Disclaimer – (See prologue)

Once again, I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Severus-Fan, who doesn't love cookies? Here have some more! (Gives everyone more cookies… they're free!)

Wow, there was actually someone who doesn't like this story. But I will be nice about it, because they actually complimented me. But I'm also annoyed that they implied that my story has not attracted an audience, because it has and I'm quite happy with the size (taking into consideration that this is my second fic.) And they also said that this story isn't interesting. Maybe it isn't to them because they don't like SSHG, but all you guys do… right? Well I did say that it was an SSHG fic in the summary, so why read if you don't like the paring?

Sorry, that's me getting all worked up. Oh well, once again thank you to all my faithful reviewers who enjoy my story and find it interesting. Now that I got all that out, on with the story.

Chapter 12

When Hermione finally pulled herself from Severus' embrace she quickly changed, kissed him and made her way to her room. She had fifteen minutes before breakfast and hopefully Harry and Ginny would either still be asleep or Harry would be gone. She really didn't want to walk in on them. It would be like walking in on her brother or something.

She cautiously walked into the room, relieved when she saw that the couple were awake and dressed. They both noticed her presence and were both blushing furiously. Hermione just smiled at them. Harry spoke up.

"So, Mione, I take it that the library isn't the best place to fall asleep? You look really rough."

Hermione tried to smooth down her hair, unsuccessfully, before replying, "Um, it wasn't that bad. I think it's just because I didn't get much sleep." She smiled at that. She definitely didn't get much sleep. As soon as she dosed off, Severus always woke her up, ready for another round. Not that she was complaining!

"So did you find out anything?"

Apart from the fact that it was very hard to keep herself from crying out in passion as Severus brought her to climax? Nothing else. She looked at Harry and replied, "No, nothing much. But don't worry, I'm sure you don't need to know anymore hexes or jinxes. You probably know loads of them already."

"Yeah, you're right. I don't think I'd be able to learn another one without my head exploding!"

Hermione and Ginny laughed. "Well, I need to change, so I'll see you guys downstairs?"

"Sure, come on Gin."

"Um, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk with Hermione."

"Ok, I'll save you a seat. See you later love."

"Bye," Ginny replied with a shy smile.

He left the room and Ginny put up a silencing charm and Hermione changed her clothes.

"Aren't you going to get a shower or something?"

"I will after breakfast. I don't want to miss it, I'm starving!"

Ginny raised her eyebrow and smirked at Hermione. "Worked up an appetite did you?"

"Ginny!" Hermione had never heard her friend like this before. "What's gotten into you?"

"Harry."

Hermione laughed along with her friend. "So, did everything go alright last night?"

"Oh, Mione, it was amazing! Of course I was nervous, I mean the last time I was with a boy was the only time. It was in my seventh year and we didn't know what we were doing. We were both just desperate to get rid of our virginity. But last night, wow!"

Hermione laughed at her friend's expression. "Well I'm happy for you two you know."

"Yeah. So, what about you? Judging by your appearance, you didn't get much sleep!"

Hermione grinned. "We didn't! I swear, Gin, he could go on for hours! I would still be in there with him if he had his way."

Ginny laughed, "Well, I'm glad you didn't stay, there would probably have been a search party if you didn't show up for the rest of the day!"

"Come on, I'm starving! I can smell your mother's cooking from here!"

They both headed down for breakfast and once again Hermione was 'forced' to sit next to Severus. She briefly wondered if it was his doing. She smiled to herself at the thought of Severus scaring off anyone who tried to sit next to him. They all ate in silence and when they had finished, Mrs Weasley reminded them of the meeting that would take place after lunch and to make sure they were on time.

Hermione made her way back upstairs to get a quick shower that turned into a long shower when Severus decided to 'accidentally' walk in on her and ended up joining her. Like she said, she wasn't complaining, after all, he did say they should make the most of this last week. She spent the morning in the library, finishing off To Kill a Mocking Bird. Severus was seated on the couch reading a book of his own and Hermione was sitting in between his legs, her back resting on his chest.

When she finished her book, she turned to look at Severus, with a sudden thought.

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"You remember that book I showed you the other day?"

"Which one?"

"The one that looked like a journal. The one you said was dangerous."

"What about it?"

"Well, what do you know about it? You seemed to recognise it."

He sighed and put his book down. He looked slightly uncomfortable under her gaze.

"Please, tell me. I promise not to get angry, ok?"

"Ok. Well, that book belongs to my grandfather. He was one of the oldest supporters of the Dark Lord. He was in the year above him, but he wanted power, craved it. He invented the potions for the Dark Lord, the ones you have seen in that journal. He went wrong somewhere in one potion and cost the Dark Lord one of his best followers. He was killed, but the journal was kept, as the Dark Lord thought it might be of use. My father was asked to join, but was killed soon after, he wasn't seen as a true follower. Then I came along. The Dark Lord knew of my skills and had me carry on my grandfather's research. I've kept that book hidden here, at headquarters, knowing that no one uses this library. Then you came along," he added with a small smile.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

He hugged her to him and replied, "It's ok, how could you have known? But I want you to know, none of those potions are my own creations. I could never bring myself to follow in his footsteps and create more evil."

They stayed like that for a while, just holding each other. Hermione laughed when she heard Severus' stomach growl. He gave a small smile and kissed her forehead.

"Come on, let's get something to eat."

They walked down to the kitchen, where everyone had gathered once again. This time, all the order was present. Hermione felt a moment of dread when she realised that the meeting would be starting very soon.

Another chapter! In the same day! I'm just too nice to you guys. Oh well, you all deserve it, what with being so supportive and all! Review!