Disclaimer: I own none of the characters/situations you recognize. They belong to their rightful owners; I'm only borrowing them. I'm making no money off this and never will.


The school year ended. Both Hermione and Severus did well on their N.E.W.T.s. James didn't even look at either of them for the rest of the term. Hermione was asked to write to some of the second and third years during the summer. She wasn't sure if she was going to.

Severus decided to join Tom Riddle on his "research" projects. Hermione made no objections and barely voice her opinion on the matter. She thought it was best to keep her nose out of those things. After they finished their time at Hogwarts, Severus left.

Hermione did stay. During the days, she would wander around the castle, looking at everything and nothing in particular.

She found it eerie, in a practically empty school. It just wasn't the same without the hustle and bustle of students frantically trying to find the right corridor or stairwell to their next class.

Hermione was relieved, though, after three weeks. Severus sent her an owl.

Bea,

We must talk in person. Please meet me at this park tomorrow at five. Unfortunately, you can't apparate there. It's very strange. Maybe the Ministry has something to do with it, it's a very public place, really. However, I have included directions from an apparate-able location. I hope you can make it.

We'll meet at the "lake", which is actually a big pond, but it has a shore. Maybe that's why they call it a lake.

Severus

That evening, Hermione found her way to the pond. Sure enough, he was there.

"Hello, Rus. It seems like it's been months."

"Yes, yes it has. How are things going at Hogwarts? Are you bored yet?"

"It's very boring there. I didn't think I would ever say that. All I can really do is walk around that castle. There's no entertaining books in the library. How are things going with Riddle?"

"Smoothly. He's already taught me a lot."

"What are you researching?" she asked.

"I can't tell you," he smiled. "Not yet, anyway. But as soon as we have more information, I think I might be able to. It is a fascinating subject," he replied.

"So what did you want to talk about? I'm afraid nothing much has changed since the last letter."

"Oh, I just wanted to show you the pond. It's murky, sure. But I think that's what makes it the most beautiful. Did you know that children aren't allowed in this park because of the pond? I guess someone's afraid a child will drink the water and they can't be bothered to clean it up. I'll have to do more research later."

"I guess that's what the fence was for. Luckily I'm witch."

"Luckily I'm a wizard."

For almost fifteen minutes, they sat at that pond, not thinking about anything. They just sat beside each other quietly. That was how they were the most comfortable. The two bonded with silence.

After their "talk", Hermione went back to the castle. She missed her best friend.

There was absolutely nothing she could do to change his fate. She cried herself to sleep for the first time in a long time.

In the beginning of August, the staff decided that "Beatrice" would be a library aid. Ms Pince didn't need the help, but Hermione offered. The woman wasn't a helpful librarian, and Hermione knew her way around. Dumbledore offered that Hermione sit at the High Table with them, but quickly declined.

During the summer, she still called all of her former professors with their titles. They insisted she do otherwise. Mid-August, she could finally get used to calling them by their first names; All except for Dumbledore, no matter how much he asked, she just couldn't.

She heard almost nothing of Severus. They met up at the pond occasionally, but they wouldn't do a lot of talking. Like usual, they sat in quite. Towards mid-August, she rarely received a letter from him; just notes telling her to meet him on this side of the pond or another.

By late August, they weren't speaking at all.

Two days before the start of term, that finally changed.

Bea,

I might have found a way for you to go home. Don't ask why. I'll tell you tomorrow. It will be safer that way. Meet me at the pond at eight in the evening tomorrow. You know which one. Please reply and tell me if that will work.

Severus

Hermione read the short letter with her eyes wide. She only briefly mentioned that she wanted to go home. Had he been working on it all this time? When did he find the time? He must not sleep.

She looked for parchment, but could only find a muggle notebook and pen. That will have to work, she thought.

'Rus

I'll be there at eight. I can't wait!

B.M.D

Hermione thought it was a little strange having him write to her but she missed him.

So, that night at eight, she apparated close to the park, and walked to the pond.

Severus Snape stood by the pond, facing the water.

"Hello," she said.

"Hello," he replied. He didn't turn towards her, but he sounded dreamily happy. He reminded her of Luna Lovegood.

"We haven't spoken for a while."

"No, we haven't," he said then continued quietly. "Beatrice, you are a liability. You cloud my mind. It needs to be clear. I need to not think about you."

"Severus?" she asked. "I don't see how I could be clouding your mind. You haven't written to me in so long. I'd figured you had forgotten about me. "

"I suppose you're correct. I was here a few nights ago. I had the urge to step out into the pond. Everything looks so much better from there. Will you join me?" he said, stepping into the water.

"Severus?" she asked again.

"Please. You need to see everything from out here."

"Alright," she said.

Hermione at least rolled up her muggle pants legs and removed her shoes before walking out.

Severus stopped in the middle of the large pond. Hermione waded out beside him. The water came up to her waist.

"I guess things look different from out here, but not exactly beautiful," she whispered. "How do you plan to get me back to my rightful time?"

"Beatrice, before you leave, what is your name?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "I think I could tell you my first name. You'll recognize me when you see me again. Hermione. It's Hermione."

"Hermione," he said. "What a nice name. I will have to remember it."

She opened her mouth to speak.

All of a sudden, Hermione arms and legs snapped together. She fell backwards into the water with her mouth open. Her eyes stung. She felt hands on her body, but her mind couldn't comprehend where.

She could do nothing. Water filled her mouth and rushed into her lungs. Her chest started to hurt and she heard a pounding in her head. She couldn't see much, just the barely-there sunset through the water. All she wanted was air, to sit up, to float, to swim the few feet to the surface. But she could do nothing.

After what felt like minutes, her body stopped hurting. A pleasant feeling took over her. The low light through the water was gorgeous. There were little flecks of rock or sand floating from where she fell. The orange light glinted off of them. They sparkled. She wanted to reach out and grab one. But she could do nothing.

Her eyes gazed at Severus. And all of the pain came rushing back to her. She realised what was happening. But she could do nothing.

She could do nothing.

Everything faded away.