A/N: Ok, I've been in quite a writing mood lately, so here's chapter 4 already. And just a heads up, I've already started chapter 5 so expect that one soon too.

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Three days passed and no sign of Snape. 'Where is he? Why isn't he here, working on the memories?' Hermione had peaked down in the cellar and noticed that the Pensieve and memories were all gone. Who could she ask about his whereabouts without being judged? Ginny had sworn to secrecy as long as she could be kept up to date with the encounters. If Fred and George or Ron ever found out…or worse, Harry…

Since there was no sign of his returning any time soon, she would normally turn to her studies. She had already finished the transfiguration book. She blushed every time she looked at her potions book, and there was no assigned book at the store for DADA (defense against the dark arts). Hermione wandered around, and bumped into Ron.

"Hermione…what's wrong? You look nervous." Ron observed the expression on her face.

"More like concern," she replied not fully censoring what she was saying.

"What for? Harry again?"

Hermione blushed, "Yeah…just wondering why we haven't heard from him either." Thank goodness Ron mentioned Harry otherwise she would have been left stammering for a suitable reply.

"I'm sure he's fine…granted he's with his aunt, uncle, and cousin…" he shuddered at the thought. "He's faced much worse, Hermione." He gave an amused smirk. "Oh, any other…memories?" He didn't want to say too much, they were in the hallway between the kitchen and other closed rooms.

"Not here…not now, Ron." Her eyes widened, hoping no Order member would pick up on that notion. 'What would I tell him? That I confronted Severus about the memories?'

"Hermione? You ok? Have you been in the butterbeer? You're all red."

'Bloody hell…I can't even think about him now!?' Hermione turned around to head to her room. "Girls," she heard Ron laugh as he headed in the opposite direction.

At dinnertime, Mrs. Weasley prepared a wonderful summer spread of fruit and vegetable mixtures, bar-b-qued food, and an assortment of drinks. Everything looked vibrant and delicious. Every once in a while she would try some Muggle recipes to make Hermione feel more at home.

"She doesn't have to go through all this trouble; I love food from the wizard world just as much," she whispered to Ron and Ginny as they left the dinner table.

"It makes 'er feel better. Gives 'er some'ing to do ot'er tha' worry abou' things," Ron replied with a mouth full of fudge brownie.

"Honestly Ronald, chew, swallow, then talk," an annoyed Ginny scolded. To that, Ron rolled his eyes.

As they walked up to their rooms, Hermione heard a familiar voice come from below. She excused herself from the Weasleys and headed towards the sound.

"So, he hopes to attain the prophecy? What's it about?" Remus inquired.

"He…" Snape began. Professor Moody cut him off before he could say another word.

"Severus, we are no longer alone in this conversation."

'Damn that eye of his!' Hermione cursed at herself for being so careless while eavesdropping.

"Ahh, Ms. Granger. Where are your friends?" Snape put on a stoic expression. Hermione could see passed that now.

"Uh..I just came for a glass of…pumpkin juice. Sorry, sir." Her eyes locked on Snape's

"Well, go on then. Hurry up and move along," Moody ordered in a rushed tone.

"Never mind that now, Alastor. We can continue later." Remus affirmed. "Tonks and I were about to head out now anyways." He took his leave upon finishing that statement.

"Fine," Alastor practically growled and headed out of the kitchen to do his daily duties.

This left Snape and Hermione alone in the kitchen. Snape raised his eyebrows as Hermione hadn't moved since she explained why she had come into the room.

'Oh yeah, pumpkin juice,' She noticed his gesture. She walked over to the fridge, opened it, and started to grab the juice.

"How much did you hear this time?" Snape broke the silence. He had moved closer to her.

"Not much…" She turned. "Something about a prophecy. Never thought you to be the type to believe in such things, Severus." Butterflies swarmed in her stomach when she made the comment. She had said his name without even thinking or meaning to. It wasn't natural…or at least, it didn't use to feel natural.

"And what type would you think me to be, Hermione?" He smiled, as much as he resisted, he smile.

"The brilliant type who didn't believe in such a frivolous art." She stated this so matter of factly…even without a blush. He moved to close the gap. Hermione allowed the fridge to close behind her and she backed up against it. She barely had a grip on the jug of juice when he came up to her and took it from her loosened grip, his hand brushing lightly against hers.

Her heart began beating faster. She licked her lips in anticipation. Their bodies were barely touching; they could feel the heat of each other's body. Snape place the jug on the counter without looking. There was no hair hindering her sight for him to brush away; it was all pinned and pulled back. She caught her breath.

"Hermione, want to…" Ginny had just entered the kitchen to retrieve her friend that had abandoned her and Ron on the stairway.