Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Severus Snape looked up at the clock on the wall as he paced the room. He was watching and waiting a few houses down from the Dursley's. The house belonged to a couple that happened to be a Witch and Wizard, who were good friends of Dumbledore's. In fact for many years they kept an eye on Harry so when Snape showed up on their door with a letter from the Hogwart's Headmaster that morning, they welcomed him into their home.
Severus had had too much time to think, brewing on his growing affection for the girl. He was unsure of how he could feel so strongly about Hermione after just losing Marie. It felt so complicated to him. Emotion was not a word in his vocabulary, yet he yearned to touch Hermione, to love her.
It was late afternoon, when Snape finally received news that it was safe to return to Hogwart's. He found Harry and Hermione sitting closely on the couch watching television at the Dursley's. Uncle Vernon was out and Aunt Petunia was preparing dinner in the kitchen. She had hurried to answer the knock at the door and then had shown her disappointment at it being Snape. Harry and Hermione were however both relieved to see him.
"Is everything okay at Hogwart's?" Harry asked as Snape. He nodded briefly, looking at Hermione's face. She looked better in a way. They thanked Petunia Dursley, who was only too relieved to see them leave. The port key opened and they were transported back to school safely.
* * * * * * * *
Professor McGonagall and Ron were waiting for them when they arrived. The three students were dismissed and Ron quickly explained what happened.
"I just want to know how they got into the school," Ron finished with a sigh.
"I think Voldemort is getting help from someone here," Harry said thinking along the same lines as Dumbledore. They discussed possibilities until it was time to go to the Great Hall. Dinner was a bit of a feast, although not everyone was sure why.
The Weasley twin's concluded it was because Voldemort had not succeeded in getting Hermione but Ron shot them an evil look and they quickly changed the subject.
By the time they returned to the common room, Harry had had enough. He indicated to Hermione to follow him and they slipped through the portrait without anyone noticing. Harry just wanted to be alone with Hermione but they ended up going to Hagrid's, who was not home.
"We might as well wait for him," said Harry finding the door open. He knew Hagrid would not mind. The fire was burning brightly and Fang was laying in front it in his usual spot. Harry sat down in one of the huge chairs but Hermione remained standing just staring into the fire.
"What's wrong?" asked Harry slightly perturbed. She had been quiet since they left the common room.
"Can I sit by you?" she asked without looking at him. Harry opened his legs slightly more and patted the seat. Hermione came over and sat down between them, leaning against his chest. Harry wrapped his arms around her comfortably. There they sat in silence for while. Finally Hermione spoke.
"Harry, when I think about what we have been through together, I only can wish that I said something sooner than tonight-"
"What are you saying Hermione?" Harry asked confused. He could feel his heart pounding in his ears.
""Don't interrupt me, Harry," Hermione said, softly reassuring herself that he felt the same way she did.
"Sorry," he muttered.
"What I am trying to say is that if this was my last night on this earth, then I would want to spend it with you," said Hermione turned her head to meet Harry's lips.
Outside Severus Snape slid away from the window, his heart crushed at the scene he just witnessed. He had been watching from the shadows, as Hermione and Harry had left their common room and had followed them to ensure their safety. Now anger replaced the hurt and regret. Snape was ready to barge through the door, when he heard Hagrid coming down from the school. He quickly hid in the garden, knowing he would not be seen there.
"Well what do we have 'ere?" was Hagrid's reaction as he opened the door to his hut.
Harry and Hermione both turned pink and started mumbling excuses.
'ever you mind, it's time you go to bed, off 'ere go," Hagrid said, slightly embarrassed himself. He caught Harry's eye as they were leaving and gave him a wink.
"You two better come see me tomorrow, it's good to 'ave you back, Hermione," he said after them. Both turned and smiled at him.
Hermione and Harry raced back up to the school holding hands, not noticing the dark figure not far behind.
The next morning Harry watched the sunrise from his window. Hedwig sat near him enjoying the attention she was receiving. Harry tried to think of a plan to find out who was behind helping Voldemort. He wanted to believe that it was Draco, but it did not fit completely. Lucius Malfoy had been locked up since Voldemort had discovered him on the verge of killing Hermione. She had still not told him fully what had happened, only giving important details. Harry wondered how she had survived that torture, but that was not only thing plaguing him. He knew she had been raped and he did not know how to deal with that, especially after last night.
'Hermione will get over it, once we put this all to rest, once we defeat Voldemort,' he thought to himself.
'What you doing up so early," mumbled Ron, startling Harry. There stood Ron in his pyjamas yawning loudly and rubbing his eyes. Harry had been deep in thought and had not heard his best friend get up.
"Just thinking," mumbled Harry. Hermione had told begged him not to tell Ron yet anything as he had kissed her goodnight. He felt bad not being able to tell Ron, but he somewhat understood why. Hermione wanted to tell Ron herself especially after last year. He just hoped that Ron would understand, but he had a lot a faith in him and knew that Ron would accept it eventually.