A/N: Ok, so a redo of the sequel…debating if I should continue it. Thoughts? Let me know in a REVIEW and vote in the poll I created in my profile!

A/N2: Character thoughts are always italicized.

A/N3: Yes, the first part of this chapter is the same as the original chapter 1, however, changes were made at the end and made longer.

Disclaimer: If I owned HP, I wouldn't have the student loan debts I have. (read: I don't own Harry Potter, I don't make money from this. I am merely a fan)

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Hermione paced in the room she shared with Ginny. What the bloody hell just happened? I have one moment of weakness and I let Sev…Professor Snape take me just like that? She chewed her nails as she paced. Sure, he's a brilliant man; and I've imagined things on more than one occasion…but Hermione, get a grip! Nothing can happen any more between us. Never. She nodded her head in agreement with herself.

The Order meeting had ended a while ago; it was the middle of the night now. Everyone else in the house was asleep. Her purple, terrycloth robe kept her warm over a thermal t-shirt and jersey knit pant. She remained bare foot so she wouldn't be too loud while movie around.

He's a professor. He's Snape. Nothing can ever happen…again…no matter what. Nodding to herself again, she sighed and headed to the kitchen. Some warm milk should help me sleep. Hermione listened closely to reassure herself that all was clear. She hugged the wall as she made her way down the stairs to the kitchen. It can't happen…it can't happen…CANNOT! She repeated this in her head as a chant, a constant reminder.

Hermione peaked into the kitchen to make sure she would be alone. Relief washed over her as she noticed no one else in the room. She walked over to the refrigerator, opened it, pulled out the milk, and moved to the counter. She grabbed a glass out of the cabinet and poured the milk so the glass was half full. She warmed the milk in a microwave that Mr. Weasley had found most amusing and had to bring along to #12. Feeling more rebellious, she took a seat on the counter next to the milk jug. Yes, this should be the extent of my rebellious behavior.

She took the final sip of her milk, washed the glass, and headed back up to her room. However, she got sidetracked. A light was on in a room down the hall from the stairs. I could have sworn no one else was awake when I came down here. Her immediate reaction, pull out her wand. She, Harry, and Ron have grown accustomed to carrying their wands around everywhere they go.

Hermione tried to creep quietly to the occupied room. She held her breath as she tried to peak inside. She didn't see anyone. She tightened her grip on her wand as she pushed the door open to work her way inside.

From behind the door, a firm hand caught her wrist. Hermione's eyes travelled the length of the black clad arm to meet the icy eyes of Severus. The moment their eyes met, his expression softened and his grip released. Hermione swallowed and let out a sigh of relief.

"Hermione, still awake at this hour?" Severus' tone held no emotion.

"I was just heading back up to bed, Professor." Yes, calling him Professor is the best way to achieve normalcy again.

"Back to the formalities? Why?" There, finally, a hint of emotion…sadness.

How did Hermione want to explain this? She had to return things to normal…for sanity's sake.

"I…I think it's the best thing, Professor. After all, we both know, nothing can happen beyond these walls. If things were to carry over to Hogwarts, nothing but trouble can happen. I am a student; you are my professor." That's enough, Hermione, don't babble. Less is more! She started back towards the door, but the door shut before she could exit the room.

"We're still contained here, within these walls."

Hermione tried to think of something, anything, to avoid the heartbreak and difficulties that were sure to arise from this and the previous encounter. Think, Hermione!

Hermione's pulse quickened. She really had planned to return the relationship back to normal. She would be content to just being an "insufferable know-it-all." But her body was telling her something completely different. She never allowed herself to let go of her insecurities…well, not until…

"Hermione," Severus snapped Hermione's thoughts back to the current situation. He was in front of her, stroking her cheek. "Hermione, if you do not wish to do anything, we don't have to."

Hermione chewed her bottom lip. Was this what she wanted? Could she truly move passed this and continue as if nothing had happened once they return to Hogwarts?

"I can't, Professor." Her eyes met his; she forced the tears to stay at bay so she would appear strong. "Believe me, it's not that there's a lack of physical attraction. It's just that…I prefer there to be as little complications while at school. There's enough going on normally…this would just be…" She wanted to say stress, baggage, unwelcome distractions, but it would be cruel. Hermione did love him. She knew that now. But nothing could come of it while she was a student and he a professor.

"Then I suggest, Ms. Granger, that you return to your room. I must return to my home to keep up my charade. Good night." Snape's tone was cold. Hermione had hurt him deeper than she could imagine.

"Severus, please…I'm sorry. If only we didn't have to worry about the student/teacher relationship, things could be different. Perhaps, in a couple of years after I graduate, we can pick up where we've left off here." Hermione sounded hopeful. Would it be enough?

"Ms. Granger…" Snape trailed off. "Hermione." He spoke in a whisper now. "We'll see."

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him on the lips to seal the promise. Upon completing the promise, she left the room, silently closing the door behind her. She heard something fragile, glass perhaps, smash against the wall and a loud sigh of loss.

Damn it, Hermione…go back in there and just kiss him to bits! She silently scolded herself. But she couldn't move. Then she heard the strangest thing in the room.

"Obliviate!" Snape demanded inside the room.

He used the memory charm on himself… Hermione quietly sobbed and then ran to her room. She would be the one left with the memory of the glorious night they had shared…and the promise of the ones to come.

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