Author's Note:The story continues. I thank all of my readers. Next chapter Occlumency starts, and term too. What will happen when she has an encounter with Ron and Harry in the hallway? I hope this is a good lead up to a deeper plot to come.

"The scarlet letter had the effect of a cross on a nun's bosom. It imparted to the wearer a kind of sacredness, which enabled her to walk securely amid all peril." The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Hermione breathed in the musty air that came from ancient, slowly degrading books. She loved the feel of the library. It was like a thousand secrets were waiting for her to unravel them. She couldn't wait to let her hands run across the pages she'd sorely missed over the summer, and to fall into the charm and adventure of new ones. She was thankful Madame Pince was at her desk, reading. She wouldn't notice if a few books walked themselves away from the restriction section, as long as her book was good enough.

Hermione used the pads of her fingers to pull a book off the shelves, making sure only to touch the pages so the dusk free areas wouldn't give her away. She sat in the corner of the shadowed restricted section, and let it fall open on the ground before her. She was intrigued to see it held a documentary of the dark arts. The book was fairly modern, though a few years of dusk covered it. She began to flip through, and came across a picture of the original order, the people moving. Intrigued, she was interrupted by the clock chiming in the distance. Remembering Snape's order that she return by dinner, she hurried out of the library.

Hermione rushed as fast as her aching lungs would allow her. Snape wasn't in his office when she came, nor was he in the classroom. She re-read the note. Dinner wasn't until six, and if she hurried, she could take a shower before dinner.

She knocked quietly on his bedroom door, with no answer. She hesitated at the workroom door, and decided against it. She spent her time placing her books on the shelf, and folding her clothes. She changed into her favorite slacks and a maroon sweater Mrs. Weasley had sent. There was no reason she couldn't look nice for dinner.

Professor Snape billowed out of his laboratory, and his eyes rested on the orderly room. She looked up from Hogwarts, a History. He noted she had changed, and she was prompt.

"We'll eat here." She knew better to argue, but there was a deep disappointment in her eyes. He supposed it was her dream to converse with the professors, discussing intellectual topics. He supposed he should explain.

"Ministry members often come to dine with us, and discuss their policies. In case you aren't aware, quite a few Death Eaters are ministry officials." She nodded in recognition, and picked up her book again nonchalantly.

Severus couldn't help but notice how empty she looked. He was familiar with that. It was what he saw every day in the mirror, every bitter day of his life.

He didn't know how where they'd eat. He supposed he could conquer the table in his room out to the living room if she rolled up the futon. He highly doubted his appetite could suffice for her hunger. He usually nibbled on bread and cheese, with a cup of black coffee. He decided to let her order whatever she wanted.

"I thought we could eat here." He gestured around the living room. She took the hint and folded the futon. When she turned around, a simple wooden table and two chairs were arranged in the room. He lit a candle, and he waved his wand. His usual meal appeared.

"What would you like?"

"Actually, that looks nice." It reminded her of her trip to France. The cafes there were her heaven. "Some hot chocolate would be nice too. With extra foam?" He apparated her meal from the kitchens. They sat there in silence, each enjoying the food. Hermione wasn't sure what to say. She supposed he was used to silence at meals, knowing he never attended the family style meals the Order had. She loved those. There was always something to laugh about, and the warm feeling of family surrounding her.

He didn't know what she had expected, but clearly it didn't matter. She smiled at the thick cream on top of her drink, and he wondered what she was thinking. That gave him an idea.

"Miss Granger, considering the skills you will need with your condition, I would suggest that Occlumency might help you. Doubtless you know about it from Potter."

"I would be pleased to learn." He saw a smile escape her lips. "I thank you for your offer."

He gruffly nodded in return, but somehow, the meal wasn't as cold as it had been before.