I don't own Harry Potter, but I hope you all enjoy! Thanks to everyone who's still sticking with me and the story.

Chapter 25

Severus woke up the next morning and found Hermione wasn't in bed. He felt slightly upset about the idea, especially after last night's conversation.

Severus knew that Hermione was constantly being plagued by her condition. He could see it in her face when she thought he wasn't looking, or when she thought she was alone. She was hurting on the inside, even if she didn't mention it out loud to anyone.

And who could blame her? She had her entire life ripped out from underneath her in a flash. She didn't get a choice, a respite of any sort. She was turned into what she thought was a monster.

All her dreams, her aspirations and hopes, were all flushed down the drain. She had no control over her life and where she was headed. Hermione was caught up in a tide that's she was too tired to fight.

With each passing day, it got harder and harder. He could see that she had changed significantly since it happened, but still, he wished he could have done something to prevent it.

She was so innocent… only to have that ripped away from her.

Severus shook his head, knowing it wasn't good to dwell on such depressing thoughts. He knew how she felt though, dealing with that pain his entire life. The pain of not knowing what was going to happen or even you would even live to see the next day.

She would never be able to go into public without being stared at, whispered about, and pointed at, like she was some sort of freak. People would shun her because of a stupid label. At least she still had some of friends. If Potter had abandoned her too… he shook his head, imagining the mess that would have created.

Severus moved into his sitting room, and saw Hermione was sitting on the couch, staring at the fire. "Are you all right?" He asked, gently placing his hand on her shoulder.

She turned and looked at him and he saw how sickly she looked. There were bags under her eyes, and she looked as though she would lose it.

"Hermione," he slid next to her on the couch. By the look on his face, he knew she needed to feed. With a slice of his wand, he cut his wrist, allowing the blood to seep out.

She looked at him, a pained look in his eyes. He nodded, bringing his wrist to her mouth. Immediately, she began to feed on the warm blood.

Severus closed his eyes, trying to think of something, anything else.

A few moments later, Hermione pulled away. He looked at her, concern written all over his face. The bags under her eyes were already gone. "Hermione," he said with a sigh, pulling the girl onto his lap. "If you need blood, or my soul, or whatever it is you want, you only have to ask." He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Hermione shuddered, looking down. She couldn't face him… she was a monster. What was he doing here with her? He didn't deserve this.

Severus placed his finger under her chin and lifted it upwards. "Don't hide from me," he said gently. "I love you." She closed her eyes. "I love you Hermione," he repeated more firmly this time.

"I'm so sorry," she said. Hermione quickly stood. She had blood on her face, and Severus was messy as well.

He stood, giving her a sympathetic look. "Come on, let's go shower." He took her by the hand and led her in there. The two of them showered together, although it took longer than usual.

By the time they emerged, each one was in a significantly better mood. Hermione flashed Severus a smile, pulling on her dress robes. They were dark blue, with a hint of sparkle here and there. She tied her hair back into a loose bun. "I'm ready for my first day of lessons," she said excitedly, taking in her appearance.

Severus re-entered a few moments later, dressed in his usual teaching attire. He looked like the scary professor she remembered from her youth.

Walking over, she pressed a kiss to his lips. "You look handsome," she said, causing him to blush.

"Yes, well, you look very professional Hermione." He leaned in, giving her a quick peck. "Very beautiful, too."

Smiling, the two of them made their way down to the Great Hall. Breakfast was being served, but it was early, so many of the students hadn't arrived yet.

Minerva sent them each a smile, then returned to her discussion with Filius.

A flutter of wings was heard and Hermione watched as an owl dropped a letter off in front of her. Hermione quickly opened the letter. "It's from Harry!" She exclaimed excitedly.

Hermione,

I just got back. Right now I'm at the Ministry filling my supervisor in. I didn't find Dimitri, not even close. However, I did find some information that I think you'd find valuable. I'll be up after dinner to explain to everyone. Good luck on your first day of classes!

Love, Harry

Hermione handed the note to Severus, who read it quickly. He looked to Hermione, trying to gauge her reaction. "At least he found some sort of information," Severus said lightly.

Hermione mumbled, obviously lost in her thoughts.

Severus quickly finished his breakfast, knowing Hermione wouldn't want to be disturbed. Especially not when he could hear the gears in her head turning a hundred miles per hour!

Abruptly, she stood, quickly making her way towards the dungeons. Opening the door to her classroom, she looked around. In an hour, she would have students, sitting at the desks, waiting to learn.

She had decided they would start with a fairly simple potion, so to ease her first years in. But still, she was nervous.

Hermione heard footsteps and saw Severus in the doorway. She smiled softly at him. "I feel strange standing where you did all those years."

Severus offered her a smile. Last minute, Dumbledore had asked them to switch jobs. Hermione would teach Potions, while Severus tackled DADA. Neither of them argued with the Headmaster.

"You'll do just fine Hermione. Besides, you're brilliant at Potions, and I know you're good at teaching it since I've seen you teach Longbottom all those years."

Hermione sent him a grin at that.

"But just remember to warn them that potion making can be dangerous. It's easy for younger students to come off as confident, but actually have no idea what's going on, putting everyone in danger." He cautioned her.

Hermione nodded, mentally making a list of things she needed to say to her students.

Severus leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll see you at lunch."

Hermione watched him leave, before moving around to set up her classroom and make last minute adjustments.