Disclaimer: I do not own any Harry Potter titles.
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Hermione didn't know what to do with herself the day before she was to go before the Dark Lord himself and pledge her allegiance to evil deeds. She was so unmistakably nervous that it provoked insomnia, causing her to roam the hallways late at night, only doing so because she couldn't sleep and she liked the idea of getting a detention- it might wear her out enough to let her get some sleep. There were hidden bags under the Gryffindor's eyes, but that was hidden all under makeup.
Unfortunately, Harry could see through it.
"'Mione, you okay?" He asked as she picked through her breakfast. "You haven't said a work all morning."
"I'm fine." She said, though she hated lying.
"Are you scared, 'Mione?" Ron asked cautiously, not having to imply on what he was asking about.
"What do you think, Ron?" She snapped, instantly regretting it. "I'm sorry. I'm terrified. I'll hide it well, though. All Snape has been doing is having things jump out and scare me and having me not react to it at all. I've actually gotten quite good at it."
Neither Harry nor Ron replied to this, obviously having nothing to say.
Hermione let out a sigh and excused herself from the table, saying that she needed to use the lavatory.
Upon walking out of the Great Hall, Hermione found Snape ending a berating conversation with a scared first year, who ran off quickly and escaped from sight.
"Professor!" Hermione called out before he could get too far away.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Snape's silky voice replied.
She hurried up to him, trying to ignore his dominating shadow over her. "Can we have one last lesson tonight? Just to be safe?"
"I assure you, Miss Granger, that there is no more we can practice on. You've become quite skilled at occlumency and have learned to hide anything you don't want to be seen." The potions professor said. "Now hurry off and squeal with your little Potter and Weasley…." Snape turned to leave.
"Professor, one more thing," Hermione said.
"What, Granger?" He said, frustration lingering in his voice.
"May I have a Dreamless Sleep potion?" She timidly asked.
"And why would you need such a potion?"
What a stupid question. Obviously to help me sleep…"I've been having trouble sleeping lately, sir. I think I should have a good night's rest before a day as… important as tomorrow will be." She explained.
"Very well, follow me."
Hermione hurried to follow along with the billowing robes of her potions professor, walking quickly almost to a jog to keep up with his fast pace. They entered the professor's storage room, Hermione close at his heels, gazing around with interest at all of the different potion ingredients.
Snape suddenly whirled around, catching Hermione by surprise, causing her to stumble backwards, almost falling if it weren't for the strong arm around her waist. An odd feeling enveloped Hermione's stomach then, it was as if something were doing summersaults inside of her, causing her breathing to quicken. The Gryffindor froze, locking her eyes onto her professors- half out of fear and half out of amazement. A moment later, Snape released Hermione, whom was slightly dizzy.
"I would watch yourself next time, Miss Granger," Snape warned, putting a vial filled with a light metallic blue substance. "I shall see you tomorrow morning promptly at seven thirty."
And with that, Professor Snape turned on his heel and walked briskly away, his robes trailing behind him.
Hermione headed up to Gryffindor tower, leaving a note to Harry and Ron as to where she'd gone that night and saying goodbye temporarily. She quickly downed the potion, surprised by the sweet taste and thick texture. After brushing her teeth, Hermione crawled into bed, pulled her comforter up to her chin and drifted into a comfortable, dreamless sleep.
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Hermione awoke early the next day, showering quickly and straightening her hair. She dressed in a pair of black pants and a white tank top and clipped her hair up. When it was closer to the time she was set to leave, she'd change quickly.
Hermione exited the girls' dormitories and sneaked up to the boys' to wake up Harry and Ron, deciding that saying goodbye through a note wasn't at all good enough. She entered the dark room and went to Ron first, knowing he'd just go back to sleep.
"Ron," Hermione whispered. "Ron, wake up." Ron's eyes slowly drifted open, blinking a few times before adjusting to the light.
"I thought you were leaving, 'Mione,"
"I am, just not yet. I still have another hour before I have to meet Snape." She explained. "I just wanted to say goodbye."
Ron smiled his crooked adorable smile and planted a kiss on Hermione's cheek. "You'll be fine. Just relax and don't blow your cover. We'll be here when you get back.'
"Thanks, Ron." She whispered. "You can go back to sleep."
Without another word, Ron fell back onto his pillow and began snoring as if he'd never awoken.
Hermione move to Harry's bed and gently shook him, whispering his name softly.
"Mornin' 'Mione." Harry said tiredly, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
"I wanted to say goodbye." She said, her eyes still adjusting to the darkness.
"It's not like you're leaving for months. Not even days- maybe a few hours." Harry said. "Don't worry about anything, just stay focused."
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
And to Hermione's surprise, Harry's lips met hers for a quick moment before retreating. He looked into her eyes nervously, waiting for either an outburst or a tantrum.
"Thanks." Hermione whispered.
Surprised, Harry only nodded, watching his best friend turn and leave the room, shutting the door behind her.
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"Are you ready, Miss Granger?" Snape asked as the duo reached the gates of Hogwarts.
"There's really no going back now." Hermione replied with a sigh, adrenaline and fear coursing through her veins.
"Remember how to block out thoughts." Snape said. "That last thing we need is the Dark Lord finding out both of our secrets…"
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Yay for fast updates! This one took me two days because I can only type at night thanks to school and homework. Oh well, thanks for the reviews! Romance will, eventually, blossom- it just may take a while…. Keep reviewing!
Oh, and for my beta-er, I've misplaced your e-mail, so If you'd email me, I could send you chapter six. Thanks!