I'm sorry it took so long. I now have a beta, so thank you Apryl (Dancing In Rain). You've caught mistakes that I would have missed. You're doing an awesome job. I can't thank you enough.

The one with the dark eyes is Septimus, obviously. The girl with dark hair, blue eyes, and mischievous smile is Tabby, and the curly brown hair and hazel eyes is Jon. I checked back and noticed I never described him in detail. Thanks to all who reviewed. I forgot to mention in my previous chapter that I have over 100 reviews! Thanks to everybody who has reviewed so far!

Chapter Seven

Light swirled around me and I drifted through the darkness. The light would get too bright for my eyes to bear, and I'd shut them briefly. Then everything would dim and I would open them again. I was heading to this door, light shining through the cracks. There were words written on the door, but this far away I couldn't read what they said. The air felt cold on my skin, and I wrapped my arms around myself to stay warm. Red, green and blue balls of light would appear in the distance. The light slowly started to fade until I was floating before the door.

I still couldn't see the words written on the door. The light shining through the cracks couldn't bend to light the door up, only showing the edges of the door. A deep instinct inside me knew that if I went through this door, I wouldn't be able to return. Would that really be so bad? No more jealousy, no more pain, no more Voldemort. I'd be able to see my cousin again. Life would be good. A voice spoke up in my mind, and I couldn't remember where I'd heard it. What about those waiting for you to come back? Those who care what happens to you and would be devastated if you didn't come back. I couldn't remember any of my friend's names, but I saw flashes of pictures, and feelings came with the pictures. Love, loyalty, safety, happiness, and warmth... A flash of a man with dark eyes and hair moved before my eyes. He was tall, thin and unhappy looking; at least until he smiled.Then his face would light up, and those dark brown eyes (mere shades away from black) would brighten. If I go through that door, that man is going to be very upset. I don't know how I know, but I do.

Seems like your mind is partially made up. Another voice spoke up. This time a woman's voice, soft and musical. It was one I had never heard before. Do I really want to go back to all that chaos? All those negative emotions? Is anything worth that? The answer was simple, a big fat YES! The man...the one with the dark eyes...that girl with the dark hair, blue eyes, and the mischievous smile...the boy with the curly brown hair and sparkling hazel eyes. I want to go back. I don't want to go through that door.

Before the thought was finished, I was flying backwards. I tried twisting around to see where I was going, but I couldn't. I relaxed and allowed myself to fly. This is better than a roller coaster. I rushed towards complete darkness. There were no swirling lights, no colors, nothing. Just the dark. I braced myself for impact, but none came. I was suspended in nothing. I closed my eyes. I couldn't breathe. Strange noises were assaulting my ears and my eyes hurt. I opened my mouth to scream...

And woke up, gasping, in the hospital wing. I shivered and shut my eyes. The lsunset shining through the windows directly across from me sent a stab of pain through my head. I took a deep breath, and let it out slowly.

"Will someone shut out the FUCKING LIGHTS?" I opened my eyes and squinted at the doorway. Madam Polinski came through, followed by Septimus, Headmaster Tubby, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape. Septimus took one look at me and pushed the nurse out of the way. Rushing over, he grabbed me and jerked me to him, holding me close. He buried his face in my hair and took a deep breath. I wrapped my arms around him as best I could, and held on tightly. Was I really considering abandoning Septimus? How could I?

Septimus pulled back and searched my eyes. I smiled tiredly at him. Septimus' eyes were shining peculiarly. Is he going to cry? Merlin! If he does, then I will too. He sat on the edge of my bed and gathered me up, setting me on his lap sideways. He wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me in place. I placed my head against his shoulder and breathed deeply. Spice and the dungeons... I smiled. That's a totally Septimus' smell.

SNAPE'S POV

Septimus rushed forward like a mad man. He pushed the woman out of his way. He grabbed Granger and pulled her close to him. He holds her any tighter and she won't be able to breath. Not that her dying would be a great loss. Granger wrapped her arms around Septimus and held him tightly as well. A brief image passed before my eyes--Granger wrapping her arms around me while I fuck her senseless. I closed my eyes and fought to get control of my body and push the image away. Damn it, I did not need this right now. I opened them to see Septimus setting Granger in his lap. She set her head against his shoulder, her lips curving into a sweet, content smile.

Septimus tried vainly to hide the fact that he was tearing up. I attempted to hide my own astonishment while my lip curled in disgust. I glanced towards the others and noticed their looks that were echoing mine. Incredulous. Septimus crying? Now I've seen everything. Granger sighed and pulled away from Septimus. She looked up into his face and her smile faded. She blinked, licked her lips, and started with the question we all knew she would ask.Anyone acquainted with her knew she always asked incessant questions.

"How long have I been here? Who found me?" Septimus pulled back some and smiled a soft and happy smile. Has everyone gone insane? Septimus smiling, laughing, and nearly crying? Me, lusting after a traitor? Does the madness never end!

You've been here for about two days, Hermione. Severus, er, Professor Snape found you. Are you alright? Are you feeling any pain? What happened?"

"I'm fine Septimus. I have a killer headache though. That's about all the pain I have." Madam Polinski now stepped forward.

"You feel no pain now except in your head? When you try to stand up and walk you will definitely feel it. You will be staying here for at least two more days for observation. You will only leave when I say you will and you will do absolutely everything I tell you to. No excessive work, no extraneous activities. You will relax, take all the potions I set for you, and generally be a good girl." Madam Polinski stated, setting the needed potions on the desk next to the bed.

"When have I ever been a bad girl?"

"Remember the quidditch incident last year? You refused to do anything I said and snuck off constantly. I had to ward the hospital wing just to be sure you didn't go anywhere!" Granger smirked and shrugged. Madam Polinski humphed and turned towards us.

"You may stay for half an hour. No more. She needs rest. Septimus may stay, as I know he will not upset the girl. The minute any of you so much as make her blink faster than normal I will throw you out." With that said, she left the room, gently shutting the door. We all turned back to Septimus and Granger to find them whispering to each other. Granger sighed exasperatedly before nodding. They turned back to us calmly.

"Quite finished talking to Miss Granger, my boy?" Albus questioned. At Septimus' nod, he continued. "Wonderful. Miss Granger, if you don't mind we'd like to ask you some questions." The chit nodded.

"What happened, my dear?" Granger winced at the last two words but spoke calmly anyway.

"I was walking to the Great Hall when I heard someone whispering Mudblood behind me. I didn't see or hear anyone, so I kept walking. I heard another noise but I still couldn't see anybody. I kept walking and I had reached the stairs near the Great Hall. I was about to go down them when I was hit in the back. I fell forward. I remember hitting the stairs several times before landing at the bottom. Whoever it was kicked me in the head and I slammed my head against the floor. I couldn't tell who it was because my vision was so blurry. I came partly awake sometime later and there were people. I think there were three different voices. They were asking me questions about something...I didn't know the answer to their questions and then they threatened me. Then there was the darkness."

The girl's eyes were filled up with some emotion, a whole swirl of emotions. Almost as if she was aware of what she was showing through her eyes, she quickly made them blank. She tightened her hold on Septimus, who whispered quickly in her ear.

"Do you remember what they were asking you?"

"No."

"Think hard, Miss Granger." Minerva cut it.

"No I can't. I'm sorry." Her voice was starting to get defensive.

"How do you feel about putting your memories of that morning in a pensieve?" Granger looked thoughtful for a few moments. Then she looked at Septimus, and whatever she had been trying to tell him obviously got through. He nodded in agreement.

"As long as I am present when you extract the memories, that will be fine." Septimus said. His voice was no-nonsense and obviously that was the final say in that matter. I straightened up and stared coldly at the girl in Septimus' arms.

"Then we shall be leaving." Albus, Minerva, and Lupin echoed words of agreement. Before we were out the door, I heard the chit ask Septimus about his date with Professor Fields. I cast a quick spell that would allow me to hear through the door and paused. The other's moved quickly out the hospital entrance doors and disappeared out of my line of vision.

"My date was fine." Septimus voice was quiet and affectionate.

"Just fine? There was no snogging, no wild hot passionate sex on your desk?" Her voice was teasing and amused. I cast a quick vision spell, allowing me to see through the doors. It was a very complex spell. Many people had done it wrong in the past, causing them to see through things permanently. They had to wear ridiculous glasses as a remedy to their incompetence. I saw Septimus' face turn bright red. His eyes were dancing with amusement and happiness though.

"More than fine. Quite...satisfying." I saw the horrified and disgusted look on Granger's face and had to bite back laughter. She looked traumatized.

"Good god, I was only teasing! I don't want to hear this!" A bemused look had appeared on Septimus' face and he continued on as though he hadn't heard Granger speak.

"I haven't had that much fun in a long time. She's quite amorous, very talented too. And creative." Granger grabbed her pillow and smack Septimus upside the head with it. Septimus let out a bellow of laughter and grabbed the other pillow. He hit Granger in the face.

"This means war, Septimus Carce!" She shrieked, laughing. She stood up on the bed and swung the pillow. A nasty pillow fight ensued, with Septimus and Granger laughing too hard to aim properly. Mostly they swung and missed, they were laughing so hard. Madam Polinski came from her office to see what the commotion was. She saw me and raised an eyebrow. I glared at her, daring her to say something. She sniffed disapprovingly at me before turning towards the doors that had just opened. I quickly took off the vision and hearing spells pretended to be just leaving.

"Mr. McKinely, Miss Thompson. What are you doing here? You should be in class." Polinski's irritated voice said. Where have I seen those two before? I then remembered. They're Granger's friends! I've seen them together, that's why I recognized them. Only two of them though...where are the rest? I was so busy thinking that I nearly missed their answers.

"We finished our assignments earlier and we were allowed to be let out." The girl, Thompson, said brightly. Polinski took the note being held out to her and skimmed it. She tutted disapprovingly.

"This says that you finished your work early and were going to your common rooms. This is not your common room." This time the boy spoke up.

"We're aware of that, Madam Polinski. But Hermione's our best friend, and we wanted to see how she was doing. Professor Carce wasn't at breakfast so we figured something had happened." Polinski's eyes softened by the time the boy finished speaking. How idiotic. They say they're concerned with their friend and the woman predictably melts. She nodded her head and told them that Septimus was currently with the girl in her room. The two students crossed the room, sending him suspicious glances. When they opened the door, they were confronted with Granger and Septimus smacking each other with pillows. Feather's floated about the air, making it look like it was snowing.

"You guys decided to have a pillow fight and didn't invite us? How could you?" The students transfigured their robes they had taken off into pillows, joining the fight after closing the door. I cast the spells once again on the door to observe their activities. I just want to hear their conversations. The nurse had gone back into her office. The four of them in the room were still acting like children, screeching and laughing. I felt a pang of loneliness.

Even if he's acting like a child, he still has friends. We were both social outcasts in our school. Now Septimus has friends. Am I destined to be alone? Why can he make friends and not I? He's just as nasty, just as cruel. I want to have a person I can tell my innermost secrets to. I want someone with whom I can talk to and never tire of. I want someone to have a childish pillow fight with. I want someone to laugh with, to cry with...

Bloody hell man! Get a grip of yourself! You're a grown man and perfectly happy being solitary. You don't want someone making noise, distracting you, and going through your stuff. You don't want any of that. I pushed the disturbing thoughts away, but the feelings of want and of loneliness lingered.

Finish listening to their conversations and leave. You have potions to complete.

I straightened up and watched avidly as the four people in the other room finally stopped pillow fighting and settled down.

HERMIONE'S POV

I was out of breath from laughing so much. Tears were streaming down my face and my ribs hurt. I was tired, but this was the first time since Hogwarts came that I saw Septimus completely happy and relaxed. I climbed under the blankets and snuggled down in my pillow, smiling at my friends happily. Life doesn't get any better. I moved to the edge of the bed, making room for Septimus. I patted the bed next to me.

"You're staying here for the night right?" At Septimus' nod I continued. "Well then we can share a bed. I'm sure Fields won't be upset. She has her...womanly charms, and I'm just a silly little girl who happens to be your friend." Septimus turned light pink and sat down next to me. He glared at me and I smiled innocently in return. He sighed resignedly and lay down next to me. We both turned and watched Jon and Tabby sit in the chairs next to the bed.

"We've been really worried about you, Mia. Zac's been going crazy. He wants to stay mad at you, but then again he wants to comfort you." I grimaced not really wanting to talk or even think about Zac. I was still pissed at him.

"Can we please not talk about him?" They nodded. Nobody spoke. I finally turned towards Septimus.

"How'd your interview go? What'd you say? Is everything okay?" Septimus smiled.

"Everything's fine. I yelled a bit, convinced them that you and I are not romantically involved, and spent a wonderful night with Julie." I swatted his arm at the last part of the sentence. This caused him to laugh out loud. I love his laugh. It was deep and silky. I bet if Snape laughed, it'd sound like that. Now where did that thought come from?

"I'm glad everything's okay. Like I said, if you and I need to stop hanging out, I'll do it. At least until the war is over. Spying means a lot to you, and I'd hate to be the cause of you stopping. I'd never forgive myself."

"Relax Mia. I swore under Veritaserum that we weren't involved. Er, speaking of Veritaserum. How is it that you managed to resist it? Very few people can do it." He's never asked me that before. Is it because a small part of him doesn't trust me? Septimus must have read my facial expression because he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. He smelled of spicy cologne. I buried my face in his chest and took a deep breath.

"I'm only asking because I'm curious. It's not because I don't trust you. Everybody's wondering how you managed when most people cannot." I pulled back a little and sighed. I suppose it's time to tell my side of the story.

I suppose that you could say it all started at the end of my fifth year. Harry hadn't told us about the prophecy; he was still upset over Sirius dying. I spent my summers as I always have: spending time with my few friends, going to parties." Here Septimus interrupted. He had heard stories from Tabby and the other's about the summer they spent with me.

"Getting drunk, dancing until the wee hours of the night, skinny dipping, getting into fights. Yes, I know all about your habits, Miss Granger." I couldn't help but grin. He always calls me Miss Granger when he's joking or in public. Ah, Septimus, but was it not you who said you wished you could've joined us? You have no right to sound disapproving.

When I was thirteen, my friends and I started partying. We had never gotten as drunk or acted as wild as we did that summer between fifth and sixth year. I just wanted to forget about the fight in the Department of Mysteries. It had been fun, and my summer friends and I decided that we would do it again next summer as well. Having Tabby and the rest over just made it better.

"Right. Anyway, during that summer Harry owled me. He told me about the prophecy, and although he didn't say it, I could tell he wished I was there. So I went to the headquarters. I spent the summer talking to Harry and just having a good time. After I'd been there for about a week, strange things started happening when I was around. Things would move, accidents would happen. I thought it was just one of those things that happen which not even in the magic world could explain. Then things escalated."

I turned and stared out the window. I will not cry. I will not cry. I didn't do anything wrong. You don't miss Potter or any of the Weasleys, or anyone else. I turned back towards Septimus and my two concerned friends. I smiled comfortingly and they relaxed.

"I started having strange dreams. I'd wake up screaming, and I couldn't remember why I was screaming. I know it was from a bad dream, but what the dream was about I couldn't tell you. I started feeling funny in the day. I'd get dizzy and tired. Things would get blurry and I could swear that I kept hearing someone talking. Then the accidents started happening more frequently. People started to avoid me. Dumbledore and the rest of those assholes used Veritaserum and legilimency. Nothing worked. I can't explain it. I swear on my life that I don't know why." My voice wobbled a bit on that last few sentences, so I stopped briefly to calm down. I am Slytherin, and Slytherins don't show weakness, even if it is in front of their friends.

"That summer was the worst summer I've ever spent. Nobody would talk to me, and when they did they were vague and uninteresting. They avoided me, and treated me like a leper. It hurt. So when school started up I thought that everything would go back to the way it was before, but it didn't. The dreams and those odd feelings got worse. I hardly got any sleep. Potter and Weasley treated me even worse. Talking behind my back, sabotaging my potions."

Septimus gave me an encouraging smile and hugged me slightly. I smiled in thanks and continued. They'll understand.

"I decided to switch schools. I sent out inquiries to the Ministry of Magic on nearby schools. It was fascinating. Anyway, Aries was the farthest away but still in distance of the perimeter my parents set. I transferred here and thought I was done being looked on with suspicion. I could start over. You all know the rest."

"Well I say it was their loss. The smartest witch of her year is graduating from Aries. Hell, you could be the smartest witch in all seven years currently." I laughed at that. There were some really smart students. They acted just like I use to. Always reading, studying, and living in the library. At least I know how to have fun. Hanging with friends, Quidditch, clubs...Oh my God! Clubs!

"Oh, Merlin! I missed going to Club Zone! The weekend is over and I don't think I can make it another week without going." I groaned. The other's laughed at me, causing me to glare.

"This isn't funny! This week is going to totally suck ass!" The realization caused me to slump mournfully in the bed.

"Hermione, we have something to tell you. Tubby decided to show the Hogwarts students and staff to Longbourne Village. We have Tuesday off completely and we get to spend it all day in Longbourne." I sat up quickly with a whoop of happiness.

"Are you kidding me? To get into Club Zone you have to be invited, so no Hogwarts students. Hopefully anyway. They're tricky buggers." I couldn't keep the giddy smile off my face. It was Sunday, I was going to Club Zone, I hadn't missed any of my classes, and I had a few ideas for some tricks I could play on the Hogwarts students. My smile became more smirk-like. The other's recognized the look on my face and leaned forward eagerly.

"What's up Hermione? You planning something?"

I smile mischievously. "Maybe. Ask me again tomorrow. The hospital wing is much too public."

"Awwww, Mia! We wanna know nowwwww!" They whined. My smirk became more pronounced.

"Now, now. You'll find out tomorrow." I yawned, suddenly feeling tired. I had just woken up from being unconscious and then had a wicked pillow fight. After that, I had talked for - I glanced at the clock - nearly a half-hour. No wonder I'm tired. Not bad for someone who hasn't moved in two days.

"We should get going. You need your beauty sleep." Septimus sneered.

"And LOTS of it." I rolled my eyes and mock glared at Jon. He gave me a wide-eyed innocent look that I didn't believe for a minute.

"Are you saying I'm ugly?"

"No! I would never!"

"Good. I'd hate to have to curse you."

"Sure you would. Just like you hated having to curse Zac when he stuck that spider in your bed." Jon replied, trying to hide a grin. I laughed out loud at that. I had cursed Zac so that his pants would disappear after he made a niffler chase me around the grounds. In retaliation, he stuck a spider in my bed. I hexed him so thoroughly that he spent two days in a hospital wing while the professor's tried to figure out what I'd done to him. Apparently some of the curses I used shouldn't be mixed together.

"Out. Now. Polinski will have my head if we don't leave soon. I have the feeling she's going to come in any minute now and give me the 'evil eye'." That caused all of us to laugh again. Sure enough, a few seconds later in walked Madam Polinski. She glared at the three people standing around my bed and opened her mouth to speak. Septimus beat her to it.

"We were just leaving. 'Night Miss Granger." He winked discreetly at me and sauntered out. Tabby and Jon hugged me goodbye and left. Madam Polinski, meanwhile, was lecturing me on being a good girl and taking my sleeping draught without a fuss. Fortunately for her, I was tired and did take it without a fuss. She left the room after wishing me good night. My eyes slowly slipped closed...

SNAPES POV

Dumbledore will be very interested in hearing her side of the story, I should think. Where is the mad old coot anyway? At that moment Dumbledore and his followers stepped out of the teachers lounge. Dumbledore spotted me and walked over, twinkling madly.

"Albus, I just overheard Miss Granger telling Septimus and her two friends," here I sneered, "about her side of the story. I thought you might like to see it." Dumbledore nodded in agreement.

"You're right, my boy. Follow me, please." I winced at the words 'my boy' but followed obediently. Dumbledore entered an empty classroom and waited until Lupin and Minerva had entered the room before casting a warding/silencing spell.

"Tell me please, Severus."

Sorry it took forever to write this story. I didn't mean to take so long. Please review; I'd appreciate it very much.