I want to say that I greatly appreciate every single response I received in regard to chapter 10. At the time I read the original review, it frustrated me, so I responded more out of anger then sense. Thank you all, for excusing that. General consensus from everyone has been to forget the one or two morons and get on with the story. I'll have to remember that the next time I sit through english trying to stay awake. You're all right, of course! It doesn't matter what the one or two people think, because there's no way to impress everybody. What matters is that I enjoy the writing, and by some miracle so do others. So thanks for the support, and for encouraging me to write further. I'm continuing for good, baring computer breakdown or death. Updates may be a bit flaky every now and then, but the story will be finished. Whether it is in five or fifty chapters, still remains to be seen. After all, this is only chapter ten.

Thanks everyone!

Poet

Before I Knew

Chapter 10

By Poet

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Sitting in the overstuffed chair, Severus regarded the man before him thoughtfully. Albus Dumbledore looked as ancient as any man of his age, but that was only when one looked at the surface. After being aquatinted with Dumbledore for nearly thirty-five years, Severus Snape knew that there was far more to headmaster then met the eye. Indeed, in the final battle the older man had been a force to be reckoned with. As the Graveyard filled with Aurors and Death Eaters, it was Albus that had withstood the most powerful attacks. He and his followers, Potter, varying Weaselys, Longbottom and the rest had stood beside the old man and fought bravely. Then when the smoke had finally cleared, it was as if the man had been possessed. As soon as the last curse flew, Aurors had descended on Severus to arrest him. Dumbledore was immediately at his side, protesting and bargaining, and in the end threatening that they release him. Disgusted at the time, Severus had merely told Albus to let it go, and had been hauled away, thrown into Azkaban and left to rot for three weeks. While the Dementors were absent, it was still a prison, and in ways the Wizards were far more cruel then the Dementors had ever been.

"And yet, here you are today. Doing quite well for yourself I might add." The sound of Albus's voice startled him and he glared up at the older man.

"I do wish you wouldn't do that without telling me Albus. I don't even know you're in there half the time." Gesturing vaguely to his head, he shifted on the chair and threw a glance at the clock. "She'll be here shortly, perhaps we should attend to our business first."

"Indeed, what is it you wished to discuss Severus?" Leaning forward, Dumbledore looked expectantly at the dark man sitting just beyond his desk. He saw the frown on his face, as Severus began to speak.

"I am wondering about Ms. Granger's reaction when we tell her the full extent of her...affliction. She's already been through enough, and this is going to be far from easy. Even for her." Pausing, he considered the matter for a moment. Knowing full well that a balance would have to be maintained, Severus couldn't help but worry about Hermione's temper if she wasn't informed. Then again, finding out one of her best friends believed her a mere possession could set her off as well. Clenching a fist at the thought of Ron Weasely, his reaction didn't escape Dumbledore's notice.

"It would be foolish not to worry. Given the things Ron Weasely has already shown himself capable of, it is safe to assume he is not pleased at the moment. As far as Hermione is concerned though, the matter of how much we should tell her is really quite pointless. She'll figure it out Severus, you know that it is inevitable." Severus nodded his agreement, sighing as he did. Hermione would figure it out, and finding something out on her own, especially this particular matter would be terrible. Looking to Dumbledore, the older man continued. "However, I believe that at this time she will need support. And perhaps hearing these matters from people who will support her, will lessen the shock."

"I agree. We should tell her when she comes in." This time it was Albus that nodded his agreement. The knowledge, and impending battles for Hermione's health and ultimate well-being would be difficult. But less so, if she knew people would be there to help her through it. Especially, people that cared for her as much as Severus did. The headmaster didn't even have to read the man's mind to know the way Severus felt. He could see it written in the worry on the younger man's face.

"Before we proceed Severus, I need to ask you something. You care for her?"

"Very much Headmaster."

"Then take care of her. She's going to need you, and you need her. Even if you're too stubborn to admit it, yet." The last was added almost in afterthought. Severus may have been skilled at Legilimancy and Occlumency, but Dumbledore had a slight edge and the benefit of a few more years worth of practice. For the stubborn Potions Master, admitting reliance was difficult. But Albus knew the man felt strongly, when it was for something he cared. Ignoring the slight glare on his face, Albus continued. "Is there anything else, Hermione should arrive shortly."

"One thing Headmaster. Hermione's position as Charms Professor. Perhaps we should find an alternate candidate." Before Dumbledore could protest, Severus held his hand up. "As her condition worsen Albus, her abilities to contend with hundreds of students and maintain her health will almost surely conflict. I'm not saying fire her, but rather, move her to an alternate position. One where she can benefit from it." Thoughtfully, Albus considered this.

"And do you have any suggestions for where I place her?" His eyes betrayed the smile hidden by his long beard as he looked at his Potions Master.

"You've always said I need more help during the year. And having her to work with would mean I'm able to monitor her condition. I want to research cures, and the best way to do that is to have her help."

"Ah. Of course your work in the past together has been more then admirable. Ginny Weasely has recovered completely and owes it to the both of you. I'd be more then happy with this arrangement Severus. But, I am not as sure of Ms. Granger's reaction to the news."

"Yes, I know. She'll believe we think her too weak to teach. She'll be angry."

"And quite rightfully so. This curse is robbing life from her, even as we debate this. It's unfair to her, and to her friends. Mr. Weasely must be stopped. Make whatever arraignments you need, and I'll see to anything you can't."

"Thank you Albus." Relieved, Severus mentally ticked off one potential opposition to his plan. The biggest was still waiting though. Just as this thought crossed his mind, Ablus spoke.

"Now perhaps you can go and fetch Ms. Granger, she is waiting at the bottom of the stairs." Standing, Severus turned and made his way through the heavy door. At the bottom of the stairs, Hermione met him with a curious look. He offered a smile before puling her gently aside.

"Severus? What are you doing here?" She smiled as he brushed his lips across her forehead.

"I had business with the Headmaster. He sent me to come and get you." Standing back from her a bit, he took in her features. Her skin was pale, though she'd never been one to tan. A slight flush was evident in her face, but his lips detected no sign of fever. If anything, she just looked tired. Something easily overlooked. However, Severus knew she'd been getting more then enough sleep. For the past week, she'd fallen asleep in his library, curled around and old text. It had taken little time to get used to waking up next to her, a fact that surprised him. And the thought that the trend might continue indefinantly gave him an odd feeling that he tried to ignore. Realizing she'd said something, he smiled and asked her to repeat it.

"I asked what you were staring at." She looked amused, and he just laughed.

"Come, I expect Albus will be waiting for us." Standing aside, he motioned her ahead of him and they stepped onto the stairs. Turning towards him, Hermione offered him a curious glance.

"Us?"

"Yes. There are a few matters the Headmaster and I wish to discuss with you." Now she looked uncertain and paused when they reached the top of the stairs. Halting him with a hand on his arm, he turned to face her.

"Bad or good?" The curiosity from moments before, was replaced by something akin to worry. Severus felt his stomach tighten and wanted nothing more then to pull her to him. Instead, he stepped towards her and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek before resting his lips just beyond her ear.

"Everything will be fine Hermione." Whispering, he pulled back and their gazes met. Without another word, she reached for his hand, entwining their fingers and continued to the heavy door of the Headmaster's office.

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"Hermione please! You know that no one thinks you're weak!" The discussion with Dumbledore had continued for nearly an hour in silence. Hermione said very little, asked few questions and grew increasingly unsettled as time wore on. Now, having retreated into the safety of her rooms, Severus found her angry and agitated. She wouldn't even look at him. Instead she just stared out the window of her room and offered angry little jabs at him every time he tried to speak.

"Why else would you have me removed from teaching, if not because I'm incapable?" Exasperated, Severus tried again.

"This magic that binds you to him is powerful. Without a cure, the longer you are away from Weasely, the weaker you'll become! It could take weeks to find a reversal, and in that time the added stress of hundreds of idiot students is going to drain you." Now she did turn to him, and the anger in her eyes made him step back.

"He's taken everything! My friends, my safety. And now, my life! What am I supposed to do Severus! I'm not going to stay here, and hide from him until some cure magically appears. A cure you don't even know if it really exists. I'm not going to let go of my job and the rest of what I have, just because Ron thinks he owns me." She tried to walk past him, but he grabbed her and held onto her.

"FOR GOD'S SAKES HERMIONE! Listen to yourself. Stop being so goddamned Griffyndor and think about your well-being! You have people here who are going to help you get through this! I am going to help you get through this. You're not losing your job. You've been offered a new one. A better one if you'd bothered to even think about it." When she tried to pull her arms from his grip, he trapped her between her chamber door and his body. Mentally, he knew that should she try and fight him, he'd be virtually defenseless.

"If it matters so much to you, then why doesn't what I want matter?" The acid in her voice made him flinch and he released her. Not even meeting her eyes, he backed up the few feet and sat on the foot of her bed. "Tell me Severus! You haven't suddenly developed that idiot hero complex Harry has. And now suddenly you're knee deep in this and I never asked for you to be." She regetted saying that immediately, but the damage was done. Suddenly he was as angry as she and he approached her quickly. His nose inches from hers, he practically hissed at her.

"Don't you dare lash out at me because I'm trying to help you. And don't you ever question my motives for your welfare again. You call Potter's penchant for heroics idiocy? Then what do you call your self-righteous penchant for sacrifice!" Not bothering to wait for her answer, Severus stepped around her and threw open the other door.

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Three hours, two bottles of firewhiskey, and a half a bottle of bourbon later, Severus was wallowing so deep in self pity, it was hard to see any way out. This was how Hermione came upon him in the Astronomy Tower. Wrapped tightly in a black cloak and resting against the cold brick of the walls, she found him huddled with his head down. He didn't even respond when she brushed the hair away from his face. Sighing, she settled next to him, but not before conjuring a heavy blanket to cover them both. They sat in silence for a long time, neither knowing how to begin. Finally it was him that spoke, his voice slurring just slightly.

"I don't think I can hold my liquor like I used to." She looked up to see a grin plastered on his face, his head resting against the wall now.

"At least you're the one that's going to have a headache in the morning, not me." He shook his head and slid a hand into his robes. Pulling a small vial out, he opened his eyes and looked down at her.

"I always drink prepared Hermione. Hangover relief happens to be one of the first potions I learned to brew." Uncorking it, he downed it in one drink and grimaced as the taste filled his throat. "But, the alcohol still tastes better then this shite, even with the headache."

"Yes, well, that's probably your comeuppance for getting drunk." Now she was smiling and he returned it.

"Don't you ever hate being the logical one?" Replacing the vial in his robes, he found his right hand suddenly entwined with her left.

"Oddly enough, I do." As he watched, she reached for the half full bottle of bourbon and brought it to her lips. Taking a deep drink, she handed the bottle to him and settled against his side.

"I never figured you to be a drinker."

"It's not like I'm pissed all the time or anything, but I do go out occasionally."

"Let me guess. More often you sit by a fire, book in hand with a glass of wine or mead and it suits you perfectly?" He smiled at the picture, and the fact that it was his normal routine as well.

"Pathetic, isn't it?" Flushing from the warmth of the alcohol, she was pleased when he kissed her cheek again.

"Absolutely." Teasing her, he feigned innocence when she slapped his leg.

"You're still drunk."

"Yes. I am. Care to join me?" Blindly, he reached for the bottle but she caught his hand before he could reach it.

"I'm sorry."

"You don't have to."

"No, I mean for treating you the way I did before." She spoke quietly, ashamed of her reactions.

"I'm sorry too." He meant it, even drunk.

"I want to work with you."

"We'll find your cure Hermione."

"I'd want to work with you anyway."

"Devilishly attractive that I am, eh?" Grinning again, he offered his smoothest expression.

"You are drunk."

"The invitation still stands you know." She laughed softly, but stood up. Severus looked up at her, sobering slowly by the minute. Her offered hand was taken, and he dragged himself from the floor. Too quickly though, he fell against her for a moment. His breath hot on her neck, sent shivers down her spine. "Where are we off to?"

"My rooms are the closest, I don't feel like dragging you down seven floors." Pulling his arm around her shoulder, they began to make their way down the spiraling stairs.

"You know, I forgot to mention that as my partner, the rooms adjoining mine are yours to inhabit as long as you'd like to." A little less drunk then five minutes before, conscious thought was coming easier for Severus.

"I see now. It was a ploy to get me that much closer to your bedroom eh?"

"Of course not! I wouldn't...well perhaps I would. But you aren't supposed to realize that. Clever witch."

"I thought so." Leaning up to speak quietly, Hermione's voice was mischievous, "If you wanted me in your bedroom, you should have asked sooner. I wouldn't have wasted all the time pretending to fall asleep in your library." Leaving Severus in openmouthed shock, she began descending the stairs again. At the bottom, she waited for him to catch up, grinning as he came round the corner. Entwining her arm within his offered one, they made the trip to her rooms in short order. Settling on a chair, Severus watched her move around before she disappeared through a door. She reemerged a few seconds later carrying a bottle and two glasses. "I'd forgotten I had this." Handing him the bottle, he saw it was an older oak mead, one of the finer kinds. Impressed he opened it and filled her glass and then his. She settled in front of him on a heavy cushion, and used her wand to start a fire. "All right, let's get pissed Severus." He smiled and offered her a glass. Clinking it against his, she took a drink of the amber liquid. In the firelight, he watched her quietly. Silently, she did the same of him.

Setting his glass of the table next to his chair, Severus moved and kneeled in front of Hermione. Lifting his hand to her face, his fingertips traced the outline of her jaw and her lips. Leaning into his touch, her eyes closed as the sensations over took her brain.

"Hermione." His whispering voice coaxed her eyes open to find him inches from her. Setting her own glass out of the way, Hermione drew herself up and wrapped her arms around Severus's neck. As his hands made their way to her back and pressed her to him, she allowed him to pull her onto his lap. His lips touched her skin at her shoulder, and never left as he wove a complicated trails up to her lips. When he reached his destination, he was welcomed immediately. Her soft moan was muffled as she tasted him. Drunk more on that, then the alcohol, the heady feelings were overpowering her. His reactions mirrored hers, though he was a little further gone then she.

"I'd rather have you for the rest of my life, then another drop of that. I could drink you in forever and still not have enough." His words made her pause, and she drew back from him. He hadn't touched his drink, and the sobering potion should have worked by now. His eyes told her the truth. He wasn't drunk at all. He was being honest. Offering her a smile, he nodded slightly. Leaning in, she kissed him lightly, almost teasing him. When they parted, he wrapped his arms fully around Hermione's waist and pulled her to him in a tight hug. He could hear her whisper, just audible over the noise of the fire.

"I love you too Severus."

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AN: This is for everyone who has offered their support! I love you guys! hehe