Chapter 19

(5th Year)

Pulling out her potions book along with her feathered quill, she set them down in front of her as they all waited for Severus to enter the classroom. Harry and Ron were on either side of her grumbling. They both had been whispering to each other all day. About girls. Well, only one girl.

Cho Chang.

Hermione had already noticed that Cho had been coming to see Harry more and more. Which bothered Hermione. Not Romantically or anything of that sort. She had seen the way Cho had stared at Harry from afar. The look in her eyes wasn't that of a girl infatuated with a boy. No, it held too much raw pain. Regardless of how much she smiled and acted like she was okay.

All of it was a bloody act and Harry couldn't seem to look past it. Something that Ginny had noticed as well.

She was pulled from her thoughts as Severus walked into the room, robes billowing behind him as he reached the front of the classroom. He didn't look at her as he coldly gazed around the room. He instructed them on what they would be working on for the class period. It was double potions so it was bound to take up the whole class period. He finally sat down after a few minutes of talking.

Hermione stood up slowly, making sure Ron and Harry stood up as well. She passed by his desk, his mere presence giving her a sense of peace. Unsettling to say the least.

Though, she was surprised, that he hadn't once said anything to Harry or Ron. It wasn't until she saw Harry make a mistake that his voice slid across her mind. She didn't stop stirring her cauldron as he spoke. "He missed a step. If he doesn't do it I will have to make an example of him."

Hermione didn't say anything back and instead wrote a small note before slipping it to Harry. He sent her a confused look before opening it. He had been about to add the next step without adding moonstone. He stiffened, sent Severus a look, and turned to her. Harry nodded his thanks as he did as she said.

That Severus would do something like this...It made her suddenly realize the extent of his words. He was trying. It warmed her to think of it. Lost in the feelings he invoked, she disinterestedly looked over at Ron and froze.

It was green and boiling madly. She moved forward and stopped when she saw Neville get tripped by Crabbe. Seamus moved to stop him but hit Ron's shoulder in the process. Hermione didn't stop to think and knocked Ron sideways but failed to avoid the cauldron as it tipped over.

The fluid splashed on her right arm, making her cry out in pain. The liquid slid down, burning her arm. She stumbled back and Harry wrapped his arm around her waist. Severus whispered harshly across her mind. His voice muted with concern.

"Is it bad?"

Hermione swallowed hard as she watched him make his way down the aisle. She ignored the glare he threw at everybody, even her. He swept his hand over the mess and the cauldron, vanishing everything around it as well as the potion.

He didn't glance at her again as he berated Neville and Ron. Doing what he had to do so that the Slytherins didn't snitch to their parents. Hermione understood that but that didn't make it right. Harry seemed to agree with her as he escorted her out of the class.

"Bloody Tool. You'd think with him being in the Order he would at least not be a git," he said, his arm holding her tighter as they went up the stairs to the infirmary. Stifling a moan at his movement, she tried not to hit him for his comment and just said, "I guess.''

They arrived at the infirmary to see Madam Pomfrey attending to Luna Lovegood. Luna was staring down at her wound with benumbed amusement as Pomfrey tended to it. She tried poking it, making Pomfrey look up and catch sight of them coming in. Her face transformed into a scowl as she checked them both out for injuries.

"The year has only barely begun and one of you three is already inured? Why am I not surprised." Pomfrey said, her eyes taking in her burned arm.

Hermione grimaced at her while Harry smiled brightly, he was used to seeing her a lot more than anybody else. "It isn't me this time, Madam Pomfrey. But Hermione is really hurt." Harry said, his gaze turning worried as he looked down at her. Hermione shrugged, making sure not to move her arm.

"It's not that bad. You should go back," she was interrupted as the bell rung, "Get your stuff. I'll go back and get my own. I'll see you in the Great Hall, okay."

After a little more arguing he left, his gaze slightly irritated with her. Hermione turned to Pomfrey, who had already begun cutting the rest of her robes away to reveal the wound. She hadn't seen it closely and now realized how bad it really was. Pomfrey numbed her arm with her wand before getting to work on it. She bit her lip as Pomfrey ran a bit of liquid down her arm. Her blood seeping from under the half-burned skin flap near her elbow, making her swallow hard. Pomfrey stood up as the wound healed around the loose skin.

"I have to get more burn paste from my office. Don't move."

She watched Pomfrey walk next door where her office was located and turned when Luna spoke up, her voice strangely not echoing in the room. "I've seen you a lot before. But never spoke to you. Which surprises me that the others haven't noticed. Especially those that are close to you."

She stood up, her large bag beside her making a bell-like sound as she placed it on her shoulders. Her white-blond hair hid her face as she walked by. Hermione didn't react to her words. But it did concern her a bit.

Harry and Ron didn't pay attention to her so she knew they wouldn't notice the difference in her but now Hermione would have to watch for others if Luna was able to tell. She left the Hospital Wing after a few minutes of Pomfrey fretting over her. Hermione reassured her that she was fine and that it almost didn't hurt which was a lie, of course.

As she made her way back to Severus's classroom, she inspected the healed wound. It was red, the skin still irritated. It wasn't until she arrived that she heard the footsteps following her. She glanced around, making it seem like she was looking for somebody. The footsteps stopped so she continued forward. She didn't hear them again so she slipped inside just as Severus opened the door. He didn't give her a chance to say anything as he grabbed her left arm and pulled her towards his private rooms. Once inside, he gestured towards the largely stuffed armchair in the corner of the room.

It was right beside a large fireplace, the fire low as it only warmed the area around the armchair. The room was different from what she remembered. It was bigger than the year before. She didn't ask about it as he returned with a jar full of paste.

"Does it hurt a lot? Why did you step in," he asked as he coated her arm with a different paste than the one that Pomfrey had put on it.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I didn't actually plan to do that. I acted on impulse."

He scowled but changed the subject instead. "You know that the Daily Prophet won't let it happen again. They will be making sure it doesn't occur again."

Hermione smiled. "Then it will all go according to plan. It's only to distract them. But it will also set seeds of doubt," she said, her gaze distracted by his hand; which was smoothing the paste in small circles. "I will probably leave soon. I need to speak with Amelia Bones and try to get her on our side. I heard about her from Arthur. We will need her if the time comes when Fudge steps down after being outed as a lier."

Severus stilled before looking up at her. His eyes locking onto hers. He suddenly smiled, making her take notice of the fact that she had never actually seen him smile before. It shocked her and also made her feel warm in some places. She leaned forward until her nose touched his.

"What's so amusing, Severus?"

His smile remained as he placed his hands on either side of the chair, caging her in. She stayed still as his smile faded from his face. Although his eyes still held amusement in them. He studied her face for a couple of seconds longer before answering in a low but amused tone.

"I haven't smiled like this in a long time. It has been almost two decades since somebody has seen me smile and all it took was a woman in a girls skin to make it happen. You have no idea how alone I have been all these years. But then you appear without warning. Believe me, just because I'm not saying anything to Potter or the others doesn't mean I'm not thinking it. This is probably the nicest you will ever see me be. As I said, you appear and now I feel like I'm actually making a difference. We have done more now than Dumbledore did in the first war."

Hermione cupped his face between her hands. "I'm not that special. I'm just a bit more mature than I was before. I'm just me. Doing what others won't."

He didn't smile again but instead tilted his head towards her and would have probably kissed her but stopped halfway. "I can't kiss you like this. I know it's only the outside of you that is young but I prefer to kiss you as YOU." he said, stepping back and handing her an envelope. Taking it from his hands, she opened it to see Dimitry's familiar handwriting.

Hermione,

I haven't found them yet. They are smart, they hide in plain sight but it's only a matter of time before they do get caught. Zeph says to write to her. She has something to discuss with you. As for the boys, they already miss you. But what I wanted to tell you is that I found the address. It's on the back of this letter. Take care and watch out for that pink toad.

Pink Toad? She was small and round like one. Hermione suppressed her laugh as she threw the letter into the fire. Yes, she would be keeping an eye on Dolores Umbridge.

Hermione sat beside Neville in D.A.D.A, their seats right in front of Harry and Ron's. She avoided looking at Ron who kept sending her apologetic glances. Hermione glanced back once only to look directly into cool grey eyes. They flashed with something once again before Malfoy turned his head away. She had expected an insult but so far he hadn't said anything to her. Which made her suspicious as to why he hadn't said anything to her. Regardless of what was going on in his household.

It wasn't long until Dolores Umbridge walked out from the top of the stairs at the front of the class. Her face pinched tightly as she glanced at Harry. She seemed to force it away as she headed straight for the board. She began writing on it with her wand. Hermione ignored it and looked down at the book that they would read from. She had a feeling that this class would be different from the years before.

Umbridge turned around with a sickly sweet smile on her face. Her eyes the only thing giving her away. Her beady eyes glinted with fury as they passed over every student in the class. But she never seemed to look them in the eyes.

Cowardly Pink Toad.

"I will be your new Professor Against the Dark Arts. I will be addressed as Professor Umbridge. I will not answer by any other name. Well now, your teaching in this subject has been rather disrupted and fragmented, hasn't it?" asserted Umbridge, stopping near Hermione's desk. "The constant changing of teachers, many of whom do not seem to have followed any Ministry-approved curriculum, has unfortunately resulted in your being far below the standard we would expect to see in your O.W.L. year. You will be pleased to know, however, that these problems are now to be rectified."

She went on to emphasize exactly what they would be doing. Hermione frowned. She had already read the book and even she had found it to be quite a bore. She raised her hand but Umbridge ignored her and instead went to go sit at her desk. Hermione kept her hand up. Neville looked over nervously as he flipped through the book. When Umbridge didn't call on her she lowered her hand and left the book unopened. She wasn't going to waste her time reading it.

The others looked over at her in shock as she sat there staring out the window. Her fingers tapping the table over and over again. It wasn't long until the others realized what the book contained so several others closed their books as well.

The rain slammed into the window, making Lavender and Parvati jump in surprise. Hermione glanced back to see that Malfoy hadn't even taken his out. He was staring down at his wand, the tip making a swirling motion as he loosely held it. Harry gave her a questioning look as he too randomly flipped through the book.

Ron was scowling down at the book and closed it loudly, he sent her a confused look. Hermione turned back around when Umbridge made the same annoying humming sound she had done in the Great Hall. Everybody turned at once to see her stand up, her body half covered by the large wooden desk. Hermione raised an eyebrow, breaking her "character" but not really caring at this point.

Pink toad wanted them to learn about defensive magical theory? Umbridge was only using it to rub it in Harry's face as well as Dumbledores. She was advocating the fact that they wouldn't need defensive spells for any reason. Hermione watched her step around the desk and asked in an overly sweet voice, "What is it? I think I made myself perfectly clear as to what to do for today's lesson."

Hermione heard Pansy asked, "Aren't we supposed to actually use magic?"

Umbridge cleared her throat loudly. "I will only answer to manners and as such, I require for everybody to raise their hands when they wish to ask something."

Pansy didn't speak again so Hermione guessed that she did as Umbridge said but the toad had already turned away to speak to Seamus, who had raised his hand straight away. Umbridge gestured towards him with her small wand.

Seamus frowned as he pointed down at his book. "We aren't using magic at all? Like the whole school year? If not, why are we taking this class."

Umbridge breathed deeply through her nose as she narrowed her eyes slightly. "Why would you need to defend yourself in my classroom. I don't see why you would feel the need to. As for the use of magic, reading will help you learn faster."

Seconds later Harry slapped his hand on the table but was cut short by Malfoy speaking up, followed by his chair scraping on the stone floor. "I don't understand why. My father will be upset to hear that a half-blood is denying the use of magic in class, especially D.A.D.A."

Hermione turned to see him leave the classroom with Pansy and his gang following right behind him. Umbridge sputtered and walked quickly after them with her stubby legs.

Harry leaned over to her. "I was ready to yell at her. What could we possibly learn just reading, aside from you, nobody else could possibly do that."

That was true. Even Ron, who had already slumped over to nap, nodded his head. Only his eyes could be seen through his hair as he sleepily burrowed into his arms.

It wasn't long until the rest of the class decided to leave the classroom once ten minutes passed with no sign of Umbridge. Hermione didn't pack the book since all of the others had also left it. She bumped into Theodore Nott, who had stayed slightly behind the others. He turned somewhat towards her and leaned over when Harry turned towards Ron. "Meet me at the boathouse after dinner. It will be empty for the night. Bring Luna Lovegood as well as Snape."

Hermione shot him a look full of surprise.

Luna? Why? She mouthed back but he just walked out of the room just as Professor McGonagall appeared around a corner. She stopped beside her, taking in the students that walked passed her. Ron and Harry stopped and turned back when they looked back to see her with the professor.

"Why aren't you in class? What's going on? I saw Dolores walk down to the dungeons yelling for Mr Malfoy?" McGonagall asked, her eyes following Nott.

"Umbridge decided to start the class by telling us that we won't be using magic and we would only be reading about it. Most of the students didn't like the sound of that. It wasn't until Draco Malfoy decided to mention his father that things escalated. He stood and left with some of the other Slytherins. She went after them." Hermione said as she re-braided her hair. Harry and Ron just nodded along with what she said.

McGonagall made a sound and gestured down the hall. "Just head to the Great Hall. I'll speak with Albus about this. Make sure the other students don't go disturbing the other classes."

She soon left after that, leaving Hermione with the boys. She turned to them. "I'm going to the-," She didn't get to finish as both of them gave her large smiles. "The library. We know. We're heading back to the common room instead of the Great Hall. We'll see you later." They both said, their eyes knowing.

Hermione smiled but her mind was already somewhere else. She left them in the corridor as she turned around, only to see Lady Phyllida Spore. Her dark hair was flowing gently down her back, her eyes watching her with a small smile on her face.

Hermione gestured towards the portrait. "Were you looking for me?"

Dame Spore gave a slight nod. "I borrowed this one just to look for you. Go to the seventh floor and turn left. Across the tapestry, walk back and forth three times with a clear idea of wanting a room with two portraits in it."

Hermione didn't question her since Dame Spore had already left the painting. She did as she was told and headed towards the seventh floor, passing several portraits on the way. She thought she saw her moving with her but she didn't say anything and passed Malfoy once as she turned a corner. He stopped when he saw her, his eyes cold, making her flatter a step.

He opened his mouth to say something but stopped when he looked a little to the left of her. She didn't have to turn around to know who it was. Malfoy frowned but only nodded his head politely to Severus. To his godfather. He stepped around her and walked down the stairs just as Severus stayed slightly behind her as she walked further up the stairs.

"I heard what he did. Dolores is throwing a tantrum in Albus's office. The minister will show up sooner at this point. And only on her first day? I'm surprised Potter or even you didn't snap first." he stated, his voice soothing her mind.

Her head hurt a little from using occlumency for most of the week and it was now making itself known. She dropped them completely since he wouldn't let anything happen to her. Hermione didn't answer him as they turned left on the seventh floor. He didn't ask what she was doing as she stepped in front of the blank wall. It looked like any other wall in the castle. Lady Spore had said to walk back and forth three times. Hermione did so with a clear picture of her room back in Gryffindor tower, as well as other things.

She froze when the wall began to make a grating sound. The wall in front of her slowly transformed into two large doors. The top created an oval like entrance, almost like the opening of the Gryffindor's entrance. Hermione didn't look back at Severus as she pushed the doors open. The inside of the room was exactly like her own. The large fireplace was right in front of her. Like the first time, she had walked into her room. She didn't turn around as the entrance slid shut. Leaving her alone with Severus. Hermione lifted her hand and touched her face, feeling the soft roundness of baby fat fade away slowly, almost like her mask was sliding off her face. The room had given her exactly what she had wanted.

Severus spoke up when she didn't turn around. "I have heard of the room from Albus but have never heard of anybody else finding it. Who told you about it?" he asked, his voice coming from right behind her.

She turned, making sure ti stare up at him. His face held a bit of surprise. He only raised an eyebrow in question.

"I asked for my room here at Hogwarts and to be in my real skin. I wasn't sure if it would work. I was told by Dame Spore who asked me to come here."

Just as she said that somebody cleared their throat. "Ahem, I was the one to tell her, Severus. There was something I need to tell her so I used another's portrait to find her. Now, I know that you will eventually need this room for other purposes. But, what I wanted to tell you is that Dumbledore hasn't told Severus everything. He has Riddle's address. His also whispering about other things. The prophecy?"

Hermione frowned. The prophecy? The one she had already read?

"I already have the address as well. I was planning on leaving soon to check it out. It's only a feeling but I think that I will find something. But even if I do, I don't know how to destroy such a thing. But, I do have a question. I was going to ask you actually."

Severus headed away from her and towards the large armchair in the corner. Hermione watched him as she tried to find a way to describe what even she had yet to understand. Moving closer to Madam Spore's portrait, she lifted her robe sleeve on her left arm. The fake wand curved twice around her wrist, the wood covering most of the mark. She tapped it once at the base and it unfurled. She looked up when the scar came into view. Lady Spore was staring down at it with a frown.

"What animal did that."

Hermione rubbed the scar tissue, the bumpy scar was formed in a large bite mark. The scar had darkened in color, it now appeared dark green when before it had been a bright venomous green. The venom must have already integrated with her own blood.

"When I was in Egypt, I was out by a village picking herbs and whatnot for grandmother Halima. I was with her granddaughter Amsu and a friend named Gahiji. I was a little further down from them and let my guard down. I had thought I had seen a child in the tall grass but was quickly corrected when a young Sphinx came out of the grass. I didn't have time to say much before a large snake attacked me. It wrapped its fangs around my wrist, his body coiling all the way up to my shoulder. I panicked and for a second I thought the Sphinx was going to attack me too," she said, her mind replaying the attack.

"It pounced onto the snakes head, smashing the teeth further in. I only heard it speak to me after. Called me foolish human." she finished. Her mind filled with memories of the night. She looked over at Severus, whose jaw was locked tightly. "I also noticed something about the Horcrux. It goes silent when I handle it with my left arm. Like when I have it in my right hand, it whispers to me, my darkest secrets and desires. But a common snake couldn't possibly have that effect on a Horcrux."

It wasn't Dame Spore who spoke next. Phineas Black spoke up, his voice holding contempt as he addressed her. "Mudblood-."

He didn't get to finish as Severus hissed, his body flowing to its feet as he swirled to face Black's portrait. "Never say that word in my presence again, Black."

Black gave him a sneer but didn't say anything about it as he turned to look at Hermione. "The serpent's venom shouldn't be able to do that. Unless it was already cursed or impregnated with another's magical blood it shouldn't have that reaction. But a Sphinx combined with it might. Listen to Spore, muggleborn." he said, his eyes turning cold as he stepped out of the frame but not before making a rude gesture. Hermione rolled her eyes at him. A very unpleasant but smart man.

Hermione went to cover her scar but Severus halted her movement by placing his hand on it. He raised it up to his face, forefinger tracing the mark. Hermione looked to the side and watched Lady Spore give her a strange look before leaving the portrait. She jumped when Severus pinched the skin over the wound and froze when the green web of venom under pulsated.

What in the bloody hell?

Severus frowned before closing his eyes for a couple of seconds while Hermione stared at his face, his nose looking slightly crooked like if he had been punched in the face; obviously somebody or something broke it before.

He opened his eyes, connecting with hers. "I need to get a sample. Will you let me?"

Not giving him an answer she looked to her left to find a small table with a tray on it. It had everything he would need to get a sample. Ready for him to use. "I don't think you will let me leave without you getting that sample. But I don't plan on denying you anything, Severus."

He didn't smile but his eyes did. His amusement remained even as he grabbed the scalpel. He ran his free hand over the spot where he would cut it, numbing it. She felt a slight tingle as he used the scalpel to cut her flesh. Her blood flowed red with hints of green mixed in here and there. After he was done getting the tissue and a phial of blood, he closed the wound. She lifted her right sleeve up to check the time and cursed. It was time for the next class already. She picked up her bag that she had dropped by the entrance and slid it on just as Severus stepped up close behind her. His scent reminding her of mint and herbs.

Of the candles, she had in her room back in her parent's house.

Large hands turned her around so that she faced him once more, his face so close to hers.

"I'm not always this calm, you know. I don't know why I'm acting so out of character but I must, it's a tad unsettling. I wanted to humiliate Potter in class today. Like a child would have to another. I don't know how long this change will last so it's only fair to warn you in case one of these days I snap at you or say something ungodly." Severus said, his breath washing over her cooly. Instead of foul, like Ron and the others always suspected it was like, it smelled of mint and chocolate.

Not giving him a chance move away she rose on her toes and pulled him towards her. His lips hesitated before molding themselves to hers. He kept his mouth closed so she opened hers and lightly licked his bottom lip.

He made a surprised sound and slipped both of his arms around her waist, lifting her fully against his body. Her body grew warm as she pushed her breast against his chest. He growled softly before pushing back. His eyes were full of desire as he pulled back slightly to stare down at her. Behind the desire, a different emotion shadowed the intense need.

Something she wasn't ready to accept yet. He closed his eyes as he finally left her mind. She didn't have to talk and neither did he.

Sometimes...

Words weren't needed.

….o0o...

The chilly air racing across the lake made the thick cloak she had put on nonexistent. The boathouse wasn't illuminated well but she didn't want to draw attention to it so she just lit a small light orb the size of her fist. It floated ahead of her as she made her way to the edge of the wooden dock.

The water lapped at the edges. The stars were hidden by storm clouds that looked like they were going to unleash at any second. The light orb dipped down, touching the water and for a second she thought she had seen a long tail touch the surface of the water.

Shaking her head, she leaned back against the wall and waited for the others. The copy of the marauder's map in her fist as well as her fake wand. She didn't want to take chances.

She had slipped a note to Luna before dinner let out. Luna hadn't even blinked in surprise as she dreamily walked away with it. Hermione hoped she actually came. Something inside of her alerted her that she wasn't alone anymore. She saw two figures walk in, one taller than the other. Nott and Luna. Both who were walking side by side. But right behind them was Severus. She would know him anywhere.

Even in the dark.

It wasn't long before they reached her, Luna walking in first. "This is a very interesting place to meet, Hermione but I'll say the company you keep is by far more interesting."

Her silvery eyes running over Nott, who in return stirred uncomfortably. Severus ignored them to come to stand beside her. Now silvery eyes followed that movement before looking away. Hermione turned her attention to Nott, waiting to see why he wanted them specifically. He cleared his throat once before producing a small piece of parchment. He walked forward and handed it to her.

"That's half of the money my father left me. Use it all. I don't want or need it. I still won't be able to spend the other half in this lifetime so go ahead and use it. I put it in a different vault that won't' look suspicious if you were to access it. I made it about a month ago. As to why Lovegood is here, well I figured that from what happened this morning with the Daily Prophet, you won't be able to post anything anymore. I thought it would be good if somebody 'bought' out the Quibbler and you could post things there. The ministry can't do anything about that since it will be privately owned and you can have the Pucey's back it up with protection."

Hermione stayed leaning back on the post, her eyes taking in the amount of money he just handed over. The money would come in handy if she decided to leave anytime soon but it would also buyout the Quibbler. It was a good plan. Too good to be true.

She briefly glanced at him before turning to Luna. "I'm guessing you already figured out what all of this is about, Luna."

Luna leaned down instead of replying and sat down on the edge of the dock. She pulled off her shoes and didn't flinch as she set her feet in the water. She finally looked up at Hermione. "I figured it out when I was in Diagon Alley the day of the attack. I was actually watching you when you saved the veela. I knew you weren't you anymore. This just made it even more obvious. Especially since you don't have nargles in your head."

Nobody paid attention to the last bit except for Nott who's lip turned upward for a split second. Severus just lifted an eyebrow before turning away from them.

"What do you think about his plan? Will your father agree with it?" Hermione asked her eyes on the water.

She was sure something was in it but Luna just swirled her legs in the dark water. The girls actione left Hermione perplexed.

Luna shifted her hair to the side and shrugged her shoulders gently. "He won't mind once he finds out why. He will still want to print other stuff but it will be fine."

Hermione nodded. "Than that's settled. I'll give you something to report every other week. It can't be repeated or on the same day. It will be watched by ministry officials but anything to keep them off Harry's back. I'll give you a letter for your father later in the week," she directed her next words to Nott. "If you hear anything from Adrian or Marcus tell me. They will try to keep me from the worst of it. I can't let anything slip through the cracks. Keep an eye on Malfoy. His acting out of character."

Nott inclined his head and left. Luna stood up without putting her shoes on. "You don't have to worry about Dumbledore reading my mind. It runs on a different loop than everybody else. He can't read me. Nobody can."

Hermione narrowed her eyes. That was interesting. She lightly probed her mind and was shocked to find it foggy, filled with random images. Without breaking eye contact she waited for Severus to attempt it too. He became still after a few seconds, mind probably attacking Luna's. If he couldn't get through than Dumbledore couldn't either.

Luna gave a twinkling laugh. "I told you, nobody can read it. I'm just that strange. I'll see you later. Goodbye Professor Snape."

They watched her leave, barefoot and without a cloak. Luna Lovegood would be a great addition to their side.

She turned slightly, while still leaning against the wood, and asked him what he had gotten from Nott. He didn't seem surprised as he too glanced at the water. "He didn't want to share the information in front of her. But it seems like Riddle has moved his plans up. He wants the full Prophecy. Not just what I gave him years ago. He knows it wasn't all of it since it obviously backfired. He heard Lucius talking with Walden Macnair. Riddle has sent Macnair to get the support of the Giants up in the mountains. But they spoke of the Ministry too. But that task will happen in a week or two after Macnair gets back."

Severus looked over at her, his eyes were troubled. "Dumbledore has sent Hagrid to get the support of the Giants as well. He will run in with them. I know Hagrid is going with Madam Maxime. But I don't think they will be able to convince them."

Hermione gave a sigh. "He really shouldn't have sent Hagrid. He should have gone himself. Most Giants are notorious. They will hurt Hagrid over and over again. I suppose we could stop by while we are gone. But I can't be seen by either of them."

Yes, things were bound to go wrong with Giants and Death Eaters involved.

But as she stared into the eyes of the man she was coming to know, she knew that he wouldn't let her fall. Her heart and mind agreed on that.

Just as she wouldn't let him fall.

….o0o0o0o0o0o...

Thanks for reading! Enjoy!

Edited 3/31/19

Vanee