Disclaimer: I'm sorry, but I don't feel like writing one. If you need one please check earlier chapters.

A/N: Thank you all very much for your support. I am very sorry it has taken me so long to post another chapter. I have a midterm coming up. So I have been very busy studying for it. Thank you all for your patience with me!

Chapter 7: The Helper

          Hermione woke up to smiling Lavender in her face. Hermione knew that something was up as soon as she opened her eyes. 'Oh great, this is not good.'

"Lav, what are you doing?"

"Don't worry love. We will find you a new crush. Maybe you can go for Viktor?" Lavender's voice was filled with an evil that Hermione had only heard from a Slytherin.

"What are you talking about Lavender?" The worry in Hermiones' voice was obvious.

"Oh love, see the other night after you came back late, I found your diary. I read all about your crush on Snape. But since he took points from you and gave you a detention, you must be devastated that he doesn't like you. So I have taken it upon myself to help you! Don't worry I won't tell anyone about the 'former crush'. No one needs to know!"

Hermione was in a state of shock. She wasn't sure if Lavender was telling the truth or not. She came to a decision fast. "Ok, you can help only as long as you promise not to tell anyone. Lavender, I'm serious you cannot even tell Parvati. Only you and Ginny know."

"Herm love, I swear on Trelawneys' crystal ball. Nobody at all will know. Only if I can help you find someone!"

"Now, if you don't mind. I would like to get up and get dressed."

"Sure love. I will start scooping out guys." With that Lavender winked and left the dorm.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

          Severus woke up suddenly. He had been dreaming about Hermione. That had never happened before. Of course he thought about her, but dreaming. That was one step too far for Severus. 'Or is it?' His thoughts scattered. 'She is so intelligent, beautiful (if any guy didn't realize her beauty, there has to be something wrong with their noggin.). She is something I can't have, that is why I want her' Severus concluded. 'Of course you can you stupid old bat' He knew there was truth to both sides of his argument. He showered, and got dressed. Just as he entered his office, he heard a 'pop'.

"Oh Severus, I thought you would still be asleep. It is good to see you up. How did your work go last night?"

"It went fine Albus. If you will excuse me," but before Severus could finish his sentence, Albus interrupted him. Which was not something Albus would usually do.

"How was working with Ms. Granger?"

"It was fine. I just wish I had someone in Slytherin that had just half of her intelligence. Now if you would excuse me Albus I have some work I must complete before class this morning."

"Oh of course Severus. See you at breakfast." With that Albus' head 'popped' out of the fireplace.

          Severus was in a bitter mood. First waking up thinking about Hermione, then Albus asking how working with her was. 'If only he knew how much I enjoyed her company.' Severus immediately shook that thought from his head and sat down to finish correcting papers for his next class.

Author's Note: Hey guys I am so very sorry it took me so long to update. I had a weekend full of studying and three midterms to take. Not fun, at all. I hope you enjoy this one a bit. I know it nipped a bit of the wonder you had about Lavender. Also thank you so so so very much to all of my reviewers! You make me want to write more!

Thank you to Hermia LaFaye, ElvenFaerie, and animegirl-mika for adding me to their favourites list!!