Tap on my window knock on my door
I want to make you feel beautiful

Hermione piled her suitcases into the trunk of the family car and closed it. She knew it was stupid, but she was unsure of where to sit. Either in the front with her mother, where Snape might get the idea that she was mad at him, or in the back with Snape. She didn't know why this would be a problem because they had kissed, but it just felt weird. She decided to sit in the back because she still had to travel on a train with him, and didn't want him to be in a bad mood. The two hour car ride was pretty much quiet. Hermione read her book, Gloria concentrated on the road, and Snape stared out the window. She wondered what he was thinking. He was so handsome like that. Hermione tried to stop herself from thinking these thoughts, but she couldn't help it. Soon they arrived at the train station. Hermione knew they must have been a site. Her with all her suitcases and Snape with his black robes and long black hair. It surprisingly wasn't looking greasy today. She smiled to herself. Hermione's mom kissed her, told her to be careful, and that she loved her. Then, to both Hermione and Snape's surprise, she hugged Snape.
She whispered in his ear,"Take care of my baby. I know she's in danger, and I trust that you will protect her. Thanks you."
Then, Hermione and Snape boarded the large train and waved goodbye

Hermione and Snape were give a key to a small compartment with two bunk beds, a couch and a small table.
"I get the top bunk," Hermione called jokingly.
"If it pleases you," Snape said sarcastically. He was in a bad mood.
Hermione jumped onto her bed and began reading her book again. Yet again, the two of them were in an awkward situation. She could see Snape looked upset.
"What's the matter?" she asked quietly.
"Nothing that would concern you," he snapped. He knew what was bothering him. It was the one year anniversary of Elysia's death. He missed her so much, and didn't feel right being with Hermione.
"OK," Hermione said. "I just thought maybe I could help."
"Well you can't because you have no idea how I'm feeling."
Hermione knew another argument was coming.
"Well you're not the one that just found out that you're adopted. Imagine what's going through my head!"
"I believe I can Granger. You're upset because your little life isn't perfect anymore."
"How dare you!"
"What? Insult you? Stop trying to make me feel sorry for you! Nobody's life is perfect! You have to deal with it!"
Snape stormed out of the room angrily, leaving Hermione to cry alone.

Hermione eventually cried herself to sleep. Maybe her problems weren't as bad as Snape's had been, but she wasn't as strong as he was. She remembered something that he said to her in her first year.
Put your hand down you silly girl
That was all he would ever see her as. A silly little girl. She was stupid to think she could ever have a relationship with a teacher. The swaying motion of the train put Hermione to sleep.

Meanwhile, Snape went for a walk around the train to cool down. He was ashamed that he had exploded at her again. She was just 17! He should have known better than to think she could handle everything with ease. Keep everything inside. It wasn't healthy to do that anyway. He also knew that he shouldn't yell at her just because he was in a bad mood. He was heading back to his compartment when the mark on his arm started burning. His heart started pounding as he winced in pain. Severus knew he couldn't just leave Hermione. And the Dark Lord knew that he was against him. What did he still want? He entered the compartment and noticed that Hermione didn't seem to be in any pain. The sun glistened on her tear-stained cheeks. He tried to deal with the pain until it eventually stopped. He had defied the Dark Lord's call. It would not be pleasant when they next saw each other.

Miss Granger? Wake up"
Hermione heard her name being called from afar and grudgingly opened her eyes. She saw the least of all people she wanted to see: Snape.
"I was just wondering if you wanted anything for dinner. The train has started seving food and I could go get you something."
"I'm not hungry," Hermione spat out and turned her back to him.
"You must be. You haven't eaten anything all day."
"OK, I admit it. I am. But I'll get it myself."
"Are you that spiteful that you won't allow me to get you anything? I'm making an effort to make up with you. Work with me here."
Hermione smiled in spite of herself.
"OK. I'll have whatever you're having."
Snape gave her a small hopeful smile, and left the room. Hermione didn't understand this. The two of them could be fighting one minute and got along quite well the next. It was very strange.

Snape came back empty-handed.
"No food?" Hermione asked.
"I had no idea what any of that rubbish Muggles call food is!"
"Which is why you need my help," Hermione spoke.
She left the room and came back with two plates of steaming hot steak, mashed potatoes, and macaroni-and-cheese.
"Try it," she said as she handed Snape his plate. He looked at it hesitatingly. "It's very good."
He tried it and much to his surprise, liked it. The two of them talked until late in the night about everything: Potions, Quidditch, their families (a touchy subject for Snape, who didn't say much), and everything else imaginable. They fell asleep with full stomachs and happy hearts. Hermione realized that, when he was in a good mood, Snape was quite enjoyable company. But she still could never envision herself with him. His moods were like night and day. He could be your best friend or worst enemy. She now realized, which she never could have before, what Elysia must have seen in him. She just hoped now she would be treated better in Potions class. She wondered how he would treat Harry and Ron as well. Hermione fell asleep, not knowing that in the bunk below her, Snape was wondering some of these same things

Hermione and Snape got out of the train when it stopped. When the were far away from Muggles, Hermione performed Wingardium Leviosa on her suitcases so she no longer had to carry them. Within a short amount of time they were back at the castle. Snape instructed Hermione to go directly to her dormitory. He wouldn't tell her why when she questioned him, but she did as she was told. When she left Snape began jogging to Dumbledore's office. He said the password and entered.
"Ahh...Severus. I trust the plan went well?"
"Splendidly," Snape said sarcastically. "But there was a problem. My Dark Mark burned and I ignored it."
Instantly Dumbledore's face became concerned.
"What about Hermione's?"
"She was asleep at the time, but she didn't seem to be in any pain."
"Hmm...I guess the best thing we can do is for you to answer the call next time you get it. I know that might be dangerous, but I think Voldemort would believe that you were on his side again after the incident."
After that Dumbledore avoided Snape's eyes.
"Do you still have no idea about what's happening to Miss Granger?" Severus questioned.
"No," Dumbledore began, "but perhaps Voldemort would tell you. Again, thank you for doing this Severus. I don't think many people realize what you do for the Order, but I for one will always be eternally grateful."
He gave Severus a warm smile before he left the room.

Severus sat at his desk, grading potion vials from the first years. They were all horrible in his opinion. But he had alot of work to catch up on after he had to go "rescue" Hermione. It was the day all the students were going to Hogsmeade, but he was stuck in the dungeons. But suddenly, the Dark Mark on his arm began burning painfully again. His stomach lurched. He had to answer it this time, or he would be in even worse trouble. He opened his closet and retrieved a black hooded cloak and a broom. He then exited the castle and mounted it. He was a surprisingly good flyer. He flew over the Forbidden Forest and landed close to where he saw a group of black hooded wizards and witches.
Severus sat his broom on the ground and began walking towards them. His legs were shaking. He knew he had to play it cool or he would be dead. He had never been so scared in his life.
"Severus," Lucius Malfoy spoke, "nice of you to have joined us." An evil smile spread across his face.
Severus spotted Voldemort. The snake-like slitted eyes. He looked like a snake himself.
"Yes, Severus," Voldemort hissed. "Always pleasant to see one of my most disloyal followers."
"My Lord," Severus began, kneeling before him. "I don't know what came over me last year. I now fully recognize the power you possess. If you would only forgive me, the scum that I am."
That was all he could say. He prayed it would be enough.
"Why did you ignore my last call?"
"I was surrounded by Muggles, bringing back the Granger girl to Hogwarts. But I am there to be your spy."
Now was his opportunity.
"What do you want with that Mudblood anyway?"
It hurt Severus very much to insult Hermione like that, but he had no other choice.
All the Death-Eaters laughed at his words.
"She is farther from Mudblood than you might think," Voldemort began. "We all just recently learned very, very vital information."
"What is it?" Snape asked.
He immediately regretted it. He sounded far too eager.
"I shall decide whether or not to tell you."
"What can I do to prove to you my loyalty? I assure you, I have changed."
Voldemort paused.
Oh no, Snape thought. What have I just done?
Voldemort smiled maliciously.
"Bring me Hermione Granger. Then we shall see where your loyalties lie."
"Thank you," Severus spoke. He mounted his broom again and flew back to the castle, cursing himself for his stupidity.