Hi guys, I'm so sorry it took me so long to update! It's difficult with school and my mood hasn't been the best. But I will not abandon this story, don't worry, I'm just a slow writer.

I also included a little treat for you, since it'll be a while until Snape appears.

Also, I am still looking for a beta reader, if you're interested, send me a message :)

It felt like hours had passed. She was still cowering on the floor, shivering, her legs cramping from the position she'd been in. Hermione had been thinking about the events that had happened, since she didn't really have anything else to do. She felt humiliated, like she had just given up a part of herself. What especially confused her, was how her perception of him had briefly changed when he had touched her. She had been so scared and hurt that she found it to be comforting. His touch felt like fire burning her skin just hours before. But then it had distracted her from the pain, making her feel like a little child who just wanted a hug to make sure everything is okay again. But it wasn't. Nothing was okay.

She wanted to cry but no tears came. She couldn't stay like this, feeling sorry for herself until he came back. Hermione knew she couldn't give in. That was what he wanted.

Very slowly, she started to move her body, pushing herself up with her arms, making those horrible chains clink. As the pain from her wounds shot through her, she inhaled a sharp breath and stopped for a moment. The blood had dried up and by moving the fabric of her dress started ripping them open again. She felt a wave of nausea hit her, but she tried her best to ignore everything and carefully crawled towards her bed. Her arms and legs were shaking but somehow she made it. As she lay there, she could finally relax a little. Contrary to the stone floor, her bed could provide at least a little more warmth and comfort. She was glad she could stretch out her legs after spending so much time in that cramped up position. Even though she had only moved the short distance to her bed, she was already out of breath.

Hermione closed her eyes, trying to ignore the world around her and focus on her happy memories. The ones that made it worth to fight for. The ones giving her strength.

She remembered the feeling of holding her wand for the very first time. A feeling of power had rushed through her, made her feel like she was capable of anything. But now she felt lost without it. The bond between a witch or wizard and their wand usually was a very strong one. They grow up together, improve and learn from each other. And without it, she felt as if her connection to her magic had been cut. She always admired those who were capable of wandless magic. To be completely connected to ones magical core must feel amazing. Hermione felt helpless. If she would have known this kind of magic, she would have been able to defend herself better. Now she was like a scared mouse, thrown around by cats. It made her angry. She had often asked Harry to speak to Dumbledore about this and even talked to him herself several times. But the headmaster had insisted, that it was more important to teach Harry legilimency. Only Harry. He had always placed his resources only on her friend and while, yes, Harry was the key to defeating the Dark Lord she and Ron had to fight beside him. Thanks to Dumbledore without any kind of special training. But she couldn't change it now anyways. When Professor Snape had become headmaster, the school had changed. He was stricter and had higher expectations for the students. She enjoyed the second half of her sixth year at Hogwarts, finally feeling like she was really learning helpful things. Hermione wished she would have been able to attend her seventh year, but it wasn't save for her, Harry and Ron to return to Hogwarts.

At the evening of her last day at the school, Professor Snape had ordered her into the headmasters office. She could remember it, as if it just happened yesterday.

As Hermione stood in front of the golden griffin statue, as it started to turn, slowly revealing steps that lead upstairs. It didn't take long before she stood in front of the dark door. It opened, just before her hand hit the door to knock. She entered and it closed behind her.

The office looked different now. Many of the strange instruments Dumbledore had kept here, were gone. The room used to make a lot of different noises back then but now it was quiet, apart from the wood cracking in the fireplace. It also seemed darker and the most prominent colors were black and dark green. Black clouds, similar to the changing magical ceiling in the great hall, were floating above her, giving the room a mysterious aura. Most of the paintings on the walls were empty, the one of the former headmaster as well.

"Miss Granger."

Professor Snape had entered the room through a door in the corner, behind his table. His tone send a shiver down her spine. The Professors way of saying someone's name, always made one feel as if they were in big trouble. Hermione was no exception and she still didn't know why he wanted to talk to her. She made her way towards him, as he sat behind his desk, gesturing her to take a seat in front of him. He waited until she had done so before he started to talk. She could feel the tension that lingered in the air.

"Miss Granger, I have asked you here because I need to discuss something of utmost importance with you. It not only concerns you, but Mister Potter and Mister Weasley as well. However, I believe those two would not have been able to understand." His voice was soft and monotone, yet stern. His black hair framed his face, displaying no emotions. He seemed more tired than usual, but that was to be expected, considering everything he had to manage. Hermione couldn't quite shake the feeling, that he seemed concerned. His dark eyes didn't show this though, nothing about him showed it. He was a master at concealing his emotions but also at reading others. Sometimes Hermione felt as if he knew exactly what she was thinking.

"Yes, I know Harry and Ron can be a bit … much when it comes to you, Professor. But what do you need to tell me?"

He looked at her for a moment, his dark eyes seemed to stare into her soul. Something about this situation made her feel uncomfortable, as if he knew something he couldn't tell her.

"To make this short, I can not allow you three to resume your studies in the following year."

"What?"

She felt as if he had just slapped her face. Her reply made her feel incredibly stupid, but she just couldn't find any other words.

"You will not attend Hogwarts next year."

"Professor Snape, you can't be serious. I'll have to attend the N.E.W.T.s next year. As you know I have received 'outstanding' in my O.W.L.'s in every subject, except potions, as you are very well aware of, were I received an 'exceeds exp-' …"

"LOWER your voice, Miss Granger and stop babbling, you're making a fool of yourself."

His harsh voice interrupted her abruptly, making her realize how loud she had talked. But it didn't make sense to her. How could he expel her? Did he really hate her and the boys that much?

"I am not throwing you out because I don't like you. Your are not safe at Hogwarts any longer.", his voice got very quiet, almost as if he didn't want anyone to listen.

"It is not safe for Mister Potter here. Nor for you and Mister Weasley. There will be changes next year, things that are sadly out of my control. This in not my decision alone. The Order has discussed this many times and as much as they want you to stay here, it's not safe."

Hermione took a deep breath as she realized, what his words meant. The N.E.W.T.'s were very important to her but she felt foolish for not considering the war. She knew she could never have had a normal childhood but here at Hogwarts it oftentimes felt as if they lived in a bubble. Secure from the outside, not having to worry about anything except her grades.

She had prepared a lot for the war, hours of research on various topics, practicing dueling in the room of requirement, stocking up on healing potions and ingredients but she didn't consider how fast it would happen. She thought they had more time. They still didn't know where or what all of the horcruxes were or how exactly they could stop the Dark Lord.

"I- I don't know what to say. You're right of course, headmaster."

"The Order will contact you and explain the next steps as soon as you're home. You don't need to worry, they are watching over your parents. And you don't have the trace on you anymore, don't you?"

"No, I am already 17. Well, actually 18 if you consider the time turner."

"I remember. That's very good. I believe you will play a vital part in this war. Mister Potter can consider himself lucky to have you by his side."

Hermione looked at him confused. Was that a compliment? From Professor Snape? Before she had any time to think about this any further, he stood up, walked to one of the cabinets next to him and took out a packet, wrapped with black fabric. He put it down in front of her.

"This is for you three, from Professor Dumbledore. Open this together once you left. It'll help you on your quest. Please go now and prepare for your departure."

Hermione looked up at the man before him. No expression crossed his face, yet she was sure, she was like an open book to him. She felt so confused and overwhelmed by those news.

"But I have so many questions."

"I'm sure you have.", he said, almost mockingly. "But I have somewhere to be. Be smart, Miss Granger. Do not tell anyone about this. Trust no one."

His eyes pierced into hers. He knew something. Something important he couldn't tell her.

Hermione felt stupid looking back. School had always been her number one priority and even though she had spent hours researching almost every day to prepare for the war, it always felt far away. Reading a book always made her feel disconnected. She soaked up every piece of information but could never imagine how it would be to actually experience these things. Now she had experienced most of it and it was still surreal for her. Once she read about how reaction to trauma could make one feel as if it didn't really happen, as if it was all in ones mind. While it was interesting to know, it didn't help her now. No one had prepared her for situations like these. Dumbledore hadn't cared for anyone except Harry and the Order of the Phoenix wasn't much better. They always shielded them from the truth.

'They're just children.' The Headmaster had once said.

Children he expected to fight a war. Children who would die because of him.

You're not dead. There's still a chance. Harry and Ron fled successfully as well.

Hermione knew she was as good as dead. With a sense of horror she remembered the Dark Lords promise to her. She wouldn't die for a very long time but even so, she was useless to the resistance. She just hoped, Harry and Ron would be able to find the remaining horcruxes without her.

She couldn't do anything to help them now. She was stuck in solitude and darkness without even the slightest chance of gathering information. All she could do, was wait for him and try to ignore her pain.