Disclaimer: None of these wonderful characters is mine; they are J.K. Rowling's.
Summary: Hermione graduated from Hogwarts 2 years ago and is now twenty. War rages on and she builds barriers around her heart.
Genre: Angst/Romance Rating: Mature/Lemon Warnings: This is very OOC. If you want the characters just the way they are in the book, stop now and click on the back button. This is also AU. If you do not like it, do not read it! Now for those who want to, enjoy!

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I Don't Believe In Love

Chapter Nine: A sliver of light

"Hermione, I'm really sorry. I don't really think before I speak." Ron started talking non-stop since Hermione came back. "It's up to you to choose your friends. I should not have said that. Forgive me?" He gave her his most apologetic look. Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"After you apologize to Severus." She countered, fixing Ron a deadly glare.

"What is he, your boyfriend?" Ron meant that question as a joke. Unfortunately or him--

"I doubt that he would appreciate that term. Nevertheless, if you must use it...yes he is." Just then, Harry came back. He saw the look of disbelief etched in Ron's face.

"Err...Did I miss anything?" Harry looked questioningly at Ron. Ron finally returned to this world and sputtered.

"But--you--he--I thought--How?--What!" He finally asked.

"Would someone please tell me what's going on?" Harry intervened before Hermione could answer.

"Hermione is Snape's girlfriend!" Ron finally was able to formulate a coherent sentence.

"What's wrong with that?" Hermione inquired. A you-better-give-the-right-answer-or-suffer-my-wrath-eyebrow raised.

"Nothing" Ron said quickly to avoid anymore physical harm.

"And who are you dating? Hmm?" Hermione asked challengingly.

"Lavander." Ron said simply. Hermione had to admit, he beat her there. Lavander was beautiful. But no matter, She has her Severus anyway, his beauty is inside, not seen by most people.

"And how's Ginny, Harry?" Harry grinned at her.

"She's with Neville." Harry's grin was about a mile wide now.

"Neville!" Hermione was no doubtedly shocked now. "How did that happen?"

"Remember when Neville tried to stop the Inquisitorial Squad from taking Ginny in fifth year?" Hermione nodded.

"Well, it turns out he fancied her for quite a long time since then."

"Then who are you with?" Hermione's curiosity was well known.

"Luna." Hermione's jaw dropped.

"Well, that's flattering." Harry chuckled.

Hermione closed her mouth and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry. I didn't mean any harm. It's just that I never thought it would happen.

Ron gasped. "Oh! Now 'that' was unexpected."

"Oh shut up." Hermione punched him playfully on the arm.

Behind the shadows, Severus was watching the exchange. How he wished he could make her laugh like that too, act as freely as they desired. But he knew better. He would never be free. He vowed that Hermione would be set free after the war. She would not have to be constantly tied as he had been for the past twenty-two years. After all, Potter promised. A small hint of a smile appeared on his face when he saw Hermione laugh. She may not be the most beautiful creature of the world, but her friendship with him had been special. Now, they were taking a chance. Well, technically, she took the chance. He was ready to give up, but she would not let him. His treasure.

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Moments later, Severus felt pain in his legs and arms. Then he remembered the potion. 'Hermione'.

He dashed out of his office and hurried to the grounds. He spotted the trio, sitting under the tree, by the lake. "What happened?"

"Excuse me?" Hermione was puzzled. What was he going on about?

"You were hurt. Protection potion." Oh.

"I tripped." She said as a matter-of-factly.

"You tripped. You tripped? It will be a matter of days before I lose my patience with this blasted potion." "And spell." He added belatedly.

"You know. I could try to convince him." The other two aurors were baffled. Again.

Ron spoke up.

"Professor, about earlier. I was just rude. I'm sorry." Snape looked at Ron before nodding once. He looked a pointed look at Hermione that says you-better-talk-to-him.

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"I have had enough with this protection potion and spell Tom. Remove it." Hermione immediately apparated to Voldemort's location as soon as Harry and Ron left.

""Every little mistake I make, Snape appears. Take it off." She was ranting. At Voldemort. Without warning. In his house.

"Hermione. A pleasure to see you again." Voldemort somehow looked...more human. Alternatively, perhaps, she was just sleepy.

"Please. You have to take this off. For me. I cannot stand being treated like a damsel in distress." Hermione pleaded.

Voldemort hesitated. Finally, he said. "Very well, I will give you the counter-potion, but the spell stays."

(Time freezes and two snakes in skimpy outfits slither in the room carrying a large sign that states: The potion is responsible for alerting Severus of Hermione's condition. The spell is the one preventing them from touching each other intimately. Back to the story. The two snakes give a bow to the readers and carrying the sign, slithers out of the room.)

Hermione could not think of a response that would satisfy Tom without invoking jealousy. "It's fine with me."

Voldemort summoned the counter potion, and it soared to his outstretched hand. "Here, take it."

Hermione could not think of a response that would satisfy Tom without invoking jealousy. "It's fine with me."

Voldemort summoned the counter potion, and it soared to his outstretched hand. "Here, take it."

"Thank you." It was purely out of habit that she thanked him. She gulped the potion down.

Now that Hermione got her wish, she just had to think of how to get out of there.

"Now, I have to go back to Hogwarts and rest. Thanks for the potion again. Bye Tom."

"The next meeting is on Halloween's eve." Hermione waved her hand to show that she heard it, and disapparated with a pop.

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She found herself in Hogsmeade. While walking, she reminisced upon the times when Hogsmeade visits were a treat to her. Now, she can go freely, anytime.

Severus was waiting at the gates. "Hello." Hermione said cheerfully. "I convinced him to give me the counter-potion."

Severus pulled her to him, and kissed her forehead. "You are safe. That is enough." Hermione untangled herself and held his hand. Together, they made their way to the castle, to the courtyard.

They finally got there, and snuggled in each other's arms. Severus' head in her hair, and hers in his chest, memorizing the rhythm of his heartbeat.

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Ok. This chapter was a break. Next chapter: The Duel. Do you guys think the snakes should stay? Anyway, thanks to those who reviewed.

deadlyabyss12: Thank you. I'm hope the next chaper will too.

Obi-wan's lover: Ya. He wasa git. Thanks

chibimecools: Yup. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm sure to use the amusing one. I had the exact idea with the ending. How on earth do you people, come so close to the ending?

mugglemomof3: Awww I would love to tell you how but it would ruin the ending.

sexiprincess1228: Yeah he usually acts that way. lol--scandal--lol. thanks

Angelbabe385: Yeah I wish they would do it in the books as well(sigh--wishful thinking). Lol Ron showed quite a bit of maturity in this chappie.

aniamifan1988: Well you don't have to wait much longer. It's the next chappie.

Mish Michelle: Well, I'm glad it made you happy. I'm happy too.

lydia: Oh. She is. She just won't admit it. (sigh--trauma--sigh)

Kitlucky13: Thanks. I thought so too.

You guys are the best. I love the reviews. Anyways, Suggestions? Arguments? Thanks for reading. Review. Please. - Darque