Disclaimer: I do not own Potterverse, just the plot of this story.

Never Judge a Book by it's Cover
Chapter Six

Professor Snape was back beside Hermione's bedside, holding her hand when she woke up. But before he could say anything, she screamed out in pain.

"Severus, move aside. Thank you." Madame Pomfrey rushed forward and poured some pain relief potion into Hermione's mouth and her scream quietened to a whimper. "Hermione, dear."

"Go away!" Hermione groaned.

"Severus, I need to go and sort out the students that..."

"Well go then, woman!"

Madame Pomfrey glared at him but moved away quickly. She had more important things to deal with other than stressy Professors.

Professor Snape turned to Hermione. "Miss Granger..."

"Leave me be... you should have let me die."

"No! I believe you."

"You're only saying that so I don't try and off myself. Giving you longer to taunt me."

"No,I was there! I saw you trying to fight against the curse. I know it wasn't you."

"Then why didn't you say anything?"

"Because I thought it would actually make things worse. I was barely trusted, if I had tried to back you up, it would have condemned us both!"

Hermione rolled over and faced him.

"Were you really... were you really there?"

She tried not to let the hope build in her chest, but already she could feel it.

"Yes." Hermione launched herself at him, bursting into tears as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "I believe you."

"You believe me. You really believe me!"

Professor Snape sighed as he wrapped his arms around her. "Yes I believe you. So does Poppy, and Albus and Minerva have seen my memories too."

Hermione sat back, struggling out of his arms.

"So they didn't really believe me. I knew it."

"Hermione, please, they did. They just didn't have anything to base those feelings on. Now they do. And I believe that my memories will help others..."

"Thank you."

"Miss Granger..."

"Hermione. Call me Hermione."

"Hermione, I..."

"Don't worry, I know it was hard for you. You always did like your privacy." Hermione rolled over again. "Thank you, Professor."

"Severus. If I can call you Hermione, please, call me Severus."

"Severus then."


Professor Dumbledore smiled before he began chuckling.

He was sitting in his office having some tea and crumpets with Professor McGonagall, who was now looking at him strangely.

"I've heard others say it about you, Albus, and before I have always defended you. But right now I am leaning towards agreeing with the notion that you are mad."

This just made the aged Headmaster laugh harder. "Minerva, my dear, I believe that Severus is well on his way to finding happiness."

"What are you talking about?"

"Hermione. She is perfect for him."

"Albus, I really don't think that she is. He is too different. She is in too much pain..."

"He has been through a similar thing. Not being trusted and then somebody finally having faith in him."

"This is not the same, Albus, and you know it!"

"Minerva, have some faith. Please, have some faith!" Professor Dumbledore chuckled again before settling back into his chair.


AN: I really hate this chapter, and it is really short, and I haven't updated forever - so I thought I should give it to you all anyway!

Please forgive me - I haven't abandoned it (I promise)!