Can you Apparate?

It took several seconds for Snape to find his voice again. He wasn't certain if he had heard Dumbledore correctly. At least a part of him wished that he hadn't heard him correctly.

"Wouldn't it be better if you put them under the Fidelius Charm?" He finally stated.

"I thought about that. But it would be what Voldemort expects and it is not a guaranteed safety."

"And staying with me is? An active Death Eater?" Clearly the old man had been eating too many sweets.

Dumbledore smiled. "Precisely. You will be the last person that Voldemort would think to be protecting Miss Granger."

Snape looked at the headmaster and felt for certain that the man had gone completely mad "The Dark Lord doesn't trust me explicitly. A million things could go wrong with this arrangement."

"True but how many people visit you during the summer?"

Snape narrowed his eyes, "Not many, but that does not mean that a Death Eater will decided to come by unannounced."

"Can they enter your house unannounced?" Dumbledore smiled and Snape glared some more.

"No. I only can control who enters my house. But if someone does show up I will have to admit them because it would be rude not to."

"Rude Severus?" Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. "Are you suddenly concerned about the feelings of others?"

Snape clenched his fists, how was it that the man could be so infuriating. "I just don't feel confident that Miss Granger will be safe in my company."

"But I do. I have no fear that you will take care of Hermione. I feel confidant that she will be safe with you." Dumbledore stood up. "I have told you many times that I trust you. You are the most precautious man I know well besides Alastar."

"Thank you Dumbledore for telling me how paranoid I am," Snape said sarcastically.

Dumbledore grinned, "You are welcome my boy. I will go ahead and floo Tonks and Minerva. Then we will all have a happy reunion

."

Snape opened his mouth to speak but felt that it would be in vain. How was it that Dumbledore could get him to do anything without him ever agreeing to it? He felt his summer going to ruin.

He had hoped for a semi-quiet break from everyone. Just like every summer for the past few years. He would relax at home, occasionally to a Death Eater meeting, or an Order meeting. He would insult everyone and receive an occasionally bruise or Cruiatus. Then he would get Dumbledore's incessant concern that Snape was drawing too far into himself and needed to be more social.

Summer for Snape was his happiest time of the year. No one to make demands on him everyday just about every other day and absolutely no know-it-alls. But considering that Weasley was the other alternative he was almost glad that it was Granger…almost.

-o-

Hermione stared at the headmaster in shock. Surely he was joking or she had heard wrong. She thought she just heard him tell her that she would be spending the summer with Snape!

"I don't think I understand sir. You want me to stay at Professor Snape's house?"

"Yes, you have understood correctly." He said his eyes twinkling.

"Severus Snape, the potions master. My old professor?"

"Unless you know another person fitting that description and has the same name."

"But— why?" Hermione couldn't wrap her head around Dumbledore's ludicius knowledge. It just didn't add up. "Isn't it dangerous just being at one house, Professor Snape's house?"

Dumbledore shook his head. "We have considered the Fidelius Charm. But Voldemort will expect that. And Severus is one of the last people he would expect buying us some time till my return. We must be carefully in these few months for I am certain that Voldemort will be a little more brave in his attacks."

Hermione nodded but didn't want to give up. "Well, can at least Ron come with me? Why do we have to be separated?"

"For safety. It will be most difficult for Severus to guard one of you let two. And I don't think Severus has space for more in his home nor the patience." Dumbledore chuckled at the last part.

Hermione wanted to bang her head against the wall. She was going to spend an entire summer away from her friends and with the greasy-git of the dungeons. Her day couldn't have gotten any worse.

"So, where is Ron staying?" Hermione asked, her voice depressed.

"That I can't tell you. I think it would be wise to not know the location of the other, just in case. But if you ever need anything you can relay any message through Severus."

Hermione nodded her head sullenly. She couldn't help but feel that Dumbledore didn't trust her. She had hoped that after graduation things would have changed. She was elated that they had even been allowed to join the Order before graduation.

"Well then I think Harry and Ron are waiting for you. And Severus mentioned something about leaving right away."

"Right now?" Hermione felt suddenly more depressed. She had hoped for at least a few days with Harry and Ron before they all parted. She didn't know when she would see then again, especially Harry.

"I think he figured it would be easier for you. And your bags are already packed."

Hermione sighed easier for him not her. She left Dumbledore's office feeling very depressed. She didn't know when she would see her friends again or if it would even be alive. She slowly made her way to the entrance hall where Harry and Ron were waiting.

Dumbledore had already spoken to Ron and Harry. They had arrived separately. Dumbledore didn't want them all traveling together. It wasn't safe.

She smiled at them determined to make the last few minutes count. "I don't have that much time to talk. Professor Snape is supposed to be along any minute now."

"Snape?" Harry looked at her confused. Hermione groaned. She wasn't supposed to let them know.

"Um, yes, he is taking me to my 'safe house'." She smiled at him weakly hoping that sounded believable.

"I know that. Ron and I were just talking about Dumbledore's new plan for both of your safety's but why is Snape taking you?"

"Dumbledore trusts him Harry, so should you."

"So Hermione whose house are you staying at?" Ron asked nonchalantly.

She rolled her eyes, "You know very well that I can't tell you. Dumbledore's strict orders."

"Yeah, yeah. I was just hoping that you would let it slip so I could visit you."

"I don't think that would be a good idea Ron. After all Dumbledore has gone through to arrange for our safety. I don't think he wants us wandering from house to house."

"I suppose you are right," Ron said shuffling his feet. "How will I survive without either of you?"

"Jeez," Harry said jokingly. "You two are talking like it is the end of the world. It won't be forever just a few months."

"Speak for yourself Harry." Ron said smiling "You get to go with Dumbledore on a really wicked adventure and we get stuck in a house being babysat."

"At least there will be loads of time for studying and practicing our magic." Hermione added. Both the boys groaned.

"Of course only you would think of that as a good thing," Harry said.

"We're graduated now and that means no more studying!" Ron said smiling.

Hermione just shook her head. "No that means we have to study harder. If you want to be an Auror then you need to really buckle down. How else do you expect to defeat Voldemort?"

"Whatever," Ron mumbled knowing that she was right.

Hermione hated the idea of being separated. She knew she would worry about Harry and Ron, especially Harry. She didn't like the idea of not being able to help them if they were in trouble. She couldn't bear the thought of losing one of them.

Hermione was about to speak when a familiar voice called her name. They all turned to see Professor Snape walking briskly towards them, his robes doing their traditional billow. He slowed his pace once he reached the trio. He glared at Harry, who returned his look.

"Miss Granger, are you ready to leave?" he asked turning his attention towards her.

"Right now sir?" She hoped that maybe he would delay for just a little while longer.

"I wouldn't be asking if I wasn't meaning right now."

She sighed and turned to her friends. She gave then both a hug.

"Please be extra safe and stay out of too much trouble." She said addressing both boys. She turned to Ron "And at least try to open one book while you are there."

"Fine if it will make you happy," he agreed reluctantly.

"Hurry it up Miss Granger. I do not appreciate your dramatics." He snapped.

She gave them each one last hug and a kiss on the cheek before grabbing her bag and rushing to catch up with her Professor. He had already headed for the doors. The walk to Hogsmade was a very silent one. Hermione had contemplated on making small talk but decided against it. She had not forgotten how difficult Severus Snape could be.

Once they reached Hogsmade Snape turned to her and crossed his arms. "You do know how to apparate, right?"

Hermione imitated his actions crossing her arms. "Of course."

Snape looked her up and down, thoughtful. He stepped toward her and grabbed her arm.

"Just in case you mess something up." He said. Before Hermione could respond to that, they apparated close Snape's home.

Hermione stumbled a little once they landed and she could have sworn she saw him smirk. Bastard. She looked around and noticed that they were in a small neighborhood. Tiny houses lined the street all compressed together very tightly.

Snape look around the street quickly and ushered her into the house, never letting go of her arm. Hermione wanted to protest; claiming that he was holding her arm too tight but figured now was not the time to pick a fight with her former potions teacher.

Once inside Snape muttered some charms and walked briskly down the hallway. Hermione watched his retreating back and wondered if she should move or stay.

As if reading her thoughts Snape growled "Stay," and disappeared behind a door. Hermione wished she had a book to throw at him.

She looked around the house and was slightly impressed. She had expected decaying walls from the greasy git but was pleased to find that the house was actually very well kept.

There was only a small table and mirror hanging above it to her right. There were no doors except the one she entered in and another at the end of the narrow hallway on the right. The stairs were blocking her vision of the other side of the hallway but she assumed that another door was there since that is where Snape had disappeared to.

She was getting bored staring at Snape's empty walls and was about to move and risk his displeasure when he reappeared.

"It is safe now. Come." He motioned for her to follow him up the stairs. Hermione fought the urge to roll her eyes. This man was paranoid.

She was pleased to find that she was correct about the other door on the left side of the hall. Upstairs there were three doors. One on each side of the hall and another at the far end of the hallway.

"This is your room," Snape said opening the door on the left. "Mine is on the other side of the hall. If you are dying, then and only then can you enter my room. The bathroom is at the end of the hallway. We will have to share."

Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise. Sharing a bathroom with Professor Snape. That should defiantly be interesting. Of course, it didn't look like he used it too often. Snape didn't wait for her to enter her room before escaping to his own. She shrugged her shoulders and went into hers. She hadn't really expected him to play the gracious host.

She placed her bag on the bed and examined the room. It was not too bad. A wardrobe was in one corner, as was a desk. She had a closest and a bed. It was a barren looking room. No pictures, no curtains. Definitely a bachelor's house. The Plain light blue sheets on her bed were the only color besides brown in her room.

Turning back to her suitcase she began the arduous task of unpacking. She pulled out her books, pleased that she decided to bring more than a few. She placed a picture of her, Ron, Harry and Ginny on her desk before sitting down on her bed. She already missed her friends. It was going to be a long and interesting summer.

Disclaimer/Author's Note: Don't own any of the characters, just borrowing them. Thanks for the reviews and the suggestions. Hopefully my spelling was better this time around.

If you feel inclined please leave a review : )