A/N- Here you go, second update of the day so make sure you read Chapter 6 first. This one is a little shorter than the others but there is still plenty going on! Chapter 8 should be up in a week…ish. This kind of dips in and out of both characters points of view. 5 days, 5 encounters all leading up to an enlightening Hogsmeade visit which will be the focus of Chapters 8 and 9, mwhahahaha.

I own nothing except my beta worrywart who is awesome. That's right, you're mines! I don't own my other beta goldiechik yet (who is also awesome) but I'm working on it *shifty eyes*.

Monday:

Hermione was wandering the halls of the 2nd floor carrying out her patrol duties when she looked up and saw a fifth year couple run around the corner, whispering anxiously.

"No running in the corridors. Walk or I'll be forced to deduct points." Hermione spoke firmly but with a kind smile.

"Please Hermione, we can't slow down or he'll catch us," implored a panic-stricken Ariella Corningston. Hermione had discussed a few academic matters with the Ravenclaw; she found her to be a very nice and sensible girl and so was just about to tell them to run along when Professor Snape swept round the corner silently. Before she could greet him or enlighten the others to his presence, he raised a finger to his lips and signalled a demand for her silence.

Hermione was fighting a losing battle with her mouth which was attempting to twitch into a full blown grin at the sight of her Potions Professor sneaking up on her two fellow students.

"Sorry Hermione, but we have to run! We were caught up the Astronomy Tower by Professor Snape. He didn't see who we were so we still have a chance to get away with it, I mean, can you imagine what he would do to us if he caught us?"

"I can," drawled the unmistakable voice of Hogwarts' scariest staff member. "Several horrifyingly disgusting detentions and a loss of 20 points, each should suffice."

As he spoke Hermione watched the two normally level headed 5th years jump out of their skin and begin to whimper fearfully. They slowly turned away from Hermione to face their professor and as they did Hermione noticed his facial expression sharpen and grow colder. Hermione turned to leave but was halted by his voice.

"Miss Granger, I need a word with you. You two, get back to your common room now, and I expect to see you in my office at 7.00am precisely."

Hermione's peers needed no further encouragement. As soon as their professor had finished talking they mumbled an apology and fled. Hermione looked at him and merely raised one eyebrow.

"What?" He spat out.

"Was that really necessary?" Hermione smiled fondly at him.

"It was entirely necessary," he smirked before gesturing that they should walk on beside one another.

"Well what did you want to talk to me about Sir?" Hermione glanced at Professor Snape as she walked alongside him. He furrowed his brow and turned to her, studying her face intently. His face suddenly relaxed as realization dawned upon it, and his lips quirked upwards in a smirk.

"Oh that? Nothing. I just don't have the energy to be vicious this evening, so I thought I would use you as an excuse."

"Again, Sir? What are you going to do if I don't play along? Lock me in the dungeons?" She joked with a hearty laugh.

"That's not a bad idea," he mumbled quickly and quietly.

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that?"

"I said that's not a bad idea. Tell anybody about my excuses, and I will lock you up." He threatened in a menacing tone but his eyes glittered with good humour.

He had leaned into Hermione to make her feel threatened but she placed a hand on his upper arm and chastised "now, now Professor; no need for dramatics." The atmosphere seemed to change almost immediately. Hermione thought it was because she had crossed a line and withdrew her hand, fearing that he would be cross with her. Professor Snape thought the change in the atmosphere was due to the fact that she had noticed him staring at her and that she withdrew her hand because he made her uncomfortable.

"Sorry Sir, I suppose I should really get back to my common room too." Hermione smiled nervously at him as he studied her before looking away abruptly.

"Yes, it is late. Goodnight, Miss Granger."

"Goodnight, Sir." Before she had finished speaking he had already began walking away from her. She watched him for a moment before turning and making her way back to Gryffindor Tower, fighting the urge all the way down the hall to turn around and see if he was still in sight.

Tuesday:

Hermione was bored and so Tuesday evening found her in the library researching some of the more obscure brewing methods recorded. She sat at a table in the back corner of the library, twirling a lock of hair round her finger as she read her book, completely absorbed in the content. She was so absorbed in the content she did not notice a pair of eyes watching her, studying every flicker which crossed her face, mapping every feature and struggling in vain not to make contact with her. She found a reference note regarding another book which she knew she had seen on one of the shelves earlier, so she scrapped her chair back and got out her seat, stretching languidly as she did so. She made her way over to the shelves and began scanning for the book she sought. After scanning the titles for some time, Hermione eventually found what she was looking for and turned to head back to the table, a triumphant smile adorning her face. Upon turning around she found herself face to face with Professor Snape, his eyes flickered down to the book in her hands briefly before he returned his gaze to her face, raising one eyebrow in query. Hermione couldn't help but smile widely at him, glad to see him.

"It was referenced in Inspired Brewing: Volume 1, is it any good?" She looked up at him, biting her lip anxiously.

"The only thing that book is any assistance with is suicide," he spoke incredulously as he snatched it from her hands. "I can't believe they have this book in the library. Promise me you will never attempt anything in here…unless you have a death wish."

Hermione let out a soft peel of laughter before promising she would stick to the recommended books.

"I thought you were giving the books and research a rest and focusing on your natural instinct?"

"What natural instinct?" She scoffed at the very idea anything she did in potions making was natural or instinctual as she leant back against the shelves behind her. Professor Snape came and stood before her, staring at her until he managed to lock eyes with her.

"Miss Granger, you are the most promising student Hogwarts has seen for many years; in all subjects, Potions included," he informed her sincerely. "Stop doubting yourself and embrace the challenge."

Hermione stared at her professor, he continuously surprised her. As she began formulating a response which would do justice to how much she appreciated his words he muttered an extremely brief "good evening", before striding off with his robes billowing.

Wednesday

"We meet again," Hermione offered with a wry grin as she came across Professor Snape during her Wednesday night patrol.

"So it seems," he acquiesced with an answering smirk as he slowed to allow her to fall into line with him.

"How's your day been?" Hermione asked kindly not noticing the brief pause in her Professor's steps as he registered her kind enquiry. It was not a question often asked of him, unless it was Dumbledore sneakily asking how order business had gone.

"Uneventful," he drawled coldly, attempting to mask his true emotions. Several moments of companionable silence passed between the two before Hermione spoke again.

"You know, I've spent the last few days trying to figure something out and I just can't. Do you mind if I ask you a slightly personal question, Sir?"

He chuckled darkly before speaking in dangerously soft tones. "Careful Miss Granger, remember the line it would be wise not to cross."

"Oh, it's not that personal, Sir. It's silly really."

"Go on then, we both know your Gryffindor sensibilities will provide you with the necessary bravery." He rolled his eyes and let out a huff of annoyance.

"Well, it's about The Muppets," she gazed off into the distance as if attempting to solve a mystifying puzzle.

"The Muppets?" He stopped abruptly and waited for her to notice. She eventually turned around and walked back to where he stood.

"Yes, Sir; how did you know who Beaker was? You don't strike me as the Muggle television type." She had the good grace to blush and shuffle her feet nervously.

Pause.

"You've spent a good part of the last few days wondering how I was able to make a pop culture reference about a children's television show? Really Granger, are you that bored?"

She began laughing and it soon enough overwhelmed her. She was doubled over, clutching her stomach before she straightened, wiping tears from her eyes. "Yes, I suppose that is ridiculously sad."

Warmed by the sound of her laughter he found himself talking quite freely with her. "It was Lily. Don't bother with the shocked and confused expression Miss Granger," he said in an exasperated manner. "Whether or not certain aspects of my testimony were kept private from the general public, I have no doubt that you are fully aware of my friendship with Potter's Mother." His lip curled in a familiar sneer as he leant back against the stone wall. Hermione tried not to flinch; she knew the sneer was directed at Harry rather than her.

"Lily made you watch The Muppets?" Hermione leant against the wall beside him, turning her head to the side to view his profile as he spoke.

"No, Lily mentioned Beaker in our 3rd year and so during the summer holidays I did a bit of research and found out what on earth she was talking about. I wasn't ever allowed to watch the television in my childhood home; my father was the only one who got to watch programmes, so The Muppets were a complete mystery to me."

Hermione studied him carefully, thinking that if she concentrated hard enough she might be able to see the lonely little boy he had once been. As if he felt her eyes on him he slowly turned his head to return her gaze, and she was surprised when he didn't shy away from this close human interaction. "What did Lily say? What made you research The Muppets?" She smiled at him and was heartened to notice him return her smile.

"Your toes are getting dangerously close to crossing the line, Miss Granger." He smirked and Hermione couldn't help but notice how much nicer he looked when he was relaxed.

"It's worth the risk," she whispered softly not sure where the rush of adrenaline she felt had come from. She watched as eyes traced a familiar path over her features. This was something she had noticed him doing the last few days; he seemed to be observing her very closely.

"One day she came looking for me whilst I was brewing," he began with a sigh as he looked away from Hermione. "She wanted me to attend a study session she had set up in the library. I refused to leave because I was at a crucial stage of a new brewing process and she told me I was…"

"Yes, Sir?" He returned his gaze to her expecting to find her amused by the situation but instead she looked perfectly serious and seemed to be hanging on his every word.

"She said I was becoming the Beaker to Slughorn's Dr. Bunsen Honeydew." He spat the words out, waiting for the inevitable laughter but he was surprised when Hermione merely rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"That's ridiculous, a person with your natural authoritative presence could never be viewed as a hapless assistant, even at such a young age. "

After shaking her head she turned to face him once more and noticed he looked utterly dumbfounded and was once again staring at her. She smiled at him encouragingly.

"Anyway, I had no bloody idea what she was talking about , all she would tell me that he was some character from The Muppet Show, so I did a little research and found out who Beaker was. I wasn't very impressed." He furrowed his brow as if reliving the disappointment. He looked straight ahead and began ranting about something which had obviously irritated him for years. "When I spoke to Lily after the holidays she was pleased to know I was aware of the reference. She thought she was extremely clever and pointed out to me how Beaker has a constantly downturned mouth to rival my constant moodiness-"

"Professor Snape, correct me if I am wrong but does your mouth not spend around 70% of the time smirking?" She finished with her own smirk. He returned his gaze to her yet again but this time moved slightly closer.

"You are positively teetering on the line this evening," he said silkily and Hermione felt a jolt in her stomach when she heard his tone and saw how close he was to her. He must still scare me, she thought although the swooping sensation in her stomach was accompanied by happiness rather than fear. She came to her senses and realised they were staring at one another and she could have sworn she saw him move ever so slightly closer when they were interrupted by a loud crash at the end of the corridor which caused them to leap apart.

"What the hell…" Professor Snape started to head in the direction of the noise but stopped when he turned around and saw Hermione standing with her eyes closed and a hand over her heart as she exhaled shakily. He swooped back towards her and crouched down in front of her. "Miss Granger, are you alright?"

She opened her eyes and looked down at him, attempting to smile. "It's nothing…Sir," she panted out. "I don't have the best nerves after the war," she grimaced as he stood, observing her closely.

"How bad does-"

"It's fine, Sir," she interrupted in embarrassment. "I should really head back to Gryffindor Tower, but thank you for your concern." She turned and began to walk away but was halted by the cold voice of Severus Snape.

"Hold it right there, Miss Granger." She flinched it his harsh tone and peered nervously at him as he came to stand beside her. His expression softened and he wordlessly gestured for her to walk on. After a few moments he spoke whilst watching her the whole way, "Let's get you back to the lion's den."

Thursday:

"Miss Granger, could you please go into the storeroom and collect 26 standard stirring rods and the tray of lacewing flies I have laid out," Professor Snape drawled dispassionately.

"Yes Sir." Hermione replied before heading for the store cupboard trying not to show her amusement at the little act he was putting on. As she climbed the ladder to reach the stirring rods her Professor strode into the cupboard and sighed dramatically.

"How do you put up with these morons, Granger." He groaned as he rubbed both hands over his face.

"I don't," she answered simply as she continued in her task. "Haven't you noticed I have very few friends?" She began navigating the rungs of the ladder, clutching a bundle of stirring rods in her left hand. She misjudged the second last step of the ladder and slid off, flinching as she anticipated the impact of the ground. She felt two arms hold her securely and steady her before letting go. She turned to face him, her cheeks stained with embarrassment. "Thanks, Sir."

"I can't have you injure yourself in here, Potter and Weasley will think I sabotaged the ladder."

Hermione stifled a giggle behind her hand. At that moment the voice of Elenor Heatherill rang out, claiming that Hermione was probably trying to resuscitate some of the ingredients. "You know what she's like about silly little creatures." Hermione was breathing heavily, her cheeks were red and she looked like she was about to blow.

"Gods I hate that little sychophant." Snape spat out furiously before storming out of the cupboard.

Hermione let out a snort of laughter before trying desperately to keep quiet. She composed herself and entered the classroom, heading to the front work bench and placing the items she had gathered down.

The remainder of the class was rather enlightening for Hermione. It seemed nothing would go right for Elenor. An unfortunate incident of wrongly labelled ingredients led to her spending the last twenty minutes in the hospital wing. Despite this little mishap Professor Snape was in a rather good mood as he dismissed the class. Hermione purposefully slowed her actions as she packed her things away and once her last classmate had left she cleared her throat loudly. Professor Snape looked up with an innocent expression. Hermione merely raised an eyebrow in question and smiled broadly when he gave an almost imperceptible nod. She shrugged her bag over her shoulder and gave him a small salute before walking out the door.

Friday:

"Ahhh Hermione, there you are. We were just talking about you; were your ears burning?" Professor Flitwick announced as he spotted her outside the staffroom. She gave a puzzled smile before scanning to see just whom this 'we' consisted of. She saw Professor McGonagall sitting in an armchair, nursing a cup of tea and completely oblivious to what was going on around her. Sitting on the couch to her left, working diligently on his marking, was the new Defence teacher, Professor Shardlow. The room seemed otherwise empty and Hermione wondered if Professor Flitwick had been having a one-sided conversation. Just as she was about to ask him for the book he had promised her, the door was yanked open fully and Professor Snape was standing before her looking severely pissed off. Hermione was unsure how to proceed and settled for smiling politely before averting her eyes and returning her attention to Professor Flitwick.

"I was just wondering if you looked out that book we discussed yesterday?" Hermione asked trying not to look at Professor Snape even though she could feel his gaze upon her.

"Oh, I have Hermione but I've left it in the classroom. Why don't you pick it up tomorrow before the Hogsmeade trip?" Professor Flitwick smiled warmly at his favourite student.

"That sounds perfect. Thanks Professor."

"No problem. Good night all." Professor Flitwick took off down the hall leaving Hermione and Professor Snape standing awkwardly on the threshold of the staffroom.

"Goodnight Professor," Hermione said before making her own way along the hall. It took her a few moments to process that Professor Snape had also left the staffroom, closing the door firmly behind him. She turned and took in his stony expression and paused for a few moments to way up the risks of engaging him.

"Are you okay Sir?" Hermione asked tentatively, still not looking directly at him.

"I'm fine," he spat out, increasing his pace. Hermione matched his pace determinedly.

"It's just you seem a little…out of sorts." She spoke gently as if trying to coax a dangerous animal back into its cage.

"How would you possibly know whether or not I am 'out of sorts' Miss Granger?" He questioned her snidely.

"With all due respect Sir, I haven't seen you this mad since Harry left Hogwarts," she spoke forcefully but respectfully.

"With all due respect Miss Granger, I fail to see how this is any of your business," his focus remained on what lay ahead of him.

"It is none of my business. Please except my sincerest apologies for thinking you might have wanted to talk about it. Had I known my concern was so unwanted I would never have offered it. Good night." She had spoken sarcastically but unwaveringly politely before attempting to storm off. Shit, I did not think this through. I forgot how fast he is at walking, she thought as she noticed he was directly behind her, even though she was almost sprinting.

"Miss Granger...

Miss Granger...?

Hermione!" He practically yelled, frustrated at being ignored.

She stopped suddenly; so suddenly that her Professor did not notice and walked straight into her. In attempt to make the scenario less awkward he tried to stop her from falling by pulling her towards him; the force of the impact, however, had left them both unsteady on their feet and so he succeeded only in making sure they were facing each other when he landed on top of her. Both of them had the wind knocked out of them and so they spent a few seconds recovering. It only took those few seconds for Severus to notice how she looked from this vantage point; pinned underneath him, chest heaving in an attempt to catch her breath. She looked effortlessly sexual. Effortlessly sexual where have I heard that before? Fuck, I hate it when a Weasley is right, he thought bitterly. Just as he was about to leap to his feet and plan his escape he noticed Hermione raise a hand to her head, wincing slightly when she made contact. He smoothed her hair and brought his fingers to rest at the point she was touching, brushing her fingers as he did so. "How badly did you hit you head?" He spoke in a professional yet compassionate manner and was completely oblivious to how silly it seemed since he was lying on top of her. They were looking into one another's eyes and he catalogued her expressions as she tried to determine how she felt.

"Pretty badly I think…I feel…odd." As she whispered her response he felt her breath caress his cheek, and it brought him back to reality. He leapt to his feet and then leant forward, wrapping an arm around her shoulder for support he pulled her back to her feet. He took in her dazed expression and saw her sway slightly so he left his arm where it was, wrapped around her, and began to walk her to the hospital wing. As they walked through the shadowed hallways, she began to lean more heavily into him until her head was resting on his chest. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I'm sorry if I overstepped the boundaries," she spoke sincerely yet with a tremble to her voice, and he felt his heart clench uncomfortably.

"It is I who should be apologising. I took my frustrations out on you when all you were offering was kindness," his voice was pitched soft and low so as not to exasperate her headache.

"Apology accepted. Keep talking," she murmured sleepily, "your voice is so soothing."

He flinched, uncomfortable with how inappropriate this encounter had become. "What on earth would I have to talk about? Oh I see," he spoke with a hint of danger in his voice, "you are still trying to wheedle my secrets out of me; find out why I was so angry. How positively Slytherin of you."

"Hmmm," was all the response he received.

"It was nothing significant," he began with a sigh. "Just the usual feelings of hatred, mistrust and suspicion. Minerva tries her best but I think she is still too hurt from losing Albus and being kept out of the loop. She doesn't want to understand. Recently I have noticed her trying to make small talk so perhaps she will come around eventually. I don't know why I bother going to the bloody staffroom; the only one who seems to have any time for me is Filius, and all he wants to talk about is some annoying little Gryffindor who is apparently something of a Charms prodigy." He felt her chuckle softly against him and reigned in the urge to hold her tighter to him.

"They are all fools," Hermione's voice had a dreamy quality to it due to her evident concussion, but the intent behind her words was fiercely strong. "You made some mistakes in the past, but you have spent half of your life making up for those. How many others can say that? Not only that, but you have dedicated your life to assisting and protecting those who have treated you appallingly." She mumbled every word into his chest but then she pulled away and looked up at him, bringing them to a halt outside the hospital wing. "I know you think I'm an annoying and overly emotional girl, but I want you to know that there is no feelings of hatred, mistrust or suspicion here. Well, not on my part anyway," she joked with a wry smile. "I trust you implicitly Sir, and I truly enjoy your company." He looked down at her earnest expression, still wholly aware she was in his arms but not concerned in the slightest with how inappropriate it was. They were forced to tear their eyes away from each other as the doors were wrenched open by a puzzled Madam Pomfrey.

"Oh dear, what seems to be the matter Hermione?" As she spoke she pulled the girl from the arms of her professor and wrapped her own around her.

"She fell and hit her head quite hard on the stone floor." Snape followed them over to a bed and watched in concern as Poppy effortlessly pushed Hermione down onto the bed.

"Is she concussed? How has she been behaving?" She bustled around the room collecting equipment as she questioned him, and he was reminded of what a force of nature this woman could be.

"It appears so. Her speech is a little slurred, she seems extremely lethargic and a little disorientated." He couldn't remember the last time he had spoken like this; earnestly, with no sarcasm or anger. This girl is beginning to affect my relationships with everyone, he thought in shock.

"What did she say?"

"Excuse me?" Professor Snape spluttered uncharacteristically.

"What was it she actually said? Did it make sense? Was she aware of whom she was talking to?"

"She was certainly aware she was talking to me, and it all made sense, but I suppose she spoke a little more freely than she normally would around a professor." He spoke delicately, aware that Poppy was a very observant woman.

"She's a brave girl, speaking freely to Professor Snape," Poppy said to Severus but it was directed at the girl.

"More like stupid," Hermione rasped as the potions that had been administered began to work through her system.

"Yes well that too. I'll give you a moment to thank your saviour and then I want you to sleep here. You are completely fine now but I would prefer to keep an eye on you," she marched off briskly.

"Does that woman do anything quietly?" She cringed as she spoke before turning onto her side to get comfortable.

"Never," he offered her a smile.

"You look nice when you do that," Hermione mumbled into her pillow. "When you smile."

"Oh dear, clearly this fall has done more damage than we originally anticipated, I better got Poppy back here at once." He jested as he got up from his seat.

"No, I'm fine. I've thought that before…" She trailed off with a yawn.

"Clearly we need to look into spell damage from the war then. Goodnight…Miss Granger." He managed to stop himself from calling her Hermione but couldn't help but notice the way she held her breath as he paused and looked disappointed as he spoke her name. Does she want me to call her Hermione, he thought. All the other teachers call her Hermione, that's all it is. She wants to feel like an equal amongst the staff.

"Sir?"

"Yes…Miss. Granger?"

"Will I still be able to go to Hogsmeade in the morning?" She asked as she closed her eyes.

"Yes, you will be fully able to run around with your silly little friends." He began walking away, her question reminding him who she was, how young she was and who she was friends with before she interrupted him with a laugh.

"Gods I couldn't care less about that. I just really need to look out a journal at the bookshop. Goodnight."

He turned around to ask her which journal, but noticed that sleep had already claimed her.

"Goodnight…Hermione."

A/N- Well? What did you think? I can't wait to hear from you guys. x