Anony mouse: I'm sorry you think my story is ridiculously teenage and desperate. Thank you for saying that one day I might be a good writer though.
Jean Jelly Bean: I will definitely work on this while I'm in Virginia. I wouldn't dare leave you all with a cliffy like that for long for fear of pain and death.
CareBearErin: Thanks very much for your review. You're one of the few people who only mentioned how evil my cliffy was and then made some comments. Lol. Not that I'm complaining about the other reviews, mind you. I love all reviews.
EagleLinda: I'm very, very sorry about your hand. If there's anything I can do, besides tell you what happens next or how the story ends, let me know.
Tastes Like Home: Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
Fuzzypuff: Thanks for saying this was my best chapter. Most people won't agree because of the cliffhanger...which makes me appreciate your comment all the more.
Dragonmaster Kurai: Have mercy! I beg of you!
Thanks so much to the people I didn't mention. You don't know how much it means to me to have you all review.
Thanks to everyone for not hunting me down and gutting me as well.
LONG CHAPTER!
Graphic scene, but nothing too bad!

Chapter Twelve

My vision blurred, my throat closed, and it took me a minute to realize that someone was making a horrible noise. It was a cross between a scream, choking, and a cry. It took another minute to realize that the horrible noise was coming from me. I fell to my knees and buried my face in my hands. I managed to cut off the horrible noise I was making, but little whimpers still escaped. It was then I realized that I was crying silently and that McGonagall was holding me close. I attempted to push her away, but to no avail. She clung steadfastly to me, and I gave up fighting her off. She held my head against her chest and allowed me to soak her robes. The feeling of her arms around me, comforting me even though she still didn't completely trust me finally broke whatever was holding my feelings back.

I started sobbing. I hated to cry, it made my face all red and the noises I make...I usually retreat when I start to cry because I don't want anyone to hear or see me. To openly shed tears in front of the people I'd spent the last year and a half hating showed how deep my pain went. I couldn't seem to catch my breath, and my ribs and throat were starting to hurt. But still, I couldn't stop. Snippets of memories kept flashing before my eyes: Septimus teasing me when this truly horrible guy asked me out and I was forced to say yes...Septimus showing me his cottage...Septimus comforting me when Crookshanks had died...Septimus handing me another kitten for my birthday...Septimus whacking me in the head with a pillow the first time I dared write in his diary...each memory carried moments of closeness with my best friend...the best friend I would most likely never see again.

Finally, the annoying sounds I was making stopped. The tears stopped, and the pain faded. Numbness had formed, and it covered my whole being. I couldn't feel. I couldn't think. I didn't want to feel or think. The most important person in my life had just been taken from me. Fury flashed through me before it was decimated by the numbness. What am I going to do without Septimus? Who am I going to talk to? Tabby would work; except she's so caught up in Jon and I don't want to force her to listen to me all day every day…and Jon's a guy; he won't know what to do with me...Julie and Shannon are just like Tabby; they have their own lives, their own boyfriends...I barely know Max, I refuse to talk to Zac...Mike won't work for the same reasons Jon doesn't...so I suppose that means I'm all alone. Again, I felt pain briefly.

I stood up shakily and wiped my eyes. I refused to look at Dumbledore and the rest of them, unwilling to face them when I looked like this. I took a deep breath and wrapped my arms around myself. I turned and moved towards the exit. My nose was running, my eyes felt funny, and my ribs and throat still hurt. And there was the numbness inside. I pushed aside the doors and made my way toward the front entrance. I ignored the footsteps that were following me. Let them follow. Septimus won't be here to yell at me for showing them our special place.

I reached the front entrance and pushed the doors aside. I glided down the steps and moved towards the forest. Crickets were chirping and a slight breeze was blowing. Everything seemed peaceful. I barely noticed the other's calling my name, telling me to come back and ordering me to not enter the forest. I entered the forest through a small path most people never notice. I followed the trail until I reached a giant tree, which I then passed and abandoned the path, moving toward the left. Looking down at the ground, searching for the telltale glowing rocks Septimus and I had put down to guide our way through the dark, I nearly missed pushing aside the branch before I ran into it. As it was, I almost lost my balance from jerking back at the last moment.

I pushed aside the branch and took a step forward. My breath caught in my throat and tears once again sprang to my eyes and a dozen forgotten memories rushed to the surface of my mind. I was in a large clearing. The trees somehow managed to cover the glade, allowing only bits and pieces of moonlight to filter through. Fireflies buzzed around, making it seem like there were sparks of light. There was a small pond in the center with a large rock in the middle of it. A miniature waterfall poured water into the pond, and a small river flowed away from Aries and deeper into the forest, draining some of the water out of the pond. A few medium sized rocks sat next to the pond, creating a places to sit and tables to use. Moss had grown over them, softening them up. A bird hooted from the other side of the clearing, and the stars (what I could see of them) seemed to be shinging especially bright tonight. A pile of rocks near the waterfall created a small cave, and some burned wood was the only evidence that it had been used before.

A small sob escaped me as the memories overcame me.

FLASHBACK

"This is where I go to think. Nobody but me, and now you, knows of this place and I'd gladly thank you to keep it that way." Professor Carce--Septimus---turned around and glanced meaningfully at me. I nodded in agreement quickly, eager to see what Septimus had to show me. We had become close just this past month, and I still wasn't use to calling him by his first name. It was good to have a friend, somebody to talk to. Septimus moved aside and allowed me my first glimpse at what was to become my paradise. I gasped at the loveliness of the scene.

"It's beautiful! How did you come across this place?" My eyes were wide and a smile had spread across my face. I glanced sideways at Septimus. He had an indulgent smile on his lips. The sun was shining and for the first time since I met him, he didn't look too pale, old, and harsh. He looked young, radiant, and happy.

"I was gathering ingredients in the forest when I happened upon it. I've come here every chance I got ever since. As I said before, nobody else knows of this place."

"That makes it all the more special." My smile widened. "I won't ever tell anybody about this place." I promised. I spun around and jogged toward the pond. I slipped my shoes and socks off, and dipped a toe in the water. "Is it safe to swim in?" Happiness filled my chest up and for the first time since I had been accused of being a traitor, I was completely happy and at peace.

"Of course. But you're not allowed to skinny dip. Transfigure a bathing suit." I gave him a 'duh' look before pulling out my wand. I quickly took off my robes and transfigured my clothes into a suit. I think threw aside my clothes and turned to find Septimus already in his muggle swimming trunks. I grinned evilly. Darting forward, I grabbed his hand and jerked. A surprised Septimus feel forward into the pond, still keeping a grip on my hand. I fell forward, and came up sputtering and coughing. I glared at Septimus. He smiled innocently at me, causing me to glare more heartily.

"This means war."

FLASHBACK NUMBAH TWO

The sun was just sinking. Shadows began to replace the sunshine, and the animals that came to the pond to drink were leaving. Sitting on top of the rock and watching as life wound down around me, I contemplated the turn my life had taken. I had left Hogwarts hurt and insecure. I was now confident, had my fair share of friends, was popular, and even had a best friend that I was closer to in four months than I had been with Potter and Weasley in 6 1/2 years. Funny how the world works...I smiled softly as a couple of fish played what looked to me like tag. I wish my life was as uncomplicated as a fish's...I envy animals. They don't have to worry about schoolwork, a madman killing their parents, being a traitor, or being accepted...they just had to live in the moment, have babies, and die. I sighed, my mood darkening once again.

"I thought I'd find you here." I turned around to find Septimus standing at the pools edge, watching me. I smiled briefly at what he was wearing, a t-shirt and pants--muggle clothes. I slipped off the rock and into the water and swam to the edge. Climbing out, I dried myself off and took the offered clothes. With a flick of my wand, the clothes appeared on my body. I looked up to find Septimus watching me carefully.

"What I want to know, and what all your other friends want to know, is why you've been so depressed lately." I turned my back on him and watched the moonlight dance across the surface of the water. Septimus put a hand on my shoulder and spun me around to face him. "Don't turn your back on me, Mia. I just want to know why you've been pushing everyone away."

"Why? Why, you ask? I'll tell you why. It's because I'm afraid. Damnt Septimius, I'm terrified!" The tears I had barely been holding back burst forth. I tried to walk around him, but he glided in front of me. He pulled me close and shushed me, rubbing my back and telling me it was okay to cry. My sobs subsided only after I had left a wet patch on his robes from my tears. Septimus didn't seem to even notice.

"Terrified of what?"

"Of you. Of Jon, Tabby, Mike, Shannon...all of them. I'm terrified that you'll turn your backs on me eventually. Everyone else has, so why not you too? Nobody stays my friend long, and I just thought...I just thought that I should push you all away before you could hurt me like they did. If I distanced myself from you now, maybe when you do turn your backs on me, it won't hurt so bad." I was trembling, and I hated it. I was showing weakness, and I hated that as well.

"What brought this on? Is it because of the rumors?" I nodded against his chest, teeth clenched to stop any more sobs from escaping.

"Love, we aren't going to turn our backs on you. Why would we?" I pulled back and looked Septimus in the face.

"Because I'm a traitor! At least, everyone thinks so. I can see it in their eyes when they look at me...it's just a matter of time before you believe it too."

"Love, we'd never turn our backs on you. We all care a great deal for you. We're well aware of the rumors, and nobody believes them. Trust me, I'd know. I just came from my office, where a distraught group of friends assured me of that fact. Mia, you're one of us now, and no matter what, we're not letting you go. You're stuck. Never to leave again." I sniffled noisily and couldn't help but keep the hopeful look of my face. A flash of pain passed through Septimus' eyes, but it was gone before I could get a second look.

"Seriously? You won't abandon me? None of you?" Septimus chuckled softly and tweaked my nose.

"Of course not. You've grown on us like mold." I pretended to huff indignantly.

"Mold! Nobody likes mold!" But I couldn't conceal the twitching of my lips. Septimus grinned one of his boyish grins, and I felt my hope turn into a certainty. I wasn't going to have to move again. I'd found my true friends. They didn't think I was a traitor, and they never would!

"Well we like mold. It's probably why we smell so funny..." My laughter echoed in the clearing, and suddenly everything didn't seem so dark in light of his absurd statement. There wasn't a chance of me being alone ever! I smacked Septimus on the arm, who in turn pretended to be hurt. He whined and moaned about bruises and pain before I smacked his other arm and told him to quiet down. He full out smiled at me, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"Lets go home before we catch cold." Septimus wrapped his arms around me, and I truly felt I was going home.

END OF ALL FLASHBACKS

I pushed away the rest of the memories that rushed forward. There will be time to remember those later. Looking around, I noticed that I wasn't standing at the edge of the forest anymore. I was at the entrance to the small cave. I entered the cave and sank down to my knees. Staring outside, I allowed the sounds of water, birds, and nighttime drift over me, permitting myself to relax slightly. A snap of a twig alerted me to the fact that the Hogwarts staff had found the clearing, and I immediately tensed. I glanced towards the left and saw Dumbledore, followed by McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape enter the clearing. Their mouths fell open at the sight that was spread out before them. Suddenly, angry at the thought of them in Septimus' special place, I jumped up and marched towards them.

"Just what do you think you're doing? Why are you following me? Did it ever occur to you that if I left Aries it was because I wanted to be left alone?" I hadn't meant to let my voice show all the pain and anger I was feeling. What happened to being numb? The thought of breaking the promise I made to Septimus to never let anyone see this place must have overcome it...McGonagall and Lupin seemed taken aback, but Snape and Dumbledore faced me head on.

"We wanted to make sure you weren't going to do anything...drastic." McGonagall replied firmly. I felt some of my anger evaporate. She seemed so sincere...and all of them seemed sorry, even Snape. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I'm not going to cry in front of them...I'm not going to cry, I'm not going to cry...and as for breaking my promise...it's not like Septimus is ever going to get the chance to yell at me. The thought was the last straw, and I again broke down in front of the last people I wanted to see me like this.

The pain in my ribs flared up again, and I almost fell over if Lupin hadn't caught me. Not caring who it was that was holding me; I buried my face in his chest and sobbed. I clung to him like he was the only thing keeping me afloat in a stormy ocean. I don't know how long I was weeping in Lupin's arms, but it was long enough for his robes to be drenched, for my knees to hurt, and for me to start getting cold. I sniffled a few times and attempted to stand up, but my equilibrium was off as I pushed away from Lupin. I stumbled forward and almost fell into a briar patch. Snape caught me at the last moment, which was one of the last things I wanted. Snape and Septimus looked alike, not twins or anything, but you can tell they're related. So looking at Snape twisted my heart and tore it in two. But, alas, I was raised to be polite and I had to look him in the eyes to thank him. Thank Merlin that his eyes were darker than Septimus' or I would have broken down again, and something tells me Snape wouldn't be happy if I cried all over him like I did with Lupin. I believe I managed a thank you, but there was a roaring in my head.

"I'll take her up to the castle." Snape offered, and I tried to pull away and say that I could walk by myself, but Snape kept a firm grip on my arm, leaving me no choice. I glared at him as he pulled me along, but he ignored me. Grumbling quietly to myself, I allowed myself to be pulled along like some misbehaving kid. Once we reached the steps, he paused to open the doors and then he was jerking me through the doorway and dragging me to the dungeons. Suddenly my insides began to squirm as a thought occurred to me. He won't take me to Septimus' rooms, will he? He's not that cruel...Thankfully, it seemed he wasn't.

He dragged me past the entrance to Septimus' rooms and stopped in front of a portrait not far from Septimus'. The picture was of a dragon, resting on a cliff. The sun was setting, and as the dragon breathed, smoke flew from its nose. His tail flicked lazily through the air. He opened one eye and yawned tiredly. "Password?" It asked.

"Nullus oportet excedo." He muttered, discreetly glancing up and down the hallway. Nobody was around, and he pulled me once again through his doorway. His room was identical to Septimus'. A couch, loveseat, and two chairs...the walls weren't as colorful as Septimus', in here they were done in black, green, and silver. At least Septimus put other colors in, like navy blue...While I was looking around Snape had disappeared in a room. I heard some clanking noises, like bottles being knocked together, and then Snape reappeared, holding a potion. He silently held it out to me. I took it and uncorked it, smelling it first. It smelled like a Calming Draught. I glowered at Snape and downed it in one gulp. I re-corked the bottle before setting it on the table next to the door.

Snape hadn't moved from where he was standing, a mere foot or two from me. I looked up at his face, trying to read what he wanted. Couldn't he have just grabbed it and brought it up to my room? Unless he thinks if he entered my room something naughty would happen. But then, wouldn't he think we'd be more likely to have sex if he brought me to his room? I sighed. It was too much effort trying to figure out his mind when I was this tired and distraught. Although the idea of sex was a good one, acting as a temporary distraction from the hell that was my life currently. Maybe I could get him to hold me, and then try and get into his pants...I licked my lips, hoping that would get his attention. It did.

His gaze slid down to my lips, and I licked them again. I shifted from foot to foot and made a show of staring at his lips as well. His mouth opened slightly, and I could see his tongue just barely peeking out. Images of what he could do to me with that tongue flooded my mind, and I had to bite my cheek from whimpering aloud. He must have known what I was thinking for he smirked smugly. I moved forward until I was inches from him. I leaned forward until our mouths were centimeters apart. There I hesitated, ready to pull back if he objected. No objections forthcoming. I closed the distance between our mouths. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close. I buried my hands in his hair and pressed my body against his. He bit my bottom lip and smoothed it over. I opened my mouth to let his tongue sweep inside. I groaned pressed myself against him even harder.

Snape gently slid downward, taking me with him. He sat down on the floor, settling me on his lap. In front of the fire even, how romantic! I suppressed a giggle by beginning to unbutton his robes. His hands slid up under my shirt. He ran his fingers up and down my ribs, and I shivered. I finished unbuttoning his robes and yanked them off hurriedly. I groaned when I saw that he had another button up t-shirt underneath. At least this one isn't that heavy material...I quickly finished off that shirt, and sighed when he unhooked my bra. He had a black wife beater on underneath, and I was just about to take it off when he pinched my breast. I squeaked in surprise and pleasure and was rewarded with a chuckle. I yanked his last remaining shirt off, nearly ripping it in my haste. I moaned again when I saw his chest.

It was so pale it practically glowed in the firelight. There were a few scars, but nothing too bad. He wasn't too muscular, but just right. There wasn't any hair either. I moved forward and ran my fingers over his chest. I scooted even closer to him and nipped his left collarbone. He gave a soft moan in reply, and I nipped my way across his chest to his other collarbone. Exploring his chest a little more, I finally remembered that he still had his pants on. I slid off him sideways and moved my hand down to his pants. Unbuttoning them as quickly as I could while sucking on his neck wasn't easy. They finally came undone and I pulled them down. I threw them aside. He was wearing black boxers, made out of the same material is button-up t-shirt was. It was amazingly soft, but it wasn't silk. My hands wandered down to his boxers and I was just about to pull them off when Snape stopped me.

He grabbed my hands and pushed them away. Then he lifted my head until I was looking at him squarely in the eye. He sighed and leaned forward to kiss me. It was surprisingly gentle and devoid of lust. My confusion must have showed on my face because he smiled slightly.

"As much as I'd love to spend the night with you, I cannot. You have suffered emotionally and I will not take advantage of you." My heart dropped and I grimaced. I looked down at my hands, which were now twisted in my lap. So much for forgetting. He again forced me to look at him. His black eyes were glittering strangely.

"Forgetting never helps. It only makes in worse in the long run. And I do not appreciate being used, my dear. Do not do it again. Septimus just might come back, you can never tell. Life is full of surprises, some good, some bad. You must learn to be strong and prevail. Septimus would not have wanted you to stop living simply because he was gone." He pulled out his wand from his discarded pants and flicked it. Fully clothed, he climbed to his feet. He held his hand out to me, and with a sigh, I took it. Another flick of his wand had me fully clothed. Studying me for a second, he pulled me close. He's giving me a HUG! Automatically I hugged him back, clutching him to me tightly. His heart was beating in my ear, and it was comforting. I relaxed for the first time since I heard about Septimus. I snuggled up to him and took a deep breath. He smelled of sandalwood, night air, and male. I relaxed even more. Tears prickled my eyes at his kindness, and I promised myself that the first chance I got, I'd repay him.

"Come along, Hermione. We need to get you to your rooms before anybody notices you missing." He gently pushed me away and moved towards the door. A small smile lit my face as I followed. Who knew Snape could be sweet when he wanted? Comforting me when I needed it...it's unheard of! He moved swiftly through the castle, at times blending perfectly with the shadows. His long legs allowed him to move faster than I, and when I finally reached the corner before it turns into my common room, I saw Snape. He was leaning against the wall, head down, legs crossed at the ankles, waiting. I stopped before him. He looked up and straightened. He studied me once more, before leaning forward and kissing me gently on the lips. He squeezed my hand and then swept away. Who the hell was that? That wasn't Snape! Snape doesn't do gentle. Bloody hell, I must be more tired than I thought.

SNAPE'S POV

I swept back to my room; completely befuddled by the way I had treated Hermione. I cared for her in a small way, but I knew I didn't love her. I'd loved before...and it was nothing like this. But still, even caring for her was horrible. She was very young, which granted, didn't mean so much in the Wizarding world...but still. I hated caring. It made me feel weak, and weakness could be exploited. All you need is to fuck her, and she'll fade in importance.

I grabbed the firewhiskey on my desk next to my couch. I opened it and took a swallow. When I saw the werewolf holding her as she cried, something inside me had...moved. For someone so young, she'd been through so much. It was no wonder she was sobbing. But the fact that she was clinging to the mongrel was insufferable. I had yanked her along afterwards, not caring if I pulled her arm out of socket. When she had entered my rooms, it had taken all my self-control not to ravish her right there. When she had licked her lips, I lost all semblance of control. I almost didn't get it back when we were on the floor and she was kissing me...

But she had been using me. I could understand why she would, but I want her to want me without the emotional baggage. I had pushed her away. Near her common room, something had come over me. I hadn't meant that gentle moment. I hadn't meant to hug her, kiss her gently and squeeze her hand. It seemed like the right thing to do at the time...regardless, it was a foolish thing to do. I must never show emotion like that again. With this thought, I downed my firewhiskey and staggered to bed.

HERMIONE'S POV

Why can't I sleep? What's wrong with me? Snape is right, Septimus wouldn't want me to act like this. All I could do since I'd gotten into bed was stare at the ceiling. My mind kept going through the day. It was hard to believe that just last morning Septimus had been alive and well. A lone tear slipped down my face. I turned towards my open window and stared at the moon. It was glowing brightly, and at any normal time I would be thinking about how beautiful it was out. Septimus always loved the moon...another tear slipped out, and then another. I refused to cry yet again. I wrapped my arms around myself and allowed the pain to sweep over me. More tears came, but not a single sob escaped my lips. I slipped once again into my mind and began to review all the memories that had come rushing forward at the pond.

I don't know how much time passed while I was remembering. By the time I came to my senses, the alarm clock was laying on my floor. Must've hit it when it started to ring. I must be late for breakfast. I sluggishly climbed out of bed and pulled on a black skirt with silver dragons on it and a black blouse. I pulled my hair up in a ponytail, not even bothering with a shower. After putting on deodorant and body spray, I grabbed my bag and drifted from my room.

Outside the hallway, I ignored the greetings that were shouted my way. I didn't see any of my close friends who could share in my pain, so what was the point in talking? Nobody but Tabby, Julie, Shannon, Mike, and Jon could understand that a wonderful man was now gone. The chances of Voldemort letting him live are very, very slim. Pressure in the back of my throat caused me to choke with despair, earning some strange looks from people walking by. I leaned against a wall, hiding behind a statue of Vlad the Impaler. Voices from the empty corridor next to me caught my attention. They shouldn't be in this corridor it's off-limits. A year before, a girl had jumped off the ledge, successfully killing herself. All throughout Aries, there were spells to prevent suicide by jumping from happening. The spell had worn off, and apparently it took time to rebuild again. So the corridor was out-of-bounds, and those caught in it served detention. The corridor had a spell cast on it, partially hiding it from view.

"-- the informant." I didn't recognize the voice; it was low and rather scratchy. I slowed down and pressed myself against the wall. An informant? If I could find out who it is...I could save Septimus! I inched closer until I saw the shadows cast from the people on the wall. I stopped just in front of them, directly behind a statue. I hunched down and tried to take up as little space as possible, making it harder to discover me.

"How do we know he's trustworthy?" Another voice asked. This one was smoother, but just as low. It's amazing I even managed to hear them...

Our master trusts him, and that's all we need to know."

"But still! You know his family! They don't support the Master at all!"

"It's not our problem. If the Master thought he was a spy for them, he would have killed him. Since he did not, it's safe to say he isn't. Now can we go? I'm starving!" The other person grumbled but agreed. They moved away and I peeked out and made sure to memorize their backs. One was taller, with black hair just barely reaching his shoulders. The other one was short and had a shaved head. I stepped out from behind the statue and cautiously moved forward. I peeked around the corner to my left but didn't see the people who had been talking. I was just about to step out and continue on to breakfast when someone coming from my right grabbed my wrist and jerked me backwards. I landed on my back, careful to avoid smacking my head on the stone. I looked up and my heart leaped into my throat and lodged there.

Four boys glared down at me, hatred filling their eyes. Must be Aries students. I don't think a Hogwartian would know about this corridor. They were standing on my wrists, preventing me from getting up. Smirks twisted their features, and one of them (one who wasn't stepping on me), leaned down.

"How about we have a little fun, guys?" The other's guffawed like this was the funniest thing they'd ever heard. I glared and was about to tell them off when one whipped out his wand and cast a silencing spell on me. I closed my mouth and tried glaring them into submission. They simply laughed like idiots once more. The numbness, which had been present but not in control, was rapidly rising. My heart stopped pounding and I stopped glaring. I simply stared at the ceiling and listened to them talk about what they were going to do. One of them pushed my skirt up. The boy who was completing this had brown hair and hazel eyes. He has a mole on his cheek. That's kinda nasty...My dispassionate look seemed to infuriate the other's. They started pulling my hair and groping me, trying to force me to fight. I simply lay there and let them do what they wished. I can't hurt any more than I already do.

The one messing with my skirt was pulling down my panties. The stone floor was freezing against my butt. I wiggled a bit, but still didn't fight. The boy's hands wandered from my ankles up my legs and were just reaching my middle when the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the corridor. The boys jerked my underwear up, which hurt. That's going to leave a red mark, rather like carpet burn. They pulled my skirt down and smoothed it out. They stood up and backed away from me.

"Not a word." One of them whispered.

"Too late." My rescuer replied lazily. I moved my eyes from the boys and they landed on Snape, standing with his legs apart and his arms crossed. He looked impassively down his nose at the boys, who cringed and stared at their feet. Snape stalked forward and stood before the boys, his impassive look quickly turning furious and disgusted. His voice turned extremely cold. He sounds as angry as he did that time in the Shrieking Shack. Of course, he's not screaming and he's not mad with fury. I strained to hear what he was saying.

"--shall report this to the Headmaster. Do not think you will get away with this. Kiss your careers goodbye, gentleman, because you'll never see it again." He glared once more for good measure and then snapped, "Well? What are you waiting for? Find the Headmaster or go to breakfast, but don't just stand there staring at me like wit-lacking dunderheads!" They scurried off, head's bowed. As the robes of the last one whipped around the corner, Snape turned towards me. His angry look diminished somewhat, but was still there. He stepped forward and leaned down, eyes searching for any injuries. Finding none, he held out his hand to help me up.

SNAPES POV

Granger--Hermione, I must remember to call her that. If I was willing to sleep with her, I should be able to call her by her first name--gripped my hand and allowed herself to be pulled up. She fixed her hair and smoothed out her clothes, and then stood calmly before me like nothing had just happened. I took the silencing charm that was no doubt on her, while swiftly loosing my patience. Why the hell isn't she crying? Aren't victims of rape, or near-rape, supposed to cry? I suppose it's good that she is not. I wouldn't know what to do with her if she started. Solemn eyes stared up into mine. I moved closer, until I was just inches from her. Her body was radiating coldness, and I almost stepped back.

"Why the hell didn't you fight them?" My voice sounded harsher than I meant it to. I meant to sound cold and dispassionate, but it came out frustrated, confused, angry, and concerned. A brief smile graced her lips before disappearing completely. Once again looking completely solemn, she stood before me in cold defiance. Where was the emotional girl from last night? The one who looked so broken and lost?

"It's what they wanted. Why not give them what they want?" Doesn't the foolish girl know what they were about to do?

"Regardless. If you had fought, you might have been able to stop them." She shrugged, as if it hadn't mattered one way or another to her. My temper was rising, blotting out the concern, confusion, and frustration.

"You stupid, foolish girl! Don't you know what they were going to do?" My last shred of patience snapped as she looked calmly at me still. What the hell is her problem? "Why are you acting this way? This is not normal! Do you need to see the nurse?" I snapped.

"No." She replied, still calm, cold, and distant. "I'm fine. They had just barely begun when you found me." A flash of emotion went through her eyes before disappearing. "I did not fight and I am not...not upset because I figured that whatever they would do to me, could not possibly hurt me more than I already am." I wanted to slap the stupid girl. I wanted to slap her, hug her, and I still wanted to fuck her senseless all at the same time. I growled in frustration and grabbed her shoulders.

"Of course they can hurt you! The pain you feel because of Septimus will fade. But the pain of being raped will linger. Rape always causes emotional and physiological repercussions." She blinked up at me, and it was then that I noticed the dark circles under her eyes. Her eyes may have looked cold, but her face told the story of a sleepless night. There were circles under her eyes, her hair was messier than usual, and her clothes did not look at appealing as they usually did.

"For Merlin's sake, did you sleep at all last night?" At the shaking of her head, I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. I feel a headache coming on. "Go to your rooms. I will have an elf bring you up a Dreamless Sleep Draught. I will inform the Headmaster that you will be missing classes today. I'm sure he'll understand." I moved towards the end of the corridor. The girl followed silently behind me, and the only reason I knew she was following was because my years as a spy made me hyper-aware of my surroundings. I moved with purpose to her common rooms, where I left her. I glided to my rooms, stopping only to take points from misbehaving Gryffindors. Once I reached my private chambers, I entered my lab and opened the cabinet with my more potent potions inside. I removed the vial with Dreamless Sleep printed on it.

"Bitsy!" A particularly ugly and eager looking elf appeared. I instructed her to leave this with a Miss Hermione Granger before sweeping off to find the Headmaster. Where would the Headmaster be? Probably on his way to breakfast...although Tubby seems to be much like Dumbledore, always there whether you do or don't need him. I moved towards the Great Hall, deciding that if I didn't run into him on the way, I would talk to him as I was leaving. I wonder if those boys turned themselves in…and I wonder if Hermione's sleeping yet. Hermione in nothing but an oversized t-shirt, snuggling into bed with a sigh...No, damn it, do not think of that here. Besides, soon you will have her, and then you will be able to forget about her. Thoughts of what I was going to do with the Granger girl, and then her reaction to me casting her off occupied me for the rest of breakfast, only stopping when I finally caught Headmaster Tubby and Dumbledore on the way out.

HERMIONE'S POV

Stupid people, banging on doors when a person's trying to sleep. I grumbled as I made my way to the door. Yanking it open, completely ready to bitch out whomever it was, but was surprised to find my friends standing there. Nobody said anything; we simply stared at each other silently. I moved to the side and gestured for them to enter. They sat down in various places, looking sad, tired, and slightly uncomfortable. I sat down next to Tabby on my bed. Tabby handed me a stack of papers.

"Here's your homework. The teachers wanted me to give you their sympathies. There's no due date for the assignments, they just want it back the day you start coming to classes again." My lips twitched and I nodded.

"Thank you." Silence filled the room. I licked my lips and sighed.

"We wanted to see how you are, and we wanted to tell you that when we heard the news..." Jon started.

"We didn't react like a Slytherin would. They would have hid their emotions and went on through their day like nothing happened. We...er...ended up in the hospital wing with Calming Draughts shoved down our throats for the whole day. We just got out and came immediately here." Tabby finished. A tear slipped out, and then another. Tabby leaned over and hugged me. I hugged back. I heard a sniffle from the other side of the room and looked up to find the others crying silently.

"Come here, guys." I said softly. The other's gathered around my bed, and I stood up, grabbed the most people I could, and hugged them with all my might. Everyone crowded around and held each other. Group hug! Normally a thought like that would have made me laugh, but this time it just made me cry harder. I heard answering sniffle's around me. We stood there for a long time, content to just let the tears fall and hold each other. Gods, I have the best friends a person could have. They've never let me down...I tightened my hold on whoever was in reach of my arms. We were standing in a tight circle, nobody moving. Finally my arms started to hurt and I pulled back. My eyes felt itchy, but on the whole I felt better.

Everyone else pulled back, and even though their eyes were red, everybody seemed to feel better. We smiled at each other and made a silent pact to never tell anybody about what we just did. Slytherin's did not get emotional after all. Shannon cleared her throat.

"We should get going. We weren't excused from classes, and we have a load of work to get done by tomorrow." I nodded. I watched them leave, saying goodbye as they passed me by the door. I closed the door and sighed. Now what? I'll never get back to sleep. I glanced around my room and my eyes landed on my homework. Why not? It'll give me a distraction, and it might tire me out enough to fall back asleep. I moved towards my desk and slid into the seat. I picked up my quill, uncapped my ink, and dipped the quill in. The sound of a quill scratching on paper filled the room, and I felt my awareness of the outside world slip away and I focused fully on my work.

SNAPE'S POV

The annoying Boy-Who-Lived-To-Be-a-Pain-In-My-Ass strutted into the room, followed by his idiotic follower Weasley. My lip curled in disgust, and I didn't bother to hide my hatred and disgust for the boys. Always sticking their noses where it doesn't belong, always endangering others, getting glory when he deserves none. I took my seat in the shadows, farthest from the fireplace where the two Gryffindors sat. Albus stood before them, smiling gently down at them. I watched as the two boys relaxed under his gaze and smiled back. Idiots. I thought contemptuously.

"I have called you here to inform you of a recent tragedy." The boys' smiles faded, and worry etched itself upon their faces. I didn't bother to restrain my snort. A warning glance from Albus made me sneer, and he turned back to the boys.

"Professor Carce was recently discovered to be a spy by Voldemort. Severus--Professor Snape--was unable to get him out without exposing himself." I saw the boys relax slightly at the news that one of their own friends wasn't hurt. My contempt for them rose. I may not have liked Septimus all that much, but he was family.

"Professor Carce was, as you know, very close to Miss Granger. We have recently found a possible theory for why Miss Granger can block Legilimency and Veritaserum. If the explanation is true, then Miss Granger is innocent." Shock registered on their faces, and they sputtered a bit.

"Miss Granger reacted to the news of Professor Carce very badly. Apparently, they were best friends, and in the name of friendship she would heal him when he returned from his meetings. Miss Granger is in a fragile state, and I would very much appreciate it if you were to hold off on talking to her. She does not know you know she most likely is innocent, so she will not welcome you with open arms." Again, I did not bother to hold back a snort. Of course she won't welcome them with open arms. They treated her horribly. I doubt that even if she did know they knew she was innocent, she wouldn't welcome them with open arms.

"Please do not share this information with anybody. In the wrong hands, it could be perilous for Miss Granger." He smiled once more, before reaching into his pocket and offering a bunch of lemon drops. "Lemon drops? No? Well then, off to dinner with the both of you." The boys jumped up and left, closing the door softly behind them. With a flick of my wand, I cast a silencing charm on the room.

"Is that necessary Severus?" I scowled. The old man is too trusting.

"How do we know they are not outside, ears pressed to the door just waiting to find out confidential information?" Albus sighed and conceded.

"Perhaps you are right." He straightened up and his expression turned extremely serious. "Now, do you have an idea on how to get Septimus back?"

I've got to say, I was shocked at how many people really like Septimus. He's awesome, isn't he? Very lovable. Sorry nothing much happened in this chapter. You did get a clue on who the person who cast the spell on Hermione was. Other than that, nothing much really. I wanted to draw out what happens to Septimus for as long as I could, but I put myself in your shoes and I felt sympathy. If I was the one reading the story, I would've been very angry if the author had drawn it out. Anyway, hoped everyone enjoyed this chapter.
Please review!