I must warn you, there's not a whole lot going on in this chapter. It's a transition to the next big event... But, hopefully, it will still meet your approval. It's a little short than the others, but I'll make up for it.

I want to thank everyone that reviewed. I was showing my insecurity in my Author's note from my last chapter. You all rose to the occasion and sent such kind words of encouragement. Thanks. I had lots of reviews and I answered lots of them. To those that I didn't get around to replying to: Know that your reviews were read and very much appreciated.

Pointless Denial

Hermione walked down the hall to the classroom in the dungeons feeling quite anxious. It was Friday afternoon, and the next day she and Professor Snape would go to Hogsmead and encounter the Death Eaters. Her stomach clenched painfully at the thought.

"Enter," said a stern voice when she knocked on the heavy wooden door. Hermione nervously pushed the door open and stepped in the classroom. "Miss Granger, let's get to work," Professor Snape said, not looking at her. "Before long, the headmaster would like to speak with us to be sure we are all aware of the plan tomorrow."

He glanced at Hermione to see her nod mutely. "I will not feel sympathetic toward her," Snape thought with determination. "It's her own fault for being such close friends with that imbecile Potter. That's why she's become such a target." He failed miserably at convincing himself of this idea. He knew it was unfair that she was in such danger for being a friend of Potter's. Snape shook his head slightly. He'd had her in his arms the night before and it was pointless and idiotic to try and deny to himself that he felt nothing for the lovely young witch. Perhaps it wasn't as deep as Dumbledore was suggesting, but she at least seem to have some physical attraction to him.

Suddenly realizing that he had remained motionless and deep in thought for a little too long, Snape shook his head again and set to work preparing another potion. He had no intention of depleting Madame Pomfrey's supply of medicinal potions tomorrow after seeing the Death Eaters. It was far more efficient to stay ahead. Thinking about these things allowed him to continue working and not get so distracted by the Gryffindor know-it-all that had been occupying his thoughts lately.

After two hours of silent brewing, there was a knock on the classroom door. "Enter," Snape said startling Hermione who had been concentrating too hard to hear the knock. The door opened and Harry Potter stuck his head in the room.

"Excuse me Professor," Harry said. "Professor Dumbledore wanted me to tell you that he's ready for the meeting." He gave Hermione a little smirk before turning his attention back to Professor Snape.

"Very well," Snape said turning to Hermione. "Miss Granger..."

"I'm finished," Hermione said, labeling all the vials that she had filled with the potion. Snape nodded in approval and they followed Harry out of the classroom to Dumbledore's office.

"Ah, welcome!" Dumbledore called out cheerfully when the small group entered his office. "Please come in and have a seat." Snape took a seat next to McGonagall, while Hermione and Harry seated themselves right in front of Dumbledore's desk. "Well, since it's getting late I'll simply let you know what to do tomorrow," Dumbledore said peering at the two young Gryffindors over his glasses. "The order will be going over to Hogsmead early to wait for the Death Eaters. They will all remain hidden. Miss Granger and Professor Snape will go into the apothecary at the appointed time. Professor Snape will keep Miss Granger out of the way while the rest of the Order takes care of the Death Eaters. Rather simple really. The Order members have a more in-depth version of my plan, but you only need to know the basics," he said smiling kindly at Hermione.

"Harry's going?" Hermione asked in surprise.

"He wanted to be involved and I thought that would be fine," Dumbledore said with a smile. "There will be plenty of members of the Order there to keep him safe." Harry frowned slightly, feeling that he didn't need protection, but he said nothing.

Hermione wrung her hands nervously. She glanced over at Professor Snape who was glaring at Harry as if he found it particularly offensive to be in the same room with "the boy who lived". Harry was ignoring Snape and trying not to speculate on why Hermione seemed to like the potions professor so much.

After a brief moment of awkward silence, Dumbledore said "Well, that is all. We'll meet out on the grounds at nine o'clock in the morning. Keep your wands nearby. Harry take along your invisibility cloak. Miss Granger, Professor Snape will give you any further instructions he feels will ensure your safety. And now, I say goodnight." He ended his little speech with a cheerful smile.

Harry, Hermione and Professor Snape stood up at the same time and headed for the door. Once outside, Snape addressed Harry stiffly. "Potter, escort Miss Granger to her room," he said coldly.

"Yes sir," Harry replied scowling. Snape turned and stalked away from them swiftly. "Honestly, Hermione," Harry said shaking his head in dismay. "Snape?"

"Shut up, Harry," Hermione muttered.

"He certainly is cheerful tonight," Harry commented as they started down the hallway. "He's probably angry that I was there. It would seem a bit obvious if he took you to your room with me standing here." He smiled slightly at Hermione.

Hermione looked at him skeptically for a moment. "Harry, you're taking all of this so much better than I would have expected," she said slowly. "To be honest, I thought you were going to be furious with me."

"I'm not happy about it Hermione," he told her. "I've suspected something ever since Christmas. It didn't come as much of a surprise when I found out the truth. When I saw you at the ball, you looked pretty happy dancing with Snape." He paused thoughtfully. "Besides Ron will be angry enough for both of us."

Hermione laughed nervously. "I'm not looking forward to that," she admitted.

"One thing I'd like to know," Harry said smiling. "Back at Christmas, Fred and George put that sticking charm on the mistletoe. Lupin said that he got caught under the mistletoe with you, but I got the impression that we weren't getting the whole story. Would you care to fill me in now?" He smirked when Hermione blushed.

"Well, it wasn't Lupin," Hermione said quietly. "Snape got stuck in that room with me. Obviously, he kissed me. Lupin said that he had kissed me because he knew that everyone's reaction would be better than if they knew that it was really Snape. Moody had told Lupin what really happened. Moody saw the whole thing through the door," she said scowling.

Harry laughed. "I bet that was embarrassing," he said with a grin. He stopped in front of Hermione's door. "I'll see you bright and early," he said, ushering her inside.

"Goodnight Harry," she said before she closed the door. Hermione quickly changed her clothes and climbed into her soft, warm bed. She tried to clear her mind of all thoughts of what tomorrow would bring. Sleep eluded her for a long while before she was finally overtaken by dreams of a man with black hair and long black robes.

Hermione woke early the next morning feeling quite anxious. She nervously, showered, dressed in jeans and a green sweater, and then brushed her long curly hair out. Luckily, over the years, her hair had become a little more take. It was no longer the bushy mess that it once was. Hermione glanced at her reflection in the mirror and then left the room.

Arriving in the Great Hall, she was surprised that Harry and Ginny were waiting for her at the Gryffindor table. "What are you two doing up?" she asked. "It's only seven thirty."

"I knew you'd be awake and that you'd be a nervous wreck," Harry said with an impish grin. "I thought I'd meet you for breakfast so you won't pace until your ready to collapse."

"And I wanted to wish you two luck," Ginny added. She frowned slightly. "I think I should be able to help to, but I guess I'll have to settle for a detailed description when you come back."

Hermione smiled gratefully and helped herself to some toast. The three of them kept the conversation light, not wanting to discuss the coming events just yet. Finally, at eight thirty, Hermione could no longer sit still so they left the Great Hall and went out onto the grounds to wait for Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape.

Ginny walked with them to the door and then gave Hermione a quick hug. "Good luck," Ginny said softly. "Don't worry. Snape will protect you." She flashed Hermione a grin and winked at Harry before walking away.

Outside, Harry and Hermione were surprised to see that Professor Snape was already prepared to go. "Good morning, Professor," Hermione said, trying to smile.

"Miss Granger," Professor Snape said silkily. "Mr. Potter," he said, acknowledging Harry disdainfully.

Harry nodded his head stiffly, in a rather poor attempt to be polite. A voice behind him made Harry jump slightly, causing Snape to smirk in satisfaction. "Good morning," Dumbledore said smiling at them. "We will be meeting the others just outside the gate." At that, he led the way toward the gate.

"Relax Hermione," Harry said nudging her, wanting to ease some of her obvious anxiety. "This will be exciting. We're going to go skulking around in Hogsmead to catch some Death Eaters." He quickly jumped behind a nearby shrub and peaked around it at her. Then he slunk over to a tree, dunking behind it before he popped his head out to look at her. "Oh, look at me. I'm skulking," Harry said dramatically.

Snape opened his mouth to make a scathing remark, but Hermione spoke up first. "Harry, you are being ridiculous," Hermione said folding her arms across her chest and looking at him as if he were mad. "I honestly don't know what's gotten into you. This is very serious."

"I was only trying to cheer you up," Harry said sheepishly, walking out from behind the tree. "I'm taking this seriously, I just want you to worry so much."

Hermione smiled at him. "I just don't know what to do with you sometimes," she said with a little giggle.

"Idiotic Gryffindors," Snape muttered icily. He turned his back on them and continued on his way to the gate.

Dumbledore chuckled and then winked at Harry and Hermione, motioning for them to follow Snape. Harry grinned again and started walking again. Hermione shook her head at him with a smile.

Arriving at the gate, Harry and Hermione smiled when they saw who was waiting there for them. Tonks, Lupin, Moody, and Kingsley Shacklebolt were conversing in low tones. Arthur Weasley was there along with his two oldest sons, Bill and Charlie. There were also quite a few witches and wizards that Harry and Hermione didn't recognize.

"Let's be on our way then," Dumbledore said cheerfully, as if they were going to a Christmas party rather than thwarting Voldemort's attempt to kidnap Hermione. Snape winced at Dumbledore's tone and looked momentarily disgusted. He schooled his expression to become neutral once again and then followed the headmaster dutifully toward Hogsmeade.

"Here we go," Hermione said softly, wringing her hands anxiously. Harry patted her shoulder and walked by her side as they followed the members of the Order of the Phoenix.

Sirey: I cracked up when I saw how many reviews you sent. I'm glad you liked it so much. I tried really hard to make it funny, and not just like all the others. I can be a hopeless romantic, so I've been struggling not to rush things.

Humanity74: I figured Hermione needed to have Harry be a bit understanding since Ron is probably going to give her a hard time. Besides, Harry's been suspicious for a while now. I think men are a bit dense sometimes... No offense to any guys that might read this. Maybe the best thing to say is that they can be a bit oblivious to the mental workings of women. And that's ok. Snape just needs some encouragement.

Portkeys Miss-Mione: I would just like to say that I love hearing from you. You're one of the people that I look for when I read reviews. I truly value your opinion. Thanks. Snape can be a really hard character to write about.

annelovesanimals: First off, I want to say that I hope you're feeling alright. By all means, when you figure out what's missing, let me know. I'd be happy to see what I can do about it.

Satan's Assassin 19902: I didn't know what everyone would think of the "sex is like air thing". It's a little motto for me and two of my close friends. lol It makes me laugh. I think I will go read your story. I'm curious and I love to read.

StrGzr974: Thank you so much. I was so afraid that ya'll would think that my bedroom scenes suck. lol

CapnSilver: You're starting to prefer it to JKR's stuff... Oh wow. Now, that's a compliment. You're so sweet. You still have to wait a little longer to see how the Death Eater thing turns out. :) Guess you'll just have to keep reading.

Jibs: I understand how you feel. I think Snape is good still. Don't give up on him just yet.

Loreleisealgirl: Oh wow. Cancelling meetings and ignoring phone calls for my little story. How sweet. I'm glad it was worth it to you.

candycanechild: I'm glad you liked the "pooled at her feet" thing... I was afraid it'd be a little to melodramatic for my usual style of writing. But, if you liked it I guess it's alright.

ash: You know, I think there's more to Snape than book 6 is showing... You need to read a few of these theories that people have been sending me. They make a lot of sense. I still believe that he's good. I may be wrong and we'll never know for sure until book 7 comes out. But, I have hope.

herovillain: blush Thanks. I admit that I have a bit of a problem with low self-esteem. My writing is quite personal to me... I got a review the other day that was, quite frankly, very rude. I nearly cried. I'm one of those people that wants to make sure my readers are kept happy.

HermioneResilda: More kisses? Hmmm... I think I can manage that. lol

SeverusSnape'sLove: Thanks for sending that link. I hope it's true. Keep your fingers crossed.

kimbo: That information does cheer me up, and that was what I was upset about. I liked Snape's character more and more after each book. I've read some theories too and I feel that they have good reason to trust Dumbledore's judgement. We Severus fans just have to keep hoping... Thanks.