Safe Side Chapter 1: Safe Side, a harry potter fanfic

"Safe Side"

Disclaimer: I don't own Any of the characters you know or the song. They belong to J.K. Rowling and Mr. Chris Cagle.

Author note: I've written a few other Sev/Herm fics and I love the pairing. I love to read the stories and write them but this is the first I'm gonna post. Please R&R. Hope ya'll like. Also it doesn't go with HBP. I might also continue this. Let me know what you think.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like
If you'd only went left instead of taking that right
If you had waited just ten more minutes to leave the house
Would it all be different
Every decision, everything we choice has a consequence, whether we win or lose
Nobody knows that any better than me
I left her standing at the station with a ticket and a dream

Hermione made her way down towards the dungeons for her "detention". She had acted rudely in class just so she could get a detention. And to her luck he assigned her to himself. She only had one more week left of schooling, one more week of being his student, one more week before she was an equal to him. She knew that by trying to start something with him that he could lose his job or she could be expelled, so she was just going to tell him and let him decide at the end of the week.

She smiled to herself as she reached his classroom's closed doors. She played with her hair and then knocked on the door. "Enter" she pushed the door open and glanced into the gloomy room, before walking slowly towards his desk.

"Miss Granger." He greeted, looking up from his desk and papers. "I would like to know why you behaved the way you did in class this morning. It is not like you to be disruptive, I'd like to know why you behaved thus." He placed his quill down and stared at her with cold black eyes.

She just stared right back. "You might not like the answer Sir." She answered before she walked around his desk. "Please don't say anything until I am finished." He simply nodded and watched as she started to pace the room.

"It started at the beginning of the year. After I turned eighteen and I joined the Order part time, I saw how much you do for us. I finally understood how much danger you put yourself in. Then when I accidentally ran into you in the hospital wing after a meeting with Voldemort, I really understood how much pain you go through. I started watching you more closely Sir. I saw how well you did potions, of course, but I saw more so that underneath this stony exterior-" she brought up her hand almost to his face, letting her hand hover beside his cheek. "-That you have a good heart." She dropped her and stared into his shock widened eyes.

"You see Sir, I feel in love with you." She said calmly and matter of factly. He stayed silent for a few minuets before he stood and walked a ways away from her. "Miss Granger, you do not know me." He finally said quietly. "I am a creature of darkness, hate, bitterness, and would only bring a young lady, like yourself, pain and grief." He turned and looked at her. "You say that, but I do not believe you." She answered, setting down on the edge of his desk. "I know you are shocked by what I have said Sir, I am shocked I even got the courage to tell you. I know you are weary but Sir please think about it." She whispered desperately.

He stared at her a moment more before he sat back down at his desk and stared down at his papers. "Miss Granger, your detention tonight is to clean all those cauldrons, without magic." She nodded and rolled up her sleeves. She grabbed a bucket and walked over to the sink to fill it up. Picking up the scrubber she began to scrub at the dirty cauldrons.

As she worked Severus watched her. She was a hard worker, and even though she was younger then he by quite a bit, she was very mature. She was pretty in a simple way, with long brown curls and big honey colored eyes. He sighed softly to himself as thoughts of what it would be like to be able to be with her, entered his head. He watched her, as he acted like he was grading papers. After an hour or two she had finished and was dumping the water.

"Sir I'm done." He nodded and looked up as though uninterested. "That is all, thank you Miss Granger." She gave him a small smile and walked over to him. "Goodnight Severus." She whispered as her lips connected with his cheek. And within a second she was out the door and on her way to her headgirl rooms.

She's the train that I didn't take
The big commitment I just couldn't make
For fear of breaking my heart, I didn't risk the ride
She's the lesson I learned the hard way
Now being lonely is the price I pay
The river of regret runs deep and wide
Here on the safe side

Sighing she made her way upstairs and to her door. "Darkness" she whispered and it opened to reveal a small study. She made her way through it and into her bathroom. Stripping she jumped into the shower, washing her hair and body of the grime from the cauldrons. After a she was done she dried off and pulled on a white cotton nightgown. She climbed in bed and closed her eyes as tears filled them.

She knew it was a large risk to tell him how she felt, but she had to. Her heart broke at what he figured his answer would be. He had been shocked for sure, but she did know him well enough to know that he was scared of it. She wiped her eyes and sniffed. She needed her rest. She'd go see him again before she left, she had something to give to him and she prayed he would accept it. With her thoughts on him, she drifted into a light slumber.

Down many stairs and around many corners, in his dark rooms Severus lay in his own bed as thoughts filled his own mind. He was shocked for sure; he had not expected to hear a pledge of love. He had always respected her, for her intelligence and love of the rules. She had such a thirst for knowledge and he was reminded of himself at her age.

He closed his eyes and tried to push his thoughts away so he could sleep in peace, but it wasn't working. He would be fired, he would be bashed and for what? This young, annoying, know-it-all, hyperactive, beautiful, smart, kind- whoa had to stop those thoughts! Sighing he reached over and opened the drawer on his nightstand and pulled out a small vile or blue liquid. He toke it in a gulp, so use to the taste that he didn't flinch at it's disgustingness. Finally, with the help of the sleeping draught, he fell into a restless slumber.

The Days passed by Hermione and Severus quickly. And soon they found themselves getting ready for the graduation ball. Hermione pulled on her tight fitting dress and strapped on her heels. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun that had long curls falling out of it. She applied a little makeup and smiled at her reflection. Tonight was the night, she tried to gather up her courage once more. She had hurried to get ready extra early this time, she was going to visit him before the ball, it was the last chance she would get. Sighing she grabbed a small brown paper bag from her bed and walked down towards his office.

Severus sighed heavily as he pulled on his black dress robes. He brushed his hair into a pony tail and brushed his teeth. He walked down to his office and started grading papers, seeing that he still had forty-five minuets left before the ball started. He was distracted though when someone knocked on his door. "Enter." He called annoyed. In walked a nervous looking, very beautiful Hermione. His eyes widened as he toke in her appearance. The Dress was ankle length and tight fitting, made of deep emerald green velvet, with beads clinging to the bodice and on down to the small slit that reached a little above her knee, on her right leg. It had a slightly plunging neck line that showed just enough to be classy but not slutty. It had small spaghetti straps that clung to her shoulders. He pulled himself away from her dress and looked into her big eyes. She was beautiful, so beautiful.

She smiled up at him and walked over to his desk. "Hello Sir." She greeted sounding nervous. "Hello Miss Granger." He echoed trying to catch his breath. "Sir…I have something for you. Please take it; it is all I will ever ask of you." She held out the bag, which he toke with slightly trembling fingers. Reaching into it he pulled out a small green velvet box that matched her dress. He opened it to find a silver pocket watch that had an intricate design engraved upon it. "It was my fathers." She said simply with a sad smile playing on her lips. Her parents had been killed only a few months prior, and that had been one of the few things that were found in their burnt home. "I want you to have it." She whispered. He looked up shocked and shook his head. "I cannot accept this." He answered holding the box back out to her. She shook her head at him and pushed it back towards him. "Please…for me…just this once." She whispered before she turned away. "Can you-Can you tell me if you have decided anything?" she asked quietly. He stared at her back and frowned. Yes he had decided and she wasn't going to like it. "Miss Granger-Hermione," she looked up at the sound of her name on his lips. Her eyes locked onto his. "We cannot have a relationship." He sighed and turned from her. "Go find happiness Hermione, you deserve it, you deserve better. You deserve a safety I cannot offer." She nodded and started walking towards him. "Well Severus…I want at least one thing." She whispered as she reached him. He frowned up at her, his body tensing as she leaned down towards him. Her lips met his in a gentle caress. Her lips were soft and warm and he could feel himself begging to relax, just as she pulled away.

"I'll see you later tonight Severus." She turned and made her way towards the door before he could see the tears that started to burn her eyes. She pushed open the door and began walking back to her rooms, to gather her wits, and more courage.

I still remember the night she left
She said she didn't want to lose me, but she had to find herself
I could've stopped her or got on board with her
But now it's too late to reconsider

After she left he had just sat there staring after her. His tong darted out to lick his lips, were only seconds before hers were. He tasted the sweet taste of her and sighed. She would haunt him now, just as so many other things would. She would forever be engraved in his mind now. Sighing he looked at the clock and stood.

Making his way upstairs his thoughts strayed to the future. Voldemort was still at large and was growing more and more powerful everyday. He was still working for the order of course, so he would see her at meetings. He opened the doors to the great hall and made his way to his usual seat. He watched as students filed in, dressed in gowns, tuxes, and dress robes. Some were about to enter the real, dangerous world, while others were there to simply wish them well.

He looked up as Harry, Ginny, Ron, Seamus, and Hermione entered the room. His eyes stayed on Hermione as she sat down at a small round table. She smiled at Ginny as the girl sat down beside her. All of a sudden as though she knew he was there and watching her, she looked up and caught his eye. She gave him a small smile and turned away, to begin chatting with her friends. Soon the food was served and the Dumbledore stood and made his way to the small stage that was set up.

"Attention." he yelled catching everyone's attention. "I will now like to call our headgirl, Hermione Granger, up to give our graduating students a speech." He smiled as the girl stood and walked up to the stage and stood beside him. She pointed her wand at her throat and muttered a spell. Soon her calm, confident voice filled the room.

"Hello everyone, as you know I'm Hermione Granger. I was pleased when I heard I'd be giving a speech to you all. After tonight we are official adults, about to go out into a world filled with danger, death, troubles, life, love, and hope." She paused and looked around the room. "Graduates, we are about to leave so many memories behind us, so many safety nets and friends. We begin jobs, families, and out lives. We will take risks and sometimes fail but also sometimes succeed. Please do not forget the memories we have here, do not forget each other. Alone we have nothing but together we have it all." She sighed and looked over at Severus. "Laugh often and love much. Now, go out and begin your lives." With that she muttered the counter charm and walked back to her table. Everyone clapped and cheered, most with tears in their eyes.

Albus, once again, toke the stage. "When I call your name you are to walk up here and take your diploma and shake each of your professor's hands." He called off names and soon reached "Hermione Granger." She stood and walked up to the stage again. She smiled as she toke the diploma. "Thank-you for all you have done for us." She whispered as she hugged the old man's neck. He nodded and hugged her back. She turned and walked to where the other professors stood. She shook Minerva's and promised to write. She made her way down the line of her old teachers, thanking them and shaking their hands. Soon she reached the last professor, Severus. She smiled and offered her hand. "Thank you Sir." She whispered as his hands rapped around her own. "No Hermione, thank-you." He whispered back softly, giving her hand a squeeze before he dropped it.

She made her way back to the table and sat down again. She smiled broadly as Harry and Ron and all her other friends were called. Soon the band started and everyone stood to dance. She danced a bunch of fast songs with Ron, Harry, Seamus, Dean, Neville, and so many others. Soon a slow song started and she looked up at the head table. She smiled and made her way slowly towards him. "Sir, would you care to dance?" she asked offering her hand once more. He stared at her for only a moment before he toke it. They stepped onto the floor and he pulled her softly into his arms. She laid her head against his shoulder as they swayed to the music. She leaned forward and placed her lips near his ear, her breath tickling his neck. "Severus, never forget you are loved." She whispered, smiling softly as she felt him tremble. "Never feel alone; just know that you will forever be loved by me, missed by me." The song ended and they pulled away reluctantly. With one last squeeze she let go of his hand and turned away.

He stared at her as she walked back to her table and sat down. She shot him a smile and toke a sip of her drink. He frowned and made his way back to the table, her words filling his mind. The night wore on, and soon ended with a departing speech from Albus.

"Now everyone, you are leaving in the morning, starting your lives. Some will find love and happiness; some will find pain and death. Keep hope, one day love will touch all, one day good and truth will win. Keep faith, one day…one day." He looked at Severus and then pointedly at Hermione. "The band will play one last song for you all. Take this last chance…cling to it." He turned to the band and whispered "A slow one." The singer nodded and the song began. He shot Severus another look and then looked towards Hermione before walking off of the stage.

Severus' frown slipped from his face and he stood. He made his way over to her and tapped her shoulder. She looked up and he saw her eyes widen in shock. "Hermione, would you care to share this last dance with me?" he asked sending Ginny and small smile. The younger girl sent him a confused one back. Hermione stood and toke his hand.

Once again she found herself in his strong arms, with her head on his shoulder.
He leaned down and his lips hovered beside her ear this time. His breath tickling her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

"One day 'Mione, one day." He whispered as the last guitar note faded, he pulled away and let his hand caress the side of her face, before he walked away. She stared off at him in shock. Soon she snapped out of her trance and made her way over to the table, tears teetering on the edge of her lashes. Ginny toke her hand and gave her a knowing look. Hermione gave her a smile and hugged her friend close to her.

Sometimes the greatest risk of all
Is never taking one at all
She's the train that I didn't take
The big commitment I just couldn't make
For fear of breaking my heart, I didn't risk the ride
She's the lesson I learned the hard way
Now being lonely is the price I pay
The river of regret runs deep and wide
Here on the safe side
Oh I don't want to be alone
Here on the safe side.

The next day found everyone at the station, about to climb aboard the Hogwarts express. "Hermione!" a voice called out and she turned to see Hagrid waving her over. "Severus gave me this, ter give to ya. Dunno what he'd be givin ya, but I delivered it." He handed her a small brown bag that had once held the watch. She frowned at it and toke it from him. "Thank you Hagrid." she gave him a hug. "See you later!" She made her way back onto the train and soon found the compartment where Ginny, Harry and Ron were setting. She sat down in a corner and opened the bag.

"What's that 'Mione?" Ron asked eyeing the bag. "Just a gift from a friend, Ron." She answered turning her back to them and pulled out a smaller emerald box. She opened it and her eyes widened. It was a beautiful necklace that had a longer chain and a dangling heart. The chain was gold and the heart was gold and silver mixed, around the outline of it were emeralds and rubies mixed together. Tears filled her eyes as she placed it around her neck. Underneath the necklace lay a small piece of paper that simply read "One day."

She smiled as she tucked the box and note deep inside of her purse. Ginny stared at her neck and then grinned at her friend. "Beautiful necklace Herm." She whispered grasping her friend's hand, as Hermione tucked the heart deep inside her shirt. She sat her head against the window as she watched the castle become a small blur in the distance, until it disappeared from view entirely. "One day, Severus." She whispered as she closed her eyes.

Miles away, Severus sat in his chambers holding the watch in his hands. "One day 'Mione, one day." He whispered.

A/n: Should I continue this? Let me know!