Chapter Three

"Hermione, please!"

The pleading voice echoed down the corridor, accompanied by two sets of footsteps, just as Severus' breathing had returned to normal. He withdrew further from the corner, his back to the cold stone, waiting for the two students to pass.

"For the last time, Ronald, I will not do your divination essay for you. I don't even take the class this year!"

Hermione's voice was severe and shrill, but with an odd undertone of softness.

"Oh come on 'Mione, it's easy, you just make stuff up, anyone could do it!"

The second pair of footsteps stopped suddenly, closed followed by the first. They were only a few yards away from Severus now, and his heart quickened with fear of being caught eves-dropping.

"Then why don't you do it!"

There was an awkward pause, during which Severus could almost hear the cogs working in the boys mind. He rolled his eyes involuntarily; this was exactly the kind of lazy, pigheadedness he despised. Eventually the voice came, quieter and more resigned than before, entirely pitiful.

"You know I can't write as good as you…"

In the silence that followed, Severus could tell that the girl's attitude was softening and felt disproportionately furious. He wanted to yell 'if he isn't able to write a simple essay he shouldn't be here!' but of course, he stayed silent.

"Fine, I'll write the introduction but that's all."

Severus audibly sighed in frustration, a sound which was thankfully covered up by the boy enthusiastically professing his thanks and admiration, pathetic really.

"I need to go to the library…"

She lowered her voice, so much so that Severus had to move closer to hear.

"… to research more protection spells we can teach at the DA meeting next week. I have an idea but…"

Severus realised a moment too late that he had unconsciously shifted so much that the edge of his cloak was visible, hence Hermione's sudden silence.

"I'll see you at supper."

"See ya 'Mione."

The boy was clearly oblivious to the girl's sudden change of tone, but Severus was not. Knowing that her route to the library would pass directly by him, he began to walk quickly away, planning to take the first turn in the other direction. Unfortunately even his swift steps could not match those of the girl, who he was frankly a little afraid of at this point.

"Excuse me, stop a moment."

Without even considering the demand, Severus' feet stopped moving. In an attempt to maintain some semblance of dignity, he straightened his back and turned around, composing his features into what he hoped was a sort of defiance. A slightly out of breath Hermione stopped suddenly, her hair settling into a wild mane around her head and her spotless Gryffindor robes fluttering into stillness. Her deep brown eyes narrowed as she took in his vintage Slytherin uniform and lank, black hair. She seemed taken aback, but recovered quickly, remembering why she had been chasing after him.

"Why were you eves-dropping? I suppose you're going to report back to Umbridge now?"

Behind her fury there was a glimmer of fear. Severus had no way of knowing what had caused this, but he was far too prideful to admit this. He raised his chin and spoke carefully.

"I might."

Hermione dropped her shoulders and narrowed her eyes further before pulling her wand from her cloak pocket.

"Then I'll have to stop you."

Instinctively, he raised his hands and took a step back, instantly losing all pretence of hardiness. Without him having to say a word, she lowered her wand again.

"Watch your back, Slytherin."

The threat sounded odd coming from her mouth, as if she were not accustomed to this way of speaking. Still, Severus did not doubt that she was sincere, and made a mental note not the cross the Gryffindor with the wild hair and warm eyes. She began to walk away, confident that her message had landed, but before she could get far Severus found his voice and asked the question that had been on his mind since the time turner had smashed.

"What's the date."

Without turning around or stopping, as if she were used to being asked such questions, Hermione responded flatly.

"January twenty-seventh."

Severus nodded thoughtfully. He had just left June and the time turner taking him back in time six months did not seem unreasonable, but the pictures in McGonagall's office… he had to ask, however odd he knew it would seem.

"What year?"

He called after her, for she was much further down the corridor now. She stopped walking suddenly and turned to face him, a look of incomprehension on her face.

"1996 of course…"