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Hermione awoke the next morning, Friday, restless, but feeling a lot better. She went through her day's schedule:

Arithmancy

Ancient Runes

Lunch

Double Herbology

She wouldn't see Harry and Ron all day. This was a good thing, as far as she was concerned, because she was putting off doing something she knew she had to do soon. Break up with Ron. It wasn't right, and Hermione was determined to start fixing things in her life. Which would also include not having feelings for Snape. She blushed at the thought but quickly brushed it off. Glancing at her schedule again, Hermione had a feeling she had forgotten something. She suddenly remembered. She had her first Occlumency lesson with Lupin that night. And Harry had his with Snape. When Hermione left her bedroom she saw that Snape had already left. She left Snape's quarters (now her own) praying that no one would see her leaving.

Hermione attended the day's classes without incident. Before she knew it it was lunchtime. Heart pounding, she walked up to Ron and Harry.

"Hey guys."

"Hey Hermione." Harry smiled at her.

"Ron, do you think I could have a quick word? In private?"

"Sure Hermione. I'll be right back Harry."

The two exited the Great Hall and began walking down a long hallway.

"Ron I've been thinking. About you and I. As a couple."

She knew she was stammering. She couldn't help it. She really didn't want to hurt his feelings.

"I just really don't think it can work out. I don't want to ruin our friendship. I know we've been through this before, but for some reason I let myself think it could work out and I really don't think it can. What I'm trying to say is I'm really sorry, but we have to break up."

That was all Hermione could muster. She threw her arms around Ron's shoulders.

"Please don't hate me. I don't think I could take it."

"I don't hate you."

"Thank you for understanding Ron."

The two made their way back to the Great Hall, where the awkward silence was terrible between the three friends.

After Herbology and dinner, Hermione made her way back to her room. She had an hour before Occlumency, and wanted to get started on her homework. The hour flew by. Hermione exited her room and wandered outside, only to find Harry walking toward her.

"Hermione? What are you doing here?"

"Going to my Occlumency lesson."

Harry's bright green eyes widened.

"Is this where you're living? With SNAPE?"

"Oh please don't tell anyone Harry! They'll get the wrong idea! This is only for my own protection! Snape fights the Dark Lord's calls on an almost daily basis, so Dumbledore thought it best for me to be here. With him. Safe."

"I won't tell anyone. I'm just surprised that you didn't tell us. Ron and I are your best friends. You should know we'll always believe you."

"I know." Hermione sighed. "I just overreacted. I've been doing that a lot lately. Anyway, I have to get going. I'll see you later. Good luck."

"Same to you."

Hermione walked away, feeling better than she had before.

Hermione made her way to the Defense Against The Dark Arts classroom, where she knocked on the door when she arrived. It swung open.

"Hermione! Great to see you. Come in."

She walked into the room.

"Now, Dumbledore wishes for you to learn Occlumency, and I agree that it would be helpful to you. Do you know what Occlumency is?" Lupin questioned.

"Yes. Harry told me, and I've bee reading up on it."

"I almost figured you would." Lupin gave her a warm smile. "So you know what I'm going to be doing?"

"Breaking into my mind. You can access my memories and feelings if I'm not strong enough. I have to fight you off and stop you."

"Very good. Are you ready?"

Hermione nodded nervously.

"I want you to close your eyes. Remove all emotion from yourself. Very well. Now if you're ready...Legilimens!"

Memories from Hermione's past were flashing by...She was in her old Muggle public school and being teased by her classmates...she was receiving her Hogwarts letter...Harry and Ron were saving her from a giant troll...she was lying in the Hospital Wing, petrified...

The memories stopped. Hermione had fallen backwards onto the floor.

"Not as easy as you thought it would be Hermione?"

Lupin gently helped her off the floor.

"Not at all. How am I supposed to stop it?"

"Let's just try again. You'll learn, I'm sure of it."

"Wait. Did you see all of my memories?"

"Just flashes of them. But whatever I see will remain confidential. I promise. Now are you ready to try again?"

"Yes."

"All right...Legilimens!"

Hermione and her friends were battling the Death Eaters in the Department of Mysteries...Hermione, Harry, and Sirius were riding Buckbeak...Hermione and Snape were kissing...

Oh no. You can't be seeing that!

All of a sudden the memories stopped. Hermione stumbled a few feet backward but did not fall over. Her arms and legs were shaking.

Lupin's face was concerned.

"Please have a seat Miss Granger."

He hadn't used Hermione's first name. She was in trouble and she knew it.

"I need you to explain to me what is going on between you and Professor Snape."

Snape was accessing Harry's memories with ease. Of course, he hadn't had Occlumency for more than a year, but he was worse than when he had first started.

Harry had fallen on the floor once again.

"You need to try Potter. This is ridiculous. Stand up. Again...Legilimens!"

All of a sudden Harry had gained control. He was seeing Snape's memories and he knew it. Severus hated this...his whole past being discovered by Potter.... But Dumbledore had insisted...

Snape was going to Hogwarts for the first time...he was trying to play Quidditch but having awful luck...he and Hermione were kissing...

"ENOUGH POTTER!"

Harry stumbled backward. Severus tried to hide his face but it was no use...Potter was gaping at him...he had seen everything. He had seen the kiss.

A/N-- Hope you like this! Please review...another chapter coming next week!