I have roughly 15+ stories which I should update at the moment, I know this. But, I've read a few stories recently which I haven't clicked with as I did before and I knew that it was time to get back into writing again, and yes, that does mean a new story. I have the plots written out for about 5 of my other uncompleted HP stories and I will complete them soon hopefully, but it looks like I won't end up doing that until my Summer Holiday hits. So, without further ado, here is my new story.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, and various other publishers. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Hermione Granger had a secret. Severus Snape knew that much; the shifting of her eyes whenever someone came a little too near to her; the defensive stance she normally adopted when not in the company of Potter and Weasley; and the twitchiness of her wand hand, all these things gave her away. But, what the Professor didn't know was what the secret was. For five years, he had suspected that there was something that the girl was hiding, something she was unwilling to share, and today, today he was going to find out. He was sick of this ... this puzzle she presented in front of him, a puzzle he so desperately wanted to solve, but could not – if only to ease the whirring of his mind.

So, he had resorted to baiting her. "Miss Granger," said he, folding his arms over his chest in a somewhat menacing manner. "Do you mean to tell me that for the first time since you have graced us with your presence, you have not done your work in a timely manner? Tut, tut. I really did expect better from you."

"You'll find the work has been done Professor," she said, pointing to the lone vial that lay upon his desk. "I sent it up with Harry and Ron while I cleaned our work stations. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to head off to Arithmancy. Good day, Professor."

The Professor in question stood dumbstruck, glued to the floor. Not once had she had the gall to talk back to him, and yet she had just done so, and then left. The cheek of the girl! But, before he could even contemplate chasing her down, and demanding an explanation for her sudden change in behaviour, a head popped around his classroom door.

"Ahh, Severus, I was hoping I'd find you here."

Where else were you going to find me you old coot, he muttered in the safety of his occluded mind.

"Yes, Albus?"

"Would you mind joining me for a cup of lemon tea?"

Since when had he acquired that flavour of tea the Professor wondered, while trying to think of an excuse to politely decline the invitation.

"Albus, I planned to grade my 1st year papers tonight-"

"Splendid. Shall we say my office, ten minutes?"

And with that, the Headmaster disappeared.

0o0o0o0

Hermione Granger was not happy. He had noticed something. She had spent the journey up to Arithmancy trying to convince herself to the contrary, but obviously, she should have been planning for the worst. Snape never called her back, never. And yet, he kept her behind to ask her about work she knew he'd seen Harry and Ron place upon his desk. It was all very ... puzzling.

Sidestepping into a hidden alcove, Hermione took a minute to compose herself. With a deep breath, she pushed up the sleeve of her jumper to reveal a myriad of scars disfiguring her arm.

"I can't afford to slip up again," she whispered to herself as she traced the scars. "I can't."

Slowly, she tugged her sleeve down her arm, and brushed an invisible piece of lint from her jumper. Squaring her shoulder, she headed off to Arithmancy.

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