A/N: Ok, I can't possible thank you enough for your reviews. Major ego boost! Especially when you've had a really bad day….Anyway, George and I hope you like!

(Snapecake- George says hi!)

(Serpens Potio- You question is (hopefully) answered !)

Chapter Five:

Hermione's cinnamon eyes fluttered open early the next morning. She moaned slightly and sat up, examining her surroundings. A beautifully decorated room, with adjoining bathroom and sitting room. Hermione looked everything over and jumped a little when she noticed a small elf standing silently by the door.

"Is Miss happy with her room?" the elf squeaked.

"Oh, yes. It's wonderful."

"Master Snape says for Kimmy to bring you to breakfast, Miss. When Miss is ready."

"Just let me get dressed."

Hermione dug through her trunk and pulled out some clothes. She ran to the bathroom and hurriedly pulled them on, brushed her teeth and charmed her hair. She sighed heavily as she looked in the mirror.

It will always be frizzy, but it's a little better.

Wow, a nice comment. I'm impressed.

Well, I know how much you want to impress him.

Shut. Up.

Hermione left the bathroom and found the elf waiting for her in the same spot by the door. She followed her down numerous staircases and hallways. After what seemed like a mile of walking, the elf pushed open two large, dark wooden doors, revealing a rather elaborate dinging room.

Snape was seated at the head of the table, reading the Daily Prophet. He looked up when the door creaked open and indicated for Hermione to sit in the chair next to him. An owl was waiting there for her. Hermione sat down next to Snape and took the parchment from the small barn owl's beak.

Hermione,

Your Headmaster has written to us and told us that you are no longer safe at school. He has moved us, believing we are unsafe as well. We cannot tell you where we are, and cannot ask your location. Just know that we love you and will see you when this blows over.

Mum & Dad

Hermione swallowed the ever-present lump in her throat and fought against tears. She wouldn't cry in front of him, not again. She glanced up and saw him watching her out of the corner of his eye. He noticed and quickly returned to his paper. Hermione ate her breakfast in silence and then got up to leave.

"Miss Granger…" Snape called, "You will find your school work in your sitting room. Our lives are in danger, but apparently that doesn't mean we can skive off working."

That's got to be the closest thing to a joke he's ever said.

Typical.

Shut. Up.

"Yes, sir." Hermione said quietly before exiting the Dining Hall.

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Snape watched her go. He waited a few minutes to make sure she was really gone, and then he left the Dining Hall. He made his way through the many winding halls to his private quarters. Upon entering, he was relieved to see Albus Dumbledore's head in the fire. He slumped into an armchair, and waited.

"Severus--"

"What did you do?" Snape interrupted.

"Sorry?"

"Why was she so upset by that letter she got at breakfast?" Snape hissed.

"Ah, I was getting to that, her parents might also be in danger…we have sent them away, and wouldn't let them tell her where their present location is. They have no idea where Hermione is staying either."

"What am I going to do, Albus? Alone in a house with a 17 year old girl? Are you insane? Send me to Voldemort, it would be more peaceful." Snape sneered.

"I'll tell you what you'll do, Severus." Albus scolded, "You'll be civil, comforting, and helpful."

"Civil I can manage, but comforting? Helpful? We are both talking about me, right?"

"Severus." Albus sighed, "I know you pity her, but she doesn't need that now. She needs a friend, and as hers are no longer around…. That leaves you."

"What about a House Elf?"

"Severus…"Albus said warningly.

"Alright, I'll play best friend to the know-it-all." Severus grunted.

"Well, if that isn't the pot calling the kettle black! You were the same as her when you were in school, if not worse." With that, Dumbledore disappeared from the fire.

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Hermione was halfway through a Transfiguration essay when the House Elf knocked on her door. It held out a silver plate with a letter. Hermione took it and the elf bowed it's way through the door. Hermione walked to her bed and threw herself on it, curiously examining the undressed parchment. She turned it over to see the seal. An "S", with a serpent entwined, pressed into dark green wax.

Miss Granger,

If you need any assistance with your studies, there is a library located on the third floor. It is behind the fourth portrait on the right, and the password is "Carcineria"

-Professor Snape

He had to write to tell me that?

Disappointed?

SHUT… UP…!

Thought so.