SUMMARY: Hermione looses her two best friends in the war against Voldemort. Because of this, she becomes depressed and flees from the world she loves. To London she goes and chooses to live as a muggle. Six years pass. Hermione slowly begins to forget how to use magic. Will the staff of Hogwarts be able to teach her again before the damage becomes permanent?

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter.

PAIRINGS: Hermione Granger, Severus Snape (eventually); Rated M

A/N: Thank you to weirdpeopleandthepickle, cordyangel, bRaTsKi, KellyRoxton, Fuuruma, iloveseverussnape, Katyes, craiziedaizie, and Anarane Anwamane for your reviews.

CHAPTER SEVEN

At the beginning of dinner, Dumbledore announced Hermione as Hogwart's guest. He said she would be remaining with them for the rest of the term. Hermione suspected as much.

Hermione sat in between Professor Dumbledore and, you guessed it, Snape.

On the up side, like always, there was a wide variety of food. It was just as Hermione had remembered it. Moist beef and chicken, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, and the sweetest desserts in the world. The elves truly out did themselves this time.

Despite the beautiful presentation before her, Hermione didn't eat much. Occasionally, she would sip from her goblet or a pop a piece of chicken into her mouth. It was all she could stomach at the moment.

"You're playing with your food, Ms. Granger." said Snape. His voice made her jump slightly. "Do you not like it?"

"No. I mean I like the food, yes. But my appetite isn't what it should be."

"Clearly." Hermione gave him a scowl. He ignored it. Severus Snape was probably the most confusing man Hermione had every met in her life. One minute, he would show the tinniest bit of compassion to another person. But then the next, he makes it disappear with the voice of one word. Dumbledore interrupted her thoughts.

"I've been thinking," said Dumbledore. Hermione turned to listen. "I've been thinking that because you are unable to use your wand at the moment, there are very few subjects you can study."

"Yes?" She began to drink from her goblet.

"I was thinking you could begin with potions." She abruptly sit back her pumpkin juice and began to cough. Many pairs of eyes fell upon her, Snape's included.

"Um...I'm sorry," she said through light coughs. "What did you say?"

"I think it you should start with potions tomorrow."

"Potions? Really?" Hermione did not want to start potions tomorrow. Snape had been with her all day. She didn't want to see him tomorrow too. Hermione tried to get out of it. "Potions?"

"Yes." said Dumbledore.

"I know Potions is very meaningful," she said as she set down her goblet, "but doesn't Professor Snape have classes tomorrow. There's no way he could find time for me."

"Nonsense. It has already been decided."

"It's all ready decided?" said Hermione completely livid as she turned to look at Snape, who met her eyes immediately.

"Yes, it is." said Dumbledore calmly. "Potions is a very important part of magic. And a very complicated one. Why not do the challenging material first?"

"Well, when you put it that way Professor, I guess it's a lovely idea." she said through clenched teeth, breaking away from Snape's gaze.

"Great! I'll the rest to you two then." said Dumbledore, helping himself to another piece of chocolate cake. It was his third slice.

"Beautiful." said Hermione as she watched him drop the cake onto his plate.

"Because of my classes, I was going to have you come during dinner tomorrow night." Hermione returned her gaze to Snape, amazed he their sessions planned out already.

"You sound as though you have changed your mind." she said hopefully.

"I think I just might." he said. "It seems your lack of appetite is questioning my current plan."

"What?"

"I don't need you coming down to my classroom to mix potions and then you suddenly faint because you're so famished. Making potions and getting sick do not mix."

"Okay, firstly, I'm not famished. If I was hungry, do you really think I would just sit here? I would be an idiot to pass up the food before me. And secondly," she paused, "since when did you start caring about other people's welfare?"

"I don't know what you're taking about, Ms Granger."

"Fine. Keep your secrets, Professor Snape." she said. Hermione sighed heavily. "I appreciate your concern, Professor. However, you do not need to reschedule on my account. I can assure you nothing will happen. The sooner we get through this the better. Do we have an agreement?" Snape cocked an eyebrow, unsure of her bargain.

"Agreed."

Time will only tell what tomorrow night would bring...

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