"Hermione."

Her eyes fluttered slightly.

"Hermione."

She opened her eyes, slowly waking up, and saw Severus standing by her. "Morning," she greeted, yawning and stretching.

"You need go see Madam Pomfrey this morning," he instructed. "I've left your clothes on the edge of the bed."

"Thank you," she said quietly as he turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.

She rose slowly, feeling much better than the night before, quickly performing a 'scourgify' spell on the towel and shirt, noticing he'd done the same to her clothing, as she took her time getting dressed. She shook her head in disbelief, still amazed at how Severus…Professor Snape…had taken care of her the last number of hours, how his touch had been gentle, how his tone had been sincere, how his attitude had been helpful. While she found his willing attentiveness somewhat unusual, because certainly had anyone told her a week ago this would have happened she would have told them they were mad, she discovered she did not regret his presence and almost wished that everyone could see this side to him as it really was quite exquisite. As she pictured him gazing down at her from the night before when she was in the tub, she remembered the grave look of concern, not scorn, that clouded his face, and understood that it would have tainted the intimate energy created between them if anyone else saw what she'd been allowed to see in the man. No longer would it be a private moment between them, their vulnerabilities having been revealed to the other creating an eccentric bond, but a vulgar display of their weaknesses. And she was determined that would not happen as she would not tell anyone of this incident except for Poppy, and she would only get the necessary details.

Fully dressed, she made the bed and then left the towel and shirt folded neatly on the edge, opening the door and joining him in the outer chamber. Severus was sitting on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, Daily Prophet in one hand and a cup of, she was assuming, tea in the other, sipping as his eyes scanned the page.

"Um…I guess I'll head over to see Poppy now," she said standing at the end of the couch, thinking there was so much she wanted to say but something about his stance prevented her from it. After being comfortable with him last night, she now felt quite uneasy in his presence.

Lowering his paper, Severus looked at her, seeing for the first time in many hours the student Hermione. It was as if the previous night had been a dream, as if the truths discovered were somehow meant to stay within the confines of those hours, not allowed to continue into the future. Immediately, he pictured her body and its curves, reveled in how soft her skin felt against the touch of his hands and remembered how the emotions of anguish and relief looked upon her young face. Why was he saddened by these memories? You'll never be able to look at her the same again, his inner voice said. You must distance yourself before she mistakes her appreciation and your cooperation for something…inappropriate.

The thought of offering her tea flashed through his mind but he dismissed it, knowing that it would keep her in his chamber longer and that it would not be acceptable. He'd done his job and now their lives needed to return to normal. "Yes Miss Granger," he purposely said, forcing himself to sound more like he did in classes, even though it pained him to. "I think that would be a good idea."

Hearing him say her name like that again pricked her emotions like a splinter and she didn't hide the hurt. Lowering her eyes, she said quietly, "Okay then. Um…thank you again for…your help." Tears were building in her eyes but she was determined to hide them until out of his sight. He wasn't angry with her, was he? He'd been so…Oh Hermione, get a grip, she heard inside her head. What did you expect a miracle? Can leopards change their spots?

Look down at your paper, he told himself, forcefully tearing his eyes away from her, regretting his tone had hurt her. You must do this. "You're welcome," he said curtly, pretending to read the words in front of him. "It is my job as a Hogwarts teacher." He was aware of her hesitancy to leave, knowing she had much more to say as did he, but understanding he could not allow their words any freedom. Do not get up and do not look at her, he told himself.

Hermione stood for a moment, watching her finger as it lightly touched the dark green velvet couch, numerous possibilities of what she could say running through her mind, knowing her impending tears would flow soon, and decided to leave, head down, walking through the classroom and quietly closing the door behind her. She hurried down the hall and around the corner back to the bathroom for the solitude she needed to allow her sobs to control her.

Dammit, that was wrong, he told himself as he stood up in frustration. Maybe I should go after her and explain…no no…that wouldn't work. I have to leave it like this. I have no choice. She is a student and I'm a teacher and last night put us in an extremely compromised position. I helped her as any other teacher would have and that is that.

He stood up and began to pace in front of the fireplace, having thrown down his paper in aggravation. What was wrong with him? Why was he upset? Why did he care that she was upset? She was a student; an insufferable, know it all, brainy, annoying studentwho grated on his last nerve who was friends with the two most intolerable Gryffindors and who had chosen Malfoy as her first and impregnated consequently.

So that's it, the inner voice accused. You're jealous because Draco had her first and you had to pick up the pieces from the mess. You can't stand the fact one of your prized pupils had her, especially now that you've seen what he got. You don't understand how she could choose someone like him without being able to choose you too. You want her, don't you? And you know she'll never want you.

"Shut up!" Severus exclaimed as if it would quiet the voice. "Damn it all!" In anger, he palmed the ceramic cup still in hands seconds before throwing it with every last bit of energy left in him, sending into smashing into the fireplace, contents splashing mainly against the brick wall. Anger quickly escalating, he decided to get on with his day before he broke every glass container within a ten foot radius. He rushed to his desk, thinking he would begin grading papers from the quiz he'd given Friday when he stopped. Must calm down, he told himself. Must refocus and not allow this ridiculous and unacceptable display of emotion. A vision of Hogsmeade flashed in his mind. Yes, he thought. That's it, that's what I need. A few shots of firewhiskey never hurt anyone. Perfect.

The Hog's Head was his destination.

Hermione had curled herself into a ball on the tile floor of the bathroom, a location that was becoming all too familiar to her, as tears soaked her face and confusion tormented her mind. He'd basically thrown her out. After being so wonderful with her the night before, taking care of her and cradling her in his arms as she'd cried with relief of discovering her issue was resolved, and now he just ignored her, acting as if nothing had happened. 'It is my job as a Hogwarts teacher', she heard her mind mimic. Bullshit, she thought. You very easily could have taken me to Poppy, knowing I'd have to see her again anyway. You didn't have to take care of me. You didn't have to hold me and comfort me. You didn't have to be nice to me. You didn't have to make me think that you gave a damn.

Wrapping her arms around her body again, this time from shame, wanting to crawl inside of herself to hide, she thought, And you didn't have to look at me the way a man gazes at a lover. Why had he done that? Why did he seem to forget all pretenses and proprieties for that one instant, allowing his eyes to behold every inch of her, joining his eyes with hers at the end, daring her to recognize his desire, to watch it dance in his black eyes, not apologizing for any of it as if he had wanted her to see it.

Why? Was he curious as to what Draco had? Was there some sort of sick game that existed between them? Would they compare notes behind her back? 'You're right, Draco', she could hear in her mind. 'Her breasts could be a little larger. But what an exquisite vixen you had.' What was he playing at? Certainly he wasn't toying with her mind, it already having been in such a fragile state. He couldn't be that cruel could he?

Damn that sinister git for playing with me like that! she thought, sitting up and wiping her face. The worst time of my entire life and he plays with me like I'm some little toy. Fine, if that's how it's going to be, I'll make him as miserable as he's made me.

Hermione got up and walked to the sinks, turning the faucet so she could splash water on her face, fighting to calm herself. Poppy would have a barrage of questions anyway so there was no need to add to her worry. Get a hold of yourself, she heard. Come on, like you could ever really be attracted to someone like him?

As she stared at her reflection in the dusty cracked mirror, noticing her eyes looked as if they'd aged ten years, a quieter voice within reminded her, Well you did choose Draco Malfoy to give your innocence to. Are they really so different?

She couldn't deny her own truth and hated herself for it.

"Miss Granger!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed when she noticed the girl's disheveled appearance. "What on earth happened to you?" She left her disarray of antidotes and healing elixirs where they were, rushing over to the student.

Not really knowing where to begin, she answered simply, "I took a potion to induce labor because I found out I was pregnant and didn't want it." There was no need for niceties at this point so why bother placating her?

Madam Pomfrey's eyes grew large. "You aborted with a labor inducing potion?" she shrieked. "You could have killed yourself, Miss Granger. What were thinking?"

Fighting more tears, thinking that was all she did anymore, she answered, "I know it was stupid. I wasn't thinking. But I panicked and…I know I needed to come see you." Her eyes were pleading towards the woman, silently begging for compassion, something she didn't have to do with Severus. That's Professor Snape to you, her inner voice reminded her.

Grabbing her hand and leading her over to the private examination area, she asked, "Where did this happen? Were you alone?" She knew how dangerous the potion's effects could be when incorrectly administered.

For a brief moment, Hermione thought of telling her where she'd spent the evening but heard herself answering, "I'd rather not tell you. Let's just say I had help and nothing serious happened to me. Just some stomach cramps and a slight fever." Aren't you downplaying it just a bit, she heard in her mind. You blacked out a few times and were delirious for a while.

Madam Pomfrey rummaged through a hidden collection of small bottles and containers, finally finding what she was looking for. "You must take two of these a day for the next four days," she explained, handing the bottle to Hermione. "They will reverse what the pregnancy began in your body. Lay down as much as you can this weekend to allow your body to heal and in a couple weeks, you'll need to come back."

"Okay," she said, taking the bottle and hiding it in her cloak pocket. "I would…uh…appreciate it if you…didn't tell anyone about this."

The older woman's eyes softened as she covered Hermione's hand briefly. "I know you had to have gone through a most horrible time," she began. "I will certainly not breathe of word of this to anyone. I just hope that whoever you were with showed you compassion and understanding with your situation."

The lump she felt like she'd been fighting for days was back again at hearing the nurse's words. "Yes I was taken care of just fine," she answered quietly, quickly turning and leaving. As she walked through the halls, heading back to her dormitory, she realized everyone would probably be worried about where she'd been all night, deciding to make up the excuse of Poppy giving her a medicine that made her exceedingly drowsy and making her stay in the hospital wing overnight. She prayed Harry hadn't consulted the Marauder's Map, agreeing the year before not to use it unless one was thought to be in grave danger, otherwise she would have much more explaining to do than she wanted.

Hermione walked slowly, realizing she was sore but feeling quite certain that was normal, considering what she just went through. All she wanted was to lay down in her bed and fall asleep. Bed. His bed. She was thankful her feet seemed to automatically know their way to the Gryffindor dormitory because her thoughts floated back to the previous night when Sev…Professor Snape had put her in his bed. It felt so much more comfortable than hers, remembering how she seemed to sink into it, like it was hugging her body into its own softness, completely enveloping her. And the scent that surrounded her was soothing, knowing it was his essence; spicy, musky and wonderful. Damn him, she thought. Maybe that was just part of his game. I need to stop thinking about it.

Taking a deep breath, prepared for whatever onslaught of questions she would receive, Hermione said the password, stepping inside the dormitory, not surprised to find Harry and Ron doing schoolwork with only a couple others around. The sound of the door caused them to turn their heads, eyes wide when they saw it was her.

"Where have you been?" Harry asked, rushing over to meet her in the middle of the room.

"We've been worried sick!" Ron exclaimed, close behind him.

Hermione smiled reassuringly. "I'm all right," she told them. "I went to go see Poppy last night and she gave me a really strong sleeping elixir, insisting I spend the night there. I feel fine. Much better."

Harry glanced at Ron. "You do look a little better," he observed. "You're sure you're okay?"

"Yes," she told them emphatically. "I'm still a bit out of it so I'm going to go lay down."

"Glad you're better, Hermione," Ron called out as they both watched her walk away and up the stairs to her bedchamber. When she had disappeared, he whispered, "Do you believe her?"

Nodding, Harry answered, "Yes. Look at her. Huge difference from the past couple weeks or so. Come on. We're behind with the scrolls."

"Yeah," Ron agreed as they walked back to their table and resumed their schoolwork with at least one less thing to worry about.

The weekend passed much too quickly for Hermione who spent most of her time in bed. She secretly took the pills Poppy had given her and also some of her pain elixir but overall felt fine. She'd graciously accepted sentiments from everyone in Gryffindor as it seemed like every single one of them had stopped by to see her and wish her well, including Professor McGonagall. Their concern made her feel much better, thankful the whispering had stopped, and was ready to return to class and resume her studies, now with nothing to distract her.

Class. Potions class. Hermione mentally groaned at the thought as she lay in bed late Sunday evening after everyone else had gone to sleep. It had never been easy for her but now it would be worse. How could she pretend everything was the same as it was four days ago? How could she listen to him speak of ingredients and how to mix them properly without hearing the panic in his voice when he'd asked her if she trusted him? How could she look at him without seeing him in front of her, eyes scanning her body, admitting desire? How could she be close to him without inhaling his scent and thinking of being in his bed?

You will do whatever you have to, she told herself. You have one more year and then you don't have to worry about ever seeing him again if you choose. You're mature. You can handle it. He's the one that closed up from you, practically throwing you out, returning to his sneering self. He's the one who must have thought this some warped game and had probably already approached Draco with a grin on his face. She would face him and would be the better person in the end.

Monday found Hermione to be back to her old self again, being the first one to raise her hand with an answer or to explain a concept in detail that others hadn't even heard before. It was refreshing to know her issue was over and didn't have to worry anymore. Life was good. Until she walked into Potions.

After purposely waiting outside for Harry and Ron, she walked in with them, thankful Professor Snape was not in the room yet, probably still in his chamber. His chamber. Her mind drifted to his couch, his bathroom, his bed…..Stop, she told herself. Hold your head high and show him his indifference has not affected you. You're a Gryffindor for crying out loud!

It wasn't long before the classroom was full and Professor Snape was rushing into the room, growling instructions. "Turn to page four hundred and twenty three," he hissed, hurrying to the front of the class as fingers feverishly turned pages behind him. "We will be learning how to mix dragon livers with graphorn powder so please gather the necessary items."

He watched while the class scurried in silence to gather vials and samples of the ingredients, trying to ignore the fact Hermione was in the room. Saturday evening had found him ridiculously drunk at the Hog's Head while Sunday was spent nursing a hangover so he was not in the best mood. Not that he ever was really in a good mood. Noticing her lingering in the back with Potter, he was instantly defensive. What was she saying? Potter didn't know, did he? "Miss Granger and Mr. Potter," he barked. "Please continue your conversation after class as you are wasting my precious time."

As they turned and walked back to their seats, Hermione frowned at her teacher and said, "We were not having a conversation, Professor Snape. He was inquiring how much of each we should take and I was telling him…"

Anger boiled inside him as he quickly interrupted, "Oh I see, Miss Granger. So if one asking a question and another answering that question doesn't constitute a conversation, then what does, pray tell?" The wrinkle returned between his raised eyebrows as his lips thinned out in exasperation, crossing his arms, awaiting her answer.

Hermione fought the urge to scream at him but instead answered, "I think you know very well what constitutes a conversation." Her eyes told him that she was not referring to Harry. "But if you really want me to answer that question…"

"Enough!" Professor Snape bellowed, unsure of what she was going to say but quite sure he wouldn't like it. "I've no time for this childish behavior. Page four hundred and twenty three!" How he wanted to take points away from her but didn't because he wasn't sure what slander could come spewing from her mouth if he angered her too much. It was a chance he couldn't take. Who cares if she's scowling at me, he thought. All of them are. She's no different.

At least that's what he kept trying to tell himself.

"Boy, you could have got detention with a remark like that," Harry pointed out as they headed back to the common room. "I'm shocked he didn't take points." Professor Snape had a reputation for doing that if one simply looked at him wrong and thought for sure when she'd made her comment that she would be spending the next week cleaning cauldrons.

Hermione knew exactly why he hadn't said anything but told her friend, "Maybe I just happened to catch him on a good day."

Ron laughed out loud. "A good day?" he repeated. "Snape? I don't think he's ever had such a thing!"

Meals in the Hall were not quite as unnerving as Hermione kept her back to the head tables, concentrating on talking with her friends, but could sporadically feel two obsidian eyes boring holes through her, always choosing to ignore them. He was the one that shunned her so she saw no need in acknowledging him. He'd served his purpose and that was all. She wouldn't allow herself to remember that night, pushing it away each time it crept in.

Draco had been after her, winking at her, giving her lustful looks across the rooms of the classes they shared, and she was beginning to remember why she'd chosen him. His near white hair was straight and hung below his shoulders, soft to the touch, he had filled out since his first days at Hogwarts and most girls hated when he wore robes unable to see the definition in his arms and chest or the toned muscles of his thighs from years of Quidditch, his blue eyes able to pierce straight through whatever resistance females attempted to have around him, his sly smile usually bringing them to their knees. Words fell like poisoned honey from his plump lips, sweet to taste but dangerous.

Hermione had wondered if he knew, wondered if Severus had said anything to him. A voice inside told her that the teacher would not say anything but a louder voice countered not to be so sure. She did think of one way she could learn if her suspicions were correct or not, and since Draco was so willing, it made her task much easier. All she needed was to bat her eyes a few times and gather a couple ingredients.

Purposely hanging around the dungeons, she knew she would eventually run into Draco. He was quite pleased when he saw her and quickly approached.

"I was hoping to see you down here," he said, eyes twinkling with unabashed desire. "You know, my bedchamber is empty. Everyone's in the Hall having dinner." He slipped his long fingers around her waist. "I'd rather have dessert myself."

"I don't know," she said, gently pushing his hands away, teasing him. "I've seen you talking to quite a few girls. Are you sure you can fit me in?"

Grabbing her waist again and pulling her against him so quick as to elicit a gasp from her, Draco answered, "I know for certain I can fit…inside you that is." He crushed his lips against hers and then reached for her hand. "Come on. Let's go."

Hermione allowed herself to be led through the Slytherin common room, into his bedchamber, smiling as she listened to him cast a 'colloportus' spell on his door. This was working out perfect. Within the hour, she would know for sure whether Severus had said anything to him. She, however, would be casting the protection spell this time.

Severus was furious as he entered the hall, shooting daggers from his eyes at anyone who dared look his direction, pursing his lips together so hard they hurt, wondering why he had come here in the first place now that he had completely lost his appetite. How could she do it? How could she be with him again? Especially after what happened! It had been almost a month since that night and she was right back at it again. He almost wished she were with Potter instead. She didn't know he'd witnessed the disgusting kiss between her and his once prized pupil as he'd started to leave his classroom but then stopped when he heard their voices, standing out of their sight but able to see and hear everything. He was sickened at the entire display and had to force himself to not confront them both right then. The evil in him almost hoped she'd find herself in trouble again so that this time he could turn her away. It would serve her right.

Class with her had been unbearable as he dreaded every day she sat in front of him, wishing like hell he could forget everything that happened, everything that was said, everything that was seen. It played over and over in his head nearly each time his head hit the pillow. He'd used the 'scourgify' spell on each bed linen, pillowcase and cover but her scent still remained, still haunted him. He felt as if he was losing his mind. And as if recognizing his anguish, she'd began taunting him in class, pushing him, daring him with flippant remarks to assign her detention or take points away but he refused to do it. He would not play her little game, whatever it was. He would keep her away from him whatever it took, and if that meant not assigning detentions and not taking points away from her, regardless of the protests from other students, that's what he would do. Damn that little vixen!

Hermione slipped herself from Draco's bed once again, immediately fetching her skirt that had been tossed across the room twenty minutes earlier, taking two eyedropper bottles from her pocket. She silently crept back to the bed, opening the bottle and allowed two small drops to fall to his lips and seep slowly inside his mouth. Draco stirred slightly and licked his lips, much to her pleasure. Perfect, she thought. Just a few seconds more.

She let a few minutes pass as she waited for the potion to take effect. "Draco," she whispered, pressing her body against his, lightly caressing his ears. "Can you hear me?"

He mumbled a yes but appeared to still be sleeping.

"What do you think of me?" she whispered, fingers sliding through his hair.

"Used to be a useless mudblood," he said quietly. "But now you're fine as hell."

She stifled a giggle, realizing all the things she could ask with him in this position, however there was really only one thing she wanted to know and didn't want to spend too much time here.

"Has Snape asked you anything about me?" she asked. "About us being together?"

"No," he answered. "Just told me to stay away from you, that you'd only cause trouble. But I don't care what he says."

Her mouth dropped. That git told him to stay away from me, she thought. How dare he tell him that? How dare he call her trouble?

"Our first time together," she asked as an afterthought. "Did you purposely do the protection spell wrong?"

"No."

That was all she needed. She reached for the other bottle, dripping the anecdote onto his lips, knowing he would be fine, as she quickly dressed and left the bedchamber, thankful no one was in the common room yet, not planning on returning ever again. Once had been enough and twice was nearly more than she could handle. Sex just wasn't her forte.

Allowing the door of the Slytherin common room to close behind her, Hermione ran a couple fingers through her hair and left, quite satisfied with Draco's answers. She was a little surprised that Snape hadn't said anything, as she was almost positive he had. As she rounded the corner, ready to sprint up the steps, she looked up and wished she'd stayed in the common room two minutes longer, gazing up into eyes black as night and filled with hatred.

"Why Miss Granger," he hissed, wondering how he was not screaming at her. "Whatever would you be doing down in the dungeons whilst everyone else is having dinner in the Hall?"

He didn't know, did he? She stared at him for a minute, as his tone was accusing. Not having planned on running into the man she now despised, she fought within her mind, trying to think of an excuse.

Crossing his arms, he asked, "What, no witty comeback? No 'planned ahead' excuse?" He shook his head. "Looks like you've been caught…what's that saying…with your pants down, hmm?" He descended more steps until he was at her level, glaring at her. "Really, Miss Granger, you would think after your most recent adventure you would have learned a little…discretion perhaps?"

Hermione knew she should just walk away and not say anything but once again; she didn't listen to her better judgment. "You son of a bitch," she said through clenched teeth. "You told Draco to stay away from me because I was trouble. How dare you talk about me like that?"

"Was I telling an untruth?" he asked innocently, enjoying seeing anger dance across her face like dark storm clouds, then narrowed his eyes, leaning closer to her. "And how would you know what I say or don't say in the privacy of my chambers?"

Hermione started to answer and then stopped, finding that she wasn't sure how to answer his question. Dammit! she thought.

"Ah, looks like you've been caught twice," Snape sneered, enjoying the entrapment he had not planned on. "So come, dear, what was it? A potion? A spell maybe?" He closed the distance between them, acutely aware of Draco's scent still lingering about her. "Let me guess. A truth serum? Am I correct in my conclusion?"

SLAP. It seemed to echo throughout the dungeon.

Severus didn't react immediately when she'd slapped him, instead he slowly turned his head to look at her again, noticing a mix of anger and fear spreading across her face, before he was completely unable to control himself any longer.

Hermione's back hit the damp stone wall, momentarily knocking the breath out of her, as she was pushed against it, his sneering lips a breath away from hers, staring with fright into the blackness that was piercing through her very being. His fingers curled around her arms, digging in to her muscles, causing her to whimper in pain, though she tried not to.

"Is that how you like it?" he hissed. "Is that why you went back for more? Is Draco rough with you? Is he aggressive and forceful? I never would have thought it about brainy Hermione Granger."

"Please," she said quietly, hands pushing at his chest, refusing to look at him. "Just let me go."

"Why don't you tell me about this little game you're playing with me?" he asked, so close to her mouth it took every ounce of resistance not to seize her lips with his. "Why are you taunting me? Who knows about what happened?"

"There's no game," she said, feeling her arms throb under his grip. "No one knows anything. Please!"

Hearing footsteps above them, he jerked her from the wall and shoved her towards the stairs, turning with a swish of his cloak, disappearing around the corner, without another word, leaving her panting and gasping for air, wondering what just happened.

Hermione walked slowly through the halls, replaying the last hour or so of her evening. She'd been relieved to find out nothing had been said to Draco but the unleashed anger of Snape caught her off guard and quite honestly frightened her. No one had ever done that to her. No one had ever grabbed her and controlled her like that. He looked as if he hated her, as if he wanted to hurt her. He couldn't really have hurt her, could he? She knew about his background, well some of it, but never thought he could physically hurt a student, especially not…tears were threatening again…especially not after helping her like he did.

She pushed her emotion away as she neared the safe haven of the Gryffindor common room, finding it ironic that she had been so relieved to be past the hurt and inner turmoil of her situation, now realizing that it had just been the beginning.