DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.

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A/N: Thanks ever so much for the wonderful reviews!

I have a few chapters queued up but do not have enough time to review/proofread them because of my home-based work (I'm an online English tutor for Koreans and Japanese, by the way).

Please, please forgive me and I hope you will continue supporting this story even if I am no longer updating daily.

I will update the story on Saturdays. Is that okay? *hides under the desk*

I hope you are all safe and healthy!

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Chapter 19:

November 15, 1973

(twenty-two years ago)

"Thanks for lending me your notes again, Hermione," Remus muttered appreciatively while they were just leaving the library for dinner.

Hermione glanced at her new friend. He looked haggard again. The full-moon was three nights ago and Remus just got back from wherever he went. She offered a small smile. "You're welcome, Remus. So, how is your mum?"

Remus looked away. "She is... all right."

"Is there any cure to her illness? I have heard from Amelia Bones that St. Mungo's Hospital has the best healers in Britain."

Remus gave her a sad smile. "My mother is a Muggle. Not a Muggle-born, but a Muggle."

"Oh. My father's a doctor. Well, a pediatrician, but he knows a lot of specialists," she offered again.

Remus stopped and faced her with a rather emotional look in his face. "Thanks, Hermione. I appreciate the offer. My mum... she is seeing a doctor and Dad is taking care of her. I only go home to spend more time with her. I'm an only child, so..."

Hermione forced a smile. Of course, she knew that his mother was not sick. She only wanted to try if he would open up to her.

I hope Sev and I could find a way to help Remus, she thought with a heavy sigh.

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December 5, 1973

(twenty-two years ago)

"Alice," Hermione called her friend softly when the other girl was doing their homework in the library. Hermione, like always, having finished her homework days ago was doing a bit of light reading.

"Yeah?" asked the Hufflepuff girl without looking up.

"Can you... ask your parents - " she trailed off, debating whether it would be a good idea to tell Alice about Remus.

Alice looked up with a concerned look in her face. "Yes?"

Hermione hesitated, but she thought that helping Remus was more important, and she knew that Alice could keep secrets. "Can you ask your parents if there's some potion or cure for lycanthropy?"

Alice's eyes widened, clearly surprised with her question. "Why? Were you - oh no, Hermione - "

Hermione quickly reached out for her friend's hand. "I'm fine, Alice," she assured her.

"Then, who needs the potion?" asked Alice anxiously. "Is it Sev?"

She shook her head. "No. Not Sev, I assure you. But I have another friend whom I wish to help..." she admitted.

"Who is it?" Alice frowned and whispered.

Hermione bit her lip. "Oh, Alice. You were the first person who introduced him to me," she whispered back.

Alice's eyes widened and she gasped. "Oh, Merlin. That's why he's been missing classes." She looked teary-eyed.

She nodded sadly. "I want to help him. Sev and I have decent marks in Potions - "

"Decent? Oh, you two are geniuses!" praised Alice.

She just smiled at that. "Well, can you ask your parents? I know we're only third-years and I may be too ambitious to plan of brewing healing potions, but it won't hurt to try, will it?"

Alice smiled and squeezed her hand. "Oh, Hermione. You're such a compassionate witch! I'll ask my parents. But of course, I won't tell them about his situation. I will tell them that you and Sev are aspiring Healer and Potioneer respectively.

"Thank you, Alice."

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December 25, 1973

(twenty-two years ago)

Dear Hermione and Severus,

Happy Christmas!

I hope you two are having fun with the family and not studying. As promised, I asked my parents if there is even a 'cure' for our friend's peculiar situation and their answer was to give me several American Potions magazines they have procured during their trip to the United States last year. The answer is in one of the magazines.

Have fun reading and I hope you will be able to help our friend, but please do not share these with anyone. American Potions magazines are banned by the British Potioneers' Society.

See you at school in January.

Love from

Alice

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"Merlin's fucking balls!" Severus cursed.

Hermione quickly stood up from the floor and ditched the magazine she was reading to join Severus on her bed. "What is it?"

Severus handed her the magazine he was holding. "This is the answer to Lupin's predicament. The Aconite Potion invented by Richard Steward, recipient of Excellence in Potions Cup at Ilvermorny."

Hermione read the article about the said potion and she could not contain her happiness when she saw that a recipe was also included there. The Aconite Potion was not a cure to lycanthropy, but it could make the werewolf's transformation easy. It would also prevent a werewolf in attacking someone because the main effect of the potion was to put them to deep sleep (less scars too, for Remus). The potion had been used by Americans suffering from lycanthropy and there were no known side effects if brewed correctly.

"Oh my goodness! Thank Merlin! We can try brewing this! But what do we tell Professor Slughorn?"

Severus shook his head. "We can't tell Professor Slughorn. He knows about Lupin's state, as well as the other staff. Obviously, they have not discovered this yet and remember Alice's letter?"

Hermione remembered and she nodded. "So we'll do this by ourselves?"

"It's very ambitious of us, but we can try..."

She nodded. "Yes, we can try. I really want to help Remus. But the ingredients are rather expensive," she said sadly.

Severus reached for her hand and squeezed it. "Did you forget that your best friend's rich in the wizarding world?" he teased.

Hermione bit her lip. "But - "

"Hermione, you want this. I want this, too. Maybe, my main intention is not to help Lupin but to achieve something for myself, but I also want to do this for you, because you're my only best friend."

She grinned. "Oh, that's so sweet of you," she replied rather exaggeratedly, making Sev roll his eyes.

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January 9, 1974

(twenty-one years ago)

On Severus's fourteenth birthday, Hermione woke up very early and went down the dungeons to wait for him, with a gift in her arms. This year, she got him a photo album. Her parents sent her Muggle pictures of him and Sev, and she added the wizarding photo of the two of them with Alice and Frank, taken last summer when they met at Diagon Alley. Hermione and Alice dragged the two wizards in a studio and they dressed up in their house robes. The photographer even commented that he rarely saw a group of friends from different houses. He was so pleased that the Hogwarts coat of arms was even added to the picture.

"Hey, Mione," greeted Toyin when he saw her outside the Slytherin entrance.

"Hi, Toyin," she greeted back.

"Waiting for your boyfriend?" he asked with his signature boyish grin.

Her heart fluttered, but she rolled her eyes. "For the hundredth time, Severus is not my boyfriend."

"Then he should get a move before someone else asks you out," he smirked again.

She blushed and shook her head. "I don't think Sev likes me like that."

It was Toyin's turn to roll his eyes. "You're clueless and he's too slow," he commented before walking away.

"Hey!" she protested, but Toyin just smirked and waved her goodbye.

"Don't mind him; he's a prat," came Sev's voice.

She turned around and faked a displeased look. "Finally, you're here. I've been waiting for ages." She handed him the wrapped gift. "Happy birthday."

Severus didn't mind her faked displeasure. Instead, he accepted the gift with a smile and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. "Thank you. You're the best."

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January 17, 1974

(twenty-one years ago)

"Why did Severus give you an aqua-garden?"

Hermione frowned and looked up. Lily Evans was standing in front of the Hufflepuff table, glaring at Alice who was sitting beside her. Hermione was invited to eat breakfast with the Badgers. Her Hufflepuff friend's face turned red and Hermione knew it was because she was afraid of Lily and the other Gryffindor girls.

It was Alice's birthday. Earlier at breakfast, Severus walked with Hermione to the Hufflepuff table to personally deliver their gifts. Hermione's present was wrapped in yellow and black paper, but Sev's present couldn't be wrapped. It was a self-sustaining mini aquarium kit with plants on top. It was beautiful and unique. Alice and the other Hufflepuffs truly appreciated it and even Professor Sprout gave Sev an approving look.

What Hermione like about it was, the fish fertilize the plants and the plants clean the water for the fish. Alice had pets and could grow plants at the same time in her dormitory.

"What is it to you, Lily?" she snapped.

Lily looked taken aback. She looked like she did not notice that Hermione was there. "N-nothing. I was just... curious. We are classmates and I didn't know that Fawley is close friends with him."

She raised an eyebrow. "Sev is friends with my friends," she replied coldly.

Lily sat on the bench across from Hermione. "But how could he afford to buy such gifts? I mean, I've seen their house. And Mum told me that Severus's father is a - "

"Stop it, Lily," she told her firmly. "Mr. Snape isn't rich, but Mrs. Snape's pureblood family was rather well-off. So, in the Muggle world, Sev has nothing. But in the magical world, he can afford anything."

"And it's none of your business, really, Evans," Alice managed to say, feeling braver now.

Lily glared at the Hufflepuff before storming off.

"She's jealous!" whispered Alice.

Hermione studied her friend's face. "She's jealous because only Sev wouldn't pay attention to her and praise her. Every wizard in this school, even the Slytherins, could say that Evans is beautiful - but only behind her back. But Severus never complimented her, so now she wants his attention," Alice explained.

Hermione sighed. It was true. Some Slytherin boys said that Lily was a good-looking Mudblood when the redhead was not around. But Severus never said those to describe Lily - neither good-looking nor Mudblood.

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February 14, 1974

(twenty-one years ago)

Hermione was about to leave her dormitory when Alona entered and stopped her. "You've got to fix your hair!" she said urgently.

Hermione frowned and ran a hand on her hair. "Why?"

"A wizard is waiting for you outside with a bouquet! You can't go out like that!" Alone pulled her to her vanity.

"Who? Sev?" she asked.

"Yes!" her friend answered and started braiding her hair. "Don't move too much!"

"Is this necessary?" she groaned. "I've always been like this, ever since we met."

"But you're no longer ten years old!" Alona told her. "And besides, it's Valentine's Day. It would be nice if you look nicer than usual and walk with him to the Great Hall. You'll make Evans jealous," she giggled.

"Lily?" she asked, clueless.

"Who else?" Alona huffed. "You don't think we haven't heard her flirting with Severus? We were there in the corridor when she cornered Severus last month and told him her birthday. And on her birthday, she asked Severus if he forgot what day it is."

"He didn't tell me," she frowned.

Alona pulled her hair, but not rudely. "Because he didn't want to bother you with something unimportant."

Hermione made a noise of disapproval. Did Lily do that? Did she really expect that Sev would give her something just because they're Potions partners? Is she harbouring feelings for Sev? But she has Potter chasing her all over Hogwarts. Why would Lily still want Sev's attentions? Lily never changed. She is still an attention-seeker and she wouldn't stop until she finally gets what she wants.

Hermione slowly made it outside the Ravenclaw common room and she swallowed and blushed at the same time when she spotted him.

Sev was leaning against the wall in front of the door. His hair was tied neatly behind his back, wearing his crisp and ironed Slytherin uniform. He was holding a bouquet of white roses.

"Hello," she said, trying to sound calm as much as possible.

Sev perked up. "Good morning," he said and approached her, slowly removing her bag from her shoulder. He gave her the bouquet.

Hermione accepted it. "What's this for?" she asked.

He shrugged and took her hand. He didn't say anything as they walked down the spiral staircase. When they reached the fifth floor, she pulled her hand away. "Severus Snape!"

He turned to her with a frown. "What's wrong?" he asked innocently.

"Why are you giving me flowers?" she demanded.

"Because it's bloody Valentine's Day," he replied matter-of-factly.

"Why?" she asked again, sounding angry.

Severus rolled his eyes and ran a hand on his hair. "Salazar... Puckle, you're a Ravenclaw. You know why."

She looked away and bit her lip. She ignored the fluttering of her heart. She ignored the goosebumps. She wanted an answer.

Severus moved towards her and placed an arm around her waist. His other hand held her arm. "We'll be late for breakfast, Hermione." She didn't move. "Hermione... you know that I care for you. Even if I don't say it, you feel it, right?" he asked.

She finally turned to face him. "I know," she whispered, pulling away. "But sometimes, you really confuse me."

"Hermione, you're my favourite person in the world, that's why I'm giving you flowers. I want you to know that you're special."

She shook her head. "We can't continue doing this, you know. One day, you're going to fancy someone else and - "

"I don't and will not fancy someone else," he cut her off rather softly.

She gave him a confused look.

"Your father said... he wishes for you to go on dates when you're in your fourth year, so..."

Hermione's eyes widened. "So, you and Dad had a..."

"A talk," he admitted shyly, looking at his shoes.

She sighed in relief and smiled, finally acknowledging the fluttering of her heart. "I didn't get you anything." She reached for his arm.

"Your presence is enough. Come on," he pulled her gently.

They walked in the Great Hall hand-in-hand. Her housemates teased her when they saw the bouquet and some of Slytherins patted Severus's back.

She gave Severus a questioning look. He smiled bashfully. "They know... They're my housemates after all."

"I love you, Lily Evans! When we're older, marry me!"

Hermione scowled at the sound of James Potter's voice. She didn't dare to look up. She started eating and talking to her housemates who didn't care about the two Gryffindors, too.

"I will never marry an arrogant toerag!" yelled Lily.

"But Lily-flower, you are the love of my life; you are the epitome of beauty; I dream of your beautiful, bright eyes every night. You carry my heart with you. I will die without you."

"I would rather date the Giant Squid than you!"

A sixth-year girl beside Hermione snorted. She stopped listening because owls flew to the Great Hall. An owl dropped an envelope on her plate. She happily reached for it. It was a heart-shaped card from Severus, telling her the things he told her earlier. She looked up and her eyes found Severus. He was looking at her as well with a smile on his face. She watched him pick the envelopes that landed on his plates. Hermione fought the urge to frown. Envelopes. Two.

Severus picked her letter first and read it with a bright smile on his face. He met her eyes again and mouthed 'thank you'. She sent him a card. She expressed how thankful she was for having him by her side always.

Sev picked the other envelope with a frown. He scowled when he read the letter and shook his head in disapproval. Hermione wanted to smirk. Must be from Lily, she thought.

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Hermione had a great day. She went to her classes, met and chattered with her friends and spent time with Severus in the library. None of them mentioned what they talked on the fifth floor. She did not ask about the other Valentine's card he received and he didn't tell her about it, either. They just did the usual - talk and study together.

"I'm craving for mushroom soup," she told her when they left the library to go to the Great Hall for dinner.

"Help me brew an anti-frizz serum after dinner, will you?" he asked.

"For me?" she asked with a playful smile in her lips.

"Yes. Your hair is getting wilder and wilder every day," he sneered.

"Oh, shut up!" She rolled her eyes.

"Snape! Stupefy!"

"Expelliarmus!" Hermione was quick to disarm their attacker.

Potter was pointing his wand at the two of them, but he was glaring at Severus. Black, Remus, and Pettigrew were behind him. Remus looked at the back of Potter's head with disapproval.

"What now, Potter?" Sev sneered and moved to shield her from him. He held her hands from behind.

"You, greasy git! You made Evans cry!" Potter said angrily. Hermione peered behind Severus.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," replied Sev nonchalantly.

"Lily cried after you told her that you didn't have a Valentine's card for her," Remus looked bored.

"Remus?" Black turned to Remus with a frown. "We're supposed to be defending Lily!"

"Does she really need defending just because she cried for not getting a Valentine's card from Snape? Merlin, she got ten today! Ten! What more could she want? It isn't Snape's fault that Lily was expecting anything from him." Remus looked furious.

"Remus! What are you - " Potter trailed off. "Lily was expecting something from this greasy git on her birthday, but he didn't give her anything. Now, it's Valentine's Day! Lily sent this ugly toothed a card and he was not grateful! No one ignores my Lily!"

Severus snorted. "Why should I feel obligated to give her something?" asked Severus and he pulled Hermione closer, wrapping her hands on his waist, her face was buried on his back.

"Unlike you, Potter, I'm not interested in her." He even laced his fingers to hers. "I hope you're getting the message. Why don't you offer her your shoulder if she's crying, then?"

"Bastard! Lily doesn't deserve your attention!" spat Potter.

"Oh, believe me, I don't want her tailing me. Sod off! We're starving," he told them and turned around to place an arm around her shoulders. They walked in silence.

"Sev, that was not nice," she started when they arrived at the Great Hall. "Lily wants to be close to you."

"Only because I don't give a damn about her. She's jealous of you!" he countered.

She sighed and placed a hand on his chest, fiddling the lapels of his uniform. "All right. But can you at least, not say mean things to her? Can you just ignore her without saying anything untoward? Please?"

Severus shook his head and looked up at the ceiling. "Fine."

She smiled. "Thanks, Sev. I know you love me."

She expected him to say 'in your dreams' as usual, but he didn't. He just smirked and pulled her to the Ravenclaw table.