Disclaimer: I'm not JKR, or I wouldn't be writing fanfiction.

I'm sorry for all the spelling errors and anything else in the last chaper. I had to hurry with that one because I was running a bit behind, so I hurried as fast as I could. I'm also sorry this chapter took so long. I was busy this weekend, and I haven't had a chance to work on it since I posted the last chapter. As for a beta, well the person I was trying to get to beta for me couldn't. I've barely had time to write the stories, as well as find a beta. I'm sorry for any mistakes that are found. If anybody wants to volunteer to be my beta, please e-mail me. My e-mail should show in my profile.

I made a mistake in the chapter before. The Septimus/Hermione action was suppose to take place in Septimus' rooms, but I never specified where it took place. So now you know, this is in Septimus living room. Sorry for the inconvience.

Septimus' writing

Hermione's writing

Chapter Six

"Albus. Minerva. Severus." Septimus glanced towards Professor Fields. "Julie." Fields nodded and smiled, unconcerned with the fact that Septimus had just been holding me in his arms. I glanced towards the Hogwarts staff and noticed the angry, wondering looks being sent my way. I smiled as pleasantly as I could. Maybe if I was nice to them, they'd go easier on Septimus. Their eyes narrowed at my smile, and their eyes became distinctly colder. Apparently they still don't trust me. Ah well. I stood up next to Septimus and touched his arm gently.

"Sep-er...Professor Carce?" Septimus looked down at me, his face softening slightly. I met his eyes and tried to communicate that it might be better if I left. He nodded his head slightly, and I smiled up at him. His eyes crinkled in the corners when he smiled, and I resisted the urge to give him a hug. I dropped my hand back to my side. I walked past the Hogwarts staff and was just reaching the door when Fields voice sounded out.

"Do you need someone to walk you back to your common room, Miss Granger?" I turned slightly, surprised. While I knew Fields better than most, I still didn't know her that well. She would come to me for advice on how to handle Septimus as we were best friends, and I was more than happy to help. When we got together we normally made polite inquiries and then focused on Septimus. So her offering to walk or have someone walk me to my common room was rather surprising. I shook my head.

"No. It isn't far from here, and it would be best if you stayed." I knew that Septimus would rather have a friendly face around when he got interrogated. He might be embarassed that it was Professor Fields, but it was better than nothing. From the looks on Hogwart's staff faces, he'd need all the friendly faces he could get. I certainly couldn't stay, as they were going to interrogate him about me.

Professor Fields nodded. "Yes, perhaps it would. Have a good night, Miss Granger." I nodded and smiled. I met her eyes as sternly as I could. I wanted her to remember her promise.

"Remember your promise, Professor Fields." I saw her eyes widen, before making her face unreadable again. Good. She just might make a decent Slytherin's wife after all. I was well aware of the irony of a ex-Gryffindor commenting on the perfect Slytherin wife. "Have a good night yourself, Professor." I turned to walk away when I was again stopped by Field's voice.

"I will remember my promise." I nodded without turning around and walked out of the room. Before I cleared the doorway I heard Dumbledore tell Snape to get his Veritasium. I shivered in sympathy for Septimus, but knew better than to turn around.

In her many trips to talk to me about Septimus, I had forced Fields to make several promises. I made her promise to try and avoid hurting Septimus at all. If she did, she'd have hell to pay. My exact words were something like "If you hurt him, I'll make you so damn miserable you'll wish you'd never met him. I'll make you look over your shoulder for the rest of you life, worrying that I'm going to get you. And get you I will. Make no mistake." I had said the same thing when I made her promise to protect him as well, which was the promise I was making her stick to tonight.

Septimus could hide his feelings, but that didn't mean he didn't have them. If no-one was there to distract him he could easily fall into a depression. It's happened before. I had no idea what the bastards from Hogwarts were going to say to him, but if he needs someone to stick up for him, to protect him, that Fields would. If they said to many negative things without interference, he might start to believe the lies himself. I may be suspicious of Fields, but it was easy to see (to everyone but Septimus it seems) that she loves him.

Reaching my rooms, I gave the password and walked into the common room. Conversation stopped and I noticed Zac sitting in a corner of the common room, looking sullen and surly. I noticed that Tabby, Mike, and the other's were sitting on the opposite side of the room. They all stood when I entered the room, but I motioned for them to sit down. I walked over to where they were seated and sat down next to Shannon, who put her arms around my shoulders.

"Are you okay, hon?" Shannon asked. I nodded in reply.

"We figured you went to see Septimus, as that's what any of us would have done. We didn't want to interupt you, and we didn't want Zac scaring the first years, so we came back here. Is everything alright?" I leaned forward slightly so no one could over hear, and told them about what had happened in Septimus' room.

"Wow. Maybe the truth will come out. Veritasium's powerful. Septimus can't lie, so your secret's out. Your just friends." I nodded my head, but inside, I was still worried. The answer's given to the questions depend on the questioner. Snape could twist the questions so that no matter what Septimus answered, it would look bad. Snape didn't like me, and I knew that only family blood kept Snape from being somewhat polite to Septimus.

"I'm tired and I want to go to bed. Tomorrow evening we're going to Club Zero, right?" They all nodded in agreement and bid me good night, giving me hugs. I smiled and walked to my room. A day with just my friends. No Hogwarts, no classes, no worrying. In Club Zero, you had to be invited in by a member before you could be a member yourself. Power and social standing doesn't matter there. You could be a Malfoy and be turned away if you aren't invited in. We had been invited in by Timothy Babiski. When we were in 6th year, he'd been a 7th year. Hardly any Aries students were members. They usually went down to the Club Mania, where they let anyone in. It was highly doubtful that any Hogwarts student will get in. Doubtful, but not impossible. They could still get in. Ah well, either way I'm going to have a good day. Nothing can change that.

I pulled on my oversized t-shirt and snuggled down in my bed and closed my eyes. I quickly fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

SNAPE'S POV

When the chit and Septimus had discussed the incident where Septimus and Professor Fields apparently were snogging like teenagers, there was mostly disbelief. That pretty woman wanted to get involved with a Snape, no matter how distant the bloodline was? Now, after interviewing Septimus, it didn't seem so nuts after all. The woman sat at the edge of her seat and never took her eyes of Septimus. It was rather disconcerting. She rarely blinked, and looked ready to defend him at a moments notice.

"So your saying that Miss Granger and you are strictly friends? You and Miss Granger's friends as well?" I asked patiently. A brief flicker of irritation swept through Septimus' eyes before disappearing when the gave went blank.

"Yes."

"You claim to have romantic feelings for another? Who is this 'other person'?"

"Yes. Julie Fields." I heard Fields take a deep breath and let it out slowly. A brilliant smile slowly spread across her face. The woman looked positively radiant. Stupid chit. I stood up and walked to where Albus and Minvera were standing. Lupin had decided to go to bed early, as the full moon was coming up. I kept my voice low so they wouldn't hear what I was saying.

"It appears they've been telling the truth. Septimus truly believes that the girl is innocent. As for their 'affair', Septimus has no more romantic interesting in her than he does in a house-elf." I grimaced at the picture that formed in my mind. Shoving the picture away, I turned towards Septimus' bookshelves. On some of the lower shelves were picture books. I pulled the closest one to me out and flipped it open. It was filled with pictures of Septimus, Granger, and Granger's friends. They were gathered in Septimus' rooms, in the halls, at Septimus' cottage, at Longbourne village. They were always smiling happily, even Septimus. At the bottom of the pictures were discriptions of the day, what they were doing, and the date. I turned the page and noticed that Granger was always next to Septimus. Flipping through the rest of the book, I noticed that Septimus refered to Granger as his best friend, and Granger said the same. Interesting. They may not be lovers, but they're definitely close. I've never seen Septimus smile so much.

A pale hand reached out and snatched the book from my grasp. I glared at Septimus, who stood next to me. Fury radiated from his body in a thick cloud. He looked ready to explode. His mouth was twisted, his eyes were slightly darker than their usual dark brown. Their almost my color. He was also paler than usual. He set the book on the table and faced Albus, Minerva, and me. He was actually shaking.

"Get out." The words seemed to echo through the room. I noticed that Albus flinched slightly at the tone, but otherwise stood his ground.

"My dear boy, surely you can understand why we did what we did? It was all for percaution."

"Of course I understand. I understand that you didn't believe me when I said Hermione and I weren't romantically involved. You didn't and still don't understand that she's not evil. Why should I spy for a man who doesn't trust my word? Why should I believe you give a damn about me when it appears you doesn't trust me?" Hurt, disgust, and anger made his words loud and thick with emotion.

"We have ample evidence that she was guilty. Listening to private conversations, almost burning Remus to death. The unexplainable fact that Veritasium and Legilimency doesn't work! She wouldn't tell us why she was immune. And she ran away! Why would she run away if she wasn't guilty?"

"Maybe she doesn't know why Veritasium and Legilimency doesn't work? And did it ever occur to you that precious Potter and his friends listen in on your private conversations? Expendable ears or some such nonsense? She's not the only one. As for running away, of course she would. She didn't have friends did she? Potter and Weasley abandoned her! They weren't allowed to tell anyone about what you thought she was, but that didn't stop people from assuming. Everyone kisses Potter's ass in this world. Oh, Potter doesn't like Granger? Fine, neither do we. It may not have happened when Hermione was still attending Hogwarts, but she knew it was coming! She knew! YOU DID NOTHING TO STOP POTTER AND WEASLEY FROM MAKING HER A PARIAH! NOTHING!"

Septimus' voice lowered to a low purr, a sure sign he was furious. When he was angry he usually kept a neutral tone or he shouted. When he was extremely angry, he lowered his voice almost to a whisper. His eyes were flashing and he was standing with his hands curled into fists by his side. His whole body was tense. If this is what I look like when I'm angry, it's no wonder people run.

"Then she comes here and we become friends. I have been spying for you for almost twenty years, Albus. You still cannot take my word that the girl is innocent. Your so fixated on circumstatial evidence you can't see the obvious. You're treating my best friend like she's something, evil, something below you! And I won't stand for it! So I quit! I quit spying for you, I quite being a Death Eater. Find somebody else's life to run."

Silence. Albus was watching Septimus, his eyes hard. Minerva stood behind Albus, ready to defend him if needed. Fields stood off to the side, forgotten. I stood off to the side, watching everyone. Albus seemed to be comtemplating Septimus. Finally, he sighed heavily.

"Alright Septimus. We'll stop treating her like she's evil and below us. For now, anyway. There's no definitive proof she's good or evil. As for you not spying, think about what your saying! You've tried so hard to get to Voldemort's inner circle, only to throw it all away? If Miss Granger is truly your best friend, is that what she would want you to do?"

Professor Fields took the whole conversation in with surprising patience. She obviously didn't know that Septimus was a spy from her wide eyes and shocked expression, but she didn't interupt with stupid comments or questions. She now stepped forward, and spoke up.

"Septimus, you know that that's not what Hermione would want. She knows how hard you've worked to get where you are, and she'd be angry with you for throwing it all away. Don't do this because you want to defend Hermione's honor. The girl is more than capable of doing it herself. She knows what they think of her, just as she knows what you think of her."

Albus, Minerva, and Septimus started at the sound of her voice. They all turned to look at her. She stood her ground confidently. When she began speaking Septimus turned a rather curious shade of pink. He wouldn't look her in the eyes either. He cleared his throat softly and nodded in agreement.

"You right, of course." Septimus turned towards Dumbledore and narrowed his eyes. The silence stretched out before Septimus spoke again. "Do not think that because I will continue spying for you that I will sit around while you slander Hermione. There are other ways that I could show my displeasure than to quit being your lapdog. Remember that. Now get out." He turned and swept towards his bedroom and slammed the door. Fields smiled at us and instead of walking towards the exit, walked towards Septimus' room.

"I'm sure you can find your way out. Septimus and I have some things to discuss, and it's better I talk to him while he's cornered than try to talk to him when he's not. Have a good night." She pushed open the door and walked through, shuting it gently. I turned towards the exit and swept through the doorway. My eye caught a hidden drawer in his desk. I walked around the desk and gently pulled the hidden compartment out. Inside were an assortment of things, quills, spare bits of parchment. And a book. I pulled out the book and made a copy of it, which I stuffed it into my robes. I cast another spell on it, one which would allow me to read any new entries written. Replacing the original copy in the drawer, I moved the drawer back to it's previous position.

Better not show this to Albus and Minvera until I'm sure of what it is. I shut off the light that Septimus had left on earlier and swept through the room. Reaching my room while managing to avoid Albus' and Minerva's inevitable 'good night' talk, I warded my door and through off my clothes. In nothing but my boxers, I sat down on the couch and flicked my wand. A fire roared to life, the room instantly warm. I dug around my robes inner pockets for the book I had grabbed, and opened it up. I threw my clothes over the back of my couch absently, and began to read.

January 7

We recieved a new student today, a girl by the name of Hermione Granger. She is known as a friend of Harry Potter's. I had heard that she was a traitor to Potter and Dumbledore's cause, which makes me wonder. She does not look like she could betray a friend. She looked like a House A. Imagine my surprise when the hat called out House B instead. I have covertly watched th girl, and have noted that she's hardworking and intelligent. She does not flaunt her knowledge, and she is quiet and truly listens. She is the quintissential Slytherin at times, but at other times she acts Gryffindorish. She seems to truly enjoy Potions, and I am thinking of asking her to be my apprentice, if only to keep an eye on her.

The rest of the book was filled with accounts like this. It goes on to explain who the chit became his apprentice, how they became closer. It talked of how she saved his life countless times, healing him when Septimus had returned from meetings. From the way it was worded, Granger should know a multitude of healing spells by now. The book recorded how Granger's friends became close to Septimus aslo. Eventually I noticed that Granger would sometimes add comments to what Septimus had written. Her opinions, her comments, her thoughts. Pictures, too, were sometimes stuck in the pages. Some pages had no sentences on it at all, just doodles and little sayings.

April 29

Thank Merlin this week is over. If I choose, I need not see any idiots for the whole weekend. We're not that bad. Maybe not you and your friends, Hermione, but the other's...I shudder to think of them doing private projects, but alas, I have no choice. Your such a drama queen! There has only been one cauldren explosion this year, and that was the result of bad ingredients! Must I explain the concept of a private journal? Do I go and write in your journal? No, I do not. Why must you do so to me, you wretched girl? I'm completely sure that if I showed you my journal then you would write sarcastic and caustic comments in it. I am resigned to my fate. You must run all parts of my life. Not all parts. And you really don't mind. You just complain to keep up apperances, thought I do not know why when it's just you, me, and our friends. But I will go and allow you to write you maudlin thoughts down. They're not maudlin. Are too. Are not. Moving on...

The Dark Lord has taken to calling every weekend. This worry's me more than his unexpected callings. When he calls regularily, it means that an idea of some sort is brewing in that snake-like head of his. Last time nearly got half his Death Eater's killed. And now I must stop writing. Tabby and Zac have gotten into yet another arguemnt, and I fear for my chess board.

The book then went on in that fashion, with more and more comments put in by Granger. It became obvious that Septimus and the girl were close, as Septimus stopped making sarcastic comments to her. In his writings, he seemed amused and affectionate. It was most confusing. Sure, from the way it sounded the girl was a good friend, but that was no reason to tell her all your secrets. Merlin, the girl knew everything about Septimus! He kept nothing from her, which will be his downfall. My eyes itched and I kept nodding off. I conjured up a bookmark and slid it into place. I stood up and stretched. Sleep. Finish the book tomorrow.

HERMIONE'S POV

The Next Morning

I awoke the next morning with a pounding headache. Stumbling from the bed to my cupboard filled with various potions that I wasn't supposed to have. I picked out a vial filled with Headache Relief written on it and drank it in one gulp. It left a nasty aftertaste to it, but after I brushed my teeth it'd go away. I gathered my clothes that I was going to wear that day and walked towards the bathroom.

Setting my clothes beside the sink, I quickly undressed and started the water. Steam soon filled the barthoom, and I stepped into the hot spray. After lathering my hair with my special shampoo that smelled of Cucumber Melon, I started in with my Cucumber Melon body wash. Washing the soup off, I stepped out of the shower after turning the water off. I dried myself off briskly with a quick spell, and picked up my clothes. I decided that it was going to be a leisure day. I was going to club zone later tonight, and I'd change just before leaving. Right now I'd rather be comfortable than anything else.

It was a beautiful day out, sun shining, birds chirping, and so on. I threw open my window and took a deep breath. It smelled like flowers outside. The wind was blowing gently, taking the edge off the heat, making the day absolutely perfect. I was itching to go out and sit underneath a tree and read. I couldn't though, as I had promised myself to spend the day with my friends. I turned back towards the bathroom where I had set my clothes and gave my wand a flick. Immediatly my clothes were changed, undergarments and all. I was wearing a black t-shirt with a skull on it (A/N: Think "The Punisher" skull) and I had black silk pajama pants on. The clothes were charmed so they couldn't be stand, ripped, or anything else. I slipped on a some black flip flops and decided I was ready.

Covering a yawn with my hand, I walked into the common room. A first year that had been sitting by the fire stood up and came my way. I stood patiently and waited for it to stop stuttering from nerves and tell me what he needed to. Why are first years so shy around the 7th years? It's not like we're some other form of species. I smiled encouragingly, which seemed to calm the boy. He took at deep breath and stared at his shoes.

"Your f-friends t-told me to tell y-you that they w-went down to breakfast and would c-catch up with you l-later." I nodded and thanked the kid, who ran back towards the fire like he was afraid I'd bite him. Smiling at the thought, I stepped through the portrait and started to navigate through the halls. There wasn't a single sound. My feet made no noise, and nobody was around. I love it when it's this quiet. Nobody fighting, it's actually quiet enough to think...

"Mudblood..."

I blinked and turned. Nobody was there. What the fuck? It it's one of those Hogwarts people, I swear to Merlin. I'm sick of being nice. I'll hex their asses off, the bastards. Using a word like that...should be banned from the English language. I turned face forward and continued walking. I strained my ears for any sound, but heard nothing. Whoever they are, they're good. I kept a knife in my boot, but that wouldn't help me if I couldn't get to it before they hexed me. They could probably see me right now, so going for my wand would be no good. Unless they expected me to. If you go for your wand, they may hex you the second you reach for it. So what do I do? Another voice spoke up, and this time it was Septimus. Hurry up. Get near the Great Hall. If anyone attacks you, you could scream. There's always students loitering ouside the doors, making noise and stuffing their faces.

"Mudblood...we've come for you..." Real original, whoever you are. The voice was closer now, and I moved faster. I was now jogging towards the Great Hall. All I had to do was go down the stairs and to the left. Reaching the first step, I was about to step down when I heard someone whisper something and felt something slam into my back. I jerked foward, arms grabbing air. Bugger! I managed to cover my face just before it hit the step. I felt the bones in my hands break. I kept falling down the stairs. I slammed my elbow into the wall and felt that bone break.

Landing in a heap at the bottom of the stairs, I managed to curl myself into the fetal position. My elbows, hands, face, and one leg was screaming with pain. I'm going to look seriously beat up tomorrow. Bruises were staring to form, and I could see a blood on my arms. Blood was making my pants wet, and I was laying in a pool of blood. My head is bleeding. I might have a concussion. Explains the blurry vision and the killer headache. I hope my clothes aren't ruined! It was strange how I could be in so much pain, and yet be worrying aboy my vision and my clothes. My vision was blurry.

Footsteps were coming my way, heading down the stairs slowly. A noise hit my ears, familar. I couldn't place it...I know I've heard it before...Laughter. That person is laughing! I turned my head to see who was laughing, who had attacked me. All I could see was a dark shape moving towards me. My eyesight was too blurry. Ow...I felt tears slip out of my eyes as I saw something moving towards my head quickly, and I closed my eyes and braced for impact. The foot (at least that's what I'm assuming it was) hit me, causing my head to jerk back and bang on the stone floor. There was a black ring around my eyes now, and it was growing. Slowly it filled my vision, and my last conscious thought was Thank God. No more pain...

Darkness. No pain.

Voices. Someone was asking me what I knew about something...they were threatening to do something to me...but they couldn't. The darkness would protect me. I was safe.

A jab of pain shot through me. I curled up in a ball as well as I could. A whimper escaped my throat. I floated deeper into the darkness, away from the pain. Must...stay away...from the pain. The faint voices and pain faded as I floated onward. A sense of calm and peace filled me. Never going back to that place. Too much pain...

Well, there's the next chapter. It's not as long as the one before, but I wanted to end it here. I lost my notes to the story, so I don't know exactly what I'm writing next. Sorry I ended it here. I'll try to update soon, but schools starting back up tomorrow. I can't wait for summer so I can write a little more. The plot is starting to pick up now. Also, I don't think it'll be hard to read Septimus' writing and Hermione's writing, but originally I had the writings completely different. When I uploaded it, it changed to this, so I left it.