Disclaimer: I don't own any of them. They belong to JKR, lucky woman.

Prologue

It was a dark night the Dark Lord met his demise. Harry Potter, in his seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, barely made it through the battle alive. He had vanquished his mighty foe for good. However, this is not his story, but rather that of two other survivors whose fates became forever intertwined that night . . .

"Miss Granger, watch your back!" Severus Snape, Potions Master at Hogwarts, yelled as he flew toward her. He crashed into his student, and they both hit the ground hard. "Are you all right?" Snape asked, getting to his feet whilst looking for Death Eaters.

"I believe so. Thank you, sir." He merely nodded in response as he helped her to her feet. At that exact moment, a pained scream filled the air. Snape grabbed his left arm, which suddenly felt as if it were on fire. He pulled up his sleeve far enough to see the Dark Mark glowing brightly. "Are you okay, Professor?" Hermione inquired, looking worried for her teacher.

"I'm fine," came Snape's grunted reply. He obviously was not "fine," but Hermione had no time to think about it as two Death Eaters were approaching the pair. Hermione's wand was at the ready, but she did not need it. Another scream ripped through the night. This time, the Death Eaters doubled over, Snape as well. Hermione tentatively approached the Potions Master. His arm quickly shot out and grabbed hers. "Save yourself. Forget about me," he hissed.

"You saved my life, Sir. I'm not leaving you." He merely nodded in return, slowly getting up. The other Death Eaters were rising to their feet as well. Hermione was determined to protect Snape in his weakened state. She was supporting him as he got to his feet, her wand pointing toward the enemy. By her side, Draco Malfoy appeared, along with Ron Weasley.

Draco whispered loudly enough for Hermione and Snape to hear, "Harry killed him. We need to hold these off. We're almost out of this." The youngest Malfoy, under the influence of Headmaster Albus Dumbledore and Snape, had joined the Order. He, along with Snape, spied on Voldemort's activities. It was not until the battle that anyone learned his true allegiance.

Snape faltered for a moment, but did not fall. Hermione held him up. "Professor, can you handle this? You don't look so good."

"I'll be fine, Miss Granger. Draco, you seem to be handling this well." Malfoy just smiled in return.

Ron piped in, "I hate to interrupt, but we have trouble approaching." A number of Death Eaters were in fact approaching the group. They were coming for the traitors. Snape let go of Hermione and stood on his own. Despite the fact he was weak, he was impressive. His demeanor demanded respect. He was not going down without taking someone with him. The impending attack was getting closer and closer, but it never came. A bright flash appeared behind the Death Eaters and they collapsed. Harry and Professor Dumbledore's outlines drew near. Snape collapsed again, and Hermione held onto him.

"Thank you, Miss Granger," he said weakly.

"You're welcome," she smiled encouragingly at him as the group went to meet the Headmaster. Hagrid was approaching fast, as well. Harry collapsed just as Hagrid reached the group. The half-giant caught him, and picked him up carefully. "Harry!" Hermione yelled.

"He will be fine, Miss Granger," Dumbledore spoke. "He is merely exhausted from his efforts this evening. Am I right to say the same of you, Severus?" Snape nodded his reply. "Miss Granger, would you please escort Severus to the infirmary. I fear he will not make it on his own. There are a number of Death Eaters still about."

"Yes, sir," Hermione responded. She and Snape slowly made their way back to the castle. Considering the scope of the battle, Voldemort's losses had been considerably greater than the Order's. It still made Hermione sick. Surprisingly, the pair met little resistance on their short trek. It was not until they were entering the castle they were stopped. Worst of all, it was Lucius Malfoy, and he was out for blood, Snape's in particular.

Upon seeing the elder Malfoy, Snape had a sudden rush of adrenaline. Hermione, on the other hand, did what came as instinct. "Petrificus Tota . . ."

"Expelliarmus!" Malfoy quickly yelled. Hermione's wand flew from her hand. She looked lost without it, but Snape was already in motion. He had not even bothered to use his wand. Snape had knocked Malfoy's wand from his hand and was punching him in the head.

"I ought to Avada Kadavra you, Malfoy, but I'm not. You deserve a much worse fate." Snape continued to pummel the blond wizard. Whether it was out of frustration or exhaustion, Hermione was not quite sure, Snape stopped. He stood over the spluttering Malfoy. "Let's go, Miss Granger."

She noticed Malfoy coughing up some blood as Snape came toward her. "I said, let's go." She supported him as they entered the castle. However, both felt a very odd sensation tingling though their bodies. Hermione glanced at Malfoy, but his body was prone. She helped Snape to the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey, who was overloaded as it was, asked Hermione to wait. She gave Snape a quick checkup before giving him one of his own cure-alls. She then sent Hermione with him to his quarters.

"Speak these to no one," he said as he undid the wards to his rooms. Before proceeding further, he reset them. Hermione was confused as to why he even let her in, but she figured he was too weak to get there himself. Snape had to be physically and mentally exhausted from the battle considering Hermione herself was worn out. "Do you have the cure-all?"

"Yes, sir," Hermione replied, pulling the phial from her pocket.

"Snape found two shot glasses and filled each with half the potion. "Drink this," he said, handing her one glass.

"But Professor, surely . . ."

"I said drink it!" he replied forcefully. She tentatively took the glass. He picked his up and downed it, grimacing. Hermione followed suit. "Foul stuff, but potent. Help me to my room, Miss Granger."

"Yes, sir." He leaned on her, and they made their way to his bedroom. Hermione always imagined Snape's rooms to be dark, damp, and cold. She found them to be quite the opposite. In fact, Hermione felt as if she would be at home with a few changes. Snape caught her checking out his surroundings.

"My classroom may appear to fit my personality, Miss Granger, but I do appreciate certain comforts."

Hermione was unsure how to respond to the comments, so she changed the subject. "Are you set for the evening, sir?"

"The question is if you are."

"What do you mean?"

"At the headmaster's request, Miss Granger, I must insist you remain her for tonight. The castle is not safe. Although I do not doubt your abilities, your safety is still a concern. As such, I'm afraid you are stuck with me for tonight."

"Oh."

"I won't bite. You may take the bed. I will use the couch," Snape informed her.

Hermione disagreed. "I will do no such thing! You are in mush worse shape than I."

Snape did not have it in him to argue. "Then what do you suggest, Miss Granger?" You are certainly in no shape to suffer a night of discomfort either. Are we to share the same bed?' he inquired, cocking an eyebrow.

Although she was loath to admit he was right about her state, the idea intrigued her. "No. Yes. . I don't know." She looked at him, confused. He returned her look in a way that seemed to be a dare. There was something else though, something carnal. She raised her eyebrow in thought and crossed her arms, returning the dare.

"Very well then, Miss Granger. That's decided." The carnal look had not left his eyes. Before Hermione knew it, she was pulled into a searing kiss form the Potions Master. She did not resist, but rather encouraged it. The kiss quickly turned into something more as their lust overcame all reason. It was not long before they were in bed together.

End Prologue