A/N: I have started to become annoyed at the very thing that always stopped me writing fanfiction which is that now I want to know what happens next and I just want to binge read this entire story but I can't because... I haven't written it yet. SO you may well get a couple chapters in the next few days as I neglect all of my holiday homework to just write this and find out whats going to happen next. I'm also not going to stagger these releases to once a week if I write ahead, I just release them as soon as I write them because I want the instant gratification of having published something. Anyway, please review I love hearing your comments and opinions.

Chapter Six

Hermione woke early the next morning, brimming with excitement for her meeting with McGonagall. Realizing it was barely seven, she quietly dressed and crept down to the common room, settling herself with a book in the big armchair by the fire, relishing in the peaceful morning. An hour later, the tower began to hum steadily as the castle's alarms went off, and the majority of the house roused themselves from sleep. Grumbling slightly at the quotidian tiredness, students filed past Hermione, still engrossed in her novel as she waited for Harry and Ron (undoubtedly at the end of the procession). When her stomach began complaining, Hermione went in search of the boys, almost colliding with them on the stairs in their rush to get to breakfast.

"Finally," Hermione scolded, "honestly, I'm surprised you two get anywhere on time."

"Oi, it's only twenty-past," Ron answered indignantly. "Seamus and Dean kept us up at all hours with their constant soccer chatter; you'd think he was mad the way Dean goes on about football, not like they do anything but kick a ball. A child can do that!"

"You could say the same of Quidditch. Come on, let's go. I'm hungry." Hermione said, dragging Harry through the portrait hole.

"That's a first," Ron muttered, falling through after them.

The day passed in relative peace; Professor Sproat told them in Herbology that the mandrakes were fast leaving childhood and would soon be ready to make the Mandrake restorative draught. Hermione was grateful; she felt awful about the poor students stuck petrified in the hospital wing. Especially Colin, he was just like her; she shuddered to think of her parents receiving an owl (or maybe they'd have enough tack to tell them in person) that she had been petrified. Away at school where they could only get letters, his parents must be so scared. If it were the muggle world, they should sue. But alas, they just had to trust. It was odd, Hermione mused; she would never have considered faith played a huge role in the wizarding world, but then again, they had just had a holiday celebrating Christmas, that was just strange.

Hermione dismissed the thought as she ran up the stairs to Professor McGonagall's office. Knocking politely, she waited, bouncing on the balls of her feet in excitement.

"Come in," McGonagall called. Hermione practically burst through the door.

"Hi, Professor."

"Have a seat," McGonagall motioned to the chair in front of her desk, "Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, please, that would be lovely." Professor McGonagall smiled, she had yet to really get to know Hermione, but she had immense potential. That much was clear to anyone.

When they were settled, McGonagall inquired as to why Hermione had called this meeting.

"Well, I was talking to Professor Snape, and he said there is a possibility of graduating early, either taking my NEWTs with the seventh years when I'm in sixth or taking them in April of my seventh year," Hermione paused to take a breath. "He also said that I can take OWLs and NEWTs without having followed the classes although I'm not entirely sure I'll be very good at that, independent study is fine, but I think following classes will be easier. But he told me I should speak to you about it cause you would be able to gauge better how it'll affect my wellbeing or whatever. So I wanted your opinion. Please? Is it possible? Do you think I would be able to do that?"

McGonagall sipped her tea and smiled maternally at the overeager girl sitting in front of her. "I do absolutely think it is possible, Miss Granger. You are a brilliant witch and certainly have the potential to graduate early if that is what you wish to do. I think at this stage, the increased workload would be something you can handle, but that can change, of course, as the years progress. I would recommend if you choose this path, we meet regularly so I can make sure you aren't overworking yourself because I know you would not notice." Hermione smiled sheepishly; she could think of more than one occasion when she had fallen asleep over her readings or essays. "But I think overall, it is a real possibility. Over the Easter holidays, you should consider the subjects you wish to take next year, and we can discuss them when you return, I assum-"

"I want to do all of them," Hermione interjected.

"I thought so. We will work to find a way for you to do them all and then work from there."

"Thank you so much, Professor. This is so exciting." McGonagall smiled understandingly at her.

"I know; stay excited, for now, channel it into your work. The Easter holidays will come soon."

Hermione got up to leave, "Thank you, Professor, I appreciate it so much."

"Have a nice day," McGonagall replied.

"You too."

Hermione walked out of the office, almost feeling as though she were in a daze. She felt alive with opportunity; anything and everything seemed possible. She could graduate early, she could take all the classes available and more. The future had never excited her more.

McGonagall sat in her office, sipping her cup of tea contemplatively. She pondered how Hermione would be able to take all the third-year classes Hogwarts offered; there just weren't enough hours in the day. But she would find a solution. It did cross her mind that Hermione might actually struggle with the increased workload of doing so many subjects. McGonagall admitted she did not know the girl well enough and relied upon Hermione seeking her council if she needed to. But that could change; she would stick to the proposal and meet with her weekly to ensure she was keeping up with work and her health was okay. She would make it work for Hermione; she had a lot of faith in how much the girl could accomplish if adequately nurtured.

4/2/1993

I had my meeting with McGonagall today, and she said she would help me. I'm so happy I can't stop smiling. It feels like such a drastic change from the last few weeks but I just feel like laughing all the time. I have two people on my side. Two people that are going to help me achieve my goals. Heh, almost like parents. I feel a little bad caring about them both, what they think of me, so much. It almost feels like a betrayal to my own parents. Of course, I love my parents; they're my parents. But it is so lovely and so comforting to have people care about me without the obligation of being my parent. I know family doesn't have to care about you (take harry), but parents who want to appear decent parents do have some sort of obligation to care for you and about you. I suppose I wonder if they would if I wasn't their daughter. I think the problem is I don't feel like they know. Being away all the time, I feel like I'm missing out on their lives. Like they'll grow old, and I will be a stranger. Anyway, I was happy. I'll return to that. I've got my lesson with Snape tomorrow. I might go to bed early tonight, so I can think up how I might approach the subject. I don't want to make him angry. I'm not sure why but I feel the chamber is something he might be a little sensitive to, being a Slytherin and all. Maybe I could pose it as though I'm upset or scared? And tell him that just knowing would make me feel better. He might believe that. If he's in a good mood, he might indulge me. I've been surprised this year; he's been actually kind of nice. I'm not sure why we were so intent on him being evil last year. He seems a perfectly trustworthy man. Anyway. I think I might try that tactic, see what comes of it. Otherwise I'll go to the library on Friday and have another look. I should write to mum and dad now, I haven't for a while, and I want to tell them all about Snape and McGonagall and my future.

Bye, Hermione.

Hermione found herself sleepy in Potions the following morning, having struggled to sleep for several hours the night before, despite trying to go to bed early. She found Professor Snape's voice melodious as he lectured them; they were supposed to be taking notes, but Hermione's quill had stilled in her inkpot. She was more than content to just sit and absorb the information, relishing in the peacefulness of the quiet classroom. Snape had been fairly neutral this lesson. Harry and Ron had yet to do something to invoke his wrath, and Hermione was very grateful. She checked Harry's watch, and seeing there was still thirty minutes of the lesson left (which Snape would indubitably use on the remainder of his lecture), Hermione allowed her head to rest on her arms. Sitting behind her cauldron in a dark corner of the classroom, she concluded it would be most unlucky for Snape to see her. The minutes passed slowly, and Hermione unintentionally fell into a doze. She found the environment almost tranquil, allowing Snape's silky voice to wash over her as time seemed to stand still.

Snape eyed her from his position on the platform of the classroom. Clearly, his lecture was not particularly engaging if Hermione Granger had drifted off during it. She had clearly taken an effort to conceal herself behind the cauldron, but he had chosen his position on the small stage very carefully. He could see every nook of the classroom. She did not stir as the remainder of the class passed. It entered his mind that they had a lesson almost immediately after this one. Snape dismissed the class when the bell sounded in the distance.

"Quietly." He hissed as the students noisily packed their belongings, now free for the weekend. He made his way over to Hermione as the boys looked confusedly at each other, unsure whether they should wake the sleeping girl.

"Leave her," Snape said quietly. "We usually have a lesson after this; I have work to do, so she may as well sleep a little longer." The boys looked at him suspiciously but nodded as he shooed them from the classroom.

"That was weird," said Ron when the door closed. "I don't think he's ever been that polite to us."

"Maybe he's turning over a new leaf." Said Harry sarcastically. They moved in the direction of the Great Hall, food beckoning.

Snape stood in front of the desk, watching Hermione sleep, entirely unsure of what he was supposed to do now. Did he wake her? If so, how? Or should he let her sleep a bit longer? She was obviously tired. He decided upon the latter and, since it was his break, decided to retrieve sustenance from his quarters. He left the doors between his office and his quarters open, just in case Miss Granger woke up and wondered where he was. Snape shrugged this off as simply being polite (although he couldn't remember the last time he considered social etiquette.

"Tink," Snape said to the room as his kettle began to boil. A small house-elf appeared, bowing deeply.

"What can Tink do for Professor?"

"I would like two muffins and some biscuits, please, Tink."

"Very good, sir," The house-elf disappeared. Reappearing as Snape filled two mugs with tea. Tink handed him the items before disappearing once again. Snape placed the mugs and food on a tray and made his way back towards the classroom. Carefully placing the tray on his desk, he checked his watch, deciding he should probably wake Miss Granger. Snape walked quietly over to her, straightening the desks and chairs as he did so. Sitting beside her, a sudden thought occurred to him; he cast a quick diagnostic charm. Just tiredness, apparently.

"Miss Granger," he said, gently shaking her shoulder. Hermione stirred for a minute before abruptly sitting up. Snape could feel her heartbeat increase quickly through his hand, which had remained on her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry, sir," Hermione said quickly, "I- I don't know what happened. I was listening and then- then- I-" She stammered and looked miserably at the desk. He wouldn't be in a good mood now, she thought. You've missed your chance.

"Miss Granger, it's perfectly fine, I wouldn't do it again, but you didn't miss anything you don't already know. Come and have some tea." Snape swept around her and back towards his desk, Hermione watching him go with an incredulous look on her face. A little sluggish, she got up to join him in the chair he had, once again, placed in front of the desk.

"I figured since you missed the break." He gestured to the tray set on the desk and handed her a muffin.

"Thank you, sir," She said, looking curiously at the muffin turning over in her hands.

"You should get more sleep, Miss Granger," Hermione opened her mouth to rebut him, but he silenced her with a look. And a small smile. "I can't keep finding you asleep in strange places; it's a little dangerous for that now." It was a joke, but Hermione did not fail to understand the warning within. She nodded.

"I'm not usually like this, sir. The class was just so peaceful, and your voice..." She trailed off, not wanting to ruin his benevolent mood, "I didn't sleep well last night."

"That is fairly obvious. Potions is not a good subject to do when tired, so may I suggest you have the afternoon off when you have finished that muffin you have not touched."

"Yes, sorry, sir," Hermione broke off a small piece and ate it, she didn't feel like food, but it was nice. Snape surveyed her carefully; she had yet to meet his eyes. Gathering up all her courage, Hermione spoke. "Sir, do you umm... I mean, could you tell me anything about the Chamber of Secrets?" She finally raised her eyes to meet his, surprised to find them staring almost through her, a peculiar look she couldn't understand on his face.

"I'm afraid I cannot, Miss Granger," Her face fell.

"Oh, okay, I just thought...being a Slytherin..."

"I know as little as you do, Miss Granger, in fact," His eyes twinkled slightly, "I probably know less than you and your friends." Hermione smiled. "I do, however, know how to brew the Mandrake restorative draught, which I will be able to do in a month or two. The people in the hospital wing will be just fine. Cats too." He added as an afterthought. "How did you go with Professor McGonagall?" Snape asked, trying to change the subject.

Hermione sipped her tea, "It went very well, thank you. She thinks I could definitely do it. She told me to wait until the Easter holidays and go through the subjects available then, but I've already told her I want to do them all. She said she'd work towards making that possible. I'm looking forward to it so much. But, I didn't really think, can... can we still do this next year?" Hermione's manner changed completely, the confidence and excitement of achievement fading to leave a small girl unsure of herself.

"I would be happy to continue teaching you next year; tutoring might help you stay on top of your workload. But only if you are not too worn out by your schoolwork. I mean it." He emphasized as Hermione made to speak. "I will discontinue them if I think you are not well enough."

Hermione took a large bite of the muffin she had been holding; chewing slowly, she stared directly at Snape.

"I will be just fine; I can promise you that now." She said confidently.

"No, you can't. Now go and rest." Hermione got up with a faint smile, placing the half-eaten muffin on his desk and went to pack her bag.

"Thank you for tea, sir," She said at the door. Snape dismissed her thanks with a wave of his hand.

"No homework this afternoon Miss Granger. Sleep. And then," He waved vaguely at the classroom. "Socialize, play chess, read a novel. Rest." Hermione smirked.

"Of course, sir, always." She ran out the door.

Snape carefully placed the food back on the tray, banishing it to the kitchen and taking the mugs back to his quarters. Inattentively washing the mugs, Snape allowed his mind to drift to Miss Granger and his most recent encounter with her. He thought of their conversation on Wednesday, he had encouraged her to consider taking her exams early, but something about that bothered him. There was something about Miss Granger he couldn't understand, couldn't see. He doubted Minerva could see it either. Granger seemed to fade in and out in an odd sort of way. Mostly she was fine, confident and brilliant; nothing could stop her. But occasionally, like that time, he found her outside and in the bathroom; she broke apart in a way that suggested it wasn't a one-off thing. Her outburst seemed just that, outbursts of something she was keeping hidden, something she struggled with. Mental health care was not good in the wizarding world; he knew that much for sure. Snape told himself this was why he was so interested in her wellbeing. Someone had to watch over them. It's not like she could go to a muggle psychologist and not tell them the majority of her life or what was causing her pain if it was something magical. He sat in the singular armchair beside his roaring fireplace, staring at the little box sitting on the reading table across the room without really seeing it. Granger had seemed to be pretty receptive to him being well, not pleasant, but being nice, for him. Maybe if he kept it up, he'd be able to help her, mentor her a bit, help her with whatever was bothering her. Snape couldn't put his finger on why exactly he wanted to help her; he had come to like her, he supposed. He could talk to Minerva and see how her home life was, but he doubted she would know much. After all, Slughorn knew nothing of his when Snape was a student. Still, he would watch her closely. Make sure she was managing. It was very odd of her to fall asleep in class; he had appreciated the half compliment, though. He chuckled, not sure if she realized the deep blush that had risen to her cheeks when she said that, but he had found it rather endearing. Either she was telling him he was utterly boring or complimenting his voice; from his few previous encounters, he would assume it was the latter. Snape was surprised at how warm the small compliment had made him feel. There was something about children complimenting you that was so incredibly lovely. There were no ulterior motives or suspect intentions, only mistakes or genuine comments. He dozed off in the warmth. It was lovely to just be for a while.

5/2/1993

Dear Professor Snape,

Gosh, it feels so odd to write your name at the top of one of my letters. I feel like I should be writing to you but I just had to say how much I appreciated what you did this afternoon. I fell asleep in your class; I feel so bad about it, but something about your voice was so...silky(?) smooth, maybe? It just made me want to sleep but in a good way, not like Binns. I had thought you would be so terribly mad, I thought I'd ruined my chance to ask you about the chamber, but you were so lovely about it. SO nice about it I can't understand. You just woke me up and offered me tea. Like it was the most normal thing in the world. You seemed so concerned, but also, no, I don't think concerned is the right word, you were interested. You just seemed to care a little. You told me to take care of myself. My parents never even notice if I fall asleep reading; they never come to check on me after I've gone to bed. And you remember when you found me. It feels like such a long time ago but you remembered it. You've never bought it up again, never questioned me yelling at you (I think I yelled at you). You just acted like nothing had ever happened, and I appreciate it so much. It was so wonderfully normal but at the same time so unbelievably surreal. It feels like my lessons down in the dungeons don't exist to the outside world, like we just fade out of reality for an hour or two. I don't understand why you are so nice to me. I love it, but I don't understand it. You hate Gryffindors. You hate students in general (why you are still a teacher, I have no idea), so why? Why do you seem to care? But then again. You probably don't. I am just another student; I have to keep reminding myself of that. You must get paid extra to tutor me. I don't really know how the fees work, but maybe, that would make sense. Either way. You confuse me but I enjoy your company. There is something in everything you don't say that is just so pleasant to be around. Well, I am going to follow your advice now and get some rest; I really am exhausted. I think I will play some chess later with Ron maybe, or Harry – he's more at my level.

Goodbye, thank you.

Hermione carefully sealed the envelope, marking it with the date and a small S.S. She placed it in her letterbox and got into bed, drifting off almost immediately.

13/2/1993

Hello,

I obeyed your instructions this weekend. I haven't tried to get ahead in my work at all; I just got up to date and have been 'socializing', as you call it, with Harry and Ron. We've played a lot of chess, and then I read while they went and played Quidditch for hours on end. The Hogwarts library has a great collection of wizarding literature. I find it really useful cause since I obviously didn't grow up in a magical family, I don't seem to have the intuitive knowledge of the world most other people do. So yeah, that's what I did for the weekend; played chess, read, and slept. Tomorrow is Valentine's day. I feel stupid admitting this to you. I should have just written this one to myself, but oh well. I have a card for Professor Lockhart. Just to let him know how much I enjoy his classes and how much I think of his accomplishments. It makes me happy just thinking of it. Anyway, I should get some sleep ready for tomorrow. I did actually have a nice weekend.

Bye, Hermione Granger.