A/ N: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS…only the plot of this story.

Summary: Just why was Hermione so upset after the Yule Ball…the boys may think its just hormones, but it is actually something much deeper.

A/N (Again): This story includes rape, violence, and…possibly attempted suicide. The chapters may be short and the fic will…eventually, become HG/SS. I WANT REVIEWS…at least five before the next chapter. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL REVIEWS! And remember that flames are welcome…do your best!

Chapter 7: Burning Bridges

Severus watched the girl preparing a stew in the small kitchen in his rooms. She had been staying with him for a little over a week. Surprisingly, Severus found that he enjoyed having the girl around. She had lightened up and would even hum quiet tunes as she cleaned or studied. However, the staff was getting concerned with how the situation would look should someone from outside of the school find out about it. Minerva offered to talk to Hermione, but Severus insisted that he speak with the girl.

Not knowing how to start such a conversation, Severus stood in the doorway of the kitchen nook and cleared his throat. "Miss Granger…I really think it's time that you move back into your dormitory." He said, gently. "You staying with me for so long is beginning to reflect poorly on the school."

Hermione looked up from the potatoes she was cutting, putting the knife down. "Sir…I-I can't…what if they find out?" she asked. "How will they treat me? I refuse to seem weak around them…"

Severus frowned and sighed. "You are not weak. And I know Potter and Weasley would be there for you…if you let them in. Tell them what happened…perhaps it will make you feel better."

Tears built up in Hermione's eyes. "Why?! Why are pushing me away? I need you! I trust you. I…I care for you."

Severus tensed. "That, Miss Granger, is what worries me," he admitted. He had similar feelings for his student though he would never admit it. "I do not deserve to be cared for."

Hermione frowned. "That's not true. Everyone deserves at least that much!"

Severus turned his back on her. "No! Not me!" he bellowed. "Hermione…" he spoke firmly. "I am not a good person. I have killed in the past, and I am sure I will in the future…it is all a part of being a Death Eater!"

Hermione went quiet and studied his face. "Y-you called me Hermione…" she said.

Severus froze for a moment before his gaze grew hard. "I've just told you all of that and all you are concerned with is how I addressed you?! You daft girl!"

Hermione flinched away from his rough tone. "I…what have I done wrong, Severus?" she took the liberty of using his name.

Severus could not tell himself he didn't love the way his name sounded rolling off of her tongue. He wanted to pull the poor girl into his arms and hold her forever. "No! Not Severus! I am your professor; you will address me as such." He took a breath to calm himself. "Now, Miss Granger…please gather your things so I may escort you to your dormitory."

Hermione stood, pushing back tears. "Yes, sir…" she said, retreating to the guest bedroom.

"I've heard she is fucking Professor Snape."

"I heard she had a breakdown, and they had to take her to St. Mungo's for daily treatments."

Hermione ignored the whispers of her dorm mates as she prepared herself for bed. She climbed in and pulled the curtains around her. Placing a silencing spell on the bed, Hermione finally allowed the tears to fall down her face before falling into a fitful sleep.

Severus downed the glass of firewhiskey before throwing it into the fire. He had let her too close…far to close. It had been nice to have her around, but he knew pushing her away would be for the best in the long run. She didn't care for him, she cared that he cared for her. Severus poured himself another glass of firewhiskey before retreating to his rooms.

Hermione bit her lip as she walked down the stairs. It was Saturday, and the Common Room was full. She spotted Harry and Ron playing chess and took a seat next to them. "Morning, boys," she greeted.

Harry smiled. "Good Morning, Hermione. We heard you came back last night. We were waiting for you so we could go down to breakfast together."

The small gesture warmed the girl's heart, and she smiled. "That sounds lovely. I want to talk to you afterwards anyway…both of you," she added, as they stood and headed out of the Common Room. Hermione felt positive for the first time in a while. Perhaps Severus was right. Perhaps telling the boys would be the right thing to do.

"Well, well…the Golden Trio together again…" Malfoy's voice rung out. "Say, Granger…Why did Snape kick you out?" he asked.

Hermione froze. She wasn't aware that everyone knew she had been staying with him. "What are you talking about, Malfoy?" she asked, pretending to be oblivious.

"What? Was your pussy too loose for him, you Mudblood slut?!" he yelled.

Hermione was shocked when Ron, not Harry, flung himself forward, tackling the blonde boy to the floor. "Take it back, Malfoy!" he demanded, his fist sinking into the other boy's face, blood spurting from his nose.

Tears stung Hermione's eyes as she and Harry tried to pull Ron away. "S-stop, Ron! He's not worth it!" she cried.

"Mr. Weasley!" the voice of Minerva McGonagall had never sounded so frightful. "Remove your hands from Mr. Malfoy."

"Professor!" Ron cried out, standing up. "He deserved it!"

"I heard him, boy…" she said, her voice stern. "It is not your duty to deal with it." She turned her attention to Draco. "Ten points from Slytherin, for inappropriate conduct. Now go to the Infirmary."

Malfoy groaned and stalked off towards the Hospital Wing. "Now…Mr. Weasley." Her voice was hard. "Twenty points from Gryffindor for harming a class mate,and detention with Mr. Filch tonight. And ten points to Gryffindor for sticking up for a friend in need." She could not hold back the smirk on her face as she headed towards the Great Hall.

Ron sighed. "Come on…I'm starving…"

Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek before walking quickly ahead.

Ron flushed and glanced at Harry. "Why the bloody Hell did she do that?" he asked.

Harry smiled and shrugged as he and Ron followed behind Hermione.

A/n: Oh my! I'm so sorry! Its been forever!!!!! Please review!!!! I promise updates will be more frequent.

Next Chapter: Hermione tells the boys, but it doesn't go as planned.