A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for the reviews and the help with my Trigonometry issue, it was greatly appreciated! All of your websites that you have given me looked really helpful, thanks. Hopefully my grade will go up quickly so I do not have to risk getting caught on the computer to write. But it's alright; I like the thrill ;)

~Severus Addicted

P.S: I know most of you realize this but my homework has to come before Fanfiction but sadly even I have problems with this.

:)

Chapter Ten: Wrapped Around A Little Finger

Harry finally came to a rest in an empty classroom much to Hermione's appreciation. Gasping for breath, Hermione pulled Harry into a tight hug, "Are you okay, Harry?" She asked breathlessly.

Harry refused to speak as he pulled himself out of her grasp, "Leave me alone, Hermione."

Shaking her head, Hermione all but stomped her foot, "What is going on? Tell me!"

Harry snapped his emerald eyes up to her's and she immediately regretted yelling at him. Rolling down his cheek was a trail of tears, "I-I don't know what is going on, Hermione. Just l-leave me alone. I'm a Freak."

Hermione bit her lip and wiped the tears away with the robe of her sleeve, "I am not leaving you alone. You wouldn't leave me alone in time like this. Now would you?"

Slowly, Harry shook his head, "Please, Herm, I... I just can't talk, ok?"

Squeezing his hand comfortingly, Hermione gently tapped his chin up so he was looking at her, "Please, Harry? I can only help you if you let me in."

Harry sighed and slowly lowered himself down on the floor, "Why am I such a freak? Why can't I just be normal like everyone else? Why do I have to be the bloody Boy-Who-Won't-Die? Why me, Hermione? I hate it."

Roughly blinking her eyes to keep the daring tears from falling, Hermione sat down beside him, still holding his hand, "Harry, I know you have a rough life and I know you'd trade it for anything. But you have to force yourself to remember the good things in life, even it's the simple fact that you made it through the morning. Or, that you are still alive. Harry, you're my best friend and nothing could ever change that. I know you're scared and confused because you don't understand what happened in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom but you are not facing this alone. Would it make you feel better if we go to the Library and research it?"

Finally, a smile cracked on his sad face but before he could respond a group of Slytherins stomped by sniggering on their way causing his smile to quickly disappear.

"Hey Snakey-Boy." A brown-haired boy taunted. "I thought you were a Gryffindor, Potter! Only Slytherins can speak the language of the snake."

Seeing red, Harry jumped to his feet and drew his wand, "Back off."

Hermione quickly stood and gave Harry a little push away from the brown-haired boy who was a least two heads taller than him, "Harry don't." She whispered.

This only caused the boy to snigger more, "What are you going to do, Potter? Call on your snakes to attack me?"

Dropping his wand, Harry lunged forward and attacked the boy. Both fell to the floor with a thump. Punch after punch, Harry left his anger out on the boy's face. Fortunately for Harry, the boy had no idea how to physically fight without his wand and made only desperate attempts to get away from him. Harry left a particularly hard hit smash the boy's nose and blood splattered all over him.

Just as Harry was about to hit him again, he froze in mid-air. Confused, Harry glanced around to see who dared to stop him from beating the life out of the twat that most definitely deserved it!

"Disperse, you brats, there is nothing to see here!" Snape bit out to the small crowd of students that had gathered around to watch the fight.

Wincing, Harry gulped as he realized who the voice belonged to.

Severus suddenly turned on his "niece" and snapped, "Miss. Grang- McGonagall, I believe you have a class to be getting to!"

Hermione would have smiled about what he called her because technically her last name was still Granger but because of the circumstances she simply glared at him and placed her feet firmly on the ground, "It wasn't Harry's fault."

After checking to make sure his Slytherin wasn't able to see him, he threw up a silencing spell around her and yelled, "Lose the look on your face, now! Young lady, if I want your opinion I would ask for it. Do not dare tempt me on this, child! Now, get your backside to your next class before you too find yourself over my lap for another go in one day. Do I make myself perfectly clear, Hermione Jean?"

Hermione paled and knowingly took a step away from him, "You can't be serious? H-he wouldn't have had to hit him if your Slytherin wasn't making fun of him! He's upset, Uncle Sev! He's completely confused and depressed and if you s-spank him again he'll just get worse! Harry's scared! He didn't know he could speak to snakes! You can't s-spank him again, you just can't!"

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and left out an exasperated sigh, "You are a child, Hermione, do not speak to me in that way. I shall punish my ward however I see fit and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it."

Hermione stomped her foot like a toddler throwing a hissy fit, "NO! Promise! Promise you won't spank him!"

In one stride, Severus was in front of her holding her still, "I promise, Hermione Jean, that if you ever stomp your foot in my presence again you will truly regret it!"

Blushing, Hermione stared at her feet, "Uncle Sev, I'm sorry... B-but I'm scared about him. I-if you spank him what if he cracks? He's so fragile..."

Severus snorted and left go of her arms, "Mr. Potter is anything but fragile, Hermione."

Frustrated, Hermione had to hold back the urge to stomp her foot again, "He's MENTALLY fragile!"

Severus raised an eyebrow at her tone but left it go, "Go on."

Hermione left out a sigh of relief when she realized he would hear her out, "A person can only take so much before they break, Uncle Sev... Harry has had to deal with a lot in such a short span of time. His whole life has been, excuse my language, Hell. He pretends he can handle anything that anyone throws at him. He pretends he's invincible! But he's not! Harry is only twelve years old! Did you know he's not allowed to cry at his relatives house? He grew up not being allowed to cry, Uncle Sev! How awful is that, I mean honestly? It's just..." Hermione left out a huff of frustration when she realized she was ranting, "I-I'm just scared he's going to mentally break and..." Hermione bit her lip and forced herself to stare Severus in the eyes as she left out one of her deepest fears, "W-what if we can't put him back together?"

Severus slowly nodded his head in understanding. Silently he made a vow to keep a closer eye on his ward to make sure his mental state is in right order. "Alright, Hermione."

Smiling hopefully, Hermione asked, "Alright, what, Uncle Severus?"

Bopping her on the nose, Severus smirked at her when she gave a sparkling smile, "I will not spank him. However, he will face severe consequences, just not by physical means."

Hermione slowly nodded, "That's okay, I guess. But, I still think he shouldn't get into trouble at all. The boy had it coming to him..."

Severus once again raised an eyebrow at her as he realized she has gotten more daring when speaking to him, "Child, I was not asking for your permission." Hermione shrugged and gave a small smile. "Get to class, Hermione. I will send a note to your professor so you are not in trouble for being late." When he saw she was starting to walk away he said, "Oh, and if you ever try to manipulate me again-" he left the threat hanging in the air as she walked away.

Turning around, she gave him a sly smirk and said, "You'll give in because I have you wrapped around my finger." With that said, she turned and started down the hall again.

Smiling, Severus shook his head in amusement. His smile transformed into a smirk as he flicked his wand causing her to yelp lightly from the stinging hex he sent towards her bottom.

Spinning to glare at him, Severus pretended to not know what happened.

Chuckling softly, Severus watched her disappear around the corner and realized that the child was completely right. Hermione Jean Granger does have him wrapped around her little finger.

Taking down the silencing spell, he turned to look at the heap of frozen children on the floor. Putting on his best livid expression, he un-froze them.

An hour later Harry flopped down at the desk beside Hermione, "Hey, Herm."

Looking up from her late assignments, she flashed him a smile before starting to work again, "I see he didn't use you in a potion... That's good."

Harry chuckled at her humor and pulled out his homework as well, "No. I am in trouble though, a lot."

Hermione nodded her head, "Well, you did successfully break the kid's nose after all."

Blushing, Harry bowed his head, "I didn't mean to go that far."

Giving him an understanding smile, she shrugged her shoulders, "He deserved it."

Minerva, who was watching over their study period, heard them talking and tapped their desks with the tip of her wand, "You can talk later. This is a silent study period."

Sighing, Hermione went back to working on her homework.

Once Minerva was once again back up in the front of the classroom, Harry turned back to Hermione and whispered, "Thanks by the way."

"For what?" She whispered back as she scribbled furiously on the parchment.

"You know... For uh... Talking Snape out of doing you know what. He told me." Harry muttered.

Hermione nodded her head, "You're welcome. So, how much trouble are you in?"

Again, Harry blushed lightly, "I'm grounded. I have a "bedtime" of 8:30. On top of that, I have to go to his office for detentions the next week where I will be writing sentences."

Hermione huffed, "He better have punished that jerk too."

Harry nodded, "He did. His name is Riley Johnson by the way. Anyway, Johnson has detention as well for the next week where he will scrub cauldrons."

Hermione didn't seem satisfied but shrugged it off, "He deserves more than that. Bullying should be taken more seriously in this school!"

"Miss. Granger and Mr. Potter if you do not become silent you will be serving detentions." Minerva snapped from the front of the room.

Hermione glanced over at Harry and rolled her eyes.

Smirking, Harry started working on his homework.

Before the bell rang, Hermione gave her mum her late work.

Minerva tightened her lips as she gave her a stern look, "Don't think I didn't see that eye roll, young lady."

Hermione bit her lip and looked anywhere but at her mum.

Minerva sighed and lightly tapped her mouth, "That's a bad habit, darling." Once Hermione was no longer biting her lip she continued, "How is Harry holding up? I heard he got into a fight with Mr. Johnson."

Hermione shrugged, "He got into trouble but it's nothing too major. He's fine."

Minerva cupped her cheek and gently forced her to look at her then whispered, "And how are you holding up?"

Hermione blushed at all the maternal emotions Minerva was showing her in front of the class. Fixing her stare on the pile of papers on the mahogany desk, Hermione gave a slight shrug, "Just uncomfortable..."

Minerva nodded, "I had no doubt about that. Has it lessened at all?" Concern was clear in her tone which caused Hermione to be slightly confused since it was she, after all, who made her bottom feel this way.

Hermione shrugged again, "I-I think a little..."

Minerva nodded, "If it does not go away by the time you go to bed tonight, let me know."

Slowly, Hermione nodded, "Um... Okay."

Minerva sighed as she realized something was amiss with her child, "Hermione, are you sure you are alright?"

Hermione huffed, "I'm fine. Can I please just go sit back down? I have more assignments to work on."

Minerva waved her off but kept a watchful eye on her every move for the rest of the period.

Harry sighed as he studied Hermione's face, they had been sitting in the common room for the past fifteen minutes and he still could not detect what was bothering her, which bothered him greatly, "Herm?"

Hermione slowly looked up from her page in Lockhart's newest addition to his collection of writings, "Yes?"

"Are you alright?" Harry asked her hesitantly.

Biting her lip, Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

Harry played with a red fuzz on the couch as he contemplated his next move, "You don't seem alright."

Huffing, Hermione slammed her book closed, "Gee, thanks, Harry."

Harry flinched at her tone and when he noticed she was about to stand to leave he put his hand on her lap, keeping her from moving, "You're not leaving until you tell me what is wrong, Hermione."

Hermione blushed fiercely as she looked down at his hand on her lap, "Well... You see- it is stupid really."

Harry shook his head, "Nothing is stupid if it is bothering you."

Shivers ran over her skin as he slid his hand from her lap to grab her hand. Biting her lip to hold in the huff of frustration, Hermione slowly answered his question, "You see, mum was acting really... Motherly towards me in our study period and a lot of other students noticed. I just..." Hermione tightly clenched her fists when she couldn't find the right words to describe her feelings.

Noticing this, Harry held her free hand with his other hand and gently ran his thumbs around in a circle pattern on the top of her hand, "Let me help. Are you worried that people are going to make fun of you for being her daughter?"

Hermione gasped and shook her head, "No of course not! It's just... Well, sort of." Hermione finally quietly admitted under her breath. "I feel bad because I know I shouldn't be embarrassed about her or anything... I don't know, Harry! It just felt awkward and I was uncomfortable."

Harry offered her a comforting smile, "I think it is because you are twelve years old and do not want to be coddled in front of your peers. What do you think, Herm?"

Hermione blushed lightly at the term "coddled" but after a few moments of thinking it over she slowly nodded her head, "I had no problem hugging Severus the other day."

Harry scrunched his face as he thought that over, "Hermione, you know I'm new to this. I honestly do not know and I am sorry. I cannot pretend to know because I do not. My relatives never coddled me and if they ever did that in front of the public I'm pretty sure Hell had frozen over. And, on top of that, I sincerely doubt Snape would ever coddle me." Harry grimaced at the thought.

Smiling, she gave his hand a tight squeeze, "Thanks, Harry."

Ron flopped down on the couch beside them with an awkward smile. Ever since the Defence Against the Dark Arts incident dealing with the snakes Ron seemed to be a bit distant, "Hey guys."

Hermione gave him a weak smile, "Hi Ron. How was being lonely?"

Ron glared at her, "Oh very funny. I wasn't lonely!"

Hermione snorted very un-lady like and snapped, "Well, where were you? Harry could have used your help!"

Before Ron could respond, Harry quickly jumped into the conversation that was becoming highly heated, "Guys, come on! Stop it. Hermione, he's here now. Just let it go."

Throwing Ron one last glare, she finally nodded her head, "Fine." Then, ignoring the red-head, asked Harry, "So, did Uncle Severus say anything about what happened in the Defense classroom?" Hermione asked indicating the snake incident.

"Yeah. It's called Parseltongue... The language of the snakes. It is a very rare ability to have. The last known wizard with the "gift" was Tom Riddle." Harry muttered the last part. "I have an evil ability..."

Hermione quickly shook her head fiercely, "Just because Riddle was a Parseltongue does not immediately make the ability of itself evil. Nothing is evil unless you use it in an evil way."

Harry sighed as he realized what she said was true, "That doesn't mean people won't think I'm part evil. I guess this explains why the Sorting Hat tried to put me in Slytherin last year..."

Both Hermione and Ron looked at him in shock.

Ron overcame his before Hermione and said, "You didn't tell us it tried to put you in Slytherin, mate."

Harry shrugged, "The Sorting Hat gave me a choice so I picked Gryffindor."

Hermione gasped, "There has never been record of the Sorting Hat allowing students to pick their house before! That's so fantastic."

Harry rolled his eyes at her excitement and brought the subject back in the forefront of their minds, "I already get attacked for being the bloody Boy-Who-Lived I just can't wait to find out how much more it happens now that considered the Boy-Who-Talks-To-Snakes. Fuck my life."

Ron clapped him on the back reassuringly, "No worries, mate. I won't let anyone pick on ya'."

Hermione snorted, "As long as Harry keeps beating anyone up that dares to speak to him rudely I'm sure he won't have a problem."

Ron smirked and nodded his head, "That's true. I heard you broke the asshole's neck!"

This caused Harry to laugh right out, "Rumors sure do manifest quickly, aye Hermione?"

"He broke Johnson's nose, Ron. Harry did not break the jerk's neck. Where did you hear that?" Hermione asked with amusement.

Ron looked a bit disappointed at the fact of a simple broken nose, "Fred and George are going around saying it."

Harry smirked and shook his head, "They weren't even there."

Ron shrugged, "I know. I don't know who they heard it from. They're bloody proud of you, mate."

Hermione tightened her lips and looked at him sternly. She looked almost like an exact replica of Minerva. "You very well could have gotten expelled. You should feel really lucky that Headmaster Dumbledore allowed Uncle Severus to take care of your punishment."

Harry snorted and said sarcastically, "Oh yeah... Real lucky."

Ron smirked, "I bet he was livid when he found you two!"

Harry grimaced as he thought back on the lecture that was still vibrating against his ear drums, "You have no idea!" Looking at the clock, Harry stood and looked as if he were about to be given his death sentence, "I have to go to detention now. Are we still on for tonight?"

Both Hermione and Ron nodded their heads.

Standing as well, Hermione said, "Mum will be expecting me home soon."

Ron looked at her in confusion, "Are you not staying in your dorm anymore, Hermione?"

Sighing, she shook her head, "Not at the moment, no. I'm in trouble, Ron. Merlin forbid I leave her sight when she can help it..."

Ron chuckled and waved her off.

Upon entering the kitchen, Hermione saw Minerva sitting at the table grading fifth year essays. Looking up from her paperwork, Minerva offered her a smile, "Good evening. How was your evening?"

Hermione shrugged carelessly and poured herself a cup of hot tea, "It was okay. Got my homework done and a bit of fun reading."

Minerva smiled knowingly, "Professor Lockhart's new book?"

Blushing as she brewed her tea, Hermione kept her face facing away from her mum so she couldn't see her. Nodding lightly, she said, "His adventures are interesting."

Minerva chuckled and shook her head, "Do you believe he did all the things he has claimed to have done?"

Hermione sat down at the table and stirred her tea as she thought, "I don't know what to think. I'm not sure if I really care though either, you know? If it is not true then it is really good fiction. This is why I call it 'fun reading'."

Nodding, Minerva took a sip of her tea, "I heard a lot of the Slytherins are picking a great deal on Harry."

Anger flashed across her face at the reminder, "Yeah, they have."

Smiling gently, Minerva said, "You are very loyal, my dear. The Sorting Hat most definitely placed you in the right house."

Hermione smiled a little at the compliment and took a sip of her tea, "Hey mum, can I ask you a question?"

Minerva perked up at this and quickly nodded her head, "Anything."

Sighing, Hermione uncomfortably stirred her tea as she struggled with what she wanted to ask, "Shouldn't my parent's funeral be soon?"

Minerva frowned, "Yeah, it should be. Your parents are now at St. Mungo's Hospital getting testing done. That is why there has not been a funeral yet."

Hermione's eyebrows knitted together as she thought, "What are they being tested for?"

She really didn't want to tell her this. Sighing, Minerva said, "They are trying to figure out if they can name who murdered them, Hermione."

Staring intently into her tea-cup, Hermione asked in a soft tone, "And how do they find that out?"

Minerva adjusted herself uncomfortably on the dining chair, "Well, they pull their last memories out of their minds."

Hermione gasped, "What?"

Sighing, Minerva stood from her chair, "I'm not telling you anymore, Hermione. You are much too young to hear about this."

Standing forcefully, Hermione snapped, "Too young my ass!" Hermione gasped and clamped her hand over her mouth as she realized she had sworn. Harry and Ron must be rubbing off on her...

Minerva clicked her tongue as she took in the now suddenly still twelve-year-old girl in front of her, "I believe it is safe to assume that you know swearing is wrong and I highly disapprove of it, correct?"

Lowering her eyes to the tabletop, Hermione gently nodded her head, "Yes, ma'am."

Giving a firm nod, Minerva continued, "Then what are we going to do about it, Hermione Jean?"

Hermione grimaced and stepped away from her, "I'm really sorry, mum. I was upset and angry and it just slipped out."

Closing her eyes and taking a sad breath, Minerva barely nodded her head, "Please, in the future, be more careful about the words that come out of your mouth."

Giving her an uncertain look, Hermione asked hesitantly, "That's it? You're not going to wash my mouth out with soap or anything?"

Minerva gave her an amused look, "Not this time. Unless you would like me to?"

Quickly shaking her head in denial, she quickly blurted out, "No, that's okay!"

Flashing her a smile, Minerva started making her way into the living room, "Finish your tea, Hermione, and then it is off to bed with you."

Butterflies slowly began to grow inside her tummy as she thought about their plans for the night. They do not exactly have a choice about going or not though. Someone has to ask Aragog! Obviously, Headmaster Dumbledore was slacking in the department of keeping his students safe since she and her two best friends were always the ones fixing the problems for him.

Placing her now empty cup in the sink, Hermione glanced in the living room. Seeing her mum curled up on the couch reading a book, Hermione said, "Good night, mum."

Looking up from her book, Minerva smiled gently at her, "Good night, darling."

Pushing away the feeling of guilty nervousness, Hermione entered her bedroom and crawled under the covers on her clam bed. Looking over at her clock, she sighed. "And now I wait..." She muttered to herself.

Opening her eyes, Hermione yawned and looked over at her clock. It was an hour past curfew. Widening her eyes, she jumped from the bed, "Shoot! I'm late! I can't believe I fell asleep..." Pulling on her shoes, that somehow came off her feet during her sleep, Hermione quickly entered her wall and into the Black Lake.

Swimming as fast as she could to the edge of the lake, Hermione climbed out completely soaked. Huffing and puffing, Hermione started to run through the forest in trying to catch up to Harry and Ron.

Fifteen minutes went by and she was completely and utterly out of breath. Looking around herself, she bit her lip as she realized she had absolutely no idea where she was. The darkness of the forest was beginning to give her the creeps as any small sound sent shivers up her spine.

"Look at that little girl, all soaked and shivering. Poor thing..." The voice sounded like a toad and caused more shivers to run up her spine.

"How about we take her back home for supper? I'm starved." Another voice appeared from the darkness.

Hermione stiffened and reached for her wand. Her hand found nothing in her pocket and her eyes went wide as she realized that through her hurry she forgot to grab her wand. Shuffling on her feet, Hermione stared out into the darkness and called, "Who's there?"

No response.

Hermione bit her lip and spun around when she heard movement coming from behind her. Nothing happened. Feeling her breathing become panicked, Hermione held in the tears of fear. "Who's there?" She shouted once again.

"Little one is becoming angry." The first voice whispered to the second.

"I hear little witches taste best when angry." The second voice whispered back.

Gulping, Hermione took a cautious step away from where she knew the voices were, "Leave me alone."

Evil snickers came from in front of her but before she could move a slimy hand shot out and grabbed her wrist.

Screaming, Hermione tried to pull out of the tight grip but to no avail.

"Hey! Leave her alone!" A third voice entered the darkness and in a flash the slimy hand left go leaving a trail of goo residue on her arm.

Disgustingly wiping her hand against her pants, Hermione tried as hard as she could to see through the darkness, "Zacheria?" She asked hopefully.

A soft hand landed on her shoulder causing her to jump, "I'm here, Hermione. They left, it's okay." Once he felt her relax under his touch, he asked, "What are you doing out here, Hermione? Don't you know the forest is deadly at night?"

Hermione shuddered as she realized the reality of what he just said, "I-I was going to meet with Harry and Ron."

Zacheria sighed, "So they're out here too?"

Hermione nodded her head and stayed silent.

"Do not worry about them, Hermione, they will be fine. Something with a pure heart will always help when others are found in a tough position."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Hermione asked in confusion.

"The forest, Hermione, is filled with evil but there is also good." Zacheria told her knowingly. Gently pulling her along, Zacheria said, "I'm going to lead you to the edge of the forest, Hermione. Then, I want you to promise me you will never come back in here at night, okay?"

"I promise..." Hermione whispered as she felt her heart beat even out from its panicked mode.

It didn't take long for them to reach the edge of the forest, much to Hermione's excitement and she quickly stepped foot on the school grounds. Turning around to give him her thanks she was cut off when from behind her came a sudden yell, "Hermione Jean! Explain yourself immediately, young lady! I have half a mind to punish you right here and now." Minerva all but yelled at her disobedient daughter.

Hermione turning to look at her obviously irate mother, she flinched at the look on her face and bit her lip, "No, please don't, mum. I just... I just wanted to come talk to my friend."

Minerva gave her an icy look, "Why, pray tell, did you have to talk to your friend at night and in the FORBIDDEN Forest, of all places?" Suddenly an idea came to her mind and she stared at her with wide eyes, "Hermione Jean, what were you two doing?"

Hermione gulped and took a cautious step away from her, "W-what do you mean, mum?"

Minerva held in the exasperated sigh, "Were you engaging in inappropriate behaviors?"

Hermione gasped and quickly shook her head, "No, I swear!"

"Is Harry out here as well?" Minerva asked ignoring her frantic denial.

Hermione's eyes went even wider at that small thought, "Gross! Mum! He's just my friend!"

Minerva rolled her eyes, "I've had "friends" too when I was young, Hermione."

Hermione scrunched her face in disgust, "Ew... Please stop, mum. I swear, we were just talking. I'm only twelve for Merlin's sake..."

Minerva sighed and gave a tilt of her head in acceptance, "I just want you to know though, if you ever have those... Feelings and desires I want you to know that you can come to me and I will make sure that you are protected, okay?"

Hermione blushed fiercely and stared a hole into the ground, "Okay..."

Minerva sighed, "Where is your friend? He is in trouble as well for being out past curfew." Minerva asked as she looked around the grounds but could not see another student.

The sound of something stomping on sticks in the woods caught Minerva's attention, "Young man, get out here now. It is past curfew!" However, what came out of the forest caught Minerva by surprise, standing at the edge of the forest was a young centaur.

Zacheria bowed his head to her, "Please, madam, do not be too hard on Hermione. She was only trying to help me."

Hermione threw him a thankful smile and turned back to her mum.

Minerva turned abruptly to stare at her daughter, "You're friends with a centaur?" Minerva tried to keep the shock out of her voice but failed.

Hermione flinched but slowly nodded her head, "Yes, ma'am, his name is Zacheria. He's very kind. He's my friend, please respect him."

Minerva gave a nod to her daughter to silently tell her that she would respect her wishes and treat him kindly, "Why could you not help Zacheria out in the morning, Hermione Jean?"

Zacheria quickly responded for her, "You see, madam, my father would be highly upset with me if he knew I was communicating with a witch. Even though we greatly respect wizards and witches we do not make verbal contact unless necessary. I-I did not want my father finding out because if he did find out I would be in a lot of trouble, ma'am."

Minerva nodded in understanding to Zacheria but turned back to her daughter and said in a stern tone, "You should have in the very least told me you were leaving, Hermione. I had no idea where you were! I did not know if you were safe! How dare you scare me like that! I am so absolutely livid with you, Hermione Jean!"

Hermione held in the hot tears that were begging to fall as a sick feeling attacked her stomach, "I didn't mean to scare you. I didn't even think you would notice. I'm so sorry, mum..."

Minerva roughly grabbed her arm and pulled her close, "Oh trust me, child, you most definitely will be sorry." Then turning to the centaur that was looking a little uneasy said, "Zacheria, have a good night. You also might want to return home before you father grows angry with you."

Hermione winced at the threat but at the worried look on Zacheria's face she held her worries in and offered a small smile as they walked away and thankfully it seemed to calm him down.

Hermione looked up at her mum and sighed, "Mum..." Hermione whispered with a tad bit of fear.

Noticing the fear, Minerva sighed deeply and stopped mid stride, "Yes, Hermione?"

Hermione blushed fiercely as she thought about the question she was about to ask, "Um.. Am I- Are you going to s-spank me again?"

Minerva closed her eyes to calm her nerves, "You know you darn well deserve one, young lady."

A tear rolled down her cheek at the thought, "I... I know. I'm really sorry for scaring you, mum."

Minerva squeezed her hand, "I know you are. Let's just get you back to bed okay? We will deal with this in the morning."

Hermione flinched as memories of sitting on the wooden seats all day came to mind, "Can we just do it tonight?" Hermione asked reluctantly.

Minerva shook her head, "No, Hermione. I am too angry to punish you and I have not decided what to do with you."

Sighing, Hermione slowly nodded her head, "Are you ever going to trust me again?" She all but whispered.

Fortunately, because of her animagus being a cat, she was capable of hearing what her daughter had just whispered, "Trust is earned my dear."

Sniffing sadly, Hermione stared at the ground, "I really messed up."

Minerva gave her hand another squeeze and gently pushed her through the castle door, "We will deal with it. For now, let us focus on getting home, okay?"

All Hermione wanted to do was fall in a pile on the floor and cry her eyes out. But instead, she nodded her head and together they made their way quietly back to the house.

Upon entering their private quarters, Hermione bit her lip and looked up at her mum, "Do you h-hate me now?"

Minerva shook her head and pulled her close, sitting down on the couch she gently helped Hermione on her lap, "I could never hate you, darling. disappointed? Yes. Angry with you? Of course. But never could I hate you."

A few tears leaked from her tightly shut eyes as she nodded her head into Minerva's shoulder, "I'm so sorry... I always mess up. I'm such a failure. I'm constantly in trouble! It feels like I get into trouble every day!"

Sighing lightly, Minerva gently ran her thumb across her daughter's flushed cheeks and gathered up the tears, "You are not a failure. I have not been acting completely fair with you either, Hermione."

Hermione looked up at her in confusion so Minerva continued before she could speak, "You just lost your parents not too long ago-" Noticing Hermione's devastated expression she held her tight and placed a light kiss on her forehead, "I should know that you are acting out because of grief. I am not helping you heal, I just keep punishing you every time you do something wrong and I am sorry. I'm not use to being a parent. I know that is not an excuse for my stern actions towards you but I vow to try harder. I need you to talk to me about your feelings though, sweetie. I need you to tell me when you're upset. I need you to tell me when you cannot sleep at night or when you simply just miss them. I am going to try harder to be there for you, I promise. You must realize though that if I let you get away with your actions every time you act out then what will you learn? There's a high possibility you will continue to act out and then you will not become socially acceptable when you become an adult because you will continue behaving badly. Do you understand what I am trying to say, Hermione?"

Slowly, Hermione nodded her head into her mum's shoulder wishing to change the subject, "C-can I ask you something?"

Minerva looked down at her with sincerity shining in her eyes, "Of course you can, darling." Noticing the worried expression on Hermione's face she gently ran her hands through Hermione's curly hair and asked in a soft voice, "What is on your mind, Hermione?"

Hermione huffed in frustration and looked away from her. Even as she did though, she unknowingly snuggled in closer to Minerva.

Looking at her in concern, Minerva lightly cupped her chin and turned her face so her daughter was now staring at her, "You can tell me."

A single tear rolled down Hermione's cheek as she thought about where to start.

Minerva gently brushed the tear away and adjusted Hermione so she was cradled in her arms as if she were a tiny child. She did not say a word as she waited patiently for Hermione to begin.

She did not have to wait long before more tears were falling down the child's face and Hermione whispered, "Have I betrayed my mom?"

Minerva looked at her in confusion as she tried to think why the girl would ask that. Gathering all the tears with her thumb, Minerva shook her head, "What do you mean?"

Hermione huffed as sadness stabbed at her heart, "It's just... I don't- Ugh." Hermione huffed again and turned into her mum's shoulder as if hiding.

Minerva gently started rubbing circles on the child's back and murmured, "Shh, it's okay, Hermione. Take your time."

A few minutes passed and soon Hermione felt more capable of speaking about her problem, "What if my mom is upset that I call you mum?"

Minerva's heart clenched tightly for the little girl on her lap, "I think your mommy would be happy that you are being cared for, darling. I don't think she would be upset with you."

Hermione sniffed as more tears welled up in her eyes, "H-how do you know?"

Continuing to rub circles on her back, Minerva placed a kiss to the top of her head, "Because if it were the other way around and I was in her place I would be happy that you were loved, cared for, and protected."

Hermione smiled a very tiny smile as she listened to what she said, "Thanks... Mum."

Minerva returned the smile and squeezed her tight in a hug, "You are very welcome." A couple of minutes passed by in comfortable silence as Hermione continued to be held by Minerva. Minerva smiled lightly down at the girl in her lap and once again ran her fingers through her hair, "Is there anything else on your mind, sweetie?

Hermione bit her lip in worry as she contemplated telling her.

Seeing this, Minerva sighed, "Don't forget you can tell me anything."

Hermione blushed fiercely and quickly mumbled, "I think I have a crush on Harry."

Minerva smirked at her in amusement, "You don't say? I could have told you that! But I thought you demanded that you were only "friends", Hermione?"

Hermione continued to blush and looked anywhere but at her mum, "Yeah well... I don't know. I'm so confused. What if he does not like me back and then he finds out that I think I like him and he hates me and he never wants to see or talk to me again and he thinks I'm ugly and gross-" Minerva quickly stopped her rant by placing a finger on her lips. Hermione blushed an even darker shade of red as she realized she was ranting. "Sorry," She muttered under her breath, too embarrassed to speak louder.

Minerva smiled gently at her and bopped on her the nose, "Young lady, you are very beautiful. Besides, you need not worry about Harry not liking you."

Hermione quickly turned her head to look at her, "Why not?"

Minerva smirked, "Have you not noticed the looks multiple of the boys have given you, Hermione?"

Hermione blushed and looked away again, "But I like Harry, not them..."

Minerva smiled and twirled one of her curls between her fingers, "I know. But you still do not have to worry, darling. He likes you too."

Hermione bit her lip and stared intently at her mum to see if she was lying, "How do you know?"

Minerva chuckled, "I can tell by the way he looks at you."

Hermione flushed brightly and stared intently at the fire.

Minerva smiled in amusement and gently made her look at her, "You become embarrassed very easily, little one."

Instead of responding, Hermione snuggled in closer to her and continued to stare at the fire.

Minerva was perfectly comfortable simply holding her and watching the fire and soon she felt Hermione's breathing even out. Smiling, Minerva looked down at the now asleep twelve-year-old girl and ran her thumb across her soft cheek, "Do not rush growing up, sweet heart." Minerva whispered before spelling a feather light on the girl and carrying her to her bedroom. Tucking her in, Minerva looked down at the sleeping child with a smile tugging at her lips, "Good night, daughter. I... I love you." Placing a light kiss to her forehead, Minerva stood and looked at the orb beside the bed. Looking inside she smiled at the creature who was staring back, "Keep her safe." With that, she stood and left the bedroom, lightly closing the door behind her.

A/N: Thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed it!

I would like to admit to you guys something that I hope will help you understand why updating my stories are so far apart (I'm working on that). I'm going through a lot in my life at the moment and am struggling with "self-injurious behaviors" I'm working on coping skills to deal with the urges but I'll admit, I still have plenty of slip-ups. I'm trying to make writing a coping skill, therefore, you should be receiving plenty of updates but again, I have to write my senior paper and school comes first (or as my mom says "school comes before enjoyment, love, and health. Get used to it."she's such a lovely person...). But yeah, I just wanted to let you in on exactly what kind of "health problems" I have struggled with.

Moving right along,

Please leave a review. If you have any ideas for the story. Don't be shy, I love it when you guys give me ideas (also I usually use them). I know where the story is going but if you have anything that you want to happen go ahead and let me know.

Thanks,

Severus Addicted