Disclaimer: Please see chapter 1

Author's Note: Hey guys! Many thanx for the enthusiastic reviews – they are much appreciated!

I think this chapter is a bit longer, so I hope it satisfies you a bit more! The next chapter explains what happened the night Hermione's parents died, so after that, we can start the real story! Yey!

Calbee, thanks v much for the first review of the new chapter again! Ur fic halfway, is v good by the way, bin a bit busy writing at the mo, so I haven't had time to review it, but I will, I promise!

Beth Ann, a much appreciated comment. Glad u like the description. I did wonder about the eyes thing, but he's not being unserious about the situation, he's just kind of like happy about the whole sev/hermione thing. If that makes any sense! It will all become clear! (I hope!)

Cherry 7-up, thanks for the encouragement! Have you gotten through to chapter 2 yet?!

Ladyofthewinter, thanks for your comment, am very glad you enjoyed it!

Gemma (kylaiya), thanks again for your lovely email, I really am so glad that you liked it and thought it was good after I have read your fic and everything!

Lizzy, thanks for reviewing, don't worry I will!

Sarah K, thank you so much for you review, that was so sweet and encouraging! *blushes* I can't believe you can't think of any criticism, lol! Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Jenthewriter, really pleased you liked it, and I will continue it providing people keep reviewing! BTW, your story hermione's problems is excellent, are you gonna update soon?

Tracy, thanks for reviewing again, hope you like this chapter!

Many thanks to everyone else who reviewed, it means a lot to me.

          Stood in the furthest corner of his office, Albus Dumbledore surveyed the embracing couple before him. When Severus had entered the room, looking as if he had been sentenced to death, Albus had been reminded of the many times his young godson had visited his office during his school years, and many times after that.

Albus raised a hand slowly to stroke his faithful familiar, Fawkes. The beautiful red and gold bird leaned his head into his master's touch, and Albus was rewarded for his efforts by a soft squawk. Thoughts flooded into his head of that particular visit many years ago now, when Severus had collapsed onto his knees in front of Albus, confessed himself, and implored Albus to believe him, and pleaded with him to trust him again. Albus had been aware of Severus being a death eater right from his eighteenth birthday, when he had been initiated. And all that time between those two events, he had know that deep in his heart, Severus was tearing himself to pieces. But Albus also knew why Severus pushed these feelings down; it was simply because of what he had endured in his childhood and adolescence. Because of his clear talent in not only potions, but every subject available on the curriculum; he was teased, mocked and shut out. His only friend had been Lucius Malfoy, but throughout their 'friendship', Severus had quickly begun to realise that he was simply being used.

*Not unlike our dear Miss Granger,* Albus thought with a wry smile. *Perhaps that is why they have formed such an, interesting bond.*

          Awakening from his thoughts, and turning to look at the couple by the hearth, he was pleasantly surprised to see that Miss Granger had stopped crying, and her head was resting on Severus' shoulder, her eyes closed. Whispering goodbye to Fawkes, he began to walk into the room. As he neared, he saw that Severus' eyes were also closed, and he had an almost serene expression on his face, and he was murmuring comforting words into Hermione's ear. Albus allowed a smile to meander onto his face, before replacing it with a serious expression and clearing his throat subtly.

Snape's head jerked up at this, as if roused from a very pleasant dream. It appeared he had quite forgotten that there was anybody else in the room.

In doing so, he jolted Hermione, and she sat up abruptly on her heels, detaching herself from Snape, before looking around her wildly, terror written over every inch of her face. As she burst into tears, she crumpled into a small, shaking heap on Dumbledore's sheepskin rug. Severus stared at her in mortification for a second, before shooting a deadly stare at Albus, and pushing himself over towards Hermione's quivering form, and gently put his arms around her. Dumbledore chuckled lightly to himself at Severus' uncharacteristic show of affection, eliciting another glare from Snape. However, he forced himself to interrupt their tender embrace.

          "Severus, Miss granger, I'm afraid there are some questions I must ask of both of you." Snape lowered his gaze to Hermione, and watched as her eyes filled up with fresh tears, but she determinedly brushed them away and nodded her head slowly. Holding his hand out to her, Severus felt a jolt go through his whole body as he easily pulled her to her feet, and sat her back in the armchair she had occupied just minutes before. He himself sat down to her right, his gaze fixed on her slightly shaky, yet steadfast profile.

          "Now, Miss Granger, I must ask you to tell me all you can about what happened tonight; I'm sure Severus will be able to fill in the gaps," said Albus kindly as he sat behind a large, claw footed, highly polished oak desk in front of them but slightly to the left.

Hermione glanced at Professor Snape out of the corner of her eye. His eyes were fixed intently on her face, unnerving her slightly, and there was a very sombre expression on his face. She glanced back to Dumbledore, who smiled reassuringly at her, and she took a deep, relaxing breath. It was time for her to begin her story……………..

A/N: So, what did u think? Please review! The next chapter will probably be up tomorrow some time, and it is a flashback of the events that night.