A/N: This is going up a tad later in the day than I originally intended, but it's the last day of Spring Break and I didn't get out of bed till noon. Anyway, I'm sure you're all aware that I don't own a thing, so I'll shut up and let you read the new chapter now.


Before leaving the Hospital Wing, the Headmistress Floo called Kingsley Shacklebolt, the new Minister of Magic since the war had ended. With instructions given for two Aurors to be sent to wait Disillusioned outside her office, it hadn't taken Minerva long to reach the Great Hall and send Poppy on her way with a warning against Ronald Weasley and, on her way back out, find Ron and ask him to come with her. Harry had given them a questioning glance, but Ron just shrugged as he followed the Headmistress.

As they walked through the empty corridors, they were both quiet until he asked the question she'd expected far sooner.

"Headmistress, what is it you wanted to see me about?"

"All will be explained, Mister Weasley, when we get to my office."

It was quiet again after that, and they reached their destination quickly. Minerva offered him tea once they were both seated, which he accepted. Now, she just needed to wait for Severus.


Once Poppy rushed into the infirmary, Severus hurried towards Minerva's office, walking at a brisk pace. He soon came to the gargoyles guarding the staircase, and giving a nod to the Aurors that were waiting outside, murmured Minerva's password.

"Animagus."

The spiral staircase moved as slowly as it ever did, but Severus found himself at the door of the Headmistress' office soon enough. He knocked twice on the door before Minerva told him to come in.

He smirked as he caught sight of the look of terror on Weasley's face; he'd never gotten over his fear- or his resentment- of Severus. For his part, Severus took pleasure in this, as he'd never liked this particular Weasley. Arthur was fine; Molly was kind, if not annoying; Bill and Charlie had both been decent students; Percy was a pompous arse; the twins had been excellent Potioneers, classroom shenanigans aside; Ronald was- and always had been- a poor student incapable of coherent thought; and Ginerva was certainly competent.

Severus looked at Minerva and nodded; he would do most of the talking. All she needed to do was make sure he kept it… civilized.

"Mister Weasley, do you know why you are here?" He kept his tone dark and quiet; it was useful for intimidation.

The boy- for he certainly wasn't much of a man- looked thoughtful, but shook his head.

"Well, let me be so kind as to enlighten you," Severus drawled menacingly. "But first, how is Miss Granger this morning? Surely you noticed her absence at breakfast?"

If under different circumstances, Severus probably would have laughed at how pale the boy grew then. He seemed devoid of all color, and his freckles stood out much more than they usually did.

"I, er, haven't seen her today."

"That, Weasley, would be because she's in the infirmary, healing from severe injuries. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"

"Of course not! I haven't seen her since last night!" With this, he grew paler still before beginning to turn red with anger. He was an abhorrent liar.

"Yes… Last night after her meeting with Professor Vector, correct?"

"How dare you! Like that Mudblood bitch is worth my time!"

That only served to anger Severus more. Who did this waste of space think he was, saying such things after what he'd done to Miss Granger?

"Do not use that word in my presence," Severus spat, "or you will regret it, Ronald Weasley. And, obviously, you decided she was worth some of your time when you raped her!"

Weasley was trembling with anger now, as was Severus, though he did a much better job of controlling it. "That bitch deserved everything she got! She was mine, and she kept herself from me. Then, when I go about handling it, she leaves me! I shouldn't have stopped. I should have just killed her."

Severus couldn't believe how delusional this boy was. He was seriously fucked up in the head; even more than Severus had originally thought, and that was really saying something. Severus' anger was starting to get away from him, though, and he wasn't quite done yet. It was time to regain some control.

Before he could berate Weasley further, Minerva spoke up.

"Mister Weasley, what you have done is inexcusable. You are a respected war hero, but even you cannot be forgiven for the crimes you have committed against Miss Granger. You are hereby expelled from Hogwarts. I expect you packed and off the grounds by the end of the day; if not, you will face the consequences. There are two Aurors waiting for you outside. They will escort you through the castle at all times, and they are also responsible for getting you home. When you arrive at the Burrow, a trace will be placed on your wand and you will be under house arrest, which they will explain to you. Do you have any questions?"

Weasley looked completely taken aback. "What?! But Headmistress-"

"But nothing. I thought you were better than this, Mister Weasley, and it is with a heavy heart that I see otherwise. An owl has already been sent to your parents; they are expecting you home by this evening. I suggest you gather your things and say your goodbyes sooner rather than later."

"Yes, Headmistress."

"Mister Weasley, this has also been reported to the Ministry; you should be hearing from them about a court date shortly."

"I understand."

The boy was obviously seething by this point. Severus didn't have a doubt that he would get to Hermione in any way he could. Quickly making eye contact, Severus slipped into his mind undetected.

That Mudblood whore is going to pay for this! There's no way in hell I'm going back to the Burrow. I'll be damned if I'm going to Azkaban; no, I'll run. Nobody will get in my way. I will get her, once and for all. There's got to be a way around that trace. If I could only…

Pulling out of Weasley's mind, Severus couldn't help but give him one of his iciest and most menacing glares. He'd been right; Hermione was going to be in danger.

"You are dismissed, Mister Weasley."

He rose and left quickly, his rage still etched onto his face.

Once Severus and Minerva were alone, he told her what he'd gleaned from Weasley's thoughts.

"Severus, I think it would be best if we moved her to the quarters meant for your apprentice. From what I heard in the Great Hall this morning, he's started some awful rumors, and they're spreading like wildfire. I'm afraid Miss Granger will need to remain as close to you as possible for the time being. Draco Malfoy and a few others seemed to be quite pleased with what they were hearing."

"Dislike it as I might, I can't say I disagree with you. I'll try to talk to Draco, but it probably won't do any good; he's Lucius' son, after all. While all charges against the boy were dropped, his father is still rotting away in prison. Last I heard from Narcissa, he is following in his father's footsteps."

"Thank you, Severus. I know this isn't ideal, but I'm afraid for the poor girl. That boy has always been jealous of the others, and-"

She was cut off by the sound of Poppy's voice coming from the Floo.

"Headmistress? Headmistress! He just came down here to see Miss Granger! I was able to get him out and ward the doors, but he was quite angry."

"Damn!" Severus cursed, rushing to the door. "I'm going back down to the infirmary, Minerva. Cancel my classes for the day, will you?"

"Of course. I'll stop by later this afternoon to-"

The Headmistress was cut off once again by the slamming of her office door.


Poppy Pomfrey was thumbing through some medical files that had been building up on her desk when the doors of the Hospital Wing were thrown open. From where she was sitting, all she could see was a flash of red hair. Knowing who it was immediately, she rose and rushed to Miss Granger's bedside.

The boy was already there, and he was glaring down at the girl's sleeping form. Before Poppy could do anything, his fist was meeting the girl's face, breaking her nose and causing her lip to split open. She woke with a scream as he pummeled her.

"Just what in Merlin's name do you think you're doing?"

He looked up at her with an insolent scowl. "You don't have any control over me; I'm no longer a student here."

"That may be true, but this is my patient, and you are in my infirmary. Therefore, I'm in charge, and you are leaving. Now."

She was met with a hateful look and an obscene gesture before he turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. Poppy was quick to heal Miss Granger's injuries, doing what she could to calm the poor girl. Still exhausted, she fell back asleep quickly. The matron made an urgent Floo call to the Headmistress and warded the doors to the Hospital Wing before sitting down to watch her charge.

Having kept the wards open to staff members, Poppy was unsurprised to see the doors open. What did surprise her was the sight of a certain Potions Master coming bursting into the Hospital Wing with a murderous glare. Beneath that, she could see the concern deep in his eyes.

"What happened? Is she alright?"

"She's fine, Severus. He beat her, but she's been healed, and I've gotten her to go back to sleep."

He seemed to calm some, and he approached the girl's bed cautiously. She looked much better than she had, despite the still-healing fresh bruises Weasley had left her with. Sleep seemed to be bringing her peace, even if it was only temporary.

Severus wanted to stay with her, but he knew that he didn't have a logical excuse. There was no reason for him to be there when Poppy was present. Heaving a sigh, Severus turned and left the infirmary while telling the matron that he was going to look for Weasley and that he would be back later.


"The Bat of the Dungeons" spent his day above ground as he helped the Aurors search for that ginger-haired bastard. Apparently, not long after leaving Minerva's office, he had turned suddenly and disarmed them both, incarcerated them, and was on his way. It had taken both Aurors quite some time to work up enough strength to free themselves wandlessly. Severus and the Aurors had managed to cover the entirety of the castle, and reasoned that Weasley must have packed up and was now on the run.

On his way back to the infirmary, Severus stopped by Minerva's office to tell her that Weasley had escaped the Aurors and was now on the loose. With this news, Severus was promptly kicked out of the office so Minerva could give Shacklebolt and the Aurors a piece of her mind.

Deciding that now was as good a time as any to return to the infirmary, Severus was mildly surprised to find that she wasn't alone. He kept to the shadows, ready to intervene if necessary.

"I just don't know who to believe! You two have been at each other's throats since you left him, and it's just hard to believe that he did this to you. He's been telling me for months how he was trying to make things right with you, but you just keep shutting him down."

"Harry, I know I didn't bring our problems to you like he did. I didn't want to burden you. But I'm telling you now. Everything I told you was true."

"That may be the case, 'Mione, but I really don't know who to trust at this point. I'll just need some time."

"Fine; I understand. Ron is your family. I'm just your friend."

"Hermione, that's not-"

"I think you should go, Harry. Goodnight."

Severus watched Potter huff from the room as he stepped out from the shadows.

"Good evening, Miss Granger."

She jumped and turned towards him. "Hello, Professor. Um... How much of that did you hear?"

"Enough to know that Potter's a bloody idiot."

"No, it's alright. He told me what Ron was saying, and I can't say that I blame him. He's actually calmed down quite a bit; you should have seen him earlier."

"What, exactly, are the rumors Weasley was kind enough to start?" he sneered.

The girl sighed. "Well, apparently we began fighting when Ronald found out that I had been sneaking out of the castle at night. He confronted me, only to learn that… that I was going to Malfoy Manor to pleasure the remaining Death Eaters. He left me, and has been disgusted with me ever since. That's why I'm in the infirmary. They were a little too rough for me, and I need time to heal before I can go back to being a whore."

"And they actually believe him?"

"So it would seem. I'm sure I don't have all the details, but it was enough to make Harry doubt me. Ginny stopped by, but only to say that I am no longer welcome at the Burrow and that, if I know what's best for me, I'll just leave their family alone."

"It sounds to me as if nobody is aware of the fact that the remaining Death Eaters are not at Malfoy Manor- they're not even in bloody England! With the Aurors hunting them all down, they fled the country."

"I know that, but he's using my capture from when we were on the run to his advantage"

At Severus' raised eyebrow, she paused. "Oh, you don't know about that?"

"I knew of it, but I am unaware of what happened."

"We were in the woods, and Snatchers found us. It was Greyback and whoever he had with him. I threw a stinging jinx at Harry so he couldn't be recognized. I really thought we'd be able to outrun them, but they caught us. We were taken to the Malfoys', where the boys were thrown in a cell, and I was kept in the drawing room. Bellatrix Lestrange wanted to know where I'd gotten the sword of Gryffindor. Being 'a filthy Mudblood,' I was the best option for her torture. It was awful."

She took a moment to steady herself before continuing.

"That was the first time I'd ever been under the Cruciatus. She was relentless; I don't even know how long it was. When she grew tired of that, she got that cursed knife and…"

The girl was crying now, and seemed unable to continue. Before Severus could tell her that she didn't have to say more, she rolled up her left sleeve and held her arm out to him. His eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly in his surprise. Bellatrix had been punished for their escape, and had never said what happened. He'd had no idea that Miss Granger had been branded.

"You know, the Malfoys were there. They just sat back and watched. I understand why, and Draco actually helped us escape, but it doesn't change anything."

Severus nodded. "Miss Granger, I am sorry for what Bellatrix did to you; I never heard of what transpired that day. I must admit, though, that I am unable to see how Weasley tied this in to his rumors."

She laughed mirthlessly. "He says that my scar," she gestured to her arm, "works like the Dark Mark. When they wanted me, they could summon me. That's why I kept going back; I had to. It sounds as if they're all believing it, too."

The girl wiped her tears from her eyes and laid down on the bed, still looking at Severus.

"Professor, what am I going to do?"

"It has been decided by the Headmistress that Gryffindor Tower is no longer safe for you. She has arranged for you to move into the quarters next to mine, as I am to become your guardian. Minerva felt that this was best, but if you are uncomfortable with the arrangement, I'm sure changes can be made."

"No, sir, I'm sure it will be fine. Although, I wouldn't want to be any trouble for you. I would understand if it would be more preferable for me to stay elsewhere. You've done so much for me as it is."

"It is no bother, Miss Granger. Poppy, how much longer is Miss Granger required to remain here?"

"You can take her now, if she feels that she is ready," she answered, looking at the girl.

She nodded and rose from the bed. There was a small pile of clothes at the foot of the bed; Minerva had brought them on her second visit. When she went to change, Poppy turned to him.

"Severus, make sure you keep an eye on her. Perform diagnostic spells daily for the first week, then every other day the second. She's been through a lot, and will surely be under stress. Don't let her push herself too far too fast."

With a quick nod of understanding, he looked at the approaching girl.

"Are you ready?"

The girl gave him a small smile in response and walked out the doors with her professor right behind her.


A/N II: I did have some guest reviews this time around and, since I do my best to respond to all of my reviews, I'll respond to them here. If y'all (those who reviewed, I mean) want me to take this down for whatever reason, just let me know and I'll do it.

To 'Guest,' thank you for your kind words of encouragement, and I'm glad you like where this is going so far. Your support is much appreciated, whoever you are:)

To 'Puddles,' I first want to thank you for taking the time to review and ask questions, which I'll go ahead and answer. Yes, Poppy did heal Hermione, not Snape. In chapter one, Poppy left Severus alone with Hermione for the night, and he was still there with her for the Legilimency and afterwards. Sorry if that wasn't clear! I hope the stuff with the Aurors in this chapter helped with your questions there, but if not, let me know. I know what you mean with the physical evidence, and I really should have put this somewhere earlier, but it just isn't really going to be put to use (at least not for now- I'll probably write it in somewhere later on). I wanted to focus more on the bond that's beginning to form between Severus and Hermione in this chapter and the few that come after it. As for all of this being left until the morning, it was mostly because I wanted to give Severus and Hermione time alone to work it out. I know it is by no means realistic and doesn't make a ton of sense, but it is what it is.

I hope I've helped clear some things up, and please feel free to ask questions about anything you feel is unclear. I'll always do my best to answer without spoiling anything! All feedback is appreciated, and I'll see you guys next week!