Severus and Hermione were both sitting in Dumbledore's office. The usual jolly old man, was looking at them with sour eyes.

Hermione was analyzing the situation with calculating eyes. She was ready to whatever would come.

Severus on the other hand, had a cold composure, but was stressing inside. What if I get sacked?

Finally Dumbledore spoke.

"- Could you explain me what you were just doing?"

Severus was just about to answer, when Hermione said with a self assured voice that was somehow quivering,

"- We were sillying around."

Dumbledore raised his eyebrow?

«- Sillyng around? With Severus Snape?"

"- Well, yes. We were having an argument...

"- ...about Polyjuice potion. She assured me she had made the potion once. It is a very complicated potion and I was denying it. She allowed me to legimens her just in order to prove me I was wrong. When I was about to legimens her, she started to run around, and I was so curious that I had to know the truth. I jumped on her and you intervent."

"- So... nothing romantically...?"

"Good heavens no! She's my student."

«Professor Dumbledore, I admire professor Snape very much, but to...?"

Dumbledore looked at both of them. Both told the truth. Either that or both were extremely good actors.

Severus wasn't just any man if he could spy to the order. He was a born actor. But Dumbledore thought to know him so well, that he was sure he wasn't lying.

Hermione was a brilliant student, but her reaction had been so strong that she could only have been telling the truth. Or Hermione had hidden qualities.

All in all, Dumbledore believed them and dismissed Hermione. Even if they had told the truth in his eyes he had to talk with Severus.

As soon a Hermione was again in her rooms, Dumbledore sighed deeply. Severus wondered what will happen now.

"- Severus. . . I've noticed that Miss Granger and you, have become, somehow close, . . . "

Severus nodded and swallowed.

"- As you know, her parents are muggles, and they can't protect her too well. And since Miss Granger and you share the same blood, you could protect her through your shared blood. Severus, I'm asking you to protect her."

Severus was looking at the man in front of him with wide open eyes.

Did he just give me the permission of seducing Hermione?

"- No, no Severus, I do not expect you to share your dormitories with her. I think you have a common interest, fencing, am I right? I give you the permission to see her whenever you believe you should check after her."

Severus was still dumb stock.

«- See her as your protégée. But you know the House rules, Severus, no sex with the students. Not that I believe it would happen."

Severus eyes widened and started unbelievingly at the headmaster.

° What did he just say? Me not capable of having sex with one of my students? That I would not be desired by one my students? Ha! °