Authors Note:

Hello Sweeties!
I am sorry it has taken so long to update my fic! I have been super busy with revision. I will be absent from this site for the next couple of months as it is exam season. However, once that is over I will be updating regularly once again. I am super excited for the months to come as I am going to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in July. I am also going to see Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. I can't wait to go and see it and I will definitely keep you all updated. So, without further ado here is the chapter. Make sure to read the note at the end of the story for an important Authors Note!

M xx

Chapter Twelve
Hubble, Bubble, Toil and Bugger it. I Forgot the Rest…

Hermione woke early in the afternoon following the disaster at the Quidditch World Cup. She found Severus sitting in the same position, however his glasses were poised on the end of his nose. The book in his hand had changed instead of the Jane Austen novel he had been reading before she had fallen asleep, his long fingers now grasped Tolstoy. She snuggled her face into his side; his other arm still wrapped firmly around her shoulders, he chuckled in response.

"Well… Good Afternoon, Little Rabbit. I don't think you can burrow any deeper there." She blushed bright red and smiled brightly at him as she sat up. He smiled softly back at her. She was positively glowing with the knowledge that only she ever received that smile. Severus was a very private man and could be extremely taciturn with most others, but never her. When they were alone or in the company of their family and close friends, he was more gentle. Soft. That side of him was hers, after all she was the only one who could elicit that response from him.

"I can always try." She said slyly in response. He chuckled and offered her something to drink. She nodded and followed into the small kitchen in his rooms.

"What would you like to eat?" He asked poured her some pumpkin juice from a jug in the cupboard. The coolness of the liquid made her shiver as she swallowed, the cupboard clearly charmed to keep its contents cold.

"I don't mind, Severus. Whatever you are having is fine by me." He hummed and watched as she sat at the breakfast nook, picking up that day's paper. He began to prepare them both some lunch as she read what the Daily Prophet had to say about the evenings events, smirking when he heard her scoff at a wayward comment from the reporter. Severus placed a plate of sausage paella before her a short while later, she raised an eyebrow in response.

"Yes, Miss Granger?" He said in his smooth monotone voice. Her eyes widened slightly, shocked and taken back by his gaze and voice.

"I wasn't aware you could cook." He snorted.

"I have been alone for all of my adult life. It was either I cooked or starved. Well that isn't technically true but House Elves don't always do things the way you could yourself. Besides, cooking isn't dissimilar to brewing." She grimaced at the mention of House Elves but understood their need to be bound in order to maintain a healthy mind state.

"I never thought of it like that, I suppose you are correct." He smirked in response. Hermione jumped as in surprise when she heard an inhuman groan from the doorway. Draco was slumped over, his hair looked like a bird nest and his pyjamas were wrinkled from sleep. Hermione was about to say something, however Severus shook his head in warning before leaning forward over the table.

"He is not pleasant before he has at least a gallon of coffee." She giggled and he winked at her before sitting back. Draco sat next to them looking at the table with an expression that would put a troll to shame. His eyes seemed blank and it looked like he was going to fall asleep in his coffee. Hermione continued to enjoy her paella; she couldn't be happier that Severus knew how to cook. While she could cook herself, she wasn't great in the kitchen and it made her feel better that they wouldn't starve. Draco, took her spoon and stole some food from her plate, shovelling it into his mouth; some falling from the corner of his mouth and hitting the wooden table. She groaned as he took her dish and ate it without asking. She glared but instantly cheered up as Severus pushed his dish towards her.

"Don't think it's all for you, Little One. I will however share with you." Severus said through their connection. She smirked at him as he offered her a spoonful of warm paella. She grinned and opened her mouth. Severus rolled his eyes playfully, however fed her the spoonful before taking a bite himself. Hermione looked at him expectantly as he finished chewing.

"Whoa baby bird, you have hands too" He said through their connection as he handed her the spoon. She pouted slightly as she took it from him. Draco groaned, drawing their attention to him; his eyes were bugged out of his head and he looked like a zombie.

"Not a morning person then, Draco?" Hermione dared to ask. He growled in response before shaking his head. Severus chortled under his breath as he cleared the now empty dish from the table and cast a cleansing spell on it.

"Shall we move down to lab?" Severus asked Hermione. She hummed as she got up.

"I better go and shower beforehand." Severus nodded and shooed her off as she smiled and headed off to her grandparent's quarters.

Once Hermione had showered and dressed she made her way down to the dungeons. Severus was setting up the work station when she arrived. The potions he had on a stasis spell were now bottled and ready to placed in crates to take to the hospital wing. Hermione headed over to the bench and began loading up the burn salve and dreamless sleep potion in the wooden crate; Severus smiled in thanks. Once the potions were ready to be taken to Madame Pomfrey, she turned to the dark-haired potions master who was sat behind his desk writing.

"I will just walk these up to the hospital wing." Severus looked up at her and smiled.

"Okay, Hermione. Send me a patronus if you need me." She nodded and charmed the crate to float behind her. The walk to the hospital wing involved an ungodly number of stairs. Once she reached the Great Hall she had to take a break and so set the crate on the floor and sat in the window. Outside everything seemed so peaceful and silent. The only thing that interrupted the quiet was the occasional hoot of an owl or the crinkle of leaves. Looks could certainly be deceiving however. She knew that there was hundred of muggle families at this moment mourning the loss of their mothers, daughters, fathers and sons. The wizarding world had erupted in chaos, everything had changed with the rise of an evil overlord. Hermione wished it was already over, that they could all move on and go on with their lives.

With a great sigh she heaved herself up from her makeshift seat and once more levitated the crate behind her. The rest of the walk to the hospital was quiet. Madame Pomfrey rushed over to the young woman as she pushed the doors to the wing open. The room was quiet and the beds were empty and the only noise that filled the room was coming from the radio in the corner. She vaguely recognised the voice of Celestina Warbeck on the Witching Hour.

"Oh Dear! It is so good to see that you are safe, Hermione, love" The mediwitch said kindly as she motioned for the potions to be placed on the worn wooden desk next to the cabinet.

"Thank you, Madame Pomfrey. I'm glad to be safe here at home again."

"Oh Hermione, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Poppy." The older woman sighed as she placed a pot of burn paste on a shelf of the medicinal cabinet. Hermione passed her another pot as she replied.

"Sorry. Poppy. It is a force of habit."

"Quite alright, Dear. How is our Severus? Is he eating regularly?" Madame Pomfrey questioned every part the mother hen.

"He is fine… Perfect. He just cooked us some lunch. However his royal highness Draco took my bowl when he woke from the depths of his room." She giggled. Madame Pomfrey tutted as she shrunk the now empty wooden crate.

"I must say, he isn't much of a morning person when he has stayed here when sick or injured. I had thought it was simply a result of being in here"

"He has the attitude and responses of a mountain troll when he has only just woken up. Highly unpleasant."

"Just because you are sickeningly sweet at the early hours, doesn't mean we all are Mrs. Snape." She gasped and turned towards the door where Draco was leaning against the jam. She scowled in response.

"It's Miss Granger, Draco." He smirked.

"Not forever, Auntie dearest." She grumbled a goodbye to Madame Pomfrey before pushing past the platinum blonde boy. She was grumbling in distaste as she all but stormed back into the potions lab. Severus jumped in shock as the door hit the stone wall and slammed shut once again. He raised a perfectly-shaped ebony eyebrow at her.

"Your godson is an arse." She said as she pulled her hair up into a bun, fastening it with a pin. Severus chucked as he stood from his desk. He had forgone his outer robes, displaying his body to her in a more pronounced manner. Her cheeks flushed in response.

"While I wont disagree with that assessment, I find myself wanting to ask why." He said as he made his way to the bench where she stood, a cauldron before her. She sighed and rolled up her sleeves.

"He said some rather… embarrassing things in front of Poppy." She replied as she busied herself. Severus's curiosity was peaked.

"Is that so? What sort of things did he say?" She blushed brighter before looking at him pleadingly with her eyes. When she realised he wouldn't give in she sighed before responding.

"Just look into my thoughts. It would be a lot easier that having me try and explain it to you."

"If you are sure" he said searching her eyes for any hint of refusal. There was none.

"Legilimens!"

Hermione's memories and thoughts were very well organised, not too different from the young woman herself. He was standing in a grand library, with each memory or thought being a book. The density of the tomes was all the same, giving no hint as to the contents or importance. The library itself was much like that of the Hogwarts Library. Everything had its place, however it was all comforting and welcoming. Severus didn't know where to start, her occulmency shields were impenetrable. He was taken off guard when a book was thrust into his hands from an unknown source. As his fingertips grazed the cover he was sucked into the memory, much like when viewing a memory in the penseive. He was standing in the hospital wing, behind the desk. Hermione and Madame Pomfrey were having a conversation about Draco when the man himself walked in. Severus chuckled at what Hermione had said and he could agree more; his godson could be a little shit when he wanted to be. He listened to Draco and quickly realised what he had said that had upset her. He frowned and his eyebrows creased as he was pulled from the memory and pushed from the library. Hermione blushed as he studied her intensely.

"What he said upset you?" She shifted on her feet and bit her lip.

"Not so much upsetting than embarrassing." She responded as she tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. His eyebrow raised even higher if that was even possible.

"Embarrassed, how?" She blushed even brighter.

"Severus… Please don't make me tell you." She pleaded with him, her whiskey coloured eyes wide. Severus was in all honesty hurt, he didn't know why she was embarrassed; particularly when it involved him and their future. While he was usually an expert at masking his emotions, this time he couldn't hide it. She saw it immediately.

"Oh Severus. I don't mean embarrassed at the idea of being that to you. Your equal. Your wife. It's just… I am embarrassed because he knows how I feel. He knows how much you mean to me and-" She stopped, a tear falling down her cheek.

"And?" He quizzed, his arms crossed across his chest in restraint. As much as he wanted to wipe away the tears, he also wanted to know what was going through her head.

"H-how much I w-want to b-b-be y-yours." She was sobbing now. His eyes widened and his arms dropped in shock. His strong Hermione was sobbing in the middle of his private labs and he didn't have a clue as to how to help her.

"Mine?" He said dumbfounded. She simply nodded as she held her hands to her eyes. He moved slowly towards her and wrapped his arms around her torso. Hermione quickly grasped hold of his robes.

"Hermione… You know how much you mean to me. How much I care for you, don't you?" She just nodded.

"But, I'm not quite there yet… " Hermione sobbed quietly when he said that.

"I am getting there, I can feel my feelings for you changing, getting stronger. But you are so much younger than me, if anything were to happen it would be vastly inappropriate." She nodded in agreement.

"I can't help how I feel." She said to him softly. He held her even tighter.

"I know and I wouldn't want you to change or try to suppress how you feel."

"Okay then."

"Okay then." He replied.

The rest of the day was mostly uneventful and by the time supper arrived, Hermione was in a much brighter mood. Draco had apologised after being extensively told off by his godfather. That evening they were to go to the Great Hall for their evening meal. It was organised that the Order were to have a meeting that evening to discuss the events of the games. Hermione distanced herself from Severus after the day's events. While she understood his actions, her pride was bruised and she wished to spend some time to herself and so decided that was what she was going to do that evening when the Order meeting was over. When they entered the Great Hall she bee lined for the seat in-between her grandmother and Alastor. Severus sighed when he noticed but he had to admit he wasn't surprised, he understood why she was acting as she was and was sure that if he were in her position, he would be avoiding her as well.

The headmaster began the meeting by thanking the Order for their efforts the previous evening before launching on to the agenda for the evening, their meal was depressed further when he mentioned the Nobel House of King was killed the previous evening at the World Cup.

"They were killed due to their affiliation with their daughter's fiancé who was a muggle. He too was killed." Hermione froze, scared. The majority of the wizarding world believed her to be a muggleborn and while she knew the dangers of being friends with Harry; in the grand scheme of things she would still be a target due to her assumed blood-status, regardless of her connection with 'The Boy Who Lived.' They sat in silence for a short while out of respect for the family. By the time dessert arrived, the conversation had drastically lightened and the atmosphere was much more jovial. Bill was talking animatedly with his brother Charlie, who was intently staring at Hermione. Severus noticed immediately and to say he wasn't pleased would be a massive understatement. Severus was furious. The second oldest Weasley boy smiled at the young woman, causing her face to turn bright red and a coy smile to creep across her mouth before she focused once more on the words coming from her godfather beside her. Severus's jaw tightened and his fists clenched. He didn't know why he was reacting in the manner he was but all rational thought had fled him the moment Hermione had blushed. Dumbledore looked at the scene, his eyes twinkling in mirth. He immediately recognised the look of jealousy on the Potion Master's face. He couldn't help but hope for a scene and was secretly plotting in his head.

"So, Hermione. Are you in the same year as Ron?" Charlie asked the girl. She looked up, her head shooting up in his direction. Her eyes were wide and she cleared her throat before responding,

"Oh. Um, yes."

"Really? You look older that the boys."

"Yes, that's because I am. I was twelve when I started at Hogwarts. I missed the deadline by a matter of days. I also use a time turner to attend my classes, so that has increased my age significantly." She explained as she took a sip of butterbeer. His eyebrow shot up and he smirked.

"So how old does that make you, Miss Granger?"

"Sixteen, as of the nineteenth of September." She said confidently.

"And you are going to continue to use the time turner this year?"

"Oh yes. I want to continue on with my lessons." Her face was entirely serious.

"So, you'll be eighteen this time next year?"

"I suppose I will." He nodded, his face displaying an emotion entirely unknown to her. But Severus recognised it. It was lust. This boy was lusting after his soul mate and Severus Snape was not at all happy. So he did the only logical thing he could think of, he stood up from the table his chair falling to floor, making everyone jump and look towards where he was once standing; for Severus had fled the Great Hall leaving the large doors to slam behind him.

Hermione was stunned. She had no idea what had gotten into the surly Potion's Professor. She had thought he was in a somewhat positive mood, however clearly she was mistaken. However, despite this she couldn't find it in herself to go after him. The rest of the table went back to their after-meal coffee's and tea's, however Hermione's mind was occupied with what had upset him. She came to loose ends trying to get his attention through their connection; he was blocking her. She huffed in frustration, gaining the attention of Charlie once again.

"What's wrong, dragă?" Hermione turned her head to face him once more, her brow furrowing in confusion at the term of endearment, but chose to ignore it.

"Nothing, just a bit tired."

"Mr. Weasley, how about you make sure my granddaughter get's back to our quarter's safely?" Albus asked. Hermione was immensely confused and didn't know what her grandfather was up to. She was more than capable of walking there herself. Charlie, however, shot up and was walking towards her offering his arm chivalrously. Draco raised his eyebrow at her, he knew exactly what was going on. Charlie Weasley fancied Hermione and knew Severus wasn't making a move and therefore was taking a chance while he could. Hermione, dubiously took his hand and wished her grandparents a goodnight before leaving in a somewhat confused state. Minerva turned to her husband when they had left, narrowing her eyes at him causing the smile to fall from his face and his back to cower slightly.

"What are you up to!"

Charlie and Hermione walked towards the teacher's quarters in relative silence. She had let go of his arm as soon as they had left the Great Hall and now had her hands clasped behind her back. When they reached the door, Hermione turned to him somewhat awkwardly. Charlie scratched the back of his head nervously before shaking his head and straightening his back.

"Listen, Hermione. I like you. I think you are gorgeous and I want a chance with you. I mean, I know that you have a connection with Snape. But you could have a connection with me too. Just give me a chance to show you that." Hermione was speechless and didn't know what to say in response. She had definitely not anticipated this. Charlie took her silence as her considering his question. He broke out in a magnificent smile and grabbed her by the shoulders and hugged her. Before running off in the opposite direction, turning back as he ran and yelling to her.

"You won't regret it, Hermione!"

"W-what?!" She was left in complete an utter disarray. What had just happened? She groaned in frustration, she had no idea what she was to do now; confused and tired she went to bed, hoping tomorrow would be better.

Severus was in the dungeon nursing a fire whiskey when Draco traipsed into the library. He smirked at the sight before him. Severus looked a mess; he couldn't deal with his emotions and was having trouble trying to sort through them. Instead he had turned to alcohol and judging by the way his eyes were lulling, Draco guessed that the glass in his hand wasn't his first.

"Charlie Weasley just walked Hermione back to her room, per request of her grandfather." Draco stated as he sat on the fair opposite his godfather. Severus's hand clenched around the glass in response.

"Oh?" Severus replied, attempting to sound unfazed by the news, but Draco knew it upset the man. But he felt his godfather deserved to be tortured, at least a little for how he had reacted in the Great Hall. He knew that Severus was jealous of how Charlie Weasley had unabashedly flirted with Hermione; her reactions didn't help to soothe the taciturn man either. However, Severus had explained to her with no hint of change in his voice that he didn't share her romantic feelings as of yet, this had understandably crushed the young woman. Draco had watched, hidden behind a suit of armour, what had unravelled between the second eldest Weasley and his best friend and decided that perhaps some male attention was exactly what Hermione needed at right now. Even if that attention wasn't from Severus. While Draco had never felt what it was like to be loved by another person, he knew what it was like to love someone without those feelings being returned, he also knew that the first stage towards those feelings blossoming was jealousy. Having someone trying to attain Hermione's affection may also be just what his godfather needed to kick him into action.

"Well, that same redhead just asked to court the fair maiden. He requested he be allowed the chance to prove himself worthy of her loveliness." Draco said, a sarcastic smirk marring his handsome face. Severus's jaw clenched and his fist tightened around his drink, before he lost control and threw it at the nearest wall, causing it to shatter and the rug to become soaked with alcohol.

"He isn't! That… Boy is nothing. He does not deserve her. She is perfection; a mere befuddled, bumbling idiot itching for a quick fumble in the broom closet is not a man. She needs a man. A man to love her, to show her what love is, how it feels. To teach her to love. To worship her mind as well as her body. No! He. Is. Not. Worthy. Not of her." Severus was less than inch from Draco's face. His smooth voice, had a jagged edge as he spat the last words. Draco never seen him react as such, his face was harsh and mean. He was not a pleasant drunk.

"Don't take it out on me. I simply stated what I saw." He said taking a minuscule step back. Severus followed.

"What. Did. She. Say?" Severus said, his voice dangerously calm. Draco shook his head, his grey eyes wide with fear.

"N-nothing. She said nothing." Severus's eyes softened sorrowfully, a murmur sounded from his throat, sounding suspiciously like a sob. He turned and faced the fire, looking at the flames lick the smouldering wood. He was that wood.

"So that is it. She chose him." He said dejectedly, his hand bracing the back of the armchair. Draco's eyes widened, he had emotional whiplash.

"What? No! She didn't have a chance to say anything either way. He ran off and gave her no opportunity to reply." Draco moved forward cautiously, placing a hand on his godfather's shoulder.

"But, uncle. Can you really blame her? All she has heard from you is that you don't love her."

"I never said that!" Severus said, turning towards him, his eyes alight with anger.

"Okay, no. But you have only said that you do not return her feelings. She is going to feel rejected. This attention from Weasley, having someone pursue her. Who wants to be with her, it must at least be nice. Comforting, to know that she is desired and wanted. Even if it isn't you."

"I need to be alone." With those words, Severus left the room and went into his room leaving a stunned and emotionally exhausted Draco in the library.

"Well. Shit." He said to the empty room.

Hermione was in no better state. She sat in her bed with a book open in her hands, however she couldn't concentrate enough to read the words. She had been on that page for twenty minutes. She didn't know how to handle Charlie. He had been lovely; he was a perfectly respectable young man. He had a profession he was proud and happy with and he wasn't harsh on the eyes either; not that it mattered to her. However, he wasn't Severus. Severus is her soul mate. Every time she was with him she felt whole; he invoked something she wasn't quite aware of before. When he was near, her entire body felt electric. It was like static. His voice sent a warmth to places that she was to shy to admit, places that she hadn't felt before. In her eyes, he was the most heartbreakingly handsome- godlike man she had ever seen and could ever even attempt to imagine. He was everything to her and she loved him with every single fibre of her existence. However, these emotions weren't returned. Charlie had shown interest in her, romantically. Severus had not. How long would that take, if it ever would?

If she were to pursue anything with Charlie, she felt like she would be betraying Severus. Regardless of how he felt, she was his entirely: mind, body and soul. She didn't want to hurt anyone, particularly him. But also Charlie, she would never return his feelings and couldn't ever love him; in fact her body rebelled at the notion causing her to feel physically sick as soon as the idea even crept into her mind. She would be leading the man on if she let him carry on with his affections, letting him get too close would just end in heartbreak eventually. The Weasley family would never forgive her and they were her dearest friends in this world, family in fact. She, however wondered what turning him down would mean for her.

'Oh god, I'm going to die a spinster.' She thought, before Crookshanks jumped on her bed, the presence of the feline worsened the fear and caused her to burst into tears. Her sobs wracked her body and hurt her chest with their force. Her magic flared, causing a glass on her bedside table to explode and the door to start opening and closing at an alarming rate. Crookshanks quickly fled the room and took cover behind her grandparents who had been awoken by the ruckus. They now stood stunned to silence as they took in the scene before them. Albus took action quickly and neutralised the room; the door stopped slamming shut and the objects which had been floating were now back in their designated spaces. Minerva bustled over to her granddaughter who hadn't stopped crying yet and was clutching Severus's jumper to her chest. She crawled into her bed and held her close, rocking her like a small child.

"Sshhh. It's alright, sweet girl. Don't cry." Hermione continued to sob as her grandmother held her close. Minerva knew why she was upset and wished she could take away the pain and upset, but knew the best she could do to help was hold her. She had first hand experience on what it was like to be her position. Albus enlarged the bed and laid down on Hermione's other side holding two of the most important people in the world to him.

"Sweet girl, everything will sort itself out. There is no point in worrying over something that is out of your control."

Dumbledore paced back and forth behind his desk, before settling his large throne-like chair. Fawkes keened at the old man, who responded by ruffling the creatures feathers affectionately. He worried for his granddaughter, for the life that she had barely even begun. And yet, it was endangered so severely that he wished to do as he had with his children and hide her away. However, that would not fair well with anyone. With a heavy sigh, he opened the bottom left hand draw in his desk, muttering a spell as he went. Within the draw were three of the horcruxes he had gathered so far. The first being Tom Riddle's Diary, that had been taken care of by Harry in his second year, the gaping hole still as prominent and angry as it had been the day he collected it. The second and third, he had yet to destroy and was putting off until the right moment. He had both the Locket of Salazar Slytherin and the not-so lost Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw. He was currently in search of the next horcrux, which he believed to be in Gaunt Shack. However, he believed it wise to send Lucius after that particular item, as he was least likely to run into any problems as far as prior engagements. He knew that Narcissa was in the process of gaining the Goblet of Helga Hufflepuff from her sisters vault and grew anxious as Voldemort gained more and more power. He wanted to ensure that all members of the Order and their family members were safe just as he hoped they would do the same for his family.

With a heavy sigh, Albus closed and warded the draw where the horcruxes were located and left his office. He entered his granddaughters room, to find his wife gently stroking her hair. Minerva looked up to her husband, who was standing in the doorway. He nodded to convey to her that Hermione was asleep. Minerva disentangled herself from the blanket, before tucking Hermione in and walking towards Albus. They stood and watched over her, to ensure that she was in a deep enough sleep. When they were sure of this, they went back to their own room and also found a deep sleep.

When Hermione woke up the following morning, her body ached with the remnants of tears and sobs. She lay in bed for a short while, staring thoughtfully up at the ceiling. She didn't know what to do about Charlie. She knew that she couldn't let him continue to think they had a chance when that wasn't the case. She also knew that Severus wouldn't give her the time of day for along while yet as she was in all fact and honestly too young. She decided that she would just have to explain to him that she couldn't allow herself to lead him on when she didn't feel the same way. With a deep sigh, she stood and walked into the lavatory. After her shower, she stood in front of the mirror wrapped in a towel, muttering a spell to devoid the glassy surface of thick steam. Her eyes scrutinised every detail before brushing her teeth and leaving the room to dress. Hermione headed down to the Great Hall, a short while later. She was surprised to see Severus at the table, he looked terrible. His pale skin, appeared sallow and almost sickly. There were heavy bags under his eyes and he looked as if he hadn't shaved in days, the five o'clock shadow a bit darker than usual. It was clear he hadn't slept properly and he had the hangover of the century. Draco simply smirked from his place next to the man.

Hermione took the empty seat beside Draco, her eyebrows knitting together. He simply smirked once again and went back to his eggs.

"You're unusually chipper for the morning, Draco" She assessed, he chuckled. Severus responded with a glare that would make a first year wet himself and cry for his mummy. Draco ignored it.

"Oh, I don't know. It's a beautiful and insightful day indeed. I have also had my daily three cups of coffee." Hermione raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow.

"You seem like you are up to something. Should I call you Loki from now on?" He chuckled.

"No, just call me Medea!" The increase in the volume of his voice garnered another deadly glare from Severus. Hermione snorted into her porridge.

"Hubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble… And all that shite" Draco continued.

"Oh aye… If you are Medea, I am Morgan le Fay." Hermione said as an owl she didn't recognise landed before her a letter between its talons. She fed the bird a piece of bacon, before it flew away, happily awarded. After a quick diagnostic spell to ensure it was safe to open, she did just that. She found it to be a letter from Charlie.

"Dear Hermione,

I was wondering you would do me the honour of meeting me at The Three Broomsticks this afternoon for lunch. I will be there at 12 O'clock sharp.

Yours,

Charlie."

"Oh, Hermione. I dream every night of hearing you talk about Ancient Runes and Dragons. And don't get me started on Arithmancy, that really gets the cauldron bubbling." Draco moaned in her ear. She swatted him away with a giggle, however he dodged her hands and moved back again.

"Are you a Death Eater, because Azka-damn!" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"How long did it take you to come up with that one?" He shrugged and smiled a boyish grin. She turned back to her letter.

"On a more serious note, Granger. What are you going to do?" He asked. She sighed.

"I am going to go, but only to explain to him that I am not interest in entering a relationship at the moment." She explained as she tucked the parchment into her robe pocket. He nodded in agreement.

"Well, we can go and hang out in the Common Room afterwards, have a little tête-à-tête." He said, she smiled in response.

"Sounds good to me. I have to move my trunk back into the girl's dormitory before the term begins. It always takes me a while to get used to sleeping back in the tower. I may as well get myself reacquainted while I have the room alone."

Severus's mood had improved dramatically when he heard Hermione say she was going to turn Charlie Weasley down. He still didn't know how to deal with his emotions and the more he pondered them, the more confused he became. He had a horrendous hangover that would seem to shift. Of course, he had yet to take a tonic to cure it, but his stubbornness and aching body couldn't find the energy to do anything but walk to the Great Hall for some very strong black coffee. In other ways, he felt he deserved the hangover, the thumping headache helped in grounding him. Despite this, he still had trouble with loud noises, when his godsons voice raised even slightly, his head felt as if it would explode. The glares he sent his way, hopefully portrayed this effectively enough. After breakfast he moved back down to the dungeons where he managed to finally take a headache relief potion as well as the last pepper-up potion he had in his stores. With a groan he realized he was out of the necessary bicorn horn needed to make said potion, this would require an almost opportune trip to Dogweed and Deathcap and worse case scenario J. Pippins Potions, however that was if he needed to order the ingredients directly, meaning he'd need some of the potion to tide the school over until it arrived and he could brew it himself. Severus was always very skeptical when it came to potions made by other potioneers and always preferred to brew things for himself. At least if he was in Hogsmeade he'd be able to keep an eye on Hermione and make sure she was okay. He didn't trust Charles Weasley and wasn't sure he ever would.

At eleven thirty, Hermione left the castle and began to make her way down to Hogsmeade, specifically The Three Broomsticks. She was dressed casually, not wanting to make too much of an effort, in case he began to think that she was making one for him. The walk was quiet and rather lonely, however she was anxious. The loneliness gave her time to think and prepare herself for the discussion that would ensue that afternoon. Her mind often wandered to Severus; she was worried for him especially after seeing him that morning. The man that sat at the table in the Great Hall was not the Severus she was accustomed to and she wasn't sure that liked how he was acting recently. She thought this as she entered the village. Hogsmeade was mostly quiet, there was no one around apart from the locals who were doing their regular shops. Shakily, she made her way over to The Three Broomsticks. When she opened the door, she found the establishment to be surprisingly busy; she quickly spotted Charlie, who was seated at a table in the corner. His red hair was bright against the oaky wood and dark walls. He smiled a large boyish grin when he spotted her, she managed a nervous smile in return.

"Hermione! You look beautiful!" He said, as he stood up, holding a chair for her.

"Thanks you, Charlie." She said as she took the chair, he offered to her. They sat across from one another, neither talking, looking anywhere but at each other.

"Listen- "

"Hermione-" They both spoke at the same time. They exchanged a nervous chuckle. Charlie motioned for her to talk first. Hermione shifted and was about to talk when Madam Rosmerta walked over to them.

"What can I get for you dears?" She asked, a small pad of parchment and a quill floating beside her, ready to take their order. Charlie once again motioned towards her.

"A butterbeer, please."

"Make that two." Charlie spoke up. Madam Rosmerta nodded and walked away their orders in tow. Hermione cleared her throat, causing Charlie to turn his attention back to her. With all her Gryffindor courage, Hermione began to talk.

"Listen, Charlie. I am not quite sure what happened last night, but I didn't really get much of a chance to respond to what you said. While you are lovely and I am flattered that you are attracted to me, I can't commit to anyone right now. Maybe not ever." Charlie's shoulders slumped and he his eyes softened. He looked down at the grains in the wood of the table briefly, before turning his gaze back towards her.

"Hermione… I understand that you have this connection to Snape. But he isn't giving you the time of day. I am. I want to make you happy, regardless of whether or not you can commit to me. I am willing to commit myself to you. To look after you and care for you." Hermione began to tear up. She didn't know what to say. All her life she had wanted Severus to respond in this manner to her. But it wasn't him, it was this boy who barely knew her.

"I can't… Charlie. I'm sorry, but I just can't get into a relationship." They sat looking at one another for a while, until Madam Rosmerta came over with their drinks. Charlie broke the connection of their eyes to thank the barmaid. Hermione took a sip of her butterbeer, the sugar helping to calm her nerves and anxiousness. Charlie sighed before responding.

"Well Mione, if that is what you need and you think is best for you then I will support you. But, I will be here if you change your mind. I think we could make things work, but I am not going to push you into something you aren't ready for. And in the meantime, I will always be here for you." Charlie said as he took her hand that was on the table, she smiled shyly in response.

"Thank you, Charlie."

"Anything, beautiful." He said charmingly with a smile. Once they were both finished with their drinks, they left the pub.

"Do you want me to walk you back to the castle?" He asked, rather awkwardly.

"No, don't worry. I want to go and have a look in Scrivenshaft's as well as Tomes and Scrolls before heading home." He nodded and bid her a goodbye. She stood there for a short time, taking a moment to relax before going to collect her supplies for the year ahead as well as going to the bookshop. The bookshop always helped to relax her; there were various elements such as the smell and feel of books that helped to make her feel much less stressed and jittery.

Hermione was scanning a shelf of tomes on Ancient Runes, when she heard someone behind her clear their throat. She turned to see Severus. He was looking at her, his eyes much more awake and open than they had been earlier on. His face was now smooth and he didn't look nearly as disheveled as he did that morning.

"Severus." She said in greeting, her voice was still a bit detached and quite cold. Severus straightened up and his face became the perfect mask of indifference.

"I'd like to apologize for how I acted yesterday evening, I was not myself. I do not wish for you to think that this was due to any action committed by yourself." Hermione's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"Well, Severus I have to say that the way you acted surprised me. I don't quite know what was going on. What happened to make you act like that?" She queried.

"I wasn't myself, that is all." He said as he picked up a text that was on display beside him. It was clear that he wished the conversation and Hermione did not have the strength or energy to push him any further. She levitated the texts she had decided to purchase and took them to the book keeper. After purchasing her items and preordering some tomes that had yet to be published, she turned to Severus and in hushed tones spoke to him.

"When you decide that you are ready to be open with me and I am worthy of your precious attention, you just let me know Severus." She said as she left the shop, the bell ringing as she opened the door.

"Impertinent girl." He hissed as he followed after her.

"Hermione!" He said as he strode to catch up with her. He repeated her name once again.

"Miss Granger!" He huffed as he stopped and stood glaring at her. She spun around and glared right back at him.

"What do you want, Professor?" She said putting emphasis on the last word. He was stunned for a few moments. Before responding.

"Well, some respect would be good start. You do not talk to a professor as such, Miss Granger!" She narrowed her eyes.

"Oh, how sorry I am, Sir." She said sarcastically, rolling her eyes and turning to continue her walk back to the castle.

"Now just you wait Miss Granger!" He said as he stormed after her.

"No! You wait, Snape. I've had it up to my ears with your back and forth attitude. One moment you seem like you enjoy spending time with me and you want to be with me and the next you act like am the lowest and most irritating person in existence and you'd rather be with anyone else. It's like emotional whiplash. You don't want to be with me but you don't want me to be with anyone else. I just don't know what to do with myself anymore." She was yelling and crying, her face was red and she didn't have any control over her emotions. She was completely frustrated and she just wanted him to love her. His entire person dropped, defeated.

"You are too young." With that he walked past her, leaving her alone is the leaf-covered path. Her eyes were full of tears as she collapsed to the floor, sobbing. Meanwhile, Severus continued on to the castle, a single tear falling from his eye and running down his cheek.

Draco had left the castle to collect some treats from Honeydukes for their evening. He had managed to have his father send their projector from home and he had a line of muggle films for them to watch. His favourite being 'The Sound of Music." He was hoping that Hermione wouldn't be opposed to watching it with him. Once he had made sure that he had collected enough sweets he began to make his way back to Hogwarts. As he began to ascend the hill, he saw Severus in the distance. The dark man was moving at an alarming speed and looked to be in a hurry. He was confused, but shrugged his shoulders and wondered how Hermione's conversation with Charlie was going. He continued to walk for five or so minutes until he saw a figure on the path some meters away. Draco soon realized that the figure was Hermione; her curly hair giving her away almost immediately. He pieced two and two together and sighed, Severus had obviously upset her. He ran towards her and found her to be crying, pocketing the bag of sweets he heaved Hermione up into his arms and carried her back to the castle. She buried her head in his neck and continued to cry. When they reached the castle, he carried her directly to the Gryffindor Common Rooms, as he assumed that she didn't wish to see anyone else tonight.

He delicately placed her down on the settee and summoned a soft blanket, before sitting down beside her and pulled her into his arms.

"What happened, Sweetie?" He asked as he hugged her.

"We said some things. He basically said I am too young. I knew that already, but it still hurt to hear it from him." She said as she clung to him. She craved the physical contact and while she knew he didn't even like her gender, it didn't matter.

"It wont always be like that… One day you will be able to be together. Just give it time."

"I know. I just want to be loved." Hermione said as she ran her hand through her hair.

"Well, how about this… Until you have the bat of the dungeons to snuggle, I will be your cuddle buddy. I need hugs too, it may as well be with your bestie, right?" She smiled slightly but nodded.

"Now. I have this whole girl's night planned!" She smirked.

"Oh?" She asked as she tucked the blanket across her lap. He then took on a whole other persona. He jumped up and summoned a house elf who came with a tray of all their favourite foods and there was suddenly what appeared to be a muggle projector in the middle of the room.

"A film?" She asked, curiously as she chose a bottle of butterbeer from one of the trays.

"Oh no, Granger. Not one film. But many!" He said as he showed her a few small film reels. She giggled and nodded.

"First of all, I have to ask. How do you feel about 'The Sound of Music'?"

"Oh! It's one of my favourites! My mum took me to see it on the West End once, with my dad. We had a such a lovely time." Hermione explained excitedly. Draco's face looked as if it would split in two.

"Well, I have it here, so clearly this is what we will watch first." He said as he loaded it into the projector, before taking his place beside her. He picked up the corner of the blanket with the intention of covering his legs. She narrowed her eyes at him in response.

"Hey, listen. We are temporary cuddle-buddies, that means you have to share your blanket with me." She huffed, but let him have half of the blanket. Hermione gratefully took her beef wellington from Draco.

"How did you know that this was one of my favourite comfort foods?" she asked, his expression looked sheepish, however he answered none the less.

"I asked Severus." She grimaced slightly before continuing to eat. They spent the evening enjoying their films and snacks. They fell asleep on the settee and didn't wake up until late the next morning. Hermione was unsure as to how to approach her apprenticeship. She knew that she had to be the bigger person and do whatever she had to in order to further her knowledge. However, she knew it would be difficult to be in the same room as him.

"Mione, are you okay?" Draco asked as he came down from the boy's dormitories. They had separated off the shower and prepare for the day and decided to meet to deal off to lunch together.

"Yes, I was just thinking about my apprenticeship" She replied as she bit her lip in contemplation.

"Sweetie, you go in there and you be yourself. You exceed and be your amazing, intelligent self." She smiled happily and looped her arm through his.

"By the way, you look beautiful today!" He said as they walked through the hallways. She blushed and thanked him. She was wearing a flouncy black skirt which hit just above her knee with dark blue button up blouse with a charcoal cardigan over the top. Her hair was pulled away from her face, but fell in curls down her back. They walked towards the teaching lounge where they were all engaged in a vast debate. She looked towards her grandmother who was mid-eye roll when she noticed Hermione's presence. Her face brightened and she motioned her over towards her while Draco took a seat in front of the fire in one of the armchairs.

"Hello Dear!" She said as she embraced her granddaughter.

"Hello Gran."

"You look lovely today, doesn't she Albus?" Albus smiled and nodded.

"Beautiful, as always."

"Is everything okay?" She queried.

"We were just discussing the Tri-Wizard Tournament." Minerva explained as she shook her head in disgust.

"The Tri-Wizard Tournament? That hasn't been allowed since 1792!" she exclaimed. Severus was looking at the young woman. His dark eyes seemed sad and lonely. He hummed before responding to her.

"It is being revived. However, it now has restrictions, to lessen the historic death toll. One of them being that the applicants have to be of the Wizarding Age of Majority." His silky smooth voice made shivers reverberate up her spine.

"It's barbaric!" She exclaimed.

"We have no choice. We have been chosen to host and we are unable to decline. It is binding." Minerva said, obviously irritable.

"Well, thankfully. You my sweet, will not be able to enter. Nor will any of your friends." Minerva said as she took a spoonful of her soup. Hermione sighed before taking the seat between her grandmother and Severus. Draco strolled over and took a seat on Severus' other side. She hummed and nodded before tucking into her lunch.

"Hermione, if it is agreeable, I could use some help this afternoon in the lab." She looked up at him with wide eyes. She swallowed her mouthful and then nodded. He smiled internally as he continued to eat.

Severus and Hermione walked down to the dungeons after they had finished their lunch in a stony silence. Severus was nervous and Hermione was still upset from the day before. He awkwardly tried to make conversation with her as they walked.

"Did you have a pleasant evening?" He asked, his hands clasped behind his back. She hummed before giving a more eloquent response.

"Yes, very pleasant. Draco and I had an in evening together."

"Oh? What did you do?" He was curious. She walked through the door when he opened it for her.

"We just watched some films and ate some of our favourite foods." She replied as she set up her work bench. They worked seamlessly together, however their conversation was slow and spaced. While she found it awkward, it was nice being able to work beside him. His presence was calming and she could smell his manly sent from where she stood next to him. She felt him move as she was slicing some Knotgrass, he was suddenly looming over her shoulder. She could feel his breath on her neck and jumped when his arm grazed hers. She yelped in pain when the knife slipped and it cut her hand. She dropped the knife to the table and held her palm to her chest. Severus quickly acted and placed her on a stool before summoning some Essence of Dittany. He held her palm out and chanted a healing charm.

"Vulnera Sanentur…Vulnera Sanentur…Vulnera Sanentur" His voice was like molten chocolate and silk. He then dropped some of the potion on the deep cut. She hissed and her eyes filled with tears.

"I'm sorry, Hermione." He said sincerely looking in her eyes. His big brown eyes were full of sympathy and he felt terrible for shocking her.

"That's alright. Thank you for healing me." He took her chin between his slightly bloody fingertips, tilting her face to look up at him. Her hair clearing from out of her eyes.

"I will always be here to look after you. Always."

Authors Note:

And that is all for today! I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are looking forward to the next chapter. It should be said that I do not have a Beta so it is likely that there are mistakes. However as I wanted to get this to you as quickly as possible I have not had time to thoroughly go through and check for mistakes. So please excuse those spelling and grammatical mistakes.

By the time I have posted this chapter, I have already been to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and it was absolutely incredible. I got to meet the cast and they all signed my programme. I also went to the studio tour. It was even better than I could have ever imagined and was worth every penny. I am now at University and am beginning to settle in. I will update you more in the next chapter.

-M xx