I don't mind spending everyday
Out on your corner in the pouring rain
Look for the girl with the broken smile
Ask her if she wants to stay awhile
And she will be loved
She will be loved
When Hermione awoke it was dark. She knew she must have slept all day. At least Snape wasn't hovering over her this time. Deep down she knew he wouldn't harm her. She wasn't sure what made her so afraid of him. She wandered into the common room to get something to eat and found Professor Dumbledore there.
"It's about time you woke up Hermione," he spoke gently. "I just wanted to see how you were feeling. This little fainting spell was probably due to stress. Nothing to worry about."
"That's a relief," Hermione spoke.
"There is one thing I would like to discuss with you though. Professor Snape told me that when you awoke and saw him tending to you, you seemed to be frightened. Why is this?"
"I don't know Professor," she spoke softly.
"You don't still believe him to be a Death Eater, do you?"
"I don't think so," Hermione began, "but a small part of me DOES believe that if he had a reason to betray us he would. He just always seems so angry, and I got scared. But it was stupid of me."
"Believe me, dear Hermione, Snape would never hurt you in any way. I can tell you know, but someday you will learn why I trust him so."
"Thank you Professor. I think I'll return to bed now."
"OK. But if you ever need me, do not hesitate to ask."
The next few weeks were pretty uneventful. Harry, Ron, and Hermione attended their classes and began to prepare for their NEWTS. Snape kept a close eye on Hermione. He had a feeling that what had happened was more than a fainting spell, but he wasn't sure what it could have been. He also began to enjoy having her in his class. Her ways, to him,, began to seem less like a know-it-all and more like an enthusiastic student. But whenever he looked her way she would not meet his gaze. He knew she was still scared. He couldn't figure out why this had happened recently. He remembered how she had been in her first year. So innocent, smart, and charming. Now she was 17, almost 18. Practically an adult. And she was beautiful. Stunning, in fact. Wait. What was he thinking? He wasn't attracted to her was he? She was a student! He tried to forget the thoughts that had just entered his mind. Severus's next class was about to enter. Hermione was in it. He sighed.
Hermione began working on her potion vigourously.(sp?) She could have sworn she saw Snape staring at her, but decided it was glaring, not staring. Suddenly she felt dizzy and light-headed. She prayed she wasn't fainting again but as she felt her body grow weaker she knew she was. She also heard someone calling her name in a raspy, unfamiliar voice. She fell to the ground