Disclaimer: As always, the characters, settings ,etc. do not belong to me. I am not making any money.

A/N: This should have been a one shot but it kind of got away from me. If you have not read "Protector" and "Safe Haven" go back now (and please review while you're there!) or else you might not understand what going on here.

Silver Lining

Chapter 1 – Mixed Emotions

It was not easy making Albus understand why I covered up Mr. Granger's murder. Sure he let Hermione go on with her life, after all he had me. There were only so many people a one hundred and fifty year old wizard could have a hold on. Besides its not as if he could use her they way he used me. For her sake I hoped that the old man would not call on her to pay for her misdeeds. No one new as I did what it was to repay a debt to Albus Dumbledore.

I was called to accompany Hermione to her father's funeral. Her friends made a fuss about not being allowed to join her. I was grateful for not having play watch dog to the lot of them. I was also thankful that she was only child of only children. Those in attendance were mostly patients and associates of the Granger's. I watched as they consoled Mrs. Granger and Hermione, explaining how heart attacks were common for middle aged men. Being a wizard had its advantages. I would not be considered middle aged for at least twenty more years.

When the funeral was over I took the women home. I had to explain to Mrs. Granger that Hermione needed protection. She could not understand how she would be safe in her home but her daughter would not. So with as much patience as I could muster, I told the woman that Hermione needed the protection of other witches and wizards if she were to remain safe from the threats that currently plagued our world. When it became clear to her, she became hysterical. I really couldn't blame her, but there was something about a woman's tears that I just could not tolerate. It was strange that Hermione's tears never had that affect on me. When she cried all I ever wanted to do was comfort her. I was tempted to obliviate the woman, but I knew that Hermione would not like that.

Strange, I did not recall a time where a student's thought affected my actions. It never had, but this was no ordinary student. This was Hermione. Our relationship went beyond that of student and teacher. I considered her my friend. I believed that she thought of me as a friend too. Her well being meant a great deal to me and therefore it was extended to her mother.

I had left them alone to say their goodbyes, but we had lingered here long enough. It was time to go, I entered the room they were silently, but did not speak.

"Mum, I have to go. I go every summer."

"Yes Hermione, but your father is gone now."

"Yes, but the longer I stay..." Hermione hesitated and took her mother's hand pleaded with her eyes.

"I understand honey. Please be safe."

"Professor Snape and the others will see to it."

"I trust him."

"So do I mum."

Strange to here that from her mother. It was at this time that chose to interrupt. "Ms. Granger, it's time now." She nodded at me and looked back to her mother.

"Please keep my little girl safe."

"I will do everything within my power to ensure her safety Madam."

"Thank you Professor."

I nodded and turned to Hermione. She started to cry, I longed to reach to her and wipe the tears away. There was nothing I wanted at that moment but to reassure her, and promise her that everything would be fine. What I actually did was offered my arm to take her back to the Burrow. I disapparated about a half mile away from the Weasley's home. I wanted some time to speak to her privately. "Hermione," was I could say before her tears began to flow in earnest. She held on to me and wept. I held her and did what I had wanted to do at her mother's home "Sh, it will be alright. I promise you Hermione, that it will all be alright." She looked up at might with her tear filled eyes. I new she was surprised by my words. I had never made her promises of that nature. For the first time since I started spying on the Dark Lord for Dumbledore I realized that I wanted to live, and my reason for living was standing right here in my arms.

"Thank you Severus, for everything. For saving our lives more times than we could count, even when we doubted you. Thank you for being here for me now."

"Hermione, you have nothing to thank me for."

"But I owe you so much Severus, I would probably be dead right now if it were not for you."

I was suddenly flooded by the one thing I could not afford, emotion. She had a way of doing that to me. "I will always be there for you Hermione, always." I never meant anything more.

Once again she was in my arms and I didn't want to let go. For a moment I remembered the fate that I rescued her from. Was I any better than her father? Or mine? I released her from the embrace feeling like an old pervert. How could I even look at a girl young enough to be my daughter? Not that I would ever take advantage of her. She deserved better than that, better than me. Yet I couldn't help becoming enraptured by her. Hermione was the first woman since Lily that didn't look at me with disgust. She was not like the death eater woman that looked at me with self interest, vying for power by aligning themselves with someone in the inner circle.

Hermione gave herself completely. I knew that I could not be anything more than friendship on her part, however I wanted anything I could have from her. My thoughts were interrupted when she spoke "Severus, if only..." she never completed the thought and did not ask her to.

"Hermione its time I got you back to the Weasley's, they will be worried."

"Yes of course Severus."

We walked the rest of the way in silence. When we entered the gates she was immediately surrounded by her friends. Molly greeted me, "Hello Severus, would like to come in and join us for tea?"

"No thank you Molly, I must be going."

At these words Hermione turned her back on her friends and looked towards me "thank you sir."

"You are welcome Ms. Granger."

I turned my back and disapparated.

ooooOOOoooo

He left me again in the company of my friends and what I considered to be my surrogate family. Ron took my hand and led me into the house as soon as Severus left. Harry and Ginny left us alone. I thought this was rather odd, but I did not think to question it.

"Hermione, are you okay?"

"Yes Ron, I'm fine."

"We thought it was best to leave you alone when you first arrived, but we've all been worried about you."

"Ron, relax. I'm fine, really."

"That's good Hermione."

"Are you okay Ron? You're acting odd."

"Its just that there's something I wanted to ask you Hermione and I don't know if now is the right time with what happened to your dad."

"Ron, we've been best friends since we were eleven. Ask."

"Hermione..."

"Get on with it Ron." I was starting to lose patience with him.

"Hermione I just wanted to ask if you wanted to be my girlfriend."

"Oh Ron." If he had asked me before the end of the term I might have considered it. I never thought of Ron that way but I knew that he was safe. Now things were different. I was not sure what exactly I was feeling for Severus, but I wanted to figure it out. I had to turn him down. "I'm sorry Ron, but I can't."

"Why Hermione, is there someone else?"

"No Ron." To think that I was feeling badly for him. How dare he?

"Is it Krum?"

"Ronald Weasley, you have no right to question me this way."

"Hermione its supposed to be us. Tell me who he is."

"Ron I don't know how you came to that conclusion. Was it supposed to be us when you were thrashing about with Lavender Brown?"

"Hermione that was just..."

"Just what, Ron?"

"She wasn't you."

"No, she most certainly was not."

"Why Hermione?"

"I just can't Ron, accept it."

He stormed out of the room fuming. I know that probably would not be speaking to me for the rest of the summer. The way I was feeling at the moment that suited me just fine. Just as I was about to go on a mental rampage Ginny came in to find me.

"I guess that didn't go to well?"

"No Gin, it didn't."

"He's always liked you."

"He has a funny way of showing it."

"You don't have to take that tone with me Hermione, I'm not defending him."

"Sorry Gin, its just he has awfully bad timing."

"Hermione, is there someone else?"

"So you heard."

"I think the whole of Ottery St. Catchpole heard."

"No Ginny there isn't. Ron is just so... Ron. I can't see him as a boyfriend. Things would have been different a year ago, but now... I just can't."

I know she didn't buy it, but at least she wasn't pushing for answers. I was confused, Severus seemed so different this afternoon. He was more open and more giving than he was before. When he first showed up at my house he offered protection, and later offered friendship when we were at his house. I gladly accepted both. He had proved himself more than worthy. He was a better friend than Ron. Ron. Poor Ron, had done nothing but have a poor sense of timing. I know I should go talk to him or else this was going to be a long summer.

Thanks to all who have reviewed "Protector" and "Safe Haven", you guys inspire me. Please review this story. Reviews are better than chocolate and just as addictive, but not as good as cookies (that's for you Chip). I can't get enough and love it my in box is full of tthem I still have all the old ones and I look at them everyday. I need a life. ;)