Disclaimer – I only own the plot

A/N – I just saw the When I'm Gone video by Eminem an hour ago on trl and it was REALLY REALLY good! It was kinda sad too cause I cried while I was watching it. If you're an Eminem fan you should really watch the video.

Anyways, I'm in a good mood today so you get an update today instead of tomorrow and don't forget to review after reading.

Chapter 8 – The Relationship Begins

"Miss Simmons, please stay behind. I need to have a word with you."

Hermione stopped in her tracks and silently groaned. She waited until the last person left then began to make her way towards Severus.

"Yes, Professor?"

"Hermione," he said, "what caused you to cry the night?"

"I just felt like crying, that's all," she lied.

"I know you're not telling the truth," he stated.

"Why do you care if I'm telling truth or not? You don't even care about me!" she yelled.

"I do care Hermione," he blurted out.

His answer startled her. She couldn't believe what he just said. How could someone that hated you for six years suddenly care about you.

"What?" she whispered.

"I do care Hermione," her repeated softly.

"Why? I always thought you hated me."

"I never hated you. I always thought you were intelligent, kind, and beautiful." He walked over to her and gently embraced her. He leaned in to her ear and whispered, "Now tell me what's wrong."

Hermione was beyond shocked by Severus' actions. She wouldn't tell him, but she enjoyed being in his arms inhaling his scent. Hermione gave a nod and Severus led her to his private quarters. He led her to the couch and positioned her on his lap with his arms around her waist.

"Now tell me what's wrong," he repeated.

Hermione sighed. "This is all wrong. I'm your student, what would people say?"

"Hermione, if you don't want anything to happen, then I won't let anything happen. These relationships are not common, but they are not frowned upon by the majority of the wizarding world."

"What would my parents say?" Hermione asked.

Severus smirked. "Oh, I think Monica and Charles won't mind."

"What do you mean they won't mind?" She turned around to face him. "What is it that you're not telling me?"

"It is not for me to tell. You'll have to ask your parents."

"Fine."

"Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"

"No," she lied.

"You're a bad liar."

"There's nothing wrong.

"Stop lying."

"Fine," she said exasperatedly, "I hate it that I can't see Harry and Ron anymore." She tried to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall, but was failing.

Severus saw the tears and whipped them away with us thumb.

"Don't cry Hermione. Once Voldemort is destroyed, you can see them again."

Since that day, Hermione and Severus have been seeing each other in secret. Every night when everyone was asleep, Hermione would floo over to Severus' quarters and either read a book with him or talk about their day.

One night, Draco walked in the common room and saw Hermione floo in.

"Where were you?" he asked.

"It's none of your business Draco."

"It is my business when I'm supposed to watch over you.

"I'm technically an adult so I don't need you to watch me."

"Just tell me where you were."

"Or you'll what?"

"Or I'll tell Snape."

"Go ahead, I don't mind."

"Just tell me Hermione."

Hermione sighed. "Fine, I'll tell you but it's only because you won't stop questioning me until I tell you. Before I tell you anything, you have to promise me not to tell anyone."

"Okay, I promise. Now tell me where you were."

"I was with Severus."

"Snape?"

"Yes."

"Why were you with him?"

Hermione then started to tell Draco about their nightly meetings and their secret relationship.

"You're joking right?"

"I'm dead serious Draco."

"I can't believe you would like my godfather of all people."

"I can't believe you would like Ginny of all people," Hermione retorted with a smirk to rival Draco's.

Draco was glad that the room was dimly lit so Hermione couldn't see his flushed cheeks.

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"It's pretty obvious by the way you look at her."

"So does Potter and Weasley know?"

"Nope, those two are too dense to notice anything."

Draco sighed in relief. "You better not tell anyone or I'll tell everyone about you and Snape."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, I would." He smirked.

"Argh! Sometimes you can be such a prat."

"I know."

Hermione was about to go up to her room when suddenly she felt the Dark Mark burn.

"Let's go," said Draco. "This time, we're telling Snape."

Hermione gave a nod and they both flooed to Severus' chambers.

They arrived and saw Severus dressed in his Death Eater robes waiting for them.

"Let's go," he ordered.

They walked outside to the apparation point and apparated to where Voldemort was.