A/N: I've gotten tripped up by the hemisphere difference a couple of times so please let me know if any of that is incorrect. September just doesn't have autumn energy.

I also have about four books to read in the span of four or so days so this will likely be the last update for a while. It will never be abandoned though, I need to know whats going to happen.

Chapter Eight

"You are not well." Hermione heard from the small balcony. Looking up, she saw Snape descending the stairs, carrying a vaguely familiar tray. Bristling indignantly, Hermione bit back her retort, hoping to regain his good graces despite her anger. She had to deal with Snape either way and so decided she preferred to do so on mildly good terms.

Placing the tray on his desk, Snape gestured to her chair opposite; somewhat cautiously, Hermione sat. Snape handed her a teacup. The absurdity of the situation balled Hermione over; what on earth was she doing sharing tea with Snape, what happened to his effortless cruelty. God, Hermione thought scathingly, and I thought my emotions swung like a pendulum. She could feel Snape's eyes boring into her as she stared into the milky tea.

"It's not poisoned." Hermione's eyes flicked up; somehow, she could sense the hint of a smile dancing around Snape's face. She took a sip.

"Miss Granger, I apologise," Now he really had her attention. "I didn't realise I had asked you to essentially pick up another class in doing these lessons, and I don't think that is fair. You are neglecting your health and, if you wish to pick up further subjects next year, should use this year as a chance to get ahead rather than fill your time with unnecessary classes." Hermione stared at Snape rather blankly.

"But-" she stammered, "I like these classes." Snape kept his face stoic but was mildly surprised. Had she not just shrunk away from him in fear? He supposed her swotty personality overcame her hatred. "I learn so much more in these." Hermione finished quietly.

Snape scowled at her, "Yes, you have already criticised my teaching methods." He paused, drawing out the silence. "I wouldn't do it again."

"That was not what I meant," Hermione said, frowning at him. "I like these classes because I get to learn something, and it's quiet and peaceful. Time stops down here." Snape cocked his head at her.

"Time stops?"

Hermione gestured to the room around her, "This. This doesn't feel real. I can spend hours in this room, and it feels like nothing changes. But in the best way possible. I-" she sighed. "I can't explain it. But I enjoy them, I want to continue them. I'm sorry you keep finding me in odd spots, but it won't keep happening."

"That wasn't the point! No one should be finding you. I don't care that it's me. It shouldn't be anyone."

"Then it won't be anyone." Snape sighed; she looked very determined. "You don't have to teach me."

"I am perfectly aware of that, thank you." Hermione looked oddly wrong-footed.

"So...?"

"Choose a day," Snape said, giving in.

"Tuesday," Hermione said happily.

"A day we already have class, you idiot." he hissed at her.

"Oh... right. Um..." She faltered, mentally considering her timetable.

"Never mind," Snape interrupted her thoughts. "Friday. We'll have class Monday and Wednesday. And you will actually sleep and eat."

Hermione nodded and made to get up.

"Finish your tea. You look in desperate need of caffeine." Hermione smiled incredulously at him and sat back down. They drank in silence.

"Thank you, sir," Hermione said when she had finished. "I appreciate it."

18/2/1993
You must have some sort of ulterior motive. Using me to get at Harry or something. Because I am so confused. I cannot read you; I can't tell what you're thinking. None of it makes sense. One minute you think I insult you and are cold and distant, and the next, you're APOLOGISING. Professor Snape apologising. As far as I was aware, those things are mutually exclusive. Why are you so considerate? I regret it. I regret every thought I had, every time I wished a teacher cared about me, took an interest in me. Because this is so much worse. I want you to care. I want. I want. God, I can barely write it down. I think I might have a crush on you. But I just promised you would never find me needing help again. And although I know, I can never guarantee that I have to be better at hiding it. I have to work out what's wrong. You didn't seem to think anything was; maybe I just need food or sleep. Oh well, the holidays are coming. Maybe that will make it better. I have a free afternoon, and it's kinda weird now. I don't want free time, not really. I like your company better than my own.
Hermione.

The remainder of the spring term passed without incident; Hermione began making a conscious effort to be attentive in Snape's presence. She began to perfect the behaviour he seemed to like, or at least not dislike. Which was interest and engagement without impertinent questions. Hermione found she often failed concerning the questions, for she really did find Potions to be a fascinating subject, but she maintained the appearance of being perfectly fine. He didn't ask after her health again, and Hermione was somewhat relieved.

Over Easter break, the second years were given the task of choosing their third-year subjects, something Hermione took very seriously. Her complete list of ticked subjects in hand, she approached McGonagall's office.

"Come in," Hermione handed her the list. "Yes, well. I think I may have a solution." McGonagall saw Hermione's eyes light up with excitement. "I have contacted the Ministry of Magic and applied for you to be granted the use of a time-turner."

Hermione gasped, "A what? Like a time machine?"

"Something of that nature, yes. If I am successful, you will be granted the use of one to get to all your classes. A ministry official will show you how to use it, and you will be monitored extensively to ensure you are not abusing the privilege. It is crucial; you will not be able to tell people about this. Not Mr Potter or Mr Weasley; no one can know. Terrible things happen to wizards that meddle with time. But I think it can be our solution. And, come fourth year, you may feel secure enough in your new subjects to cease the actual classes and learn from independent study. Of course, the professors will still be available to tutor you should you require it. All the faculty will also know about it, just students that cannot be told."

"Oh, thank you. Thank you so much."

"It will be a big responsibility." McGonagall said gravely, "Think it over carefully." Hermione nodded enthusiastically.

6/5/1993
I had my meeting with Professor McGonagall today about my subjects. She said she's applying for me to get a time turner. It's like a time machine. I'm going to go and research it in the library. I just wanted to write this first. I'm so excited for the future. I don't have to pick, I can do everything and anything I want to, and I am so, so ready for it. I'm grateful to you Snape, you've been distant since you made me drop Friday's class, but I really do appreciate you telling me all this was possible. I don't think I would have considered it otherwise. I wonder if McGonagall has told him about the time turner yet. I wonder if I can tell him. Maybe I better not, just in case. I'll wait till it's confirmed. Ahhhh. I am so excited. Okay, off to the library.
Have a nice day, Hermione.

7/5/1993
A Gryffindor stole Riddle's diary. Harry's room was a complete mess; someone had gone in and torn it apart, looking for the diary. Someone knew he had it and wanted it back for themselves. I can't believe it. I've told Harry to report it. But who in Gryffindor could possibly want that diary? No one else knew about Riddle, about Hagrid, the Chamber, they couldn't, surely? Snape, I don't know what to do. How on earth is this monster traversing the school without being seen? And why can Harry hear it?

The Saturday of the Gryffindor/Hufflepuff match dawned sunny with clear skies, excellent Quidditch conditions, but Harry looked preoccupied as he scanned the Gryffindor table, searching for the diary's new owner. Making their way back up the marble staircase, Hermione and Ron jumped backed in surprise when Harry shouted aloud.

"The voice!" said Harry, looking over his shoulder. "I just heard it again – didn't you?"

Ron shook his head, wide-eyed. Hermione, however, clapped a hand to her forehead.

"Harry - I think I've just understood something! I've got to go to the library!"

And she sprinted away, up the stairs.

Oh my god, Hermione thought, running as quickly as she could. It's a snake! That was why Harry could hear it. It was a snake. But how was it getting around? That was the question now. Hermione knew exactly what book she was looking for. It was one she had skimmed through on an earlier mission but had disregarded as useless.

Rounding the corner, Hermione suddenly collided with a very solid pillar of black fabric, completely falling backwards in her shock. Stunned, Hermione looked up to find Professor Snape standing over her, looking slightly winded.

"Miss Granger, kindly refrain from running in the corridors, or at least refrain from barreling over too many other people."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry, Professor, I need to get to the... library," she could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, utterly aware of how ridiculous she sounded. Hermione could see Snape considering something and decided to remove herself from the ground.

"Penelope Clearwater is in there. Make sure she escorts you back to the Quidditch match when you are finished. You really shouldn't be running around by yourself." Hermione nodded, ducking around him as she continued to the library.

"Walk, Miss Granger!" Snape called after her. Shaking his head at her odd behaviour, he continued to the pitch.

Five minutes later, Hermione had the book in her lap, staring at the page on Basilisks as it explained the past few months clearly. Spiders fleeing before it, the dead roosters, Harry being able to hear the voice. It was a snake, sort of. It was a strange combination of several animals. And it killed by looking at you. She thought back over all the attacks. Colin and his camera. Justin and Nick; Justin must have seen it through Nick. And Mrs Norris. The water! Of course. Everything made sense. But how had it been getting around?

"Moaning Myrtle!" Hermione cried out loud. Grabbing a quill, she wrote on the page in front of her.

PIPES

Looking around for Madam Pince and feeling very guilty, Hermione ripped the page out.

"Penelope!" She called through the library. "We've got to go." Reaching her, Hermione stopped. She was still a little out of breath. "I know what's been happening. The monster in the Chamber, it's a basilisk. We can't look it directly in the eyes. Do you have a mirror?" Penelope looked stunned but pulled out her tiny hand mirror; upon seeing it, Hermione immediately pulled her out of the library by the hand.

"We have to tell someone, "She said urgently to Penelope, "Harry heard it say it was going to kill someone..." Hermione trailed off as they used the mirror to look around the corner. Staring right back at them were two huge yellow eyes. For a moment, she could feel Penelope seize up before she felt it herself.

"No." She whimpered as her body felt like it was being turned to stone. They were both still.

Something stopped Snape halfway down the marble staircase; he could hear the cheering of the match that was just about to begin but...something wasn't right. He could feel it.

Turn on hill heel, incidentally, almost knocking over a tiny Ravenclaw, he walked swiftly back in the direction of the library. What had that insufferable Granger got up to this time? He thought scathingly. At least she wouldn't burn the place down, too many lovely books. Rounding the corner, he had the wind knocked out of him for the second time in fifteen minutes. Lying on the ground was Hermione Granger and Penelope Clearwater. Petrified.

"Expecto Patronum." He shouted, sending the doe directly to McGonagall and Dumbledore. Levitating the pair, Snape began towards the hospital wing. He felt incredibly guilty.

Sorry, its a little short but the next chapter is Snape's and I have a feeling that will be quite substantial to make up for it.

Spritexx