A/N - Hello all of you. I can not begin to thank you enough for your wonderful reviews! just WOW! some on them are so wonderful and such high levels of praise that I am over whelmed. Love that so many of you are enjoying this story and enjoying the say Hermione and Snape interact, I love writting these two together. Your comments about Sirius have me giggling, he is an idiot bless him but a loveable idiot he will get better...may take some time :D

BIG FAT BETA LOVE : themerchntofvenice! YOUR AMAZING!

and as always I don't own anything :(

Coming Home - Chapter 10

Snakes

September 2nd 1977 - 9 months and 8 days.

The rest of the morning passed pleasantly and before Hermione knew it, it was lunch. She made her way down to the great hall on her own, thinking over how her first day had gone so far. She had enjoyed the friendly competition that Snape and she had developed during potions; of course he had just bested her ever so slightly, she was going to fix that next time. She was enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, no talks about war, no talks about loss, just the sound of chatting students and echoing halls. It was certainly something she could get used to during this year, but she did miss her boys.

It had been all of one day without them and already she was feeling at loss. They had spent almost every day together the past few years, and here she was without them and feeling like she was missing a part of her. So much had happened in the space of a day, what would they say if they could see her spending time with Snape? It was an unlikely set up she knew that, but so far it was one she was very happy with.

Hermione knew she was irritating him, but found that that was part of the fun. Part of what made this whole ordeal feel slightly normal. When had she ever not irritated Severus Snape?

Then there were the marauders. She was grateful she didn't have to avoid them after all, that she was able to spend time with them. Being able to bring back a few tales of James for Harry would be nice, of course Lily too. She could tell Lily was much like her, a head strong and intelligent muggle-born witch.

Hermione was also certainly looking forward to reminding Sirius about everything he had said to her so far. He was incorrigible that was for sure, a trait he clearly hadn't lost over time. She had decided that she would write down everything remotely provocative or sordid he would say, and let him have the collection when she returned, whenever that may be.

On another note, Hermione found herself unsure about how she should behave around one snivelling rat named Peter Pettigrew. She found it hard to remind herself that he of course wasn't the evil man she knew, he was still just a simple wimpy young wizard trying to get through school. It had only been a short while and already she was finding it hard to believe that he would become so vile. He was a short dumpy little fellow, with surprisingly rat like features even now. Peter didn't speak much, but when he did his voice was quiet and quite pathetic, he certainly was a good description of the term 'a wet blanket'. Hermione knew his future actions were awful, she knew that he was the reason Harry had been left without a loving home, and she hated that there was nothing she could do about it for him.

She hated that she couldn't stop him, she couldn't warn James and Lily, she couldn't protect Sirius from Azkaban and she couldn't protect Remus from years of solitude. Knowing all this and being unable to do anything about it, was hard. It was a struggle to be around these people, knowing she couldn't keep them out of harm's way. But she was strong and she was aware of the implications that could happen should she try to amend things. Nobody had said it would be easy and if she was finding it hard on day one...Merlin help her on day one hundred and one.

Hermione walked into the great hall with heavy feet, she had managed to make herself go from happy and content, to dreary and dismal in the short space of time it took her to walk up from class. Head held low she plopped herself down and stared at her empty plate having lost her appetite.

"You ok?" came the squeaking voice of Peter.

Hermione looked up at him, wanting to scream and shout and tell him "No she wasn't and why did he have to turn out to be such a conniving little bastard". But she didn't, she just smiled politely and nodded "Yeah I'm fine," she managed, though not very convincing.

"You don't look fine," Peter continued looking concerned. Seriously this boy is the one who makes the shit hit the fan. How does that happen? She thought to herself "You look sad-"

"Why the long face Kitten?" interrupted Sirius and he sat down beside Peter.

"Just feeling a little homesick I guess," Hermione said, editing the truth.

"Parents?" Hermione felt a lump of guilt in her throat form at the question. Of course she missed her parents, but she had grown so used to not seeing them for such long periods of time, that it wasn't often something she thought about. Then there was also the small detail of the obliviation they had gone through, wiping her from their minds so that they would be safe. Hopefully one day she would be able to retrieve them, return their memories, but things still weren't completely safe yet, so they were far better where they were.

She sat for a moment trying to think of the best way to explain "Not quite, yes I miss them but it's been so long since I saw them that I'm used to missing them. Things are complicated. I used to spend a lot of my time at school or with my friends. It's my boys I miss," it wasn't the complete truth but it wasn't a total lie either.

"What's this about missing boys?" asked James as he and Remus joined the table both sitting either side of Hermione. At the mention of boy's Remus let out a low growl.

"At the amount your growl, anyone would think you're a wolf Remus," Hermione playfully said, running her fingers through his hair calming him, enjoying the looks on the boy's faces at her comment. She had to admit having the upper hand was definitely fun.

"HA!" barked Sirius in an awful attempt to cover up their alarm.

"Anyway" interrupted Peter "Hermione was just saying how she was missing her friends,"

"You've only been here a day" said Remus leaning in to her touch, much like a puppy would when they're being pampered with affection.

"I've spent the past seven years with them almost every day, I live with one of them, so I feel as though I'm missing a limb" she removed her hand from Remus' hair and smiled shaking her head when she heard the wolf whimper at the loss of her touch.

"Oh you do, do you?" Sirius asked wiggling his eyebrows "Boyfriend?" he continued, encouraging another growl from Remus.

Hermione's fingers resumed their position in his hair comforting him as she continued "Harry? Oh god no. He's like a brother to me, that would be far too strange. No, I just live with him, his godfather and his godfather's best friend,"

"Well good luck to anyone who pursues you. Having to meet a household of three men and then the parents" Hermione missed the devious smile Sirius flashed to Remus.

"Oh there not that bad, if you like brothers, ex Azkaban convicts and those who suffer with Lycanthropy" she answered with a smirk.

"You're joking aren't you?" James asked focused on the witch next to him, his eyes opening wide with shock when she shook her head no.

There was silence around the table for a moment, Hermione waited patiently for the questioning to begin.

She heard Remus inhale deeply "You live with a werewolf?" he asked in a whisper.

"Of course," Hermione answered, as though it was nothing of importance.

She was feeling devious at that moment and even she could now see what Snape meant when he had said she was more Slytherin then she would have thought. It was hard not to play with the cards she had been dealt. Here she was sitting, with four men she knew far too much about, in a time she was supposedly meant to be in. She would be silly not to have a little fun.

"And you're not scared?" frowned Sirius.

"Why should I be? It is one night in the whole month he's not himself. Why should I be scared of a perfectly wonderful man? He's never hurt any of us and controls his 'furry little problem' well" Hermione didn't miss the smile James flashed to Remus "There's not a bad bone in his body. Obviously he's just one wolf, I've had the pleasure of meeting others, who of course are vile and are the reason they have such a bad reputation. But that's not him and that's not most. So I won't hold it against him. Plus he's easy on the eyes," she finished with a smile desperately trying to prevent her gaze drift to her right.

Remus sat in amazement, there was a beautiful witch sitting beside him, who in fact lived with a werewolf and found him attractive (that part he wasn't keen on), and wasn't bothered by it in the slightest. He hadn't missed the expressions on his friend's faces either. Starting out as shock and then graduating to the look a small child would wear on Christmas morning. For once it seemed to be that the quaffle was in his hands. That perhaps his mate just happened to be one of the kindest witches he could ever hope to meet. A witch that wouldn't be bothered by his monthly problem, one that already understood what it was that he went through.

However there was now the issue of James and Sirius' over excitement on the matter. They were certainly going to go in at full pelt and try everything in their power, to get the two of them together. He groaned inwardly at the thought of what they could be planning, and whatever it would be would most likely not work in his favour.

"There aren't many who would share the same opinion as you," he said softly.

She simply shrugged her shoulders in dismissal before she turned to help herself to some food. The conversation halted whilst they ate, though Sirius and James continued one silently with head nods, winks and gestures. Remus tried his best to ignore them as much as he could manage; though they were so animated it was hard to overlook.

One whole day and this witch already had everyone in a tizzy, not to mention all the four or five times she had run her fingers through his hair, had made him want to curl up like the wolf he was and nuzzle into her. Normally two days before the moon he would be far more agitated, run down and downright grumpy, yet today he didn't particularly feel any of those. He was a little more possessive than normal and jealous, but that would of course be because of this witch. However her overall presence was certainly a breath of fresh air to his symptoms.

The possessiveness and the growling were welcomed with open arms, if it meant he wasn't snapping at his friends or others and being overly aggressive. Though there were the ups, there was also a significant downfall to having his mate so close. Goodness knows what kind of attention was being gained from her affectionate gestures. That and she smelt amazing; it was taking everything in his power to stop himself from nuzzling into her neck. Being this close only reminded him of the previous night, alone in her room, her hand upon his bare skin. How their bodies had felt being pressed against each other whilst they listened at the door. Thinking about it now was certainly not doing him any favours in his state. He found himself searching the Hufflepuffs, looking for one particular witch that could possibly help ease the tension later on for him.

With a subtle smile, a wink that Sirius would be proud of and a disapproving growl within from the wolf, at least he now knew some of the tension would be eased. Just one more day, one more day after this he had to get through till the moon, and then everything would calm down once more. He could stop allowing certain parts of his body to overrun his thoughts and actually make a safer effort of getting to know Hermione, without wanting to pounce every time she did something.

"Hermione," came a soft smooth voice, gaining everyone's attention.

Remus watched as Hermione looked up over her shoulder and smiled brightly and the wizard before her.

"Killian, what can I do for you?" she asked him. Remus turned his attention away and back down towards his plate in an effort to control the wolf.

"Well, I have a free period now and was planning on using my time to bother Severus in the Library, fancy joining me if you're free?" Remus refused to look up but he could tell the slimy snake was using that witch winning smile of his.

"Sure why not, I was planning on heading down there anyway and the chance to irritate Severus is an offer I can't really refuse," the flirtatious note in her voice didn't go unnoticed by the marauders.

Remus watched Peter and Sirius' expression as the witch and wizard conversed neither one of them saying a word, whilst James and he faced forward trying to look uninterested as best as they could. He could see Sirius was itching to say something, but Remus was pleased to see he was controlling that urge very well for once.

His heart sank a little when she gathered her belongings and stood to leave "See you boy's later in class." she said before she disappeared out of the hall with the snake.

"Slimy snake," muttered Sirius his lip curled with disgust.

"You're not worried are you Moony?" questioned Peter as he shared an anxious look amongst his friends.

"Its fine, it's nothing we can't handle. So there's a little obstacle in the way" said James with a shrug of the shoulders.

"If you call the six foot blonde self declared Slytherin Prince a "Little Obstacle"" Remus mumbled whilst looking down towards his plate playing with his food.

"Man up will you. Look its day one for Merlin sake. Don't act like such a ninny. So it might take longer, but you've got nothing to worry about, remember what you said on the train? The connection runs between the two of you, you know it might take her a while to realise that, but it will happen I can feel it-" Remus scoffed as he interrupted Sirius' passion filled speech.

"Shut it will you – Look, just let things play along, We of course will be helping to push it in the right direction but don't worry yourself over it,"

James flung an arm around the wolf "He's right you know."

"He's a pureblood -" Peter began.

"And I'm a half-breed, thanks for the reminder Pete,"

"That's not what I meant Moony," Peter said with saddened eyes "he's a pureblood and you have no idea if she is too. For all we know she could be muggle-born, if that's the case there would be no way his father would let him sully their name "dirty" their bloodline. If anything was to happen, it would never be allowed to be more than a school fling," he finished with a lopsided smile.

"This is crazy, I only met her yesterday, why does this feel so shit. Nothing has even happened, they've talked and they've gone to the library together, that's it" Remus asked hiding behind his hands.

"Because you know what she is to you. She's the jam to your sandwich, the milk to your tea, the egg to your soldiers, the fish to your chips -"

"That's quite enough Sirius, I think we get it, she's the ying to his yang, the roots to his tree, the books to his library, the cup to his saucer -" continued James.

"The chocolate to -"

"Stop it!" cried Remus with a smile "I think we get what the two of you are trying to say" he said smiling.

"Well then stop worrying; we have a whole school year ok? And you have Prongs, Wormtail and I here to help" Sirius said confidently.

"That's what I'm worried about," replied Remus.

"On another note, did I see you making plans with Miss Hufflepuff a moment ago?" asked Sirius with that trademark smirk.

"Not to be a party pooper, but you can't really get too bothered by Hermione going to the Library with Wilkes, when you've arranged witch call's the past couple of nights"

"Don't -" Remus growled at James aggravated by his comment "You know it's the only thing that keeps me sane around this time, and it's certainly not something I care to flaunt about – it makes me feel -"

"Hey calm down, I didn't mean it like that. We know ok. I'm just saying try not to let things bother you considering the circumstances,"

Snape was enjoying his quiet time in the Library; it was his chance to just sit there in the peace away from all the drama that had evolved from yesterday. Never before had he experienced so much in one whole day. Twenty four hours since the meeting of one Hermione Granger and his life had been turned upside down. He knew most of the next twenty odd years of his life, something he still couldn't quite come to terms with. How many people can say they know exactly where they'll be in the future? That and the further pressure of somehow, ending up as her babysitter adding to his annoyance.

Despite this however, he could sense that the little witch was wheedling her way in to his life, and planning to make herself very comfortable for the duration of her stay. He would refuse to admit it aloud to anyone and those who suggested it would be hexed into oblivion, but he actually quite enjoyed her company. She was infuriating and far more hassle then she was worth, but she was honest, intelligent and quite cunning. Traits he admired in the witch. Though at the same time she was also exasperating, a know it all and stubborn, traits that made him want to stick her wand up her nose and tell her to bog off.

He had wanted to hex her the moment she sat beside him in potions and was thoroughly unimpressed by her threats. However when she had proven to be quite adept at the subject like she had mentioned previously, and tidy, his anger subsided a little. He was even more impressed that she had know some of his shortcuts, despite thinking she was a show off for using them in front of him, that of course being down to her being a Gryffindor.

In spite of this however he was all too aware of becoming attached to the witch. He didn't really do friends and the one true friendship he had had didn't end all that well. Something he was reminded of when he was around Hermione. He had thought of her as a way to make himself feel better about his past mistake, yet it seemed his plan was flawed. The fluffy head Gryffindor had made an impression, one that he didn't seem to mind, much to his own annoyance. However this was not something she needed to know, he was certainly not going to inflate her ego even more.

He groaned in annoyance as he felt someone pull out the chair beside him and take a seat "Severus, that's no way to greet us" came the familiar voice of Killian.

He looked up only to wish he hadn't, as he was greeted by the smug smile of Killian and the over excited grin of Hermione. It seemed that his moments of peaceful solitude where now and forever more, nonexistent.

"Hello Severus" came Hermione's cheerful voice, though he could see there was a slight lack of amusement that had previously been within her eyes. He refused to make comment on it; he'd be damned if he became all Hufflepuff and actually allow her to see that he had emotions other than grumpy git.

"Snape" he corrected in annoyance "Don't you think I've suffered enough of your presence so far Granger?"

"Now, now Severus, it's only polite to make new students feel welcome. Be nice" said Killian with a friendly clap on the back.

Snape looked up the blonde wizard beside him and raised an eyebrow "And Wilkes since when do you enjoy the presence of a Gryffindor?"

"Severus, you know well enough that house status has never mattered much to me. Especially when it comes to a beautiful witch" Snape looked up at Hermione, rolling his eyes when he noticed the pink blush across her cheeks.

Of course house status didn't matter to Killian nothing really did, as long as there was a pretty willing witch to warm his bed and one vital body part, everything else was irrelevant. What seemed to amaze Snape however, was the small detail that the witches in question didn't seem to mind this. They were never anything more than a pillow for the night.

His "Proper" pureblood upbringing had witches swooning. He was charismatic, wealthy, and handsome, a real "pureblood prince". A perfect example of a wizard a mother would want their daughter to bring home. A simple kiss on the hand, brush of their cheek or a Slytherin smirk and he could quite simply have the witch of his choosing.

What he was surprised by was Hermione's reaction to the wizard. The girl certainly didn't seem like the type of witch to blush and go giddy at the slightest bit of affection. Yet there she had been not hours ago smiling and blushing like a goon. Snape had thought briefly of giving Hermione a heads up about his philandering ways before changing his mind. She was a grown witch, she had survived a war and a potions lesson with himself, he was quite sure she would be able to handle a snake.

"So please do tell me what I have done to deserve such company. As far as I was concerned I have been on my best behaviour. Surely I don't deserve such punishment?" Snape said returning his gaze back towards his book.

"Nothing of course, It is simply a joy to bother you," said the blonde.

"Stop teasing him you Snake" Hermione said with a teasing smirk "We simply wished to join you, thought you would like the company,"

"Now, now Hermione, there's no need to lie to him. Dear Severus and I here have a wonderful alliance built on each other's ability to irritate one another." Killian replied with a playful wink, causing the colour in Hermione's cheeks to deepen "He would expect nothing else but my extraordinary wit."

"Slytherin's" she said rolling her eyes with a smile.

"Indeed Granger. Now if you two wouldn't mind, I really am trying to work and you're intolerable babbling is growing quite bothersome," Snape said picking up his book and resuming his reading.

"Very well Severus. What is it you're reading anyway? Advanced potions! Do you ever switch off?" Killian asked.

"It would do you some good Wilkes to familiarise yourself with some of the potions in your tome, I think you'll find it makes it all far easier to accomplish a recipe without having to look at the instructions throughout," Snape answered barely looking up from his page.

"Which are you reading?" enquired Hermione.

Snape took a moment to look up at the witch before him, her eyes downcast trying to look over the top of the book "Always this inquisitive Granger?" he asked her.

She ignored him and swiftly took the tome from his hands and turning her attention to the potion he was studying "Elixir to Induce Euphoria, you know if you add a sprig of Peppermint before the Sopophorous beans it will counteract the side-effects," she said smiling up at him and handing the book back over.

"How do you know that?" asked Killian.

"My old potions professor, a very wise man one of the best in his field in fact," she answered with a smug smile as she looked up at Snape.

He smirked back at her and rolled his eyes "Insufferable know it all," he muttered, much to her delight. She certainly was amusing he thought to himself as he took a quill making the necessary additions to the text, ignoring the overly happy smile of the Gryffindor before him.

There would most definitely not be any dull moments this year with her around, though he still wasn't sure if this was a good or a bad thing.