Disclaimer: I owe nothing of the HP universe. I am just a nobody hiding in a cave writing. So please don't sue.

A/N: School is definitely getting on my nerves! I have not been online for almost a week! And I don't get time to write so this late update is not my fault. Not entirely, anyways... *sheepish smile* I have got 27 reviews this time, not bad! I loved you all who read it and reviewed it, over and over again! You are so nice to me! *sob sob*

tomzgurl77: Hihi *waves like mad* Good to see you again! They are getting together alright, read to see what I mean!

Noriko M. Chijinu: Glad ya like the story! Sadly, not many people are reviewing it... hmmm... *ponders**light bulb appears on top of head*

Merry the Psychotic Coconut: I loved cinnamon! I am practically mad about it. I hope you like this chapter too!

Tabii: I'm sorry I didn't update earlier, I really do! Please forgive me! Ahh... _

donna x: Thanks! You are on my email list now, so please keep reading!

tashie: Here's some fluff for you! He did not miss her when she was away (read to see why!) *evil laugh*, but there are some pov from Sevvie, thanks for the suggestion!

Metallicafangirl: Of coz he'd got fangirls, I am one of them! Woowee!! And I do want to post my list, but it is going to be like, 20pages. So... *shrug*

Shin Hee Tae: I would never give up this story! It's getting the most reviews ; ) But I agree that love is never easy, they won't give up, tho!

kurtfan5678: Crushed cinnamon sticks actually taste very good... *lick lips* Thanks!

Amethyst9: Thanks! I did have fun in Singapore. I am sorry for the late update, please keep on reading!

Teri: Oh diets? Ohhhhh I can't stand them. Not that I don't need them but I can never be on diet. Poor you! Hope you succeed~

The-Rouge-Thorn: Thanks! They are human beings after all, with magic or not, but love conquers all! Please continue reading!

Ezmerelda: Am I? But I do think the previous chapter looks too much like a filling chapter. Hopefully this one gets better!

Tammy: Yay! I got the first reader of my book before it was written! Lol. Hope you like this as well!

Louise Luvgood: More for you, enjoy!

Lyonesse Le Fay: Thankies! I will continue, enjoy!

Nixter: It won't end yet, don't worry!

Evanescence Maiden: Hope you like this chapter as well~

Gryffindorgirl13: I know it's not soon enough but I tried! Enjoy!

Erikalya Arvanesse: Is it getting confusing??? Sorry! I must be dropping too many hints here and there and sometimes I forgot them too... all would be explained, I promise!

crazy2: Apparently you haven't reviewed yet, luckily you remembered! YaY!

zoya-3: This is not often enough, sorry! Hope you like this!

sans un interdit: If that's true I would say every single chapter is bad! Lol. Enjoy!

evilbon32: Your review became one of the ones that I really look forward to. Do cinnamon and Hermione get together a lot? I thought that's chocolate? Lol. Please read and write more!

Bullwinkle435: I liked your story alright, so if you don't update... *cracks fists* Lol.

Real-fan05: Oh don't be like that. Everyone on ff.net is awesome. In some way or another. Please keep on reading!

Cecily: There will be some 'get together' in this chappie. Read and find out more!

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"Believe me, it's not gonna work."

"Oww c'mon. How would you know if you don't try?"

"I just do. Nothing tames this, really."

"This is a new and improved formula!"

The two voices continued to argue, breaking the morning's tranquility. The sun was starting to shine through the sparkling French windows, across the equally well-polished wooden floor, and onto a white pine door, on which a golden doorknob stood proudly. The conversation flowed from behind the door.

"Last time I tried using magic, I spent nearly four hours taming it and as much time un-taming it. You see, it requires an extremely powerful spell to control this stuff," Hermione curled a piece of hair around her index finger with a grimace. "And- what? Oh. Yeah, it worked." She added reluctantly.

Jan simply smirked and put down the bottle of shampoo she had been toying with.

"This is your wedding!" Hermione threw her hands into the air. "I don't have to look pretty!"

"This is my wedding so I got to decide how you look," Jan answered swiftly, pushing the younger girl into the bathroom. "You do your hair with magic or I'll do it for you, Muggle style."

Hermione barely had time to register that Jan knew the word 'Muggle' before being locked in the bathroom together with a whole range of hair gel, spray and styling products.

"And don't forget to try on those clothes in the cupboard," Jan shouted with obvious glee.

Clothes? Hermione turned and pulled open a gigantic cupboard, in which gowns and dresses in every imaginable color gleamed at her. Parvati, or even Lavender, would have squealed in delight, but all Hermione did was moan, loudly and painfully, resembling Crookshanks when he was being stepped upon.

----------

To Hermione's great gratification, Jan needed to be dressed in something much more complicated. Layer upon layer of silk and chiffon clothing were pulled over her slim figure, puff upon puff of glittering rouge onto her face.

"I am not putting more of that stuff on!" Jan protested loudly.

"Stop fidgeting, would you?" Jan's mother, who had came over to help, said impatiently with a box of eye shadow in her hand. "I said- oww! Stand still!" She put down the eye shadow and began to rub Jan's face vigorously with a wet towel, muffling the bride's complains.

Hermione stifled her sniggers with a cough. Jan glared at her from behind the towel and her mother's fussing hands.

"So you think it is funny?" She demanded, slumping beside her cousin on the couch. Her mother had gone down to monitor the decoration and setting of the garden, giving her a rare and thus, very welcomed rest. Hermione shook her head unconvincingly.

Jan sighed. "I never realize that weddings are so tiring."

"Oh? But you got to wear all kinds of pretty gowns and cosmetics and jewelry and glass slippers, " Hermione could barely hide her grin.

"You sure you like this one? I have got another cupboard-full of dresses for you to try on," Jan said, fingering the other girl's pink gown. Hermione's grin disappeared immediately.

"This one is fine," she answered wearily. It took her forever to find this relatively normal dress amidst all the sparkling ones, and she wished not to repeat that experience.

"Why don't you choose those strapless ones?" Jan wondered idly. It surprised her when Hermione came out from the bathroom wearing this dress. It was not ugly, of course, but when put among strapless, curve-hugging, breath-taking clothes, one was bound to miss it. It was a long gown, reaching Hermione's ankles, with two short sleeves and a square neckline embroided by tiny pearls. Even the color was not spectacular. It was of a pale pink, even reaching pearly white, like the color of the sky when the sun had just risen, and it was not glittering.

"It's not like I have anything to hang them on," Hermione explained with a laugh, gesturing her chest. "I mean, it is as if I had never went through puberty. I don't grow tall, I don't have curves, I don't have pimples-"

"That you can't complain," Jan interrupted.

"-so I didn't choose those tight ones. You know, nothing to show," Hermione continued, shifting in the dress. It was still too tight to her liking.

"Right," Jan noted, observing her. In her straight dress, Hermione looked like she did not have a curve or whatsoever.

"Anything wrong with my dress?" It actually looked quite nice to her. At least it fits, she thought. Unlike some others in the cupboard. She was not going to squeeze herself into one of those.

"It's just so... ordinary. And your hair!"

"What about my hair?" She thought the spell went quite well, though her bangs were still curly. She dared not cast as strong a spell this time- she could not afford another four hours for the removal of it.

"Hmmm," Jan bent over and Hermione had the queer feeling of being an artwork waiting to be criticized. "Some curlers! You can share mine," Jan concluded, snapping her fingers.

"No way! I did not straighten this to let you curl it up again!"

Before Jan could answer, her mother burst through the door, and shrieked, "JANICA! YOUR DRESS!"

----------

She never imagined it would be this grand. The wedding, that was. People, magical or Muggle alike, were flooding all over the place, greeting relatives or long lost friends. There has to be more than three hundred people, she estimated. There were sounds of silk dresses brushing pass each other, the men's suits were all pressed and trimmed, snips of gossip in different dialects could be heard here and there. She looked down at her straight pink gown and black slippers, then wiggled her toes. She felt very out of place.

"C'mon dear, the ceremony's 'bout to begin," her father tugged at her elbow. She nodded and started to follow, but nearly tripped. She hated high-heeled slippers.

"Careful," her mother reached out and helped her. Hermione could not be more grateful to her mother's lightning reflexes.

The three of them swam through the waves of guests and managed to get the seats on the second row. The room was huge, and an altar had been set up in the middle of it. Lilies and daffodils and lilacs were hung from the domed ceiling, on the altar and the benches, and even on the guests. Hermione graciously accepted her wreath of white lilies when a little boy approached her shyly with it. At the entrance there was an arch of flowers and peach ribbons. The whole room glowed with a pure sense of tranquility and peacefulness.

The guests slowly filed into the room, and the wedding march was played by someone on the organ. Hermione had always loved the organ, it reminded her of the children choir that she used to part of, and the chapel that they sang in. The march went on and on, until everyone was settled down, and the doors were closed. The groom entered with the reverend from the side door, and stood in front of the altar. This was the first time Hermione saw Charles, her going-to-be cousin-in-law. He was smiling, but his forehead was shining as a film of sweat developed, despite the well ventilation of the room. He put his hand into the pocket, only to take it out again; he shifted from one foot to another as his green eyes darted from the altar to the vault then to the uncompromising doors. The old reverend smiled and patted his hand. He returned a toothy grin.

Hermione counted the times the march was played. Once, twice, thrice. As the song marched on she felt her chest tightened, and she watched the doors with the same anxiety as Charles. Come on, come on, she said in her head. And everyone else must be doing the same, for the door flew open suddenly.

It was too bright for Hermione to make out anything. But she held her breath as the elegant shadow of Janica slowly walked in, light beaming from behind her, escorted by her father. As she slowly came into view, Hermione realized how pretty her cousin was. Like a princess, she glowed behind the piece of mysterious gauze. Roses could have bloomed at her feet as she approached her future husband.

They stood together and turned towards the altar. All Hermione could see was Jan's white gown, almost twice her height. She could picture herself in such a gown, with a man she would vow to love forever beside her, in front of a sacred altar, ready to make a sacred vow, to be linked forever and ever.

Him, her mind sighed.

"Dearly beloved," the old reverend began, and Hermione snapped back to attention. "We are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

"Therefore if any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace..."

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"Wilt the have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt the obey him, and serve him, love, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I will," promised Jan quietly.

The reverend made a gesture for Jan to began her vow. She took a deep breath and started shakily.

"I, Janica Abigail Granger, take thee, Charles Rafael Ringo, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to be bonny and buxom at bed and at board, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth."

With this the reverend placed their hands together and handed them their blessed rings. Charles slipped the ring onto Jan's fourth finger and she did the same.

"You may kiss now," the reverend announced. Charles lifted his bride's gauze and kissed her on the lips. Hermione watched and felt a hot tear rolled down, but she brushed it away. She turned and saw that her mother was crying with her aunt. Her father placed a strong hand around her shoulder.

The guests slowly stood up and vacated the hall, out onto the sunny lawn. Hermione straightened her dress and followed her parents. There would be a party in the garden. The guests anticipated excitedly on the lawn, chatting and standing on tiptoes to see the closed doors of the hall. When they opened, the crowd cheered and popped confetti onto the newly-wed. Both were beaming and wearing the biggest smiles in their life. The groom had his hand on his bride's waist, and they kissed again.

Hermione watched and felt her eyes getting hot. The rain of confetti continued, like some endless colorful snow. She picked a blue one from her hair, and saw that it was in the shape of a star.

"Hermione!" Someone called. She looked up, startled, as a bunch of daisies landed into her hands. The guests cheered as Jan moved over and pulled her into a hug.

"I am so happy for you!" Hermione exclaimed into her cousin's ears, as if it was not obvious enough. "You are a grown-up now!"

"Oh, Piggy," Jan tightened the embrace. Both cried and laughed.

Hermione pulled away after a minute as the guests started to walk across the lawn to the other side of the garden, where tables were placed and food was served. "Your mascara's all smudged," she pointed out.

"And your nose's all red," Jan replied, not minding her make-up a bit. "Oh! Look at the flowers!"

Sure enough, the bunch of daisies did not survive the bone-crushing hug. Hermione chuckled and picked up a fallen petal from the front of her gown.

"The bride's bunch of flower signified blessings. It's very auspicious," Jan explained. "Your love life is about to look up." She winked.

Hermione laughed and brushed the comment off.

----------

Janica's father was Hermione's father's younger brother. When Jan and Hermione walked over, their parents were sharing a table. The fathers were discussing politics and golf and something equally boring. The mothers were talking about the decor of the party.

"Why Ada, I do think the hanging balloons' a great touch," Rachel Granger looked around at the balloons of assorted soft colors. Jan's mother, Adrian Granger, smiled appreciatively.

"I think so, it's actually Charles idea. That sweet boy, he knows what Janica likes," she replied, glancing at Jan's direction. Jan blushed.

"And the ribbons! How did you hang them in the trees?"

"Well, that's my idea, but I must not take all credits! Wayne helped me here. I don't believe you've met Wayne?"

It was not until then Hermione saw the other boy sitting together with them. He looked up from his book at the sound of his name, and his glasses slipped further down his nose.

"This is Wayne Brown. He's Charles buddy and his best man," Ada introduced as Wayne nodded curtly and returned to his book. Hermione remembered him- the boy sitting in front of her during the ceremony.

"Jan, my nephew came. Would you want to meet him?" Charles popped out of nowhere suddenly, "Oh hullo Mum, Dad," he added and smiled at Jan's parents. Ada returned the smile and pushed Jan.

"Go and be a good host, Janica," she instructed. Charles helped Janica to her feet and the couple left. The conversation resumed between the mothers, changing from the ribbons to the bouquets to the floating candles. Hermione placed an elbow onto the table, supporting her face with it. She listened with half a mind, while looking around wearing a bored expression.

The garden's beauty was beyond description. Hermione had not been to plenty of wedding parties, but she was sure this was the prettiest. White and violet ribbons were hung in trees, round tables were scattered over the lawn, each had a dish of floating candles on them. Balloons of various shapes and colors were everywhere. At the far end of the garden a long table was set up, on which scrumptious looking snacks and refreshments were served. Soft saxophone music was played in the background. Glamorous people walked up and down the aisles, talking in hushed voices.

Hermione could feel her eyes drooping. She had not slept much last night, thinking up traits of Severus that attracted her. It was harder than it sounded, and she did not make a very long list, unlike Jan...

"Ouch," something heavy dropped onto her toe and she sat up straight, wide awake. Her father looked over, eyes enquiring. She shook her head.

"Sorry," a voice apologized. She looked up and in teary eyes discovered it was Wayne, the quiet boy with thick glasses.

"It's okay," she lied. He bent down to pick up an encyclopedia-sized book.

"What book is that?" She asked, curious at the shear thickness of the book. He placed it onto the table.

"A Thousand Practical Experiments On Muggles Studies and The Theories Behind Them," Wayne whispered so that people around them could not hear. Hermione's eyes widened in interest. The only wizard she knew who was interested in Muggles was Mr. Weasley.

"Wow," she did not hide her astonishment. "You don't think Muggles are boring?"

"They are interesting enough," was his reply, and his eyes began to spark, not unlike Mr. Weasley in front of a plug.

"How old are you?" She wanted to know. A boy interested in Muggles Studies instead of Quidditch! She had not thought it possible.

"Nineteen. I graduated from Hogwarts two years ago. Am a Ravenclaw," he flashed her a smile. It was the first smile he showed that day to anyone, and it brightened up his young face incredibly. Hermione gasped at him. Nineteen? He looked like he was sixteen or something. He pushed his glasses back up and smiled at her again before returning to the book.

"Is it any good?" She interrupted his reading, partly out of interest and partly out of boredom. He looked up.

"It is great. Locks, for example. Muggles locked their things up with locks and opened them with keys. We wizards can seal by magic, but why do we still have locks? Is that an evidence of Muggle influence on the wizarding community?"

She nodded and relaxed as he did not seem offended by her disturbance.

"This book covers a lot of controversial subjects, like what is the purpose of the secrecy of the wizarding world?" He continued, flipping the pages. "Are Muggles influencing us, in however subtle ways? Are Muggles and wizards actually from the same root? If so, why can't they use magic?..."

----------

After an hour of heated discussion, the two of them got quite thirsty.

"I mean, what's the purpose of inventing computers? They've got books for information, mails for communication-"

"Because Muggles don't like anything without electricity," interjected Hermione, who held up a hand. "You know what? I think I will go grab a drink before we continue, why don't you go get us some sandwiches?"

"Ham?"

"Egg salad, please," she replied and stood up.

Her journey to the refreshment table was one of the longest in her life. For one thing, there were innumerous tables and people between her and the drinks. Her fragile shoes were also killing her. When her high heels contacted with the hard soil, she felt like she had not anything on and was walking bare feet. Finally she made it to the table, where goblets of golden champagne stood. She took two cautiously and began to make her way back.

I will never wear slippers again, she swore to herself. The damp grass tickled her sole, and as though that was not bad enough, she now needed to balance a full glass of champagne in each hand. Taking a rather abrupt turn, her left ankle twisted and she tripped forward, pouring the entire two glasses of drink onto a man.

"Oh no!" She cried, half from the reckless pain that flared from her ankle, half from plain embarrassment at the sight of a soggy white shirt. "I am sorry sir; I am n- PROFESSOR!"

It was indeed Severus Snape. He looked incredulously from the enlarging spot of champagne on his chest, to the girl who was standing oddly with two empty goblets in hand.

"What are you doing here?" They voiced simultaneously.

She muttered a spell under her breath and his shirt was clean again. It was funny, in a strange way, to see him in the middle of a sea of balloons and festive moods. And in a Muggle tuxedo, too. She mentally added to her list that she liked the way he looked in a tuxedo. He was also wearing a lilac wreath and a sulky expression.

"What are you doing here? Why aren't you in Hogsmeade with your, friends?" He repeated coldly, recovering from the initial shock.

"The bride, Janica? She's my cousin and I've got permission to come to this wedding," she replied and shifted to another foot, only when she did that her ankle screamed in pain. She gasped.

He watched as the girl gasped and a fleet look of pain passed her face. Something tugged his heart. He sneezed.

"What about you, sir? What are you doing here?" She could have left, and she probably should. But all that evasiveness- she was damn tired of it, and decided to drop it, at least until they were back in Hogwarts.

"Charles' my student," he replied shortly, and sneezed again.

She merely raised an eyebrow, questioning.

"He's also my- uncle," he closed his eyes, as if saying the word 'uncle' hurt him a lot.

She let out a giggle, but quickly stifled it seeing his threatening glare. She continued giggling in her head though, and reminded herself to add this to the list. "Merlin! So you're the nephew Charles' talking about?"

"He called me what? He called me what?" His voice was pulled up a pitch.

"His nephew. Say, how can he be your uncle, when he's what, ten years younger than you?" She wanted to laugh, it had to be the funniest thing she ever heard.

"Stop poking your Griffindor nose into my business," he hissed, suddenly furious. Who did she think she was, jumping out like this and throwing him questions?

Her smile disappeared like a rainbow in the sun. "Why, I am sorry, professor!" With that she turned her heels and began to leave, heart bleeding. But she could not really turn her heels, spraining an ankle and all, so the second she did so her whole body fell forwards. As the grassy lawn rushed up to meet her, she was suddenly yanked by a pair of strong hands.

"Hey you alright? I have been looking all over for you," Wayne helped her to her feet. She winced. "Your ankle's hurt?" She nodded.

"C'mon," he dragged her arm over his shoulder and heaved. He looked much taller and stronger than he was when not sitting by the table, burying himself into a book. Together they returned to their table slowly.

----------

Severus watched as the pair walked away, and felt another sneeze coming. It was not entirely his fault that she had sprained her ankle, but somehow he felt responsible. When she tripped he had wanted to reach out and save her, but that boy with glasses beat him to it. He strode back to his own seat.

It was a boring party. But then, he was never crazy about parties. He would not have came if not for Charles owling him every two days. That boy, his uncle, could be a real pain sometimes. He tapped his fingers on the table in a way that he knew would get on someone else's nerves. No one would join him anyways. Sure, this Muggle clothing was no where near intimidating compared to his robes, and the wreath certainly took off some of his menace, but his scowl alone would be more than enough. There weren't many who did not flee from him, like gazelles from the sight of a cheetah. Charles' bride was an exception, he thought with a frown. She looked positively surprised to meet such an old 'nephew', but when she knew his name she laughed and shook his hand.

There was another exception, he thought darkly, eyes darting towards Granger. He almost did not recognize her. Her hair was straight for a change, and it was pulled back idly into a ponytail. Instead of her usual black or red school robes, she was wearing a long pearl dress. The white wreath she had around her neck made her look pinker in the face than usual. But that was probably because of that boy, a sudden sour though crossed his mind. She was talking with that skinny boy who had thick glasses that covered half of his face. He looked familiar, perhaps a past student?

How could he not notice such a disgusting past student? He would have given him detentions that he would never forget, ones that keep visiting him in his worse nightmares. Or he would have kicked him out of school. Such a pervert! Why didn't Dumbledore notify him of such a perverted student? His arm is hanging on Granger. His whole body's hanging on Granger! And that stupid Griffindor that called herself the brightest witch of the century. Had she no alertness? He's harassing her and all she do is laugh, for goodness sakes!

Severus marveled at his own self-control. Several times the bubbling rage nearly boiled over, and he had wanted to walk over and yank her out of his hands, or to hex him into hell. But he managed to stay where he was, doing nothing but sulk. The following hours turned into the longest in his life, a torment that he could not escape from, for no matter how he tried, his eyes would look up from the bouquets to the chatting pair. He shouted and stormed in his head, but no, the voice of reasoning had gone.

Coward! That's what you are! He would snarl. A big stinky coward!

He did not pay attention to the sky as it melted from blue to orange. He did not pay attention to the music and the food and the meaningless racket people were making around him. He did downed a lot of champagne though. As the night crept near, the candles shone on people's faces. He watched the dancing flame pensively. He could no longer make out the faces next to him, let alone a girl's fifty feet away.

The party would end. Soon. It was only with this thought that he managed to survive through it. And he could go back to his dungeons, his peaceful dungeons, free from annoying parties and perverts and girls. Especially annoying Griffindors.

----------

It was a very enjoyable party for Hermione. Despite her injury, everything went fine. Wayne was not only nice, but he was full of wit and humor, which made him a perfect company. They talked about Muggles, their families, their future plans, everything. She was so happy she nearly forgot to leave.

"Oh, what I wouldn't give to talk with you more," Hermione said when the party was over.

"There's always another time," Wayne patted her shoulder. "Owl me whenever you like."

They hugged and Wayne left to help clean up the garden. Hermione sighed.

"Hermione," her mother said. "Go and say goodbye to Janica and Charles. Thank them for their invitation."

"Hurry up, we need to catch the bus," her father added. She obliged without another word.

After many goodbyes and hugs, the Grangers left the mansion. The night was getting cold, and Hermione cuddled closer to her father while they waited beside the road.

"Mum, I can really go to the Leaky Cauldron myself," Hermione repeated for the third time of the night, in a slightly exasperated tone. Her mother shook her head again. "Look, it's getting late and you should really go home earlier."

"You know, she's right dear," Samuel Granger said to his wife. "We do need to work tomorrow. The appointments, remember?"

"I am not letting my lil' girl on a bus late at night alone!" Rachel Granger replied shrilly.

"Excuse me, but maybe I can help," a silky voice appeared and the three of them jumped.

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"Excuse me," he did not know what he was doing. "But maybe I can help." Help? Help what? Babysitting a Griffindor?

"Who are you?" The man, whom he assumed to be Granger's father, spoke.

"I am teaching in Hogwarts," he explained, though his mind was screaming at him to forget it. "I can bring Miss Granger back."

The woman, who must be Granger's mother, looked at her daughter and asked, "Hermione, is this true?"

The Griffindor nodded silently, pursing her lips. Unappreciative brat.

"Well, in that case, thank you very much Mr-" Mr. Granger said with a slight bow.

"Snape," Severus answered emotionlessly.

"Thank you Mr. Snape," Mrs. Granger nodded and turned to the girl. "That settles, Hermione. You are going back with your professor."

"What? Mommy-"

"Be good, sweetie," her mother swooped down and hugged her before kissing her on the forehead.

"Mommy! You c-"

"Don't read more than four hours a day, apple pie," her father pulled her into his arms and kissed her too. "And write to us often!"

"Dad!" He could see Granger getting desperate now, and felt strangely gratified.

"Bye bye, Hermione," the parents smiled at their daughter and left.

The two of them stood beside the road, a foot apart. He tucked his hands uncomfortably into his pockets. What was he thinking? He could have apparated to any Floo-connected fireplace, but now he had to wait for a bloody bus with a Griffindor. What was worse- she was pouting. He wanted to smack himself in the head.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw that she was shivering. That thin dress of hers- another steely evidence that she had no alertness. Now he wanted to smack her in the head too. Fortunately, the bus chose this exact moment to arrive. He started to board when he saw that she was not following. Frowning, he extended his hand.

She shoved it away. Stiffly, she edged towards the stairs, dragging her bad ankle with her. He stood and watched her struggled onto the bus before boarding himself.

The bus was empty. No one else was on it except the driver, who was swaying to some music heard only by himself. A pale blue light glowed from a single long bulb, casting an eerie glow in the cabin. He sat in the last row, leaning against the window. She sat quietly beside him. It was not much different from the Knight Bus, he noted, only less bumpy. That did not prevent his head hitting the window now and then.

She was so quiet, like they were in one of his detentions. She was probably mad at him for doing this. Why wouldn't she? He was pretty mad at himself. But for reasons unbeknownst to himself, he felt the need to do it, to protect her. It was an instinct of a teacher, he concluded, to protect a student. He could not possibly let a female student return to school alone, could he?

It was a long ride. A long, boring, winding ride. The air in the bus was stuffy. He suppressed a sneeze, and looked around. Was there any way that this window would open? There was this silver handle. It wouldn't hurt to try...

----------

Hermione wanted to give him a swift kick on the shin right there and then. How dare he! And she could not believe her parents left her just like this. It was all his bloody fault!

She was cold and wished she had brought along a coat. She could ask for his of course, he at least owed her warmth. But she could not bring herself to it. He was probably still mad at her nosiness this afternoon and would bite her head off if she spoke again. He did offer to help her on the bus, but that was a phony act. She could see right through it, he was trying to make her feel weak and inferior.

Grrrrrrr. She growled inwardly. The bus was eerie, but she was more angry than scared. Her ankle hurts. It must have swelled up like an egg now. She slumped into the seat. Even the seat was stinky. He was next to her alright, but all she wanted to do now was to punch him. She slowly balled her fists-

Suddenly the emergency door flew open and a tiny bell went off. Severus, who was leaning against the window, fell through it promptly.

"Nooooo!" She grabbed his hand- she barely caught it- and pulled with all her might. She never knew she could be this powerful. Her fingers entwined with his and up he sat again, and she closed the door. The bell stopped.

The driver did not even give them a glance.

"Are you committing suicide? Or are you illiterate? Is that it, illiteracy?" She wanted to scream but it came out more like a moan. Droplets of sweat were forming on her brows. " 'Do not push handle unless in case of emergency', can't you read?"

He did not say anything. One minute he was sitting there playing with the handle out of boredom, the next minute he was facing a rushing gravel road. It was not a pleasant memory, one that he would not forget soon.

He had not let go of her hand. She looked at their hands and felt hers sweating as well. Suddenly the insanity of the whole incident hit, and a fit of giggles overtook her.

"It's not funny," he rolled his eyes and said, slightly out of breath.

"Come on, you know it is," she giggled some more.

"Okay, so it was pretty insane," he admitted grudgingly, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

"I bet Wayne would have more common sense than you," she said between giggles, and immediately wished she had not. He let go of her hand and turned to the window again.

They sat in silence for another three minutes before Severus broke it with a sneeze.

"You should not wear this," Hermione whispered, taking the lilac wreath from him. He did not object, but sneezed once more. She handed him a tissue.

"Charles gave it to- to- accchoo! Me," he cleaned his nose with the piece of tissue.

"Your allergic to lilac," she stated simply, and put away the withering wreath.

The bus' engine roared, and they fell silent again. His shoulder accidentally bumped into hers.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Hey, my cousin married your uncle," she said in a pathetic attempt to start a conversation.

"Yeah."

"Does that- make us related or something?"

"Not in the faintest sense!" He replied, sounding genuinely terrified of the idea.

"Gee, that's comforting," she retorted, trying to sound sarcastic. Only that she really was happy that they were not related.

"My grandfather married another woman after my grandmother died. The woman gave birth to Charles. That made him my mother's brother, though a lot younger. Therefore he's my uncle," he explained without knowing why he was doing so.

Hermione listened carefully. He was talking about himself, something about his past. She used to wonder whether he had a past or not- he was so tight-mouthed about it. She liked the way he talked about his past- another item to add onto the growing list.

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He offered his hand to her again when they were getting off the bus. This time, Hermione took it and walked as graciously as possible. He smirked. Typical Griffindors.

They flooed together on account of her injury. She clung to him and this somehow lessened the nauseating feeling of flooing. However, this seemed to distract Severus a bit and they got out of a wrong fireplace in Hogsmeade, which meant they had to walk. She groaned when she heard this.

But soon she quitted complaining. The night was beautiful, as cool wind shuffled through leaves and stars hung from the sky like lamps. The moon seemed to be bigger than usual. She and Severus walked in a speed so slow that a snail could have beaten them in a running contest. She was holding his arm and grasping it tightly every other step. Finally she could not walk anymore.

"Maybe I will just crawl back school," she said in a pitiful voice. Severus frowned at the small figure on the ground.

"Walk now, it's only five more minutes," he ordered but she did not budge.

"See you tomorrow sir, I will be at the gate by tomorrow if I crawl really fast," she continued in that pleading voice of hers.

Without another word he picked her up, not gently, but he made sure that she was safe in his arms. "You will be paying for this."

"Pay?" She was getting drowsy immediately. His scent seemed to be hypnotizing.

"Detentions," he looked down and scowled when he found that she had snuggled against his chest and closed her eyes. He then sighed and quickened his pace.

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They arrived Hogwarts and Severus headed towards the Griffindor tower without anyone seeing him. He stopped at the Fat Lady's portrait.

"Password, Miss Granger?"

"Hmmmmmm?" She buried her face into his robes.

"The password for your dormitory, Miss," he shook her. She seemed to take his arms as her dorm.

"Fluffy marshmallows," she groaned.

The portrait swung open, revealing a hole of an entrance. Severus put her down, his hands numb.

"Here you are Miss Granger, goodnight."

"Goodnight," she said groggily, and placed her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He was too startled to react. She kissed him on the cheek. "I still like you."

With that she disappeared into the common room. Severus stood outside the Griffindor dormitory, touching the spot where she had just kissed. The Fat Lady sniggered as he strode down the hallway.

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A/N: THE NEXT CHAPPIE WILL BE THE END AND IT WILL HAVE PLENTY OF DRUGS IN IT!!!!

Not really. But I have to get your attention somehow. Please would you all go and read my story Tangling Dilemma? It is not getting as much reviews as I hoped. I thought it was a pretty neat story! Please, I am on my knees... Please tell me what you think.....

Bet none of you see that coming, eh? Sevvie having a family and all? Haha. The element of surprise! I loved giving surprises!

Anonymous reviewers, leave your email so I can notify you of updates! I have also started to fix my past chapters. Just a typo here and there...