Chapter 8

Realizing that he was being stared at, he quickly bowed then raced out of the room. He heard laughter behind him.

He began to run as he reached the foyer, oblivious to what he was doing. The moment he stepped outside, he disapparated.

Hogwarts grounds greeted him once more. He unlocked the gate, and slowly started up toward the castle. It was then that he realized how badly he'd been shaken. His hands were trembling and his teeth were chattering. He took a deep breath then let it out.

Now was not the time to panic. He had a job to do.

He hurried toward the gate for the second time that night. He stopped short when he saw someone leaning against the bars. Puzzled, he cautiously approached the figure, his wand at the ready.

The light from his wand revealed the scared face of Hermione Granger.

He steadied himself, removing his wand from the girl's face. The light lit up her gentle features.

He made eye contact with her then, consciously noting that there were tears in her eyes.

He hated himself for what he'd have to do to her tonight.

"Miss Granger, I-"

"Hermione," she interrupted.

He looked at her and nodded.

"Hermione," he corrected himself. "In light of the current circumstances, you may call me Severus."

A small smile played on her lips. He took full notice of that smile, painfully realizing that it could very well be the last smile she would ever show anyone.

Before he could register what he was doing, he had enveloped her in his arms. She instantly broke down into tears, sobbing against his chest. He stroked her hair, whispering that everything was going to be all right.

He only wished that what he was saying was true.

They stayed that way for several minutes.

Finally, she broke away. He took a step back from her, doing his best to show no emotion.

She wiped her eyes, took a deep breath and looked evenly at him.

"Why me, sir?"

He was at a complete loss for words.

After what seemed like an eternity, he whispered:

"I didn't know what else to do."

She froze, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, Hermione."

"You have no choice. I forgive you, Severus."

He only hoped that she'd be so forgiving in another hour.