Keep in mind; to explain the present, I have to also tell the past, almost writing two stories instead of just one. I don't want to reveal all of the past at once and give everything away as that would defeat the point of my story. The progression of their pasts correlates with what is happening in their present and I try to write in such a way so that readers will understand the awkwardness and hesitancy and confusion of their present day situation. I hope that makes sense. LOL

Also forgive my sporadic grammar issues…uploading and saving seems to have thrown some quirk in that I can't quite figure out. My original does not have these quirks. A bug maybe?

Just a couple notes to selected reviewers…Thank you to everyone who has left me a few words... I will be sending a quick email to those who have it accessible!

"hime to werewolf" – Thank you for the names. I do believe there are a few I can insert into Chapter One. I did searches but couldn't find their names. And I know there's not supposed to be any other heir, and technically Severus isn't without any legal record, but don't worry. It isn't a big factor in my story so you can feel free to read without it getting under your skin again. As for the '3rd party reminiscing', even though Hermione, or someone else, may be doing the reminiscing, I try to write it as the rest of the story so the reader gets a complete picture of what is happening or what has happened, on both sides.

"katy belle" – So sorry to hear you're tired. yawn Off to bed with you then and leave the rest of us so we can enjoy the progression of the story.


"Professor Granger," Albus greeted when he opened his office door. "Please come in. I was expecting you."

"Expecting me?"

Albus smiled with the all-knowing look he'd given her many times before. "I believe you have something on your mind," he said, sitting down behind his large desk.

She smiled as she sat then. "Does anything happen here that you are not aware of?" she asked curiously.

He blinked slowly. "Not particularly," he answered.

He'd always amazed her with is capabilities. "Albus, I've had a rather confusing…encounter…with another teacher," she began. "I didn't know who else to go to."

"You were correct in coming to me, as usual," he said, elbows on his desk, touching his fingertips together lightly. "Am I correct to assume this…encounter…was with Milinda?"

Hermione nodded.

"What happened?"

"Well, she has acted rather strange ever since I arrived," she answered. "And I brushed it off until yesterday. She was waiting for me before class and said something that I didn't understand."

"What was that?"

"She told me that 'eyes are the windows into a sea of memories' and that I might want to watch myself," she told him. "I don't know how to take what she said."

Albus was nodding as he folded his hands on top of the desk. "Apparently I will need to have another talk with Milinda," he said, shaking his head slightly. "I had hoped we were past this."

"Past what?"

"She has the same capability as Severus but unfortunately not the same ethics," Albus answered. "She can read minds and chooses to quite often."

That was not what Hermione was expecting. "I didn't think that was allowed," she said.

Albus smiled, lpeering over his glasses. "There are many things that have been done at Hogwarts that were not allowed," he said simply.

Fighting the blush that threatened to color her face, she asked, "Can't I block her somehow? Isn't that what Harry learned to do?"

"Yes, he did."

"So can I learn too?"

"Yes you can."

"Who will teach me?"

"The same who taught Harry," he answered. "Severus."

Hermione swallowed, staring at Albus briefly. "No one else can do it?" she asked.

"Is there a particular reason why you do not want him to teach you? He's the best."

"No, Albus," she answered knowing he probably knew she was lying. "No reason." She looked down at her hands and back up at him. "Could you…ask him about it please? I'd feel a little uncomfortable since it's…Milinda I'm needing to block."

Albus smiled at the young woman. "Certainly," he answered.


"So how are your NEWTS revisions going with Severus?" Primrose asked quietly as they sat together in the lounge area of the library. Snow had covered the grounds making it impossible to sit in their usual garden area.

"It's coming along," she answered. "It's tedious work, pouring over hundreds of books, each of us throwing out ideas and having to take the time to research and then comparing everything with the Ministry's regulations." She shrugged. "I like it though. Albus always knows who to give certain projects to."

"Isn't it difficult working with him though?" she asked. "I mean, doesn't he get on your nerves?"

Hermione smiled. "No, I'm quite used to working with him," she answered. "We collaborated on numerous projects my last couple years here. I guess he just takes some getting used to."

Primrose shook her head in disbelief how anyone would be able to spend so much time with the rude and cynical professor. "You're a better person than I," she told Hermione.


"Professor Granger!" Chloe called out, as the teacher stopped to wait for her in the hall. "Are you going to Hogsmeade this weekend? Everyone's going!"

Hermione smiled. "I haven't been there in ages," she said, realizing it was nearing the holidays and time for a trip. "I think I just might."

"Want to go with us on the train?" Chloe asked.

Remembering the secret way over, Hermione said, "I'm sure you'll see me there."

Snow was lightly falling making Hermione even more grateful she knew a different way over. The tunnel looked like it hadn't been used in years, as she had to brush cobwebs from her path as she walked. Maybe I will take the train back after all, she thought, trying to shake a sticky web from her fingers.

Walking about Hogsmeade filled Hermione with happy memories. Harry, Ron and she had numerous trips here, getting their fill on butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks and candy from Honeydukes Sweetshop or meeting Ron's brothers, Fred and George, at Zonko's joke shop for the latest trick to play on everyone. She remembered Harry covered in his invisibility cloak playing the joke on Draco at the Shrieking Shack that sent him running off scared and laughed at her memory.

When she walked into The Three Broomsticks, immediately she heard, "Professor Granger!"

It was Wil at a table with Chloe and a handful of other students. She waved, walking up to the bar. "Butterbeer please," she answered, quite happy to have another hot mug of it in her hands. She walked over and joined the group of students at the table.

"And how is everyone enjoying their first trip to Hogsmeade?" she asked her first years, sipping the warmth and sweetness she'd missed for too long.

"This place is amazing," Chloe answered enthusiastically.

"It's great," Wil said. "Have you been to Honeydukes? I've never seen so much candy!"

"I can't wait to come back," Peter Peterson told her. "I need more knutes for Zonko's."

Hermione smiled. "You be careful," she warned. "Make sure you don't get caught with anything at Hogwarts."

"Professor, can I ask you something?" Chloe said, not sure if she should.

"Of course."

"I'm having a tough time in my potions class," she confided. "And…well…I don't think Professor Snape likes me much."

Hermione stifled a laugh.

"I don't think he likes anyone," Wil added. "He's pretty rude to all of us, well, except for the Slytherin students."

Knowing she had to choose her words carefully, Hermione said, "Don't be quick to judge. Not all of us have had easy lives. You wouldn't like it if he judged you, right?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Try not to let it bother you," she suggested. "But if you ever see something you think terribly unfair, you let me know." They nodded and agreed. "Now what about your other classes?"

Hermione must have sat with the students a couple hours, downing three mugs of butterbeer before leaving the Three Broomsticks. She enjoyed talking with them, finding much of their problems the same ones she had faced with her friends. Some things didn't change.

She'd stopped by Honeydukes on her way to the Shrieking Shack and purchased a few bars of chocolate and a small bag of honey-colored toffees, happy that she'd decided to visit Hogsmeade.

As she approached the shack, it was empty and vacant, as usual.

Hermione walked up the hill and stepped inside. Everything was the same as she remembered it, except for a few more webs and more dust. She inhaled the musty scent and smiled, remembering when Harry learned Sirius was his godfather. Boy what a day that was, she thought with a chuckle.

She walked to a window and looked back down at Hogsmeade, watching the crowd mill about. She hadn't realized until she returned and visited her old haunts just how much she had missed everything and everyone. She told herself that she must not wait another seven years to visit, not knowing how long she would be teaching.

Footsteps startled her and she whipped around with a gasp, heart pounding, half expecting to see a ghost but noticing Severus standing in the doorway instead.

Hand to her chest, Hermione exclaimed, "You scared the bloody hell out of me!"

With a smirk, Severus said, "I didn't mean to."

"Sure," she said, not believing him, still trying to calm her rapid heartbeat. "What are you doing here?"

Seriousness returned to his face when he asked, "Why didn't you come to me?"

Scowling, she asked, "For what?"

"Why didn't you tell me what Milinda said to you instead of going to Albus?" he asked, joining her at the window.

Oh that, she thought with slight disappointment. "I was hoping he could help me."

"You know that he refers everyone to me for that," he reminded her. "Lest we forget dear Potter?"

"No I didn't forget," she said, looking back out the window. "I just thought it would be…better since it was Milinda…that said it."

She heard him sigh but didn't look at him.

"Why are you questioning why I didn't come to you anyway?" she threw back at him.

There was silence and for a moment she thought he wasn't going to answer her.

"Because I thought you would choose to," he finally said.

Hermione turned to look at Severus who was staring out of the window. "I'm sorry," she apologized, not knowing what else to say. Memories of the hours spent in the room with him flooded her mind. "Do you remember all the times we spent here?" she asked, still looking at him.

He faced her then with gentleness in his eyes and answered, "Yes."

During sixth year, Severus and Hermione met every couple weeks in the Shrieking Shack. It began as a project location that Albus had requested because of the nature of ingredients and the potion itself but ended up being a refuge for Severus and Hermione to escape to, knowing they would never be bothered. They received strange looks from others as they were often seen in the halls discussing the latest idea one of them had or arranging for their next meeting and found solace in getting away from everyone.

Sometimes they were quiet, reading or studying, and other times they shared stories of their pasts, a friendship developing between them. Severus always called her by her first name now when it was just them, Hermione thankful she didn't have to continue that argument from the year before, and he smiled often which made her happy, even though once back at Hogwarts the frown returned. She understood, though, so it didn't bother her.

It was spring and everything was beautiful. The sky was a deep clear blue, the grass was a bright green and the budding flowers nearly sang with happiness in the warmth of the blazing sun. Hermione stood at the window, amazed at the nature before her.

"It's breathtaking," she observed, shaking her head. "Absolutely breathtaking."

Severus stood behind her at the window. "I've never paid attention," he told her truthfully.

"Look," she said. "There's not one cloud in the sky. All the colors are so bright and vivid. The flowers are blooming with bees buzzing about. Even the birds and butterflies are out."

"I trust this isn't going to end up a 'birds and bees' talk," Severus teased.

Hermione laughed, wishing others could see his sense of humor. "I highly doubt that's a talk you need to have anyway," she told him dryly, glancing back at him. "But it is the time for romance it seems. All the animals are out of hibernation and running around, as are the human ones."

She heard Severus chuckle behind her and was instantly aware of just how close he was.

"The human ones?" she heard him say, mocking her.

"Yes," she confirmed. "There's something about this time of year that brings people together for some reason."

"Wonder why that is?" he asked. "Has it brought you together with anyone?"

She felt her heart pound a bit harder. "Well, in the past there were a couple crushes that developed during this time," she answered casually.

"And what about now?"

Hermione was quiet for a minute, knowing what she wanted to say but not sure if he was open to her thoughts. "I'm not sure I can answer that," she told him truthfully.

"I thought you could tell me just about anything," he remembered.

"I can…usually."

"There's no one here but us," he said quietly, voice deep.

Hermione felt his finger barely touch the outside of her hand as it hung by her side, slowly tracing circles on her skin, sending electricity through her that nearly froze her where she stood. This is wrong, she tried to convince herself.

"Is it?" Severus asked, choosing to open his mind briefly, curious about her hesitance.

She smiled slightly. "Reading my thoughts now are you?" she asked, still acutely aware of his finger touching her hand.

"Just for a moment," he answered, discovering how soft her skin was. "So is it?"

"What?"

"Wrong."

Hermione suddenly found herself not caring about rules for the first time in her life. Having always been the one to insist that rules be followed, never dreaming of going against any, it felt a little odd to willingly go against this unspoken one. But it felt more right than anything.

"No it's not," she said quietly. "Not to me."

She felt his fingers glide from the front of her hand to the inside of her palm before his hand slipped into hers and gently squeezed. Turning her head slightly, she glanced up at Severus with a nervous smile, before looking out the window again. This was dangerous and she knew it. But when he wrapped their arms around the front of her waist, fingers still entwined, she leaned back against him without much thought, feeling his chin gently rest on the side of her head, and was happier than she had ever been.

Spring would remain her favorite season.

"I never forget," Severus told her, reaching for her hand as it hung by her side, giving in to his desire to touch her having fought it since her arrival, caressing her skin and squeezing gently before letting go. "I must return to Hogwarts."

"I'll go with you," she said quickly as he was halfway to the door.

He turned to look at her, wishing he could allow it. "That would not be a good idea," he told her and left.

Turning back to the window, Hermione sighed. This was going to drive her mad. Just what exactly was going on with him and Milinda? And better yet, what was going on with them?


"Severus, I'm trying!" Hermione exclaimed in frustration.

"No you're not!" he returned. "Now force yourself to clear your mind. You can do this. Keep me out."

With another sigh, Hermione did her best to force Severus out when he invaded her mind but found herself feeling dizzy and lightheaded each time they tried.

"Try harder!"

"Don't yell at me!"

He bit his tongue, forcing himself to calm down. He couldn't handle Milinda discovering any more of her thoughts. It was imperative to both of them she learn how to do this.

"Hermione," he said quieter. "You must learn to do this. It is of the utmost importance."

"I know," she said. "I'm trying, I swear."

"Again," he said.

And again, Hermione was dizzy. "Dammit," she muttered, rubbing her temples.

They'd been at this for an hour with little improvement. He tried to tell himself that it had taken Harry a number of tries so it would with her as well.

"I'm sorry," she said, gathering her things and leaving visibly frustrated.

He watched in silence as she left his classroom, wanting to say something to her, but not sure what.

Dammit, he thought.


The week before Christmas break was a busy one for everyone at Hogwarts. Students were busy finishing finals that their teachers had previously been busy preparing. Many members of faculty and students were making preparations to go home for the holidays while the house elves were putting together the Christmas Feast.

The final Quidditch game of the first semester was Thursday, the day before the feast. Hermione attended with Sybil and Primrose, enjoying watching one of her favorite games even though she wasn't familiar with the students anymore. She remembered the many victories Harry had won for Gryffindor and momentarily found herself wishing it was eight or nine years ago.

Slytherin won the game, beating Hufflepuff 194 to 72. Hermione refused to even look the direction of the Slytherin stands. She was extremely uncomfortable with just the thought of seeing Milinda, much less the prospect of having her thoughts read, given the constant content. Severus and she hadn't made much progress in helping her close her mind and didn't want to take a chance of Milinda finding out anything. She was afraid she already knew too much anyway.

The Christmas Feast provided delicious food and good company. Hermione sat by Pomona and Minerva and enjoyed catching up with them.

"Hermione, I must say I think you're doing a wonderful job with your class," Minerva complimented her. "Of course I expected no less."

She smiled at the compliment. "Thank you," she said. "I spent weeks preparing the lesson plan. I've thought of getting with Severus about combining a class to practice sparring. You remember when Lockhart tried it?"

Minerva laughed.

"I, of course, will have it much more structured," Hermione continued. "But I thought it good for the class to apply what they've learned."

"Sounds good to me," Minerva told her. "Should you need any assistance, just let me know."

Facing Pomona, Hermione asked, "What happened to the mandrakes? I heard the Ministry wouldn't allow them in classes anymore." She remembered the shrill cry of the baby mandrakes when she'd learned how to repot them second year.

"You heard correct I'm afraid," the portly woman with curly gray hair said, shaking her head. "They said there was no need to study the replanting, that it was more relevant to study the mandrake properties. I tried to argue with them that if they landed in idle hands with no proper teaching, death could occur. But, alas, they didn't listen."

"You teach proper handling in the properties class though right?"

"Oh most definitely," Pomona answered. "It just helps you learn when you get to actually see and experience for yourself."

"I agree," she said. "I'm hoping the sparring classes will provide that for my students. It's one thing to know intellectually how to disarm a spell but something completely different when you actually have to do it."

Something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention and turned her head to look down the table, seeing a volatile Milinda in a heated discussion with Severus. What had caught her attention were her arms flailing about, obviously quite passionate about whatever point she was trying to make. Hermione had never seen such a display of anger and was immediately concerned.

"There they go again," Pomona said paying them little attention. "Such an embarrassing display if you ask me."

Hermione said nothing but knew whatever was happening was not good.


Since Hogwarts was always quiet over the holidays with most everyone gone, Hermione took advantage of the time to revamp her second semester syllabus and do a bit of light reading that she had attempted the past few months. Meals were unusually quiet as there were only a handful of students, Albus, Pomona and herself.

Hermione had assumed Severus would remain but she did not see him. She wondered if he'd gone somewhere with Milinda and thought how strange that concept seemed to her, especially since they'd been in a heated argument about something the last time she'd seen them. She tried telling herself it was none of her business, but kept thinking that it was.

Christmas morning brought a surprise as it always had but Hermione thought for sure now that she was a teacher, things would be different. When she awoke, four presents were sitting on her desk.

The first she opened was from Albus. It was a copy of the book that had been written by him about her. Attached was the message… "I know you have read this but thought you should have your own copy as it is your story. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful subject to write about".

The second was from Primrose and was a muggle toy artifact that she hadn't seen in years but remembered having as a small child. She thought back to the conversation where she had mentioned to Primrose that she wished she still had it. The card said, "One of my favorite muggle toys…the Slinky! Enjoy dear friend. Happy Christmas."

The third was from a group of her students. "Oh how thoughtful," she said out loud when she saw the small box full of candy from Honeydukes with a pouch of coins. A note inside read..."Have a few butterbeers on us!"

The last one had no name but when she tore off the paper and opened the small box, she knew exactly who it was from. She took the silver chain in her hands, lifting up the pendant that was inside.

"Oh my god," she said, emotion finding her quickly, tears welling up in her eyes, a hand covering her mouth in surprise.

It was the protection pendant he had given her at the end of sixth year that she'd worn all summer and the following school year hidden underneath her clothes, always feeling the cool metal against her skin.

"When are you leaving?" he asked, having never dreaded summer as he did now. Three months without spending time with Hermione seemed impossible.

"Tomorrow morning," she answered as they sat in his office, she on the edge of his desk with him in front of her, her hands in his, their eyes seeing only the other. She wanted to stay but knew she couldn't as she was scheduled to travel to four countries over the summer on assignment for the Order.

"I have something for you," he said, pulling her from the desk. "Follow me."

She followed him into his personal chamber, curious as to what he was getting, watching as he pulled a piece of jewelry from a box by his bed.

"I want you to wear this," he said, holding the silver pendant for her to see. "My mother put this on me when I was sent to the orphanage. It's all I have of hers. She cast a protection spell over it for whomever should wear it."

Hermione was stunned. "But it's your mother's," she protested. "I can't wear it."

Severus allowed her to see what affection he felt for her in his eyes when he unhooked the clasp and fastened it around her neck. "Please wear it," he said. "If for nothing else than to remember our times together while you travel."

Not wanting to offend him, Hermione accepted the gift. "Thank you so much, Severus," she said, quickly hugging him. When she released her hold, their eyes met in question.

He led her by the hand over to the large window on the other side of his bedchamber, knowing there was a full moon and how she loved to gaze at the grounds covered in the ghostly light.

"Oh how beautiful," she breathed, seeing the large white moon glowing in the dark sky. She rested her head back against him, covering his arms around her waist with her own, comfortable in the intimate space. "Do I really have to go?"

"I'm afraid so," he said, hardly able to believe he was holding her in this manner, yet thinking it was the most natural thing in the world. The past two years had brought them closer than they'd been with anyone, especially for him who never let anyone get close. She was seventeen and not a child anymore, not that her mind had ever been childlike. He had more respect and concern for her than he thought he was capable of. And they both were taking the biggest chance of all by allowing their closeness to continue knowing neither wanted to stop it.

After a few quiet moments, Hermione turned around in his arms to face him.

Severus found himself staring into the questioning brown eyes, wondering if she saw the same in his. He smiled slightly, allowing his mind to open just for a moment, only to confirm what he already knew. He lifted his hands to her smooth face, fingertips lightly grazing her jaw line while his thumbs caressed her cheeks, tilting her head, lifting her lips towards his. Eyes were locked until the last moment before lips touched apprehensively at first, then crushed together with certainty.

Lips pressing and gently pulling, Severus slipped his tongue inside her mouth when her lips parted, tentatively exploring, passion steadily growing as her head tilted the other way for better access, mouths locked in a wet battle of wills. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him to her as his found her waist, lips never breaking their long awaited union.

Finally Hermione pulled back, looking up at Severus. "I don't want to go," she whispered.

"Then stay."

"I can't. You know I…"

"No. I mean stay with me…tonight."

Feeling herself retreat, Hermione said, "I…I don't think I'm ready… for that…just yet."

"Hermione, we don't have to…fully consummate this tonight," he reassured her. "You can stay. We can still…be together." He took her hands, walking backwards to the bed. "I wouldn't hurt you."

She smiled. "I know."

He sat on the edge of his bed and waited for an answer from her, not wanting to push.

She looked into his dark eyes that were pleading with her to stay. "You realize how much trouble we would be in if…"

"We both know it's too late anyway."

Hermione tried to make herself go, tried to convince herself she shouldn't stay but found herself sitting beside of Severus. "Okay," she said. "I'll stay." She looked down at her school clothes. "Umm…I need something to sleep in though."

He left the bed, walking over to his closet and pulling out a black button down shirt. "Here," he said, handing it to her. "Change in the washroom."

"Thank you," she said, taking the shirt and heading down the short hall. As she changed, she realized she was quite nervous at the thought of getting in bed with him. She'd never been in bed with anyone before. If she was honest with herself though, she was happy Severus was the first.

When she emerged, the room was dark except for a 'forever lit' candle on the nightstand. She smiled anxiously when she saw Severus in bed wearing black silk bedclothes.

Staring at her as she walked around the large bed to the other side, he said, "That shirt never looked that good on me."

Slipping under the sheet quickly, Hermione shot him a look. "Stop," she said. "I'm uptight enough as it is."

"Why are you uptight?"

"Severus, I've never been in bed with a man before."

"Never?"

"My nose has been a book for six years. When was there time?"

She had a point. "I thought maybe you and Potter…" he trailed off.

Feeling the warmth of his body beside hers, she answered, "No. He's a dear friend but we're not like that."

They lay on their sides, legs touching, the candle providing a soft glow that cascaded over them. Severus lightly caressed her cheek, smiling at her. "I'm glad you stayed."

"Me too," she said, moving closer to him.

Fingers entwining in her wavy hair, he pulled her close for another kiss, warning himself to behave but instead gently pushing her back to the bed, covering her body with his, feeling her hands on his back, having imagined a moment like this hundreds of times. It had been a long time since he'd been like this with a woman.

There was little clothing between them as Hermione felt his body on hers, feeling every part of him pressing against her, amazed at how wonderful it was to be held in his arms. Afterhe movedthe pendant out of the way, she felt his lips trail their way around her neck and collarbone and down the skin visible in the V of his shirt on her.

He heard her sharp intake of breath but chose to ignore it for the moment, balancing himself on his elbows, fingers unbuttoning those on her shirt down to her waist.

"Severus," she whispered with uncertainty, her hands quickly finding his. It wasn't that she didn't want more with him but she just wasn't ready yet.

"Shh…" Keeping her covered, he kissed down the path of skin he'd made, caressing her with his lips and tongue, down to her waist and then back up, happy when he saw her head back on the pillow and eyes closed.

After another passionate wet kiss, Hermione felt the need to apologize. Part of her felt almost guilty because she wasn't ready, certain that there had been other women with Severus that had been, but she couldn't help it. Then there was her age and their status. They were taking such a chance as it was.

"Don't even say it," he told her, knowing he shouldn't keep opening his mind but not able to resist.

"Would you stop?" she asked, slightly amused.

"Only if you will."

After a gentle kiss, Severus slid off of her, as she turned away from him, feeling his body against hers again and his arm over her waist, holding her tight.

"Goodnight Miss Granger," he said, attempting to mock the way he used to address her.

She chuckled softly. "Good night Professor Snape," she whispered.

As Hermione stared at the silver pendant, tears streamed down her face, not able to ignore the confusion she felt towards their past as now faced with their present. Why did he give this to her again? What did it mean? Did he still feel towards her as he did years ago? What exactly did he feel for Milinda? And why did this woman have such a vendetta against her?

Questions fell unanswered as did her tears.

Happy Christmas.