She turned back around and began to pull him along and out into the corridor. They passed a few students in the hall. All of which were stunned to see the myth that was Snape, actually roaming the halls in the sunlight and with a young woman too. Naturally, rumors would abound, but he was too caught up in what had happened. Sure, she had merely kissed his cheek, but no one had ever shown him such simple kindness before, at least no one but his mother. He had not noticed until now how much Hermione reminded him of his mother. She had the same effortless beauty, the same confidence. He smiled a bit as he watched her drag him along the corridor; seemingly unaware of all the stares she was receiving. Time slowed for a moment and he took the instant to cherish all that was going on around him. The trip to Hogsmeade had been a flash yet an age at the same time.

"Okay," Hermione said pulling out a list that seemed to be an itinerary. "Do you want to eat first?" She looked up at him with a questioning glance.

"Fine." He said and she smiled. She started toward the Hogs Head and left him in her wake. He did not feel he could go on with her guidance. He felt naked when she released his hand. Now he noticed all the stares and whispers. As if she had read his mind, she turned back around and slipped her arm through his.

"Come on Severus," she whispered. He wanted to melt, but he wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was the stares, or perhaps is was the way she said his name. She led the way into the Hogs Head ignoring all the people around her. She had become increasingly better at this since she was a girl. After all, she did spend most of her time at school being picked on by…

"Malfoy." She whispered again, this time more shrilly. Her very hatred for the boy spewed from her mouth as she stared upon him. As if hearing his name being called he spun to face the couple. Hermione turned quickly trying to leave before he saw her. Unfortunately, he saw them, but it was not she that caught his eye.

"Professor Snape." Malfoy shouted across the room. Malfoy, Hermione was surprised to find, had never joined the Death Eaters. He had in fact gone to live with Dumbledore to escape the wrath of both his father and Voldemort. Needless to say, they were none too happy when he had denied the dark mark. Apparently, as a person, he had changed a lot since his youth, or so Harry had said in his letters. Because Hermione had been in France during most of the fighting, she had not witnessed Malfoy's personal growth. Even if he had changed, she did not think she would ever be able to forgive him. His constant torment of her had done more damage then she had allowed visible. "Professor Snape," he said again grabbing Severus by his arm, still not noticing Hermione. She attempted to hide her face.

"Draco, dear boy." Severus said making an effort at a fatherly tone. "Fancy meeting you here."

"And you sir." Draco replied patting his professor on the back, "What's it been three-four months. You look a lot healthier." At least he sounded nice, Hermione thought, but that's how he'd always been with Severus. "And who's this here?" 'No, no, no, NO!' Hermione's mind screamed at Severus. She wanted to leave…now. Draco stepped in front of her and extended his hand, "I'm Draco Malfoy. And you are?" He had to be joking. She hadn't changed that much. Maybe it was her silence or perhaps the look on her face that got Severus' attention, but he jumped in for her quickly.

"Draco, don't be silly of course you remember your old classmate." Draco looked back and forth between Hermione and Severus. He hadn't really listened to the professor's words. He had gone to school with plenty of people, but certainly not this girl. He would have remembered such a pretty face. He had matured greatly since his school days, no longer looking for the flashy kind of girl. Quickly an image of Pansy Parkinson flashed into his mind and he shook it away. He liked how natural this girl was. "Draco," Severus said getting his attention, "This is Hermione Granger." His shock must have been obvious on his features. He found himself to be perpetually dumbfounded. Honestly, he had not thought about her since she had left for France. They had still been quarreling then, but he doubted he could ever bring himself to call her those things again.

"W-well, Hermione." She took his hand into hers and shook it quickly, trying desperately to not make eye contact. It was not until this point that she realized she was clutching tightly at Severus' arm. She loosened her grip, just a bit, but the need for stability didn't go unnoticed. Wait did Malfoy just call her…Hermione? "When did you come back?"

"A few weeks ago," She answered warily, finally looking at him. "I came back to take care of Severus."

"Severus? Really?" he said looking between the two, "May I ask why."

"Perhaps you should ask him yourself." She knew she must remain civil, but every bone ached with the want to hex him into oblivion.

"Well maybe we can talk about it over breakfast together." He said now staring directly at Hermione. She couldn't remember a time when he had looked at her like…like a human being. Still she was not comfortable with being around him, she had thought him out of her life forever. Severus seemed, somehow, to read her mind and answered for her.

"I'm sorry Draco," he said lazily, "But already this conversation has taken up too much time. Hermione and I have errands to run, and very limited time to get them done." With this, he looked at her and she saw him faintly smile which she returned graciously. The reaction of the two did not go unobserved by Draco. He found it odd that these two would be acting so…civil toward one another. Was it really civility he was seeing or something more? "Maybe another time."

"Quite alright Professor." He answered, "I'm sure I will being seeing you two around soon anyway. We have much time to catch up."

"Why?" Hermione couldn't stop herself from asking.

"Oh…I'm going to be working at Hogwarts from now until the end of term." He answered smiling, obviously proud. "Maybe you didn't know but it seems the present DADA teacher is expecting." Severus raised an eyebrow at this.

"Really?" He asked in false curiosity.

"Oh yes. So until she is ready to come back I will be taking her class."

"Well I guess there is no one better to teach the dark arts than you." It was a low blow, she knew, but it didn't really matter. The comment went completely over his head.

"No I guess not," He replied smiling. Hermione faked a smiled back and let loose a little giggle. Severus wished to laugh as well, but held his composure. Unfortunately, Draco misinterpreted her implication and instead took as attraction. All women wanted Draco Malfoy and Hermione was no different. God how arrogant he was.

"So we'll being seeing you soon Mr. Malfoy," Severus said as he led Hermione to the door. Draco courteously opened it for the two.

"I hope so." He answered almost in a whisper. It was obvious that the statement was directed at her. She was not used to the attention of men and so his hint went unnoticed, at least by her. Draco stared down at her as she brushed by him out the door. Severus glared at him and followed her out the door. Draco stared after her for a while before being called back inside by his friends. This was going to be a challenge, but a pleasant one.