Chapter Twelve

Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing here except the plot. This is for entertainment purposes only. Happy reading!

A big Thanks to my brilliant beta, Charmed Nay. She gets everything back to me so quickly, and she is always glad to fix my muck ups.

Thanks to GinnyW for giving this a second run through and helping me find funkies that were missed on the first round!

Hermione grinned as they made their way from Hagrid's hut. They were on their way to the infirmary. Ron had chipped a tooth on one of Hagrid's hard cakes. She had offered to try to fix it for him, but he wouldn't have it. She had been enjoying her week off before she was to start with Minerva. She felt comfortable that she had done an outstanding job on her N.E.W.T.s a couple of days earlier. Just having that over with had taken a lot off her chest. Now she simply took to looking over Minerva's articulate notes for the Transfiguration classes.

"Don't know how he eats those things! Did you see him chomping away like nothing was wrong?" Ron groused.

Draco scoffed. "Well, at least you actually wanted to visit the oaf. I am stuck as a damn tagalong! Do you think I really care about his problems with Aragog's wife, Mosag? Or Aragog's cataracts? They are bloody spiders for Merlin's sake!"

"Not just a spider! A blasted Acromantula! The lot almost had Harry and me for dinner, they did! If my dad's car hadn't shown up, we'd have been done for I tell you," Ron said, turning green.

"Pity," Draco said with a grin. "Would have been nice and quiet the past few years."

"And, Voldemort would still be alive. You could possibly be dead. Many things would have been different. Everything happens for a reason," Hermione chided.

"Right. Didn't think about that," Draco said.

"Harry blasted one that was trying to rip me apart with some spell he had learned. Say, Harry, where did you learn that spell anyway?" Ron asked, looking at his friend.

"Voldemort," Harry said simply. Hermione could tell something was wrong. They'd need to ditch the others to have a private talk. As much as she had grown to like Draco, he was a thorn to have around at times. He always tried to provoke Ron, but it seemed that Ron loved it.

"Bloody hell! What? He just told you, 'Oh, by the way, Potter, before Quirrell does you in tonight, I want you to know this spell that kills spiders'?" Ron asked incredulously. Harry had never told him that part!

"The diary, dolt."

"Oh. Right."

"What diary?" Draco asked.

Ron's face turned thunderous. "The ruddy diary that your father put in my sister's cauldron! Back in our second year. You remember when Harry defeated the Basilisk?"

Draco stopped. "What?"

"They had a Basilisk in the Chamber of Se..."

"No shit, Ron. What are you on about my father?" Draco asked heatedly.

"You didn't know?" Hermione asked quietly, hoping not to cause a rift between Draco and his father. "He planted a diary in Ginny's cauldron right before he and Mr. Weasley had their fight in the bookstore. It's how Voldemort did his dirty work that year. Through her."

Draco's face dropped. He hadn't known that it was his father that had done it. In fact, when he saw the destroyed book in his family home, his father claimed Potter was trying to blame it on him, and he had used the book to trick him into freeing their servant, Dobby. Draco felt sick. Back then, he had enjoyed the knowledge that unworthy students could have been petrified or killed. He hadn't really wanted them killed, but he wouldn't have stopped it. Had his father really changed? How can you go from a man that would try to use an eleven-year-old girl to a man that would fight to save the same girl years later? "I'll see you."

"Draco, wait," Harry said. "Come here. See you later, Mione, Ron."

"Guess we're dismissed then," Ron muttered. Hermione just nodded and took his arm. Poor Malfoy! He really hadn't known. She could see it in his eyes. Harry would know what to say. She felt bad for wishing that he'd shove off for a bit. Maybe he actually enjoyed their company more than he let on.

"I'll see you to the infirmary."

Ron seemed thoughtful for a while. "I didn't know, Mione. I feel sort of bad about it really. Had I known, I wouldn't have said it like that. It's just that it was my sister his father used, and I'll not forget that no matter what he's done for us. You know?"

"I know what you mean, Ron. Draco I can manage, but his father makes me feel uneasy as well. I trust him because Severus does. That doesn't mean that I have forgotten all the shite he's done to us," she said, thinking about their early run-ins with Malfoy Senior. "I think he has changed though. I feel he has. That is good enough for me, but as long as I live, I think he will always intimidate me on some level."

Ron grinned impishly. "Glad my dad whipped his arse that day!" They shared a laugh.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Terence Higgs looked over at Douglas Bradley. They were in the private dungeons at Higgs Manor. "I've nearly got it. I just wish we could test it out on someone," Bradley said longingly. "It doesn't matter though. Once we have that bitch here, we'll do it. If it works, then great. If not, who cares? Let it kill the whore. Death Eater bitch."

Higgs longed to strike the bastard. How dare he talk about the Dark Lord's followers that way? They were superior to all, and if Bradley had kept his woman on a leash, she wouldn't have been in the wrong place at the right time. He chuckled wickedly. Bravo to the lot that did it! And, kudos to Malfoy as well. To hear the others tell it, he had been the one to hack away on her for a bit. NO! Malfoy is a blood traitor. Right. "Father says that they have a plan. We are going to get her out this weekend. You are not to do anything to her if the potion works. Not at first," he added quickly when Bradley looked to him oddly. "We are going to use our own methods for a while to get information from her. We'll keep her locked down here of course. You can do what you like after we are sure there aren't any others that we may have missed."

Bradley nodded in agreement. "That's not a problem. I've waited a long time to get complete revenge on the bastards. A little more time won't kill me."

Oh, but it will. "Exactly," Higgs said with a false smile. "What shall I owl to our informant at Hogwarts? They are expecting word this night."

"Just say it's time to test out Malfoy." Bradley grinned broadly. "I wonder if Snape would like to witness his woman being ravished? That would prove entertaining. I would love to see it though." The man laughed loudly. "I've the perfect plan."

Higgs listened half-heartedly. Snape. The tosser! Blood traitor. As the plan unfolded, he had another twinge of regret at using Draco for it. He would have proved to be a great Death Eater had the Dark Lord lived. Higgs had only been with him in school for two years, but in those two years, he'd admired the boy's determination, and at times, he'd wished that he could have been as vocal about things. Nevertheless, that could never be. His father always told him to keep his mouth shut. Never let on what you are feeling, Terence. Never let them know what you have in mind. Never doubt your gut instinct. Well, bloody hell, his gut instinct was saying that Draco could easily become an ally. He might even kill his own father for them. He'd keep those thoughts in mind.

"Ugh! Why does you father keep all of these snakes in there? I can see them slithering about. Nasty little buggers," Bradley complained.

Higgs almost slipped by saying that it was out of affection to the Dark Lord that he kept Nagini and her offspring, but that would have given their loyalties away. "He's got some experiments in the works, and he needs a good deal of snake skin."

"Well that one big bloke in the center is huge! There must be fifteen all together," he said with disgust. "I hate snakes." Higgs smiled thinking he might have found a way for Bradley to suffer when he met his death.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Severus, please understand, my boy. It's not very easy for me to do this, but I feel the need. I am tired," Dumbledore said quietly. "I think it's best. Harry is graduating. Voldemort is gone. I'll take the summer to myself, and then come back in the fall to be with Minerva."

Severus felt a twinge of jealousy. Albus was like a father to him. He would miss his council terribly, and despite the fact he would still be around, somewhat, it felt like he was losing the only man that had truly thought upon him fondly. Had he only been caring about Harry all this time? "So, now that Harry is safe, you feel that your work is done? You've many years left in you, Albus; surely you could stick around for a few more. I...I know I sound selfish, but it seems like this is the beginning of the end. Is there something you aren't telling me? Telling us?"

"I do still have a few years left in me, and I shall still spend them here. You'll not be rid of me in the least, but I will just not be headmaster any longer. That job falls to Minerva now," Dumbledore said softly. He hated to see Severus show emotion of this kind. He could see that his young friend was hurting. He could also sense that Severus believed that he only cared for Harry. "Do you know why I call you my boy, much of the time?"

Severus grunted. "It's fine, Albus. I didn't like it at first, but it grew on me. I won't have a go at you about it now after all these years." He was trying to lighten their conversation. He hadn't meant to sound so selfish just then. The last thing Severus wanted was to give Albus anymore to dwell on, and he did look his age more so now than ever.

"It's because I care for you, Severus. You have been like a son to me. When it will finally be my time, I will go without a fight to my next destination, and many years down the road when you come to join me, I will embrace you as a son who has come to see his father after a long time apart," Albus said softly, feeling relieved that he'd finally told the man how he felt. He knew these were the words that Severus needed to hear. "I love you, my boy. If I had ever had a son, I would have wanted him to be just like you."

There were many things that Severus wanted to say, but he couldn't. Those words meant a lot to him and caused him to feel ridiculous about thinking that Albus only cared for Harry. "I wish that my father...could have cared as you do, Albus. This...thank you." He didn't stiffen as the older wizard hugged him in an ardent show of affection. It felt good to feel cared for by his mentor. He could almost pretend that Albus was his father though they were nothing alike. Had he been so starved for affection all these years? Longing for fatherly pride?

Severus paused. Harry. He'd never had that either, had he? His father had died trying to save him in a last act of Gryffindor courage and fatherly instinct. Harry could hear many tales about Potter Senior and still never know how it felt to be embraced by him, to hear words of pride, to know the man. From what he'd seen in Harry's memories, his ruddy uncle had been a bastard to him. They had grown up with similar childhoods, hadn't they? Though Severus hated Black, even now, he was glad that he'd been able to give Harry at least two years of care. Remus had tried to step in after Black died, but he was taken as well. Harry only had Albus now. Harry's pleading eyes came back to him then. Lily's eyes. He was reaching out. Needing a mentor near his dad's age. Severus knew in his heart that Lily would have wanted that. Overcome by an odd emotion, he said, "I will take care of Harry for you. I will guide him."

"I never doubted that, my boy," Albus said, his eyes twinkling. Things had come full circle. Severus was now as he should have been all those years ago. He had finally gotten the girl, and the Potter this time would come to be a friend, perhaps like a nephew of sorts. With Severus' last words, it felt that Albus' last worries had been lifted. Of course, he now had to worry about young Malfoy and Miss Granger, but that wasn't anything they couldn't handle. After all that had happened, who could really go against them and win? No one. Not with Severus and Harry teamed together. Not even Voldemort had been able to stop them. These new foes would pay a terrible price for their misconceptions.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Dark eyes tried to locate their mark. Ah, there he is. Draco Malfoy walked by and was chiding one of the fat lugs that followed him around about something. Pompous little prick! With a quick flick of the wand and a whispered spell, the informant gave the boy his next set of instructions. This would be entertaining.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

Good Lord, but I want to kiss Hermione so badly. Draco mentally shook his head. No, he did not want to. He shook off the hazy feeling and listened intently. A voice was whispering that he should go kiss Hermione in front of the entire school. In front of Snape! Shit! How the hell could he pull that off? He knew he had to do it though. It would let them think that their plans were working, the idiots! They were dealing with a Malfoy here. Didn't they know whom they were messing with? Draco grinned. The voice didn't say when he had to do it, just so it was during the meal. He sat down with his mates and let his face take on a momentary blank expression. Draco tried to look around to see if he saw anything amiss, but there was nothing. Nobody had been in the corridor at all when they'd come through. After Severus killed him for what he had to do, he'd come back as a ghost to explain. He smirked to himself.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh, hello there, Stuart," Hermione greeted as the man sat next to her. He seemed to be out of breath. "Are you all right?"

"Fine, thanks," he panted. "I didn't want to be late, but time got away from me. My assistant is leaving tomorrow and won't be back until Monday. I had to get her to do a few extra things."

Hermione smiled. This would be easy. "How is she working out? She was here last year, wasn't she?"

"Yes, I believe so. She is an all right help, I suppose, but she always seems to be drifting off. In fact, just tonight she was supposed to be grading the essays on knowing the correct way to work a telephone, but she didn't even get through half of them. Now we'll have to work late," he said in an annoyed voice. "I had hoped to go into Hogsmeade. If she keeps this up, I'm afraid she'll be no good in her position at the Ministry."

Ha! The backstabbing bitch! Hermione hoped she would fail miserably at all she did in the future. Well, that was a little harsh. She just shouldn't have betrayed them back in the days of Umbridge. It was possible she was once again betraying them. Severus elbowed her. She looked to him. He lowered his mouth to her ear. "A bit friendly, aren't we?"

She made a face. "Trust me. Friendly is all it is." She squeezed his leg firmly. "You know, Severus, I..." Blast! How could she say this?

"Yes?"

She blushed deeply. "I feel a bit randy."

"Indeed?"

"Definitely. Have you any suggestions?" she asked, winking at him.

She saw his wicked grin. "I have many, Little One, but where to start?" He brought a finger to his lips as if thinking.

"Start any place you'd like." She nearly kissed him! She'd have to control herself. The students were always watching in wait of gossip. "What's Draco about?" She noticed that Draco was slowly walking towards them. He had a blank expression on his face, and his eyes had gone wide. "Oh no," she breathed as he neared.

"Something must be up," Severus whispered. "Just go with it." He turned to Albus to begin a quick chat. He didn't want to appear too interested in Malfoy just yet.

"Hello, Hermione," Draco said, giving her a warm smile.

"Hi, Draco. Er... what's up? We can talk after the meal if you'd like," she said.

"No. I have to do this now. I feel this overpowering need, Hermione," he said seductively. "You don't know what you do to me, do you?"

This caught Severus' attention. Most of the students nearby had heard as well. Hell the brat was talking loudly. Even the staff stopped conversing to look. Severus heard Hooch pass the comment that Draco's owl had left his Owlery if he thought he'd get away with that. "What are you on about, boy?" Severus asked, narrowing his eyes. In the back of his mind, he knew that this was likely an instruction, but he didn't like it. The mole would be watching his reaction closely no doubt.

"I'm sorry, Professor, but I cannot fight this urge." With that, Draco leaned across the table towards Hermione.

"Dr-Draco?" she managed before the boy's lips pressed against hers roughly. He'd grabbed her head to keep her in place, and Severus could see his tongue sliding along her tightly closed mouth. She was struggling to pull away, but the boy held fast.

Severus stood up so quickly that his chair fell back. He grabbed Draco and flung him back across the table. You will die, boy! "You dirty little bastard!" Severus lunged across the table flinging plates and food in every direction, but before he could get his hands on Draco, an outside force stopped him. "Let me go," he yelled trying to struggle.

"Silencio," Rolanda said. "Sorry, old boy, but they don't need to hear you right now."

Hermione sat back in horror. Draco had kissed her. Tried to anyway. Severus was trying to attack him for it! Albus had Immobilized him quickly enough. All of the students were now looking on with interest. They were talking excitedly and grinning at the spectacle. McGonagall came around to lead a puzzled and horrified looking Draco away. Harry and Ron made their way towards the table. Dumbledore motioned for them to return to their seats. Reluctantly, they did so.

The headmaster slowly made his way to a livid Severus. "I think we should have a word, Severus." He released the hold on him, and it looked like Severus wanted to make for Draco and Minerva, but Rolanda shook her head while placing a hand on his arm.

"Go with Albus," she said. "I'll see to Hermione."

Severus nodded tersely, brushing the various pieces of food from his robes. He would maim and torture the person that just forced Draco to do that. He had had to act like a fool in front of the school. Now, they would call him the jealous Potions master. Hell, he hadn't been acting. He was outraged. He would have pounded a fist into Draco over the ordeal even though he knew it wasn't his fault. But, sod it all! Those were his lips! That was his woman. Severus looked to Hermione. She seemed as if she would burst into tears at any moment. Rolanda was making her way to her, and that fat arse Steward was talking to her. He nodded to her and followed the headmaster out.

"Here," Stuart said, handing Hermione a handkerchief. "What was all that about? Snape has a thing for you, does he? Who was that young boy?"

She sniffed and took the cloth. "Severus and I are involved." The man seemed to pale.

"I... I did not know. I must have offended you by saying that he was rude. I apologize," he said, looking properly abashed.

"It's a quite confusing and long story. Perhaps I will tell you one day. Draco is a good friend to me. We've never... I don't know why he did that! Severus is his Head of House. This won't do." A tear spilled down her cheek.

"Come along, Hermione," Rolanda said softly. Hermione nodded and patted Stuart in thanks before following her out. "What are you looking at?" Hooch questioned some students sharply. "Mind your meal."

Hermione could hear snippets of conversation. "I told you they were fucking." "What would Malfoy want with that?" "Malfoy wishes he could get in her knickers." "She's probably sleeping with both of them." "Snape was going to kill that idiot." "He should have done that in private."

"Don't listen to the little bastards," Hooch coached. "First rule of advice, never care what other people think. Second rule of advice, hold your head high and pretend like everything that happens is nothing to you. Third rule of advice, when things get sticky, joke about it as well. That way they don't think they have something on you."

Hermione pondered over this. So, this was why Rolanda acted as she did. Some things, like blue-feathery hair, probably did bother her, but she just pretended to not care. And, it worked! Minerva saw that it was nothing to the woman and fixed it back. Nobody said much about it after because there was no chance of goading Rolanda for a reaction. "I'll keep that in mind," Hermione said.

"It works. Trust me," she said. "To be quite blunt, I find that after a while you begin to not really care. You just do as you wish, and it is very satisfying to know that nobody can hold anything over your head at any point. You might have to handle things differently since you have a man in your life though."

"Why have you never gotten married?"

Rolanda paused for a minute. "I almost did. He died. No one has quite ever been able to match me since, but I'm not in mourning. No ma'am I am not. If I ever meet someone who could handle me, then I'm all for it. I just doubt I'll ever find that person."

"Sorry," Hermione said softly.

"Don't be. It was twenty-five years ago."

"How did he die?" Hermione asked quietly. She hated to pry, but for some reason, she wanted to know.

"Voldemort," Hooch said stiffly. "Here we are." She opened the door to the staff room. A stormy Severus and a somber Dumbledore were already there. There was a smashed chair, broken glass, and a table overturned. She dared not question what had gone on. Not yet anyway. His hard expression softened slightly when his eyes met hers.

"I'm sorry," Hermione said, walking to him. "I didn't know."

He held up a hand. "It was not your fault."

"I'd say," Hooch commented. "He's an imbecile! What was the bloody idiot thinking? You would have ripped him apart if Albus hadn't stopped you."

"Rolanda," Albus said, trying to quiet her.

Severus pulled Hermione to him possessively. "There is more going on here than that, Rolanda. I think we should tell her." Albus nodded and took her to the side to explain. Severus looked back to his young lover. "I shouldn't have reacted so badly. I know that I have likely embarrassed you, but I had no choice."

"I know you had to. The informant could have been watching. Probably was watching."

"Hermione, my reaction was a natural one. I would have... done that to anyone," he admitted. "The thought of someone else... we need to get out of here."

Minerva came in. "Draco is in your office, Severus. I think it best that you handle him since he is in your House. He's pretty shaken up about it, and he says that he hopes you won't hold it against him. He was instructed to do it." She scoffed at the mess that Severus had left. She began repairing things quickly.

Severus nodded. "I know that. I'll see to him."

Minerva smirked. "I took the liberty of taking fifty points from Slytherin for lewd conduct."

"Sneaky witch," Severus said, his eyes glowing. "I shall have to harden up against your cubs then."

"Ha!" Minerva scoffed. "I'd say we're not nearly even. All the points you take for no reason at times."

"Now you know that is no longer true," Severus retorted.

"Bloody hell!" Rolanda exclaimed. "I wish I had known. I can be of some help you know. Bastards!"

"All that we can ask, Rolanda," Dumbledore said, "is to keep an eye out for anyone suspicious. Keep your ears open, and if you hear something, let us know."

"You betcha." Her yellow eyes took on a vivid glow. "Always ready for a row, I am. Let me in on it when the time comes."

Hermione smiled. The woman was definitely something else. She was glad to have been able to push back the slightly ill feelings for her. There was no reason why she couldn't consider her as a friend. "I think I would like to have a long bath," Hermione said. "This was just... uncomfortable."

"I'll escort you to your rooms," Severus said softly. "I have to meet with Harry in a while. I will need to work out the details with Draco and hand out his detention. I intend to make him serve it with Minerva." His eyes took on an amused look as the woman went off in a slew of Scottish obscenities. "Sorry, Minerva, but my plate is full at the moment. Since you saw fit to deduct points, you've become involved."

"You can give him detention with Filch! That would be the most likely thing to do! Nobody wants to suffer through that!" Minerva shook her finger at him in a sinister way.

"Point taken," Severus said with a smirk. "Come along, Hermione." He led her to her chambers and told her that he would collect her after he and Harry had their session. As he entered his office, he could see Draco was deeply upset. Severus sneered automatically at the remembrance of seeing Draco's lips on Hermione's. His tongue prodding for entry. Little bastard. Stop Severus. Think. Calm yourself. He glared at the young wizard before him for a moment before he was able to speak. "Don't worry, boy. I won't kill you... today."

Draco smiled tightly, as if uncertain that he wouldn't be throttled. "They made me do it. The bastards!"

"I know. Tell me everything you can." Severus had tried to not sound so cold, but he couldn't help it.

"I was talking to Goyle on my way into the hall when I suddenly wanted to kiss Hermione. It took a moment, but then I realized what the feeling was. I could hear a voice whispering to me. It said that I had to kiss her in front of everyone and to be sure that you saw it." Draco ran his fingers through his hair. "I knew I had to do it, sir."

"Draco, I understand. Was it a male or female voice? Did you recognize it?"

"No. It could have been either. All I heard was a whisper. I was unprepared for it, I tell you. If I hadn't have been trained, I would never have noticed. It was so subtle."

Severus nodded. "Did you see anyone about?"

"That's just it. No one was in the corridors save us. Maybe they were hiding or disillusioned. I don't know. I'm sorry," he said. "For doing it and for failing to see anyone."

"You've not failed, Draco. As far as we know, they believe that they have succeeded. I'm sure my reaction was much anticipated. You did well," Severus said with a nod. "I will have to give you detention with Filch though to keep up pretenses, and I know that Minerva has taken House points already. That should do."

"Not a problem. I guess I still need to follow her around? How do I explain that? I mean, they will know that you probably won't want me around her now, and she wouldn't likely want me around after I've tried to kiss her. Where do we go from here?"

"Good point. Perhaps you should appear repentant. Tell anyone who will listen that Hermione shunned you for me, and that the only reason I allow you to continue to be friendly with her is because she insists. They all know she is willful. I will keep up the pretense of being angry with you, snide remarks, glaring eyes, and the like." Severus smiled tightly. "That should suffice."

"Thanks, sir. For a moment there, I thought you were going to kill me," he said.

"For a moment there, I thought I was too," Severus said evenly. "Off you go."

Draco gulped. "Yes, sir." As he made his way to his own common room, he thought over what had happened. Snape had been a wild man, throwing him down, and then slamming across the table. He gulped again. Poor sod that tried to take her away would likely end up dying by Snape's bare hands.

~~~~~~~~ HG ~~~~~~~~~ SS ~~~~~~~~~~

"Professor?"

"Come in, Harry." Severus indicated for Harry to take a seat. "I trust you enjoyed the show in the hall?"

"Ron and I figure that he was following instructions. What happened?" Harry asked.

Where once Severus would have told him to mind his own business, he sat down and told him all that had taken place. "You think I'm right about the advice I gave?"

"Yeah, it would be like Hermione to forgive him. I'll make a show of telling people that Hermione was upset, but after all Draco has done to change, he should be given another chance. Ron and I will act suspicious of course." Harry grinned. "Look, if you aren't up to this, we can make it another time."

"No, it's all right. Are you doing any private training at the moment?" Severus asked.

"Albus and I talked last night, and we decided to continue my wandless magic training. I've been practicing a bit. It's getting easier," Harry said, shrugging his shoulders. "He gave me a book to study over the next couple of weeks as well. The Blurred Line of Dark Meeting Light, it's called."

Severus raised an eyebrow. What the hell was he giving this to Harry for? "Have you begun reading?"

"Not just yet. I thought to get to it this weekend."

"Fair enough. I think that I shall like to have discussions with you concerning the book as well. I read it long ago of course, and it has information pertinent to some of what you and I will be going over," Severus stated. "Bring it next Wednesday."

"Yes, sir."

"For tonight, I think we won't meet for long. We need to talk about your emotions. I have noticed that when you are extremely angry, odd things happen around you. It's as if you emit a magical energy to the things around you." Severus poured a glass of water for each of them.

"Odd?"

"Yes, the other night when you were angry over the thought of someone harming Hermione, you said you felt the need to destroy something. It showed around you. A breeze came through her room. Your eyes, they looked different," Severus said, taking a sip. "We need to learn to control that."

"Sir, do you think that one day I will snap? What's this about? Earlier tonight I saw that you didn't control yourself very well either. You were not acting. You would have hit Malfoy if you'd had the opportunity," Harry said firmly. "I'm not going to hurt anyone."

"You are right. I didn't have to pretend earlier. I was livid. I wanted to lash out at him even though somewhere deep inside of me I knew that he had no choice, but I knew better. I should have controlled that. Even after I went off with Albus to the staff room, I found it hard to control my rage. I kept seeing that over again in my mind. I... destroyed a few items. See my point then?" he asked. "He is a friend of sorts, yet I still had the urge to harm him."

"I suppose. Be honest. What's this really about?"

Severus thought for a moment. "Harry, you have learnt many things in a short time. Some wizards take years to learn just some things that you know. You have not had the best life. You have been abused. People that you love have been taken from you. You have had to kill at such a young age. Sometimes you will experience feelings that you shouldn't. You will think that you are powerful and can do what you'd like, but then something will always keep you from doing so."

"Are you also talking about yourself, sir?"

"Yes. I speak from experience. At times, I felt like I could do what I liked and even thought about it. Then, I would think of Albus' kind eyes. Your mother's bright eyes. Minerva's stern expression. Different things. There was always a reason to stay on the right path. Now I can add Hermione to that list... and you."

"Me, sir?"

Thinking of his conversation with Albus, he said, "I...I am proud of you, Harry. You are not even eighteen yet, and you have proved yourself time and again. I think...no, I know...your parents would have been proud of you as well. She didn't die in vain, Harry. You've avenged her, hell, you've avenged so many others as well."

Harry looked down for a moment. "I'm tired of it all sometimes. Everyone looks at me and tries to talk to me, but it's because of what I have done. Nobody, save a few friends here, really cares to know me. Hell, I walk into a crowded room sometimes, like in Hogsmeade, and the room parts to give me passage. Half of them are scared of me, and the other half are in awe of me."

"How does that make you feel, Harry? When they show respect to you that way?"

"Mostly alone."

"What else?"

"Powerful."

Severus nodded. "Exactly. Harry fame isn't everything it's cracked up to be, is it?"

"No. I've never wanted it. I just wanted a real family and friends."

"If you lost, your friends, Harry. What would you do?"

Harry met his eyes. "I would... be lost."

"I doubt that will ever come to pass, but there are always chances that some things may happen. Being lost isn't a good thing, Harry. That is when someone is at his most vulnerable. The seemingly right words said by the wrong person will sway you in a direction you may not truly want to go." Severus reached over and put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You and I are going to work together on this. I will show you all that I have learnt in the past. You will never be influenced as I have been. We are going to work on channeling your emotions."

"I really needed this. Sometimes it's just overwhelming. All of it," Harry admitted.

"It's all right, Harry, and it's very understandable. Read on Albus' book this weekend. Next time I will show you a calming method." Severus smirked. "One, I daresay, that I should have used earlier."

Harry smiled. "Thanks, sir."

"You may call me Severus in private, Harry. I think that will be fine," he said softly, wondering why he had the urge to help the boy so much. Hermione's influence? He was unsure what was motivating him, but it seemed right.

"Thanks, sir. Er... Se-Severus," Harry said. "Hell, that sounds too weird."

Severus laughed. "Off with you, my boy. I shall see you tomorrow."

"Night," Harry called as he made his way out.

Severus froze. My boy. How easily that had fallen out! Blast! He was turning into a younger version of a barmy old man that he knew all too well! Harry needed this. They both did. He would repay Lily for her kindness in the past, and maybe this was his own way to still be close to her. He tried to recall Lily's face, but he couldn't. He could envision her eyes, but not her face. It was Hermione's face that came to mind. Mione. He shook his head brusquely, remembering their conversation about nicknames. She need not know, but when he heard her friends call her this, he was a little jealous about it. It showed the intimacy of their relationship. Severus wanted to be able to be that way with her as well. He'd never live it down now though if he said that again.

Making his way to the grate, he Flooed to her rooms. He stepped out and noticed that she wasn't going over Minerva's notes as he'd thought she would be. He made his way to the bedroom, and he saw her. She was curled up, fast asleep. Severus sighed. "So much for feeling randy," he muttered. He peeled off all of his clothes save his underpants, and he crawled in with her. She cuddled against him in her sleep and seemed to smile. "I love you," he whispered. He'd let her sleep...for now, but come morning, nothing would keep him from having her.

Southern's Notes: I hope that puts some of you at ease about Minerva/Albus. I noticed some concerns voiced. On a lighter note (Hehe) about Draco, poor sod, he'll be okay! As always, thanks for the reviews. They are appreciated.