Something 'bout the way you looked at me
Made me think for a moment,
That maybe we were meant to be
Living our lives seperately
And it's strange that things change
But not me wanting you so desperately

--Michelle Branch, Desperately

After McGonagall strode out of the room, Hermione and Snape remained standing, shocked at her behavior.

"Never thought I'd see her explode like that," Snape remarked.

"Well she had good reason."

"Miss Granger, I am not in the mood for any more arguing tonight, and nor do I have the time. I suppose I should show you to your room."

Although Hermione had been in Snape's quarters before, she had not seen much of it. She wondered how big it was as he led her down a long dark hallway. They turned a corner and he handed her a key.

"This will be your room for the time you are staying here. Goodnight."

Before Hermione could even reply he was gone. She inserted the key in the lock and opened the door. She was amazed at the room's size. It was large and spacious and had a fireplace. She placed her trunk on the floor and paced around, missing the chatter of the Gryffindor commonroom and feeling quite lonely. She changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed. She shivered. The room was chilly and not very welcoming. For one of the first times in her life at Hogwarts, except her first year, Hermione felt homesick. She wanted to be in a place where she knew she was loved and cared about. She could not see how these living arrangements would work out. Eventually she turned her lamp on and read late into the night. She had slept for only about an hour when it was time to get ready for the day. She got dressed again and made her way into the kitchen.

"I suppose you'll be wanting to eat in the Great Hall?"

"Yes please. Sir. If that would be alright."

"Go ahead. I don't have you for class today, but be sure to return by 7:00 P.M."

"Yes sir." Hermione quickly strode out of the room and ran to the Great Hall to meet Harry and Ron.

"Hermione!" Harry gave her a warm smile. "Where were you?"

"Dumbledore's made new living arrangements for my safety. I'm not allowed to say where. But I won't be in the commonroom anymore."

"Aww, I'm sorry about that 'Mione."

"It's OK. I'll live." She attempted a smile and began to eat her breakfast.

"You look really tired. Is everything alright?" Ron was peering into Hermione's tired face, concerned.

"Yea. Just up really late last night studying. You know how I am."

Ron nodded, but still looked slightly troubled. The trio soon left the Great Hall to attend classes. All day Hermione was staring off into space and trying to keep herself from falling asleep. When she finally returned to her new home she collapsed into bed, falling asleep instantly.

Severus couldn't sleep. He was worried about Hermione, about Voldemort, about everything. He paced around his room, feeling quite lonesome. It was times like these when he longed for company, needed someone to be with. Without even realizing what he was doing, he left his room and made his way to Hermione's. He quietly opened the door to find the poor girl asleep on her bed, still wearing her clothes. She looked so peaceful. He walked over to her and covered her with a blanket. The girl stirred, but smiled slightly. He knelt down before her and rubbed her hand.

"Miss Granger, what am I going to do with you?" he whispered. "You can't do this to yourself." He softly kissed her hand.

"But I can assure you that you are cared about."

A/N --Sorry that this took so long in coming and is so short. I really haven't had time. From now on I'll probably be able to post once a week. Hope you like it!