Every Breath You Take.

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to JK Rowling. I'm just playing in her toybox.

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Many thanks to my Beta Snarkyroxy for her endless patience and encouragement.

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EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE

If Hermione had been displeased when she heard that Professor Snape would not be teaching Potions that year, the sight of him as the Defence teacher more than made up for the disappointment. Gone was the weedy, stringy-haired academic who lurked around the dungeon classroom like a great bat. In his place was the man she had watched knock Gilderoy Lockhart on his arse in her second year. At twelve years of age, Hermione had been too infatuated with Lockhart to notice just how little effort Severus had expended in the duel. At seventeen, in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, she finally realised that Severus Snape was a formidable, if not dangerous, wizard and a force to be reckoned with.

His opening speech in their first lesson wasn't bad, she thought, although it couldn't touch his first year Potions speech for melodrama. While he had a real knack for potions, she realised he was in his element here. They were not getting the theory from someone who had only read about Dark magic in a book – this was a man who not only had first hand experience of the Dark Arts, but who had embraced them. The call had almost overwhelmed him, but he had pulled back in time and survived to tell the tale. Hermione knew he had been on the receiving end of more curses than she had ever heard of and that they were now all getting the opportunity to learn from his practical experience.

Hermione was mesmerised by him. She watched Severus striding confidently around the classroom, correcting wand movements and duelling stances. She observed how he tried to teach Harry how to better defend himself, whilst belittling him for the benefit of the Slytherins. She wished Harry could see that Snape wasn't the enemy, but his hatred for the man blinded him to accepting his help. Snape seemed to emanate power. Something in her reached out to him like a magnet.

Gods, he's magnificent.

This was the basis of the attraction, she realised. Power. Sheer, unadulterated, masculine power. She was being drawn to his magical energy like a moth to a flame, and there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it.

Severus was trying not to show his despair as he strode around the classroom.

Children, he thought, up against Death Eaters? They don't stand a chance.

He would do everything in his power to prepare them for the fight ahead, but he seriously doubted he had time on his side. He began to assess their strengths and weaknesses as he moved amongst them.

Potter is as stubborn and arrogant as his idiot father. he thought. Even though the power was there, it was unpredictable, and therefore unreliable, because the boy lacked focus. Potter would need more than luck and bravado to defeat the Dark Lord.

Longbottom had a look of a grim determination on his face. He was trying his best, but he would need more than just his thirst for vengeance to take out Bellatrix.

Still, Severus deliberated, I can work with that. The desire for revenge is a powerful emotion and one that can be utilised effectively in battle, if handled correctly.

Weasley, who at first glance seemed to be totally out of his depth, was, he noticed, skilfully probing for weaknesses in his opponent before striking. Hmm, promising, thought Severus. Natural strategic skills. There's definitely something there worth developing.

Granger, though, he mused, was a different kettle of fish altogether. She was precise, controlled and quick to adapt. He had been astonished to see her mastering non-verbal spells within minutes – a feat that had taken him hours to accomplish. He had no doubt of her power; he only hoped she lived long enough to harness it. Severus watched the concentration on her face as she repelled each hex and jinx that Longbottom threw at her and knew that she would fight to the death for the cause. He tried to imagine her up against Bellatrix Lestrange or Lucius Malfoy. She was good, but she wouldn't last five minutes in mortal combat with either. A sudden pain shot through his heart at the thought.

Girls in battle, he internally raged. Merlin help us. Merlin help us all.

**********************

And so the dance began. A look here, a glance there. Severus watched Hermione closely in class – purely for academic purposes, he tried to convince himself. Hermione was fast on her feet, he surmised, and didn't her tits jiggle up and down nicely when she dived to the side like that?

NO, I cannot think like this; she is a pupil and out of bounds. But once he had noticed her breasts, albeit hidden under a rather unflattering school robe, he could not un-notice them, as it were.

She needs a bit of work on throwing wider protection shields, though – perhaps I could engineer a detention so she can practice one on one with me. That would help her in battle.

His conscience would have none of it. You are a lecherous old pervert. Stop lusting after the girl; she is not for you. Do you think she would be remotely interested in someone with a face like the rear end of a Graphorn and the social graces of a Blast-Ended Skrewt?

He also began to follow her on her late night patrols. 'It's just to make sure she gets back to Gryffindor Tower safely,' he told himself.

Of course it is, scoffed the voice of reason in his head. You don't want to drag her into an alcove and shag the arse off her then?

Sometimes Hermione sensed a presence behind her on her rounds and hoped it was him. They both went to their respective beds thinking of each other and dreamt of nights of tangled limbs and bodies writhing in ecstasy.

**********************

'You are an ugly bugger,' said the mirror. Severus had just got out of the shower and was staring at his reflection. He did not reply. He had long ago given up trying to argue with the mirror. He had tried blasting it to bits on several occasions, but each time it magically repaired itself. He had tried removing it, but it was stuck firmly to the wall. Silencing charms, too, quickly wore off, and when they did, a tirade of abuse usually followed as the mirror made up for lost time. Severus tried to look at himself objectively, but all he saw was someone with a big hooked nose, crooked teeth, sallow skin and a lanky, skinny body. He sighed. Even without the added complication of his moral scruples, he had no chance. What woman would want him? The mirror took notice of his mood. A raging, sarcastic, shoot-first-and-ask-questions-later Severus Snape was normal; a morose, dejected, defeated Severus Snape was not.

It must be a woman. After all these years, the old bastard is in love. 'So,' asked the mirror, 'who's the lucky girl?'

Severus remained silent.

'Well, if you want my advice...'

'I most certainly do not.'

'There's nothing you can do about your face, short of casting a few glamours...'

'Don't push your luck.'

'But your body...Well, let's just say that no woman likes a man to be thinner than she is, and you'll need some padding for all that pelvic grinding. You could do with putting on some weight.'

Severus pointed his wand at his critic. 'One more word, just one...'

The mirror fell silent. Repairing itself took up a lot of magical energy, and it wasn't getting any younger. It knew when to cut its losses. Still, it had plenty of new material for future goading and was looking forward to some stimulating verbal battles. This was going to be fun.

Dejectedly, Severus walked over to the bed and pulled out a box from under it. Inside he kept a few select items of pornography. There were some wizarding wank mags, a few Muggle publications and one or two classic books of erotica. Leafing through them, he found a series of photographs of a glamour model who vaguely resembled Hermione. If he half-closed his eyes, he realised, he could pretend it was her. As the pin-up girl stripped and spread her legs for him, he imagined Hermione underneath him, welcoming him into her body.

This is the closest I'll get to the real thing, he thought sadly.

His right hand saw a lot of action after that. Many a night was spent doing the five-knuckle shuffle over the pages of the magazine, crying out Hermione's name as he climaxed – much to the disgust of the model. It wasn't only the release of pent-up sexual frustration that fuelled his need for her, however. For, as the consequences of the Unbreakable Vow he had made with Narcissa Malfoy became all too clear and the walls started to close in around him, fantasizing about Hermione became Severus' only solace.

Hermione, on the other hand, being in a girls' dormitory, did not have the luxury of being able to let off steam in quite the same manner. Any late-night fingering had to be done quietly and surreptitiously with no groaning. She nearly bit through her bottom lip on a number of occasions to stop herself from crying out at the thought of Severus Snape ravishing her body and making her scream with pleasure.

They were both equally frustrated with the impossibility of their attraction to one another, and yet neither was entirely able to give up hope.

* * *

Hermione, too, was closely observing Severus. She couldn't help but notice how little he ate when he turned up at the Great Hall for meals. Was he ill? Severus seemed to be deteriorating in front of her eyes.

Am I the only one who can see this? she thought.

Do you really fancy this man, the nagging voice started up again, or do you just feel sorry for him? He was no oil painting to start with. Now, he looks like shit, quite frankly.

It seemed to her that Severus was even more stressed out than usual. Even though he was now teaching the subject he had always wanted to teach, he was as nasty as ever, if not more so. Hermione knew something about his activities for the Order, of course, and realised that he had to be under a great strain. Lately, however, he appeared to be close to breaking point. She wanted to help him somehow, but was at a loss as to how this could be accomplished.

Then, one evening, she spotted an opportunity. She had gone down to the dungeons to check on a Potions experiment she was running. Severus was there.

'What do you want, Miss Granger?'

'I'm sorry to disturb you, sir. I just need to add something to my potion.'

'Well, do it and get out.'

She attended to her cauldron, glancing in his direction as she did do. Her heart went out to him. He looked so tired. Severus was bottling up a large batch of something. She sniffed. Pepperup Potion? The amount he was brewing could only mean it was for the infirmary, she deduced. Didn't he have enough to do already?

'Would you like me to give you a hand, sir?' The words were out of her mouth before she had time to think about it.

You have no idea. 'If I am ever in the unfortunate position of requiring your help, Miss Granger, I shall ask for it.'

She noticed his hand was shaking, but she thought better of enquiring after his health. Gods, he was thin. In the light of the dungeons, he looked almost cadaverous. His stomach gave a loud growl.

'Shall I ask the house-elves to bring you something to eat, sir?'

'OUT! NOW!' He was embarrassed, and having Hermione in such close proximity was starting to make him tremble.

'Good night then, Professor.' She scurried away. He did not reply.

Despite his less-than-friendly attitude, she was even more determined to help him somehow. By helping him, she reasoned with herself, she would be making a positive contribution to the defeat of Voldemort.

She pondered the problem as she began to make her way out of the dungeons. I know he needs help, but he'll never admit it. Hmm, perhaps I should have a word with Professor Dumbledore. Right now, though, he's hungry, and he needs to eat. I have to see Dobby anyway; maybe he can help. 'Dobby!' she called the house-elf, 'if you're not busy I'd like a word, please.'

She rounded the corner and ran straight into Draco Malfoy.

She went for her wand, but she was not fast enough. Malfoy had her pinned to the wall in an instant.

'All on your own, Mudblood?' He thrust his body against her.

'Get your filthy paws off me, Ferret.' She struggled and tried to knee him in the groin to no avail.

'Temper, Temper. Crabbe, Goyle keep her still.' His two henchmen took an arm each to restrain her. Malfoy grabbed her hair and pulled her head back. He leaned in as if to kiss her, but instead licked the side of her face with one sweep of his tongue.

She spat in his eye.

'You little bitch!' He slapped her hard across the cheek.

'I'll get you for this, Malfoy.'

'Oh! I'm so scared.'

It was no use struggling; she was no match for the three of them.

Draco stepped back and leered at her. 'My, haven't you grown up? Let's have a better look, shall we? Divestio!'

Her robe unfastened itself. He pushed it off her shoulders and looked her up and down. Hermione looked back at him defiantly. She was determined not to show him how scared she was.

'Not bad.' His hands moved towards her bra. 'I think I'll take this off the Muggle way. Would you like that, you little slut?'

Crack! 'You will not harm the friend of Harry Potter!'

Hermione felt a force like an enormous hand pull the three Slytherins off her and hurl them against the opposite wall. Before she realised what was happening, Dobby grabbed her and Disapparated. They landed with a thump on the floor of the Gryffindor Common Room.

In the dungeons, Severus had heard the commotion and gone to investigate. Draco was face down at the bottom of the pile of bodies, trying to free himself from the dead weight of Gregory Goyle, who had landed, unconscious, on top of him.

'I'll have that elf's head stuffed and mounted for this,' Draco yelled in anger and frustration. The hem of a black robe came into his line of vision.

'Would you care to explain, Mr Malfoy, what the three of you are doing on the floor?'

'It was that Mudblood bitch, sir.'

'What happened?' If you've harmed her, you little shit, I will kill you.

Draco recounted his version of events. 'We were just having a bit of fun, Professor.'

Severus managed to maintain his calm exterior, although his blood was boiling with rage. 'Did you touch her, Draco?'

'What if I did?' he replied insolently.

Draco never knew how close he came to death at that moment.

Severus kept his temper and managed to feign a bored voice. 'Draco, no doubt Miss Granger is on her way to the Headmaster as we speak to complain about your behaviour. As Head of House, I will be called in to mediate on your behalf. Now, unless you want to be expelled,' Draco looked horrified at the prospect, 'I suggest you tell me everything that transpired here tonight in order that I may defend you. So, I will ask you once again. Did you touch her?'

'No, that treacherous house-elf snatched her away before I had the chance.'

Severus let out a sigh of relief. 'That will make my job somewhat easier.'

'Mind you,' Draco grinned evilly, 'she does have a nice pair of –'

'Obliviate!'

* * *

'I say we go now.'

'Okay, Harry. How do we get inside the Slytherin common room?' asked Ron.

'Bad Dobby. Bad Dobby.' Thump. Thump.

'Invisibility cloak and Dobby will Apparate us in.'

'Maybe we should leave it until tomorrow?'

'Dobby hurt Draco Malfoy.' Thump. 'Dobby is a bad, bad elf.' Thump. Thump.

'Naw, he thinks he's safe. We'll have the element of surprise.'

Hermione watched the scene in front of her in a daze. She was still sitting on the floor where she landed. Harry and Ron had been in the common room when she had Apparated in, and they had rushed over to her. When she told them Draco had attacked her, they began ranting about how, where and when they were going to get him. They hadn't asked if she was hurt or even offered to help her get up off the floor. Hermione was bruised, tired and angry.

Apparate into the Slytherin Common Room? They've both gone barking mad. I've had quite enough of this. She stood up.

'QUIET!!!'

The boys fell silent. Dobby stopped banging his head against the wall.

'That's better. You two sit down. Dobby, come over here.'

Harry and Ron sat down obediently on the settee facing the fireplace. Hermione had that look on her face. You did not argue with Hermione if you knew what was good for you when she gave you that look. It was that look that sent Dolores Umbridge out into the Forbidden Forest for her tête-à-tête with the centaurs. Reluctantly, Dobby walked over to join them.

'Harry, tell him he did the right thing.'

'Dobby, you saved Hermione from harm. You did the right thing. You must not punish yourself anymore, okay?'

'Harry Potter is pleased with Dobby?' the elf squeaked.

'Yes, Har- I'm very pleased with you, Dobby.'

'Hermione?'

'Yes, Ron.' She turned to face him. He had gone bright pink which, she noted, clashed with his hair somewhat.

'Your, er, robe.'

'Oh. Right,' she said, quickly covering herself up. 'Now, to business.'

'I still say we go tonight,' said Harry. 'There's a spell written by the 'Prince' in my Potions book that I'd like to try out on him.'

Hermione smiled sweetly, 'Harry, does the phrase 'Revenge is a dish best served cold' mean anything to you?'

Harry looked at his shoes. Ever since Malfoy had broken Harry's nose on the Hogwarts Express at the beginning of the year, he had been itching to get his own back, and this was too good a chance to pass up. In spite of this, he knew Hermione was right. He was just being hot-headed, as usual.

'What has food got to do with it?' asked Ron.

Hermione merely looked at him.

'Just joking. I'm not stupid. So, what's the plan?'

'I have an idea,' said Hermione, 'but I have to check something first. Oh, and I think we'll need Neville's expertise as well. Can you find him and meet me back here in about twenty minutes?'

'Sure,' said Harry.

She turned to Dobby. 'Thank you for saving me, Dobby, I am in your debt.'

'Dobby would do anything to help the friend of Harry Potter, miss.'

'Would you now? Then come with me.'

Dobby followed Hermione up to her dormitory. Ignoring the looks Lavender and Parvati gave her, she sat on the bed with Dobby, closed the curtains and cast a Silencing Charm for good measure.

'Now, Dobby, this concerns Professor Snape.' Dobby's ears drooped. 'He needs our help.'

Dobby protested. 'Professor Snape is a nasty man. He said to stay out of his classroom, or he would turn Dobby into Potions ingredients.' He looked around for something suitable to hit his head with.

'I'm sure he didn't really mean that, Dobby.'

Dobby was not convinced.

Hermione went on, 'Professor Snape is not eating properly, Dobby. I want you to go and see him in an hour's time, and if he is still working, please take him some sandwiches and pumpkin juice. Could you then ask the house-elves who serve him to keep an eye on him for me, please?

'Miss, house-elves do not like you because of SPEW.'

'I know that, Dobby, but I've found something that might change their opinion of me.' She leaned out through the curtains and picked out a book from a pile at the side of her bed. 'I want you to read this, Dobby. It concerns the house-elves.' She pointed at a passage in the book. 'I only recently discovered this in the library.'

Dobby read it, his eyes getting wider and wider. 'Humans put house-elves under a curse?'

'Yes, Dobby, to enslave you. I had heard about it, but this is the only written evidence I've ever come across. It's all here. The wizards thought your magic was a threat and wanted to make sure it was under their control. The beauty of the curse is that it makes you love the fact that you are in service to wizard-kind. Even you, as a free elf, still feel the need to serve and to punish yourself for disobedience, don't you?'

Dobby nodded his head. 'House-elves need to see this book.'

'I agree, but I want your promise to help Professor Snape first.'

Dobby reluctantly agreed.

'Tell them that I will help them in whatever way I can, Dobby. If, after reading this, they still chose to remain in servitude, then I will disband S.P.E.W. I will abide by whatever decision they make. If they want me to take up their case, I will, but the curse can only be lifted by the Wizengamot. It will take a lot of time, effort and money to take legal action, and until I leave school, I don't think I will be able to pursue the matter. Besides, the Wizengamot has other matters of great importance to deal with at the moment. I'm afraid your rights would not be very high on their list of priorities.'

'Dobby understands, miss.'

'Let me know their decision, Dobby.'

'Yes, miss.' And with a crack, he was gone.

Right, that's that sorted, she thought, collapsing on the bed. It was tempting to stay there and go to sleep, but there was still work to be done.

Hermione got up, went to her trunk and removed one of her most prized possessions. Let's see what Granny's Herbal has to say. She flipped through the pages until she found what she was looking for. Yes, that should work. Draco won't know what hit him.Picking up her copy of Advanced Potion-Making, Hermione set off for the common room once again.

* * *

As soon as Neville saw Hermione enter the room, he was on his feet.

'Hermione! Are you all right? Did he hurt you?'

'I'm fine, Neville. But thank you for asking.' She glanced disparagingly at Ron and Harry, who looked suitably shamefaced.

'If you'll all sit down, we'll go over the options'.

The three boys sat on the settee and looked at her expectantly.

Hermione put her books down, took her wand out for effect and began pacing up and down before them, tapping her wand in the palm of her left hand as she did so.

'Option One. We behave as Malfoy expects us to. We go in, wands blazing in the good old-fashioned Gryffindor way. We throw a few hexes, and hopefully Malfoy ends up in the hospital wing.'

'Sounds good so far,' said Harry.

'Count me in,' said Ron.

'Me, too,' said Neville.

'The downside of this approach,' said Hermione, ignoring the interruption, 'is that Madam Pomfrey would quickly patch him up, and we would be the ones to get into trouble for attacking him. We would definitely lose House points and most likely get detention with Filch until the end of term.'

'That wouldn't be so bad.' said Ron.

'You could be banned from playing Quidditch, or we could lose our Hogsmeade privileges.'

The boys were silent on that one. She let the point sink in.

'In any event, Malfoy would come out of it smelling of roses and what would be the point of that?'

'And Option Two?' said Harry.

'We do it the Slytherin way and beat Malfoy at his own game.' Hermione picked up her Potions textbook and started to explain. 'Professor Slughorn has been following the syllabus pretty closely. By my reckoning, we should be brewing a Calming Draught tomorrow.' They looked at her blankly. She showed them the instructions.

'See here, at this point, after the crushed moonstone is added, the potion becomes extremely volatile. If you add anything to it or if you stir it in any way other than a clockwise direction, it will explode. When the potion comes into contact with skin, it will turn it bright blue.'

'Okay,' said Harry, 'but Madam Pomfrey will have the antidote. He'll be out of the Infirmary before dinner.' Harry still thought they should go with Option One.

'Aha. That's where Neville comes in.' She picked up her grandmother's Herbal and showed it to Neville. His face lit up.

'This is amazing, Hermione.'

She pointed her wand at one of the entries. 'I need you to get hold of some of this. Have you noticed it growing anywhere?'

'That's not a magical plant,' said Neville, 'but yes, I think I've seen some growing down by the lake.' He was entranced with Hermione's book. Her grandmother had obviously loved plants as much as he did. She was a woman after his own heart.

Harry was beginning to see where Hermione was going with this. 'If you add this, the antidote won't work, will it?'

Hermione smiled and shook her head. 'No, it won't. Better still, because the plant has no magical signature, it is virtually untraceable. Professor Slughorn may check the other ingredients for contamination, but he won't find anything. Everyone will believe that Malfoy stirred the cauldron the wrong way. It will take about a week for the effects to wear off. Draco will be humiliated and no one will believe that it's not his fault.'

'Sneaky,' said Ron. 'I like it.'

'We'll need a diversion,' said Hermione. 'Ron, can you blow up your cauldron on cue?

'I think I can manage that,' Ron replied.

'I can give you a few tips,' said Neville, grinning.

Suddenly, there was a flash of green in the fireplace and Professor Dumbledore's head appeared in the flames.

'Ah, Miss Granger, good, you're still up. Professor Snape tells me you were involved in an incident in the dungeons this evening. Would you like to come to my office and discuss it?'

'Now, sir?'

'Yes, now, Miss Granger. You may use the Floo.' A small pot of Floo powder appeared on the hearth.

Will this evening never end? Hermione turned to the boys. 'I should have told him sooner. He'll no doubt believe whatever lies Malfoy told Professor Snape. Oh, well.' She took a handful of Floo powder from the pot. 'Neville, look after my book for me.' She threw the powder into the fire, called out 'Headmaster's Office,' stepped into the flames and was gone.

* * *

Professor Dumbledore was deep in conversation with Severus when Hermione Flooed into his office.

'Ah, Miss Granger! Do sit down. Professor McGonagall is on her way. Would you like some tea while we wait?'

'Um, yes. Yes, please, sir. Milk and no sugar.'

The cup appeared before her. Hermione took a sip and immediately felt calmer. She wondered if there was something in it besides tea. Fawkes flew over to her and perched on her shoulder. Hermione bit her lip to keep back the tears as she began to realise how serious her predicament had been. Fawkes began to sing softly to her, and she felt her strength and courage return.

Severus fought the urge to put his arms around her. He clenched his fists at his side.

'Did he hurt you, Miss Granger?' He took an involuntary step towards her.

'No, sir. The only thing hurt was my pride.'

Dumbledore observed the interaction between the young witch and the man who was the closest thing he had to a son with some concern. He had discovered, over the years, that appearing absentminded and doddery was a good cover for people-watching. Albus had been around a very long time and had seen it all before.

Although their conversation gave nothing away, Severus and Hermione's body language spoke volumes. In addition, Severus' aura was reaching out to cover hers in a blanket of love and protection. Albus did not think anything physical had happened between them yet, but he surmised it was only a matter of time. He suddenly felt very old. What to do for the best? If anyone needed a friend right now, he realised, it was Severus, but there was obviously an attraction here that went beyond friendship. It could be very dangerous for him to become attached to someone, particularly a young Muggle-born witch; he was going to need all his wits about him for the fight to come.

Furthermore, Albus had a duty of care towards Hermione, though he was sure Severus would never abuse his position as a teacher. Albus was confident he could trust him on that score. He decided not to interfere for the moment but to keep a close eye on the situation nonetheless.

'How is your arm, sir?' Hermione enquired politely.

'Much the same, my dear, I'm afraid,' he replied, 'but I'm confident that Professor Snape will find the cure.'

A flash in the grate signalled the arrival of Professor McGonagall.

'I came as quickly as I could, Albus.' She spotted Hermione. 'Miss Granger? Whatever is the matter?'

Albus filled her in on the night's events.

'My dear girl.' Minerva went over to her in a flurry of tartan robes. 'Are you harmed? Do you need to see Madam Pomfrey? She knelt down beside Hermione and put her arm around her shoulders.

'I'm all right, Professor, really.'

'Albus, I want that boy expelled!' Professor McGonagall was outraged.

'Calm yourself, Minerva,' said Professor Dumbledore. 'I'm afraid the situation is complicated.'

'Complicated? Hermione was almost raped! What more needs to be said?' Minerva looked at Severus accusingly. 'I suppose you have something to say in his favour.'

'No, I do not, Minerva. Under normal circumstances, I would be the first to recommend expulsion. Unfortunately, these are not normal circumstances.'

'No, indeed,' said Professor Dumbledore. He hesitated. 'I must ask you both not to repeat what I am about to tell you.' Both women looked at him. 'Draco Malfoy has taken the Dark Mark'.

Hermione's hand flew to her mouth, 'Oh, no.'

Minerva was equally shocked. 'But surely, Albus, if he is now a Death Eater...'

'Both Severus and I believe that the boy is not beyond redemption. As far as we are aware, he has not been involved in any atrocities. Whilst he is at Hogwarts, he is away from the influence of his father, and he cannot take part in any Death Eater activities. I'm sure you will appreciate that it is safer for all concerned if Mr Malfoy remains here where Severus can keep him under observation.'

'Of course.' Hermione nodded. 'I understand.'

'But what about Hermione's safety?' said Minerva. 'What's to prevent him doing it again?'

Me, that's what. 'It is not in Draco's interest to be expelled,' Severus replied. 'I will tell him that I managed to talk the Headmaster out of it this time but that next time he will not be so lucky.' He went on, 'Miss Granger, you should know that I saw fit to modify his memory of the event. As far as he is aware, you were rescued just after he slapped you. That goes for Crabbe and Goyle, too.'

'But why, sir?'

Because they had no right to see you like that. 'It might have aroused his suspicions if I were to easily convince the Headmaster to absolve him of the crime of attempted rape. He knows he assaulted you, but I will tell him that I managed to play down the attack by arguing that it was merely a prank that went wrong.'

'I see, sir. Thank you for telling me. Oh, Harry and Ron will have to know, I've already told them what happened.'

'Make sure they do nothing rash, Miss Granger. Now, if that is all, Albus, I will bid you all goodnight. I'm expecting Remus Lupin tomorrow, and I must attend to his potion.'

'Of course, Severus. See you at breakfast.'

Severus inclined his head, 'Minerva, Miss Granger.' He went over to the fireplace and Flooed back to the Potions classroom.

As she watched him leave, Hermione mentally ticked off the list. So, not only is he teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts, he has his Head of House duties and has to nursemaid Draco Malfoy. On top of that, there's his work for the Order, he brews potions for the infirmary, the Wolfsbane Potion for Remus, and he's trying to find a cure for the curse afflicting the Headmaster. Oh, and lets not forget reporting to Voldemort and needing all his strength to shield himself from that monster's mental probing. And that's just the stuff I know about. No wonder the man's exhausted; it's a miracle he's not dead. She felt very angry on his behalf. She had to say something.

'Do you wish me to accompany you back to Gryffindor Tower, Hermione?'

'No thank you, Professor. Really, there is no need.'

'Very well, then I, too, will say goodnight.'

After Minerva had left, Hermione turned her attention to the Headmaster.

'Professor?'

'Yes, my dear?'

'I can't help but notice that Professor Snape seems a little stressed these days.'

Dumbledore regarded her over his half-moon spectacles.

She went on, 'His work for the Order is important, isn't it, Professor?'

'Yes, Miss Granger, it is.'

'He does seem to have a lot on his plate, and I was just wondering if I could help. I noticed the other evening that he was brewing some very basic potions for the hospital wing. I could do that – it would free some time for him to concentrate on more important things. And, I'd feel I was doing something constructive to help the war effort.'

Dumbledore smiled. 'That is an excellent suggestion, Miss Granger. I shall inform Professor Snape in the morning of your offer of assistance.'

'Um, sir?'

'Yes, Miss Granger.'

'Would you mind telling him that it was your idea? He'd bite my head off if he thought I'd suggested it.'

Dumbledore chuckled. 'Yes, he just might at that. Very well, my dear, I shall tell him I think he is overdoing it and needs an assistant. He won't like it, but I shall insist.'

'Thank you, sir. May I Floo back to the Gryffindor common room?'

'Of course you may. Off you go, now, it's getting late. Good night, my dear.'

'Good night, Professor.'

The boys were still up when she stepped through the fire-place.

'How did it go, Hermione?' said Ron.

'Is he going to be expelled? asked Harry

'It went okay, and no, he's not.' She held up her hand against their protests. 'There are reasons, and I'm fine with it.' She told them what Professor Snape had done.

'Trust him to stand up for Malfoy, the greasy git!' said Ron.

'Ron,' Hermione said tiredly, 'Professor Snape did what he thought was right. And I for one am glad that Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle have no memories of seeing me in my underwear.'

Ron blushed at the memory that evoked.

'So, is operation Smurf still on?' asked Harry.

'Absolutely.'

'Excellent!'

Neville looked at Ron.

'No idea, mate. Trust me, it's better not to ask.'