Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

CHAPTER 3

Snape stood blinking confusedly for a few moments, before gathering his wits and shifting Hermione in his arms. She was clearly exhausted, and needed to sleep. He made his way over to a small door at the back of the hall, and shouldered the heavy wooden barrier open. The room beyond it was a large staff room. Severus Snape shifted his hold on the young girl and struggled with his wand. He muttered under his breath and pointed with his wand, and a bed appeared against the wall.

He laid her on the covers, and brushed a stray curl from her face, his fingers lingering on her skin. He couldn't help but notice the way her black robes revealed her shapely legs, and the curves of her body. She was no longer the shy, know-it-all first grader he'd found so annoying, but a young woman, confident and with a thirst for knowledge that so closely matched his own. Something stronger than gravity pulled his face closer towards her own, and his eyes followed the line of her strong jawbone, resting on her slightly parted lips, and the creamy skin of her neck.

He straightened as he realized what he was doing, mentally reprimanding himself, she was a student for Merlin's sake, and he was fifteen years her senior! It's like she, well, she wouldn't ever; no one would ever feel like THAT about him. Not after Voldemort, not after the war. He shook his head and moved away from her, opening the door. A small whimper brought his attention back to the bed on the other side of the room. He walked over to the bed, and saw Hermione lying there, her face contorted with pain and sadness, tears trickling down her cheeks. He stood awkwardly at the foot of the bed before coming to sit gingerly next to her, placing his hand on her shoulder and making soothing noises. She turned towards him; her eyes fluttering open, staring. "It's alright," he whispered. "It's just a dream, go back to sleep now." She took his hand in hers, begging, "Oh Gods, don't make me sleep, please, just stay here? Promise you'll stay here. I can't stand being alone, all alone with death and pain and sadness. Say you'll stay."

He was shocked at what she'd just said. Usually people begged him to leave, not stay. Still, it was nice, in a way, having somebody need you. He smoothed her hair, whispering, "of course I'll stay, of course." "Oh thank you!" she answered, and laid her head in his hand.

The sun rose to the sight of One Potions Professor sprawled in a deep chair drawn up to a bed, currently occupied by a seventh year prefect. Severus Snape opened his eyes slowly, blinking against the harsh sun. It was a nice morning, making Severus wonder how the world could go on after such a terrible night. He got to his feet, shaking out the creases in his robes with a simple spell. Then he noticed Hermione, and the events of LATE last night came rolling back. He'd almost kissed her, he remembered, and she'd asked him to stay. He left the room in a hurry, and went to find Dumbledore.

Eventually he found the headmaster in his study, bent over a parchment. The old wizard smiled wearily at Severus, and motioned for him to sit down. "Severus," he began, "I need you and Miss Granger to do something for me."
Okay, sorry about the first chapter, I originally had Oliver Wood down as one of the dead, but that should be fixed now. The reason Hermione didn't go with Ron and Harry was not because the Death Eaters didn't want her. Basically their orders were to kill everyone and bring Harry back to Voldemort, but they obviously failed. Harry had to get away, and Ron went with him for help and support and all that. Hermione didn't go because she wanted to stay, and would have been of more use if she stayed any way. So, yeah. Hopefully that made a little sense ( Any way, thanks Catherine, Lisa, Chishiono Tenshi and "Not sure yet" for reviewing, much appreciated!