A/N: Thank you so much for all your encouragement and your support! McGonagall will eventually come into the story but not just yet. :)

Warning: Bad language and discussion of sensitive topics!

Chapter 6: London and Fights with Friends

"Where are we going sir?" Hermione asked wondering where he was taking her.

Severus said nothing, but Hermione was surprised when they reached a train station and Severus purchased two tickets and made her get on the train headed to Waterloo.

"Where to first Miss Granger? I'm thinking London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Tower of London and then somewhere to get something to eat" he said whilst he looked at her, smirking at her shocked reaction, and waited for her response.

Truthfully, Severus wanted to get the Granger girl away from the house today. She had been stuck there for over a week and she needed to get out, as did he.

He figured they were in London already so why not?

"Are you sure you're professor Snape?" she asked breathlessly.

His smirk only widened, and she only paled even more when she realised he wasn't joking, and it was her greasy git of a potions professor taking her on a sightseeing day out. Hell had officially frozen over, and pigs had begun to fly.

The train reached Waterloo, and they headed off in the direction of their first stop and got on the London Eye. The London Eye hadn't officially opened to the public just yet, but Severus used a few simple spells to ensure that the two of them were able to get on it without being noticed.

Just looking across the city, and seeing what it had to offer, was amazing. After all that had happened recently, Hermione finally felt tranquillity at the top of the London Eye with professor Snape, who she automatically felt safe with. She put it down to his reputation and mad wizard skills and, maybe for such a silent man, he held such power and ferocity and-

Hermione's thoughts suddenly cut off.

Hermione looked at her professor and noticed the slightly green hue adorning his face and gaped like a fish. Was professor Snape, Hogwarts most feared teacher, suffering from motion sickness from being on the London Eye? Hermione tried not to chuckle, as she knew it would annoy him but her professor had seen her trying to disguise it and glared at her. He threw her a look that said 'mention this to anyone ever again and you die'. Hermione promptly pulled herself together.

After they got off the London Eye and Severus was back to normal, they continued with their tour of London. Then they reached Trafalgar Square, and Hermione was in her element loving the busy city life. She stared in awe at Nelsons Column, she had only ever seen the statue in pictures, and magazines, but seeing the real thing just brought everything to life.

Severus looked in the direction that Hermione's wide eyes were staring at.

"Ah, Nelsons Column, did you know Miss Granger that if Hitler had won the war then he was going to take Nelsons Column as a trophy, a spoil of war as it were?" Severus said.

Hermione stared.

"Excuse me for being rude, but you know about muggle history?" She asked.

"I am a half-blood Miss Granger, I even went to primary school before I got my Hogwarts letter" Severus informed her. He couldn't believe he was easily telling her all of this personal information.

"Really?" Hermione asked, shocked at this new revelation.

Severus nodded in confirmation.

Wow. Hermione was mind-blown and from that moment, Severus wanted to educate her with other facts, and little bits of information that he had learned when he was a mere boy.

He pointed towards the four bronze lions.

"Did you also know, that it is common folklore, that if Big Ben were to ever chime thirteen times then it is believed that these lions come to life" Severus informed her.

Hermione laughed, dare she say it this was actually fun and she was learning some cool new things that she had never known before.

They then headed towards the Tower of London and had a look around. Severus seemed most excited about this part; he almost walked with a spring in his step.

Hermione couldn't help but think that, of course this would be the most favoured part of the tour by her surly potions professor. As they were leaving he pointed to the mass of Ravens that were about the place.

"If the Ravens ever leave, or all fly away from The Tower, it symbolises the fall of the monarchy, and England itself" he told her.

"Let's hope they never want to leave then" Hermione said, half-jokingly and half worriedly. She didn't necessarily believe in myths but with the way of the world these days, anything was possible, and it would be the cherry on the cake for it to happen as a coincidence.

"Come Miss Granger, let's eat" Severus suggested. They headed off and got on another tube to Liverpool Street station where Severus then led her to a little fish and chip shop and asked what she wanted to eat.

Again he had stunned his young student, as she expected him to want to go and eat in a restaurant or somewhere classy. Instead, much to her approval, he deliberated on a simple meal of fish and chips, her favourite. He brought the food back to their table and she gave him the money for hers, but he immediately declined and refused to let her pay.

'A gentleman as well' Hermione thought to herself whilst grinning from ear to ear. She felt so elated, she hadn't been this happy in ages.

Severus had surprised her today and as they headed back for the train station that would take them back to Grimmauld Place, he could safely say he had also surprised himself.

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It was now getting into the evening, but when they got off the train the streets were still busy with shoppers.

"Is there anything you need to purchase whilst we are here Miss Granger?" Severus asked her.

She thought for a moment and then nodded, there were a few things she could do with stocking up on. She went into a shopping centre and apologised to her professor that she was going to be a bit girly for a few minutes, while she grabbed her necessities.

Severus went from confused to completely embarrassed when she quickly had to pick out new underwear and bras, deodorants, feminine products, tights, shoes and other bits and pieces she would need when it came to going back to school. She also picked out some creature comforts, and her guilty pleasures such as lots of chocolate (enough to feed at least an army), other sugary snacks and comfort foods.

'Miss Granger really likes her junk food' Severus thought surprised. He didn't expect that of the little bookworm, especially knowing that her parents were dentists, but if he was being honest, she was much too thin and did need to put a bit of meat back on her bones.

Severus had also secretly grabbed what items he needed and the pair went off to pay. Once they had both separately made their purchases, they headed back to the safe apparition point in order to get back to the safe house. With a crack, they were back and although the gloomy house held haunting memories, she was still happy about the amazing day out she had enjoyed.

"Sir, I wanted to thank you for everything that you have done for me today. I had a lovely day out, I really needed it and I also wanted to thank you for just being supportive and for helping me" she said appreciatively.

Severus smiled a rare smile, one he hadn't used in years and he felt his cold, icy, heart thaw slightly. Miss Granger was a sweet girl after all and had much to recommend her.

"Miss Granger there is no need to thank me; I shall always help you if you require it. You are a wonderful young lady and it is unfair how Dumbledore has handled this whole situation. If you are to need anything in the future, be it here or at school, you only need to ask and I promise to help you as much as I can" he promised her.

Hermione's eyes welled with tears, she had never known such kindness from this man and she knew she was right with her earlier thoughts that there was something more to the man.

"Sir you don't know how much that means to me. Thank you for doing all this" she said sincerely, and she impulsively launched at him and wrapped her arms around him hugging him.

Severus froze and awkwardly patted her back, feeling slightly uncomfortable as he was not used to this treatment or any sort of positive behaviour being directed at him. That was actually a rather depressing thought.

"Very well Miss Granger, you look like you need a rest, the day must have been taxing for you. Take your shopping and go and relax for a while. I'm going to do some reading in the library, before taking my bags up and going to bed" he said, not quite sure why he was explaining himself to her.

"Ok sir" she smiled at him. Severus nodded in return and she retreated upstairs to her room with her bags.

Severus sighed, he was becoming far too familiar with the girl, but he couldn't help it. He saw what had happened to his mother when she didn't get the help she needed, and he would be damned if he watched the same thing happen to Miss Granger.

He found he had lost the concentration for the library tonight and so he also went to his room. As he was unpacking his bags of essentials, he came across a wrapped package that he definitely didn't purchase.

Attached to the package was a label that said 'thank you' and he opened the package and found a selection of his favourite chocolates. He mentally thanked the girl's kind heart but she didn't have to get him anything.

He couldn't remember the last time he had received a gift just out of pure kindness and not because it was an occasion like Christmas or birthdays, not like anyone ever got him anything then either, Severus got lost in his thoughts once more.

He decided to go down to the kitchen to make himself a cup of tea.

"What business do you have with Hermione, Severus?" Lupin asked him with a tone of warning, as Severus walked into the kitchen.

Severus sighed, could he never just have a moment of peace? Wherever he went, drama always had to follow.

"Nothing untoward like you are implying Lupin, I can assure you" Severus stated tired of this now. All he wanted was a damn cup of tea.

"Just don't hurt her, she is my friend, and I will hunt you down if you harm a hair on her head" Lupin warned.

Severus scoffed.

'Maybe you should be keeping a closer eye on your friends instead of your enemies' Severus thought.

Sirius Black had done more damage to the girl in an hour, than Severus ever would and even then Severus would never act upon them. To hurt a woman like that was the lowest crime a man could commit.

"I never would Lupin, remember that, I never would" Severus said darkly.

Lupin was confused, why was Severus phrasing it like that and why was he saying it in that tone? He couldn't help but wonder what Severus knew that he clearly didn't. The look Severus was giving him was making Lupin feel a little uncomfortable so he went back to reading the Daily Prophet and the matter was dropped.

"Have you heard the good news Severus? Nymphadora, Sirius and I were discussing this after the last meeting. Dumbledore has given permission for the Weasley family, and Harry, to come and stay here for the last week of the summer holidays, so they will be arriving on Saturday". Lupin said smiling, excited at the prospect of seeing his best friend's son again.

"Are you stupid Lupin, or do you just act that way? In what way do you think that by having the Weasley's and Saint Potter here, disturbing my peace, would make me happy?" Severus sneered, Merlin this was a mess. Now he would have to deal with a group of noisy children for a whole week before he actually needed to. Severus's good mood was plummeting fast and he decided he needed something stronger than tea.

"You know, if you were less grumpy and actually tried to be nice, you would probably find that life would be more relaxing for you, and you never know but you might actually grow to like the kids" Lupin suggested.

Severus just glared at Lupin, and looked like he wanted to throw up over what he had just said.

"No? Well, you're going to have a good week then aren't you? Let Hermione know about the arrival of her friends if you see her" Lupin snapped and with that he stormed out of the kitchen.

Severus gritted his teeth, why did the children have to come here? It was going to be so noisy. Severus decided he would seek solitary confinement in his room for the week and only leave to use the bathroom and for any meetings.

Severus downed his scotch and then headed to his room, wishing that Saturday would never come.

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Hermione was just coming out of the bathroom, after having a shower, when she saw her professor stomping up the stairs angrily and making his way to his bedroom. Hermione looked at him questioningly, what on earth could have happened in the last hour to change his mood so dramatically?

Severus stopped when he saw her and he couldn't help but lighten up at her smile a little bit. Gods! He was turning into a girl!

"Miss Granger, you will be pleased to know that come Saturday your little friends will be joining us here for the last week of the holidays before school starts" Severus told her.

"What, Harry and Ron?" She asked.

"Mr Potter and the whole Weasley clan, Miss Granger" Severus confirmed and Hermione frowned.

Severus was surprised to see her smile fall at this information. He had expected her to bouncing on the walls, like a child who has had far too much sugar.

"Is that a problem, Miss Granger?" he asked.

Hermione chewed her bottom lip.

"They don't really like me at the moment. Harry, Ron, and Ginny. Harry was angry at me and jealous that I got to be here for the summer and he wasn't allowed, Ron and Ginny naturally took his side and so they've snubbed all of my letters all summer. With everything that's happened, I can't tell them what's been going on or they will just hate me even more. Sir, do they absolutely have to come? I don't mean to sound rude but, do they?" she looked at him pleadingly, like he had control over the situation at hand.

"Unfortunately, I have no control over the matter. Believe me, if I did then they would be kept as far away from me as possible" Severus told her.

Hermione laughed at that, but still looked upset.

"I'm really going to miss the calm and the silence" she admitted.

"Agreed" Severus responded.

"Don't dwell on it too much, we still have two days of peace, enjoy them while you can" he told her.

She nodded and turned to head for her room before he called out to her once more.

"Miss Granger, thank you for the chocolates" he said sincerely.

Hermione beamed at him.

"You are most welcome sir, and it is I who should be expressing my thanks to you after everything you've done" she said.

"Nonsense, Miss Granger. What type of man would I be if I hadn't stepped in?" He asked her and then he was gone, and she went into her room and settled down to sleep.

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Saturday morning came quicker than she could have anticipated and she was almost sad when she heard the arrival of the Weasley's and Harry downstairs.

"Hermione, come and say hello" Lupin hollered from the bottom of the stairs.

Hermione begrudgingly left her room and went downstairs. She was immediately overcome by the hustle and bustle in the downstairs hallway, and was almost frightened when she realised all the males that we're going to be roaming the house for the next week.

She was ferociously hugged by Fred and George.

"Good to see you Mione" they said picking her up.

She tried not to cringe at their touch, and tried to relax and not seem so tense. She caught Sirius watching her from the corner of her eye, and she immediately kept her act together after remembering his threats.

"Good to see you boys too" she said cheerfully, giving them a very convincing smile.

"I may vomit at the display" remarked a voice behind her.

She turned and saw her potions professor halfway down the stairs. He was staring at her. The twins, Harry, Ron and Ginny glared at him while Hermione tried not to grin at him and failed miserably.

She quickly snapped out of it when the focus shifted back to her.

"Have you enjoyed your summer here then Hermione? In my godfathers home? Without me? I bet you've loved all the attention you've gained from Remus and Sirius, and being able to have 'grown up' conversations with them" Harry snubbed her and crossed his arms, like a child about to throw a tantrum.

The atmosphere immediately turned awkward and Hermione bit her lip, she didn't know what to say.

Harry, Ron and Ginny were looking at her, daring her to challenge what Harry had just said. The Weasley parents and the twins looked at her worriedly. Lupin looked shocked at Harry's tone of voice and Severus looked bored but was inwardly concerned for the girl.

"Perhaps I should show you to your rooms, and then we can have a catch up in my study, Harry" Sirius suggested.

Everyone quickly agreed, trying to break the tension, and followed Sirius up the stairs. Harry and Ron would be sharing a room on the second floor and the rest of the Weasley's would be on the third floor.

Hermione was stood awkwardly in the hallway with Lupin and Severus. Lupin was still staring at her worriedly.

"Are you ok Hermione, what Harry said-" he was cut off.

"Look Remus, Harry has been pissed off at me since he learned that I would be staying here because he wasn't allowed to and I was. In my opinion, he needs to grow up and stop acting like a child, or he will be in for a big surprise when the real world hits him firmly in the face. Honestly, I expected that reaction from him and Ron and Ginny and to be honest Remus, I don't give a fuck" she sneered, using what she had learned from Severus over the last few days.

Remus was stunned by her expression and her use of bad language. Meanwhile, Severus actually applauded her from his place on the stairs.

Remus glared at Severus for his encouragement, and went to follow the others upstairs.

"You should give Harry a break, Hermione, he's going through an awful lot and needs all the support he can get" Lupin said shaking his head disappointingly at her.

"And what about the support I need Remus?" She whispered back.

"Maybe you need to grow up Hermione. In the real world, there is no time to ask for support because, chances are, you won't get it. Just leave Harry alone, alright Hermione?" Remus snarled at her as he disappeared up the stairs.

Hermione, felt numb, and she didn't realise that her legs had given way, and that she was falling towards the ground, until Severus caught her and held her upright.

"He was out of order with his remarks, Miss Granger" Severus whispered, his voice strained.

Hermione tried to stop the tears, but they just started coming and by then she didn't want to stop them.

Severus took her into a more private room downstairs, and silenced the door. She had finally snapped and she cried for everything that had happened.

She cried for her parents being taken away, for having to live in an unfamiliar and creepy place, for the loss of her innocence, for the abandonment of her friends, for the remarks of Remus, for the threats of Sirius and finally, for the kindness of Severus Snape.

She clung to him as she wept what she had kept bottled up and hidden from even herself for weeks and now, finally the damn had fractured and she had burst. He held her as she cried and tried to be as gentle and as comforting as he knew how to be and couldn't help but think.

'Finally' he thought.

'She needed this; she has been handling everything far too well, far too calmly. She needed to crack, she needed this' he thought to himself as he looked down at the broken girl still weeping in his arms.

'What are you doing to me girl?' he thought to himself.