Author's Note: Hullo readers. This is my first Fanfic (it is Snape / Hermione )so please go easy on me. I will try and stay as true to character as I can. This is a AU as it will contain time travel and the such. Let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: All Characters and recognizable places belong to JK Rowling and Warner Bros. I am just using her wonderful characters to entertain the mind.
Chapter 1
"Always.." Hermione shook her head, trying to clear her head. She couldn't get that voice out of her head since she jolted awake from her dream last night. Hermione never recalled much of her dreams when she awoke but she knew most of them were about him. Life had not been kind to him, for every dream involved what she was sure were dreadful things. She did not know his face but she knew his voice, his pleas for help, and his sobs. Beyond that she knew that voice but for the life of her she couldn't place who it was and that was what plagued Hermione the most.
"Hermione… Hermione… HERMIONE!", snapped Mrs. Granger.
"Huh? What is it Mum?" Hermione replied with another shake of her head. "Are you feeling alright Honey? Are you getting enough sleep Hermione Jean?" Her mother concern filled eyes raked over Hermione looking for signs of any malady that could be affecting her daughter. Sighing Hermione sheepishly meet her mother's eyes, "Mum I am fine. Just haven't been sleeping so well lately". Grabbing her empty plate, Hermione got up from the kitchen table, walked over to the sink and started the tap. As she was starting to wash the dishes she felt a warm hand on her shoulder, " Hermione… you're having nightmares again." It wasn't a question. Hermione shrugged, " I can never really remember anything mum. It's probably all the excitement for this afternoon". Mrs. Granger's crooked an eyebrow at her daughter as if to say 'Yeah right' out loud she said, "Your father and I are here if you need us honey. We may not understand all of the things going on in the Wizarding world but Hermione we are your parents and we want to be there for you. Are you sure you want to go back this year… You seemed so tired after this last year.." Hermione made to interrupt her mother, "Mum I told yo…." "Let me finish dear" her mother cut her off with the look. "Molly told us a little about what you've doing Hermione. I can't say we approve of you running around risking your life but your father and I understand that this is something you feel you have to do".
With tears in her eyes Mrs. Granger turned to her husband as he entered the kitchen. Mr. Granger noticing his wife was about to break down walked across to the sink where she stood, took her hand and turned to his daughter. " Just promise that you will keep in touch pumpkin. We love you and don't want to stop you, though I doubt we could, from doing what you feel you need to. Just don't shut us out and be as honest as you can with us honey. No matter when your mother and I are here for you. Remember that, okay?" As her father finished his sentence Hermione turned and embraced her parents. She had always shared things with them until Voldemort had returned and her dreams became more frequent. She didn't want to worry or trouble them but she saw now that she was pushing them away. Hermione felt awful. Chocking back a sob, " I'll do better at keeping in touch I promise. I'm just so busy and I don't want to put you guys in danger. I am so sorry Mum, Dad".
Letting go of her parents, Hermione glanced at her wrist watch, She gasped, "Oh my! If I don't hurry I'll be late to meet Harry and Ron at the Leaky Cauldron!". She rushed out if the kitchen and raced up the stairs to her room. Hermione's mother called after her, "Honey don't break your neck. I am sure Ronald and Harry can't get into too much trouble if you're running late". Chancing a glance at behind her as she reached the landing Hermione saw her father give glance at her mother with smirk on his face, " Honey, these are the two who flew a car into a tree". "Better run faster then Hermione", giggled Mrs. Granger.
As she apparated into Diagon Alley, Hermione saw her best friends waiting for her outside of the Leaky Cauldron. "Harry! Ron!", She exclaimed as she was engulfed in the warmth of their shared hug. Glancing around Hermione noticed someone missing, "Ron, Where Is Gin?" Harry and Ron answered her question with a pointed head nod toward the door of the Leaky Cauldron. "Inside." They chorused. As the Golden trio walked into the Leaky Cauldron, Hermione ran into a patron who was trying to leave. Closing her eyes tightly she prepared for the impact she for sure thought was coming only to feel hands at her waist steading her. " Are you always this clumsy Miss Granger?" the hands owner questioned. 'That voice...It's the one from my dreams' Hermione's head snapped up at the word always.
Her eyes were meet with piercing black eyes. " Have I found a question the Know-It-All can't answer?" Snape barked as he yanked his hands away from her waist. Blushing from shock at him being the voice and anger at his question that it took Hermione a second to reply. "Not normally Professor but one cant help but fall when someone rams into her like a bull in a china shop. Maybe you should watch where your going …Sir" she sneered. 'Oh my glob I just smarted off at Snape. What the bloody hell was I thinking? That's right Hermione you weren't!' Hermione suddenly felt very nervous, shifting from one foot to another, she tried to catch a glance at the Potions Master's face. For a spilt second she thought she saw surprise written upon his face but it was quickly replaced with his signature scowl. "Be lucky we aren't yet at Hogwarts Miss Granger because I wouldn't hesitate to deduct points from you." Snape snarled as he proceeded to side step the trio and continue out the door. Harry and Ron exchanged looks before busting out laughing, "Oh My GAWD 'Mione! Didn't know you had it in you. Not complaining because he is a right git.", declared Ron. Harry stopped laughing long enough to say "Yeah ' Mione. What has gotten into you?". Hermione just shook her head and shrugged. 'Bloody hell if I know', she thought to herself.