Author's Note: I'd like to open this chapter with thanks to my reviewers. In effort to show all of you how much you truly inspire me, I'm writing back to all of you. Keep on reading, and to all new readers, enjoy! The start of term opens new realizations for the two of them, and Hermione's friends begin to piece together the mystery to her disappearance.

Starting from ch. 12 reviews and going back...)

Sallene:I'm looking forward to writing more. Here's the next chapter (or possibly two) and thank you for your support.

LushBaby: I have to say, his disguise does sound yummy. The process of writing about Snape opening up has given me a new outlook on life. It's like unsweetened chocolate. I appreciate the sweet things in life more. Which leads us to Hermione...

Catherine Ace: I'm glad you enjoyed it! I can't wait to see what you think, and I'm honored to grace your favorites list. I won't deny that the pair has its faults, but it's a beautiful story to write.

Grand-Illusion: Thank you for the praise, I'm blushing. Thank you for the advice- you'll enjoy the next few chapters. The start of term will open some new possibilities for approaches to writing this story. I thank you for the review, and I hope you keep enjoying the story. Let me know if it needs that extra sparkle like the advice you gave me.

Snoggingwithdrawl: Thank you Becky! You totally rock my world, as usual. Beaucoup d'amour for your wonderful comments.

PerfidaAnima: Thank you, and I'm glad you appreciated the house elf bit too. Of course, they would be a menace, and I can't imagine Snape having the patience to put up with them either. As of this chapter, three more chapters for you. Enjoy!

Flor: Thank you for reading my story. Once again, I appreciate that someone noticed my house elf touch. You'll love the story, as Snape is starting to "open up". Keep on reading!

Pearlofthemoon: Thank you. Your comment sums it up perfectly, and inspired me to keep writing.

Duj: Thank you for your advice and criticism. Feel free to sign them, I appreciate your feelback.

Magicsparkle1:

Thank you for your review. More chapters posted for your enjoyment.

Armor: Thank you for your review. Hermione is in sixth year this year. I carried on the book from about a month after J.K Rowling left it.

On to the main attraction...

"You're fooling yourself, you know." He thought, pacing his room after they returned. "She isn't, and never will, be Lily Evans. You can't change the past."

Hermione stood in the arch of the entrance hall door, her hair blowing in the breeze. A tear fell from her cheek, as she watched the fleet of boats cross the ebony lake. It seemed like ages since she'd crossed those waters, and arrived, unaware of what waited. She wondered what the first years were thinking. She could see the faces of the closest ones. Their faces shone with wonder mingled with fear. She gazed upon them, unseen under her invisibility cloak. She could hear Hagrid's gruff yet warm voice, as he helped them dock. Hermione looked up to the heavens. The indigo skies were sprinkled with fresh stars, shining eons above her. She watched, dismally, as the carriages pulled up, and her heart tore as she watched the faces she'd known so well step out of a carriage three down the line. Ron handed down the trunks, and Ginny and Luna regarded the castle with a quiet look in their eyes. It looked like Ginny had been crying. Harry was grave, and Luna lost in her thoughts, the lights reflecting in her pale eyes.

Hermione couldn't watch anymore. She tore down the hall, and turned away from the festivities of the Great Hall. She flew down the stone stairs to the dungeons, her stone walled fortress. Uttering the password, she stalked through the office, not meeting Snape's worried eyes. She fell on the bed, and wept.

Snape gave her time to cry before he knocked on the door that separated the office from the living room.

"What do you want?" She sobbed, her voice strained. He entered the room, a goblet in hand. He sat down awkwardly next to her. Had she been in a better mood, Hermione would have laughed at the sight of Professor Snape sitting on a folded futon couch. This time she didn't look up.

"Here, drink this." His voice was calm, with a hint of sympathy. She accepted it, sticking out her hand. He sighed and placed the goblet in it. Clearly this wouldn't be easy for her to deal with. She coughed as the pepper up potion made her cough, but she felt better afterwards.

"Thank you." She whispered, wrapping the blanket around her.

"It's alright." Something caught his eye. It was an array of photos on her bedside table. He peered closer. One was of her on the holidays, at the World Cup.

"Ron! Put that camera away!" She giggled, swatting at him. In the background, a cheer spread through the crowd. "Ireland scored!" She cheered, despite herself. There was one of everyone in their Weasley sweaters, sitting around the fire at Christmas. Harry and Ron, in Hogsmeade. "Come on, Herm! It's freezing. Let's go get something warm to drink." Ron complained in the frame. There were others, but one in particular caught his eye. It was a muggle picture, of Hermione. She was by the beach, sitting in the sand. Her hair was drooping lazily over one shoulder, her gaze at something along the shore. Her eyes twinkled, even in the still frame.

Glancing at Hermione, Snape wondered where this beautiful girl had gone. She was several inches thinner now, and her eyes red from crying. She watched him, waiting for his reaction

"I have business to attend to." He commented. "As you know, I'm expected at the feast, but your health is more important."

"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me." With that, he nodded, and left.

---

"Snape isn't at the head table." Ginny commented softly.

"Maybe he died," Ron replied, lost in what appeared to be a very good dream. "Or better yet, he got his nose stuck somewhere it didn't belong."

"Did you notice he hardly comes to meetings anymore?" Harry inquired.

"I haven't seen him since Hermione left." Ginny pondered.

"Strange."

At that moment a side door opened, and Snape billowed in, looking distracted. He was greeted with applause from the Slytherin table.

"As most of you know, Professor Snape is the head of Slytherin house and our resident potions master." Dumbledore introduced Snape, who scowled. "Resident" made him sound so... old, as if he already had one foot in the grave. He nodded to his house, and took his place among the teachers.

---

"Draco, have you noticed? The Mudblood isn't here." Pansy's urgent voice cut into his reign at the Slytherin table.

"Honestly, Pansy, are you dense?" He snapped. He had firm orders from his father to make sure it went by as a freak accident. No one could know of the plans Voldemort had for her.

"I heard she disappeared in an apparating accident." He mused. This was a good excuse that no one would doubt. He had his orders from his father, who had his orders from Voldemort himself.

And no one disobeyed Voldemort.