Disclaimer: To my utter dismay, I was unable to convince the people at the bank I was indeed JK Rowling. Therefore, I do not own this story.
Sammy2008: Yeah, Snape is a prick. But there are several reasons he's the way he is. I'll get more into that later.
Violet Ashkevron: I always thought of Mia and Mee-ah.
Not many people reviewed Chapter Ten. I dunno if it's because it was Memorial Day weekend or because the chapter sucked. I hope it's the former, not the latter. Or maybe a lot of people reviewed and I haven't realized that. Oh, and my beta brought up the fact that I haven't said how the Slytherins feel about Hermione the mudblood being in a similar house. We'll find out in this chapter.
This chapter is going to be very long!

Chapter Eleven

"Granger...just the girl I wanted to see." I turned towards Potter's voice, fighting to keep the grimace off my lips. I felt like crap this morning, and the last thing I wanted was to deal with them. I sighed. Perhaps if you didn't spend the entire night crying your eyes out, you'd feel better. Potter, Weasley, and many of the people I use to count as friend made their way towards me. I fingered my wand in my pocket, positioning it so that if need be, I could pull it out quickly. I forced a pleasant smile on my face.

"Yes, Potter? How may I serve you?" Potter smirked--or tried to smirk, anyway--and stopped directly in front of me. He was standing so close I could smell his cologne. Since when does he wear cologne? The others fanned out beside him. They were giving their pitiful versions of threatening stares, and I had to bite my lip to keep from grinning. They looked like they were five and were trying to show their parents their displeasure by glaring. I suppose I didn't hide my smile well enough, for Potter and Weasley's eyes flashed.

"We need assistance locating a room. Since you're a prefect, we thought maybe you could assist us." Weasley commented.

I snorted. "Did you look 'assistance' up in the dictionary specifically so you could use your big word on me? I admit I'm impressed. I thought you'd never spell anything longer than your names. Now, what room are you looking for?" By now they were shooting daggers at me, and I smirked unrepentantly. Potter and his cohorts opened their mouth to retort when a shadow fell over me. I turned slowly to find Snape standing behind me. He looked tired, grumpy, and ready to tear anybody's head off who dared argue with him. I felt a jolt of happiness at the thought of pissing him off. Serves the bastard right for saying what he did.

"What is going on here?" He snarled. I rolled my eyes. This seemed to piss him off even more than he already was. "Miss Granger. I should have known you'd be involved. Can't seem to stay out of trouble, can you?" This time, when I opened my mouth to answer, another voice interrupted me.

"She loves getting in trouble. Her secret fantasy is to get spanked as punishment." My friends had come up behind the Hogwarts students. I grinned at Jon, who had made the comment. He grinned back.

"Jon's right. But the only way I'd want to get spanked this time, my dear professor, is if you were the one doing the spanking." I heard a gasp from behind me, and Snape's mouth fell open. I blew him a kiss, then linked arms with Tabby.

"Shall we go? Oh, and Potter? Ask Marcy Jones about rooms. She knows everything there is to know about this castle. Have a g'day." I sauntered down the hall, and as I turned the corner I collapsed into laughter. The look on their faces! I'll never forget it! My friends were leaning on the wall gasping for air. Tears of laughter were streaming down their faces, and they were holding their sides.

"Priceless. Actually, now that I think about it... Snape isn't so bad. Those eyes of his...that voice...those hands...I'd do him." Shannon commented. Julie and Tabby nodded their agreement, and I couldn't keep the shock off my face.

"Oh, come on Mia! I heard some of the students calling him a greasy git. Anybody'd have greasy hair if they were leaning over cauldrons all day. And during breakfast and dinner it isn't greasy at all. It's obvious he washes it before and after classes. Now, can you honestly tell me you wouldn't do him?" Julie demanded.

SNAPE'S POV

I stopped dead. Can you honestly tell me you wouldn't do him? echoed in my mind. What will she say? I wondered. I pressed myself against the wall, my robes blending perfectly with the shadows. I didn't want them to spot me, as low as the chance may seem. I wanted to hear her answer. Wish I could see her face...

"Of course I'd do him! I'm not blind or stupid! But could you imagine? Twenty points from House B simply because I can. Now take your clothes off." This caused laughter, and I felt a flash of anger.

"He wouldn't say that! The man's extremely sexy...I doubt he'd be thinking about house points when there's a pretty girl in front of him naked. I know I wouldn't be thinking of house points. Or anything besides jumping him." That was the first girl who'd spoken, the one who'd said I had nice eyes, voice, and hands. I held my hands out, examining them. Nothing special... they're just hands...I shrugged.

"Maybe. I dunno. I can honestly say I've never been in the position to see if that's what he'd say or not." Granger's voice.

"And if you did had the chance to find out...?" This was the second girl who'd spoken; the one that said my hair wasn't greasy.

"I wouldn't turn the chance down." I felt a jolt of arousal at her words. Now that I know, how do I go about getting her in my bed in the first place? My musings were interrupted by the boy's voice, protesting that they didn't want to hear about this sort of thing. The girls relented, and they headed off to breakfast. I smiled. What if I...

POTIONS CLASSROOM, HERMIONE'S POV

"I'm glad your here, Max." I commented for the third time as we entered the room. I glanced at Septimus and had to bite my cheek to keep the smile from my face. He had been arguing with Snape about something when he caught sight of Max and I. He had his arms around my shoulders. Septimus gave him his best I'll-kill-you-if-you-hurt-her look. He did a double take when Snape turned around. I stood up on my tiptoes and murmured in his ear.

"Their cousins. Sore subject. Don't mention it. Septimus is Professor Carce. He's my best friend, so just ignore his Fear-Me-for-I-am-Evil-and- Cruel-and-You-are-Dating-My-Best-Friend-You-Better-be-Nice looks." He chuckled softly and nodded to Septimus. Septimus gave him the 'evil eye' back before inclining his head a centimeter. He smirked at me as Max passed and I discreetly flipped him off. Septimus snorted before barking at the people lagging behind to move their lazy arses and take their seats.

I sat down in my usual seat and Max took the seat next to mine. I smiled at him as I set up my cauldron, book, parchment, and quills. The lesson started with Snape swooping about and critiquing everyone's potions. He passed mine without comment but was sure to make Max sound like a complete imbecile before he moved on. It was towards the end of the class when it happened.

A potion exploded. Somebody screamed and Terrie, who was walking to the sink to dump her badly made potion in the sink stumbled over Potter, who was lying on the floor after diving down to avoid being blown up. Terrie's potion went flying--dowsing me in it. My skin started tingling and my clothes started to disintegrate. My yelp echoed through the classroom and everybody turned towards me. Snape sprang into action, unclipping his outer robes and throwing them over me, all the while rushing me towards Septimus' office. By the time I was pushed through the door, I was completely naked underneath Snape's robes.

I shivered and pulled the cloak closer. I turned around to find Snape leaning on the closed door. He was watching me with a smirk. I raised an eyebrow and sat down on the edge of Septimus' desk. I simply stared at him, and he stared back. Those dark, beautiful eyes... almost like tunnels. I unconsciously licked my lips. Snape's eyes moved from mine to my lips. He stared at them silently for a few seconds before he pushed off from the door and moved towards me. I kept my breath even and never moved my eyes from his. His eyes darted up to mine. He pulled me up. He was standing inches from me, and I could smell his cologne. He smelled so good...my eyes fluttered shut and I leaned forward. I could hear his breathing now, and it was doing things to me that just breathing had never done before.

I licked my lips again and opened my eyes. Snape was staring once again at my lips. He leaned forward and gently brushed his lips against mine. My breathing hitched and I leaned forward to capture his while he was still leaning down slightly. I kissed gently. I pulled back slightly before I gave him a quick kiss on the lips again. I tilted my head up to look at his face. His eyes opened, and I noticed for the first time how long his lashes were. It's not fair! Why couldn't I have lashes like that?

"Hermione..." He whispered. Another shiver ran through me. My name sounded unbelievable erotic coming from his lips. I could die listening to his voice...I reached up and brushed back a lock of his hair, which had fallen into his eyes. I wanted to see his eyes looking back at me. He leaned down again, this time kissing me fully. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I wrapped my arms around him, forgetting for the moment that I wasn't holding his robe closed. I pressed my body up against his, delighting in the feel of my skin rubbing against the rough fabric of his clothes. His tongue entered my mouth, and I kissed back just as eagerly, just as wanting as he was kissing me. I buried my hands in his hair, pulling his face down closer to mine. A soft moan escaped my lips and an answering one came from him. Heat swept through me and I suddenly felt wet.

"Gods..." I moaned. He kissed my lips one more time before moving down to my chin. From my chin he moved to my neck. He nipped every now and then, causing an inhalation of breath with each nibble. My hands sporadically clenched and unclenched. He stopped kissing my neck, and instead pressed his face against mine.

"Miss Granger...Hermione... I do not wish to have intercourse in Septimus' office." He dark eyes held mine. I nodded and pulled back a little. Snape pulled me close once again. "That does not mean I do not wish to...sleep with you. Now is not an appropriate time to engage in...private actions." I nodded once again and fought to get my voice back.

"So...so what do you suggest, sir?"

"A couple things. Do not call me sir." He regarded me silently for a few moments before continuing. "If you wish to continue...meet me outside the empty potion's classroom after dinner. I know for a fact Septimus will not be here. We will adjourn to my room for the night." Didn't bother to ask what I want, did'ja? I didn't dare speak these words out loud, for fear he would turn around and leave.

"Yes."

"Good. Call a house elf to bring you some clothes. I will tell Septimus I was making sure you weren't injured." He turned and left without a backwards glance. I glanced down at myself and searched for injuries. I smiled. None found. My stomach clenched in anticipation at the thought of what was going to happen tonight. What about Max? A voice asked. He never needs to know. Snape wants me for sex only. It's not like he's going to demand a relationship. I felt a twinge deep inside at that thought, but I ignored it. I called for the house elf and gave him the instructions to get my clothes.

BEFORE DINNER, IN HERMIONE'S BEDROOM

I opened the book up and checked the index. I stopped at Mind Control...Potions and Spells. I flipped to the appropriate page and started to read.

Mind penetration has very few defenses. Mind penetration usually consists of the art of Occlumency, which is the mind defense against attack. Legilimency is the art of actual mental invasion. Legilimency is one of the most complex mind arts available. Most full-grown witches and wizards take years to master this art. Occlumency is easier, but just as complex in nuance and subtlety. Occlumency is just one way of blocking penetration. There are spells and potions that work just as well. Most do not use these, as they are considered 'dark'.

The Imperium spell is one of the more popular options available. It is a cousin to the Imperius spell. However, the Imperium spell is hardly used. The spell is only used if the subject has complete trust in the castor. It is impossible to cast on oneself, as it would defeat the purpose of the spell. This spell fell out of favor in 1783 when Ronald McBarthy used the spell to manipulate his family member. The spell did not need to be directly cast on the person. Instead, all that is needed is an item of the person's that's going to be cast on. Another well-known option is the potion with the same name. The potion is the twin to the spell except for two things. It's a potion, and it needs to be directly administered to the person. It is ineffectual when consumed by the brewer, requiring a trusted potion's maker to brew the potion and administer it to the subject, as well.

For More on Occlumency and Legilimency, turned to pages 344-355.

For more on the Imperium spell, turn to page 401-410.

For more on the Imperium potion, turn to page 411-415.

So somebody I trusted completely could have cast that on me? Who did I trust at the time? Just about everybody in the Order, and a few that aren't in the Order. I mentally made a list of the people I trusted. I continued reading, learning about Occlumency and Legilimency. I was so absorbed in my reading that I didn't notice Shannon enter my room. I did, however, notice when she jumped on my bed, scaring the hell out of me.

"Hey, girl. You've got to hurry." I put a hand on my chest and glared up at her.

"What are you trying to do, scare me to death? And what do you mean, I've got to hurry? It's only dinner." Shannon bounced up and grabbed me. She dragged me to the door, explaining the whole time.

"Aries has decided to show Hogwarts how to have fun. They're such a serious bunch…anyway; we plan on doing the Cha Cha Slide. It's going to be a blast." I felt excitement soar through me. The Cha Cha Slide? I love that! It's so stupid, yet so fun…. I allowed myself to be dragged down to the common room before I shook her off.

"I can walk, thank you very much." The others were surrounding the fire, talking and laughing. I felt warm all of a sudden. I'm really very lucky. I've got friends, my health, and my life's not in as much danger as before from being Harry Potter's mudblood friend. All in all, life is good. I didn't bother to hide the fond smile on my face and I moved towards the group. Who cares if everyone knows I care about my friends? I can go back to pretending to be cold and uncaring like a Slytherin later.

"Hey, are we going to get going? I wanna dance, people." They turned and grinned.

"Of course you do. You're our boogey-mastah." Mike joked.

"Mastah, huh?"

"Yeah, you know. Master, mastah." I smiled and rolled my eyes. I grabbed Mike's arm and pulled him toward the common room. I then spotted Max relaxing in the love seat next to the door. I stopped in front of him.

"Can you do the Cha Cha Slide?" He laughed and gave an affirmative. I dropped Mike's arm and grabbed Max's hand. Mike pretended to be hurt, complaining that nobody loved him. Julie wrapped her arms around him and in a loud voice, proclaimed her undying love.

"I love you sooo much, Mikey-poo. We'll get married and have four kids, two boys and two girls. You'll work at the ministry and I'll be a stay at home mom. You'll come home and comment on my fabulous cooking…." At this, everyone had to laugh. Julie couldn't cook to save her life. We were now passing the DADA room, and were going down the stairs when I heard a familiar sneering voice from behind.

"How is it, mudblood, that you managed to get into Slytherin? It's rather disgusting seeing a house as good as House B soiled by you." Malfoy drawled. Malfoy was at the top of the stairs, surrounded by his entourage of Parkinson, Crabbe and Goyle, Zabini, and Bulstrode.

"Malfoy. How delightful to see you. What I want to know is how someone as supposedly as intelligent as you cannot come up with a new insulting nickname for a person. It's been five years that you've been calling me mudblood. It got old after the first year. Can't you use your brain and make up something new? Or is it that you're incapable of much thinking? Is that why you keep those goons and those two cows around? To make you look wonderful in comparison?"

Malfoy's face turned a light pink color. His goons (Crabbe, Goyle, and Zabini) looked ready to fight, and Malfoy's two cows (Parkinson and Bulstrode) looked ready to scream. They had turned and ugly purple-red color that definitely didn't look good on them.

"Quiet, mudblood. You're confident now with your friends around, but when you're alone I'm sure you won't be so bold." I narrowed my eyes. Was Malfoy the one who pushed me down the stairs? I mentally stored that information away for later examination.

"Malfoy, stick to picking on little kids who can't fight back. You're not much of a verbal fighter. And speaking of being confident when alone, I'm pretty sure you'd be nothing if you're-" Here I sneered "followers didn't worship the very ground you walked on. I bet their not even your friends, they simply like you because of your daddy. And why not? Every time you had a problem, it was my father this, my father that. What are you going to do when your precious daddy dies?" I turned and glided away.

Stupid Malfoy with his stupid comments. My friends were strangely silent. I glanced over and noticed they were trying not to laugh. I smirked and pushed open the Great Hall doors. Some of the sixth and seventh years were already standing in a line at the front of the room. We moved to the front of the room and took our place at the beginning of the line. I was directly in front of Snape, Septimus, McGonagall, and Dumbledore of the Hogwarts staff.

Do they go anywhere without each other? The thought was lost as the music began.

Clap your hands everybody
Slide to the left
take it back now y'all
One hop this time
Right foot lets stomp
Left foot lets stomp
Cha Cha now y'all
To the left
Take it back now y'all
Two hops this time
Two on the left
Two on the right
Cha Cha now y'all
Slide to the right
Slide to the left
Take it back now y'all
One hop this time
Right foot lets stomp
Left foot lets stomp
Charlie Brown
Cha Cha now y'all
Five hops this time
Touch your knees
how low can you go
can go down low
All the way to floor
Can you bring it the top
like you never, never stop
One hop this time
Right foot lets stomp
Left lets stomp
Reverse, Reverse
Reverse, Reverse
Cha Cha now y'all

I laughed as I did the steps, enjoying myself. Max was smiling at me, and my heart flip-flopped. Our eyes met and we both faltered for a second before continuing. I glanced towards Snape and noticed his eyes were narrowed on Max, and he looked pissed again. When the song ended, I went to sit down when Dumbledore stood up. Everybody quieted, waiting for him to speak.

"Miss Granger, please come with me." He moved towards the door, his lap dogs following. I shrugged at my friends even though I knew why he called me and, ignoring the whispers, followed them out the door.

"Yes, sir?" Dumbledore looked down his crooked nose at me solemnly. I smiled up at him and managed to get a (small) smile back. He turned and headed towards the dungeons. I fell back and walked next to Septimus. He reached out and squeezed my hand gently, giving me as much comfort as he could. I squeezed back gratefully. We descended to the dungeons and immediately took a very familiar route. It was the route I took when visiting Septimus. We entered Septimus' rooms, just as I thought. In the middle of his living room was a pensive. I took the seat closest to the pensive and looked to Dumbledore for instructions.

"Just put your wand to your head and think of the memory. Then move your wand slowly towards the pensive. Tap the liquid inside the pensive with your wand and your memories stored there. Take only three memories out to begin with. We don't want too many holes in your head." I nodded and began.

A HALF HOUR LATER

My head was pounding as I watched as part of the Hogwarts staff reviewed my private memories. If it wasn't my memories they were viewing, I think I'd think this was interesting. Snape straightened up and nodded to Dumbledore, who stepped forward and slipped his face into the water. This was the third set of memories they were viewing. I had many more memories to show and I was already sick of doing this. I had already given themmy research on why I could resist Legilimency and Veritaserum. Hopefully they could figure out a way to stop it.

I sighed as Lupin straighetened up. He was the last one veiwing this set of memories. I sighed again as I picked up my wand and pulled yet another memory from my head. It was definitely going to be a long night.

TWO HOURS LATER, AT 10 O'CLOCK AT NIGHT

If I had thought my head hurt before, it was killing me now. The slightest noise caused me to wince. The light hurt my eyes and the fire had to be extinguished because the flickering was messing with my head. I felt pressure on my shoulder and looked up to find Septimus holding a vial out to me. I snatched it up and gulped it down. I sighed in relief.

"Dude, if you weren't my best friend, if I didn't think of you only as a friend, and if you weren't dating Jul-er…Professor Fields, I'd seriously marry you." Septimus laughed and ruffled my hair like I was five. I jerked my head away and glared mockingly up at him.

"That's high praise coming from you. I'm honored."

"As you should be. I'm not willing to marry just anyone, you know." Septimus snorted.

"It'd take a special man to deal with you all day every day." Septimus was standing behind the couch. I (innocently) slammed my fist into his stomach. I didn't do it super hard, but just enough for Septimus to say oof! In response, Septimus yanked on my hair. I gave a yelp and smacked Septimus' arm. Septimus simply laughed in return. Dumbledore was twinkling at me, and even McGonagall and Lupin seemed hard pressed not to laugh.

At that point, both Septimus and Snape gave a sudden gasp. They clutched their left arms, and hunched forward slightly. Everybody's smiles faded. I jumped up and turned towards Septimus. The fact that he was in pain showed all over his face, and I felt my heart hurt in response. Poor Septimus. I stood up on the couch and hugged Septimus. I kissed his cheek and whispered in his ear.

"Be careful and come back." I felt a sense of foreboding. My stomach clenched. You're just being silly! He's been summoned before, why is it different this time? Because this time feels different, a voice spoke up, answering my question. I hugged him again and whispered one more thing in his ear.

"I love you." Septimus seemed startled. The words seemed to echo throughout the room, but I ignored the others.

"What wrong, Mia? You've never said that before a meeting." I shook my head, and a tear slipped out.

"I don't know. Something doesn't feel right…I'm scared." Septimus laughed softly and hugged me this time.

"You're always scared when I go."

"This time is different." Septimus brushed some hair out of my face and rolled his eyes.

"I'll be fine. Go to your rooms."

"I'm staying here. I'm going to wait for you." Septimus nodded. I turned towards Snape, wondering if I should say something to him.

SNAPES POV

I felt jealousy rip through my gut, and I fought not to show any emotion. The girl hugged Septimus, and even told him she loved him! The girl seemed to think he wasn't going to be returning. She seemed worried. I fought to keep my composure. When the girl turned my way, I was surprised to see her eyes settle on me.

"You be careful too, Professor. Please." she added. My heart started beating faster, and I fought not to kiss those full, pouting lips. I settled for nodding coolly. Septimus was grabbing his robes and cloak. The girl didn't seem at all disturbed to see them. She's obviously seen them before. Another voice spoke up, this one his fathers. Of course she has. She usually heals him when she gets back? Makes a person wonder what else she does for him…. My lips curled in anger and I glared at the girl. Stupid girl, it's her fault I can't stop thinking about her.

The girl stepped towards me and hesitated. I raised an eyebrow at her. She seemed to gather in courage and quickly moved forward to place a kiss on my cheek. I couldn't keep the astonishment from registering in my face. She smirked as she stepped back.

"For good luck." I nodded and then swept off towards the bedroom, which had a door that led to my chambers. It was going to be a long night.

HERMIONE'S POV, 4 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING

I awoke with a start. The fire had burned out, and the room was empty. I pushed the blanket off me and stood up. The room was cold, so the fire must've been out for a while. I moved towards the small kitchen and noticed a note.

Hermione,

If you're reading this, you've obviously woken up. Go straight your rooms, no wandering the halls. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

McGonagall

I crumpled up the note and threw it in the corner of the room. I turned and grabbed my cloak, which was thrown over the back of the sofa. I slipped out the door and moved silently down the corridors. The dungeons were freezing, and the cloak was doing nothing for keeping me warm. I cast a simply heating spell and moved towards the stairs. I stuck to the shadows and reached the common room with no problems. I paused before the portrait, ignoring it completely.

Do I go inside, or do I go to the hospital wing? Since Septimus obviously isn't in his room, that means he must be there. I debated internally for a while and knew that if I didn't go to the hospital wing, I'd never get to sleep. I turned around and moved away from the portrait; still ignoring it's warnings about wandering the halls.

The hospital wing was a floor below my common room. Aries didn't have a caretaker like Filch-walking the halls with his pet looking for students out of bed. If Septimus is in the hospital wing, then Snape should be to. So I'm in no danger from bumping into him.

I reached the swinging doors leading to the room and pushed them aside. Gathered in a circle in the main part of the hospital were the Professors. The Aries and Hogwarts ones were deep in discussion. I searched for Septimus but couldn't find him. Snape was leaning up against the wall. His face was multi-colored from bruises, and he was cradling his arm. Poor Snape. Hope he's okay. I cleared my throat. Everybody turned towards me. The looks on their faces…

I felt a flash on panic, but pushed it away. No, everything's okay. It's got to be.

"Where's Septimus?"

Nobody answered.

"Where is he, damn it!" Dumbledore stepped forward.

"Calm done, Miss Granger. Septimus is currently on a very important-"

"Don't you dare lie to me Headmaster! Don't you dare! Where. Is. Septimus?"

Dumbledore hesitated for a second. I moved forward until I was directly in front of him.

"If you don't tell me where he is, I swear to Merlin, I'll go find him myself. I don't need to know what he's doing, just where he is. Please." I added. Dumbledore suddenly looked his age-all 150 or so of them. McGonagall stepped forward. She looked at me sadly and my stomach clenched. My vision started to blur, and my throat constricted.

"Miss Granger. I'm so sorry…but Septimus…Septimus is still with Voldemort…he…that is to say…" The normally eloquent teacher seemed at a loss for words. Lupin stepped forward and looked solemnly at me.

"Please. Tell me he's okay. Please…." I whispered. Lupin looked like he might cry. I clung to some foolish hope that Septimus was okay.

"Well, we know for a fact that Septimus isn't dead. Voldemort is keeping him alive…but…" This time it was Dumbledore that finished the sentence for him.

"Voldemort knows Septimus is a spy."

EVIL CLIFFY! Sorry, I'd love to write more, but I can't. Tomorrow I leave for Virginia for a week. Otherwise, I'd definitely not leave it there. This was written in to days, so forgive me if it's not up to my usual standards. I pretty much decided to do it at the last minute. I was going to not update until after I came back, but a week is such a long time. This time, I'm not going to tell you what happens in the next chapter. I think I'm going to be totally evil this time. (Beta Note: As your beta, I agree that you are completely evil for stopping right there! I was screaming at the computer demanding more of the story! Hehehehe