me know if you find out anything about my boy."

"I shall." Feeling as if he'd failed, Severus made his way back to Hogwarts to let the headmaster know all that he'd learnt at Malfoy Manor. Once he was able to explain what he'd found out, they'd decided the best action would be to call in a favor to Ollivander. If either of their wands were used, they'd be alerted with a location immediately. It was the only way to track them at the present time. They might try to live without magic, but it would be hard. One of them would slip up at some point. Bill Weasley was on the lookout for either of them to try to withdraw funds at Gringotts. Dumbledore took it upon himself to speak to Firenze and the other centaurs in the forest. They'd come to the conclusion that Bane was acting alone, for they claimed he hadn't been seen in two weeks. The others had made peace with Dumbledore when he went in to retrieve Umbridge a couple years prior. It had apparently never sat well with Bane since.

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Ron was nodding vigorously. "I'd say it was all a big plan for starters. Draco has probably really been doing some dirty work for his ruddy dad all along."

"I don't think so," Hermione said, looking more at Harry than Ron.

"I have no idea what to think," Harry said.

"Think you can keep ignoring me, eh?" Ron asked cheekily. "Fine. See if I care. You're not the one that's been given bloody detention for every Saturday until Christmas!"

"From the looks of it, we won't even be at school, so who cares?"

"Yeah, so much for the Quidditch cup this year," Ron said angrily.

"There are more important things happening here than petty House rivalries, Ron, and I think that Draco is trying to help Ginny. Think about it. Ginny isn't some feeble witch. She knows how to take charge if need be."

"Easy for you to say. She's not your sister!" he said. "Why didn't McGonagall reprimand you for having me in your room?"

"Because Snape set my punishment," she blurted quickly.

"Is that right? What's the git done then? Take some points?" Ron kicked the table in front of his chair. "That's the second time he's come in on us like that. Bloody hell! I bet he gets some sort of sick thrill of it!"

"Shut it," Hermione yelled. "You had no right in the first place. You knew I was sleeping, and I thought..." Her voice trailed off.

"Oh, that's right. You thought it was your mystery lover, eh?" He looked to Harry. "Hear that, do you? Some bloke goes in there while she's sleeping and gets into bed with her." He kicked at the table again. "Probably lets him do everything that she wouldn't let me do."

"Ron, that's enough," Harry said.

However, Ron wasn't finished. "That effing Snape! Did you see the gleam in his eye? He was probably laughing about those two Hufflepuffs until one of his own students bit it!" He kicked the table again. "We just talked to those two today, and now, they are dead! Bet Snape thinks that's funny. Less students prowling the corridors at night."

"Ron," Harry urged. Too late.

Hermione drew her wand, and Harry pounced on her just in time to make her miss her target. The table that Ron had been abusing was now blasted into two pieces.

"Fucking hell," Ron exclaimed. "You were trying to do that to me?"

"ENOUGH!" Harry bellowed. He pulled Hermione out of the room and marched down the flight of stairs and into her room. "Sit," he ordered, pointing to the first bed. Once she'd done so, he sat on the unoccupied bed. "Want to talk about what's really bothering you?" he asked softly.

"I'm just worried about her. I saw two young students die today, Harry. It happened right there." She sniffed, trying not to cry. "Though I didn't like Goyle much, I hate that he died as well. Lucius is up to something, and he needs Ginny to do it. I just don't understand why Bane was there. What's he to do with all this?"

"Wish I knew. Hermione, I want to ask you something."

"All right."

"Did they not try to...kill you?"

She appreciated that Harry's eyes glistened as he asked the question. She knew he cared. "No," she whispered. "Told me to stand aside and shut up." She shrugged. "I don't know that Lucius...rotten arse that he is...meant for those two to get killed. One of the others hexed Kevin. That's when..." She swallowed. "That's when Laura started screaming. He said that someone needed to shut her up. One of the others did it. He was trying to take Ginny without confrontation, so I think that maybe whatever he needs with her, he needs her alive."

Harry nodded. "I'm glad they didn't hurt you."

"I was hit, pushed around, and disarmed, but that's all," she admitted guiltily. "If Se...er...Professor Snape hadn't shown up when he did, it might have been worse for us. His presence scared them off."

"Snape knows more than he's letting on," Harry said suddenly. "I can tell. I wonder what it is."

Hermione gaped for a moment. "I think he's just as upset by this as we are. You should have seen him as he went to their...bodies. He hated it."

"I'm going up to bed. We'll talk in the morning. Get some sleep. It's late."

"All right," she said, uncertain if she'd be able to fall asleep again. The moment her head hit the pillow, however, she fell into a deep sleep; apparently, she was more tired than she'd realized. She awoke later and found that an arm was wrapped about her waist and a warm body was pressed closely to her back. She quickly moved away, shouting, "Get the hell out of my room!" How dare Ron try to come in here while she was sleeping?

"Hermione, it is I," said Severus, pulling her back towards him.

It was too dark in the room to see his face, but his voice was soothing. The moment she allowed him to pull her back into his embrace she began crying. "I thought..."

"I know," he said when she didn't finish the sentence. "Shh."

The security she felt emitting from him gave her leave to cry. She didn't care what he thought of her. It felt good to be held. So much had happened. Why? When would things ever change? Would they ever have a normal life? When would it all be over?

Severus soothed and comforted his weeping witch, allowing her the time she needed to cry. She'd witnessed and experienced much all in the space of one day. "It will be all right. Things will work out," he whispered. As her sobbing and trembling continued, he found himself wondering what he'd gotten himself into. He hated to see women cry. He especially hated for women to seek him out for comfort when they cried. It didn't really matter so much with Hermione, but hearing her sobs made him realize that she wasn't like him. He could witness a murder and not bat an eye. This only showed him that she wasn't as strong as him. She'll learn. Things won't always be this way.

The thoughts weren't very reassuring, and he began to seriously think about where their association was going. Part of him felt like a perverse old man for "taking advantage" of such a young girl. Hell, hearing and feeling how distraught she was made him think of her as a child, not a woman. Certainly not the young woman he'd been attracted to. What the fuck am I doing? Have I been hit with some sort of potion? No. That was not the case. Regardless of their ages, he knew the truth. He wanted her. It wasn't just sexually, although it mostly was. There was just something about her that called to him. She might not be experienced in the ways of the world, but some of her better qualities reminded him of his own. With her in his life, no matter what side won, he'd never be alone or lonely. That was what was important.

Noting that her sniffles had ended, he kissed the top of her head. "Are you all right?"

"Now."

He nodded even though he knew she couldn't see it. There were so many things he wanted to say and so many mixed emotions he was feeling. How could he say or sort through them all? "One day, we'll not have to worry about venturing into town and seeing others' lives ending."

"Severus, I need to know some things. Will you answer honestly for me?"

"I shall try."

She snorted but still asked her question. "Have you ever lied to me about anything?"

"Yes."

He heard her suck a breath in. "Did you know what would happen today?"

"No."

"Did you kill Higgs?"

"No."

"Indirectly?"

"Yes."

She sucked in another breath. "Did you want him killed?"

Severus paused. "When he spoke of you in such a way, I wanted to choke the life from him."

"Do you love me?"

It was his turn to suck in a breath. What the hell was she playing at? "Hermione," he began, uncertain about what to say.

"You don't have to answer that. I'm sorry. I know it's too soon." She sniffed. "It's just that when I realized it was you that was here...well, I felt safe. A warm feeling overcame me, and I thought it might be love. I just wanted to know if you felt that way."

"To be quite honest, I do feel a number of things for you. I am uncertain as to the extent, but I know that with each passing day, it's growing." It felt odd to him to realize that was mostly true. "Kiss me," he said when she began to ask him other questions. Being in the darkness, their noses bumped before he was able to slant his lips across hers and feel the yearning for her once again take hold of him. All thoughts of her being too young melted away. She was a woman. Her hands explored his back and hair as her body pressed into his. He could feel her breasts against his chest, could feel the thudding of her heart, and could feel the tremors of nervousness or joy passing through her body.

When he broke the kiss, she placed one last chaste kiss upon his lips and asked, "Where do your loyalties truly lie?"

He pulled away abruptly. "How could you ask such a thing?"

"Can't you answer?"

"I shall not dignify that question with an answer. Go to sleep," he said, clearly annoyed. The silence between them stretched on until he heard her breathing deepen and even out. He knew that she'd gone back to sleep. Some questions should never be answered, he thought glumly. He kissed her once and eased out of her embrace. He'd only meant to come to check on her, but he hadn't been able to resist lying with her, holding her. He might have allowed things to progress further if she hadn't begun asking him disturbing questions. Her words were tugging at his heart.

A warm feeling overcame me, and I thought it might be love.

That certainly couldn't be what he felt, but it felt good to be loved. In fact, it made a big difference with a lot of things. He could not fail because failing would mean that he'd failed her. He needed time to think over the revelation. It was what he'd wanted. He'd wanted her to fall for him. In fact, he'd planned on it. Enamored women were easier to manipulate.

Hermione awoke to bright sunshine and an empty bed. Had she imagined that her wizard had come for her? No. He had to have been there. A lone dark hair upon the pillow was proof that she'd not dreamt his presence. Their conversation came back to her. She felt her face flush as she remembered her nearly telling him that she loved him. It wasn't as if she truly did. She was just emotional about everything that had gone on. Hell, she'd cried on his shoulder for nearly half an hour. Of course she'd felt something.

The pang of loss that he wasn't with her at the moment hit her hard. She'd wanted to wake up in his arms. The kiss that they'd shared the night before had said much to her. No matter what he said, he felt the same thing for her that she felt for him. It was in his kiss, in his soft caresses, and in his gentle embrace. The only thing that bothered her was that he would not tell her where his loyalties truly were. Dumbledore and the Order? Voldemort and the Death Eaters? Himself? They couldn't go any further until she knew the truth. She steeled herself to ask him once again when he came back to see her. He would most assuredly turn up at some point during the day.

The highlights of her day weren't much. Bill and Fleur had decided to stay at Grimmauld Place to help boost Molly's spirits. Bill and Arthur would carry on with work while the women stayed with them. Harry was glad to see that Gabrielle had come with them. That meant that he'd get to spend time with his loved one. They curled up before the fire in the living area and barely paid attention to anyone else. Hermione was a little jealous. She wanted to be able to spend time like that with Severus. Ron seemed to be thinking the same thing...at least along those lines. He'd taken to staying in his own corner and was pretending to read. In truth, she saw him watching Harry or her each time she glanced in his direction. When Dumbledore showed up after sunset, Hermione felt a small sense of satisfaction that Harry wouldn't be staying with them after all. Gabrielle would be left behind to remain with the Weasleys. Hermione wanted him to stay there, but she was glad that she wasn't the only one that would be alone.

She was punished for her spiteful way of thinking when Dumbledore announced that it was prudent to send Pansy Parkinson into hiding with them. She had her bags packed and was eagerly welcomed by Ron, although Molly seemed put out. Dumbledore explained that her father had sent him an owl instructing that he entrusted her care to him. Shortly after that, he disappeared from his office. No one knew what had happened to him. Hermione could see the worry on the girl's face and felt badly for thinking such ill thoughts about her and her family. In times such as these, the last thing anyone needed was more violence. When Hermione told her that she hoped that her father would be found, Pansy accepted her words and even smiled slightly. Ron even seemed pleased with the exchange. After a heartfelt goodbye, Harry and Dumbledore left. She wondered how long it would be before she'd see her friend again.

The real question that had been plaguing her since after dinner was where her man had gone. She'd heard Dumbledore telling the Weasleys that he'd sent Snape directly after classes to check a few places nearby, and he'd not returned. She wondered if he was doing anything dangerous. She fretfully fell asleep, worried about him, and she was again woken in the middle of the night with the feel of an arm about her waist and a warm body at her back.

"Severus?" she asked sleepily.

"I'm here," he said.

"I was worried," she said, turning over to snuggle into his chest. "I didn't know if you were all right."

He sighed. "I'm a little tired, but all is well. I had some errands to run, and then Professor McGonagall needed my assistance."

"Where did you go?"

"I cannot say."

"About all those questions I asked last night..."

"I still cannot say."

"Are there always going to be things that you cannot say?"

"Yes."

"Severus, before I can fully commit to this, I need to know that you are not going to leave me out of everything. I am capable of handling the truth," she said earnestly.

"When, Hermione, did I ask for your hand in marriage? Hmmm?" he asked in irritation. "What? No reply?"

Hermione stiffened and immediately felt foolish. He had never truly said that he wanted something that serious with her, only that he was interested in shagging her. Well, that wasn't fair. He had alluded to many things, and a real relationship had been one of them. Angry for being so open with him and for his attitude, she bit out, "Fine! Forget it. I'm just a silly girl and not good enough to be trusted, not good enough to be loved! Why do you even bother?"

He pulled away from her completely. "I wonder that as well, more lately than ever."

She watched as he lit a lamp and began pulling on his robes and cloak. "Wait. Don't leave. I'm just..."

"It matters not."

"Severus, please, I just want to know things. I just want to feel involved."

"You are involved. Do you know how tired I was this night? I had to come to you, just to see, just to be certain, and how do you repay me? You begin acting like a nagging wife."

"Now, you're being childish!"

"There is only one child in this room."

Stung, Hermione turned away from him and closed her eyes against the tears welling there. This will never work. She could feel his eyes upon her and part of her hoped that he'd feel sorry for her and scoop her up to cuddle. That never happened. She heard the click of the door. When she opened her eyes, the lamp was off, and she was alone.

The next day was spent mostly in the living area. The roles had been reversed. Gabrielle had taken Ron's corner while Ron and Pansy took over the spot that Harry and Gabrielle had frequented. Eventually, both Hermione and Gabrielle left the room, feeling as if they were intruding. They took the time to talk and to try to get to know each other. Apparently, Gabrielle had been a little jealous of her since she always spent so much time with Harry. This made Hermione feel a little better. She'd felt horrible all day for the way she'd pushed Severus the night before. She should have simply kept quiet. She wondered if he would still be the one that took her off to whatever protective home she was supposed to be in. Dumbledore had said that he wanted the three of them to be separated. She'd not been given any reason to think she'd be staying at any place other than Grimmauld Place.

She hoped that while she was sleeping he would come to her as he had the two previous evenings. Most of the night, she was tossing, turning, and waking in hopes of catching him with her. He hadn't come. The next night, he hadn't come either. The only word that could describe what she felt was lost. She felt as though she'd lost something important, and she wanted to grieve knowing that it would never come back. When he didn't come the night after that either, her sadness turned to anger.

What had she asked or said that was so wrong? He had been the one to get angry and accuse her of things, hadn't he? He'd had the nerve to call her a child! She should be glad to be rid of him. When she heard Molly talking, she moved to the landing to see who had come. It was then that she heard his voice. He'd come. Their words drifted up to her. She caught only a few...can't find, been searching, and safe location. Disappointed, she went back to her room. It was still light outside, so it was apparent that he hadn't come to see her. Just as she slung herself onto her bed, there was a light knock at her door.

Her face fell when Mrs. Weasley walked in. "Hi."

"Hermione, dear, Professor Snape is waiting below. I need you to pack your things." The woman smiled softly. "As much as I would love for you to stay here, the headmaster feels that you should be secreted off to a safe place that is away from both Ron and Harry." When Hermione didn't move, she said, "Come on. He's a busy man and hasn't got all day."

She hadn't taken much out of her trunks, so packing was easy enough. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, they were both waiting for her. He barely glanced at her, appearing cold and indifferent. "Are you quite ready, Miss Granger?" he asked acridly.

"Yes," she replied sharply. She wondered where he was taking her. If he was still this angry after the amount of time that had passed, she knew that he wouldn't want the responsibility of looking after her.

"Mrs. Weasley, give my regards to the others," he said. It was then that he looked and held Hermione's gaze. "Come along."

She obediently followed him out and allowed him to wrap one arm around her. Surprised that he pulled her closely to him, she asked, "Where are we going, sir?"

Looking into her eyes and smirking, he said, "My home." A moment later, they Disapparated away.

Southern's Notes: I hope this was a quick enough update for you. I couldn't contain this chapter. I know it's a bit of a bummer near the end, but they needed to have a bit of a row. Things were going too smoothly and emotions were running high. It will get better in the next bit. She'll be at our master's mercy though. I'm thinking she's still gonna give him a piece (or two) of her mind.

I know I was supposed to have more on Draco, Ginny, and Lupin's odd actions, but this came pouring out instead. I'll have another update on Monday. Cheers.