Disclaimor: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thank you Corazon for all your help and advice with this story and beta reading it!
AN: Snape is OOC some but there is nothing I can do about it now. Sorry!
Chapter 26
"Professor Snape?"
Severus woke up instantly and pulled Hermione close to him. He looked up and saw Draco standing in the doorway.
Hermione woke up from Severus' sudden movements and looked up herself to see Draco. She leapt out of bed then remembered she was only in a flimsy night shirt that was short and quickly jumped back into bed.
"Draco leave! I'll be out in a minute," Severus ordered.
The boy did as told and Severus shut the door with his wand.
"Why is it I keep being embarrassed?" Hermione groaned.
"It's not that bad love."
"Yes it is! I don't like others seeing me half naked in this."
"At least you weren't completely naked," Severus teased.
"So you like other men seeing me like this?" Hermione said, trying to get a rise out of him.
"Hell no!" Severus scowled.
"Then stop teasing me and go talk to him. You know this was suppose to stay a secret."
"You're getting pissed aren't you?"
"Do you really want to find out?" Hermione purred with narrowed eyes.
Recalling Reed's warning he decided to play it safe, after all he did need to talk to Draco. "No, I'm going to go talk to him." Severus got out of bed and dressed. A few minutes later he joined Draco in the sitting room.
"Draco." Severus said sitting down.
"Professor Snape... a Gryffindor?" Draco asked with surprise.
Behind Draco, Hermione said, "Don't even bring houses into this." Hermione was dressed in clean robes she kept in Severus' room; she walked around and sat in another chair beside Severus.
"Draco, I trust you will keep this to yourself?" Severus drawled.
"Of course sir."
"How do you feel this morning Malfoy?" Hermione asked.
"Sore."
"I'll get you a potion. Do you want one also?" she looked at Severus.
"Yes."
Hermione went to the lab and retrieved two vials of muscle relaxers. When she returned she handed one to each.
"Draco, I'll walk you back to the tower. It is early enough no one should realize you stayed here."
"Yes sir." Draco stood up, "Thanks Granger, for your help."
"You're welcome. Rest today, you may still feel some after effects."
Draco nodded and Severus and Draco left. A couple minutes passed and Severus was back. They went back to bed to sleep a few more hours, at least Hermione dragged Severus back.
~~~~~
Two weeks had past and there were a few more meetings with Voldemort but not as bad. The 7th year Slytherins and Gryffindors were in class. Harry stayed after class to talk to Severus on the last class of Friday.
"Professor Snape may we talk please?" Harry asked after everyone else left.
Severus could tell it was serious and put locking and silencing charms up. "What is it Potter?"
"Professor, I'll be finishing school soon and will inevitably face Voldemort. I won't be ready..."
"And?"
"I was wondering if you could give me more Defense lessons. I am also asking Professor Lupin, but you know how Voldemort works."
Severus looked at Harry; he could tell the boy was serious and correct in his assumption. "I'll think about it." Severus would have to talk to Dumbledore first.
"Thank you sir," and Harry left.
Severus locked up his classroom and headed for Dumbledore's office. After entering the office, Dumbledore greet him. "What can I do for you Severus?"
"Potter asked me for more Defense lessons. The boy knows he will need to face Voldemort eventually."
"I was hoping Harry would ask for more lessons."
"So have Lupin give him more."
"Severus, I was hoping you and Remus would teach Harry and a few select other students."
"What students?" Severus asked suspiciously.
"Hermione and Draco of course," Dumbledore started.
Severus relaxed, he could understand teaching them.
"And Ginny and Ron Weasley," Dumbledore finished.
"Why them?" While Severus respected Ginny for helping lately, Ron was another issue.
"Because whatever Harry gets into, Ron follows and Ginny would benefit from the lessons."
"Yes Potter is never without his sidekick Weasley," Severus sneered.
Dumbledore noted Severus did not comment about Ginny, "Would you be willing Severus?"
"If I must put up with Mr. Weasley I will."
Dumbledore had one more request and he knew Severus would not take easy. "Severus, I have one more request to ask of you."
"What is it?" Severus could tell he was not going to like the next thing said.
"Let Sirius attend the lessons once in a while when he can."
Severus stood as still as a statue and glared at Dumbledore. He silently cursed the old man to himself. 'Damn you Albus.'
~Severus what's wrong?~ Hermione asked worriedly.
*Sorry love, didn't mean for you to hear that. I'll explain later.*
~All right. If you need me you know I'm here.~
*Thank you.* Severus refocused on Dumbledore. "You know how I feel about him," Severus growled.
"And I've asked you to put aside your differences until Voldemort is defeated," Dumbledore said in a commanding tone.
Severus knew Dumbledore was correct, "Very well, but tell him not to get in my way."
Dumbledore smiled and agreed. He sent for Lupin to discuss this further. Both wizards waited for the Defense teacher. A knock was heard and Dumbledore welcomed him in. Lupin was sitting in the opposite chair in front of Dumbledore's desk, next to Severus'. "Remus, Severus and I have been discussing teaching certain students more advance Defense lessons. I would like you two to work together in teaching them."
"Which students?"
"Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Draco," Dumbledore answered.
"Draco Malfoy?"
"Yes, I trust you to keep this secret." Dumbledore said.
"Of course."
"Draco is working in the same capacity as Severus. Over the holidays Lucius Malfoy gave a specialized portkey to allow Draco to attend meetings with Severus," Dumbledore explained.
"But Voldemort tortures..." Lupin started.
"There is no reason to state the obvious," Severus cut in coldly.
Lupin nodded.
Dumbledore looked to Severus, "Severus should we tell about..."
Severus caught his drift, "It is up to her."
"Would you go find her please we will wait."
Severus nodded and left. *Hermione where are you?*
~In my room.~
*Come to Dumbledore's office. I'll meet you on the way.*
~What's going on?~
*Potter asked for more Defense lessons after class. I told Dumbledore and he wishes for Lupin and I to teach you, Draco and the Weasleys also.*
~Good idea.~
*Dumbledore wants to know if you want to tell Lupin the whole truth of not. I think we should tell him about us as it seems everyone else in the lessons will be aware of it.*
~He should know, I don't want any mishaps.~
Severus stopped in the hall when he saw Hermione turning the corner. When she caught up with him they didn't speak as they continued to the Headmaster's office.
~Why were you mad earlier?~
*Dumbledore insists on letting Black attend some lessons.*
~Will you be all right with that?~
*I'll have to be.*
Hermione could hear the hatred in his voice. ~When he does attend you can help me and Draco the most and stay away from him. Would that work?~
*Yes. Thank you love.* Severus then spoke the password to get to Dumbledore's office. Within a couple of minutes Hermione and Severus were sitting next to Lupin in chairs. Dumbledore placed another chair for Hermione.
"Hermione, Severus told you of the plans?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, sir. And Professor Lupin should know in case something happened during the lessons."
"I'm getting awfully curious now," Lupin said with a smile.
"Sorry Professor Lupin. Headmaster it would be easier showing him."
"Yes it would."
Hermione and Dumbledore cleared a space for themselves; he put up a silencing charm to the ears on the walls so they wouldn't be spreading secrets. "Remus, you must not tell anyone what you see. I must ask for your wizard's oath," Dumbledore asked seriously.
"You have my wizard's oath."
Dumbledore nodded, "Ready Hermione?"
"Yes."
"Crucio!"
Lupin stood up out of shock and looked on in horror. Then he saw Hermione standing perfectly all right. He heard him throw another curse that was quite harmful and Hermione just stood there.
Hermione walked back to her seat as did Dumbledore, "Remus, as you saw curses and hexes do not effect Hermione. Severus has the same except for the Unforgivables. He must put up a shield to block those."
"How?"
"Long story. Hermione why don't you tell him." Dumbledore said.
Hermione went on to explain her family history, her 18th birthday and about Severus. Lupin was shocked when he learned of relationship but agreed not to say anything. Lupin understood why the other students were only told part of the truth.
To Be Continued...
----------
CrazySwimmer27 - I hope this clears up the misunderstanding. Severus can block the Cruiciatus curse, Hermione doesn't need to use a block - she is basically immune to it. This plays important detail in later chapters.
If any one has questions or confused about certain parts just write a review and let me know or email me. I will answer within the next chapter update.
Thank you all for reading and specially those reviewing! I do read them often! They make me want to work on my other stories more also.
Thank you Corazon for all your help and advice with this story and beta reading it!
AN: Snape is OOC some but there is nothing I can do about it now. Sorry!
Chapter 26
"Professor Snape?"
Severus woke up instantly and pulled Hermione close to him. He looked up and saw Draco standing in the doorway.
Hermione woke up from Severus' sudden movements and looked up herself to see Draco. She leapt out of bed then remembered she was only in a flimsy night shirt that was short and quickly jumped back into bed.
"Draco leave! I'll be out in a minute," Severus ordered.
The boy did as told and Severus shut the door with his wand.
"Why is it I keep being embarrassed?" Hermione groaned.
"It's not that bad love."
"Yes it is! I don't like others seeing me half naked in this."
"At least you weren't completely naked," Severus teased.
"So you like other men seeing me like this?" Hermione said, trying to get a rise out of him.
"Hell no!" Severus scowled.
"Then stop teasing me and go talk to him. You know this was suppose to stay a secret."
"You're getting pissed aren't you?"
"Do you really want to find out?" Hermione purred with narrowed eyes.
Recalling Reed's warning he decided to play it safe, after all he did need to talk to Draco. "No, I'm going to go talk to him." Severus got out of bed and dressed. A few minutes later he joined Draco in the sitting room.
"Draco." Severus said sitting down.
"Professor Snape... a Gryffindor?" Draco asked with surprise.
Behind Draco, Hermione said, "Don't even bring houses into this." Hermione was dressed in clean robes she kept in Severus' room; she walked around and sat in another chair beside Severus.
"Draco, I trust you will keep this to yourself?" Severus drawled.
"Of course sir."
"How do you feel this morning Malfoy?" Hermione asked.
"Sore."
"I'll get you a potion. Do you want one also?" she looked at Severus.
"Yes."
Hermione went to the lab and retrieved two vials of muscle relaxers. When she returned she handed one to each.
"Draco, I'll walk you back to the tower. It is early enough no one should realize you stayed here."
"Yes sir." Draco stood up, "Thanks Granger, for your help."
"You're welcome. Rest today, you may still feel some after effects."
Draco nodded and Severus and Draco left. A couple minutes passed and Severus was back. They went back to bed to sleep a few more hours, at least Hermione dragged Severus back.
~~~~~
Two weeks had past and there were a few more meetings with Voldemort but not as bad. The 7th year Slytherins and Gryffindors were in class. Harry stayed after class to talk to Severus on the last class of Friday.
"Professor Snape may we talk please?" Harry asked after everyone else left.
Severus could tell it was serious and put locking and silencing charms up. "What is it Potter?"
"Professor, I'll be finishing school soon and will inevitably face Voldemort. I won't be ready..."
"And?"
"I was wondering if you could give me more Defense lessons. I am also asking Professor Lupin, but you know how Voldemort works."
Severus looked at Harry; he could tell the boy was serious and correct in his assumption. "I'll think about it." Severus would have to talk to Dumbledore first.
"Thank you sir," and Harry left.
Severus locked up his classroom and headed for Dumbledore's office. After entering the office, Dumbledore greet him. "What can I do for you Severus?"
"Potter asked me for more Defense lessons. The boy knows he will need to face Voldemort eventually."
"I was hoping Harry would ask for more lessons."
"So have Lupin give him more."
"Severus, I was hoping you and Remus would teach Harry and a few select other students."
"What students?" Severus asked suspiciously.
"Hermione and Draco of course," Dumbledore started.
Severus relaxed, he could understand teaching them.
"And Ginny and Ron Weasley," Dumbledore finished.
"Why them?" While Severus respected Ginny for helping lately, Ron was another issue.
"Because whatever Harry gets into, Ron follows and Ginny would benefit from the lessons."
"Yes Potter is never without his sidekick Weasley," Severus sneered.
Dumbledore noted Severus did not comment about Ginny, "Would you be willing Severus?"
"If I must put up with Mr. Weasley I will."
Dumbledore had one more request and he knew Severus would not take easy. "Severus, I have one more request to ask of you."
"What is it?" Severus could tell he was not going to like the next thing said.
"Let Sirius attend the lessons once in a while when he can."
Severus stood as still as a statue and glared at Dumbledore. He silently cursed the old man to himself. 'Damn you Albus.'
~Severus what's wrong?~ Hermione asked worriedly.
*Sorry love, didn't mean for you to hear that. I'll explain later.*
~All right. If you need me you know I'm here.~
*Thank you.* Severus refocused on Dumbledore. "You know how I feel about him," Severus growled.
"And I've asked you to put aside your differences until Voldemort is defeated," Dumbledore said in a commanding tone.
Severus knew Dumbledore was correct, "Very well, but tell him not to get in my way."
Dumbledore smiled and agreed. He sent for Lupin to discuss this further. Both wizards waited for the Defense teacher. A knock was heard and Dumbledore welcomed him in. Lupin was sitting in the opposite chair in front of Dumbledore's desk, next to Severus'. "Remus, Severus and I have been discussing teaching certain students more advance Defense lessons. I would like you two to work together in teaching them."
"Which students?"
"Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Draco," Dumbledore answered.
"Draco Malfoy?"
"Yes, I trust you to keep this secret." Dumbledore said.
"Of course."
"Draco is working in the same capacity as Severus. Over the holidays Lucius Malfoy gave a specialized portkey to allow Draco to attend meetings with Severus," Dumbledore explained.
"But Voldemort tortures..." Lupin started.
"There is no reason to state the obvious," Severus cut in coldly.
Lupin nodded.
Dumbledore looked to Severus, "Severus should we tell about..."
Severus caught his drift, "It is up to her."
"Would you go find her please we will wait."
Severus nodded and left. *Hermione where are you?*
~In my room.~
*Come to Dumbledore's office. I'll meet you on the way.*
~What's going on?~
*Potter asked for more Defense lessons after class. I told Dumbledore and he wishes for Lupin and I to teach you, Draco and the Weasleys also.*
~Good idea.~
*Dumbledore wants to know if you want to tell Lupin the whole truth of not. I think we should tell him about us as it seems everyone else in the lessons will be aware of it.*
~He should know, I don't want any mishaps.~
Severus stopped in the hall when he saw Hermione turning the corner. When she caught up with him they didn't speak as they continued to the Headmaster's office.
~Why were you mad earlier?~
*Dumbledore insists on letting Black attend some lessons.*
~Will you be all right with that?~
*I'll have to be.*
Hermione could hear the hatred in his voice. ~When he does attend you can help me and Draco the most and stay away from him. Would that work?~
*Yes. Thank you love.* Severus then spoke the password to get to Dumbledore's office. Within a couple of minutes Hermione and Severus were sitting next to Lupin in chairs. Dumbledore placed another chair for Hermione.
"Hermione, Severus told you of the plans?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, sir. And Professor Lupin should know in case something happened during the lessons."
"I'm getting awfully curious now," Lupin said with a smile.
"Sorry Professor Lupin. Headmaster it would be easier showing him."
"Yes it would."
Hermione and Dumbledore cleared a space for themselves; he put up a silencing charm to the ears on the walls so they wouldn't be spreading secrets. "Remus, you must not tell anyone what you see. I must ask for your wizard's oath," Dumbledore asked seriously.
"You have my wizard's oath."
Dumbledore nodded, "Ready Hermione?"
"Yes."
"Crucio!"
Lupin stood up out of shock and looked on in horror. Then he saw Hermione standing perfectly all right. He heard him throw another curse that was quite harmful and Hermione just stood there.
Hermione walked back to her seat as did Dumbledore, "Remus, as you saw curses and hexes do not effect Hermione. Severus has the same except for the Unforgivables. He must put up a shield to block those."
"How?"
"Long story. Hermione why don't you tell him." Dumbledore said.
Hermione went on to explain her family history, her 18th birthday and about Severus. Lupin was shocked when he learned of relationship but agreed not to say anything. Lupin understood why the other students were only told part of the truth.
To Be Continued...
----------
CrazySwimmer27 - I hope this clears up the misunderstanding. Severus can block the Cruiciatus curse, Hermione doesn't need to use a block - she is basically immune to it. This plays important detail in later chapters.
If any one has questions or confused about certain parts just write a review and let me know or email me. I will answer within the next chapter update.
Thank you all for reading and specially those reviewing! I do read them often! They make me want to work on my other stories more also.
