Disclaimer: Not mine. However, the Daniel Radcliff poster I'm reciving for Christmas from Mistina will be all mine...

Author's Note: It's not a repost! it's an actual update! wow. sorry for the long wait... my school play kept me extremely busy. however, i hope to finish this fic over Christmas break... i have a week off in febuary too, as well as one in may i think. so we'll see.

More Author's Note: thanks so much to all of my reviewers. well, all five of you that is. to Natsuyori and Weasley-Fancier, here's more. Mistina, I admit the mug was not entirely me. the basic idea belongs to someone else, i just can't remember who. Madelynn Rae, i feel for you. and Louisa B, thanks... the idea came from a fic... well, i think it's on my fav list. i don't remember the name.

now without further ado,


Chapter 6: Abet

"Now, Severus, what was it that you needed?" Dumbledore asked cheerfully to the man in his office. "Normally, I'd assume that it's something dreadfully important, with us having this meeting before breakfast and all, but you've never been one to leave something if it can be done here and now. Lemon drop?"

"Er, no thank-you Albus." What is it with this man and candy? " I'm afraid this matter is somewhat important, it regards one of the students." Severus replied.

"One of the students? Is everyone alright?"

"No, no one's hurt. But I assume you know the full details of Miss Granger's… situation?" Severus asked tentatively.

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, a curious look in his eyes. "Yes, I am fully aware about recent events concerning her. But why do you mention it?"

Severus did his best to keep an emotionless façade. Luckily, it was one of his talents. "Miss Granger has been somewhat distressed lately. It appears as if she hasn't had much sleep. If something isn't done, there is a good chance her grades could suffer."

"Since when did you start concerning yourself with the Gryffindors, Severus?"

"Albus, Gryffindor or not, she's my best student." Not that I'd ever admit it to anyone but him.

Dumbledore's eyes began to achieve a mysterious twinkle that always made Severus somewhat uncomfortable- it meant he was up to something. "Well, Severus, you have the most knowledge in this particular area. So may I suggest the use of the tunnel of Ianuarius?"

Damn him. I should have seen this coming. "Albus, that is hardly appropriate. If anyone got wind of this they might think…"

"I never knew you had such a keen interest in what other people thought, Severus. Besides, due to the use of the time turner, Hermione's eighteen already, almost a full year past the adult age in the wizarding world. She's got a good head on her shoulders. I'm sure the both of you will figure out something."

"Albus…" Severus couldn't bring himself to plead any further than this.

"I think it will be good for the both of you. Now, I'm afraid I'm getting quite hungry. After all, it is breakfast time. Please excuse me."

"Hermione?"

"Oh, hello Harry."

"Hi Herm." Ron grinned despite the early hour- after all, it was breakfast. Harry sat down next to Hermione, Ron across from the two of them. "Ayoogoigtoogsmed?" he asked, mouth full.

Hermione sighed lightly, exasperated with Ron, but feeling happy to be with her friends. Things were simpler, at least for the moment. "I'm not sure… I haven't decided yet. What about you two?" she asked politely.

Harry decided to save Ron the trouble of breathing between bites and responded for him. "Well, I know Ron's going. I found the most interesting letter in his History of Magic textbook on Friday." Harry grinned mischievously. "It was on pink paper."

Hermione was sure Ron would have been blushing, his face as red as his flaming hair if he had been paying attention. However, there was food present, so his attention was elsewhere. She giggled, something that wasn't seen very often, especially since… the end of fifth year. It made Harry break into an even bigger smile. "What about you Harry? Is Ginny going with you?" During last year, Ginny had gotten her old crush back, and in a bold move, she abruptly kissed Harry in the common room one evening. Hermione still couldn't decide whether she had done it to get Harry's attention, or just to annoy Ron. Either way, it had worked. While it had taken Ron a little while to calm down, Harry and Ginny became somewhat inseparable… literally at times.

Harry blushed. "Yeah, we're going together…" and with that, he was off in dreamland. Hermione smiled. It's nice to see him enjoying life for once, without worrying about everything. Her smile twisted slightly. It's my job to worry.

She got up delicately from her seat, and headed towards the common room. She loved Harry and Ron; they were like brothers to her. But some things you just needed to tell a sister.

As soon as Hermione entered the common room, which was thankfully empty, she got pounced on by an eager Ginny. "Herms, where were you last night?" I came to your room this morning and you weren't there. Or in the great hall, or in the library. So I borrowed Harry's map. Uh oh… AND YOU WEREN'T ON IT! The Marauders had some speculations however, Padfoot especially. You're damn lucky Harry or Ron wasn't around otherwise you'd never hear the end of it. Actually, they probably would've fainted, considering some of Padfoot's suggestions…" Ginny stopped to breathe. "Anyways, where WERE you? Bloody Merlin, it is a guy, isn't it!" she exclaimed excitedly.

"Ginny, shush. You have to promise not to tell a soul… especially not Harry or Ron." Ginny nodded silently, barely able to contain her enthusiasm. "Let's go up to my room… it'll be more private."

Ginny followed Hermione upstairs into the Head Girl's room. "What, no silencing spell?"

"I added one at the beginning of the year, along with a few simple wards and protection spells. It's all permanent." Hermione explained calmly.

"Built in… useful…" she grinned wickedly. "So who is it?"

"Promise not to say a word? Even though you're my best friend, I'll hex you into a muggle if you say a word. And you know I can." She threatened solemnly.

Ginny gulped. But still… "Alright already, Hermione. Not a soul, living or otherwise. I promise."

Hermione eyed her warily, feeling uneasier by the moment. The sooner it's out, the better. Besides, if I don't say it now I don't think I'll be able to at all. Drawing a deep breath she blurted, "It's Snape."