Hi, I'm back! It's been pretty long (according to my dodgy estimations) since I last updated. Let's just say I wasn't very sure of where the previous chapter was heading, and I was also thinking a lot about some the comments reviewers have left for me. Thanks a lot everyone! And a big thank you to my first ever beta, Shiegurl! You're the best, girl! Anyway, here it is. Hope everyone enjoys it like always.

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K. Rowling

Letters

Once upon a time, Severus Snape would have collapsed senseless onto his bed for a whole morning after he attended a Death Eater meeting presided by the Dark Lord. The concentration that was so vital to his survival usually drained him of all his reserved strength. Nowadays, however, Severus revelled in the mind-tingling numbness that the fatigue provided him with, enjoyed the sensations as his body pushed itself to the limits. He found the exhaustion strangely effective in fuelling his temper and sharpening his wits, both essential weapons in his daily interaction with the Hogwarts population. Plus, it gave him a perpetual furrow between his brows, and Severus welcomed anything that could consolidate his carefully nurtured reputation as the great bat that haunted the Hogwarts dungeons.

Severus was currently pacing the length of the Headmaster's office, impatient for Dumbledore to arrive so that he wouldn't be left alone with the portraits' incessant mutterings of disapproval. Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix, was slowly dropping the few remaining dull, orange-coloured feathers on his tail. The immortal bird had gagged mournfully at Severus ever since he entered the room, and the potions master had studiously ignored it. Predictably, his actions had earned him the ire of the remaining occupants of the room. According to the portraits, Fawkes wanted him to 'talk' to it, and he was being very rude and childish to ignore a dying bird's last wish.

"Go on, Professor, it won't hurt to talk to Fawkes."

Severus sneered, irritated that the portrait of Armando Dippet had chosen to direct such a soothing voice at him. He was the most feared teacher in all of Hogwarts' history and should be treated accordingly. And anyway, he wasn't dying, the bird was. One does not use such a tone with a living menace.

"Professor Dumbledore usually sings him lullabies," said another voice. Severus almost stopped mid-pace; images of Albus crooning away to a decrepit bird were invoking different reactions from the stern man. A part of him shivered at the possibility that one day, he might just be unfortunate enough to hear Albus' off-key singing. Another evil part of him wanted to witness what could very well be his first (and probably only) trump card against the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Severus sighed, dismissing the glorious possibilities of the second idea almost immediately. Nothing was worth the loss of his sanity.

The portraits continued to whisper amongst themselves and Severus tuned them out. Suddenly, a voice he recognised as Everard's rang out. "If he won't sing, we'll just have to do it ourselves." Severus watched in muted horror as the rest of the portraits nodded wisely to each other. He briefly toyed with the idea of leaving the office to wait for Dumbledore outside, but the various unpleasant memories he had of the stone gargoyle persuaded him to do otherwise. He could always return to the dungeons and come back later, but why should he be driven away when he wanted to stay right here?

The portraits started clearing their throats and Severus made up his mind. "Fine!" He shouted to the room at large. "I'll do something. Just leave me alone after that!" He strode purposefully towards the bird in the corner. Ending Fawkes' misery would end his own as well; he would be allowed to pace the office in peace. Severus glared at the dying bird as it looked at him fearfully and tried to shield its head under featherless wings. Severus wondered why Fawkes couldn't die on its own. Surely the bird was used to it by now. Why would Fawkes hang onto life when life clearly wanted to let it go?

He stood before Fawkes and brought his face down to look directly into the bird's listless eyes. "Boo!" he shouted as loudly as his dignity would allow him.

Fawkes gave a loud shriek of terror before it burst into a ball of flames. Severus drew his head back sharply and rubbed the tip of his overlarge nose. He had not expected Fawkes to die so easily and his nose was smarting from the burns he received from the fire. He watched reproachfully as the baby Fawkes wriggled out and shook the ashes off its tiny body.

"Ah, thank you, Severus. Fawkes had always needed all the reassurance he could get to be able to let go of life."

Severus spun around at the sound to scowl at the source of the benign voice. Dumbledore had appeared at the door of his office. How long had he been there? Severus was sure the Headmaster was laughing privately at him as he turned to tickle Fawkes on its wrinkly head. Severus watched as the baby bird closed its eyes blissfully; it was clearly enjoying its master's attention. It would be so easy for me to take that attention away from you, Fawkes, it'll be like taking candy from a baby bird, Severus thought. Serves you right for burning me. He crossed his arms and cleared his throat, "We have things to discuss, Albus."

Dumbledore sighed. "You're right, of course." He gave Fawkes a last pat on the head and approached his desk. Severus smirked at the indignant bird before turning to follow the Headmaster.

"The Dark Lord has shown an interest in the girl," Severus said without hesitation once the two men sat down. "Lucius Malfoy told him about Hermione's disappearance. There's no doubt that Draco informed him of that fact."

Dumbledore nodded. "And what did Voldemort want with her?"

"He wanted to meet her. He said he was interested in where she had gone for all this time. He wanted to question her, and after that, 'personally see her delivered in one piece back to Hogwarts'." Severus snorted. "I'd say she would be one very damaged piece by then."

Dumbledore clasped his fingers together. "And if you cannot produce her? What would Voldemort do to you? You do not know where she is."

Severus shrugged. "He'll kill me, I suppose. But there's nothing I can do about it. I discovered something about her method of time travel last night before the Dark Lord summoned me." He then proceeded to repeat the words from the book.

Dumbledore nodded solemnly when he finished. Severus had a very strong suspicion that nothing he related was new to the Headmaster. He wondered why he bothered sometimes.

When Dumbledore did not say anything else, Severus proceeded. "And there's one other thing you'll need to know," he said as he produced a folded piece of parchment from his pocket. "This letter came from the Ministry today."

Dumbledore received the letter and scanned its contents while Severus continued, "Apparently, the Ministry has finally caught up with what's happening at Hogwarts. Hermione is now officially 'deceased' and therefore, our marriage is annulled, voided, whatever."

The Headmaster finished reading. "Indeed," he said. "Well, then, it seems like you are finally free of her. You can now…what were the exact words?" Dumbledore paused to look at the letter again. "Ah, yes, you are now 'free to commit to another eligible Muggle-born to ensure the continuation of the noble line of Snape."

Severus laughed harshly. "The line ends with me, Albus. Haven't you noticed that even after months and months of compulsory carnal activities, nothing's happened yet? It just proves the theory that excessive engagement with the Cruciatus Curse can render a man sterile. Not that I'm complaining."

The Headmaster sighed. "As you wish, Severus."

"Is that all, Albus? No reprimands or well-meaning advice?" Severus narrowed his eyes at the Headmaster. He was genuinely surprised. He had expected to endure Dumbledore's retribution when he nonchalantly brushed off the long-term effects of the Cruciatus Curse.

"No, my dear boy. But there is one more thing you should know before you go."

Severus waited patiently, only to hear the things that he least expected the Headmaster to say.

"Harry and Ron have been asking questions about Mel."

Severus' hand reached out to catch the letter floating towards him as the owls delivered the morning post, curious as to who would send a letter to him. He turned the letter over to see a familiar wax seal. Malfoy. Frowning slightly, he broke the seal and scanned the contents rapidly.

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy formally requests the company of Severus Snape and his lady at Malfoy Manor at seven on the eve of the new month. The lady will be introduced to the mutual friends of the host and Mister Snape.

Dinner will be served at eight. Refreshment would be provided throughout the night.

Yours faithfully,

Lucius & Narcissa.

Severus stood up abruptly and went over to Albus to whisper furiously in his ear. Hermione saw the Headmaster frown. Her curiosity aroused, she listened attentively to their whispered conversation, trying her very best to eavesdrop on the two men. She caught Severus murmuring her name several times and saw him shaking his head furiously. So, they were talking about her. Hermione felt justified in asking them to include her in their fervent discussion.

"Did I hear you say my name, Severus?" She started sweetly.

Severus glanced up, startled. "Yes," he said reluctantly.

"She wants to know, Severus," Dumbledore cut in calmly. "She should have a say in this, too."

"Know what? Say in what?"

"Nothing."

Hermione frowned. The last time information was kept from her, Harry and Ron, someone ended up dead. Hermione had no desire to see history repeat itself. "Don't keep anything from me," she said, a warning lacing itself into her tone. "Not when it concerns me."

Severus folded his arms and said nothing, but his stance conveyed all the disapproval he felt at her request.

"Oh, come on, Severus," Dumbledore suddenly said lightly as he fished the letter from Severus' hand and gave it to Hermione. She gave the potions master a last scowl before dipping her eyes to read the letter. When she finished, Hermione folded the parchment neatly. "I'm going, of course."

"You are not," Severus hissed violently. "Haven't you forgotten about our little trip to Diagon Alley?"

Hermione stared at him, appalled. She was a grown woman who decided her own courses. It had been a long time since she took direct commands from anyone, not even from the Dumbledore in her own time, but that was more of the fact that the Headmaster had always provided her with alternatives so glaringly unsuitable, Hermione almost always agreed to his carefully worded suggestions. Of course she hadn't forgotten what Malfoy said to her that day, she had, in fact, taken that into account as well. She had made her decision. Severus was entering dangerous territory here.

"No, I haven't," she replied evenly, trying to keep her rousing temper in check. "And I'm not afraid of Malfoy."

"You should be, he's a very dangerous man."

"And I'm a very dangerous woman, Severus." Hermione spat out. Severus rolled his eyes upwards and looked to Merlin for patience. Hermione rolled her own eyes in return. There were so many things that Severus did not know about her, and he dared to assume that she was a fair damsel, fainting away when confronted with danger. Hell, she had vowed to be ready to cast the killing curse should she find herself in a situation where the people she cared about were threatened. No one should underestimate her. She knew more about Lucius Malfoy than the man knew about herself right now, Hermione was positive that she had the upper hand over him.

In the silence that ensued, Dumbledore raised his hands in what Severus recognised as mock meekness. Severus glared at him and the Headmaster took it as his given permission to speak. "I think that Mel should go with you, Severus. She'll keep you out of trouble. No, don't interrupt," he continued as Severus opened his mouth to protest. "She can take care of herself (Hermione smiled superiorly). Mel," he turned to Hermione, "Severus will give you a Portkey. You are to return back to Hogwarts at the first sign of anything suspicious. Is that clear?"

Hermione bit her lips and nodded. She couldn't argue with that, not when Dumbledore put it that way. Once again, the Professor got his own way.

"Good," he said firmly. "Severus, make sure the Portkey is something inconspicuous and easily accessible by Mel. And I want you to have one, too. No arguments." Severus tilted his head in acquiescence.

"Wonderful! Now, let's finish our most delicious breakfasts before they go cold and freeze."

Hermione wanted to groan in exasperation at the Headmaster's words and saw, to her surprise, Severus banging his head against an imaginary wall.