A/N: So the chapter is up! Enjoy

Chapter 4: Meeting Mr. Nott

Hermione walked back to the common room after lunch; she had a free period and was glad of it. She was hoping to look over the new book Snape had let her borrow the night before. Seeing as the common room was mostly empty after lunch she decided it would be safe to read out in the open. The book was called Dark Arts for the Criminally Unintelligent.

Hermione took a seat in the corner of the room, just in case anyone should show an interest in her. She settled down and opened the book to scan the contents. A chapter called recently invented curses caught her eye and she turned to the page directed. As she flipped through the chapter she found many of the curses that she had seen in use while trying to find the prophesy at the ministry two years ago. It unnerved her to think that those curses were made by people that were living amongst them. Some familiar names she found were L. Malfoy, B. Lestrange, and S. Snape. Though she wasn't surprised at the last name it still gave her chills; her own potions master had invented at least two spells, and neither of them was pleasant. One lifted the cursed into the air by their ankles, (which she remembered with a shudder, had happened to the Roberts' at the Quidditch World Cup), and the other was one she hadn't heard of before.

Hermione became most interested in the book and forgot the time. Only when she heard the scraping of students entering the common room did she look up to see what time it was. Thankfully she hadn't missed a class yet and so she hurried down to Ancient Runes as fast as she could; she only just made it.

All through the afternoon Hermione's stomach became more and more upset. Several times she had to leave class to calm herself down. By dinner she was in a state of panic; not that anyone noticed. Harry was in detention with Filch because he had tracked mud in after the last Quidditch practice, and Ron wasn't talking to her. Not that she minded because she was still mad at him for his outburst last night. She only wished that she had someone to comfort her, someone who could help her get over this fear. The only people she could talk to were Dumbledore and Snape. Snape could give her a calming draught but she didn't know if he would and she had never been very personable with Dumbledore so didn't feel comfortable with going to him to ask for help.

As she sat and picked at her food she tried to think of what she could do to settle her nerves. Studying instantly came to her mind, the more she studied the more prepared she would be for the engagement tonight. She had several books now that told her what to expect form a dark wizard, maybe she could prepare some counter spells. Just as she was about to give up on trying to eat she heard a sneering voice from behind her.

"Miss. Granger, I suggest you eat, otherwise you won't be ready for the potion we are working on tonight."

Hermione was confused, but only for a second, she had told Snape about her confrontation with Ron, and how now everyone though she was his apprentice. That suited her fine. At least she had an excuse.

"I am not hungry sir." Hermione said coolly.

"Very well, meet me in my office at 7 tonight." Snape said.

Hermione nodded her head and Snape stalked away. She looked back at her plate and felt the stares of her classmates on her.

"What was that about Hermione?" Lavender Brown asked disgusted.

"What do you think it means Lavender?" Hermione said. She had never really liked her; all she ever thought about was boys and gossip. "I am to go to his office to help him with a potion."

"Why would you do that!?" Lavender shrieked.

Hermione sighed," Because Lavender, I am his apprentice."

"What! Why would you apprentice under him?"

"Lavender does it really matter why I would want to become a potions master? The point is he is the potions master of this school so that is who I am apprenticing under."

Lavender sat there with her mouth open. "I…I." Lavender started.

"Don't try Lavender," Hermione said, "I don't want to hear what you think of my choice."

Hermione stood up and left the great hall. She glanced at her watch and found she had enough time to go back to her room and start on her Ancient Runes essay for Monday. She settled down on her favorite chair and pulled out her quill and text book. The nauseous feeling crept back into her stomach the further along in her essay she went. By the time she had to leave to go to Snape's office she had to make a detour to the bathroom to retch in the sink.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

She is late. I wouldn't expect that from her, something may be wrong. Now that I think of it she didn't look very well at dinner. She was somewhat paler than usual. Snape heard a small knock at the door.

"Enter."

"Ah Miss. Granger I see you have decided to show." I should be some what nicer; she does have to face Lucius tonight. She looks even paler now; is that why she was late?

"Sorry sir."

"Why were you late?"

"I had to use the restroom before I came here sir." Hermione said weakly.

I would bet anything that she was in the restroom throwing up; God knows it's what I did on my first mission as a spy.

He got up and walked to his potions cupboard. He moved a few things around and pulled out a purple potion.

"Take this Miss. Granger." He said as he handed her the potion. "It will help your nerves, and your stomach."

"Thank you sir, But how did you know that I needed it?" Hermione said looking confused.

Snape's expression softened. "Because I have been in your situation before Miss. Granger."

"Oh." Hermione said and then drank the potion in her hands.

"Now, we should begin." Snape said. "I wanted to test your skills once before you go to the appointment tonight.

"Alright, where should we begin sir?"

She looks better already, and she even sounds better. Her energy is coming back. "We will start where we have for the past two nights. Leglimens."

He watched her as he bore harder into her mind. She was getting stronger and more used to the pressure. No matter how much he disliked her because of her association with Potter he had to admit that she was an extraordinary witch. No one had ever gone this far with him as their teacher. He felt that she was now entitled to his instruction, she alone had come this far. He wanted the right to teach her, to show her everything he could.

He watched as she struggled to keep up her barrier against him. He could tell she was in pain but wanted to see how long she could keep it up. "Not long apparently." Snape said to himself as he watched her drop to her knees a few seconds later. He pulled out of her mind and watched her pick herself up off the floor.

"Good Miss. Granger that should suffice for now. Did you look through the book that I gave you last night?"

"Yes sir, though I was surprised to find your name in it."

You have got to be kidding me! She has read that chapter already. I was hoping for at least another day before I had to address this subject.

"Yes I am in the book. I experimented in my youth with different incantations. It can't be changed now."

There was an awkward pause before Snape continued.

"We will try the poison curse again to make sure you know how it works. Now poison me."

"Sanis!"

A green snake like jet shot out of Hermione's wand. Snape deflected it easily enough, no need to waste a potion.

"Good Miss. Granger, but now do it with out speaking. Lucius will be able to deflect it as easily as I just did."

"I'll try sir."

She was being very subdued tonight; her usual heart wasn't in it. He braced himself. Hermione had lifted her wand and seemed ready to attack. He knew from Professor Hudson that she was accomplished in nonverbal spells so knew she would be able to handle this one.

Her wand shot a green snake like spell for the second time in one evening and hit him squarely in the chest. "I will never get used to the feeling of this spell." he thought to himself. It feels as though I've been bitten by a snake, not a very pleasant sensation."

Hermione took out one of the antidotes and brought it over to Snape.

"Thank you." He gasped.

"You're welcome sir."

She was too subdued, something wasn't right. He needed to find out what it was before she left. Her mood could jeopardize the mission. "Miss. Granger have a seat." Snape said gesturing to the one in front of his desk. "Something is upsetting you and I want you to tell me now, if you do not then you could put both your and my life in danger. "

"Sir, I didn't realize that I was acting different, I will pull myself together before tonight I promise."

"I didn't ask you to tell me you would get better, I told you to tell me what is going on." Snape said a little coldly.

"I would rather not sir. It is personal."

"I don't care; I am a teacher and want to know what is up. Now tell me." He could tell she was getting angry. That wasn't so bad, that was normal and that is how he wanted her.

Hermione gave a look of disgust to her potions master before she started to talk. "I am having some problems with my friends and well as with my nerves."

"Is that all?"

"Yes sir."

"I see you don't want to volunteer any information so I will have to pry. Which friend are you having troubles with?"

"Ron." Hermione said through gritted teeth.

"And why is that?"

"Because we had a disagreement."

"Over?"

"I see you aren't going to give up. Fine. Ron and I fought because he doesn't think I should have apprenticed under you. Harry is fine with it though he has been a little more distant today. I am worried sick that I wont do this right and expose us, and I haven't been able to tell anyone how I feel because this has to be kept so secret!" Hermione shouted

Well I can tell she has wanted to say that for awhile. Maybe she should be able to confide in someone, I'll speak to the headmaster about it tonight. She can't go through it alone. I didn't even have to go through it alone, I had Albus. Goodness knows she wouldn't talk to me about anything, and she and Albus don't share the same kind of relationship as her and say Potter. I will defiantly have to talk to Albus about this. Right now all I can do is try to make her feel more comfortable so she doesn't mess up tonight.

"For one Miss. Granger when have you ever paid attention to how Mr. Weasley feels about your education?"

"Well never, but-"

"But nothing, don't let it bother you, I doubt he will ever achieve anything near as good as apprenticing under any one of the teachers at this school. And for two, for once don't let yourself think about the consequences, if you do then you will give us away."

He watched as Hermione's head sank and her chin rested on her chest. He waited for a few moments to see what she was doing before he heard a slight sob. She was crying!

Oh crap! I hate crying women, and girls are worse! Well I guess she is almost a woman, but still! Think Severus! What should you do? What would you usually do? Well sneer and then walk away, but something tells me that wont work in this situation. Uh….how about comforting her.

It took Snape several moments to make up his mind to if he should comfort her. He summoned the courage and walked around his desk so that he was behind Hermione.

"Miss. Granger?" Snape said uncertainly as he rested his hand on her shoulder. She flinched as he touched her and he pulled his hand off her shoulder. "Are you alright?" He asked in an uncomfortable voice.

Hermione started to sob harder now and so Snape made up his mind to try to comfort her again. He placed his hand on her shoulder and felt a slight flinch but he kept his hand in place. He moved his hand back and forth on her shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze once in awhile. It seemed to be helping because Hermione had stopped sobbing and he was only hearing intermittent hiccups. He took his hand off her shoulder and went to sit back down.

"I'm sorry professor. I didn't mean to cry, I'm-"

Snape raised his hand to stop her. "There is no reason to explain. Though I am cold and heartless in class I do know how to show some emotion. Crying isn't a sin Miss. Granger."

Hermione and Snape sat in silence for a few minutes, each pursuing their own train of thought.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Snape had dismissed her half an hour ago to go back to her rooms. She had several hours until midnight and wanted to sleep as much as she could. A two hour nap would be good and then she would take a warm shower to wake her up.

I can't believe Snape tried to be comforting. I have to say he wasn't the best at doing it, but you have to give him points for trying. Points? Hermione don't tell me you are giving him points, it isn't like he is your boyfriend, or even friend for that matter. He is a teacher and the vilest in the school for that matter. Well I couldn't go that far I guess, he isn't so bad once you know how to deal with him.

Hermione shook her head and headed to bed. She had never thought she would be thinking that her potions master was an okay person. It went against everything she had known about him since 1st year. She pulled off her robe and then took off the school uniform beneath it. She picked up the red satin nightgown and pulled it over her head. Hermione walked over to her clock and set it to wake her up and hour before she was due in the empty classroom. Then she slipped into bed and fell asleep.

Two hours later she was awoken by her alarm, about five hours sooner than she would have liked. She got up and walked into her bathroom to take a shower. She took a relatively quick one, only 15 minutes. She went over to her wardrobe and started to pick out a school uniform, but decided to take a leaf out of Snape's book instead. She pulled out a plain black top and skirt, and then put on black knee-high socks and her black school shoes. She pulled on her School robe to make her ensemble complete.

As she surveyed herself in the mirror the nauseous feeling started to come back into her stomach. She looked the part, like a good witch trying to go bad that is, but she didn't feel the part. How was she ever going to pull this off? She groaned and turned to go get her wand off her bedside table. As she picked it up she heard a soft knock on her door.

"Who could that be?" Hermione asked herself. She glanced at her clock before she left her room and it said 11:23, "Really, who would come here this late." She opened her door slightly so as to see who was there.

"Professor! I wasn't expecting you."

"You were not to know I was coming Miss. Granger, I am going to escort you to the classroom and then I will leave."

"But I was told to go alone." Hermione said confused.

"You will be alone Miss. Granger, I am only your escort for tonight. You wouldn't want to be held up by Filch or Peeves would you?"

"No sir I wouldn't."

"Then let's go Miss. Granger."

"Yes sir." She stepped out of her rooms and shut her door. She put up her wards before she set out down the hall with Professor Snape. They walked in silence for a few corridors, until Snape spoke.

"I was wondering, Miss. Granger, why did you choose that wardrobe?" Snape looked over at her with his eyebrow raised.

"Actually Professor I tried to take a leaf out of your book. All you ever wear is black and you always wear that mask of the spy. I would have worn black pants but I didn't feel like transfiguring one of my things so I just wore the skirt. Now all I have to do is figure out how to put the mask on."

"Dressing up doesn't put the mask on you Miss. Granger," Snape said a bit coldly, "but it does help." Snape said dropping the iciness out of his voice.

"Thank you sir." Hermione said smiling to herself.

"This is where I stop, I'm sure you know how to get to the classroom from here." Snape said in his business like tone.

"Yes sir, it is the last door in this corridor."

"Don't forget what I taught you."

"I won't sir."

"After you are done with him, visit me in my office, no matter how late."

"Okay. I will."

She turned on her heel and did her best to make her robes billow as Snape's did. She smirked to herself when she glimpsed his shocked look before she was turned completely around. She started down the hallway and let herself into the classroom. She had about ten minutes before Lucius should be there. She sat on the nearest desk and crossed her legs. She folded her arms and held her wand in her hand, making sure that it was visible. And then she waited.

She didn't have to wait long for Lucius to arrive, but he wasn't alone.

"Ah Miss. Granger, You are here." Lucius said coldly.

"Yes I am. I was under the impression that this was going to be a private meeting Mr. Malfoy."

"Oh but it is. This is Mr. Nott, he will be…testing you." Lucius said with a cruel smile on his face.

Hermione began to worry. Snape had only prepared her for Malfoy, not this new guy.

"I see, and how is he going to test me?" Hermione asked keeping her voice steady.

"Oh in many ways you filthy mudblood." Nott said roughly. "But first I want to hear your story. How again did you become interested in the dark arts?"

"Oh but you should know that answer sir," Hermione said smoothly, "If you really wanted to expose me, for something I am not by the way, you would know that I am the top in my class. I got bored really." Hermione said impassively. "I wanted more of a challenge, and then when I found the dark arts…well I wanted the power."

"Really girl…you don't think I believe that. You couldn't have gotten any information in this school."

"You are partially right on that sir. You can't get any information…from the library. The one choice I had at my fingertips was Professor Snape. What a better choice? A Death Eater to help me learn more."

"You couldn't have asked him for help, if you really did want to read up on the Dark Arts you would have to be silent about it." Lucius spat.

"Oh but I was sir. See I couldn't go around looking for it out in the open, I am Hermione Granger, the brightest girl in the class. I have an image to maintain. So I couldn't very well ask him for it after class. Would I, the Gryffindor Head Girl do such a thing. No. So I asked him during class." She stressed during to make the two gentleman's eyes widen.

"You what! You foolish girl!"

"Ah but you take that wrong Mr. Malfoy. No one knew what I was up to. Not even your own son. As always I raised my hand to answer a question, it was about which root to put in some potion, I gave him the correct root, and then gave him another root that would also work. With the second root name he narrowed his eyes at me but before class was over he slid a book into my cauldron to tell me he understood my desire. After that it wasn't hard to sneak down at night and get training." Hermione kept a strait face and told the story that she told Draco the night before. She was glad that Draco had assailed her now. It was coming in handy.

The two men were silent for a moment. Hermione was getting anxious. Did they believe her story? Was she going to be attacked? What the hell was going to happen?

"I don't believe you." that was all Nott said before he raised his wand.

Hermione jumped off the desk raised hers in defense but was hit by a familiar pressure on her temples. Automatically she put up a barrier. Nott pushed harder until she was in pain, but she would let them see only what she wanted them to see. She let the false memory leak through her barrier. Now was the time to pretend the pain was too much, let them think what they were seeing was real. It really wasn't hard to pretend she was in pain because she was, but she didn't let herself fall like she had done in Professor Snape's office.

Finally the pain stopped and she let herself slump back onto the desk.

"So was she telling the truth?" Malfoy asked eagerly.

Hermione held her breath. Did he know that was made up?

"The Mudblood was telling the truth Malfoy."

"What! She can't be. That is impossible!"

"No it isn't Mr. Malfoy." Hermione interrupted. "I want power, and this is my only way to get what I want. Is that so hard to believe?"

"I don't care if you really do want to join the Death Eaters, you never will."

"And why is that Mr. Malfoy?"

"Because you are going to die tonight Mudblood." Lucius laughed. "Did you think I ever had any intention of letting you live even if you were serious?"

"You don't control who gets in Mr. Malfoy, only HE does." Hermione lied. She had no idea who let in the Death Eaters, for all she knew it could be Malfoy.

"And why would I tell my master that a mudblood child should become a Death Eater. He has no idea that you wish to join. So I have leave to kill you." Lucius said in a malicious voice. "Crucio!"

Hermione fell of the desk she was slumped on. All her nerves were on fire. The pain was incredible, she never had imagined such immense pain. After what seemed like an eternity it stopped. Hermione lay shaking on the floor but managed to ask one question.

"I thought you were going to kill me?"

"Would you like death? I'm sure you would after so much pain, but death is too good for you. I want you to suffer, Crucio!"

Hermione felt the horrible pain flood through her veins and to every nerve. She started to convulse as the pain became, if possible, worse. She was on the verge of passing out when she heard Nott say something.

"You didn't tell our Master Lucius?"

"Why would I Theodore? We have nothing to gain from this thing."

"And I thought you were smart Lucius. How could you not even report something so important?"

"What does it matter now she is going to faint soon, and then we can finish her."

"No. Stop." Nott said in a rage.

"What! Why should I?" Lucius said looking livid.

"You haven't even reported this to the Dark Lord. She could be of value! I order you to stop!"

When Lucius didn't stop the other Death Eater pulled out his wand. "I warned you, Expelliarmus!"

Lucius's wand went flying from his hand and Hermione was released from her pain. She lay still trembling on the floor.

"I am going to speak with the Dark Lord, and you are coming with me. You are going to tell him what you should have in the first place, and you will tell him what you have done." Nott said harshly.

"I'm not going anywhere with you! You do not control me!"

"Yes I do Lucius, and you very well know it. Now go! I want a word with this mudblood."

Lucius glared at his accomplice and picked up his wand before he left the room with a swish of his cloak. The other Death Eater Nott walked over to Hermione and kicked her. "You will not tell anyone of this encounter. I'm sure Severus knows that Lucius was here, but he is not to know I was here. Do you understand me witch? If you disobey, I'll let Lucius come back and kill you. Do you understand?

Hermione nodded her head to show she understood, though she had not intention of following his orders.

"Good." Nott kicked her once more and then left the classroom. "And just to be sure you don't let it slip that I was here… taceo tacuitacitum.

Hermione laid there for a several minutes before she could process what had just happened. Nott had saved her from a fellow Death Eater. What did Nott mean he had power over Lucius? I thought that Lucius was top amongst the Death Eaters.

Just then Hermione heard the door creek closed. She shot up quickly to the protest of her aching muscles.

"Shhh! I'm going to get you out of here."

"Lupin! How did you get here? How did you know I was here?"

"I have been here the whole time child. I was sent by Dumbledore."

Lupin looked worn and even thinner than the last time she had seen him. He was wearing a ragged set of robes that showed how much he paid attention to everyday needs. He sat down in a desk and motioned for her to do the same.

"Are you alright Hermione?"

"I am alright. Well as good as I could be after that. It was horrible, I didn't want to live, just die. Death would have been welcome."

"I know what you are feeling, and it gets worse every time. You should feel better by tomorrow, though you still will be sore."

"That's good. Sir? Why were you sent here. I was told to go alone."

"I was sent to protect you. Dumbledore thought something like this would happen, so he sent me to help you if you needed it." Lupin said tiredly.

"Why didn't you help me when I was under the Cruciatus Curse?" Hermione asked angrily.

"But I did Hermione. Why do you think Nott stopped Malfoy. I put him under the Imperius Curse. How did you like the acting?" Lupin asked raising his eyebrows.

"You…you were controlling him. That's why he didn't act sooner…you…" Hermione fell silent. This was too much her brain was going to overload. "So Nott was under Imperius, but how did you know you could make Lucius stop?"

"Ever since the attack at the Ministry Lucius has been trying to gain approval with the Dark Lord again, you see the Dark Lord doesn't like failed missions. A new character has been creeping up towards the top and it happens to be Theodore Nott, so now we know he has become more important than Lucius. I used that information to pull rank on Lucius."

"Oh, I see. Wow I have so much to learn."

"You will get the hang of it. But now I have to report to Dumbledore. I suggest that you go back to your rooms. Your body will need the rest. Good night Hermione." Lupin said as he walked out of the door into the corridor .

Hermione sat in her chair for a few more minutes before she got up and left the classroom. She didn't head to her dorm though. She walked strait down to the dungeons and knocked softly on the dark wooden door of Snape's office.

"Enter."

"Good evening Professor." Hermione said weakly, she was worn out by all that had happened tonight. "May I sit Professor?" Hermione asked.

"Of course." Snape said gesturing to the more comfortable of the two uninviting chairs. "What went on in the classroom?" Snape sounded eager for answers.

"Lucius brought a friend along. Witch wasn't a bad thing because that friend ended up saving my life." Hermione started.

"He what! Who did he bring Miss. Granger?"

"It was-" Hermione started, but she couldn't finish her sentence. "It was-" Again she couldn't finish her sentence.

"Well spit it out Miss. Granger."

"I'm trying to but I can't." Hermione said frustrated. "The guy put some spell on me so I couldn't say his name."

"What incantation did he use?" Snape asked.

"Umm…I don't remember, I was in too much pain to remember." Hermione said wincing at the memory of the pain that had enveloped her only 30 minutes ago.

"Pain, what did they do to you?"

"Lucius put me under the Cruciatus curse twice, and the other guy kicked me in my side after it was done."

"And Lupin didn't do anything for you?" Snape said outraged. "He didn't stop them from hurting you?"

"How did you know Lupin was there?" Hermione asked shocked.

"I was the one that asked for someone to be there for you. Now tell me did he do anything to help you?"

"Well he put the guy under the imperious curse so that Lucius would stop, and then he made them leave."

"Well at least he can do something right." Snape stood and went to his potions cupboard. "Take this." He said when he came back to Hermione. "It is a pain reliever, a very good one; it has helped me after that curse."

"Thank you." Hermione said stunned.

"What are you so surprised about. Didn't I tell you earlier that I did have some emotions, sympathy just happens to be one of them. Now take that and go to bed. Sleep is the only thing that takes away all the soreness. You can come back tomorrow to tell me the rest of what happened."

Hermione drank the potion and got up to leave. "Thank you again Professor." Hermione said as she smiled at him.

"It is nothing Miss. Granger." Snape said taken aback by her smile.

Hermione left the room and could have sworn she heard a sigh emanate from the general direction of her potions master.

A/N: Phew! This was a hard chapter to write, so many things I have to plant seeds for and such. Well I hope you all enjoyed it. I shouldn't be too long with the next one. Please Review! I love it when you do.

taceo tacuitacitum- Latin- to be silent, leave unmentioned.